DEFA14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Filed by the Registrant [X] |
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] |
|
Check the appropriate box: |
|
[ ] |
|
Preliminary Proxy Statement
|
|
[ ] |
|
Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
|
[ ] |
|
Definitive Proxy Statement |
|
[ ] |
|
Definitive Additional Materials |
|
[X] |
|
Soliciting Material Pursuant to
§240.14a-12. |
Lucent Technologies Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its
Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ] |
|
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
|
(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
|
(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
|
To the Shareowners of Lucent Technologies Inc.:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of
shareowners of Lucent Technologies Inc. scheduled for
September 7, 2006, at the DuPont Theatre located at 10th
and Market Streets, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. At the special
meeting, you will be asked to approve and adopt our merger
agreement with Alcatel, dated as of April 2, 2006. In the
merger, a subsidiary of Alcatel will be merged with and into
Lucent, with Lucent surviving the merger and continuing its
existence as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcatel. The combined
company created by this merger of equals will be renamed
Alcatel Lucent, with effect upon completion of the
merger.
If the merger is completed, each share of Lucent common stock
that you own at the effective time of the merger will be
converted into the right to receive 0.1952 of an American
Depositary Share of Alcatel (as the combined company), which is
referred to as an Alcatel ADS. Each Alcatel ADS represents one
ordinary share of Alcatel, nominal value
2 per
share. Based on the estimated number of shares of Lucent common
stock outstanding on the record date for the special meeting,
Alcatel expects to issue approximately 874,912,290 Alcatel ADSs
representing 874,912,290 Alcatel ordinary shares to Lucent
shareowners in the merger. Alcatel ADSs trade on the New York
Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol ALA.
We estimate that immediately after the effective time of the
merger, former Lucent shareowners will hold Alcatel ADSs
representing approximately 39% of the then-outstanding Alcatel
ordinary shares.
The merger cannot be completed unless Lucent shareowners approve
and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement. Such approval and adoption requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Lucent common stock outstanding on the
record date.
The Lucent board of directors has carefully reviewed and
considered the terms and conditions of the merger agreement and
the proposed merger. Based on its review, the Lucent board of
directors has determined that the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable
and in the best interests of Lucent shareowners, and has
unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Lucent
board of directors unanimously recommends that Lucent
shareowners vote FOR the proposal to approve and
adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement.
The accompanying proxy statement/ prospectus contains detailed
information about the merger and the special meeting. This
document is also a prospectus for the Alcatel ordinary shares
underlying the Alcatel ADSs that will be issued in the merger.
We encourage Lucent shareowners to read carefully this proxy
statement/ prospectus before voting, including the section
entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 23.
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to
attend the Lucent special meeting, please take the time to vote
by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card or, if the
option is available to you, by granting your proxy
electronically over the Internet or by telephone. If your shares
are held in street name, you must instruct your
broker in order to vote.
|
|
|
Sincerely, |
|
|
|
|
|
Patricia F. Russo |
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors and |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Lucent Technologies Inc. |
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any
state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the
securities to be issued under this proxy statement/ prospectus
or determined if this proxy statement/ prospectus is accurate or
adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
This proxy statement/ prospectus is dated August 4, 2006,
and is being mailed to Lucent shareowners on or about
August 7, 2006.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement/ prospectus incorporates by reference
important business and financial information about Alcatel and
Lucent from documents filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, which is referred to as the SEC, that are
not included in or delivered with this proxy statement/
prospectus. For a more detailed description of the documents
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus
and how you may obtain them, see Additional
Information Where You Can Find More
Information beginning on page 171.
Documents incorporated by reference are available to you without
charge upon your written or oral request, excluding any exhibits
to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically
incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this proxy statement/
prospectus. You can obtain any of these documents from the
SECs website at http://www.sec.gov or by requesting them
in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company.
|
|
|
Alcatel
|
|
Lucent Technologies Inc. |
54, rue La Boétie
|
|
600 Mountain Avenue |
75008 Paris, France
|
|
Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 |
011 33(1) 40 76 10 10
|
|
(908) 582-3000 |
Attention: Investor Relations
|
|
Attention: Investor Relations |
www.alcatel.com
|
|
www.lucent.com |
Alcatel and Lucent are not incorporating the contents of the
websites of the SEC, Alcatel, Lucent or any other person into
this document. Alcatel and Lucent are providing only the
information about how you can obtain certain documents that are
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus
at these websites for your convenience.
IN ORDER FOR YOU TO RECEIVE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS
IN ADVANCE OF THE LUCENT SPECIAL MEETING, ALCATEL OR LUCENT, AS
APPLICABLE, SHOULD RECEIVE YOUR REQUEST BY NO LATER THAN
AUGUST 30, 2006.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This document, which forms part of a registration statement on
Form F-4 filed
with the SEC by Alcatel (File
No. 333-133919),
constitutes a prospectus of Alcatel under Section 5 of the
U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which is referred to as
the Securities Act, with respect to the Alcatel ordinary shares
underlying the Alcatel ADSs to be issued to Lucent shareowners
as required by the merger agreement. This document also
constitutes a notice of meeting and a proxy statement under
Section 14(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, which is referred to as the Exchange Act, with
respect to the special meeting of Lucent shareowners, at which
Lucent shareowners will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
CURRENCIES
In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context
otherwise requires:
|
|
|
|
|
$ and U.S. dollar each refer to the
United States dollar; and |
|
|
|
and euro each refer to the euro, the
single currency established for members of the European Economic
and Monetary Union since January 1, 1999. |
Lucent Technologies Inc.
600 Mountain Avenue
Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREOWNERS
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2006
To the Shareowners of Lucent Technologies Inc.:
We will hold a special meeting of shareowners of Lucent on
September 7, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, at the
DuPont Theatre located at 10th and Market Streets, Wilmington,
Delaware 19801, for the following purposes:
|
|
|
1. to consider and vote on the proposal to approve and
adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
April 2, 2006 (which we refer to as the merger agreement),
by and among Lucent, Alcatel, and Aura Merger Sub, Inc., and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and |
|
|
2. to transact any other business as may properly come
before the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of
the special meeting. |
Only Lucent shareowners of record at the close of business on
July 17, 2006, the record date for the Lucent special
meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Lucent
special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the
Lucent special meeting.
The Lucent board of directors has unanimously approved the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement and unanimously recommends that you vote
FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, which are described in detail in this proxy
statement/ prospectus.
A list of shareowners eligible to vote at the Lucent special
meeting will be available for inspection at the special meeting
and at the offices of Lucent during regular business hours for a
period of no less than ten days prior to the special meeting.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please vote as
soon as possible. To vote your shares, call the toll-free
telephone number listed on your proxy card, use the Internet as
described in the instructions on the enclosed proxy card, or
complete, sign, date and mail your proxy card. Voting over the
Internet, by telephone or by written proxy will assure that your
vote is counted at the meeting if you do not attend in person.
The proxy card should be received by September 6, 2006 in
the enclosed envelope to ensure that your vote is counted at the
special meeting. If you vote over the Internet or by telephone,
you do not need to return your proxy card.
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
Lucent Technologies Inc. |
|
|
William R. Carapezzi, Jr. |
|
Senior Vice President, |
|
General Counsel and Secretary |
Murray Hill, New Jersey, August 4, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Q-1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
38 |
|
i
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
|
|
106 |
|
ii
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
|
|
158 |
|
|
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
|
Annexes
|
|
|
Annex A
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger |
Annex B
|
|
English Translation of the Proposed Articles of Association and
Bylaws (statuts) of Alcatel |
Annex C
|
|
Opinion of Goldman Sachs International |
Annex D
|
|
Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
Annex E
|
|
Opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated |
Annex F
|
|
Opinion of BNP Paribas |
iii
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE
LUCENT SPECIAL SHAREOWNERS MEETING
The following are some questions that you may have regarding
the proposed merger and the other matters being considered at
the Lucent special meeting and brief answers to those questions.
Lucent and Alcatel urge you to read carefully the remainder of
this proxy statement/ prospectus because the information in this
section does not provide all the information that might be
important to you with respect to the proposed merger and the
other matters being considered at the Lucent special meeting.
Additional important information is also contained in the
annexes to, and the documents incorporated by reference in, this
proxy statement/ prospectus. Unless stated otherwise, all
references in this proxy statement/ prospectus to Alcatel are to
Alcatel, a société anonyme organized under the
laws of the Republic of France; all references to Lucent are to
Lucent Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation; all references
to Merger Sub are to Aura Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcatel; all
references to the combined company are to Alcatel, with Lucent
as a wholly owned subsidiary following completion of the merger;
and all references to the merger agreement are to the Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 2, 2006, by and among
Lucent, Alcatel and Merger Sub, a copy of which is attached as
Annex A to this proxy statement/ prospectus.
|
|
|
Q: |
|
What is the proposed transaction? |
|
A: |
|
Alcatel and Lucent have entered into a merger agreement,
pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into Lucent
with Lucent surviving the merger and continuing its existence as
a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcatel (referred to in this proxy
statement/ prospectus as the merger). The combined company will
be renamed Alcatel Lucent, with effect upon
completion of the merger. For a more complete description of the
merger, see The Merger. |
|
Q: |
|
Why am I receiving this proxy statement/ prospectus? |
|
A: |
|
In order to complete the merger, Lucent shareowners must approve
and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement. The proposal to approve and adopt the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least a majority of the shares of Lucent common stock
outstanding on the record date. |
|
|
|
This proxy statement/ prospectus contains important information
about the proposed merger, the merger agreement and the Lucent
special meeting, which you should read carefully. The enclosed
voting materials allow you to vote your shares without attending
the Lucent special meeting. |
|
|
|
Your vote is very important. You are encouraged to vote as
soon as possible. |
|
Q: |
|
Why are Alcatel and Lucent proposing the merger? |
|
A: |
|
The boards of directors of Alcatel and Lucent believe that the
combination of Alcatel and Lucent will provide substantial
strategic and financial benefits to the shareholders of both
companies and will allow shareholders of both companies the
opportunity to participate in a larger, more diversified company
that is capable of creating greater shareholder value than
either Alcatel or Lucent could create on its own. To review the
reasons for the merger in greater detail, see The
Merger Alcatels Reasons for the Merger
and The Merger Recommendation of the Lucent
Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger. |
|
Q: |
|
What will Lucent shareowners receive in the merger? |
|
A: |
|
If the proposed merger is completed, at the effective time of
the merger, Lucent shareowners will be entitled to receive
0.1952 of an Alcatel ADS for each share of Lucent common stock
that they own. Each Alcatel ADS represents one Alcatel ordinary
share. However, no fraction of an Alcatel ADS will be issued in
the merger. Instead, each holder of shares of Lucent common
stock who would otherwise be entitled in the merger to receive a
fraction of an Alcatel ADS will be entitled to receive a cash
payment in lieu of such fraction. For example, a holder of 100
shares of Lucent common stock would ordinarily be entitled to
receive 19.52 Alcatel ADSs (which is equal to the product of 100
multiplied by the exchange ratio of 0.1952). However, because no
fraction of an Alcatel ADS will be issued, such holder instead
will receive 19 Alcatel ADSs and a cash payment in lieu of the
remaining 0.52 of an Alcatel ADS. |
Q-1
|
|
|
|
|
For a more complete description of what Lucent shareowners will
receive in the merger, see The Merger
Agreement Merger Consideration. |
|
Q: |
|
What is an Alcatel ADS? |
|
A: |
|
An American Depositary Share, or ADS, is a security that allows
shareholders in the United States to more easily hold and trade
interests in foreign-based companies. ADSs are often evidenced
by certificates known as American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs.
Alcatel is a French company that issues ordinary shares that are
equivalent in many respects to common stock of a
U.S. company. Each Alcatel ADS represents one Alcatel
ordinary share. Alcatel ordinary shares are quoted in euros on
the Euronext Paris SA, which is the French national stock
exchange. Alcatel ADSs are similar to the underlying Alcatel
ordinary shares and carry substantially the same rights;
however, they are not identical. See Description of
ADSs in Alcatels annual report on
Form 20-F for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as amended on
August 4, 2006, which is referred to as Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F and is
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus. |
|
Q: |
|
Are Alcatel ADSs publicly traded in the United States? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. Alcatel ADSs are publicly traded in the United States and
are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol ALA. |
|
Q: |
|
What are the implications of Alcatel being a foreign
private issuer? |
|
A: |
|
Alcatel is subject to the reporting requirements under the
Exchange Act applicable to foreign private issuers. Alcatel is
required to file its annual report on
Form 20-F with the
SEC within six months after the end of each fiscal year. In
addition, Alcatel must furnish reports on
Form 6-K to the
SEC regarding certain information required to be publicly
disclosed by Alcatel in France or is filed with Euronext Paris
SA, or regarding information distributed or required to be
distributed by Alcatel to its shareholders. Alcatel is exempt
from certain rules under the Exchange Act, including the proxy
rules which impose certain disclosure and procedural
requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of
the Exchange Act. Moreover, Alcatel is not required to file
periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as
frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose
securities are registered under the Exchange Act; is not
required to file financial statements prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP (although it is required to reconcile its
financial statements to U.S. GAAP); and is not required to
comply with Regulation FD, which addresses certain
restrictions on the selective disclosure of material
information. In addition, among other matters, Alcatels
officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from
the reporting and short-swing profit recovery
provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules
under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales
of Alcatel ordinary shares. If Alcatel or the combined company
loses its status as a foreign private issuer, it will no longer
be exempt from such rules and, among other things, will be
required to file periodic reports and financial statements as if
it were a company incorporated in the United States. |
|
Q: |
|
What will happen in the proposed merger to options to
purchase Lucent common stock and other stock-based awards? |
|
A: |
|
Each option to purchase shares of Lucent common stock (excluding
any option granted under the Lucent 2001 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, which will be wound-up prior to or as of the effective
time of the merger), whether or not vested, will be converted
into a right to acquire Alcatel ordinary shares, on the same
terms and conditions as were applicable to such Lucent stock
option prior to the effective time of the merger, except that
the number of Alcatel ordinary shares receivable and the
exercise price of the option shall be adjusted to reflect the
exchange ratio and will be expressed in euros instead of
U.S. dollars. |
|
|
|
Other equity-based awards under Lucent employee benefit plans
will be converted in the proposed merger into an award with
respect to Alcatel ordinary shares for individuals domiciled
outside of the United States, and Alcatel ADSs with respect to
individuals domiciled in the United States, in each case
determined by multiplying the number of shares of Lucent common
stock subject to such stock-based awards immediately prior to
the effective time of the merger by the exchange ratio of 0.1952. |
Q-2
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent will use its reasonable efforts to provide that the
then-outstanding options under the Lucent 2001 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan are exercised no later than the earlier of the
closing date of the merger and October 31, 2006, which is
the final date of the six-month Employee Stock Purchase Plan
cycle commencing after the date of the merger agreement. No new
options will be granted under the Lucent 2001 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan after such date. |
|
Q: |
|
What will happen in the proposed merger to the convertible
debt and warrants issued by Lucent that could convert into
Lucent common stock at the option of the holder? |
|
A: |
|
After the merger, Lucent convertible debt and warrants issued by
Lucent will be convertible or exercisable into Alcatel ADSs
pursuant to their existing terms. The number of Alcatel ADSs
receivable upon conversion or exercise, and, in the case of
warrants, the exercise price to be paid, shall be adjusted to
reflect the exchange ratio. |
|
Q: |
|
Should Lucent shareowners send in their Lucent common stock
certificates now? |
|
A: |
|
No. After the merger is completed, you will receive written
instructions from the exchange agent on how to exchange your
Lucent common stock certificates for the merger consideration.
Please do not send in your Lucent common stock certificates with
your proxy. |
|
Q: |
|
What conditions are required to be fulfilled to complete the
merger? |
|
A: |
|
Alcatel and Lucent are not required to complete the merger
unless certain specified conditions are satisfied or waived.
These conditions include approval of the merger agreement by the
Lucent shareowners, approval of the issuance of Alcatel ordinary
shares to be issued in the merger and related matters by the
Alcatel shareholders, approval and/or clearance from U.S. and
European regulatory agencies, and the maintenance of certain of
Lucents pension plan assets at specified levels. On
June 7, 2006, the Antitrust Division of the
U.S. Department of Justice, which is referred to as the
Antitrust Division, granted early termination of the waiting
period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended, which is referred to as the HSR Act, and on
July 24, 2006, the European Commission declared the merger
compatible with the Common Market. On August 4, 2006,
Alcatel requested the approval (visa) of the
Autorité des Marchés Financiers, or AMF,
for the French prospectus (comprised of a note
dopération and Alcatels document
de référence for 2005) relating to the
admission to trading on Euronext Paris of the new Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the merger. For
a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied
or waived prior to completion of the merger, see The
Merger Agreement Conditions to Completion of the
Merger. |
|
Q: |
|
When do Alcatel and Lucent expect the merger to be
completed? |
|
A: |
|
Alcatel and Lucent are working to complete the merger as quickly
as practicable. They currently expect the merger to be completed
by the end of the calendar year 2006. However, they cannot
predict the exact timing of the completion of the merger because
it is subject to governmental approvals and other conditions.
See The Merger Agreement Conditions to
Completion of the Merger. |
|
Q: |
|
Are Lucent shareowners entitled to dissenters
rights? |
|
A: |
|
No. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, holders of
Lucent common stock are not entitled to dissenters
appraisal rights in connection with the merger. |
|
Q: |
|
How does the Lucent board of directors recommend that Lucent
shareowners vote? |
|
A: |
|
The Lucent board of directors has determined that the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement are advisable and in the best interests of the Lucent
shareowners and unanimously recommends that Lucent shareowners
vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement. For a more complete description of the
recommendation of the Lucent board of directors, see The
Merger Recommendation of the Lucent Board of
Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger. |
Q-3
|
|
|
Q: |
|
When and where will the Lucent special meeting be held? |
|
A: |
|
The Lucent special meeting will be held on September 7,
2006, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, at the DuPont Theatre
located at 10th and Market Streets, Wilmington,
Delaware 19801. |
|
Q: |
|
Who can attend and vote at the Lucent special meeting? |
|
A: |
|
All Lucent shareowners of record as of the close of business on
July 17, 2006, the record date for the Lucent special
meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the
Lucent special meeting. Lucent shareowners will be admitted to
the Lucent special meeting beginning at 10 a.m., Eastern time,
on September 7, 2006. The location is accessible to
handicapped persons and, upon request, we will provide wireless
headsets for hearing amplification. A map and directions to the
Lucent special meeting are on the admission ticket. |
|
|
|
You will need your admission ticket as well as a form of
personal identification to enter the Lucent special meeting. If
you are a Lucent shareowner of record, you will find an
admission ticket in the proxy materials that were sent to you.
This admission ticket will admit you, as the named
shareowner(s), to the Lucent special meeting. If you plan to
attend the Lucent special meeting, please retain the admission
ticket. If you arrive at the Lucent special meeting without an
admission ticket, Lucent will admit you if it is able to verify
that you are a Lucent shareowner. Please note that seating is on
a first-come-first-serve basis. |
|
|
|
If your shares of Lucent common stock are held in the name of a
bank, broker or other nominee and you plan to attend the Lucent
special meeting, you can obtain an admission ticket in advance
by sending a written request, along with proof of ownership,
such as a recent bank or brokerage account statement, to
Lucents transfer agent, The Bank of New York, Church
Street Station, P.O. Box 11009, New York, New York 10286. |
|
|
|
You may listen to a live audio webcast of the Lucent special
meeting through the link on Lucents website at
www.lucent.com/investor. Information on the audio webcast, other
than this proxy statement/ prospectus and the form of proxy, is
not part of the proxy solicitation materials. |
|
Q: |
|
What should Lucent shareowners do now in order to vote on the
proposal being considered at the special meeting? |
|
|
|
If you are a Lucent shareowner, you may submit your vote for or
against the proposals submitted at the Lucent special meeting in
person or by proxy. You may vote by proxy in any of the
following ways: |
|
|
|
Internet. You may vote by proxy over the
Internet by going to the website listed on your proxy card. Once
at the website, follow the instructions to vote your proxy. |
|
|
|
Telephone. You may vote by proxy using the
toll-free number listed on your proxy card. Voice prompts will
help you and confirm that your voting instructions have been
followed. |
|
|
|
Mail. You may vote by proxy by signing,
dating and returning your proxy card in the pre-addressed
postage-paid envelope provided. |
|
|
|
Please refer to your proxy card or the information forwarded by
your bank, broker or other nominee to see which options are
available to you. |
|
|
|
The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to
authenticate shareowners and to allow you to confirm that your
instructions have been properly recorded. The Internet and
telephone voting facilities for eligible shareowners will close
at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on September 6, 2006. |
|
|
|
The method by which you vote by proxy will in no way limit your
right to vote at the Lucent special meeting if you later decide
to attend the meeting in person. If your shares of Lucent common
stock are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee,
you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder
of record, to be able to vote at our annual meeting. |
Q-4
|
|
|
|
|
If you are a participant in the
BuyDIRECTsm
stock purchase plan, shares held in your
BuyDIRECTsm
account may be voted using the proxy card sent to you or, if you
receive electronic delivery, in accordance with instructions you
receive by e-mail. The
plans administrator is the shareowner of record of your
plan shares and will not vote those shares unless you provide it
with instructions, which you may do over the Internet, by
telephone or by mail using the proxy card sent to you. |
|
|
|
If you are a participant in the Lucent Savings Plan, the Lucent
Technologies Inc. Long Term Savings and Security Plan, the
Lucent Technologies Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan or a
Lucent long-term incentive plan, you will receive one proxy card
for all shares you own through these plans. If you receive a
proxy card, it will serve as a voting instruction card for the
trustee or administrator of these plans for all accounts that
are registered in the same name. To allow sufficient time for
the respective trustee or administrator to vote your shares, the
trustee or administrator must receive your voting instructions
by August 30, 2006. If the trustee does not receive your
instructions by that date, the trustee will vote the unvoted
plan shares in the same proportion as shares for which
instructions were received under each plan. If the administrator
for the Lucent Technologies Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan or
the Lucent Technologies Long-Term Incentive Plan does not
receive your instructions by that date, the administrator will
vote shares held in such accounts in accordance with normal
brokerage industry practices. |
|
|
|
If you hold Lucent common stock through any other stock purchase
or savings plan, you will receive voting instructions from that
plans administrator. Please follow and complete those
instructions promptly to assure that your shares are represented
at the meeting. |
|
|
|
All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly
completed proxies received prior to the Lucent special meeting,
and not revoked, will be voted at the Lucent special meeting as
instructed on the proxies. If you do not indicate how your
shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by
your properly completed proxy will be voted as the Lucent board
of directors recommends and therefore FOR the approval and
adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement. |
|
Q: |
|
Can I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy? |
|
A: |
|
Yes. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is
exercised by timely delivering a properly executed, later-dated
proxy (including over the Internet or telephone) or by voting by
ballot at the Lucent special meeting. Simply attending the
Lucent special meeting without voting will not revoke your proxy. |
|
Q: |
|
What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting
materials for the Lucent special meeting? |
|
A: |
|
You may receive more than one set of voting materials for the
Lucent special meeting, including multiple copies of this proxy
statement/ prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting
instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more
than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting
instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold
shares. If you are a holder of record and your shares are
registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one
proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy
card and voting instruction card that you receive. |
|
Q: |
|
Who can help answer my questions? |
|
A: |
|
If you have any questions about the merger or how to submit your
proxy, or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement/
prospectus, the enclosed proxy card, voting instructions or the
election form, you should contact either of the below firms: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrow & Co., Inc. |
|
105 Madison Avenue
|
|
470 West Avenue
3rd
Floor |
New York, New York 10010
|
|
Stamford, CT 06902 |
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
|
|
E-mail: lucent.info@morrowco.com |
Call Collect: (212) 929-5500 or
|
|
Shareowners, call toll-free: (800) 573-4370 |
Toll-Free: (800) 322-2885
|
|
Banks and Brokerage Firms, call (203) 658-9400 |
Q-5
SUMMARY
|
|
The following is a summary that highlights information
contained in this proxy statement/ prospectus. This summary may
not contain all of the information that is important to you. For
a more complete description of the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Alcatel and
Lucent encourage you to carefully read this entire proxy
statement/ prospectus, including the attached annexes. In
addition, Alcatel and Lucent encourage you to read the
information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/
prospectus, which includes important business and financial
information about Alcatel and Lucent that has been filed with
the SEC. You may obtain the information incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus without charge
by following the instructions in the section entitled
Additional Information Where You Can Find More
Information. |
|
The Companies
|
|
Alcatel. Alcatel is a worldwide provider of a wide
variety of telecommunications equipment and services operating
in more than 130 countries. Alcatels
telecommunications equipment and services enable its customers
to send or receive virtually any type of voice or data
transmission. Alcatels customers include fixed-line and
wireless telecommunications operators, Internet service
providers, governments and businesses. Alcatel was founded in
1898 and is headquartered in Paris, France. |
|
|
Alcatel ADSs are traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol
ALA. Each Alcatel ADS represents one Alcatel
ordinary share. Alcatel ordinary shares are quoted on the
Euronext Paris SA under the trading symbol CGE. |
|
|
Alcatels principal executive offices are located at 54,
rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France (telephone number
011 33 (1) 40 76 10 10). |
|
|
Lucent Technologies Inc. Lucent designs and delivers the
systems, services and software that drive next-generation
communications networks. Lucent uses its strengths in mobility,
optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as
well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities
for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and
better manage their networks. Lucents customer base
includes communications service providers, governments and
enterprises worldwide. The history of Lucent dates back to 1869,
when its predecessor, the Western Electric Company, was formed.
Lucent is headquartered in Murray Hill, New Jersey. |
|
|
Lucent common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol
LU. |
|
|
Lucents principal executive offices are located at 600
Mountain Avenue, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 (telephone number
(908) 582-3000). |
|
|
Aura Merger Sub. Merger Sub is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Alcatel. Merger Sub was formed on March 30, 2006 solely
for the purpose of effecting the merger. Merger Sub has not
conducted any business operations other than those incidental to
its formation and in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement. |
|
The Merger (see page 43)
|
|
Alcatel and Lucent have agreed to combine their businesses
pursuant to the merger agreement described in this proxy
statement/prospectus. Under the terms of the merger agreement,
Merger Sub will merge with and into Lucent, with Lucent
surviving the merger and continuing its existence as a wholly
owned subsidiary of Alcatel. The combined company will be
renamed Alcatel Lucent, with effect upon completion
of the merger. The merger agreement is attached as Annex A
to this proxy statement/ prospectus. Alcatel and Lucent
encourage you to read the merger agreement in its entirety
because it is the legal document that governs the merger. |
|
1
Merger Consideration (see page 91)
In the merger, each share of Lucent common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be
automatically converted into the right to receive 0.1952 of an
Alcatel ADS, which is referred to as the exchange ratio,
together with the right, if any, to receive cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Lucent. No fraction of an Alcatel ADS will
be issued in the merger. Instead, each holder of shares of
Lucent common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a
fractional Alcatel ADS in the merger will be entitled to receive
a cash payment in lieu of such fractional Alcatel ADS.
Former Lucent shareowners are currently expected to own
approximately 39% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Alcatel
after the merger, based on the number of Alcatel ordinary shares
and shares of Lucent common stock outstanding as of
July 17, 2006.
Lucent shareowners will have to surrender their common stock
certificates to receive the merger consideration payable to them
and any dividend they would otherwise be entitled to receive in
respect of such Alcatel ADSs. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY
CERTIFICATES NOW. Alcatel or the exchange agent will send
Lucent shareowners written instructions on how to surrender
Lucent common stock certificates for Alcatel ADSs after the
merger is completed.
Treatment of Stock Options (see page 92)
The merger agreement provides that each option to purchase
shares of Lucent common stock granted under employee and
director stock plans of Lucent (excluding any option granted
under the Lucent 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which will
be wound-up prior to or as of the effective time of the merger)
will be converted into a right to acquire Alcatel ordinary
shares, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to
such option prior to the effective time of the merger, provided
that the number of Alcatel ordinary shares receivable and the
exercise price of the option shall be adjusted to reflect the
exchange ratio and will be expressed in euros instead of U.S.
dollars.
Recommendation of the Lucent Board of Directors (see
page 57)
The Lucent board of directors has determined unanimously that
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of the
Lucent shareowners and unanimously recommends that Lucent
shareowners vote FOR the proposal to approve
and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement.
Shareowners Entitled to Vote; Vote Required (see
page 40)
You can vote at the Lucent special meeting if you owned Lucent
common stock at the close of business on July 17, 2006,
which is referred to as the record date. On the record date,
there were 4,482,132,632 shares of Lucent common stock
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Lucent special meeting,
held by approximately 3.3 million shareowners of record.
You may cast one vote for each share of Lucent common stock that
you owned on the record date.
Abstentions will be counted in determining whether a quorum is
present at the Lucent special meeting for purposes of the vote
of Lucent shareowners on the proposal to approve the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement. An abstention will have the same effect as a vote
against the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement
and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
2
Opinions of Financial Advisors (see pages 61, 66 and
74)
On April 2, 2006, Goldman Sachs International, which is
referred to as Goldman Sachs, financial advisor to Alcatel,
delivered its written opinion to the Alcatel board of directors
that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and subject
to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the exchange
ratio pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial
point of view to Alcatel. The full text of Goldman
Sachs written opinion is attached to this proxy statement/
prospectus as Annex C. You are encouraged to read this
opinion in its entirety for a description of the procedures
followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations
on the review undertaken. Goldman Sachs opinion is
directed to the Alcatel board of directors and does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareowners as to any matters
relating to the merger.
On May 12, 2006, BNP Paribas delivered its written opinion
to the Alcatel board of directors that, based on public
information and information made available to BNP Paribas by
Alcatel, the assumptions made by Alcatel and the features of the
merger described in their written opinion, the exchange ratio in
the proposed merger appears to be reasonable for the Alcatel
shareholders, as of April 2, 2006, from a financial point
of view. An English translation of the text of the opinion of
BNP Paribas is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as
Annex F. You are encouraged to read the full text of the
English translation of the BNP Paribas opinion in its entirety
for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made,
matters considered and limitations to the review undertaken.
The English translation of the opinion letter attached to
this proxy statement/prospectus is provided for informational
purposes only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the original French-language opinion letter filed with the
Autorité des Marchés Financiers, or AMF.
BNP Paribas opinion is directed to the Alcatel board of
directors and does not constitute a recommendation to any
shareholder as to any matters relating to the merger.
On April 1, 2006, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., which
is referred to as JPMorgan, financial advisor to Lucent,
rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, to
the Lucent board of directors that, as of such date and based
upon and subject to the factors, limitations and assumptions set
forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger
was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of Lucent
common stock. The full text of JPMorgans written
opinion is attached to this proxy statement/ prospectus as
Annex D. You are encouraged to read this opinion in its
entirety for a description of the procedures followed,
assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the
review undertaken. JPMorgans opinion is directed to
the Lucent board of directors and does not constitute a
recommendation to any shareowner as to any matters relating to
the merger.
On April 1, 2006, Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, which is referred to as Morgan Stanley, financial
advisor to Lucent, rendered its oral opinion, subsequently
confirmed in writing, to the Lucent board of directors that, as
of April 1, 2006, based upon and subject to the various
considerations set forth in the opinion, the exchange ratio
pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point
of view to the holders of shares of Lucent common stock (other
than Alcatel or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates). The
full text of Morgan Stanleys written opinion is attached
to this proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex E. You are
encouraged to read this opinion in its entirety for a
description of the procedures followed, assumptions made,
matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken.
Morgan Stanleys opinion is directed to the Lucent board of
directors and does not constitute a recommendation to any
shareowner as to any matters relating to the merger.
Directors and Management of the Combined Company After the
Merger
|
|
|
Board of Directors Following the Effective Time of the
Merger |
On July 26, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors nominated
twelve individuals for election by the Alcatel shareholders to
the board of directors of the combined company effective as of,
and conditioned upon, the
3
occurrence of the effective time of the merger. Each nominee, if
elected, will serve for a term of four years. Immediately
following the completion of the merger, the newly elected board
members are expected to appoint two independent directors. The
election of the directors specified below to the board of
directors of the combined company by the Alcatel shareholders is
a condition to the merger. Following completion of the merger
and the expected appointment of two independent directors by the
newly elected board members, the combined companys board
of directors is expected to be comprised of fourteen members, as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
five members designated by Alcatel from Alcatels current
board of directors, currently expected to be Daniel Bernard,
W. Frank Blount, Jozef Cornu, Jean-Pierre Halbron and
Daniel Lebègue; |
|
|
|
five members designated by Lucent from Lucents current
board of directors, currently expected to be Linnet F. Deily,
Henry B. Schacht, Karl J. Krapek, Edward E. Hagenlocker and
Robert E. Denham; |
|
|
|
Serge Tchuruk, the current chairman of the board of directors
and chief executive officer of Alcatel, and Patricia F.
Russo, the current chairman of the board of directors and chief
executive officer of Lucent; and |
|
|
|
two persons (one French and one European) who will qualify as
independent directors and who will be mutually agreed upon by
Alcatel and Lucent. |
For a one-year period following the completion of the merger, at
least a
662/3
% vote of the entire board of directors of the combined
company and the nominating committee would be required to fill
any vacancy on the board of directors.
Alcatel also nominated two employee representatives for election
by the Alcatel shareholders as censeurs. The
censeurs will be non-voting observers at meetings of the
board of directors.
As of the effective time of the merger, Serge Tchuruk will be
appointed as non-executive chairman of the board of directors of
the combined company, and Patricia F. Russo will be appointed as
chief executive officer of the combined company, in accordance
with the articles of association and bylaws (statuts) of
Alcatel in effect as of the effective time of the merger. If
either appointee is unwilling or unable to serve as of the
effective time of the merger, the combined companys board
of directors will name another appointee in accordance with the
articles of association and bylaws (statuts) of the
combined company in effect as of the effective time of the
merger.
For a three-year period following the completion of the merger,
at least a
662/3
% vote of the entire board of directors of the combined
company would be required to remove the chairman of the board of
directors or the chief executive officer of the combined company
and to decide on any replacement.
Name and Executive Offices of the Combined Company After the
Merger
The combined company will be renamed Alcatel Lucent,
with effect upon completion of the merger. Alcatel and Lucent
will mutually agree on a stock trading symbol prior to the
effective time of the merger.
As of and after the merger, the executive offices of the
combined company will be located in Paris, France, and the
principal offices of the activities of Lucent known as
Bell Laboratories (which will be the global research
and development headquarters of the combined company), and the
North American operating headquarters of the combined
company will be located in New Jersey.
4
Ownership of the Combined Company After the Merger
Alcatel and Lucent expect that the combined company will issue a
maximum of approximately 874 million Alcatel ADSs in the
merger which represent an equal number of Alcatel ordinary
shares. Based on the number of shares of Lucent common stock
outstanding on the record date, after the effective time of the
merger, former Lucent shareowners will own Alcatel ADSs
representing approximately 39% of the then-outstanding Alcatel
ordinary shares. In addition, Alcatel may issue additional
Alcatel ADSs as a result of the future exercise or conversion of
Lucent warrants and convertible debt, and issue additional
Alcatel ordinary shares and Alcatel ADSs in connection with
Lucent equity-based compensation, in an aggregate amount
representing approximately 274 million Alcatel ordinary
shares.
Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
At the close of business on July 31, 2006, directors and
executive officers of Lucent and their affiliates beneficially
owned and were entitled to vote approximately 35 million
shares of Lucent common stock, collectively representing less
than 1% of the shares of Lucent common stock outstanding on that
date. Lucent directors and executive officers have indicated
that they expect to vote for the proposal to approve and adopt
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement.
Interests of the Directors and Executive Officers of Lucent
in the Merger (see page 80)
In considering the recommendation of the Lucent board of
directors with respect to the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, you should be
aware that certain members of the Lucent board of directors and
certain of Lucents executive officers have interests in
the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement that may
be different than, or in addition to, the interests of Lucent
shareowners generally. These interests include, among other
things, the following:
|
|
|
|
|
certain executive officers whose employment is terminated under
certain circumstances after the merger will be entitled to
severance benefits payable by Lucent; |
|
|
|
certain executive officers hold options and other stock-based
awards granted under Lucents equity compensation plans
which in some cases will vest upon approval and adoption of the
merger agreement by Lucent shareowners and receipt of all
regulatory approvals for the merger and in other cases will vest
if their employment is terminated under certain circumstances
after the merger; |
|
|
|
Patricia F. Russo, the chairman of the board of directors and
chief executive officer of Lucent, will be the chief executive
officer of the combined company following the merger; |
|
|
|
five directors from Lucents current board of directors,
currently expected to be Linnet F. Deily, Henry B.
Schacht, Karl J. Krapek, Edward E. Hagenlocker and
Robert E. Denham, in addition to Ms. Russo will be
designated by Lucent to serve on the board of directors of the
combined company after the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
certain of Lucents current executive officers will be
offered continued employment with the combined company after the
effective time of the merger; and |
|
|
|
directors and officers will be indemnified by the combined
company with respect to acts or omissions by them in their
capacities as such prior to the effective time of the merger. |
The Lucent board of directors was aware of these interests and
considered them, among other matters, in making its
recommendation. See The Merger Recommendation
of the Lucent Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the
Merger.
Listing of Alcatel ADSs; Delisting and Deregistration of
Lucent Common Stock (see page 89)
Under the merger agreement, Alcatel is required to have the
Alcatel ADSs issued in the merger (and, if necessary, the
underlying Alcatel ordinary shares) approved for listing on the
NYSE, and the Alcatel ordinary
5
shares approved for listing on Euronext Paris SA. If the merger
is completed, Lucent common stock will no longer be listed on
the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.
Dissenters Rights in the Merger (see page 89)
Holders of Lucent common stock will not have any appraisal
rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law, or under
Lucents certificate of incorporation in connection with
the merger, and neither Lucent nor Alcatel will independently
provide holders of Lucent common stock with any such rights.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger (see page 102)
A number of conditions must be satisfied or waived, where
legally permissible, before the proposed merger can be
consummated. These include, among others:
|
|
|
|
|
approval and adoption of the merger agreement by Lucent
shareowners; |
|
|
|
approval by Alcatel shareholders of the issuance of Alcatel
ordinary shares in connection with the merger; |
|
|
|
approval by Alcatel shareholders of the issuance of Alcatel
ordinary shares for delivery upon exercise or conversion, as
applicable, of Lucent stock options, warrants, convertible debt
and equity-based awards granted under any Lucent employee
incentive or benefit plan; |
|
|
|
approval by Alcatel shareholders of the adoption of certain
amendments to Alcatels articles of association and bylaws
(statuts); |
|
|
|
election by Alcatel shareholders of the designees to the
combined companys board of directors; |
|
|
|
expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR
Act; |
|
|
|
issuance of a decision by the European Commission declaring the
merger compatible with the Common Market; |
|
|
|
receipt of approval for listing the Alcatel ADSs (and, if
required, the underlying Alcatel ordinary shares) on the NYSE,
and receipt of the approval of the AMF and the Euronext Paris SA
of the listing of the Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued as of
the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which
is referred to as CFIUS, will have notified Alcatel and Lucent
in writing that it has determined not to investigate the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or, in the
event that CFIUS has undertaken such an investigation, CFIUS
will have terminated such investigation, or the President of the
United States will have determined not to take any action to
prohibit or restrain the merger or to seek a divestiture of any
shares of Lucent common stock or the shares of the surviving
corporation or limitation on the ownership rights of Alcatel
over the shares of the surviving corporation that would
reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the
financial condition, business or annual results of operations of
Lucent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole or Alcatel and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and |
|
|
|
in the case of Alcatel, the fair market value of the assets of
Lucents major pension plans will not be less than
specified threshold amounts. |
On June 7, 2006, the Antitrust Division granted early
termination of the HSR waiting period, and on July 24,
2006, the European Commission declared the merger compatible
with the Common Market. On August 4, 2006, Alcatel
requested the approval (visa) of the AMF for the
French prospectus (comprised of a note
dopération and Alcatels document
de référence for 2005) relating to the
admission to trading on Euronext Paris of the new Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the merger.
Neither Alcatel nor Lucent can give any assurance that all of
the remaining conditions to the merger will be either satisfied
or waived or that the merger will occur as intended.
6
Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger (see
page 83)
Alcatel and Lucent plan to submit a notice of the merger to
CFIUS, in accordance with the regulations implementing the
Exon-Florio Amendment to the Defense Production Act of 1950,
which is referred to as the Exon-Florio Amendment. On
June 7, 2006, the Antitrust Division granted early
termination of the HSR waiting period, and on July 24,
2006, the European Commission declared the merger compatible
with the Common Market.On August 4, 2006, Alcatel requested
the approval (visa) of the AMF for the French
prospectus (comprised of a note dopération and
Alcatels document de référence for
2005) relating to the admission to trading on Euronext Paris of
the new Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued in connection with
the merger.
The merger may also be subject to the regulatory requirements of
other municipal, state, federal and foreign governmental
agencies and authorities, including those relating to the offer
and sale of securities.
Other Offers (see page 97)
Under the merger agreement, neither Alcatel nor Lucent is
permitted:
|
|
|
|
|
to solicit, initiate, or knowingly encourage or facilitate the
making of any inquiries regarding any other acquisition
proposal; or |
|
|
|
subject to certain exceptions, to disclose or provide any
non-public information to any third party with respect to any
such acquisition proposal, afford access to its properties,
books or records to any third party that has made or is
considering making such an acquisition proposal, or approve or
recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or enter into any
agreement relating to such an acquisition proposal. |
However, before the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement are approved by the
partys shareholders, the party may furnish non-public
information to, and engage in negotiations with, a third party
making an unsolicited, bona fide written acquisition proposal;
provided that:
|
|
|
|
|
the board of directors of the party receiving the acquisition
proposal has determined that such acquisition proposal is
reasonably expected to lead to a superior proposal, taking into
account any revisions to the terms of the merger agreement
proposed by the other party after being notified of such
acquisition proposal; |
|
|
|
the party receiving such acquisition proposal has complied with
the terms of the merger agreement relating to acquisition
proposals; and |
|
|
|
the party receiving such acquisition proposal enters into a
confidentiality agreement with the third party, on terms no less
favorable to the party receiving the acquisition proposal than
those contained in the confidentiality agreement between Alcatel
and Lucent. |
Termination of the Merger Agreement (see page 105)
The merger agreement may be terminated and the merger may be
abandoned at any time prior to the completion of the merger by
mutual written consent of Alcatel and Lucent. Either party will
also have the right to terminate the merger agreement upon the
occurrence of any of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
non-consummation of the merger by December 31, 2006, which
will be extended one or more times until March 31, 2007 in
the event that all conditions to the merger have been satisfied
or waived other than receipt of antitrust clearance from
governmental authorities or listing approval from the NYSE;
provided that a party may not terminate upon occurrence of this
event if such partys failure to fulfill its obligations
has caused or resulted in the merger not occurring before such
time; |
|
|
|
the failure to obtain any necessary Lucent shareowner approval
or Alcatel shareholder approval; |
|
|
|
the existence of a law or regulation prohibiting the merger, or
the entry of a final and non-appealable injunction or government
order which prohibits or restricts the merger; |
7
|
|
|
|
|
a material breach of the other partys representations,
warranties or covenants (subject to a
60-day cure period); |
|
|
|
if the other partys board of directors has failed to
recommend the merger, or has withdrawn or modified in a manner
adverse to the other party its recommendation of the merger, or
has recommended a superior proposal; or |
|
|
|
if the other party has not called and held its shareholders
meeting as required by the merger agreement. |
Termination Fee (see page 106)
Each of Lucent and Alcatel will be required to pay a fee to the
other if the merger agreement is terminated under the
circumstances specified below:
A fee of $250 million, which is referred to as the initial
termination fee, will be payable by one party to the other party
if:
|
|
|
|
|
(a) either party terminates the merger agreement because
the paying partys shareholders failed to approve the
merger, or (b) the party receiving the fee terminates the
merger agreement because the paying partys shareholders
meeting was not called and held as required; and prior to the
paying partys shareholders meeting, a competing
acquisition proposal was made known to the paying party; or |
|
|
|
the party receiving the fee terminates the merger agreement
because the paying partys board of directors has failed to
recommend, or has withdrawn or modified in an adverse manner its
recommendation of the merger, or has recommended a superior
proposal. |
A fee of $500 million, which is referred to as the
termination fee, will be payable by one party to the other party
if:
|
|
|
|
|
(a) either party terminates the merger agreement because
the paying partys shareholders failed to approve the
merger, (b) prior to the paying partys shareholders
meeting, an acquisition proposal was made known to the paying
party, and (c) the paying party enters into any business
combination transaction, or an agreement providing for such
transaction, with any third party within 12 months
following such termination; or |
|
|
|
(a) the party receiving the fee terminates because
(i) the paying partys board of directors has failed
to recommend, or has withdrawn or modified in an adverse manner
its recommendation of the merger, or has recommended a superior
proposal; or (ii) the paying partys shareholders
meeting was not called and held as required; and (b) the
paying party enters into any business combination transaction,
or an agreement providing for such transaction, with any third
party within 12 months following such termination. |
If the paying party is required to pay both the initial
termination fee and the termination fee, the amount of the
termination fee will be offset by the amount of the initial
termination fee paid.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger (see page 85)
The merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization
under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a
result, Alcatel and Lucent believe you will not recognize gain
or loss on the exchange of your Lucent common stock for Alcatel
ADSs, although gain or loss may be recognized upon the receipt
of cash in lieu of fractional Alcatel ADSs. Alcatel and Lucent
cannot assure you that the Internal Revenue Service will agree
with the treatment of the merger as a tax-free reorganization.
Tax matters are complicated, and the tax consequences of the
merger to each Lucent shareowner will depend on the facts of
each shareowners situation. Lucent shareowners are urged
to read the discussion under The Merger
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences and to
consult their own tax advisors for a full understanding of the
tax consequences of their participation in the merger.
8
Accounting Treatment (see page 88)
Alcatel will account for the merger using the purchase method
under International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by
the European Union, which are referred to as IFRS.
Payment of Dividends (see page 165)
Under French law, the Alcatel board of directors must first
propose the distribution of any dividend to a general meeting of
all Alcatels shareholders. A majority of the holders of
Alcatel ordinary shares (including Alcatel ordinary shares
underlying Alcatel ADSs) present or represented at the general
meeting must approve the distribution. Under French law, the
aggregate amount of any dividends paid on Alcatel ordinary
shares will, for any year, be limited to Alcatels
so-called distributable amounts (sommes distribuables)
for that year. In any fiscal year, Alcatels distributable
amounts will equal the sum of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatels profits for the fiscal year, less |
|
|
|
Alcatels losses for the fiscal year, less |
|
|
|
any required contribution to Alcatels legal reserve fund
under French law, plus |
|
|
|
any additional profits that Alcatel reported, but did not
distribute in its prior fiscal years, less |
|
|
|
any loss carryforward from prior fiscal years, plus |
|
|
|
any reserves available for distribution. |
In the future, Alcatel may offer its shareholders the option to
receive any dividends in shares instead of cash.
On February 2, 2006, Alcatel announced that its board of
directors would propose a resolution at its annual shareholders
meeting to be held in 2006 to pay a dividend of
0.16 per
Alcatel ordinary share and Alcatel ADS for 2005. This meeting is
currently expected to be held on September 7, 2006. If the
dividend is approved at such meeting, it is expected that a
dividend with respect to all Alcatel ordinary shares (including
Alcatel ordinary shares underlying Alcatel ADSs) issued on or
before December 31, 2005 will be paid on September 11,
2006 to holders of Alcatel ordinary shares who held such shares
as of September 8, 2006 (record date), and in the case of
Alcatel ADSs, to Société Générale, as
custodian for the Bank of New York, the depositary for the
Alcatel ADSs, for distribution consistent with past practice to
the holders of Alcatel ADSs who held such Alcatel ADSs as of
September 8, 2006. Lucent shareowners will not receive this
dividend. The merger agreement provides that Alcatel may not
declare, set aside or pay any dividend other than a regular
annual dividend approved by Alcatel shareholders at
Alcatels annual general meeting.
Lucent does not currently pay cash dividends on its common stock
and has no plans to reinstate a dividend on its common stock.
The merger agreement provides that Lucent may not declare, set
aside or pay any dividend prior to the effective time of the
merger or the termination of the merger agreement.
Comparison of Rights of Lucent Shareowners and Alcatel
Shareholders (see page 154)
As a result of the merger, your shares of Lucent common stock
will be converted into the right to receive Alcatel ADSs
representing Alcatel ordinary shares. Because Lucent is a
corporation organized under the laws of Delaware and Alcatel is
a société anonyme organized under the laws of
the Republic of France, there are material differences between
the rights of Lucent shareowners and the rights of holders of
Alcatel ordinary shares and Alcatel ADSs. These differences are
described in detail under Comparison of Rights of Lucent
Shareowners and Alcatel Shareholders.
9
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF ALCATEL
In accordance with a regulation adopted by the European Union in
July 2002, all companies incorporated under the laws of one of
the member states of the European Union and whose securities are
publicly traded within the European Union are required to
prepare their consolidated financial statements for the fiscal
year starting on or after January 1, 2005, on the basis of
accounting standards issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board. Therefore, in accordance with these
requirements, Alcatel converted from using French generally
accepted accounting principles to IFRS, as adopted by the
European Union.
As a first-time adopter of IFRS at January 1, 2005, Alcatel
has followed the specific requirements described in IFRS 1,
First Time Adoption of IFRS. The options selected for the
purpose of the transition to IFRS are described in the notes to
Alcatels 2005 audited consolidated financial statements
appearing in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated into this proxy statement/ prospectus by
reference. Effects of the transition on the balance sheet at
January 1, 2004, the statement of income for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and the balance sheet at
December 31, 2004 are presented and discussed in
Note 38 to Alcatels 2005 audited consolidated
financial statements appearing in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F.
The table below represents selected consolidated financial data
for Alcatel for the years ended December 31, 2004 and
December 31, 2005 in IFRS, which have been derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of Alcatel and for the
years ended December 31, 2001 through December 31,
2005 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States, which are referred to as U.S. GAAP.
The selected consolidated financial data are qualified by
reference to, and should be read in conjunction with,
Alcatels 2005 Form 20-F, Alcatels audited
consolidated financial statements and the notes to those
statements and Item 5 Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects appearing in Alcatels
2005 Form 20-F.
IFRS differs from U.S. GAAP in certain significant
respects. For a discussion of significant differences between
U.S. GAAP and IFRS as they relate to Alcatels
consolidated financial statements and a reconciliation to
U.S. GAAP of net income and shareholders equity for
2005 and 2004, see Notes 39 through 42 to the audited
consolidated financial statements appearing in Alcatels
2005 Form 20-F.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005(1) | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except per share data) | |
Statement of Income Data Amounts in accordance with IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
15,554 |
|
|
|
13,135 |
|
|
|
12,244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operating activities before restructuring,
share-based payments, impairment of capitalized development
costs and gain on disposal of consolidated entities
|
|
|
1,408 |
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring costs
|
|
|
(130 |
) |
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
(324 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operating activities
|
|
|
1,349 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
984 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
|
|
971 |
|
|
|
645 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent
|
|
|
1,101 |
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
576 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005(1) | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except per share data) | |
Earnings per Ordinary Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to the equity holders of the
parent (before discontinued operations):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic(2)
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted(3)
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends per ordinary share(4)
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend per ADS(4)
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$ |
15,547 |
|
|
|
13,129 |
|
|
|
12,663 |
|
|
|
12,528 |
|
|
|
16,549 |
|
|
|
25,627 |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
1,113 |
|
|
|
940 |
|
|
|
550 |
|
|
|
(1,349 |
) |
|
|
(8,300 |
) |
|
|
(5,285 |
) |
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
904 |
|
|
|
763 |
|
|
|
550 |
|
|
|
(1,721 |
) |
|
|
(11,511 |
) |
|
|
(4,937 |
) |
Basic earnings per ordinary share(2)(6):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before extraordinary items
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
(1.46 |
) |
|
|
(7.29 |
) |
|
|
(4.05 |
) |
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
(1.42 |
) |
|
|
(9.67 |
) |
|
|
(4.26 |
) |
Diluted earnings per ordinary share(3)(6):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before extraordinary items
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
(1.46 |
) |
|
|
(7.29 |
) |
|
|
(4.05 |
) |
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
(1.42 |
) |
|
|
(9.67 |
) |
|
|
(4.26 |
) |
Basic earnings per ADS(6):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before extraordinary items
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
(1.46 |
) |
|
|
(7.29 |
) |
|
|
(4.05 |
) |
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
(1.42 |
) |
|
|
(9.67 |
) |
|
|
(4.26 |
) |
Diluted earnings per ADS(6):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before extraordinary items
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
(1.46 |
) |
|
|
(7.29 |
) |
|
|
(4.05 |
) |
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
(1.42 |
) |
|
|
(9.67 |
) |
|
|
(4.26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005(1) | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance Sheet Data Amounts in accordance with IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
24,656 |
|
|
|
20,821 |
|
|
|
20,342 |
|
Marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
6,099 |
|
|
|
5,150 |
|
|
|
5,163 |
|
Bonds, notes issued and other debt Long-term part
|
|
|
3,259 |
|
|
|
2,752 |
|
|
|
3,491 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
1,239 |
|
|
|
1,046 |
|
|
|
1,115 |
|
Capital stock
|
|
|
3,383 |
|
|
|
2,857 |
|
|
|
2,852 |
|
Shareholders equity attributable to the equity holders of
the parent after appropriation(4)
|
|
|
7,111 |
|
|
|
6,005 |
|
|
|
4,920 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
565 |
|
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
373 |
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005(1) | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions) | |
Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity before proposed appropriation
|
|
$ |
10,325 |
|
|
|
8,719 |
|
|
|
6,864 |
|
|
|
6,414 |
|
|
|
8,184 |
|
|
|
20,985 |
|
Total assets(7)
|
|
|
28,639 |
|
|
|
24,184 |
|
|
|
23,888 |
|
|
|
25,998 |
|
|
|
30,435 |
|
|
|
49,046 |
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
3,450 |
|
|
|
2,913 |
|
|
|
3,628 |
|
|
|
4,713 |
|
|
|
5,070 |
|
|
|
6,202 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
|
(2) |
Based on the weighted average number of shares issued after
deduction of the weighted average number of shares owned by
consolidated subsidiaries at December 31, without
adjustment for any share equivalent: |
|
|
|
Ordinary shares: 1,367,994,653 in 2005 for IFRS earnings per
share and 1,367,994,653 for U.S. GAAP earnings per share;
1,349,528,158 in 2004 for IFRS earnings per share (including
120,780,519 shares related to bonds mandatorily redeemable
for ordinary shares) and 1,228,745,770 for U.S. GAAP
earnings per share; 1,211,579,968 in 2003, 1,190,067,515 in 2002
and 1,158,143,038 in 2001 for U.S. GAAP earnings per share. |
|
|
(3) |
Diluted earnings per share takes into account share equivalents
having a dilutive effect after deduction of the weighted average
number of share equivalents owned by Alcatels
subsidiaries. Net income is adjusted for after-tax interest
expense related to Alcatels convertible bonds. The
dilutive effect of stock option plans is calculated using the
treasury stock method. The number of shares taken into account
is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
IFRS: ordinary shares: 1,376,576,909 in 2005 and 1,362,377,441
in 2004. |
|
|
|
U.S. GAAP: ordinary shares: 1,377,183,582 in 2005;
1,363,661,187 in 2004; 1,211,579,968 in 2003; 1,190,067,515 in
2002 and 1,158,143,038 in 2001. |
|
|
(4) |
Under French company law, payment of annual dividends must be
made within nine months following the end of the fiscal year to
which they relate. On February 2, 2006, Alcatel announced
that its board of directors would propose a resolution at its
annual shareholders meeting to be held in 2006 to pay a dividend
of 0.16 per
Alcatel ordinary share and per Alcatel ADS for 2005. |
|
(5) |
For information concerning the differences between IFRS and
U.S. GAAP for years 2005 and 2004, see Notes 39 to 42
to Alcatels 2005 consolidated financial statements
appearing in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated into this proxy statement/ prospectus by
reference. |
|
(6) |
All ordinary share and per ordinary share data and all ADS and
per ADS data for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
have been adjusted to reflect the conversion on April 17,
2003 of all of Alcatels outstanding Class O shares
and Class O ADSs into Alcatel ordinary shares and ADSs, as
applicable, on a
one-to-one basis.
Alcatel no longer has Class O shares trading on the
Euronext Paris SA or Class O ADSs trading on the Nasdaq
National Market. |
|
(7) |
Advance payments received from customers are not deducted from
the amount of total assets. See Note 39(k) to
Alcatels consolidated financial statements appearing in
Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F. |
12
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF LUCENT
The table below sets forth selected consolidated financial data
for Lucent for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001
through September 30, 2005 in accordance with
U.S. GAAP and the two interim periods of six months ended
March 31, 2006 and 2005. The selected consolidated
financial data are qualified by reference to, and should be read
in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of
Lucent and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 and
2004, and for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 2005, and report on the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting as of
September 30, 2005, which are incorporated into this proxy
statement/prospectus by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of
Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, and Lucents quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q for the
quarterly periods ending December 31, 2005 and
March 31, 2006, which are incorporated into this proxy
statement/ prospectus by reference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except per share data) | |
Results of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
9,441 |
|
|
$ |
9,045 |
|
|
$ |
8,470 |
|
|
$ |
12,321 |
|
|
$ |
21,294 |
|
Business restructuring
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
|
1,490 |
|
|
|
7,567 |
|
Goodwill impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
826 |
|
|
|
3,849 |
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(151 |
) |
|
|
(939 |
) |
|
|
(233 |
) |
|
|
4,757 |
|
|
|
(5,734 |
) |
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
1,185 |
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
|
|
(770 |
) |
|
|
(11,826 |
) |
|
|
(14,170 |
) |
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
(0.29 |
) |
|
|
(3.51 |
) |
|
|
(4.18 |
) |
|
Diluted
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
(0.29 |
) |
|
|
(3.51 |
) |
|
|
(4.18 |
) |
Dividends per common share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions) | |
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
|
|
$ |
4,930 |
|
|
$ |
4,873 |
|
|
$ |
4,507 |
|
|
$ |
4,420 |
|
|
$ |
2,390 |
|
Assets
|
|
|
16,400 |
|
|
|
16,963 |
|
|
|
15,911 |
|
|
|
17,791 |
|
|
|
33,664 |
|
Debt
|
|
|
5,434 |
|
|
|
5,990 |
|
|
|
5,980 |
|
|
|
5,106 |
|
|
|
4,409 |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
16,025 |
|
|
|
18,342 |
|
|
|
19,282 |
|
|
|
20,845 |
|
|
|
20,807 |
|
8.00% redeemable convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
868 |
|
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
|
1,834 |
|
Shareowners equity (deficit)
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
(1,379 |
) |
|
|
(4,239 |
) |
|
|
(4,734 |
) |
|
|
11,023 |
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except | |
|
|
per share data) | |
|
|
(unaudited) | |
Results of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
4,185 |
|
|
$ |
4,670 |
|
Business restructuring
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
Income taxes
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
441 |
|
Net income (loss) per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions) | |
|
|
(unaudited) | |
Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
|
|
$ |
3,969 |
|
|
$ |
4,107 |
|
Assets
|
|
|
16,029 |
|
|
|
16,417 |
|
Debt
|
|
|
5,415 |
|
|
|
5,874 |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
15,474 |
|
|
|
16,896 |
|
Shareowners equity (deficit)
|
|
|
555 |
|
|
|
(479 |
) |
14
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial information, which gives effect to the merger, is
presented in millions of euros and reflects pro forma financial
results of the merger of Alcatel and Lucent using the purchase
method of accounting under IFRS.
The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial
condition of the combined company that would have been achieved
had the merger been completed during the periods presented, nor
is the selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information necessarily indicative of the future operating
results or financial position of the combined company. The
selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information does not reflect any cost savings or other synergies
that may result from the merger, nor does it reflect any special
items such as payments pursuant to change-of-control provisions
or restructuring and integration costs that may be incurred as a
result of the merger. In addition, the financial effects of any
actions described under The Merger
Alcatels Reasons for the Merger and The
Merger Recommendation of the Lucent Board of
Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger, such as
synergies or the effect of asset dispositions, if any, that may
be required by regulatory authorities, cannot currently be
determined and therefore are not reflected in the selected
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.
Alcatel reports its financial results in euros and in conformity
with IFRS, with a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Lucent
reports its financial results in U.S. dollars and in
conformity with U.S. GAAP.
IFRS differs from U.S. GAAP in certain significant
respects. For a discussion of significant differences between
U.S. GAAP and IFRS as they relate to Alcatels
consolidated financial statements and a reconciliation to
U.S. GAAP of Alcatels net income and
shareholders equity for 2005 and 2004, see Notes 39
through 42 to Alcatels audited consolidated financial
statements included in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated by reference to this proxy statement/
prospectus.
The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information has been derived from and should be read in
conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial information and the related notes included elsewhere
in this proxy statement/ prospectus, and with the respective
consolidated financial statements of Alcatel as of and for the
year ended December 31, 2005 and the consolidated financial
statements of Lucent as of and for the year ended
September 30, 2005 and the three-month period ended
December 31, 2005, each of which has been incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus.
The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information is based on preliminary estimates and assumptions
that Lucent and Alcatel believe to be reasonable. In the
selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information, the fair value of the Alcatel ADSs to be issued has
been allocated to the Lucent assets and liabilities based upon
preliminary estimates by the management of Alcatel and Lucent of
their respective fair values as of the date of the merger. Any
differences between the fair value of the Alcatel ADSs issued
and the fair value of the Lucent assets and liabilities have
been recorded as goodwill. Definitive allocations will be
performed and finalized based upon certain valuations and other
studies that will be performed with the services of outside
valuation specialists after the effective time of the merger.
Accordingly, the purchase allocation pro forma adjustments are
preliminary and have been made solely for the purpose of
preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements and are subject to revision based on a final
determination of fair value after the effective time of the
merger.
The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information also reflects the estimated effect of the proposed
Thales transaction as described in Note 5-a under
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Information. The unaudited pro forma adjustments
reflecting the proposed Thales transaction are based upon
available information and certain assumptions that
Alcatels management believes are reasonable. The unaudited
pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed Thales transaction
are for illustrative purposes only and are not indicative of the
actual terms of the transaction and the results of
15
operations that would have occurred had the proposed Thales
transaction on the terms described been consummated on the dates
indicated, nor are they indicative of future operating results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
Before Thales | |
|
After Thales | |
|
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
$(1) | |
|
| |
|
$(1) | |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except per share amounts) | |
IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Income Data in accordance with IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined pro forma revenues
|
|
|
24,264 |
|
|
|
20,490 |
|
|
|
22,003 |
|
|
|
18,581 |
|
Combined pro forma gross profit
|
|
|
8,887 |
|
|
|
7,504 |
|
|
|
8,318 |
|
|
|
7,024 |
|
Combined pro forma income (loss) from operating activities
before restructuring, share-based payments, impairment of
capitalized development costs and gain on disposal of
consolidated entities
|
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
312 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
Combined pro forma loss from operating activities
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(130 |
) |
|
|
(110 |
) |
Combined pro forma net income attributable to the equity holders
of the parent
|
|
|
949 |
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
710 |
|
Combined pro forma net income attributable to the equity holders
of the parent before discontinued activities and non-recurring
charges or credits directly attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
1,013 |
|
|
|
1,092 |
|
|
|
922 |
|
Earnings per share- basic based on pro forma net
income attributable to the equity holders of the parent
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
Earnings per share- diluted based on pro forma net
income attributable to the equity holders of the parent
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
Earnings per share- basic based on pro forma net
income attributable to the equity holders of the parent before
discontinued activities and non-recurring charges or credits
directly attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
Earnings per share- diluted based on pro forma net
income attributable to the equity holders of the parent before
discontinued activities and non-recurring charges or credits
directly attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
Balance Sheet Data amounts in accordance with IFRS (at
December 31,)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
55,041 |
|
|
|
46,479 |
|
|
|
53,942 |
|
|
|
45,551 |
|
Shareholders equity Attributable to the equity
holders of the parent
|
|
|
21,137 |
|
|
|
17,849 |
|
|
|
21,908 |
|
|
|
18,500 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
|
|
|
10,417 |
|
|
|
8,797 |
|
|
|
11,066 |
|
|
|
9,345 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
1,607 |
|
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
1,591 |
|
|
|
1,344 |
|
Bonds and notes issued and other long-term debt
|
|
|
7,791 |
|
|
|
6,579 |
|
|
|
7,790 |
|
|
|
6,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
Before Thales | |
|
After Thales | |
|
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
$(1) | |
|
| |
|
$(1) | |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions, except per share amounts) | |
U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Income Data in accordance with U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined pro forma net sales
|
|
|
23,588 |
|
|
|
19,919 |
|
|
|
21,974 |
|
|
|
18,556 |
|
Combined pro forma gross profit
|
|
|
8,584 |
|
|
|
7,249 |
|
|
|
8,150 |
|
|
|
6,882 |
|
Combined pro forma income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
(309 |
) |
|
|
(261 |
) |
|
|
(436 |
) |
|
|
(368 |
) |
Combined pro forma net income
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
Combined pro forma net income before non-recurring charges or
credit directly attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
1,128 |
|
|
|
953 |
|
|
|
1,054 |
|
|
|
890 |
|
Earnings per share- basic based on pro forma net
income
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
Earnings per share- diluted based on pro forma net
income
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
Earnings per share- basic based on pro forma net
income before non-recurring charges or credit directly
attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
Earnings per share- diluted based on pro forma net
income before non-recurring charges or credit directly
attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
Balance Sheet Data amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP
(at December 31,)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
57,771 |
|
|
|
48,785 |
|
|
|
57,765 |
|
|
|
48,780 |
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
23,460 |
|
|
|
19,811 |
|
|
|
24,159 |
|
|
|
20,401 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
|
|
|
10,326 |
|
|
|
8,720 |
|
|
|
11,065 |
|
|
|
9,344 |
|
Short-term financial debt
|
|
|
1,531 |
|
|
|
1,293 |
|
|
|
1,531 |
|
|
|
1,293 |
|
Bonds and notes issued and other financial debt
long-term part
|
|
|
8,497 |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
8,497 |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
17
UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
The following table summarizes unaudited per share data for
Alcatel and Lucent on a historical basis, on a pro forma
combined basis for the combined company, giving effect to the
pro forma effects of the merger before the proposed Thales
transaction, and on an equivalent pro forma combined basis for
Lucent. It has been assumed for purposes of the pro forma
financial information provided below that the merger was
completed on January 1, 2005 for statement of income
purposes, and on December 31, 2005 for balance sheet
purposes. The following information should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements
of Alcatel and Lucent as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005,
respectively, and the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Lucent for the quarterly period ended
December 31, 2005, each of which is incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, and with the
information under Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Information and related notes included elsewhere
in this proxy statement/prospectus. The pro forma information
below is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not
necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial
position that would have been achieved if the merger had been
completed as of the beginning of the period presented, nor is it
necessarily indicative of the future operating results or
financial position of the combined company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(under IFRS) |
|
(under U.S. GAAP) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
Alcatel Historical
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical per Alcatel ordinary share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Income per share from continuing operations
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
Dividends declared per Alcatel ordinary share(1)
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
Book value per Alcatel ordinary share(2)
|
|
|
4.55 |
|
|
|
6.37 |
|
|
Lucent Historical(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical per Lucent common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Income per share from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
Dividends declared per Lucent common share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value per Lucent common share(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited pro forma per combined company ordinary share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Income per share from continuing operations(4)
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
Dividends declared per ordinary share(1)
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
Book value per share(2)
|
|
|
7.96 |
|
|
|
8.83 |
|
|
Unaudited Pro Forma Lucent Equivalents(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited pro forma per Lucent ordinary share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Income per share from continuing operations
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
Dividends declared per Lucent common share(1)
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
Book value per Lucent common share(2)
|
|
|
1.55 |
|
|
|
1.72 |
|
|
|
(1) |
On February 2, 2006, Alcatel announced that its board of
directors would propose a resolution at its annual shareholders
meeting to be held in 2006 to pay a dividend of
0.16 per
Alcatel ordinary share and Alcatel ADS for 2005. |
|
(2) |
The historical book value per share is computed by dividing
total shareholders equity attributable to equity holders
of the parent by the number of common shares outstanding as at
December 31, 2005. |
|
(3) |
Translated solely for convenience into euros at the noon buying
rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
|
(4) |
The unaudited pro forma combined company per share income from
continuing operations is computed by dividing the pro forma
income from continuing operations before non-recurring items by
the pro forma weighted average number of shares outstanding over
the period. |
|
(5) |
Lucent equivalent pro forma combined per share amounts are
calculated by multiplying the pro forma combined per share
amounts by 0.1952, the number of Alcatel ADSs that will be
exchanged for each share of Lucent common stock in the merger.
Each Alcatel ADS represents one Alcatel ordinary share. |
18
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE DATA AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Alcatel ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbol
ALA. Shares of Lucent common stock are listed on the
NYSE under the symbol LU. The following table
presents closing prices for Alcatel ADSs and Lucent common stock
on March 23, 2006, the last trading day before the public
announcement of discussions between Alcatel and Lucent regarding
the merger, and August 3, 2006, the latest practicable
trading day before the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus.
You should read the information presented below in conjunction
with Comparative Per Share Market Price Data and Dividend
Information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
|
Alcatel ADSs |
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
March 23, 2006
|
|
$ |
15.45 |
|
|
$ |
2.82 |
|
August 3, 2006
|
|
$ |
11.00 |
|
|
$ |
2.09 |
|
For illustrative purposes, the following table provides Lucent
equivalent per share information on each of the specified dates.
Lucent equivalent per share amounts are calculated by
multiplying Alcatel per share amounts by the exchange ratio of
0.1952.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
|
Alcatel ADSs |
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
March 23, 2006
|
|
$ |
15.45 |
|
|
$ |
3.02 |
|
August 3, 2006
|
|
$ |
11.00 |
|
|
$ |
2.15 |
|
The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated,
the high and low closing sale prices per Alcatel ADS and per
share of Lucent common stock reported on the NYSE composite
transactions reporting system and the dividends declared on
Alcatel ADSs and on Lucent common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent Common | |
|
|
|
|
Alcatel ADSs | |
|
|
|
Stock | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Calendar Year |
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
Dividends(1) |
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
Dividends |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
$ |
18.32 |
|
|
$ |
13.06 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
5.00 |
|
|
$ |
2.86 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
17.08 |
|
|
|
13.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
|
|
2.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
15.30 |
|
|
|
10.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.80 |
|
|
|
2.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
16.20 |
|
|
|
11.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.16 |
|
|
|
3.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
$ |
15.75 |
|
|
$ |
12.06 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3.86 |
|
|
$ |
2.69 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
12.22 |
|
|
|
10.45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.17 |
|
|
|
2.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
13.42 |
|
|
|
10.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.30 |
|
|
|
2.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
13.51 |
|
|
|
11.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.49 |
|
|
|
2.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
$ |
16.12 |
|
|
$ |
12.68 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3.16 |
|
|
$ |
2.39 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
16.51 |
|
|
|
11.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
2.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter (through August 3, 2006)
|
|
|
12.82 |
|
|
|
10.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.43 |
|
|
|
2.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Under French company law, payment of annual dividends must be
made within nine months following the end of the fiscal year to
which they relate. On February 2, 2006, Alcatel announced
that its board of directors would propose a resolution at its
annual shareholders meeting to be held in 2006 to pay a dividend
of 0.16 per
Alcatel ordinary share and Alcatel ADS for 2005. |
Alcatel and Lucent urge you to obtain current market quotations
for Alcatel ADSs and Lucent common stock before making any
decision regarding the merger.
19
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
The tables contained in this section are provided in accordance
with French law and regulations applicable to prospectuses
relating to the offering of securities. Since these tables are
being made available in the French prospectus (note
dopération) relating to the Alcatel ordinary
shares to be issued in connection with the merger, a translation
of these tables is included in this proxy statement/ prospectus.
The tables were prepared solely to comply with French
regulations in connection with the information to be contained
in prospectuses.
The following tables set forth the unaudited consolidated
capitalization and indebtedness of Alcatel, as derived from
Alcatels unaudited consolidated financial statements as of
June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006 under IFRS, which
have not been incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel |
|
Alcatel |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
(IFRS) |
|
(IFRS) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
|
|
|
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
1,244 |
|
|
|
1,171 |
|
|
- guaranteed
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
- secured
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
- unguaranteed/ unsecured
|
|
|
1,183 |
|
|
|
1,113 |
|
Convertible and other bonds long-term portion and
other long-term debt
|
|
|
2,301 |
|
|
|
2,492 |
|
|
- guaranteed
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
- secured
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
- unguaranteed/ unsecured
|
|
|
2,284 |
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
Financial debt, gross(A)
|
|
|
3,545 |
|
|
|
3,663 |
|
Capital stock (2
nominal value: 1,430,013,256 ordinary shares issued)
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
2,860 |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
8,350 |
|
|
|
8,332 |
|
Less treasury stock at cost
|
|
|
(1,569 |
) |
|
|
(1,572 |
) |
Retained earnings, fair value and other reserves
|
|
|
(3,502 |
) |
|
|
(3,465 |
) |
Cumulative translation adjustments
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
104 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to the equity holders
of the parent
|
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
Shareholders equity attributable to the
equity holders of the parent
|
|
|
6,386 |
|
|
|
6,363 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
479 |
|
|
|
477 |
|
Total shareholders equity(B)
|
|
|
6,865 |
|
|
|
6,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL(A) + (B)
|
|
|
10,410 |
|
|
|
10,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel |
|
Alcatel |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
(IFRS) |
|
(IFRS) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
|
|
|
Marketable securities, net
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
728 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
3,781 |
|
|
|
3,930 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities(A)
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
4,658 |
|
(Convertible and other bonds long-term part)
|
|
|
(2,141 |
) |
|
|
(2,150 |
) |
(Other long-term debt)
|
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
(342 |
) |
(Current portion of long-term debt)
|
|
|
(1,244 |
) |
|
|
(1,171 |
) |
(Financial debt, gross)(B)
|
|
|
(3,545 |
) |
|
|
(3,663 |
) |
Derivative interest rate instruments other current
and non-current assets
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
Derivative interest rate instruments other current
and non-current liabilities
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
Derivative interest rate instruments; net(C)
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL(A) + (B) + (C)
|
|
|
980 |
|
|
|
1,039 |
|
20
The following tables set forth the unaudited consolidated
capitalization and indebtedness of Lucent, as derived from
Lucents unaudited consolidated financial statements as of
(i) June 30, 2006 under U.S. GAAP, which have not been
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus,
and (ii) as of March 31, 2006 under U.S. GAAP,
which have been incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
Lucent |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
(U.S. GAAP) |
|
(U.S. GAAP) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions of dollars) |
Debt maturing within one year
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
368 |
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
5,047 |
|
|
|
5,047 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial debt, gross (A)
|
|
|
5,415 |
|
|
|
5,415 |
|
Common stock
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
23,645 |
|
|
|
23,615 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(19,452 |
) |
|
|
(19,531 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(3,555 |
) |
|
|
(3,574 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity (B)
|
|
|
683 |
|
|
|
555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL (A) + (B)
|
|
|
6,098 |
|
|
|
5,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
Lucent |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
(U.S. GAAP) |
|
(U.S. GAAP) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions of dollars) |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
Marketable securities (current)
|
|
|
588 |
|
|
|
479 |
|
Marketable securities (non-current)
|
|
|
1,741 |
|
|
|
2,113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (A)
|
|
|
3,697 |
|
|
|
3,969 |
|
(Financial debt, gross) (B)
|
|
|
(5,415 |
) |
|
|
(5,415 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL (A) + (B)
|
|
|
(1,718 |
) |
|
|
(1,446 |
) |
Statement on Net Working Capital
Under French laws and regulations applicable to the offering of
securities, Alcatel is required to make certain certifications
with respect to its net working capital. Because such
certifications are being made available in the French prospectus
(note dopération) relating to the Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the merger, an
English translation of such certifications is included in this
proxy statement/prospectus.
Alcatel certifies that, in its view, the Alcatel consolidated
net working capital is sufficient to meet its current
obligations for the 12-month period as of the date of the French
prospectus. Alcatel also certifies that, in its view, the
consolidated net working capital of the Alcatel group after the
completion of the merger (before and after the proposed Thales
transaction) is sufficient to meet its current obligations for
the 12-month period as
of the date of the French prospectus.
21
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
The following tables show, for the periods indicated,
information concerning the exchange rate between the
U.S. dollar and the euro. The average rates for the monthly
periods presented in these tables were calculated by taking the
simple average of the daily noon buying rates, as published by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average rates for the
interim periods and annual periods presented in these tables
were calculated by taking the simple average of the noon buying
rates on the last day of each month during the relevant period.
This information is provided solely for your information, and
Alcatel and Lucent do not represent that euros could be
converted into U.S. dollars at these rates or at any other
rate. These rates are not the rates used by Alcatel in the
preparation of its consolidated financial statements
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus.
The data provided in the following table are expressed in
U.S. dollars per euro and are based on noon buying rates
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the euro.
On March 23, 2006, the last trading day before the public
disclosure of discussions between Alcatel and Lucent regarding
the merger, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and
the euro expressed in U.S. dollars per euro was
1.00 = $1.1984.
On August 3, 2006, the most recent practicable day prior to
the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus, the exchange rate
was 1.00 =
$1.2779.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period-End |
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rate(1) |
|
Rate(2) |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Monthly Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2006 (through August 3, 2006)
|
|
$ |
1.2779 |
|
|
$ |
1.2785 |
|
|
$ |
1.2798 |
|
|
$ |
1.2778 |
|
July 2006
|
|
|
1.2764 |
|
|
|
1.2681 |
|
|
|
1.2822 |
|
|
|
1.2529 |
|
June 2006
|
|
|
1.2779 |
|
|
|
1.2661 |
|
|
|
1.2953 |
|
|
|
1.2522 |
|
May 2006
|
|
|
1.2833 |
|
|
|
1.2767 |
|
|
|
1.2888 |
|
|
|
1.2607 |
|
April 2006
|
|
|
1.2624 |
|
|
|
1.2273 |
|
|
|
1.2624 |
|
|
|
1.2091 |
|
March 2006
|
|
|
1.2139 |
|
|
|
1.2028 |
|
|
|
1.2197 |
|
|
|
1.1886 |
|
February 2006
|
|
|
1.1925 |
|
|
|
1.1940 |
|
|
|
1.2100 |
|
|
|
1.1860 |
|
January 2006
|
|
|
1.2158 |
|
|
|
1.2126 |
|
|
|
1.2287 |
|
|
|
1.1980 |
|
December 2005
|
|
|
1.1842 |
|
|
|
1.1861 |
|
|
|
1.2041 |
|
|
|
1.1699 |
|
November 2005
|
|
|
1.1790 |
|
|
|
1.1789 |
|
|
|
1.2067 |
|
|
|
1.1667 |
|
October 2005
|
|
|
1.1995 |
|
|
|
1.2022 |
|
|
|
1.2148 |
|
|
|
1.1914 |
|
September 2005
|
|
|
1.2058 |
|
|
|
1.2234 |
|
|
|
1.2538 |
|
|
|
1.2011 |
|
August 2005
|
|
|
1.2330 |
|
|
|
1.2295 |
|
|
|
1.2434 |
|
|
|
1.2147 |
|
Interim Period Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, 2006
|
|
$ |
1.2779 |
|
|
$ |
1.2745 |
|
|
$ |
1.2953 |
|
|
$ |
1.1860 |
|
Six months ended June 30, 2006
|
|
|
1.2779 |
|
|
|
1.2399 |
|
|
|
1.2953 |
|
|
|
1.1860 |
|
Six months ended June 30, 2005
|
|
|
1.2098 |
|
|
|
1.2776 |
|
|
|
1.3476 |
|
|
|
1.2035 |
|
Annual Data (Year ended December 31,)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
$ |
1.1842 |
|
|
$ |
1.2400 |
|
|
$ |
1.3476 |
|
|
$ |
1.1667 |
|
2004
|
|
|
1.3538 |
|
|
|
1.2478 |
|
|
|
1.3625 |
|
|
|
1.1801 |
|
2003
|
|
|
1.2597 |
|
|
|
1.1411 |
|
|
|
1.2597 |
|
|
|
1.0361 |
|
2002
|
|
|
1.0485 |
|
|
|
0.9495 |
|
|
|
1.0485 |
|
|
|
0.8594 |
|
2001
|
|
|
0.8901 |
|
|
|
0.8909 |
|
|
|
0.9535 |
|
|
|
0.8370 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The period-end rate is the noon buying rate on the last business
day of the applicable period. |
|
(2) |
The average rates for the monthly periods were calculated by
taking the simple average of the daily noon buying rates, as
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average
rates for the interim periods and annual periods were calculated
by taking the simple average of the noon buying rates on the
last business day of each month during the relevant period. |
22
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information included in this proxy
statement/ prospectus, including the matters addressed under
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements, you should carefully consider the following
risks before deciding whether to vote for approval and adoption
of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement. In addition, you should read and consider the
risks associated with each of the businesses of Alcatel and
Lucent because these risks will relate to the combined company.
Certain of these risks can be found in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/
prospectus, and in Lucents annual report on
Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, which is referred to
as Lucents 2005
Form 10-K and
which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/
prospectus. You should also consider the other information in
this proxy statement/ prospectus and the other documents
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus.
See Additional Information Where You Can Find
More Information.
Risk Factors Relating to the Merger
|
|
|
Because the market price of Alcatel ADSs will fluctuate,
the value of Alcatel ADSs to be issued in the merger will
fluctuate. |
Upon completion of the merger, each share of Lucent common stock
will be converted into the right to receive 0.1952 of an Alcatel
ADS. There will be no adjustment to the exchange ratio for
changes in the market price of either shares of Lucent common
stock or Alcatel ADSs, and the merger agreement does not provide
for any price-based termination right. Accordingly, the market
value of the Alcatel ADSs that holders of Lucent common stock
will be entitled to receive upon completion of the merger will
depend on the market value of the Alcatel ADSs at the time of
the completion of the merger and could vary significantly from
the market value of Alcatel ADSs on the date of this document or
the date of the Lucent special meeting. The market value of the
shares of Alcatel ADSs that holders of Lucent common stock will
be entitled to receive in the merger also will continue to
fluctuate after the completion of the merger. For example,
during the first six months of 2006, the sale price of Alcatel
ADSs ranged from a low of $11.69 to a high of $16.50, all as
reported on the NYSE composite transactions reporting system.
See Comparative Market Price Data and Dividend
Information.
Such variations could be the result of changes in the business,
operations or prospects of Lucent or Alcatel prior to the merger
or the combined company following the merger, market assessments
of the likelihood that the merger will be completed or the
timing of the completion of the merger, regulatory
considerations, general market and economic conditions and other
factors both within and beyond the control of Lucent or Alcatel.
Because the completion of the merger will occur after the date
of the Lucent special meeting, Lucent shareowners will not know
at the time of the Lucent special meeting the market value of
the Alcatel ADSs they will receive upon completion of the merger.
|
|
|
The merger is subject to the receipt of consents and
approvals from government entities that may impose conditions
that could have an adverse effect on Lucent or Alcatel or could
cause abandonment of the merger. |
Completion of the merger is conditioned upon the expiration or
termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act,
approval of the European Commission and the making of certain
filings with and notices to, and the receipt of consents, orders
and approvals from, various local, state, federal and foreign
governmental entities, including CFIUS. On June 7, 2006,
the Antitrust Division granted early termination of the HSR
waiting period, and on July 24, 2006, the European
Commission declared the merger compatible with the Common
Market. On August 4, 2006, Alcatel requested the
approval (visa) of the AMF for the French prospectus
(comprised of a note dopération and
Alcatels document de référence for
2005) relating to the admission to trading on Euronext Paris of
the new Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued in connection with
the merger. Certain of these consents, orders and approvals will
involve the relevant governmental entitys consideration of
the effect of the merger on competition in various
jurisdictions. The terms and conditions of such consents, orders
and approvals may require the divestiture of certain assets or
operations of the combined company following the merger or may
impose other conditions.
23
There can be no assurance that Lucent and Alcatel will obtain
the necessary consents, orders and approvals or that any such
required divestitures or other conditions will not have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, business or
results of operations of the combined company following the
merger or cause the abandonment of the merger by Lucent and
Alcatel. See The Merger Regulatory Approvals
Required for the Merger and The Merger
Agreement Conditions to Completion of the
Merger.
|
|
|
Any delay in completing the merger may significantly
reduce the benefits expected to be obtained from the
merger. |
In addition to the required regulatory clearances and approvals,
the merger is subject to a number of other conditions beyond the
control of Lucent and Alcatel that may prevent, delay or
otherwise materially adversely affect its completion. See
The Merger Agreement Conditions to Completion
of the Merger. Alcatel and Lucent cannot predict whether
and when these other conditions will be satisfied. Further, the
requirements for obtaining the required clearances and approvals
could delay the completion of the merger for a significant
period of time or prevent it from occurring. Any delay in
completing the merger may significantly reduce the synergies and
other benefits that Alcatel and Lucent expect to achieve if they
successfully complete the merger within the expected time frame
and integrate their respective businesses.
|
|
|
The pendency of the merger could materially adversely
affect the future business and operations of Lucent and
Alcatel. |
In connection with the pending merger, some customers and
strategic partners of each of Lucent and Alcatel may delay or
defer decisions, which could negatively affect revenues,
earnings and cash flows of Lucent and Alcatel, as well as the
market prices of shares of Lucent common stock and Alcatel ADSs,
regardless of whether the merger is completed. In addition, some
rating agencies that provide security ratings on Lucents
and Alcatels debts may downgrade their ratings on the
debts of one company or both companies in light of the pending
merger. A downgrade could materially adversely affect the
ability of Lucent and Alcatel to finance their operations,
including increasing the cost of obtaining financing. For
information regarding security ratings on Lucents debt,
see Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, which has been incorporated into this proxy
statement/ prospectus by reference. For information regarding
security ratings on Alcatels debt, see Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated into this proxy/prospectus by reference.
If the merger is terminated and Lucent determines to seek
another business combination, Lucent cannot assure you that it
will be able to negotiate a transaction with another company on
terms comparable to the terms of the merger, or that it will
avoid incurrence of any fees associated with the termination of
the merger agreement. See The Merger Agreement
Termination Fee.
|
|
|
Directors and executive officers of Lucent may be deemed
to have potential conflicts of interest in recommending that you
vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement. |
Executive officers of Lucent negotiated the terms of the merger
agreement and the Lucent board of directors approved the merger
agreement and unanimously recommend that you vote in favor of
the approval and adoption of the merger agreement. These
directors and executive officers may have interests in the
merger that are different from, or in addition to, or in
conflict with, yours. These interests include the continued
employment of certain executive officers of Lucent by the
combined company, the continued positions of certain directors
of Lucent as directors of the combined company and the
indemnification of former Lucent directors and officers by the
combined company. With respect to Lucent directors and executive
officers, these interests also include the treatment in the
merger of employment agreements,
change-of-control
severance agreements, restricted stock units, options and other
rights held by these directors and executive officers. You
should be aware of these interests when you consider the Lucent
board of directors recommendation that you vote in favor
of the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. For a
discussion of the interests of directors and executive officers
in the merger, see The Merger Interests of the
Directors and Executive Officers of Lucent in the Merger.
24
|
|
|
The merger agreement restricts Lucents and
Alcatels ability to pursue alternatives to the merger and
requires Lucent or Alcatel to pay a termination fee under
certain circumstances. |
The merger agreement prohibits Lucent and Alcatel from
soliciting, initiating, encouraging or facilitating certain
alternative acquisition proposals with any third party, subject
to exceptions set forth in the merger agreement. The merger
agreement also provides for the payment by Lucent or Alcatel of
a termination fee if the merger agreement is terminated in
certain circumstances in connection with a competing third-party
acquisition proposal for one of the companies. See The
Merger Agreement Covenants and Agreements.
These provisions limit Lucents and Alcatels ability
to pursue offers from third parties that could result in greater
value to the Lucent shareowners or the Alcatel shareholders, as
the case may be. The obligation to make the termination fee
payment also may discourage a third party from pursuing an
alternative acquisition proposal.
Risk Factors Relating to the Combined Company Following the
Merger
|
|
|
The combined company may fail to realize the anticipated
cost savings, revenue enhancements and other benefits expected
from the merger, which could adversely affect the value of
Alcatel ADSs after the merger. |
The merger involves the integration of Alcatel and Lucent, two
companies that have previously operated independently. Alcatel
and Lucent entered into the merger agreement with the
expectation that, among other things, the merger would enable
the combined company to consolidate support functions, optimize
its supply chain and procurement structure, leverage its
research and development and services across a larger base, and
reduce its worldwide workforce by approximately 10 percent,
all of which is expected to create opportunities to achieve cost
savings and revenue synergies and to achieve other synergistic
benefits.
Delays encountered by the combined company in the transition
process could have a material adverse effect on the revenues,
expenses, operating results and financial condition of the
combined company. Although Alcatel and Lucent expect significant
benefits to result from the merger, there can be no assurance
that the combined company will actually realize these
anticipated benefits.
The value of Alcatel ADSs following completion of the merger may
be affected by the ability of the combined company to achieve
the benefits expected to result from completion of the merger.
Achieving the benefits of the merger will depend in part upon
meeting the challenges inherent in the successful combination
and integration of global business enterprises of the size and
scope of Alcatel and Lucent and the possible resulting diversion
of management attention for an extended period of time. There
can be no assurance that the combined company will meet these
challenges and that such diversion will not negatively affect
the operations of the combined company following the merger.
|
|
|
Uncertainties associated with the merger may cause a loss
of employees and may otherwise materially adversely affect the
future business and operations of Alcatel and Lucent. |
The combined companys success after the merger will depend
in part upon the ability of the combined company to retain key
employees of Alcatel and Lucent. Competition for qualified
personnel can be intense. Current and prospective employees of
Alcatel and Lucent may experience uncertainty about their
post-merger roles with the combined company following the
merger. This may materially adversely affect the ability of each
of Alcatel and Lucent to attract and retain key management,
sales, marketing, technical and other personnel. In addition,
key employees may depart because of issues relating to the
uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to
remain with the combined company following the merger.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the combined company
will be able to attract or retain key employees of Alcatel and
Lucent to the same extent that those companies have been able to
attract or retain their own employees in the past.
Technological innovation is important to the combined
companys success and depends, to a significant degree, on
the work of technically skilled employees. Competition for the
services of these types of employees is vigorous. Neither
Alcatel nor Lucent can provide assurance that the combined
company will be able to
25
attract and retain these employees following the merger. If,
following the merger, the combined company is unable to attract
and retain technically skilled employees, the competitive
position of the combined company could be materially adversely
affected.
|
|
|
The trading price of Alcatel ADSs may be affected by
factors different from those affecting the price of Lucent
common stock. |
Upon completion of the merger, holders of Lucent common stock
will become holders of Alcatel ADSs. The results of operations
of the combined company, as well as the trading price of Alcatel
ADSs after the merger, may be affected by factors different from
those currently affecting Lucents results of operations
and the trading price of Lucent common stock. For a discussion
of the businesses of Alcatel and Lucent and of certain factors
to consider in connection with those businesses, see the
documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/
prospectus and referred to under Additional
Information Where You Can Find More
Information.
|
|
|
Because some existing holders of Alcatel ordinary shares
and Alcatel ADSs are entitled to two votes for every share they
hold, the percentage of the voting rights of the combined
company that you will own immediately after the merger will be
less than the percentage of the outstanding share capital of the
combined company that you will own. |
Under Alcatels articles of association and bylaws
(statuts), holders of Alcatel ordinary shares who hold
their shares in the same registered name for at least three
years have the right to two votes for every share so held. Under
Alcatels ADS deposit agreement, holders of Alcatel ADSs
who have the Alcatel ordinary shares underlying their Alcatel
ADSs held in registered form for at least three years are also
entitled to double-voting rights. In general, the Alcatel
ordinary shares underlying Alcatel ADSs will be held in bearer
form unless the holder thereof notifies the depositary in
writing that the ordinary shares should be held in registered
form. As a result, new holders of Alcatel ordinary shares
(including Alcatel ordinary shares represented by Alcatel ADSs),
including former holders of Lucent common stock who receive
Alcatel ADSs in the merger, will qualify to obtain double-voting
rights only after holding those Alcatel ADSs in the same
registered name for three years after giving such notice. As of
December 31, 2005, 31,029,218 Alcatel ordinary shares
carried double-voting rights, representing approximately 2.17%
of Alcatels outstanding share capital and approximately
4.4% of Alcatels voting rights. If the merger is
consummated, after the effective time of the merger, former
holders of Lucent common stock will own approximately 39% of the
combined companys outstanding share capital and
approximately 38% of the combined companys voting rights.
Therefore, the percentage of the combined companys voting
rights that you will have immediately after the merger will be
less than the percentage of the combined companys
outstanding share capital that you own immediately after the
merger.
|
|
|
Alcatel is a foreign private issuer under the rules and
regulations of the SEC and, thus, is exempt from a number of
rules under the Exchange Act and is permitted to file less
information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the
United States. |
As a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, Alcatel is
exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act, including the
proxy rules, which impose certain disclosure and procedural
requirements for proxy solicitations. Moreover, Alcatel is not
required to file periodic reports and financial statements with
the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies with
securities registered under the Exchange Act; is not required to
file financial statements prepared in accordance with
U.S. GAAP (although it is required to reconcile its
financial statements to U.S. GAAP); and is not required to
comply with Regulation FD, which imposes certain restrictions on
the selective disclosure of material information. In addition,
Alcatels officers, directors and principal shareholders
are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit
recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and
the rules under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases
and sales of Alcatel ordinary shares. Accordingly, after the
merger, if you continue to hold Alcatel ADSs, you may receive
less information about the combined company than you currently
receive about Lucent, and be afforded less protection under the
U.S. federal securities laws than you are currently afforded. If
the combined company loses its status as a foreign private
issuer, it will no longer be exempt from such rules
26
and, among other things, will be required to file periodic
reports and financial statements as if it were a company
incorporated in the United States. The costs incurred in
fulfilling these additional regulatory requirements could be
substantial.
|
|
|
The combined company will operate in a highly competitive
industry with many participants. Its failure to compete
effectively will harm its business. |
The combined company will operate in a highly competitive
environment in each of its businesses, competing on the basis of
product offerings, technical capabilities, quality, service and
pricing. Competition for new service providers and enterprise
customers as well as for new infrastructure deployments is
particularly intense and increasingly focused on price. The
combined company will offer customers and prospective customers
many benefits in addition to competitive pricing, including
strong support and integrated services for quality,
technologically-advanced products; however, in some situations,
it may not be able to compete effectively if purchasing
decisions are based solely on the lowest price.
The combined company will have a number of competitors, many of
which currently compete with Alcatel, Lucent or both and some of
which are very large, with substantial technological and
financial resources and established relationships with global
service providers. Some of these competitors have very low cost
structures, support from governments in their home countries, or
both. In addition, new competitors may enter the industry as a
result of shifts in technology. These new competitors, as well
as existing competitors, may include entrants from the
telecommunications, computer software, computer services, data
networking and semiconductor industries. We cannot assure you
that the combined company will be able to compete successfully
with these companies. Competitors may be able to offer lower
prices, additional products or services or a more attractive mix
of products or services, or services or other incentives that
the combined company cannot or will not match or offer. These
competitors may be in a stronger position to respond quickly to
new or emerging technologies and may be able to undertake more
extensive marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing
policies and make more attractive offers to customers,
prospective customers, employees and strategic partners.
|
|
|
Technology will drive the combined companys products
and services. If the combined company fails to keep pace with
technological advances in the industry, or if it pursues
technologies that do not become commercially accepted, customers
may not buy its products or use its services. |
The telecommunications industry uses numerous and varied
technologies and large service providers often invest in several
and, sometimes, incompatible technologies. The industry also
demands frequent and, at times, significant technology upgrades.
Furthermore, enhancing the combined companys services
revenues requires that it develop and maintain leading tools.
The combined company will not have the resources to invest in
all of these existing and potential technologies. As a result,
the combined company will concentrate its resources on those
technologies that it believes have or will achieve substantial
customer acceptance and in which the combined company will have
appropriate technical expertise. However, existing products
often have short product life cycles characterized by declining
prices over their lives. In addition, the combined
companys choices for developing technologies may prove
incorrect if customers do not adopt the products that the
combined company develops or if those technologies ultimately
prove to be unviable. The combined companys revenues and
operating results will depend to a significant extent on its
ability to maintain a product portfolio and service capability
that is attractive to its customers, to enhance its existing
products, to continue to introduce new products successfully and
on a timely basis and to develop new or enhance existing tools
for its services offerings.
|
|
|
A small number of the combined companys customers
will account for a substantial portion of its revenues, and most
of its revenues will come from telecommunications service
providers. The loss of one or more key customers or reduced
spending of these service providers could significantly reduce
the combined companys revenues, profitability and cash
flow. |
A few large telecommunications service providers will account
for a substantial portion of the combined companys
revenues. In addition, the telecommunications industry has
recently experienced substantial
27
consolidation, as evidenced by the mergers of Sprint and Nextel,
Cingular and AT&T Wireless, SBC Communications and AT&T,
Verizon and MCI, and the announced merger of AT&T and
BellSouth. As service providers increase in size, it is possible
that an even greater portion of the combined companys
revenues will be attributable to a smaller number of large
service providers going forward. The combined company may also
lose business from customers for which Alcatel and Lucent were
the two main suppliers, if these customers choose another
supplier in order to avoid having the combined company as their
sole source for a product or service. In addition,
Alcatels and Lucents existing customers are
typically not obligated to purchase a certain amount of products
or services over any period of time from Alcatel or Lucent and
may have the right to reduce, delay or even cancel previous
orders. The combined company, therefore, will have difficulty
projecting future revenues from existing customers with
certainty. Although historically Alcatels and
Lucents customers have not made sudden supplier changes,
the combined companys customers could vary, as
Alcatels and Lucents customers have varied, their
purchases from period to period, sometimes significantly.
Combined with its reliance on a small number of large customers,
this could have an adverse effect on the combined companys
revenues, profitability and cash flow. In addition, the combined
companys concentration of business in the
telecommunications service provider industry will make it
extremely vulnerable to downturns or slowdowns in spending in
that industry.
|
|
|
The telecommunications industry fluctuates and is affected
by many factors, including decisions by service providers
regarding their deployment of technology and their timing of
purchases, as well as demand and spending for communications
services by businesses and consumers. |
After significant deterioration earlier this decade, the global
telecommunications industry stabilized in 2004 and experienced
modest growth in 2005 and the first calendar quarter of 2006, as
reflected in increased capital expenditures by service providers
and growing demand for telecommunications services. Although
Alcatel and Lucent believe the overall industry will continue to
grow, the rate of growth could vary geographically and across
different technologies, and is subject to substantial
fluctuations. The specific industry segments in which the
combined company will participate may not experience the growth
of other segments. In that case, the results of its operations
may be adversely affected.
If capital investment by service providers grows at a slower
pace than anticipated, revenues and profitability of the
combined company may be adversely affected. The level of demand
by service providers can change quickly and can vary over short
periods of time, including from month to month. As a result of
the uncertainty and variations in the telecommunications
industry, accurately forecasting revenues, results and cash flow
remains difficult.
In addition, the combined companys sales volume and
product mix will affect its gross margin. Therefore, if reduced
demand for the combined companys products results in lower
than expected sales volume, or if the combined company has an
unfavorable product mix, it may not achieve the expected gross
margin rate, resulting in lower than expected profitability.
These factors may fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
|
|
|
The combined company will have long-term sales agreements
with a number of its large customers. Some of these agreements
may prove unprofitable as the combined companys costs and
product mix shift over the lives of the agreements. |
Alcatel and Lucent have entered into long-term sales agreements
with a number of their respective large customers, and they
expect that the combined company will continue to enter into
long-term sales agreements in the future. Some of Alcatels
and Lucents existing sales agreements require Alcatel or
Lucent to sell products and services at fixed prices over the
lives of the agreements, and some require, or may in the future
require, Alcatel, Lucent or the combined company to sell
products and services that they would otherwise discontinue,
thereby diverting their resources from developing more
profitable or strategically important products. The costs
incurred in fulfilling some of these sales agreements may vary
substantially from the initial cost estimates of Alcatel, Lucent
or the combined company. Any cost overruns that cannot be passed
on to customers could adversely affect the combined
companys results of operations.
28
|
|
|
Lucents pension and postretirement benefit plans are
large and have funding requirements that fluctuate based on the
performance of the financial markets and the level of interest
rates and may be affected by changes in legal requirements.
These plans are also costly, and the combined companys
efforts to fund or control those costs may be
ineffective. |
Among other compensation and benefit programs, many former
employees and retirees of Lucent in the U.S. participate in
one or more of the following benefit plans:
|
|
|
|
|
management pension plan; |
|
|
|
occupational pension plan; |
|
|
|
postretirement health care benefit plan for former management
employees; and/or |
|
|
|
postretirement health care benefit plan for former represented
employees. |
As described in more detail in Exhibit 99.1 to
Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, which has been incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement/ prospectus, the performance of the
financial markets, especially the equity markets, and the level
of interest rates, impact the funding obligations for these
pension plans. This discussion also describes the variables that
influence contributions to postretirement health care benefit
plans. Accordingly, the amounts the combined company might
contribute to these benefit plans are subject to considerable
uncertainty. You should carefully review the discussion in
Exhibit 99.1 to Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006.
Lucent, together with its labor unions, has been seeking changes
to Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code, which would
allow Lucent, or its successor entity, to provide for a level of
retiree health care benefits in connection with the use of
excess pension assets to a collectively bargained level of costs
rather than a level of cost imposed by statute. Absent
satisfactory legislation, Lucent would be subject to a statutory
maintenance of cost requirement under Section 420 in the
event that it elects to utilize excess pension assets to fund
such benefits.
In addition, legislative actions have been proposed that would
affect U.S. pension plans, if adopted. These proposals
would alter the manner in which liabilities and asset values are
determined for the purpose of calculating required pension
contributions and the timing and manner in which required
contributions to under-funded pension plans would be made. The
proposed changes, if adopted, could significantly increase the
funding requirements for U.S. pension plans of Lucent or
the combined company and reduce excess pension assets that could
be available to fund retiree health care benefits, even if the
proposed changes to Section 420 of the Internal Revenue
Code discussed above are adopted.
Lucent has also taken some steps, and Alcatel and Lucent expect
the combined company to take additional actions over time, to
reduce the overall cost of these retiree health care benefit
plans and the share of these costs borne by the combined
company, consistent with legal requirements and Lucents
collective bargaining obligations. However, the rate of cost
increases may exceed its actions to reduce these costs. In
addition, as described in Exhibit 99.1 to Lucents
current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, the reduction or elimination of retiree health
care benefits has led to lawsuits against Lucent. Any other
initiatives that either Lucent or the combined company undertake
to control or reduce costs may lead to additional claims against
them.
|
|
|
Many of Alcatels and Lucents current and
planned products are highly complex and may contain defects or
errors that are detected only after deployment in
telecommunications networks. If that occurs, the reputation of
the combined company may be harmed. |
Lucents and Alcatels products are highly complex,
and there is no assurance that either Lucents or
Alcatels extensive product development, manufacturing and
integration testing is adequate, or that the combined
companys product development, manufacturing and
integration testing will be adequate, to detect all defects,
errors, failures and quality issues that could affect customer
satisfaction or result in claims against Lucent, Alcatel or the
combined company. As a result, the combined company might have
to replace certain components and/or provide remediation in
response to the discovery of defects in products that are
shipped.
29
Most of these occurrences can be rectified without incident, as
has generally been the case for each of Alcatel and Lucent
historically. However, the occurrence of any defects, errors,
failures or quality issues could result in cancellation of
orders, product returns, diversion of the combined
companys resources, legal actions by customers or
customers end users and other losses to the combined
company or to its customers or end users. These occurrences
could also result in the loss of or delay in market acceptance
of the combined companys products and loss of sales, which
would harm the combined companys business and adversely
affect its revenues and profitability.
|
|
|
Rapid changes to existing regulations or technical
standards or the implementation of new ones for products and
services not previously regulated could be disruptive,
time-consuming and costly to the combined company. |
Lucent and Alcatel develop many of their products and services
based on existing regulations and technical standards, their
interpretation of unfinished technical standards or the lack of
such regulations and standards. Changes to existing regulations
and technical standards, or the implementation of new
regulations and technical standards relating to products and
services not previously regulated, could adversely affect the
combined companys development efforts by increasing
compliance costs and causing delay. Demand for those products
and services could also decline.
|
|
|
Lucent and Alcatel are involved in lawsuits, which, if
determined against either of them, could require the combined
company to pay substantial damages. |
Both Lucent and Alcatel are defendants in various lawsuits.
These lawsuits against Lucent and/or Alcatel include such
matters as commercial disputes, claims regarding product
discontinuance, asbestos claims, labor, employment and benefit
claims, shareholders litigation and others. For a
discussion of some of these legal proceedings, see Note 13
to Lucents audited consolidated financial statements in
Exhibit 99.1 to Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, and Note 34 to Alcatels audited
consolidated financial statements included in Alcatels
2005 Form 20-F.
Neither Alcatel nor Lucent can predict the extent to which any
of the pending or future actions will be resolved in favor of
Alcatel or Lucent, or whether significant monetary judgments
will be rendered against Alcatel, Lucent or the combined
company. Any material losses resulting from these claims could
adversely affect the combined companys profitability and
cash flow.
|
|
|
If the combined company fails to protect its intellectual
property rights, the business and prospects of the combined
company may be harmed. |
Intellectual property rights, such as patents, will be vital to
the business of the combined company and developing new products
and technologies that are unique is critical to the combined
companys success. Alcatel and Lucent have numerous U.S.
and foreign patents and numerous pending patents. However,
neither Alcatel nor Lucent can predict whether any patents,
issued or pending, will provide the combined company with any
competitive advantage or whether such patents will be challenged
by third parties. Moreover, competitors of Alcatel or Lucent may
already have applied for patents that, once issued, could
prevail over the combined companys patent rights or
otherwise limit its ability to sell its products. The
competitors of Alcatel or Lucent also may attempt to design
around the patents of Alcatel, Lucent and the combined company
or copy or otherwise obtain and use the proprietary technology
of Alcatel, Lucent or the combined company. In addition, patent
applications currently pending may not be granted. If the
combined company does not receive the patents that it seeks or
if other problems arise with the combined companys
intellectual property, its competitiveness could be
significantly impaired, which would limit the combined
companys future revenues and harm its prospects.
|
|
|
The combined company will be subject to intellectual
property litigation and infringement claims, which could cause
it to incur significant expenses or prevent it from selling
certain products. |
From time to time, Alcatel and Lucent receive notices or claims
from third parties of potential infringement in connections with
products or services. Alcatel or Lucent also may receive such
notices or claims when either of them attempts to license their
intellectual property to others. Intellectual property
30
litigation can be costly and time-consuming and can divert the
attention of management and key personnel from other business
issues. The complexity of the technology involved and the
uncertainty of intellectual property litigation increase these
risks. A successful claim by a third party of patent or other
intellectual property infringement by the combined company could
compel it to enter into costly royalty or license agreements or
force it to pay significant damages and could even require it to
stop selling certain products. Further, if one of the combined
companys important patents or other intellectual property
rights is invalidated, it may suffer losses of licensing
revenues and be prevented from attempting to block others,
including competitors, from using the related technology.
|
|
|
The combined company will be subject to environmental,
health and safety laws that restrict its operations. |
The combined companys operations will be subject to a wide
range of environmental, health and safety laws, including laws
relating to the use, disposal and
clean-up of, and human
exposure to, hazardous substances. In the United States, these
laws often require parties to fund remedial action regardless of
fault. Although each of Alcatel and Lucent believes their
aggregate reserves are adequate to cover the combined
companys environmental liabilities, factors such as the
discovery of additional contaminants, the extent of required
remediation and the imposition of additional cleanup obligations
could cause the combined companys capital expenditures and
other expenses relating to remediation activities to exceed the
amount reflected in Alcatels and Lucents
environmental reserves and adversely affect the results of
operations and cash flows of the combined company. Compliance
with existing or future environmental, health and safety laws
could subject the combined company to future liabilities, cause
the suspension of production, restrict the combined
companys ability to utilize facilities or require it to
acquire costly pollution control equipment or incur other
significant expenses.
|
|
|
The business of the combined company will require a
significant amount of cash, and the combined company may require
additional sources of funds if its sources of liquidity are
unavailable or insufficient to fund its operations. |
The working capital requirements and cash flows of Alcatel and
Lucent have historically been, and the working capital
requirements and cash flows of the combined company are expected
to continue to be, subject to quarterly and yearly fluctuations,
depending on a number of factors. If the combined company is
unable to manage fluctuations in cash flow, its business,
operating results and financial condition may be materially
adversely affected. Factors which could lead the combined
company to suffer cash flow fluctuations include:
|
|
|
|
|
the level of sales; |
|
|
|
the collection of receivables; |
|
|
|
the timing and size of capital expenditures; and |
|
|
|
customer financing obligations. |
In order to finance its business, Lucent and Alcatel expect the
combined company to use available cash and investments and to
have access to a syndicated credit facility allowing for the
drawdown of significant levels of debt if required. However,
Alcatel and Lucent expect that the ability of the combined
company to draw on this facility will be conditioned upon its
compliance with financial covenants. There can be no assurance
that the combined company will be in compliance with the
financial covenants required by its lenders at all times in the
future.
The combined company may need to secure additional sources of
funding if the syndicated credit facility and borrowings are not
available or are insufficient to finance its business. Neither
Alcatel nor Lucent can provide any assurance that such funding
will be available on terms satisfactory to the combined company.
If the combined company were to incur high levels of debt, this
would require a larger portion of its operating cash flow to be
used to pay principal and interest on its indebtedness. The
increased use of cash to pay indebtedness could leave the
combined company with insufficient funds to finance its
operating activities, such
31
as research and development expenses and capital expenditures,
which could have a material adverse effect on the combined
companys business.
The combined companys expected short-term debt rating will
allow it limited access to the commercial paper market, and the
commercial paper market is not expected to be available to the
combined company on acceptable terms and conditions. The
combined companys ability to have access to the capital
markets and its financing costs will be, in part, dependent on
Standard & Poors, Moodys or similar
agencies ratings with respect to its debt and corporate
credit and their outlook with respect to the combined
companys business. The combined companys expected
short-term and long-term credit ratings, as well as any possible
future lowering of its ratings, may result in higher financing
costs and reduced access to the capital markets. Neither Alcatel
nor Lucent can provide any assurance that the combined
companys credit ratings will be sufficient to give it
access to the capital markets on acceptable terms, or that once
obtained, such credit ratings will not be reduced by
Standard & Poors, Moodys or similar rating
agencies.
|
|
|
Credit and commercial risks and exposures could increase
if the financial condition of the combined companys
customers declines. |
A substantial portion of Alcatels and Lucents sales
are to customers in the telecommunications industry. These
customers may require their suppliers to provide extended
payment terms, direct loans or other forms of financial support
as a condition to obtaining commercial contracts. Alcatel and
Lucent expect that the combined company may provide or commit to
financing where appropriate for the business of the combined
company. The combined companys ability to arrange or
provide financing for its customers will depend on a number of
factors, including its credit rating, its level of available
credit, and its ability to sell off commitments on acceptable
terms.
More generally, Alcatel and Lucent expect that the combined
company will routinely enter into long-term contracts involving
significant amounts to be paid by its customers over time.
Pursuant to these contracts, the combined company may deliver
products and services representing an important portion of the
contract price before receiving any significant payment from the
customer.
As a result of the financing that may be provided to customers
and the combined companys commercial risk exposure under
long-term contracts, the combined companys business could
be adversely affected if the financial condition of its
customers erodes. Over the past few years, certain customers of
Alcatel and Lucent have filed with the courts seeking protection
under the bankruptcy or reorganization laws of the applicable
jurisdiction, or have experienced financial difficulties. Upon
the financial failure of a customer, the combined company may
experience losses on credit extended and loans made to such
customer, losses relating to its commercial risk exposure, and
the loss of the customers ongoing business. If customers
fail to meet their obligations to the combined company, the
combined company may experience reduced cash flows and losses in
excess of reserves, which could materially adversely impact its
results of operations and financial position.
|
|
|
The combined company will have significant international
operations and a significant amount of the combined
companys sales will be made in emerging markets and
regions. |
In addition to the currency risks described elsewhere in this
section, the combined companys international operations
will be subject to a variety of risks arising out of the
economy, the political outlook and the language and cultural
barriers in countries where it has operations or does business.
Alcatel and Lucent expect the combined company to continue to
focus on expanding business in emerging markets in Asia, Africa
and Latin America. In many of these emerging markets, the
combined company may be faced with several risks that are more
significant than in other countries. These risks include
economies that may be dependent on only a few products and are
therefore subject to significant fluctuations, weak legal
systems which may affect the combined companys ability to
enforce contractual rights, possible exchange controls, unstable
governments, privatization actions or other government actions
affecting the flow of goods and currency.
32
The combined company will be required to move products from one
country to another and will provide services in one country from
a base in another. Accordingly, it will be vulnerable to abrupt
changes in customs and tax regimes that may have significant
negative impacts on its financial condition and operating
results.
|
|
|
The combined companys financial condition and
results of operations may be harmed if it does not successfully
reduce market risks through the use of derivative financial
instruments. |
Since the combined company will conduct operations throughout
the world, a substantial portion of its assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses will be denominated in various currencies
other than the euro and the U.S. dollar. Because the
combined companys financial statements will be denominated
in euros, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, especially
the U.S. dollar against the euro, could have a material
impact on the combined companys reported results. The
combined company will also experience other market risks,
including changes in interest rates and in prices of marketable
equity securities that it owns. The combined company may use
derivative financial instruments to reduce certain of these
risks. If the combined companys strategies to reduce
market risks are not successful, its financial condition and
operating results may be harmed.
|
|
|
The combined company will be involved in several
significant joint ventures and will be exposed to problems
inherent to companies under joint management. |
Alcatel and Lucent are, and the combined company will be,
involved in several significant joint venture companies. The
related joint venture agreements may require unanimous consent
or the affirmative vote of a qualified majority of the
shareholders to take certain actions, thereby possibly slowing
down the decision-making process.
|
|
|
An impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets would
adversely affect the combined companys financial condition
or results of operations. |
Both Alcatel and Lucent have a significant amount of intangible
assets including goodwill and other acquired intangibles,
development costs for software to be sold, leased or otherwise
marketed and internal use software development costs as of
December 31, 2005. As a result of the merger, a significant
amount of additional goodwill and other acquired intangible
assets will be recorded as a result of the purchase price
allocation.
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually,
or more often, if an event or circumstance indicates that an
impairment loss may have been incurred. Other intangible assets
are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated
useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events such as
product discontinuances, plant closures, product dispositions or
other changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
may be not be recoverable.
Historically, both Alcatel and Lucent have recognized
significant impairment charges due to various reasons, including
some of those noted above as well as potential restructuring
actions or adverse market conditions that are either specific to
the telecommunications industry or general in nature. As result,
future impairment charges may be incurred in the future that
could be significant and that could have an adverse effect on
the combined companys results of operations or financial
condition. In addition, the purchase price under U.S. GAAP will
be determined using the market price of Alcatel ADSs as of the
announcement date of the proposed merger. The purchase price
under IFRS, however, will be determined using the market price
of Alcatel ADSs as of the closing date of the merger. The market
prices of both Lucent common stock and Alcatel ADSs have
declined subsequent to the announcement date. If the market
price of Alcatel ADSs remains lower at the closing date than the
market price at the announcement date, the combined company may
record a significantly higher amount of goodwill under U.S. GAAP
than IFRS. This additional goodwill may not be realizable under
U.S. GAAP, which could lead to potential impairment charges.
33
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement/ prospectus, including information included
or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/
prospectus, may contain certain forward-looking statements.
Generally, the words expects,
anticipates, targets, goals,
projects, intends, plans,
believes, seeks, estimates,
variations of such words and similar expressions identify
forward-looking statements and any statements regarding the
benefits of the merger, or Alcatels or Lucents
future financial condition, results of operations and business
are also forward-looking statements. Without limiting the
generality of the preceding sentence, certain statements
contained in the sections The Merger
Background of the Merger, The Merger
Alcatels Reasons for the Merger, The
Merger Recommendation of the Lucent Board of
Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger, The
Merger Opinion of Goldman Sachs, Financial Advisor
to Alcatel, The Merger Opinion of
JPMorgan, Financial Advisor to Lucent and The
Merger Opinion of Morgan Stanley, Financial Advisor
to Lucent constitute forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking
statements include, among others, the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
the ability to consummate the merger; |
|
|
|
difficulties and delays in obtaining regulatory approvals for
the merger; |
|
|
|
difficulties and delays in achieving synergies and cost savings; |
|
|
|
potential difficulties in meeting conditions set forth in the
merger agreement; |
|
|
|
fluctuations in the telecommunications industry; |
|
|
|
the pricing, cost and other risks inherent in long-term sales
agreements; |
|
|
|
exposure to the credit risk of customers; |
|
|
|
reliance on a limited number of contract manufacturers to supply
products sold by Alcatel and Lucent; |
|
|
|
the social, political and economic risks of the global
operations of Alcatel and Lucent; |
|
|
|
the costs and risks associated with pension and post-retirement
benefit obligations; |
|
|
|
the complexity of products sold; |
|
|
|
changes to existing regulations or technical standards; |
|
|
|
existing and future litigation; |
|
|
|
difficulties and costs in protecting intellectual property
rights and exposure to infringement claims by others; and |
|
|
|
compliance with environmental, health and safety laws. |
Any forward-looking statements in this proxy statement/
prospectus are not guarantees of future performance, and actual
results, developments and business decisions may differ from
those contemplated by those forward-looking statements, possibly
materially. Except as otherwise required by applicable law,
Alcatel and Lucent disclaim any duty to update any
forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified
by the statements in this section. See also Additional
Information Where You Can Find More
Information.
34
ALCATEL RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Thales Transaction
On April 5, 2006, Alcatel announced that the board of
directors of Thales S.A. had approved in principle the
acquisition of Alcatels satellite subsidiaries, its
railway signaling business and its non-telecommunications
related integration and services activities for security systems
in exchange for Thales ordinary shares and cash. The Alcatel
board of directors approved the Thales transaction on
April 26, 2006, subject to final documentation and receipt
of a consent from Lucent. Thales is a global electronics company
serving aerospace, defense, and information technology and
services markets, with revenues of
10.3 billion
in 2005 and approximately 60,000 employees worldwide. Alcatel is
currently the largest private shareholder in Thales, owning
9.46% of the outstanding Thales shares, which represent a 12.98%
voting interest. If the transaction is completed as currently
contemplated, Alcatel will own approximately 21.6% of the
outstanding Thales shares, representing a 21.35% voting
interest. There can be no assurance that the Thales transaction
will be completed on the terms described below, or at all.
Under the terms of the Thales transaction as currently
contemplated, Alcatel would contribute the following assets to
Thales:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatels 67% interest in the capital of Alcatel Alenia
Space, a joint venture between Alcatel and Finmeccanica S.p.A.
Alcatel Alenia Space constructs satellites for both civil and
military use, particularly for communications satellite
operators, the armed forces and institutional European bodies
such as the European Space Agency, the Centre National
dEtudes Spatiales, Frances national space agency,
and the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Italys national space
agency. Finmeccanica would retain its 33% stake in the joint
venture. |
|
|
|
Alcatels 33% interest in the capital of Telespazio
Holdings, a joint venture between Alcatel and Finmeccanica.
Telespazio provides services related to satellite activities.
Finmeccanica would retain its 67% interest in Telespazio. |
|
|
|
Alcatels Transport Solutions division, which provides
control and signaling system products and services for trains
and subways worldwide. |
|
|
|
Alcatels operations relating to non-telecommunications
related integrated services activities for security systems, a
part of Alcatels Systems Integration division. |
In Alcatels fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the
revenues generated by the assets to be contributed to Thales in
the Thales transaction were approximately
1.9 billion
in the aggregate.
In exchange for Alcatels contribution of the assets listed
above, Alcatel would receive:
|
|
|
|
|
approximately 26.7 million newly issued Thales ordinary
shares; |
|
|
|
approximately
673 million
in cash, subject to adjustment; and |
|
|
|
the potential for an earn-out payment in 2009 based on a
valuation of the contributed equity of Alcatel Alenia Space. |
The Thales transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
negotiation of definitive documentation; |
|
|
|
the approval of Finmeccanica, which has the right to approve any
disposition of Alcatels equity interests in Alcatel Alenia
Space or Telespazio pursuant to the shareholders agreements
governing these joint ventures; |
|
|
|
receipt of a notice of conformity from the French Holdings and
Transfers Committee (Commission des Participations et des
Transferts); |
35
|
|
|
|
|
publication of the ministerial decree as described in Article 3
of French Law 86-912 on the Modalities of Privatization; |
|
|
|
confirmation by the AMF of the absence of an obligation to make
a public offering of the securities of Thales; |
|
|
|
completion of information/consultation procedures with the
Thales employee representative bodies; |
|
|
|
completion of the contributions of Alcatel and the correlated
approval of the capital increase in Thales by the shareholders
of Thales; |
|
|
|
receipt of a visa from the AMF; and |
|
|
|
receipt of the approval of the European Commission and other
competition authorities. |
In connection with the Thales transaction, Alcatel will enter
into a cooperation agreement with Thales and the French state
governing the relationship between Alcatel and Thales after
completion of the Thales transaction. The cooperation agreement
will require that Thales give preference to the equipment
developed by Alcatel, in consideration of an agreement by
Alcatel not to submit offers to military clients in certain
countries, subject to certain exceptions protecting, in
particular, the continuation of Lucents current business
with the U.S. defense agencies. The agreement also will include
non-compete commitments by Alcatel with respect to the Alcatel
businesses being contributed to Thales, and by Thales with
respect to the other businesses of Alcatel, in each case,
subject to limited exceptions. The cooperation agreement will
also provide that Alcatel and Thales cooperate in certain
matters relating to research and development.
In connection with the Thales transaction, Alcatel expects to
enter into an amended shareholders agreement with Groupe
Industriel Marcel Dassault S.A., which is referred to
individually as Dassault and jointly with Alcatel as the
Industrial Partners, and TSA, a French company wholly owned by
the French state, which will govern the relationship of the
shareholders in Thales and providing as set forth below. Alcatel
and Dassault are currently negotiating the terms of an agreement
between Alcatel and Dassault with respect to their collective
shareholding in Thales as the Industrial Partners.
Board of Directors of Thales. The Thales board of
directors will be comprised of 16 persons, and will include
(i) five directors appointed by the French state,
represented by TSA; (ii) four directors appointed by the
Industrial Partners, each of whom will be a citizen of the
European Union, unless otherwise agreed by the French state;
(iii) two Thales employee representatives; (iv) one
representative of the employee shareholders of Thales; and
(v) four independent directors. The Industrial Partners and
the French state will consult with each other on the appointment
of independent directors. At least one director appointed by the
French state and one director appointed by the Industrial
Partners will sit on each of the board committees.
The Industrial Partners and the French state shall each have the
right to replace members of the Thales board of directors, such
that the number of directors appointed by each of the French
state and the Industrial Partners is equal to the higher of:
|
|
|
|
|
the total number of directors (excluding employee
representatives and independent directors), multiplied by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the percentage of shares
held by the French state or the Industrial Partners, as the case
may be, and the denominator of which is the total shares held by
the Industrial Partners and the French state; and |
|
|
|
the number of employee representatives and representatives of
employee shareholders on the Thales board of directors. |
36
Joint Decision-Making. The following decisions of the
Thales board of directors will require the approval of a
majority of the directors appointed by the Industrial Partners.
|
|
|
|
|
the election and dismissal of the chairman/chief executive
officer of Thales (or of the chairman and of the chief executive
officer, if the functions are split) and the splitting of the
functions of the chairman/chief executive officer; |
|
|
|
the adoption of the annual budget and strategic plan of Thales; |
|
|
|
any decision threatening the cooperation between the Industrial
Partners and Thales; and |
|
|
|
significant acquisitions and sales of shares or assets (with any
transaction representing
150 million
in revenues or commitments deemed significant). |
If the French state and the Industrial Partners disagree on
(i) major strategic decisions deemed by the French state to
negatively affect its strategic interests, or (ii) the
nomination of a chairman/chief executive officer in which the
Industrial Partners exercised their veto power, the French state
and the Industrial Partners shall consult in an effort to
resolve the disagreement. If the parties cannot reach a joint
agreement within 12 months (reduced to three months in
the case of a veto exercised on the nomination of the
chairman/chief executive officer), either the French state or
the Industrial Partners may unilaterally terminate the
shareholders agreement.
Shareholding in Thales. Alcatel will lose its rights
under the shareholders agreement unless it holds at least 15% of
the capital and voting rights of Thales. The shareholders
agreement will provide that the participation of the French
state in Thales will not exceed 49.9% of the share capital and
voting rights of Thales, including the French states
golden share in Thales.
Duration of Shareholders Agreement. The amended
shareholders agreement will take effect on the date on which the
Thales transaction is approved by the Thales shareholders, and
it is expected that it will remain in force until
December 31, 2011. The agreement is also expected to
provide that, unless one of the parties makes a non-renewal
request at least six months before the expiration date, the
agreement shall be automatically renewed for a period of
five years. If the equity ownership of either Alcatel,
Dassault or the French state drops below 15% of the then
outstanding share capital of Thales, the following provisions
will apply:
|
|
|
|
|
The party whose ownership decreases below 15% of Thales
share capital will no longer have rights under the shareholders
agreement for a period of one year following the date such
shareholding falls below 15%, unless the party acquires Thales
shares so that it again owns in excess of 15% of the Thales
share capital. If a partys ownership decreases below 15%,
the party will take the necessary actions to cause the
resignation of the board members it has appointed so that their
number reflects the proportion of Thales share capital and
voting rights that such party maintains. |
|
|
|
The party whose shareholding has not decreased below the 15%
threshold will have a right of first refusal to acquire any
shares the other party offers for sale to a third party in
excess of 1% of the then outstanding share capital of Thales. |
Breach of Alcatels Obligations. In the case of a
material breach by Alcatel of its obligations under the
agreement relating to the strategic interests of the French
state (described below), which is defined as a breach that the
French state determines may jeopardize substantially the
protection of its strategic interests, the French state will
have the power to enjoin Alcatel to cure the breach immediately.
If Alcatel does not promptly cure the breach, or if the French
state determines that foreign rules of extra territorial
application that are applicable to Alcatel impose constraints on
Thales likely to substantially jeopardize the strategic
interests of the French state, the French state will be entitled
to exercise its termination remedies as described below.
If any natural persons or entitys equity ownership
of Alcatel increases above the 20%,
331/3
%, 40%, or 50% thresholds, in capital or voting rights,
Alcatel and the French state will consult as to the consequences
of this event and the appropriateness of the shareholders
agreement to the new situation. If, after a period of six months
following the crossing of the threshold, the French state
determines that the share ownership of Alcatel is no longer
compatible with its strategic interests and that the situation
cannot be remedied through
37
an amendment to the shareholders agreement, the French state
will be entitled to exercise its termination remedies as
described below.
Termination Remedies. Upon a breach of Alcatels
obligations described above or if a third party acquires
significant ownership in Alcatel as described above and an
amendment to the shareholders agreement will not remedy the
concerns of the French state, the French state may:
|
|
|
|
|
terminate the shareholders agreement immediately; |
|
|
|
if the French state deems necessary, require Alcatel to
immediately suspend the exercise of its voting rights that
exceed 10% of the total voting rights in Thales; or |
|
|
|
if the French state deems necessary, require Alcatel to reduce
its shareholding in Thales below 10% of the total share capital
of Thales by selling its shares of Thales in the marketplace.
If, after a period of six months, Alcatel has not reduced its
shareholding, the French state may force Alcatel to sell all of
its Thales shares to the French state or a third party of the
French states choice, at a price equal to the average
closing price of Thales ordinary shares for the period of
60 days preceding the French states notice to Thales
of its intention to exercise this right. |
|
|
|
Agreement Respecting the Strategic Interests of the French
State |
In connection with the Thales transaction, it is contemplated
that Alcatel will enter into a revised agreement with the French
state in order to strengthen the protection of the strategic
interests of the French state in Thales. The proposed terms of
this agreement will include, either as an amendment to, or as a
separate agreement supplementing, the shareholders agreement,
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel will maintain its executive offices in France; |
|
|
|
Thales board members appointed by the Industrial Partners must
be citizens of the European Union, unless otherwise agreed by
the French state, and an Alcatel executive or board member who
is a French citizen will be the principal liaison between
Alcatel and Thales; |
|
|
|
access to classified or sensitive information with respect to
Thales will be limited to Alcatel executives who are citizens of
the European Union, and Alcatel will be required to maintain
procedures (including the maintenance of a list of all
individuals having access to such information) to ensure
appropriate limitations to such access; |
|
|
|
normal business and financial information with respect to Thales
will be available to executives and directors of Alcatel
(regardless of nationality); |
|
|
|
the French state will continue to hold a golden share in Thales,
giving it veto rights over certain transactions that might
otherwise be approved by the Thales board of directors,
including permitting a third party to own more than a specified
percentage of the shares of certain subsidiaries or affiliates
holding certain sensitive assets of Thales, and preventing
Thales from disposing of certain sensitive assets; and |
|
|
|
the French state will have the ability to restrict access to the
research and development operations of Thales, and to other
sensitive information. |
Alcatel and Lucent have agreed that, prior to Alcatel or any of
its affiliates entering into any binding agreement regarding the
Thales transaction, Alcatel will have received the prior written
consent of Lucent to the Thales transaction.
Alcatel Second Quarter Announcement
On July 27, 2006, Alcatel issued a press release reporting
its financial highlights for the second quarter of fiscal year
2006, a copy of which was furnished to the SEC on
Form 6-K on
July 28, 2006.
38
LUCENT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Lucent Shareowner Litigation
On April 3, 2006, a putative class action entitled
Resnick v. Lucent Technologies Inc., et al was filed
against Lucent and members of its board of directors in the
Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Union County. The
named plaintiffs propose to represent a class of Lucents
shareowners and claim that, among other things, the proposed
merger with Alcatel is the product of breaches of duty by the
Lucent board of directors in that they allegedly failed to
maximize shareowner value in the transaction. Along with other
relief, the complaint seeks an injunction against the closing of
the proposed merger. Lucent believes the action is without merit
and that Lucent has substantial defenses to the claims.
On May 4, 2006, a putative class action entitled AR
Maley Trust v. Lucent Technologies, et al was filed against
Lucent and members of its board of directors in the U.S.
District Court of the Southern District of New York. The named
plaintiffs propose to represent a class of Lucent shareowners
and claim that, among other things, Lucent and the directors
breached their fiduciary duties by allegedly failing to maximize
shareowner value in the transaction. Along with other relief,
the complaint seeks an injunction against the closing of the
proposed merger. Lucent believes the action is without merit and
that Lucent has substantial defenses to the claims.
Reallocation of U.S. Pension Plan Assets
Globally, based on preliminary estimates for certain asset
classes, the fair market value of Lucents assets held in
pension trusts was approximately $34 billion as of
June 30, 2006. Almost all of these assets are related to
Lucents U.S. pension plans.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the allocation of the
U.S. pension plan assets was changed as part of a routine
periodic review. The overall pension plan asset portfolio now
reflects a balance of investments allocated approximately
equally between equity and fixed-income securities, compared to
the previous allocation of approximately 75% percent of
assets in equity securities and approximately 25% of assets in
fixed-income securities. Lucent believes that this action was
prudent, given the demographics and funded status of the plans,
and Lucents future obligations with respect to the pension
plans.
The shift in asset allocation from equity securities to
fixed-income securities related to Lucents occupational
pension plan whose beneficiaries are primarily formerly
represented retirees. Assets in this pension plan are currently
in excess of liabilities, and the plan fiduciaries, acting in
accordance with advice from an independent external asset
allocation advisor, determined that a higher allocation to
fixed-income securities would be in the best interests of the
plan participants.
Lucent Third Quarter Announcement
On July 26, 2006, Lucent issued a press release reporting
its results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, a copy of
which was filed with the SEC on
Form 8-K on
July 27, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.
39
THE LUCENT SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Time, Place and Purpose of the Lucent Special
Meeting
The special meeting of Lucent shareowners will be held on
September 7, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, at the
DuPont Theatre located at 10th and Market Streets, Wilmington,
Delaware 19801. The purpose of the Lucent special meeting
is:
|
|
|
|
|
to consider and vote on the proposal to approve and adopt the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement; and |
|
|
|
to transact any other business as may properly come before the
Lucent special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the
Lucent special meeting. |
The Lucent board of directors unanimously recommends that you
vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement. For the reasons for this recommendation, see
The Merger Recommendation of the Lucent Board
of Directors and Its Reasons for the Merger.
Who Can Vote at the Lucent Special Meeting
Only holders of record of Lucent common stock at the close of
business on July 17, 2006, the record date, are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Lucent special meeting. As of
that date, there were 4,482,132,632 shares of Lucent common
stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Lucent special
meeting, held by approximately 3.3 million shareowners of
record. Each share of Lucent common stock is entitled to one
vote at the Lucent special meeting. Shares that are held in
Lucents treasury are not entitled to vote at the Lucent
special meeting.
Lucent shareowners will be admitted to the Lucent special
meeting beginning at 10 a.m., Eastern time, on September 7,
2006. The location is accessible to handicapped persons and,
upon request, we will provide wireless headsets for hearing
amplification. A map and directions to the Lucent special
meeting are on the admission ticket.
You will need your admission ticket as well as a form of
personal identification to enter the Lucent special meeting. If
you are a Lucent shareowner of record, you will find an
admission ticket in the proxy materials that were sent to you.
This admission ticket that will admit you, as the named
shareowner(s), to the Lucent special meeting. If you plan to
attend the Lucent special meeting, please retain the admission
ticket. If you arrive at the Lucent special meeting without an
admission ticket, Lucent will admit you if it is able to verify
that you are a Lucent shareowner. Please note that seating is on
a first-come-first-served basis.
If your shares of Lucent common stock are held in the name of a
bank, broker or other nominee and you plan to attend the Lucent
special meeting, you can obtain an admission ticket in advance
by sending a written request, along with proof of ownership,
such as a recent bank or brokerage account statement, to
Lucents transfer agent, The Bank of New York, Church
Street Station, P.O. Box 11009, New York,
New York 10286.
You may listen to a live audio webcast of the Lucent special
meeting through the link on Lucents website at
www.lucent.com/investor. Information on the audio webcast, other
than this proxy statement/prospectus and the form of proxy, is
not part of the proxy solicitation materials.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Lucent common stock entitled to vote at
the special meeting as of the record date, voting as single
class, either in person or by proxy, is necessary for the
approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
40
The holders of a majority of the total number of outstanding
shares of Lucent common stock entitled to vote as of the record
date, represented either in person or by proxy, will constitute
a quorum at the Lucent special meeting.
Adjournments
If no quorum of Lucent shareowners entitled to vote is present
in person or by proxy at the Lucent special meeting, the Lucent
special meeting may be adjourned from time to time until a
quorum is present or represented. In addition, adjournments of
the Lucent special meeting may be made for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies in favor of the proposal. However,
no proxy that is voted against a proposal described in this
proxy statement/ prospectus will be voted in favor of
adjournment of the Lucent special meeting for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies.
Manner of Voting
If you are a Lucent shareowner, you may submit your vote for or
against the proposal submitted at the Lucent special meeting in
person or by proxy. You may vote by proxy in any of the
following ways:
|
|
|
|
|
Internet. You may vote by proxy over the Internet by
going to the website listed on your proxy card. Once at the
website, follow the instructions to vote your proxy. |
|
|
|
Telephone. You may vote by proxy using the toll-free
number listed on your proxy card.
Easy-to-follow voice
prompts will help you and confirm that your voting instructions
have been followed. |
|
|
|
Mail. You may vote by proxy by signing, dating and
returning your proxy card in the pre-addressed postage-paid
envelope provided. |
Please refer to your proxy card or the information forwarded by
your bank, broker or other nominee to see which options are
available to you.
The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to
authenticate shareowners and to allow you to confirm that your
instructions have been properly recorded. The Internet and
telephone voting facilities for eligible shareowners will close
at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on September 6, 2006.
The method by which you vote by proxy will in no way limit your
right to vote at the Lucent special meeting if you later decide
to attend the meeting in person. If your shares of Lucent common
stock are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee,
you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder
of record, to be able to vote at our annual meeting.
If you are a participant in the
BuyDIRECTsm
stock purchase plan, shares held in your
BuyDIRECTsm
account may be voted using the proxy card sent to you or, if you
receive electronic delivery, in accordance with instructions you
receive by e-mail. The
plans administrator is the shareowner of record of your
plan shares and will not vote those shares unless you provide it
with instructions, which you may do over the Internet, by
telephone or by mail using the proxy card sent to you.
If you are a participant in the Lucent Savings Plan, the Lucent
Technologies Inc. Long Term Savings and Security Plan, the
Lucent Technologies Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan or a
Lucent long-term incentive plan, you will receive one proxy card
for all shares you own through these plans. If you receive a
proxy card, it will serve as a voting instruction card for the
trustee or administrator of these plans for all accounts that
are registered in the same name. To allow sufficient time for
the respective trustee or administrator to vote your shares, the
trustee or administrator must receive your voting instructions
by August 30, 2006. If the trustee does not receive your
instructions by that date, the trustee will vote the unvoted
plan shares in the same proportion as shares for which
instructions were received under each plan.
If you hold Lucent common stock through any other stock purchase
or savings plan, you will receive voting instructions from that
plans administrator. Please follow and complete those
instructions promptly to assure that your shares are represented
at the meeting.
41
All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly
completed proxies received prior to the Lucent special meeting,
and not revoked, will be voted at the Lucent special meeting as
instructed on the proxies. If you do not indicate how your
shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by
your properly completed proxy will be voted as the Lucent board
of directors recommends and therefore FOR the adoption and
approval of the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement.
Revoking a Proxy
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by
timely delivering a properly executed, later-dated proxy
(including over the Internet or telephone) or by voting by
ballot at the Lucent special meeting. Simply attending the
Lucent special meeting without voting will not revoke your proxy.
Shares Held in Street Name
If your shares of Lucent common stock are held in an account at
a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote, you must
return your instructions to the broker, bank or other nominee.
If you own shares of Lucent common stock through a broker, bank
or other nominee and attend the Lucent special meeting, you
should bring a letter from your broker, bank or other nominee
identifying you as the beneficial owner of such shares of Lucent
common stock and authorizing you to vote.
Tabulation of the Votes
Lucent has appointed IVS Associates, Inc. to serve as the
Inspector of Election for the Lucent special meeting. IVS
Associates, Inc. will independently tabulate affirmative and
negative votes and abstentions.
Dissenters Rights of Appraisal
Holders of Lucent common stock will not have any appraisal
rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law or under
Lucents certificate of incorporation in connection with
the merger, and neither Lucent nor Alcatel will independently
provide holders of Lucent common stock with any such rights.
Solicitation
Lucent will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. Directors,
officers and employees of Lucent may solicit proxies on behalf
of Lucent in person or by telephone, facsimile or other means.
Lucent has engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc. and Morrow &
Co., Inc. to assist it in the distribution and solicitation of
proxies. Lucent has agreed to pay MacKenzie Partners a fee of
$75,000 plus expenses for its services and has agreed to pay
Morrow & Co. a fee of $75,000 plus expenses for its
services.
In accordance with the regulations of the SEC and the NYSE,
Lucent also will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for their expenses incurred in sending
proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of Lucent
common stock.
42
THE MERGER
The following is a description of the material aspects of the
merger. While Alcatel and Lucent believe that the following
description covers the material terms of the merger, the
description may not contain all of the information that is
important to you. Alcatel and Lucent encourage you to carefully
read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the
merger agreement attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as
Annex A, for a more complete understanding of the
merger.
General
Each of the Alcatel and Lucent board of directors has
unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement. At the effective time of
the merger, Lucent will be merged with Merger Sub and Lucent
will survive as the surviving entity and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Alcatel. The combined company will be renamed
Alcatel Lucent, with effect upon completion of the
merger. Lucent shareowners will receive the merger consideration
upon the terms set forth in the merger agreement and further
described below under The Merger Agreement
Merger Consideration.
Background of the Merger
The boards of directors of Alcatel and Lucent continually review
their respective companies results of operations and
competitive positions in the industries in which they operate,
as well as their strategic alternatives. In connection with
these reviews, each of Alcatel and Lucent from time to time has
evaluated potential transactions that would further its
strategic objectives.
As part of this continuous review, in the spring of 2001,
Alcatel and Lucent held discussions regarding a possible
transaction between the two companies. The parties exchanged
confidential information under a confidentiality agreement, and
conducted discussions regarding potential terms of such a
transaction. In late May 2001, the parties determined that they
could not at that time reach a mutual agreement regarding the
terms of such a transaction and, therefore, decided to cease
discussions regarding such a transaction. On May 29, 2001,
Alcatel and Lucent issued a public statement confirming that
they had been in discussions concerning a possible merger of the
two companies, but that the discussions did not result in any
agreement and were terminated.
From 2002 to 2005, senior management of Alcatel and Lucent from
time to time discussed the future of the telecommunications
industry, including the merits of a possible future combination
of Alcatel and Lucent.
In late fall 2005, senior management of Alcatel and Lucent again
contacted each other to discuss issues confronting the
telecommunications industry as well as a possible future
combination of their two companies.
On January 11, 2006, Mr. Serge Tchuruk, Alcatels
chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer,
and Ms. Patricia Russo, Lucents chairman of the board
of directors and chief executive officer, re-engaged in
discussions regarding a possible transaction, agreeing that the
possibility of a transaction between Alcatel and Lucent merited
further detailed analysis and consideration. A second meeting
between Alcatel and Lucent senior management occurred on
January 26, 2006, when Mr. Tchuruk, Mr. Michael
Quigley, president and chief operating officer of Alcatel,
Mr. Marc Rouanne, chief operating officer of Alcatels
Mobile Communications Group and Jean-Pascal Beaufret, chief
financial officer of Alcatel, met with Ms. Russo, Mr. Frank
DAmelio, chief operating officer of Lucent, and Janet
Davidson, Lucents chief strategy officer and held a
similar discussion concerning the future of the
telecommunications industry and a possible combination of the
two companies. On February 1, 2006, Mr. Tchuruk and
other members of Alcatel senior management met with the
Strategic Committee of the Alcatel board of directors. At that
meeting, the Strategic Committee, joined by several other
Alcatel directors, discussed the possibility of a transaction
between Alcatel and Lucent, as well as other strategic
alternatives.
On February 9, 2006, Lucent and Alcatel entered into a
confidentiality agreement to facilitate exchanges of due
diligence materials between the managements of both companies.
Over the course of February 2006 and early March 2006,
Mr. Tchuruk and Ms. Russo had periodic discussions
regarding possible transaction structures, the exchange ratio
and the key social and governance issues presented by the
merger. In this
43
regard, Alcatel consulted with its financial advisor, Goldman
Sachs, and its legal advisor, Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP, which is referred to as Skadden,
and Lucent consulted with its financial advisors, JPMorgan and
Morgan Stanley, and its legal advisor, Wachtell, Lipton,
Rosen & Katz, which is referred to as Wachtell Lipton.
On February 15, 2006, the Lucent board of directors
received an update on the status of contacts between Alcatel and
Lucent. At the meeting, Lucents management provided its
preliminary views on the possible benefits of the proposed
transaction to Lucent. Thereafter, the Lucent board of directors
authorized Lucents management to engage in further
discussions with Alcatel.
At a meeting of the Alcatel board of directors on March 8,
2006, Mr. Tchuruk briefed the Alcatel board members on his
discussions with Ms. Russo regarding the proposed business
combination of Alcatel and Lucent. Alcatels board of
directors discussed the proposed combination, including
Lucents business operations, the strategic rationale of
the proposed transaction and the expected synergies. Following
these discussions, the Alcatel board of directors authorized
Mr. Tchuruk to continue discussions with Lucent on possible
transaction structures, the exchange ratio and the key social
and governance issues presented by the merger.
On March 10, 2006, the Lucent board of directors met by
telephone and received an update on the status of Lucents
discussions with Alcatel. At the meeting, Lucents
management, with the assistance of Wachtell Lipton, reviewed the
key aspects of the principal terms of the proposed transaction
that were being discussed with Alcatel and offered its guidance
with respect to such terms. Thereafter, the Lucent board of
directors authorized Lucents management to engage in
further discussions with Alcatel consistent with such terms.
Discussions continued on a regular basis during the first two
weeks of March between Ms. Russo and Mr. Tchuruk. On
March 16, 2006, Ms. Russo and Mr. Tchuruk agreed on a
set of non-binding principles that would provide the basis on
which the parties would continue to discuss a possible
combination of the two companies. Specifically, these
non-binding principles included the following:
|
|
|
|
|
a transaction structured as a merger of equals, with Lucent
shareowners receiving
U.S.-listed American
Depositary Shares of Alcatel in exchange for their shares of
Lucent common stock; |
|
|
|
an exchange ratio reflecting that the merger would be an
at market transaction; |
|
|
|
Lucent would merge with a subsidiary of Alcatel, resulting in
Lucent surviving as a U.S. subsidiary of a parent company
organized in France; |
|
|
|
the executive offices of the combined company would be located
in Paris, France, and the global research and development
headquarters and North American operating headquarters would be
located in New Jersey; |
|
|
|
the combined company would be renamed prior to closing of the
transaction, and the name would not consist solely of
Lucent or Alcatel; |
|
|
|
Mr. Tchuruk would be non-executive chairman of the board of
directors of the combined company, and Ms. Russo would be
the chief executive officer of the combined company; |
|
|
|
the board of directors of the combined company would be
comprised of 14 directors, including: (i) six
directors designated by Alcatel (including Mr. Tchuruk),
(ii) six directors designated by Lucent (including
Ms. Russo) and (iii) two persons (one French and one
European) who would qualify as independent directors and who
would be mutually agreed upon by Alcatel and Lucent; |
|
|
|
no director of the combined company would have a tie-breaking
vote; |
|
|
|
the board of directors of the combined company would have four
committees with equal representation from each of the Alcatel
and Lucent board designees, and committee chairmen would be
evenly split between Alcatel and Lucent; |
44
|
|
|
|
|
for a three-year period following the completion of the merger,
at least a
662/3
% vote of the entire board of directors of the combined
company would be required to remove the chairman or the chief
executive officer of the combined company and to decide on any
replacement; |
|
|
|
for a one-year period following the close of the merger, at
least a
662/3
% vote of the board of directors of the combined company
and the nominating committee would be required to fill any
vacancy on the board of directors; |
|
|
|
to the extent practicable, board meetings would be split evenly
between France and the United States; |
|
|
|
when the roles of non-executive chairman and chief executive
officer are held by separate persons, the age limit applicable
to the non-executive chairman would be that applied to all of
the directors; |
|
|
|
the parties would identify key members of the management team of
the combined company prior to signing a definitive
agreement; and |
|
|
|
the parties would discuss necessary and appropriate retention
arrangements and force reductions. |
On March 14, 2006, Alcatel, through its legal advisor
Skadden, delivered a draft merger agreement to Lucent, through
its legal advisor Wachtell Lipton, for review and negotiation.
From March 14, 2006 through April 2, 2006,
representatives of Lucent and Wachtell Lipton reviewed and
revised the draft merger agreement.
At a telephonic meeting of the Lucent board of directors on
March 18, 2006, Lucents management briefed the Lucent
board of directors on the status of discussions with Alcatel. At
the meeting, Lucents management discussed with the board
of directors, among other things, the agreed upon non-binding
principles discussed above. Thereafter, the Lucent board of
directors authorized Lucent management to engage in further
discussions with Alcatel consistent with such non-binding
principles.
In mid-March, 2006, Alcatel informed Lucent that it was also
exploring engaging in a potential transaction with Thales Group,
pursuant to which Alcatel would contribute assets to Thales in
exchange for additional shares of Thales capital stock. Alcatel
explained to Lucent that the terms of the transaction had not
yet been agreed and were the subject of ongoing negotiations
between Thales and Alcatel, but that Alcatel expected that the
transaction would be publicly announced and that a definitive
agreement would be executed with respect to that transaction
after the execution and announcement of an agreement between
Alcatel and Lucent. Alcatel agreed that it would keep Lucent
reasonably apprised of material developments in its discussion
with Thales.
Concurrently with the review and discussions regarding the draft
merger agreement, representatives of Alcatel, Lucent, Skadden,
Wachtell Lipton and Darrois Villey Maillot & Brochier,
Lucents special French counsel, conducted due diligence
investigations with respect to Lucents and Alcatels
business, legal, regulatory, tax and other matters. On
March 20, 21 and 22, 2006, members of Alcatels
and Lucents respective senior management and their
respective legal and financial advisors attended meetings in
New York City to conduct due diligence and to discuss the
major terms of the transaction, including workforce reductions
and synergy opportunities.
During late afternoon on March 23, 2006, Lucent was
contacted by the press to confirm rumors that merger discussions
were taking place between Alcatel and Lucent, which Lucent and
Alcatel learned would be reported in the press later that day.
In response, later that evening, Alcatel and Lucent issued a
joint press release stating:
|
|
|
|
We can confirm that Lucent (NYSE: LU) and Alcatel (NYSE: ALA)
are engaged in discussions about a potential merger of equals
that is intended to be priced at market. There can be no
assurances that any agreement will be reached or that a
transaction will be consummated. We will have no further comment
until an agreement is reached or the discussions are terminated. |
|
Following the announcement, Alcatel and Lucent determined the
formula for the proposed exchange ratio, which was to be
calculated to reflect an at market transaction based
on the average prices of Alcatel
45
ADSs and Lucent common stock over a period ending on
March 23, 2006. Alcatel and Lucent also had extensive
discussions during this time with respect to contractual issues,
including either partys ability to have discussions with
potential third-party acquirers, the size of termination fees,
the nature and extent of representations and warranties to be
given by each company, the extent of each companys
obligation to obtain regulatory approval for the transaction,
the definition of material adverse effect and the
conditions to closing.
On March 27, 2006, the Lucent board of directors met by
telephone to consider the proposed transaction. At the meeting,
Lucents management reviewed the terms, strategic rationale
and financial implications of the transaction. Management then
reviewed Alcatels business operations and presented
preliminary results of its business, accounting, legal and tax
due diligence of Alcatel. Management also presented for the
boards consideration potential alternatives to a merger
with Alcatel, including Lucent remaining an independent company
or pursuing strategic acquisitions. Following extended
discussion and review of the proposed transaction and
Lucents strategic alternatives, the Lucent board
authorized further discussions with Alcatel.
The Alcatel board of directors met on March 30, 2006 to
consider and discuss the proposed transaction with Lucent. At
the meeting, Alcatels management presented the preliminary
results of its business and financial due diligence on Lucent,
including a review of Lucents human resources and
compensation policies, and described the expected financial
implications of the merger. Representatives from Goldman Sachs,
Alcatels financial advisor, provided certain financial
analyses with respect to the transaction. Representatives of
Skadden reviewed the terms of the proposed merger agreement,
including the governance terms, covenants, conditions to
completion of the merger and termination provisions. Following
extended discussion and review with its legal and financial
advisors, the Alcatel board authorized further discussions with
Lucent for the purpose of determining whether an agreement could
be reached on acceptable terms.
On March 30, 2006, the Lucent board of directors met again
to consider the proposed transaction. At the meeting,
Lucents management updated the board on its discussions
with Alcatel and reviewed the strategic rational of the
transaction. Lucents legal counsel, Wachtell Lipton,
described the terms of the merger agreement and governance
arrangements proposed to be entered into in connection with the
merger. Representatives from JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley,
Lucents financial advisors, provided a financial analysis
of the transaction, including a discussion of alternatives to
the transaction, the value and liquidity of the securities
proposed to be offered by Alcatel, and the strategic benefits of
the proposed transaction. Following extended discussion and
review of the proposed transaction the Lucent board of directors
authorized further discussions with Alcatel for the purpose of
determining whether an agreement could be reached on acceptable
terms.
The Lucent board of directors had a telephonic meeting on
April 1, 2006, and received an update on the discussions.
The Lucent board of directors was informed that there had been
progress on the contractual discussions. In addition, at the
meeting, each of JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, Lucents
financial advisors, rendered its oral opinion, subsequently
confirmed in writing, that, as of April 1, 2006 and based
upon and subject to the various considerations set forth in each
opinion, in the case of JPMorgans opinion, the exchange
ratio in the proposed merger was fair from a financial point of
view to the holders of shares of Lucent common stock and, in the
case of Morgan Stanleys opinion, the exchange ratio
pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point
of view to the holders of Lucent common stock (other than
Alcatel or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates). A description
of these opinions appears under The Merger
Opinion of JPMorgan, Financial Advisor to Lucent and
The Merger Opinion of Morgan Stanley,
Financial Advisor to Lucent, respectively. The Lucent
board of directors authorized Lucent management to continue its
discussions with Alcatels management.
In the early morning of April 2, 2006, Lucent, Alcatel and
their respective legal advisors finalized a proposed merger
agreement to be executed. Shortly thereafter, a meeting of the
Alcatel board of directors was convened to consider whether to
approve the merger agreement. At the meeting, Mr. Tchuruk
informed the Alcatel board of directors that the merger
agreement had been finalized. Management and the board then
reviewed certain aspects of the proposed transaction, including
the final exchange ratio, the conditions to closing, the status
of discussions with Thales and the need for a retention plan for
certain members of Lucents
46
management. In addition, at the meeting, Goldman Sachs,
Alcatels financial advisor, delivered its written opinion,
that, as of April 2, 2006 and based upon and subject to the
factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the exchange
ratio pursuant to the proposed merger agreement was fair from a
financial point of view to Alcatel. A description of this
opinion appears under The Merger Opinion of
Goldman Sachs, Financial Advisor to Alcatel. The Alcatel
board of directors unanimously adopted and approved the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement.
After completion of the Alcatel board meeting, on the morning of
April 2, 2006, the Lucent board of directors held a
telephonic meeting, to consider whether to approve the merger
agreement. At the meeting, the Lucent directors received an
update on the progress of the merger discussions and reviewed
the current status of the Thales transaction with Lucents
legal and financial advisors. In addition, Ms. Russo
informed the Lucent board of directors that the Alcatel board of
directors had approved the merger, and that the merger agreement
had been finalized. Lucents legal counsel, Wachtell
Lipton, reviewed with the directors the resolutions to approve
the merger. Following deliberations, the Lucent board of
directors resolved unanimously that the merger agreement and the
merger represent a transaction that is advisable for, fair to
and in the best interests of Lucent and the Lucent shareowners
and approved and adopted the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and further
resolved unanimously to recommend that the Lucent shareowners
vote in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Promptly
after the meetings of the boards of directors of Alcatel and
Lucent, the management of Alcatel and Lucent executed the merger
agreement and issued a joint press release announcing the
transaction.
Subsequent to the announcement of the execution of the merger
agreement, Alcatel continued to hold discussions with Thales
about a possible transaction with Thales. On April 5, 2006,
Alcatel announced that the Thales board of directors approved of
a transaction with Alcatel. The transaction would be subject to
the approval of the Alcatel board of directors within the
framework of its proposed merger with Lucent, as well as the
approval of its partner in satellite activities, Finmeccanica,
as well as regulatory approvals.
On April 26, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors met and
approved the Thales transaction, subject to final documentation.
On May 2, 2006, the Lucent board of directors received an
update from Lucents management and its legal and financial
advisors on the progress of the merger as well as the current
status of the proposed Thales transaction.
On May 5, 2006, Alcatel and Lucent announced the formation
of the team that will lead both companies integration and
transition planning efforts and that Serge Tchuruk,
Alcatels chairman and chief executive officer, and
Patricia Russo, Lucents chairman and chief executive
officer, would be co-chairing the team in charge of the overall
integration process.
On June 7, 2006, the Antitrust Division of the U.S.
Department of justice granted early termination of the HSR
waiting period.
On June 15, 2006, the Lucent board of directors received an
update from Lucents management and its legal advisors on
the progress of the merger as well as the current status of the
proposed Thales transaction.
On July 7, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors received an
update from Alcatels management on the progress of the
merger as well as the current status of the proposed Thales
transaction.
On July 10, 2006, Alcatel and Lucent made an announcement
concerning the business model and the associated organization of
the combined company expected to be implemented upon completion
of the merger. In particular, it was announced that the business
of the combined company would be divided into three sectors: a
carrier business group, headed by Etienne Fouques, consisting of
wireless, wireline and convergence groups headed respectively by
Mary Chan, Michel Rahier and Marc Rouanne; an enterprise
business group headed by Hubert de Pesquidoux; and a service
business group headed by John Meyer. It was further announced
that the combined company would have a decentralized regional
structure, anticipated to include the following four geographic
regions: Europe/ North, to include the United Kingdom, all
scandina-
47
vian countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany,
Russia and all eastern European countries, headed by Vince
Molinaro; Europe/ South, to include France, Italy, Spain, other
southern European countries, Africa, the Middle East, India, and
Latin America, headed by Olivier Picard; North America,
including the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, headed by
Cindy Christy; and Asia-Pacific, including China, northeast
Asia, southeast Asia and Australia, headed by Frédéric
Rose. Lastly, it was announced that the combined company would
have a management committee headed by Patricia Russo, chief
executive officer, and including Etienne Fouques, senior
executive vice president of the carrier group, Frank
DAmelio, senior executive vice president integration and
chief administrative officer, Jean-Pascal Beaufret, chief
financial officer, Claire Pedini, senior vice president, human
resources and communication and Mike Quigley, president,
science, technology and strategy.
On July 12, 2006, Alcatel and Lucent agreed on, and Alcatel
published, the resolutions which Alcatel will submit to its
shareholders meeting in connection with the merger.
On July 24, 2006, the European Commission declared the
merger compatible with the Common Market.
On July 24, 2006, the Lucent board of directors received an
update from Lucents management and its legal advisors on
the progress of the merger as well as the current status of the
proposed Thales transaction.
On July 26, 2006, Alcatel and Lucent announced agreement on
several management positions for the combined company, including
that Jeong Kim would remain as president of Bell Labs; Olivier
Baujard would become chief technology officer; Helle
Kristoffersen would become the vice president of corporate
strategy; John Giere would become chief marketing officer; and
Elizabeth Hackenson would be head of information technology.
On July 26, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors received an
update from Alcatels management on the progress of the
merger.
On July 27, 2006, Alcatel and Lucent agreed that the
combined companys articles of association and bylaws
(statuts) would provide for the appointment by the
combined companys shareholders of two employee
representatives as board observers (censeurs). The
censeurs will be appointed for two-year terms and will
participate in meetings of the board of directors in a
non-voting, consultative capacity.
On July 27, 2006, Alcatel approved the agenda for the
Alcatel shareholders meeting to be held on September 7,
2006, and Alcatel and Lucent agreed on revised resolutions which
will be submitted to the shareholders meeting for
approval. The resolutions nominated two employee representatives
agreed upon by Alcatel and Lucent to serve as censeurs
and twelve persons to serve as directors. In accordance with
the merger agreement, six of the director nominees were
designated by Alcatel from Alcatels board of directors and
six nominees were designated by Lucent from Lucents board
of directors. The Alcatel designees included Daniel Bernard,
W. Frank Blount, Jozef Cornu, Jean-Pierre Halbron, Daniel
Lebègue and Serge Tchuruk and the Lucent designees included
Linnet Deily, Robert Denham, Edward Hagenlocker, Karl Krapek,
Patricia Russo and Henry Schacht.
On August 2, 2006, Alcatel issued revised resolutions for
its September 7, 2006, shareholders meeting.
On August 4, 2006, Alcatel requested the
approval (visa) of the AMF for the French prospectus
(comprised of a note dopération and
Alcatels document de référence for
2005) relating to the admission to trading on Euronext Paris of
the new Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued in connection with
the merger.
Alcatels Reasons for the Merger
In reaching its conclusion to approve the merger and the merger
agreement and recommend that Alcatel shareholders vote FOR
approval of the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares in
connection with the merger, the issuance of Alcatel ordinary
shares for delivery upon exercise of Lucent stock options,
warrants, convertible debt and equity-based awards, the adoption
of new Alcatel bylaws and the election of the new members of
48
Alcatels board of directors, all as required pursuant to
the merger agreement, the Alcatel board of directors considered
a number of factors, including the following:
The Alcatel board of directors considered a number of factors
pertaining to the strategic rationale for the merger as
generally supporting its decision to enter into the merger
agreement, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
the merger will create a leader in the fast-growing
communications networks, applications and services industry,
with leading positions in third-generation wireless, broadband
access, optical networks, and applications; |
|
|
|
the increased scope and global scale of the combined company,
including the fact that the combined company will employ one of
the largest and most extensively deployed services and support
organizations in the communications industry, will help the
combined company to keep pace with the rapid changes and
increased competition in the communications industry; |
|
|
|
the merger will create one of the largest research and
development capabilities focused on communications; |
|
|
|
the combined company will have an experienced international
management team, combining the skills of highly regarded
business leaders from each of Lucent and Alcatel; |
|
|
|
the complementary aspects of the products and regions of Alcatel
and Lucent will give the combined company greater geographical
revenue balance and a strong position for expansion into
emerging regions; |
|
|
|
the combined company will have a global customer base and strong
relationships with the worlds largest providers of
telecommunications services; and |
|
|
|
Alcatels customers will be better served by the combined
company through an expanded scope of products,
end-to-end solutions
and services. |
The Alcatel board of directors also considered a number of
financial factors pertaining to the merger as generally
supporting its decision to enter into the merger agreement,
including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
the merger is expected to result in annual pre-tax cost savings
and expense synergies of $1.7 billion, achievable within
three years following the completion of the merger, with the
substantial majority of these savings expected to become
available in the first two years following the completion of the
merger; |
|
|
|
the merger is expected to have a positive impact on the combined
companys adjusted earnings per share (meaning earnings per
share adjusted to exclude all merger integration costs, non-cash
expenses for depreciation and amortization of assets resulting
from the allocation of the purchase price, and other
non-recurring items as described under the Unaudited Pro
Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information and related
notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus) in
the first year following the effective time; and |
|
|
|
Lucents leading position in the IP Multimedia Subsystems
standard, combined with Alcatels portfolio of products and
applications, will enhance opportunities for future revenue
growth. |
|
|
|
Other Transaction Considerations |
The Alcatel board of directors also considered a number of
additional factors as generally supporting its decision to enter
into the merger agreement, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
the information concerning Alcatels and Lucents
respective historic businesses and financial results and
prospects, including the results of Alcatels due diligence
investigation of Lucent; |
49
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatels managements assessment that it can, working
with Lucent managers and employees, effectively and efficiently
integrate the Lucent businesses with the similar Alcatel
businesses; |
|
|
|
the fact that the board of directors of the combined company
will include an equal number of designees from the Alcatel board
of directors and designees from the Lucent board of directors,
and that key members of senior management of Alcatel were
expected to play a significant role in the management of the
combined company; |
|
|
|
the fact that the executive offices of the combined company will
be located in France; |
|
|
|
the fact that Alcatels employees will have the opportunity
to work across a larger company and benefit from the better
competitive position of the combined company; |
|
|
|
the opinion of Alcatels financial advisor, Goldman Sachs,
that, as of April 2, 2006 and based upon and subject to the
factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the exchange
ratio was fair from a financial point of view to Alcatel; |
|
|
|
the fact that the exchange ratio is fixed and will not fluctuate
based upon changes in Alcatels stock price between signing
and closing; and |
|
|
|
the terms of the merger agreement that create a strong
commitment on the part of Lucent to complete the merger. |
The Alcatel board of directors also identified and considered a
number of uncertainties, risks and other potentially negative
factors, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
the risks of integrating the operations of two businesses the
size of Lucent and Alcatel, including the risks that integration
costs may be greater, and synergy benefits lower, than
anticipated by Alcatel management; |
|
|
|
the risk that the value of the Alcatel ADSs following completion
of the merger may be adversely affected if the combined company
fails to realize the anticipated cost savings, revenue
enhancements and other benefits expected from the merger, or if
there are delays in the integration process; |
|
|
|
the risk that regulatory agencies may not approve the merger or
may impose terms and conditions on their approvals that
adversely affect the projected financial results of the combined
company; |
|
|
|
the fact that Lucents pension and other post-retirement
benefits liabilities may be larger than currently anticipated; |
|
|
|
the terms of the merger agreement that create a strong
commitment on Alcatel to complete the merger; and |
|
|
|
the risks of the type and nature described above under
Risk Factors. |
The Alcatel board of directors recognized that there can be no
assurance about future results, including results expected or
considered in the factors listed above. The Alcatel board of
directors concluded, however, that the potential advantages of
the merger outweighed its risks.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors
considered by the Alcatel board of directors is not exhaustive,
but includes the material factors considered by it. The Alcatel
board of directors did not quantify or assign relative weights
to the specific factors considered in reaching the determination
to recommend that Alcatel shareholders vote FOR approval of
the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares required to be issued
pursuant to the merger agreement. In addition, individual
directors may have given different weights to different factors.
This explanation of Alcatels reasons for the proposed
merger and all other information presented in this section is
forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in
light of the factors discussed under Cautionary Statement
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
50
After careful consideration, the Alcatel board of directors
unanimously resolved that the merger and the other transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, including the issuance of
Alcatel ordinary shares, are advisable and approved the merger
agreement.
Financial Analysis of the Exchange Ratio by the Alcatel Board
of Directors
Under applicable French law and regulations, the French
prospectus (note dopération) relating to the
Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the
merger must include an assessment of the exchange ratio by the
Alcatel board of directors using a multi-criteria financial
analysis. Since this financial analysis has been made available
in the French prospectus, a translation of the financial
analysis is included in this proxy statement/ prospectus. The
financial analysis was performed solely to comply with French
regulations in connection with the preparation of the French
prospectus relating to the Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued
in connection with the merger.
The following is a translation from the French of the original
disclosure regarding the financial analysis of the exchange
ratio by the Alcatel board of directors as set forth in the
French prospectus relating to the Alcatel ordinary shares to be
issued in connection with the merger. Certain terminology has
been conformed to the defined terms used in this proxy
statement/ prospectus and certain typographical conventions have
been conformed to United States usage.
Preliminary Information
During its negotiations with Lucent, Alcatel was advised by its
financial advisor, Goldman Sachs, and Lucent was advised by its
financial advisors, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan Inc. On
April 2, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors decided to
propose to the Lucent shareowners an exchange ratio of 0.1952x,
i.e. 0.1952 Alcatel ADSs for one Lucent share.
As is customary, the financial analysis was carried out using a
multi-criteria approach, in which the stock market approach
predominated, in view of the liquidity of Alcatel ADSs and
Lucent common stock.
Historical financial aggregates. Unless otherwise
indicated, the historical financial aggregates used to assess
the terms of the proposed exchange ratio were drawn from the
Lucent audited consolidated financial statements (for the fiscal
years ending on September 30, 2005 and on December 31,
2005 (unaudited) prepared in compliance with
U.S. GAAP) and the Alcatel audited consolidated financial
statements (for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2005
prepared in compliance with IFRS principles).
Forecasted financial aggregates. Two types of forecasted
financial aggregates were used: (i) the observed market
consensus (source: IBES) and (ii) the estimates prepared,
both for Alcatel and for Lucent, by the Alcatel management team.
These estimates, with regard to the Lucent aggregates, either
include or exclude the financial earnings/fees relating to
Lucents retirement programs and medical coverage (however,
the fiscal years normal charge for pensions and medical
coverage is taken into account). For Lucent, the financial
earnings/fees relating to its retirement programs and medical
coverage which do not involve its core
business have such an impact on its financial
results that it would appear to be more appropriate to isolate
their incidence.
Alcatel established, as a precautionary measure, forecast data
relating to Lucent for 2006 and beyond. Alcatel did not have
access to forecast data for the period after 2006.
Whether historical or forecast data, the aggregates used were
not subject to any accounting adjustment that could result from
completion of the merger.
51
Elements for the Assessment of the Ratio
|
|
|
Description of the Criteria Used for the Comparison of the
Companies |
Share Price. The Alcatel and Lucent securities, listed in
Paris and New York, are liquid and are followed by many
financial analysts. Alcatel and Lucent regularly disclose
information with regard to their results, prospects and the
evolution of their business. Therefore, Alcatel assumed that
these elements would be reflected in the reports that analysts
publish on Alcatel and Lucent, and it can also be considered
that their share price is a relevant reference.
On March 24, 2006, Alcatel and Lucent were required to
issue a common press release confirming the existence of merger
negotiations. Thus, March 23, 2006 was established as the
last trading day for the assessment of the proposed exchange
ratio.
The exchange ratios observed over different periods, and the
resulting premium or discount levels, are presented in the
following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium Implied by |
Period (Through March 23, 2006) |
|
Implied Ratio |
|
the Proposed Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
Last price
|
|
|
0.1825 |
x |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
1 month
|
|
|
0.2001 |
x |
|
|
(2.4 |
)% |
3 months
|
|
|
0.2001 |
x |
|
|
(2.5 |
)% |
6 months
|
|
|
0.2170 |
x |
|
|
(10.0 |
)% |
12 months
|
|
|
0.2312 |
x |
|
|
(15.6 |
)% |
Highest over 12 months
|
|
|
0.2779 |
x |
|
|
(29.8 |
)% |
Lowest over 12 months
|
|
|
0.1825 |
x |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
|
Source: |
Implied ratio calculated using the averages of the share price
ratios provided by Datastream. |
Therefore, the proposed ratio generates:
|
|
|
|
|
a premium of 6.9% relating to the ratio resulting from the last
share price; |
|
|
|
a discount of 2.4% relating to the average of the last
months ratios; and |
|
|
|
a discount of 15.6% relating to the average of the ratios for
the last 12 months. |
Share Price Objectives. For the same reasons that led
Alcatel to use share price as a relevant reference, Alcatel also
assumed that the share price objectives published by financial
analysts would be relevant.
Fifteen financial analysts provide share price objectives for
Lucent, and twenty-six for Alcatel. The median of the share
price objectives is presented in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium Implied by |
|
|
Lucent |
|
Alcatel |
|
Implied Ratio |
|
the Proposed Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median
|
|
$ |
2.70 |
|
|
|
12.00 |
|
|
|
0.1878 |
x |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
The implied ratio is calculated on the basis of the exchange
rate on March 23, 2006, i.e. 0.8345
/$.
Respective Contributions of the Two Companies to the Combined
Companys Financial Aggregates. This method involves
observing the respective contributions of Alcatel and Lucent to
the combined companys forecasted financial aggregates.
The contributions indicated under sub-sections (A) and (B) below
were compared with the percentage of the shareholders equity of
the combined company going to Alcatel shareholders based on the
proposed exchange ratio. By applying the exchange ratio of
0.1952 to the price of Alcatel ADSs on March 23, 2006 and
52
to the total number of shares (1,383 million for Alcatel,
4,716 million for Lucent, based on fully diluted data),
Alcatel shareholders would account for 60.1% of the
shareholders equity of the combined company.
(A) The respective contributions of both companies to the
combined companys aggregates were first calculated
according to the aggregates determined by the Alcatel management
team, both for Alcatel and for Lucent.
In light of the above, the aggregates used for Lucent exclude
the financial data relating to its retirement programs and
medical coverage, (taking into account, however, the fiscal
years normal charge for pensions and medical coverage).
The results of this analysis are presented below:
Alcatels contribution to the combined companys
aggregates
(projections of Alcatel management, excluding the financial
earnings/fees relating to the retirement programs/medical
coverage)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales | |
|
EBITDA* | |
|
EBIT* | |
|
Net Income* | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2006E
|
|
|
63.9% |
|
|
|
67.8% |
|
|
|
75.4% |
|
|
|
92.3% |
|
2007E
|
|
|
65.3% |
|
|
|
67.3% |
|
|
|
73.4% |
|
|
|
84.3% |
|
2008E
|
|
|
66.4% |
|
|
|
67.6% |
|
|
|
71.4% |
|
|
|
77.7% |
|
2009E
|
|
|
68.0% |
|
|
|
71.1% |
|
|
|
75.0% |
|
|
|
83.5% |
|
* Post-restructuring costs
(B) This contribution analysis was also carried out based
on the median of the market estimates (source: IBES). Unlike the
estimates prepared by the Alcatel management team relating to
the Lucent aggregates, these IBES estimates include the
financial data relating to the Lucent retirement programs and
medical coverage.
The results of this analysis are presented below:
Alcatel contribution to the combined companys
aggregates
(IBES projections)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales | |
|
EBITDA* | |
|
EBIT* | |
|
Net Income* | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2006E
|
|
|
64.0% |
|
|
|
57.2% |
|
|
|
57.4% |
|
|
|
57.7% |
|
2007E
|
|
|
64.3% |
|
|
|
58.2% |
|
|
|
56.5% |
|
|
|
57.4% |
|
2008E
|
|
|
64.0% |
|
|
|
58.8% |
|
|
|
58.7% |
|
|
|
54.9% |
|
* Post-restructuring costs
(C) This analysis was carried out in view of the
contribution of the Alcatel shareholders equity and of the
Alcatel enterprise value to the value of the combined
shareholders equity and the combined company value. The
analysis showed that, based on the closing share price of
March 23, 2006, Alcatel shareholders would represent 61.6%
of the value of the combined shareholders equity and 58.5%
of the combined company value. As part of this analysis, the
Alcatel stock market capitalization was calculated on the basis
of 1,383.8 million Alcatel shares (on a fully diluted
basis) and a share price of
12.85 on
March 23, 2006, whereas Lucents stock market
capitalization was calculated on the basis of
4,716.2 million shares (on a fully diluted basis), and a
share price of US $2.82 on March 23, 2006. The stock
market capitalization and the enterprise value of Lucent were
converted into euros at the
/ USD exchange rate of 0.8345 on March 23, 2006, and
Lucents net debt was calculated to include minority
holdings without adjustments for pension liabilities.
|
|
|
Valuation Methods not Considered |
Comparable Transactions. This method involves comparing
the Enterprise Value/ Revenue, Enterprise Value/ EBITDA,
Enterprise Value/ EBIT or Shareholders Equity/ Net
Earnings ratios, among others, resulting from the proposed
exchange ratio of 0.1952x, with the same ratios resulting from
comparable transactions.
53
The transactions for which public information is available are
either of a size that is not readily comparable with the
proposed merger, or involve companies that are active in a
sector other than that of manufacturers of telecommunications
equipment. Thus, this valuation method was not considered, as
its contributions are less reliable than those resulting from
the other adopted methods.
Discounted Cash Flows. During the negotiation of the
merger, and therefore during the determination of the exchange
ratio, the Alcatel management team did not have access to
forecast information for the period after 2006.
The speed of technological developments in the
telecommunications sector makes the preparation of long-term
forecasts very difficult. The end value included in the
valuation by discounting the cash flows weighs very
significantly in the valuation of Lucent, although the amount of
this end value is very strongly influenced by the adopted
long-term growth hypotheses, by the adopted recurring operating
margin and by the discounting rate that is used.
In light of the above, discounted cash flows was not selected as
a sufficiently reliable method.
|
|
|
Other Studied Financial Analyses |
Potential Synergies Analysis Relating to the Transaction.
The cost synergies that could result from the merger have
been jointly identified and quantified by the Alcatel and Lucent
management teams for the calendar years 2007, 2008 and 2009. The
merger should serve to generate cost synergies estimated at
1.4 billion
over three years. The cash expenditures needed in terms of costs
to bring about these potential synergies are estimated at
1.4 billion.
The value of these synergies was estimated using the discounted
cash flows method. The net discounted value amounts to
approximately
10 billion.
Accretion/Dilution Analysis for Alcatel Shareholders. The
mergers financial consequences on the Alcatel forecasted
net income per share have been analyzed using:
(1) estimates of earnings per share for Alcatel and Lucent
based on the views of Alcatel management using the fully diluted
share capital and (2) estimates of earnings for Alcatel and
Lucent based on IBES estimates. For calendar years 2007, 2008
and 2009, the projected earnings per share of Alcatel common
stock were compared, on a standalone basis, to the projected
earnings per share of the combined company. This analysis
indicated that the proposed merger would be accretive to
Alcatels shareholders on an earnings per share basis for
all three years analyzed, assuming inclusion of revenue
synergies and operating synergies, exclusion of transaction
restructuring costs and exclusion of any transaction accounting
adjustments relating in particular to amortization of
intangibles. The following table summarizes the results of this
analysis:
Accretion/dilution of the net earnings per share before
restructuring fees and taking into account any accounting
adjustment linked to the merger and notably relating to the
potential amortization of goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projections Prepared by Alcatel Management |
|
|
|
|
(Excluding the Impact of the Financial |
|
|
|
|
Earnings/Fees Relating to the Retirement |
|
|
|
|
Programs/Medical Coverage, and on a fully |
|
|
IBES |
|
Diluted Basis) |
|
|
|
|
|
2007E
|
|
|
28.3 |
% |
|
|
3.6% |
|
2008E
|
|
|
61.3 |
% |
|
|
38.4% |
|
2009E
|
|
|
NA |
|
|
|
36.5% |
|
Analysis of Comparable Listed Companies. Companies in the
telecommunications sector are commonly valued in view of the
ratio between, on the one hand, the value of their
shareholders equity or their enterprise value, and, on the
other hand, their revenues or net earnings.
The enterprise value corresponds to the sum of the stock market
capitalization, the financial debt and the minority holdings,
less any available cash and investment securities (according to
the last published consolidated accounts).
54
The sample of listed comparable companies includes Cisco,
Ericsson, Nokia, Nortel, Motorola and Siemens, as well as
Alcatel or Lucent, depending on whether Lucent or Alcatel is
being valued.
It should be noted that none of the companies mentioned above is
directly comparable to Alcatel or Lucent. Indeed, certain
characteristics specific to these companies (size of the
company, diversity of the business lines, accounting system,
existence or not of significant reportable losses) are very
different from Alcatel or Lucent. These companies have
nevertheless been chosen because they are publicly traded
companies with operations that, for purposes of analysis, may be
considered similar to certain operations of Alcatel or Lucent.
The forecasted data for the companies comprising the sample have
been prepared on the basis of the observed market consensus
(source: IBES and documents filed with the relevant market
authorities).
The multiples of the comparable listed companies and the implied
multiples for various forecasted data for Lucent are presented
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forecasted Data Prepared by Alcatel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comparable Companies |
|
Excluding |
|
Including |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Programs and |
|
Retirement Programs and |
|
|
2008 |
|
Range |
|
Median |
|
Medical Coverage |
|
Medical Coverage |
|
IBES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value/ Revenue Ratios
|
|
|
0.77x-3.32 |
x |
|
|
1.21 |
x |
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
1.34 |
|
Price/ Earnings Ratios
|
|
|
10.8-16.2 |
x |
|
|
14.9 |
x |
|
|
40.2 |
|
|
|
14.3 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
- |
The forecasted data for the Comparable Companies and
Lucent (IBES) are the medians of the IBES estimates. |
|
- |
Share price on March 23, 2006 Balance sheet data as of the
latest company filings with the relevant market authorities. |
|
- |
Range represents the minimum and maximum of
Comparable Companies multiples. |
The multiples of the comparable listed companies and the implied
multiples for various forecasted data for Alcatel are presented
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel |
|
|
Comparable Companies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel |
|
|
2008 |
|
Range |
|
Median |
|
Forecasted Data |
|
IBES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value/ Revenue Ratios
|
|
|
0.77x-3.32 |
x |
|
|
1.34 |
x |
|
|
1.06 |
x |
|
|
1.06x |
|
Price/ Earnings Ratios
|
|
|
10.77x-16.2 |
x |
|
|
13.3 |
x |
|
|
18.6 |
x |
|
|
15.8x |
|
|
|
- |
The forecasted data for the Comparable Companies and
Alcatel (IBES) are the medians of the IBES estimates. |
|
- |
Alcatel (Alcatel Forecasted Data): Forecasted data
as prepared by Alcatel management during the Transactions
valuation. |
|
- |
Share price on March 23, 2006 Balance sheet data as of the
latest company filings with the relevant market authorities. |
|
- |
Range represents the minimum and maximum of
Comparable Companies multiples. |
Summary of the Criteria Used
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium Implied by the |
Period (Until March 23, 2006) |
|
Implied Ratio |
|
Proposed Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
Last price
|
|
|
0.1825 |
x |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
1 month
|
|
|
0.2001 |
x |
|
|
(2.4 |
)% |
3 months
|
|
|
0.2001 |
x |
|
|
(2.5 |
)% |
6 months
|
|
|
0.2170 |
x |
|
|
(10.0 |
)% |
12 months
|
|
|
0.2312 |
x |
|
|
(15.6 |
)% |
55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied |
|
|
Lucent |
|
Alcatel |
|
Implied Ratio |
|
Premium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median
|
|
$ |
2.70 |
|
|
|
12.00 |
|
|
|
0.1878 |
x |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales |
|
EBITDA |
|
EBIT |
|
Net Earnings* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range (2006E-2009E)
|
|
|
63.9% 68.0% |
|
|
|
67.3% 71.1% |
|
|
|
71.4% 75.4% |
|
|
|
77.7% 92.3% |
|
Alcatel contribution to the combined companys
aggregates (IBES projections)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales |
|
EBITDA |
|
EBIT |
|
Net Earnings* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range (2006E-2008E)
|
|
|
64.0% 64.3% |
|
|
|
57.2% 58.8% |
|
|
|
56.5% 58.7% |
|
|
|
54.9% 57.7% |
|
|
|
|
Accretion/ Dilution for the Alcatel Shareholders |
Accretion/dilution of earnings per share before accounting
for potential amortization of goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forecasts Provided by Alcatel Management |
|
|
|
|
(Excluding the Retirement Programs, the Medical |
|
|
|
|
Coverage and Other Benefits, and on an Entirely |
|
|
IBES |
|
Diluted Basis) |
|
|
|
|
|
2007E
|
|
|
28.3 |
% |
|
|
3.6 |
% |
2008E
|
|
|
61.3 |
% |
|
|
38.4 |
% |
2009E
|
|
|
NA |
|
|
|
36.5 |
% |
Financial opinion of BNP Paribas
Given the significant nature of the proposed merger, the AMF
notified Alcatel that the Alcatel board of directors should
obtain an independent financial assessment of its
recommendations to the Alcatel shareholders. Therefore, on
April 15, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors engaged BNP
Paribas as a financial expert to deliver a financial opinion to
the Alcatel board of directors concerning the proposed exchange
ratio. An English translation of the text of the opinion of BNP
Paribas is attached to this proxy statement/ prospectus as
Annex F.
BNP Paribas was engaged by the Alcatel board of directors after
its approval of, and Alcatels execution of, the merger
agreement, and accordingly the BNP Paribas opinion was not a
factor considered by the Alcatel board of directors in its
decision to enter into the merger agreement. Because the BNP
opinion is being made available in the French prospectus
(note dopération) relating to the Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the merger, an
English translation of the BNP Paribas opinion is included in
this proxy statement/ prospectus. On May 12, 2006, BNP
Paribas delivered its written opinion to the Alcatel board of
directors that, based on public information and information made
available to BNP Paribas by Alcatel, the assumptions made by
Alcatel and the features of the merger described in their
written opinion, the exchange ratio (0.1952 Alcatel ADSs for
each Lucent share) appears to be reasonable for the Alcatel
shareholders as of April 2, 2006 from a financial point of
view. You are encouraged to read the full text of the English
translation of the BNP Paribas opinion in its entirety for a
description of the procedures followed, assumptions made,
matters considered and limitations to the review undertaken. BNP
Paribas opinion is directed to the Alcatel board of
directors and does not constitute a recommendation to any
shareholder as to any matters relating to the merger.
BNP Paribas opinion letter was delivered in the French
language and is governed by French law. The English translation
of the opinion letter attached to this proxy
statement/prospectus is provided for informational purposes only
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the original
French-language opinion letter filed with the AMF. BNP Paribas
disclaims any responsibility for any errors or omissions in the
translation.
56
Recommendation of the Lucent Board of Directors and Its
Reasons for the Merger
By unanimous vote, the Lucent board of directors, at a meeting
held on April 2, 2006, determined that the merger agreement
and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement were
advisable and in the best interests of the Lucent shareowners
and approved and adopted the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. The
Lucent board of directors unanimously recommends that the Lucent
shareowners vote FOR the approval and adoption of the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement at the Lucent special meeting.
In reaching this decision, the Lucent board of directors
consulted with Lucents management and its financial and
legal advisors and considered a variety of factors, including
the material factors described below. In light of the number and
wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the transaction, the Lucent board of directors did
not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify
or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors
that it considered in reaching its determination. The Lucent
board of directors viewed its position as being based on all of
the information available and the factors presented to and
considered by it. In addition, individual directors may have
given different weights to different factors. This explanation
of Lucents reasons for the proposed merger and all other
information presented in this section is forward-looking in
nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors
discussed under Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements.
The Lucent board of directors considered a number of factors
pertaining to the strategic rationale for the merger as
generally supporting its decision to enter into the merger
agreement, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
its expectation that the combined company would be the
worlds first truly global communications networking
company, with: |
|
|
|
|
|
the scale to maintain leadership across major networking
technologies; |
|
|
|
one of the largest research and development capabilities in the
industry; |
|
|
|
deep relationships with the worlds largest service
providers; and |
|
|
|
the most extensive globally deployed services and support
capabilities; |
|
|
|
|
|
its expectation that the combined company would be a more
effective and efficient provider of mobility, optical, access,
data and voice networking technologies and services; |
|
|
|
its expectation that the combination would make it a first-mover
in the consolidating global communications networking
industry; and |
|
|
|
its view of the anticipated strategic fit between Lucent and
Alcatel, which the Lucent board of directors believed will
provide the combined company with significantly greater
capabilities and competitiveness than either company has, or
could develop, on its own, including: |
|
|
|
|
|
greater financial, technical, research and development, network
and marketing resources to better serve its customers, and the
acceleration of the introduction of new and improved products
and services for those customers; |
|
|
|
greater ability to develop next generation products and
services; and |
|
|
|
the expectation that the enhanced capabilities of the combined
company would make it a more attractive strategic partner for
companies with national or international business models. |
57
The Lucent board of directors also considered a number of
financial factors pertaining to the merger as generally
supporting its decision to enter into the merger agreement,
including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
based upon the advice of Lucent management who had discussions
with Alcatel management, the significant synergies that could
result from the transaction, including: |
|
|
|
|
|
approximately $1.7 billion in annual pre-tax cost synergies
within three years, with a substantial majority of these savings
expected to become available in the first two years after the
completion of the merger; and |
|
|
|
the mutual identification of multiple sources of synergies by
Lucents and Alcatels management teams; |
|
|
|
|
|
the financial terms of the transaction, including: |
|
|
|
|
|
the fixed exchange ratio of 0.1952 of an Alcatel ADS for each
share of Lucent common stock; |
|
|
|
the earnings, cash flow and balance sheet impact of the proposed
merger, as well as the historical financial performance of
Lucent and the historical trading price of its common
stock; and |
|
|
|
the expectation that Lucent shareowners will hold approximately
40% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the combined company
immediately after closing and will have the opportunity to share
in the future growth and expected synergies of the combined
company while retaining the flexibility of selling all or a
portion of those shares for cash into a very liquid market at
any time; and |
|
|
|
|
|
the financial analyses and opinions of each of JPMorgan and
Morgan Stanley, Lucents financial advisors, that, as of
April 1, 2006, and based upon and subject to the factors,
assumptions, matters, procedures, qualifications and limitations
set forth in each opinion, in the case of JPMorgans
opinion, the exchange ratio was fair, from a financial point of
view, to holders of shares of Lucent common stock and in the
case of Morgan Stanleys opinion, the exchange ratio
pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point
of view to the holders of Lucent common stock (other than
Alcatel or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) (see The
Merger Opinion of JPMorgan, Financial Advisor to
Lucent and The Merger Opinion of Morgan
Stanley, Financial Advisor to Lucent). |
|
|
|
Other Transaction Considerations |
The Lucent board of directors also considered a number of
additional factors as generally supporting its decision to enter
into the merger agreement, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
its view after consultation with Lucents management and
financial advisors that based upon information then available
(including the fact that the existence of the merger discussions
with Alcatel were publicly disclosed on March 23, 2006 and
no other potential acquirer had contacted Lucent since such
disclosure) it was unlikely that there would be available an
alternative transaction, if one were to be pursued, that would
provide greater value to the Lucent shareowners than the merger
with Alcatel; |
|
|
|
the ability under the merger agreement of Lucent under certain
circumstances to provide non-public information to, and engage
in discussions with, third parties that propose an alternative
transaction; |
|
|
|
its view that the terms of the merger agreement, including the
termination fee, would not preclude a proposal for an
alternative transaction involving Lucent; |
|
|
|
its view after consultation with Lucents financial and
legal advisors that, as a percentage of the merger consideration
at the time of the announcement of the transaction, the
termination fee was within the range of termination fees
provided for in recent large acquisition transactions; |
|
|
|
the proposed management arrangements of the combined company
under which: |
|
|
|
|
|
the chief executive officer of Alcatel would be non-executive
chairman of combined company, and the chief executive officer of
Lucent would be the chief executive officer of the combined
company; |
58
|
|
|
|
|
the board of directors of the combined company would be
comprised of 14 directors, including: (i) six
directors designated by Alcatel (including the chief executive
officer of Alcatel), (ii) six directors designated by
Lucent (including the chief executive officer of Lucent) and
(iii) two persons (one French and one European) who would
qualify as independent directors and who would be mutually
agreed upon by Alcatel and Lucent; |
|
|
|
no director of the combined company would have a tie-breaking
vote; |
|
|
|
the board of directors of the combined company would have four
committees with equal representation from each of the Alcatel
and Lucent board designees, and committee chairmen would be
evenly split between Alcatel and Lucent; |
|
|
|
for a three-year period following the close of the merger, at
least a
662/3
% vote of the entire board of directors of the combined
company would be required to remove the chairman and the chief
executive officer of the combined company and to decide on any
replacement; |
|
|
|
for a one-year period following the close of the merger, at
least a
662/3
% vote of the board of directors of the combined company
and the nominating committee would be required to fill any
vacancy on the board of directors; |
|
|
|
to the extent practicable, board meetings would be split evenly
between France and the United States; |
|
|
|
the revision of the bylaws and board rules of Alcatel to effect
the foregoing; |
|
|
|
|
|
the executive offices of the combined company would be located
in Paris, France, and the principal offices of the activities of
Lucent currently known as Bell Laboratories (which
shall be the Global Research and Development headquarters of the
combined company) and the North American operating headquarters
of the combined company shall be located in the State of New
Jersey, United States; and |
|
|
|
the expectation that the merger would qualify as a
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes and
that, as a result, the exchange by Lucent shareowners of their
shares of Lucent common stock for Alcatel ADSs in the merger
generally would be tax-free to Lucent shareowners. |
The Lucent board of directors also identified and considered a
number of uncertainties, risks and other potentially negative
factors, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
the price of Alcatel ADSs at the time of closing could be lower
than the price as of the time of signing, and accordingly, the
value of the consideration received by Lucent shareowners in the
merger could be materially less than the value as of the date of
the merger agreement; |
|
|
|
the Lucent shareowners would receive ADSs issued by a foreign
company instead of common stock of a domestic company; |
|
|
|
because some existing holders of Alcatel ordinary shares and
Alcatel ADSs may be entitled to two votes for every share they
hold if they held such shares for at least three years, the
percentage of the voting rights of Lucent shareowners in the
combined company following the merger could be less than the
percentage of the outstanding share capital of the combined
company received by Lucent shareowners in the merger; |
|
|
|
the difficulties and challenges inherent in completing a merger
and integrating the businesses, especially since the businesses
currently reside in different national jurisdictions; |
|
|
|
the risk that the expected synergies and other benefits of the
merger might not be fully achieved or may not be achieved within
the timeframes expected; |
|
|
|
given the size of the combined company and the mix of assets it
will own, the challenges that it will face in continuing to grow
its revenues profitably; |
|
|
|
the risks of the type and nature described above under
Risk Factors; |
59
|
|
|
|
|
the possibility that regulatory or governmental authorities
might seek to impose conditions on or otherwise prevent or delay
the merger (and that the merger ultimately may not be completed
as a result of material adverse conditions imposed by regulatory
authorities or otherwise); |
|
|
|
certain provisions of the merger agreement may have the effect
of discouraging proposals for alternative transactions with
Lucent, including: |
|
|
|
|
|
the restriction on Lucents ability to solicit proposals
for alternative transactions; |
|
|
|
the requirement that Lucent provide Alcatel the right to obtain
information with respect to proposals for alternative
transactions; |
|
|
|
the requirement that the Lucent board of directors submit the
merger agreement to the Lucent shareowners for approval in
certain circumstances, even if the Lucent board of directors
withdraws its recommendation for the Merger; and |
|
|
|
the requirement that Lucent pay a termination fee of $250 or
$500 million to Alcatel in certain circumstances following
the termination of the merger agreement, including if Alcatel
terminates the merger agreement as a result of the Lucent board
of directors withdrawal of its recommendation for the
Merger or its recommendation of an alternative transaction or
the Lucent shareowners failing to approve the merger in light of
a publicly announced alternative transaction (See The
Merger Agreement Termination Fee); |
|
|
|
|
|
certain of Lucents directors and officers may have
interests in the merger as individuals that are in addition to,
or that may be different from, the interests of the Lucent
shareowners (see The Merger Interests of
Directors and Executive Officers of Lucent in the Merger); |
|
|
|
the fees and expenses associated with completing the merger; |
|
|
|
the risk that certain members of Lucent senior management or
Alcatel senior management might choose not to remain employed
with the combined company; |
|
|
|
the risk that either the Lucent shareowners or the Alcatel
shareholders may fail to approve the merger; |
|
|
|
the risk that a significant number of Lucent shareowners may
cease to hold stock in the combined company because the combined
company might be a foreign private issuer or a company whose
executive offices are not in the United States and that is not
incorporated in the United States; and |
|
|
|
the risk and costs that the merger might not be completed, the
potential impact of the restrictions under the merger agreement
on Lucents ability to take certain actions during the
period prior to the closing of the merger agreement (which may
delay or prevent Lucent from undertaking business opportunities
that may arise pending completion of the merger), the potential
for diversion of management and employee attention and for
increased employee attrition during that period and the
potential effect of these on Lucents business and
relations with customers and service providers. |
The Lucent board of directors weighed the potential benefits,
advantages and opportunities of a merger and the risks of not
pursuing a transaction with Alcatel against the risks and
challenges inherent in the proposed merger. The Lucent board of
directors realized that there can be no assurance about future
results, including results expected or considered in the factors
listed above. However, the Lucent board of directors concluded
that the potential benefits outweighed the risks of consummating
the merger with Alcatel.
After taking into account these and other factors, the Lucent
board of directors unanimously determined that the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement were advisable and in the best interest of the Lucent
shareowners, approved the merger with Alcatel and the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and approved
and adopted the merger agreement.
60
Opinion of Goldman Sachs, Financial Advisor to Alcatel
On April 2, 2006, Goldman Sachs delivered its written
opinion to the Alcatel board of directors that, as of the date
of the fairness opinion and based upon and subject to the
factors and assumptions set forth therein, the exchange ratio
pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point
of view to Alcatel.
The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated
April 2, 2006, which sets forth assumptions made,
procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the
review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as
Annex C. Goldman Sachs provided its opinion for the
information and assistance of the Alcatel board of directors in
connection with its consideration of the merger. The Goldman
Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of
Lucent common stock, Alcatel ADSs or Alcatel ordinary shares
should vote with respect to the merger or any issuance of
Alcatel ordinary shares.
In connection with rendering the opinion described above and
performing its related financial analyses, Goldman Sachs
reviewed, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
the merger agreement; |
|
|
|
annual reports to shareholders and annual reports on
Forms 20-F
and 10-K of
Alcatel and Lucent, respectively, for the five fiscal years
ended December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005,
respectively; |
|
|
|
certain interim reports to shareholders of Alcatel and certain
interim reports and quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q for
Lucent; |
|
|
|
certain other communications from Alcatel and Lucent to their
respective shareholders; |
|
|
|
the Document de Référence for Alcatel; |
|
|
|
certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for Lucent
prepared by Lucents management; and |
|
|
|
certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for Alcatel
and Lucent prepared by Alcatels management, which are
referred to as the Forecasts, including certain cost savings and
operating synergies projected by the managements of Alcatel and
Lucent to result from the merger, which are referred to in this
section as the Synergies. |
Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior
management of Alcatel and Lucent regarding their assessment of
the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the
merger and the past and current business operations, financial
condition, and future prospects of Alcatel and Lucent. In
addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price and trading
activity for the Alcatel ADSs and Alcatel ordinary shares and
the Lucent common stock, compared certain financial and stock
market information for Alcatel and Lucent with similar
information for certain other companies the securities of which
are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain
recent business combinations in the communications technology
industry specifically and in other industries generally and
performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such
other factors, as it considered appropriate.
Goldman Sachs relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all
of the financial, accounting, legal, tax, pension and other
post-employment benefit obligations and other information
discussed with or reviewed by it and assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of rendering the opinion described
above. Goldman Sachs assumed, with the consent of Alcatels
board of directors, that the Forecasts prepared by the
management of Alcatel and Synergies prepared by the managements
of Alcatel and Lucent were reasonably prepared on a basis
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments
of Alcatel and Lucent. Goldman Sachs also assumed that all
governmental, regulatory or other consents or approvals
necessary for the completion of the merger would be obtained
without any adverse effect on Alcatel or Lucent or on the
expected benefits of the merger in any way meaningful to its
analyses. In addition, Goldman Sachs did not make an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including
any contingent, derivative or off-balance-sheet assets and
liabilities) of Alcatel or Lucent or any of their respective
subsidiaries, and Goldman Sachs was not furnished with any such
evaluation or appraisal. Goldman Sachs opinion did not
address the underlying business decision of Alcatel to engage in
the merger, and Goldman Sachs was not
61
expressing any opinion as to the prices at which Alcatel ADSs or
Alcatel ordinary shares would trade at any time.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses
delivered by Goldman Sachs to the board of directors of Alcatel
in connection with rendering the opinion described above. The
following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete
description of the financial analyses performed by Goldman
Sachs, nor does the order of analyses described represent the
relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Goldman
Sachs. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include
information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read
together with the full text of each summary and are alone not a
complete description of Goldman Sachs financial analyses.
Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative
information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is
based on market data as it existed on or before April 2,
2006 and is not necessarily indicative of current market
conditions.
Historical Stock Trading Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed
the historical trading prices for the Lucent common stock for
the latest twelve-month period ended March 23, 2006, the
day before news concerning a potential combination was reported
in the press, following which Alcatel and Lucent issued a joint
press release confirming the existence of discussions and
negotiations between them, both in terms of absolute share price
performance and in terms of relative share price performance.
The relative share price performance of Lucent was examined in
relation to the Selected Companies (as hereinafter defined) and
Alcatel and in relation to the S&P 500 Index and the S&P
500 Telecom Index.
Goldman Sachs also reviewed the historical trading prices for
the Alcatel ordinary shares and the Alcatel ADSs for the latest
twelve-month period ended March 23, 2006, both in terms of
absolute share price performance and in terms of relative share
price performance. The relative share price performance of
Alcatel was examined in relation to the Selected Companies and
Lucent and in relation to the CAC 40 Index and the DJ Eurostoxx
Telecom Index.
In addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the share price performance
of Alcatel ordinary shares as well as the share price
performance of Alcatel ADSs relative to Lucent common stock, in
each case, during the day of March 24, 2006. Goldman Sachs
also reviewed the share price performance of Alcatel ordinary
shares, Alcatel ADSs and Lucent common stock during the period
of March 23, 2006 through March 29, 2006.
Selected Companies Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed and
compared certain financial information for Alcatel and Lucent to
corresponding financial information, ratios and public market
multiples for the following publicly traded corporations in the
communications technology industry, of which each is referred to
as a Selected Company and collectively as the Selected Companies:
|
|
|
|
|
Cisco Systems Inc.; |
|
|
|
L.M. Ericsson Telephone Co.; |
|
|
|
Nokia Corp.; |
|
|
|
Nortel Networks Corp.; |
|
|
|
Motorola Inc.; and |
|
|
|
Siemens AG. |
Although none of the Selected Companies is directly comparable
to Alcatel or Lucent, the companies included were chosen because
they are publicly traded companies with operations that for
purposes of analysis may be considered similar to certain
operations of Alcatel and Lucent.
Goldman Sachs calculated and compared various financial
multiples and ratios for the Selected Companies, Alcatel and
Lucent based on information that it obtained from
(i) public filings and estimates of the Institutional
Brokers Estimate System, or IBES, with respect to the Selected
Companies, and, where indicated, Alcatel and Lucent and
(ii) Alcatel management with respect to Alcatel and Lucent,
where indicated. With respect to the Selected Companies, Alcatel
and Lucent, Goldman Sachs calculated estimated enterprise value
to estimated calendar year 2008 revenue ratios. Goldman Sachs
also calculated estimated
62
price to estimated calendar year 2008 earnings per share ratios.
The following table presents the results of this analysis with
respect to Lucent:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
|
|
Lucent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Alcatel |
|
|
|
(Alcatel |
|
|
|
|
View |
|
|
|
View |
|
|
Selected Companies |
|
Including |
|
|
|
Excluding |
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
Lucent |
|
Pension |
|
|
Range |
|
Median |
|
Credit) |
|
(IBES) |
|
Credit) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 Enterprise Value/Revenue Ratios
|
|
|
0.77x-3.32x |
|
|
|
1.21x |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
1.34 |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
2008 Price/ Earnings Ratios
|
|
|
10.8-16.2x |
|
|
|
14.9x |
|
|
|
14.3 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
40.2 |
|
|
|
- |
Selected Companies includes, in addition to the companies listed
above, Alcatel. |
|
- |
Selected Companies and Lucent (IBES) numbers based on
median of IBES estimates. |
|
- |
Lucent (Alcatel View Excluding Pension Credit) numbers based on
forecasts of Alcatel management, which exclude the gross pension
credit; Lucent (Alcatel View Including Pension Credit) numbers
based on forecasts of Alcatel management, which include the
gross pension credit. |
|
- |
Based on market data as of market close of March 23, 2006. |
|
- |
Balance sheet data as of latest company filings and financial
reports. |
|
- |
Range represents minimum and maximum of Selected Companies
multiples. |
The following table presents the results of this analysis with
respect to Alcatel:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Companies |
|
Alcatel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Management |
|
|
|
|
Range |
|
Median |
|
View) |
|
Alcatel (IBES) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 Enterprise Value/Revenue Ratios
|
|
|
0.77x-3.32x |
|
|
|
1.34x |
|
|
|
1.06 |
x |
|
|
1.06 |
x |
2008 Price/ Earnings Ratios
|
|
|
10.77x-16.2x |
|
|
|
13.3x |
|
|
|
18.6 |
x |
|
|
15.8 |
x |
|
|
- |
Selected Companies includes, in addition to the companies listed
above, Lucent. |
|
- |
Selected Companies and Alcatel (IBES) numbers based on
median of IBES estimates. |
|
- |
Alcatel (Management View) numbers based on Alcatel management
plan dated March 27, 2006. |
|
- |
Based on market data as of market close of March 23, 2006. |
|
- |
Balance sheet data as of latest company filings and financial
reports. |
|
- |
Range represents minimum and maximum of Selected Companies
multiples. |
Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis. For the period from
March 23, 2005 through March 28, 2006, Goldman Sachs
computed the daily implied exchange ratios of closing stock
market prices of Alcatel ADSs to Lucent common stock and
compared it to the fixed exchange ratio of Alcatel ADSs to
Lucent common stock of 0.1952x. Goldman Sachs also computed the
daily implied ownership of Alcatel in the combined entity
(assuming 1,383.8 million Alcatel ordinary shares
(diluted) and 4,716.2 million Lucent common stock
(diluted)) based on the above daily exchange ratios during the
period from March 23, 2005 through
63
March 28, 2006, as compared to a fixed ownership percentage
of 60.1% (diluted, based on the 0.1952x fixed exchange ratio).
The following table presents the results of these analyses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied Exchange Ratio |
|
Implied Ownership |
Time Period (up to |
|
of Alcatel ADSs to |
|
Percentage of Alcatel in |
March 23, 2006) |
|
Lucent Common Stock |
|
Combined Entity |
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed
|
|
0.1952x |
|
60.1% |
March 23, 2006
|
|
0.1825x |
|
61.6% |
Last Month
|
|
0.2001x |
|
59.5% |
Last 3 Months
|
|
0.2001x |
|
59.5% |
Last 6 Months
|
|
0.2170x |
|
57.6% |
Last 12 Months
|
|
0.2312x |
|
56.0% |
Minimum
|
|
0.1825x |
|
61.6% |
Maximum
|
|
0.2779x |
|
51.4% |
Contribution Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed the
estimated future operating and financial information including,
among other things, sales, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (or EBITDA), earnings before
interest and taxes (or EBIT) and net income of Alcatel, Lucent
and the combined entity resulting from the merger based, in the
first instance, on Alcatel managements assumptions for
Alcatel and Lucent, which exclude gross pension credits but
include related pension and other benefits service costs and
assume a
/$ exchange rate of 0.8333 per Alcatel managements
business plan, and, in the second instance, on the median of
estimates from IBES, which include pension credits. The
following tables present the results of this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel Contribution (Alcatel View Excluding |
|
|
Pension Credit) |
|
|
|
|
|
Sales |
|
EBITDA* |
|
EBIT* |
|
Net Income* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006E
|
|
|
63.9 |
% |
|
|
67.8 |
% |
|
|
75.4 |
% |
|
|
92.3 |
% |
2007E
|
|
|
65.3 |
% |
|
|
67.3 |
% |
|
|
73.4 |
% |
|
|
84.3 |
% |
2008E
|
|
|
66.4 |
% |
|
|
67.6 |
% |
|
|
71.4 |
% |
|
|
77.7 |
% |
2009E
|
|
|
68.0 |
% |
|
|
71.1 |
% |
|
|
75.0 |
% |
|
|
83.5 |
% |
|
|
* |
Post restructuring costs. |
|
|
- |
Excludes gross pension credits, includes pension and other
benefits service costs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel Contribution (IBES) |
|
|
|
|
|
Sales |
|
EBITDA |
|
EBIT |
|
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006E
|
|
|
64.0 |
% |
|
|
57.2 |
% |
|
|
57.4 |
% |
|
|
57.7 |
% |
2007E
|
|
|
64.3 |
% |
|
|
58.2 |
% |
|
|
56.5 |
% |
|
|
57.4 |
% |
2008E
|
|
|
64.0 |
% |
|
|
58.8 |
% |
|
|
58.7 |
% |
|
|
54.9 |
% |
The analysis also indicated that, at share prices as of
March 23, 2006, holders of Alcatel ordinary shares
represented 61.6% of the combined outstanding common equity and
58.5% of the combined enterprise value. In conducting this
analysis, Alcatels market capitalization was calculated
based on 1,383.8 million diluted number of shares for
Alcatel and a share price of
12.85 as of
March 23, 2006, Lucents market capitalization was
calculated based on a 4,716.2 million diluted number of
shares for Lucent and a share price of $2.82 as of
March 23, 2006, the market capitalization and enterprise
value of Lucent were converted into euros at a
/$ exchange rate of 0.8345 as of March 23, 2006, and
net debt was calculated to include minority interests and was
unadjusted for unfunded pension liabilities.
Synergies Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed the impact of
the estimated pre-tax operating synergies, including revenues
synergies and cash restructuring costs, for calendar years 2007,
2008, 2009 and 2010, which estimates were provided by the
managements of Alcatel and Lucent.
64
Based on the synergy estimates provided by Alcatel and Lucent
managements, Goldman Sachs analyzed the value of 100% of the
synergies (post-cash restructuring costs) using discounted cash
flows analysis and multiples analysis. Using discounted cash
flows analysis, Goldman Sachs calculated illustrative net
present value indications of the synergies to be equal to
10.7 billion
(including
1.2 billion
of incremental value due to management forecasts concerning the
acceleration of use of net operating losses or NOLs), assuming
an illustrative discount rate of 10.6% (blended weighted average
cost of capital or WACC of Alcatel and Lucent assuming a tax
rate of 30%), and
12.9 billion,
assuming an illustrative discount rate of 11.2% (blended WACC of
Alcatel and Lucent assuming a tax rate of 0%). In both
illustrative net present value indications, Goldman Sachs
calculated illustrative terminal values for year 2010 based on a
perpetuity growth rate of 1.5%. Using multiples analysis,
Goldman calculated illustrative value indications of the
synergies to be
15.7 billion
by applying Alcatels estimated 2007 P/ E multiple of 16.6x
to Alcatel managements forecast of run-rate synergies
post-tax (using a 15% tax rate per Alcatels estimate) and
discounting this value to year 2007 using an illustrative
Alcatel WACC of 9.76%, and
12.4 billion
by applying Lucents estimated 2007 P/ E multiple of 13.9x
to Alcatel managements forecast of run-rate synergies
post-tax (using a 15% tax rate per Alcatels estimate) and
discounting this value to year 2007 using an illustrative Lucent
WACC of 11.24%. In comparison, the market capitalization of
Lucent as of March 23, 2006 was
11.1 billion
(based on Lucent share price of $2.82 as of March 23, 2006,
a diluted number of shares of 4,716.2 million and a
/$ exchange rate of 0.8345 as of March 23, 2006).
Accretion/ Dilution Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed the
pro forma financial effects of the merger on Alcatels
estimated earnings per share using: (1) estimates of
earnings for Alcatel and Lucent based on the views of Alcatel
management using the fully diluted number of shares and
(2) estimates of earnings for Alcatel and Lucent based on
IBES estimates. For calendar years 2007, 2008 and 2009, Goldman
Sachs compared the projected earnings per share of Alcatel
common stock, on a standalone basis, to the projected earnings
per share of the combined company. This analysis indicated that
the proposed merger would be accretive to Alcatels
shareholders on an earnings per share basis for all three years
analyzed, assuming inclusion of revenue synergies and operating
synergies with respect to operating expenses, marketing, sales
and capital expenditures, exclusion of transaction restructuring
costs and exclusion of any non-cash purchase accounting
adjustments related to the amortization of intangibles. The
following table summarizes the results of this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash EPS Accretion/Dilution |
|
|
|
Alcatel View |
|
|
(Excluding |
|
|
Pension Income |
|
|
and Using Diluted |
|
|
IBES |
|
Number of Shares) |
|
|
|
|
|
2007E
|
|
|
28.3 |
% |
|
|
3.6 |
% |
2008E
|
|
|
61.3 |
% |
|
|
38.4 |
% |
2009E
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
36.5 |
% |
The financial forecasts that underlie this analysis are subject
to substantial uncertainty and, therefore, actual results may be
substantially different.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and
is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the
summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a
whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying Goldman Sachs opinion. In arriving at its
fairness determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of
all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight
to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, Goldman
Sachs made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its
experience and professional judgment after considering the
results of all of its analyses. No company or transaction used
in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to
Alcatel or Lucent or the contemplated merger.
Goldman Sachs prepared these analyses for purposes of Goldman
Sachs providing its opinion to Alcatels board of
directors as to the fairness from a financial point of view of
the exchange ratio. These analyses do not purport to be
appraisals, nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which
businesses or securities actually
65
may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are
not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these
analyses. Because these analyses are inherently subject to
uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond
the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of
Alcatel, Lucent, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes
responsibility if future results are materially different from
those forecast.
The exchange ratio was determined through arms-length
negotiations between Alcatel and Lucent and was approved by the
Alcatel board of directors. Goldman Sachs provided advice to
Alcatel during these negotiations. Goldman Sachs did not,
however, recommend any specific exchange ratio to Alcatel or the
Alcatel board of directors or that any specific exchange ratio
constituted the only appropriate exchange ratio for the merger.
As described above, Goldman Sachs opinion to the Alcatel
board of directors was one of many factors taken into
consideration by the Alcatel board of directors in making its
determination to approve the merger agreement. The foregoing
summary does not purport to be a complete description of the
analyses performed by Goldman Sachs in connection with the
fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached as Annex C.
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, as part of their investment
banking business, are continually engaged in performing
financial analyses with respect to businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements and other transactions as well as for estate,
corporate and other purposes. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates
have acted as financial advisor to Alcatel in connection with,
and have participated in certain of the negotiations leading to,
the transaction contemplated by the merger agreement. In
addition, Goldman Sachs and its affiliates have provided certain
investment banking services to Alcatel from time to time,
including having acted as co-managing underwriter of a public
offering of 20,125,000 shares of Nexans, the cable and
components segment of Alcatel, in June 2001. Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates also may provide investment banking services to
Alcatel and Lucent in the future. In connection with the
above-described investment banking services, Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates have received, and may receive, compensation.
Goldman Sachs is a full service securities firm engaged, either
directly or through its affiliates, in securities trading,
investment management, financial planning and benefits
counseling, risk management, hedging, financing and brokerage
activities for both companies and individuals. In the ordinary
course of these activities, Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may
provide such services to Alcatel, Lucent and their respective
affiliates, may actively trade the debt and equity securities
(or related derivative securities) of Alcatel, Lucent or their
respective affiliates for their own account and for the accounts
of their customers and may at any time hold long and short
positions of such securities.
The Alcatel board of directors selected Goldman Sachs as its
financial advisor because it is an internationally recognized
investment banking firm that has substantial experience in
transactions similar to the proposed merger. Pursuant to a
letter agreement dated March 27, 2006, Alcatel engaged
Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with
the merger. Pursuant to the terms of this engagement letter,
Alcatel has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a transaction fee of
$20,000,000 and an additional fee of $5,000,000 payable at the
discretion of Alcatel, a substantial portion of which is payable
upon completion of the merger. In addition, Alcatel has agreed
to reimburse Goldman Sachs for its reasonable expenses,
including attorneys fees and disbursements and value
added, sales, turnover, consumption or similar tax of any
jurisdiction (if any), and to indemnify Goldman Sachs and
related persons against various liabilities, including certain
liabilities under the federal securities laws.
Opinion of JPMorgan, Financial Advisor to Lucent
Pursuant to an engagement letter dated March 31, 2006,
Lucent retained JPMorgan as its financial advisor in connection
with the merger.
66
At the meeting of the Lucent board of directors on April 1,
2006, JPMorgan rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed
in writing, to the board of directors that, as of such date and
based upon and subject to the factors, limitations and
assumptions set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the
proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
Lucent shareowners. No limitations were imposed by the Lucent
board of directors upon JPMorgan with respect to the
investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering
its opinion.
The full text of the written opinion of JPMorgan, dated
April 1, 2006, which sets forth, among other things, the
assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and
limits on the opinion and review undertaken in connection with
rendering its opinion, is included as Annex D to this proxy
statement/prospectus. You are urged to read the opinion in its
entirety.
JPMorgans opinion is addressed to the Lucent board of
directors, is directed only to the exchange ratio in the merger
and does not constitute a recommendation to any Lucent
shareowner as to how such shareowner should vote with respect to
the merger or any other matter. JPMorgans opinion did not
address the underlying decision by Lucent or its board of
directors to engage in the merger. The summary of the opinion of
JPMorgan set forth in this proxy statement/ prospectus is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such
opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, JPMorgan, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
reviewed a draft dated March 30, 2006 of the merger
agreement; |
|
|
|
reviewed certain publicly available business and financial
information concerning Lucent and Alcatel and the industries in
which they operate; |
|
|
|
compared the proposed financial terms of the merger with the
publicly available financial terms of certain transactions
involving companies JPMorgan deemed relevant and the
consideration received for such companies; |
|
|
|
compared the financial and operating performance of Lucent and
Alcatel with publicly available information concerning certain
other companies JPMorgan deemed relevant and reviewed the
current and historical market prices of Lucent common stock and
Alcatel ADSs and certain publicly traded securities of such
other companies; |
|
|
|
reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts
prepared by the managements of Lucent and Alcatel relating to
their respective businesses, as well as the estimated amount and
timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies
expected to result from the proposed merger (which are referred
to in this section as the Synergies); and |
|
|
|
performed such other financial studies and analyses and
considered such other information as JPMorgan deemed appropriate
for the purposes of its opinion. |
JPMorgan also held discussions with certain members of the
managements of Lucent and Alcatel with respect to certain
aspects of the proposed merger, and the past and current
business operations of Lucent and Alcatel, the financial
condition and future prospects and operations of Lucent and
Alcatel, the effects of the merger on the financial condition
and future prospects of Lucent and Alcatel, and certain other
matters JPMorgan believed necessary or appropriate to its
inquiry.
In giving its opinion, JPMorgan relied upon and assumed, without
assuming responsibility or liability for independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information
that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed
with JPMorgan by Lucent and Alcatel or otherwise reviewed by or
for JPMorgan. JPMorgan did not conduct and was not provided with
any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor did
JPMorgan evaluate the solvency of Lucent or Alcatel under any
state, federal or foreign laws relating to bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar matters. In relying on analyses and
forecasts provided to it, including the Synergies, JPMorgan
assumed that they were reasonably prepared based on assumptions
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments
by management as to the expected future results of operations
and financial condition of Lucent and Alcatel to which such
analyses or forecasts related. JPMorgan expressed
67
no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the
Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. JPMorgan
also assumed that the merger would qualify as a tax-free
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that
the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement
would be consummated as described in the draft merger agreement,
and that the merger agreement would not differ in any material
respects from the draft merger agreement furnished to JPMorgan.
JPMorgan relied as to all legal matters relevant to rendering
its opinion upon the advice of counsel. JPMorgan further assumed
that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and
approvals necessary for the completion of the merger would be
obtained without any waiver of any condition to the completion
of the merger contained in the merger agreement.
JPMorgans opinion is necessarily based on economic, market
and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to JPMorgan as of April 1, 2006. It should be
understood that subsequent developments may affect
JPMorgans opinion and that JPMorgan does not have any
obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
JPMorgans opinion is limited to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, to holders of Lucent common stock of
the exchange ratio in the proposed merger, and JPMorgan has
expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the proposed merger
to, or any consideration of, the holders of any other class of
securities, creditors or constituencies of Lucent or as to the
underlying decision by Lucent to engage in the proposed merger.
JPMorgan expressed no opinion as to the price at which Lucent
common stock or Alcatel ADSs would trade at any future time.
JPMorgans opinion notes that it was not authorized to and
did not solicit any expressions of interest from any other
parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of Lucent or
any other alternative transaction. JPMorgans opinion notes
that on March 23, 2006 the parties publicly confirmed that
they were in discussions regarding a potential business
combination transaction.
|
|
|
Summary of Certain Financial Analyses Conducted by
JPMorgan |
In connection with rendering its opinion to the Lucent board of
directors, JPMorgan performed a variety of financial and
comparative analyses, including those described below. The
summary set forth below does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses or data presented by JPMorgan. The
preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is
not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. JPMorgan believes that the summary set forth below
and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that
selecting portions thereof, or focusing on information in
tabular format, without considering all of its analyses and the
narrative description of the analyses, could create an
incomplete view of the processes underlying its analyses and
opinion. The order of analyses described does not represent the
relative importance or weight given to those analyses by
JPMorgan. In arriving at its fairness determination, JPMorgan
considered the results of all the analyses and did not attribute
any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by
it; rather, JPMorgan arrived at its opinion based on the results
of all the analyses undertaken by it and assessed as a whole.
JPMorgans analyses are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or actual future results that might be achieved,
which values may be higher or lower than those indicated.
Moreover, JPMorgans analyses are not and do not purport to
be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which
businesses actually could be bought or sold. Except as otherwise
noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent
that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it
existed on or before March 31, 2006 and is not necessarily
indicative of current market conditions.
JPMorgans opinion and financial analyses were only one of
the many factors considered by Lucent in its evaluation of the
proposed merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the
views of the Lucent board of directors or management with
respect to the proposed merger or the merger consideration.
Historical Common Stock Performance. JPMorgans
analysis of the performance of Lucent common stock and Alcatel
ADSs comprised a historical analysis of their respective trading
prices over the period from December 30, 2005 to
March 31, 2006, the last trading day prior to the public
announcement of the merger. During that three-month period,
Lucent common stock achieved a closing price high of
$3.09 per share and a closing price low of $2.50 per
share on March 30, 2006 and January 23, 2006,
respectively. During the same time period, Alcatel ADSs achieved
a closing price high of $15.71 per share and a closing
price low of
68
$12.40 per share on March 30, 2006 and
December 30, 2005, respectively. JPMorgan noted that the
exchange ratio as calculated using the daily closing prices of
Lucent common stock and Alcatel ADSs over the period from
December 30, 2005 to March 31, 2006 ranged from a low
of 0.183x to a high of 0.215x, compared to the merger exchange
ratio of 0.1952x.
The purpose of this historical stock trading analysis is to
provide illustrative exchange ratios, or a measure of the
relative market values of Lucent common stock to Alcatel ADSs
for the periods specified.
Exchange Ratio Premium Analysis. JPMorgan reviewed
publicly available information relating to the following
selected transactions:
Sprint/
Nextel
Regions
Financial Corp./ Union Planters Corp.
JPMorgan/
Bank One
Biogen/
IDEC Pharmaceutical
Phillips
Petroleum/ Conoco
Halifax/
Bank of Scotland
First
Union Corp/ Wachovia
Phone.com/
Software.com
Glaxo
Wellcome/ SmithKline Beecham
Monsanto/
Pharmacia & Upjohn
PECO
Energy/ Unicom
Bell
Atlantic/ GTE
Norwest
Corp./Wells Fargo
Banc
One/ First Chicago
Travelers
Group/ Citicorp
Commercial
Union Plc/ General Accident Plc
TransCanada/
Nova Corp.
CUC
International/ HFS
Grand
Metropolitan/ Guinness
Dean
Witter Discover/ Morgan Stanley Group
Bell
Atlantic/ NYNEX
Upjohn/
Pharmacia
JPMorgan calculated the exchange ratio premium/(discount) for
the selected transactions relative to the implied exchange ratio
based on average prices over the
30-day period before
the official announcement of the transaction. For the selected
transactions, the
average 30-day
exchange ratio premium was 2% and median
30-day exchange ratio
premium was 1%. With respect to the proposed merger, JPMorgan
noted the discount of the merger exchange ratio of 0.1952x to
the implied exchange ratio based on Lucent common stock and
Alcatel ADS average closing prices from March 1, 2006 to
March 31, 2006 to be (1)%.
Relative Contribution Analysis. JPMorgan reviewed the
relative contribution of Lucent and Alcatel to the historical
and forecasted revenue, EBITDA and net income of the combined
company for the calendar years ending December 31, 2005 and
December 31, 2006. The calendar year 2006 forecasted
revenue, EBITDA and net income for both Lucent and Alcatel were
based on management estimates. EBITDA means earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The relative
contribution analysis did not give effect to the impact of any
synergies as a result of the proposed merger.
69
JPMorgan adjusted the relative contribution percentages
resulting from revenue and EBITDA to reflect the relative
capital structures for each of Lucent and Alcatel. The adjusted
relative contribution percentages resulting from revenue and
EBITDA as well as the relative contribution percentages based on
net income were used to determine the implied pro forma
ownership percentages, which is referred to as PF Ownership, of
the combined company for the common shareholders of Alcatel and
Lucent. The PF Ownership percentages were used to determine the
implied exchange ratio of each Lucent common stock to Alcatel
ADSs. The following table presents the results of the relative
contribution analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage Implied Ownership of the |
|
|
|
|
Combined Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied Exchange |
|
|
Lucent Shareowners |
|
Alcatel Shareholders |
|
Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
0.142x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
0.152x |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
58 |
% |
|
|
0.204x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
44 |
% |
|
|
56 |
% |
|
|
0.220x |
|
Net Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
46 |
% |
|
|
54 |
% |
|
|
0.230x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
53 |
% |
|
|
0.243x |
|
In addition, JPMorgan calculated the relative contribution
percentages of Lucent and Alcatel to EBITDA and net income
(presented as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net
Income) of the combined company after adjusting to exclude
the impact of certain expenses and credits related to pension
and other post-retirement benefits for both Lucent and Alcatel.
The following table presents the results of the analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage Implied Ownership of the |
|
|
|
|
Combined Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied Exchange |
|
|
Lucent Shareowners |
|
Alcatel Shareholders |
|
Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
79 |
% |
|
|
0.088x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
69 |
% |
|
|
0.136x |
|
Adjusted Net Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
83 |
% |
|
|
0.068x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
0.133x |
|
JPMorgan noted that the equity contribution implied by the
merger exchange ratio of 0.1952x would be approximately 60% for
Alcatel shareholders and approximately 40% for Lucent
shareowners.
Publicly Traded Comparable Company Analysis. JPMorgan
compared the financial and operating performance of Lucent and
Alcatel with publicly available information of selected publicly
traded companies engaged in businesses which JPMorgan deemed
relevant to Lucents and Alcatels businesses. The
companies were as follows:
70
|
|
|
|
|
Nokia |
|
|
|
Motorola |
|
|
|
Ericsson |
|
|
|
Nortel Networks Corp. |
|
|
|
Juniper Networks |
|
|
|
Tellabs |
These companies were selected, among other reasons, because they
share similar business characteristics to Lucent and Alcatel.
However, none of the companies selected is identical or directly
comparable to Lucent or Alcatel. Accordingly, JPMorgan made
judgments and assumptions concerning differences in financial
and operating characteristics of the selected companies and
other factors that could affect the public trading value of the
selected companies.
For each of the selected companies, JPMorgan calculated:
|
|
|
|
|
Firm Value divided by the estimated EBITDA for calendar years
ending December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007, which
we refer to as Firm Value/ EBITDA multiple; and |
|
|
|
Closing stock prices as of March 31, 2006/estimated
earnings per share, or EPS, for calendar years ending
December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007, which is
referred to as Price/ Earnings multiple. |
Firm value of a particular company was calculated as market
value of the companys equity (as of March 31, 2006);
plus the value of the companys indebtedness, capital
leases, minority interest and preferred stock; minus the
companys cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities
and equity investments.
The estimates of EBITDA and EPS for each of the selected
companies were based on publicly available estimates of certain
securities research analysts.
The following table reflects the results of the analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading Multiples Analysis |
|
Range | |
|
Median | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Price/ Earnings (calendar 2006)
|
|
|
17.6x-27.1x |
|
|
|
19.4x |
|
Price/ Earnings (calendar 2007)
|
|
|
15.2x-22.7x |
|
|
|
16.2x |
|
Firm Value/ EBITDA (calendar 2006)
|
|
|
8.2x-17.2x |
|
|
|
12.9x |
|
Firm Value/ EBITDA (calendar 2007)
|
|
|
7.7x-12.3x |
|
|
|
10.4x |
|
Based on the Price/ Earnings multiple ranges set forth in the
table above, this analysis implied a range for Lucent common
stock of $3.00 to $3.50 per share and for Alcatel ADSs of
$12.25 to $14.50 per share. JPMorgan noted that the implied
range of exchange ratios given these ranges was 0.205x to
0.285x. Based on the Firm Value/ EBITDA multiple ranges set
forth in the table above, this analysis implied a range for
Lucent common stock of $3.00 to $3.75 per share and for
Alcatel ADSs of $14.00 to $16.75 per share. JPMorgan noted
that the implied range of exchange ratios given these ranges was
0.180x to 0.270x.
JPMorgan repeated the analysis for both Lucent and Alcatel using
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA. Based on the Price/
Earnings multiple ranges set forth in the table above, this
adjusted analysis implied a range for Lucent common stock of
$1.50 to $2.00 per share and for Alcatel ADS of $12.75 to
$15.00 per share. JPMorgan noted that the implied range of
exchange ratios given these ranges was 0.110x to 0.150x. Based
on the Firm Value/ EBITDA multiple ranges set forth in the table
above, this adjusted analysis implied a range for Lucent common
stock of $2.00 to $2.50 per share and for Alcatel ADS of
$14.25 to $17.00 per share. JPMorgan noted that the implied
range of exchange ratios given these ranges was 0.115x to
0.175x. JPMorgan also noted that the merger transaction exchange
ratio was 0.1952x.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. JPMorgan calculated ranges
of implied equity value per share for both Lucent common stock
and Alcatel ADSs by performing discounted cash flow analysis
based on management projections for the calendar year ending
December 31, 2006 for both Lucent and Alcatel and using
71
extrapolations of such projections for the calendar years ending
December 31, 2007-2010, which were based on publicly
available estimates of certain securities research analysts. The
discounted cash flow analysis assumed a valuation date of
March 31, 2006 and did not give effect to the impact of any
synergies as a result of the proposed merger.
A discounted cash flow analysis is a traditional method of
evaluating an asset by estimating the future cash flows of an
asset and taking into consideration the time value of money with
respect to those future cash flows by calculating the
present value of the estimated future cash flows of
the asset. Present value refers to the current value
of one or more future cash payments, or cash flows, from an
asset and is obtained by discounting those future cash flows or
amounts by a discount rate that takes into account
macro-economic assumptions and estimates of risk, the
opportunity cost of capital, expected returns and other
appropriate factors. Other financial terms utilized below are
terminal value, which refers to the value of all
future cash flows from an asset at a particular point in time,
and unlevered free cash flows, which refers to a
calculation of the future cash flows of an asset without
including in such calculation any debt servicing costs.
In arriving at the estimated equity values per share of Lucent
common stock and per Alcatel ADS, JPMorgan calculated terminal
values as of December 31, 2010 by applying a range of
perpetual free cash flow growth rates of 3.0% to 4.0% and a
range of discount rates of 10.0% to 11.0%. The unlevered free
cash flows of calendar years 2006 through 2010 and the terminal
value were then discounted to present values using a range of
discount rates of 10.0% to 11.0% in order to derive the
unlevered enterprise values for each of Lucent and Alcatel.
JPMorgan incorporated a risk premium to Alcatels and
Lucents predicted weighted average cost of capital to take
into account unique risks for the companies and the
communications equipment industry as a whole.
In arriving at the estimated equity values per share of Lucent
common stock and Alcatel ADS, JPMorgan calculated the equity
value for both Lucent and Alcatel by reducing the unlevered
enterprise values of each of Lucent and Alcatel by the value of
their respective indebtedness, capital leases, minority interest
and preferred stock; and by adding the value of their respective
cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and equity
investments. In addition, the equity values for both Lucent and
Alcatel were adjusted to reflect the present value of tax
benefits derived from the utilization of the net operating tax
loss carryforwards in the future.
Based on the assumptions set forth above, this analysis implied
a range for Lucent common stock of $2.25 to $3.00 per share
and for Alcatel ADSs of $13.00 to $16.00 per share.
JPMorgan noted that the implied range of exchange ratios given
these ranges was 0.145x to 0.230x. JPMorgan noted that the
merger exchange ratio was 0.1952x.
Exchange Ratio Analysis. JPMorgan analyzed the
consideration to be received by the holders of Lucent common
stock pursuant to the merger agreement by calculating the range
of the implied exchange ratio of Lucent common stock to Alcatel
ADSs for the various valuation methodologies described above.
For the publicly traded comparable company analysis and the
discounted cash flow analysis, JPMorgan compared the highest
value per share of Lucent common stock to the lowest value per
share of Alcatel ADSs to derive the highest implied exchange
ratio. JPMorgan also compared the lowest value per share of
Lucent common stock
72
to the highest value per share of Alcatel ADSs to derive the
lowest implied exchange ratio. The results of this analysis are
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of Implied |
|
|
Exchange Ratio |
|
|
|
Historical Common Stock Performance (12/30/2005 to 3/31/2006)
|
|
|
0.183x-0.215x |
|
|
Publicly traded comparable company analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Firm value/ EBITDA
|
|
|
0.180x-0.270x |
|
|
Firm value/ Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
0.115x-0.175x |
|
|
Price/ Earnings
|
|
|
0.205x-0.285x |
|
|
Price/ Adjusted Earnings
|
|
|
0.110x-0.150x |
|
Discounted cash flow analysis
|
|
|
0.145x-0.230x |
|
Merger exchange ratio
|
|
|
0.1952x |
|
Pro Forma Analysis. JPMorgan analyzed the pro forma
impact of the merger on estimated earnings per share for Lucent
for calendar years ending December 31, 2007 and 2008. The
pro forma results were calculated as if the merger closes on
December 31, 2006 and were based on estimated earnings as
well as potential synergies derived from both management and
publicly available estimates of certain research analysts for
both Alcatel and Lucent. In deriving the combined companys
net income estimates from pretax income estimates, JPMorgan used
an effective tax rate that, based on discussions with the senior
executives of Alcatel and Lucent, took into account potential
tax benefits and deductions available to the combined company on
a pro forma basis. The synergy estimates for the combined
company were also derived from certain estimates provided by the
management. The following table presents the
accretion/(dilution) analysis on Lucents earnings per
share for calendar years ending December 31, 2007 and 2008,
based on pro forma Lucent EPS calculated using two
methodologies: (a) EPS calculated in accordance with the
International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS EPS, and
(b) EPS calculated by excluding the impact of one-time
restructuring charges and non-cash merger-related expenses, or
Adjusted EPS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion/(Dilution) |
|
|
|
|
|
CY2007E |
|
CY2008E |
|
|
|
|
|
IFRS EPS impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Synergies
|
|
|
(29 |
)% |
|
|
(29 |
)% |
With Synergies
|
|
|
(3 |
)% |
|
|
15 |
% |
Adjusted EPS impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Synergies
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
|
|
(7 |
)% |
With Synergies
|
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
Value Creation Analysis. JPMorgan analyzed the pro forma
impact of the merger on the equity value per share of Lucent
common stock. The pro forma results were calculated as if the
merger closed on December 31, 2006 and were based on the
unaffected price per share of Lucent common stock on
March 23, 2006, prior to the public disclosure by Lucent
and Alcatel that they were in merger discussions. JPMorgan
calculated the potential increase/(decrease) in the equity value
per share of Lucent common stock based on (a) the after-tax
present value of the expected synergies that could be achieved
by the combined company after taking into account the cost of
achieving the synergies, (b) the potential value creation
from acceleration of the usage of net operating tax loss
carryforwards, or NOLs, of both Lucent and Alcatel as a result
of the merger, and (c) estimated transaction fees and
expenses. The analysis was based on the merger agreement
exchange ratio of 0.1952x and on estimates derived from
management estimates for synergies, future taxable earnings and
NOLs for each of Lucent and Alcatel. Based on the assumptions
set forth above, this analysis implied value creation per share
of Lucent common stock of up to $1.25.
73
As a part of its investment banking business, JPMorgan and its
affiliates are continually engaged in the valuation of
businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, investments for passive and control purposes,
negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements, and valuations for
estate, corporate and other purposes.
JPMorgan was selected by Lucent as one of its financial advisors
based on JPMorgans qualifications, reputation and
experience in the valuation of businesses and securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions and its familiarity
with Lucent. Upon announcement of the transaction, JPMorgan
became entitled to a fee of $3 million and, if the merger
is completed, will receive an additional fee of
$24.5 million for its services as financial advisor,
including the delivery of an updated fairness opinion with
respect to the merger that takes into account any transaction
involving the contribution of certain assets of Alcatel to
Thales or Thales affiliates. In addition, Lucent has
agreed to indemnify JPMorgan for certain liabilities arising out
of its engagement, including liabilities under federal
securities laws.
JPMorgan and its affiliates have provided investment banking and
commercial banking services from time to time to Lucent, Alcatel
and their respective affiliates. Such past services include
(i) acting as joint bookrunner, mandated lead arranger and
documentation agent for the refinancing of a revolving credit
facility for Alcatel in 2004, (ii) acting as lead dealer
manager of a bond exchange offer for Alcatel in 2004,
(iii) acting as financial advisor to Lucent on its
acquisition of Riverstone Networks in 2006, (iv) acting as
bookrunner and administrative agent of a secured credit facility
for Lucent in 2006 and providing loan commitments thereunder,
and (v) providing treasury services to Lucent and its
affiliates from time to time. In the ordinary course of its
businesses, JPMorgan and its affiliates may actively trade the
debt and equity securities of Lucent or Alcatel for their own
account or for the accounts of their customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.
Opinion of Morgan Stanley, Financial Advisor to Lucent
Lucent retained Morgan Stanley to provide it with financial
advisory services and a financial opinion in connection with the
merger. Morgan Stanley was selected by Lucent based on Morgan
Stanleys qualifications, expertise, reputation and its
knowledge of the business and affairs of Lucent. At the special
meeting of Lucents board of directors on April 1,
2006, Morgan Stanley rendered its oral opinion, subsequently
confirmed in writing, that, as of April 1, 2006, based upon
and subject to the various considerations set forth in the
opinion, the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement was
fair from a financial point of view to the holders of shares of
Lucent common stock (other than Alcatel or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates).
The full text of the written opinion of Morgan Stanley, dated
as of April 1, 2006, is attached as Annex E to this
proxy statement/ prospectus. The opinion sets forth, among other
things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters
considered and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken
by Morgan Stanley in rendering its opinion. You should read the
entire opinion carefully. Morgan Stanleys opinion is
directed to Lucents board of directors and addresses only
the fairness of the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger
agreement from a financial point of view to the holders of
shares of common stock of Lucent (other than Alcatel or any of
its subsidiaries or affiliates) as of the date of the opinion.
It does not address any other aspect of the merger and does not
constitute a recommendation to the shareowners of Lucent or
Alcatel as to how to vote at the shareowners meetings to be held
in connection with the merger. The summary of the opinion of
Morgan Stanley set forth in this proxy statement/ prospectus is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of its
opinion.
In rendering its opinion, Morgan Stanley, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and
other business and financial information of Alcatel and Lucent,
respectively; |
|
|
|
reviewed certain internal financial statements and other
financial and operating data concerning Alcatel and Lucent,
respectively; |
74
|
|
|
|
|
reviewed certain financial projections prepared by the
managements of Alcatel and Lucent, respectively; |
|
|
|
reviewed information relating to certain strategic, financial
and operational benefits anticipated from the merger, prepared
by the managements of Alcatel and Lucent, respectively; |
|
|
|
discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of Alcatel, including information
relating to certain strategic, financial and operational
benefits anticipated from the merger, with senior executives of
Alcatel; |
|
|
|
discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of Lucent, including information
relating to certain strategic, financial and operational
benefits anticipated from the merger, with senior executives of
Lucent; |
|
|
|
reviewed the pro forma impact of the merger on Lucents,
Alcatels and the combined companys earnings per
share, cash flow, consolidated capitalization and other
financial ratios; |
|
|
|
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for Alcatel
ordinary shares, the Alcatel ADSs and the Lucent common stock; |
|
|
|
compared the financial performance of Alcatel and Lucent and the
prices and trading activity of Alcatel ordinary shares, the
Alcatel ADSs and the Lucent common stock with that of certain
other publicly-traded companies comparable with Alcatel and
Lucent, respectively, and their securities; |
|
|
|
participated in discussions among representatives of Alcatel and
Lucent and their financial and legal advisors; |
|
|
|
reviewed the merger agreement draft dated March 31, 2006,
and certain related documents; and |
|
|
|
performed such other analyses, reviewed such other information
and considered such other factors as Morgan Stanley deemed
appropriate. |
In rendering its opinion, Morgan Stanley assumed and relied upon
without independent verification the accuracy and completeness
of the information supplied or otherwise made available to
Morgan Stanley by Lucent and Alcatel for the purposes of the
opinion. With respect to the financial projections, including
information relating to certain strategic, financial and
operational benefits anticipated from the merger, Morgan Stanley
assumed that they had been reasonably prepared on bases
reflecting the then best currently available estimates and
judgments of the future financial performance of Lucent and
Alcatel. Morgan Stanley relied upon, without independent
verification, the assessment by the managements of Lucent and
Alcatel of the timing and risks associated with the integration
of Lucent and Alcatel, their ability to retain key employees of
Lucent and Alcatel, respectively, and the validity of, and risks
associated with, Lucents and Alcatels existing and
future technologies, intellectual property, products, services
and business models.
In addition, Morgan Stanley assumed that the merger will be
consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger
agreement without any waiver, amendment or delay of any terms or
conditions, including, among other things, that the merger will
be treated as a tax-free reorganization pursuant to the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, Morgan Stanley assumed that in
connection with the receipt of all necessary government,
regulatory or other consents and approvals required for the
merger, no delays, limitations, conditions or restrictions will
be imposed that would cause a failure of any condition to either
partys obligation to complete the proposed merger. Morgan
Stanley is not a legal or tax advisor and relied upon, without
independent verification, the assessment of Lucent with respect
to legal and tax matters. Morgan Stanley did not make any
independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities
of Alcatel, nor was Morgan Stanley furnished with any such
appraisals. Morgan Stanleys opinion was necessarily based
on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect
on, and the information made available to Morgan Stanley as of,
the date of Morgan Stanleys opinion. Events occurring
after the date of Morgan Stanleys opinion may affect its
opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and Morgan
Stanley did not assume any obligation to update, revise or
reaffirm its opinion.
75
In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley was not authorized to
solicit, and did not solicit, interest from any party with
respect to the acquisition, business combination or other
extraordinary transaction involving Lucent. Morgan Stanley
noted, for the purposes of its opinion that Lucent and Alcatel
confirmed on March 23, 2006, that they were in discussions
regarding a potential business combination transaction.
|
|
|
Summary of Certain Financial Analyses Conducted by Morgan
Stanley |
The following is a brief summary of the material analyses
performed by Morgan Stanley in connection with its opinion dated
April 1, 2006. This summary of financial analyses includes
information presented in tabular format. In order to fully
understand the financial analyses used by Morgan Stanley, the
tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The
tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the
financial analyses.
Historical Common Stock Performance. Morgan
Stanleys analysis of the performance of Lucent common
stock consisted of a historical analysis of trading prices over
the period from December 30, 2005 to March 31, 2006,
the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the
merger. During that three-month period, Lucent common stock
achieved a closing price high of $3.09 per share and a
closing price low of $2.50 per share on March 30, 2006
and January 23, 2006, respectively. Over the same period of
time, the Alcatel ADSs achieved a closing price high of
$15.71 per share and a closing price low of $12.40 per
share on March 30, 2006 and December 30, 2005,
respectively. Morgan Stanley noted that the exchange ratio as
calculated using the daily closing prices of Lucent common stock
and the Alcatel ADS over the period from December 30, 2005
to March 31, 2006 ranged from a low of 0.183x to a high of
0.215x, compared to the merger exchange ratio of 0.1952x.
Comparative Stock Price Performance. Morgan Stanley
performed analyses of historical closing prices of Lucent common
stock, the Alcatel ADSs, and an equally weighted index of
communications equipment companies consisting of L.M. Ericsson
Telephone Co. and Nortel Networks Corp. Morgan Stanley compared
the performance of this index to that of The Nasdaq National
Market generally and to the performance of Lucent common stock
and the Alcatel ADSs during the period from March 31, 2005
to March 31, 2006, the last trading day prior to the public
announcement of the merger. Morgan Stanley observed that over
this period, the communications equipment companies index
increased 25%, The Nasdaq National Market increased 17%, Lucent
common stock increased 11% and the Alcatel ADS increased 28%.
Exchange Ratio Premium Analysis. Morgan Stanley reviewed
the ratios of the closing prices of Lucent common stock divided
by the corresponding closing prices of the Alcatel ADSs over
various periods ending March 31, 2006, the last trading day
prior to the public announcement of the merger. These ratios are
referred to as period average exchange ratios. Morgan Stanley
examined the premiums represented by the merger exchange ratio
of 0.1952x, over the period average exchange ratios and found
them to be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merger Exchange Ratio (0.1952x) |
|
|
Period Average |
|
Premium/(Discount) to Period |
Period |
|
Exchange Ratio |
|
Average Exchange Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
Last 3 Months
|
|
|
0.198x |
|
|
|
(1.6 |
)% |
Last 6 Months
|
|
|
0.215x |
|
|
|
(9.2 |
)% |
Last 12 Months
|
|
|
0.231x |
|
|
|
(15.3 |
)% |
High Since March 31, 2005
|
|
|
0.278x |
|
|
|
(29.8 |
)% |
Low Since March 31, 2005
|
|
|
0.183x |
|
|
|
7.0 |
% |
Relative Contribution Analysis. Morgan Stanley analyzed
the relative contribution of Lucent and Alcatel to historical
and estimated revenue, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), and net
income of the combined company for the calendar years ending
December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006 based on
available management estimates for Lucent and Alcatel. Morgan
Stanleys relative contribution analysis assumed there
would be no synergies. Morgan Stanley adjusted the relative
contribution percentages for revenue and EBITDA to reflect the
relative capital structure of each company to determine the
implied pro forma ownership percentages of the combined company
for the shareholders of
76
Alcatel and Lucent, respectively. The pro forma ownership
percentages were then used to calculate implied exchange ratios.
The results are set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage Implied |
|
|
|
|
Ownership of the Combined |
|
|
|
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implied |
|
|
Lucent |
|
Alcatel |
|
Exchange |
|
|
Shareowners |
|
Shareholders |
|
Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
32% |
|
|
|
68% |
|
|
|
0.142x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
33% |
|
|
|
67% |
|
|
|
0.152x |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
42% |
|
|
|
58% |
|
|
|
0.204x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
44% |
|
|
|
56% |
|
|
|
0.220x |
|
Net Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
46% |
|
|
|
54% |
|
|
|
0.230x |
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
47% |
|
|
|
53% |
|
|
|
0.243x |
|
Additionally, Morgan Stanley adjusted the relative contribution
percentages for EBITDA and net income (presented as
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income,
respectively) to exclude the impact of expenses and credits
related to pensions and other post-retirement benefits for both
Lucent and Alcatel. The following table presents the results of
that analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage Implied Ownership |
|
|
|
|
of the Combined Company |
|
Implied |
|
|
|
|
Exchange |
|
|
Lucent Shareowners |
|
Alcatel Shareholders |
|
Ratio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
79 |
% |
|
|
0.088 |
x |
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
69 |
% |
|
|
0.136 |
x |
Adjusted Net Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2005
|
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
83 |
% |
|
|
0.068 |
x |
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2006
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
0.133 |
x |
Morgan Stanley noted that the pro forma ownership percentage of
the combined company implied by the merger exchange ratio of
0.1952x would be approximately 60% for Alcatel shareholders and
approximately 40% for Lucent shareowners.
Present Value of Equity Research Analyst Price Targets
Analysis. Morgan Stanley performed an analysis of the
present value per share of Lucent common stock and Alcatel
ordinary shares by analyzing the
twelve-month target
prices based upon publicly available equity research estimates.
Morgan Stanley noted that the range of
twelve-month target
prices of Lucent common stock was between $2.25 and
$4.00 per share. Morgan Stanley further calculated that
using a discount rate of 10.5% and a discount period of one
year, the present value of the analyst price target range was
$2.00 to $3.50. Morgan Stanley noted that the range of
twelve-month target
prices of Alcatel ordinary shares was between
9.00 and
15.00 per
share. Morgan Stanley further calculated that using a discount
rate of 10.5%, a discount period of one year, and a foreign
exchange rate of $1.21/
as of March 31, 2006, the last trading day prior to
the public announcement of the merger, the present value of the
analyst price target range for Alcatel was $9.75 to $16.25.
Morgan Stanley observed that the implied exchange ratio using
the arithmetic mean of the analyst price target ranges was
0.195x, compared to the merger exchange ratio of 0.1952x.
Comparable Company Analysis. While noting that no
comparable public company is exactly identical to Alcatel or
Lucent, Morgan Stanley compared selected financial information
for Alcatel and Lucent with publicly available information for
comparable communications equipment companies that shared
certain product characteristics and similar customer bases with
Alcatel and Lucent, respectively. Based upon publicly available
estimates of certain securities research analysts and using the
closing prices as of March 31, 2006,
77
the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the
merger, Morgan Stanley calculated for each of these companies,
both (1) the closing stock price divided by the estimated
earnings per share for calendar years 2006 and 2007, referred to
as the price/earnings multiple, and (2) the
aggregate value divided by the estimated EBITDA for calendar
years 2006 and 2007, referred to as the aggregate value/
EBITDA multiple. The aggregate value of a company was
defined as the market value of equity less cash and cash
equivalents plus the value of any debt, capital leases, minority
interests, and preferred stock obligations of the company. The
following table shows the results of these calculations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Value/ |
|
|
Price/ Earnings |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
|
CY2006E |
|
CY2007E |
|
CY2006E |
|
CY2007E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cisco Systems Inc.
|
|
|
19.4 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
N.A. |
|
Nokia Corp.
|
|
|
18.0 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
Motorola Inc.
|
|
|
17.6 |
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
L.M. Ericsson Telephone Co.
|
|
|
17.6 |
|
|
|
16.2 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
Nortel Networks Corp.
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
15.2 |
|
|
|
17.2 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
|
Juniper Networks Inc.
|
|
|
23.0 |
|
|
|
19.0 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
Tellabs Inc.
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
22.7 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
Based on the price/earnings multiple ranges set forth in the
table above, this analysis implied a range for Lucent common
stock of $3.00 to $3.50 per share and for the Alcatel ADSs
of $12.25 to $14.50 per share. Morgan Stanley noted that
the implied range of exchange ratios given these ranges was
0.205x to 0.285x. Based on the aggregate value/ EBITDA multiple
ranges set forth in the table above, this analysis implied a
range for Lucent common stock of $3.00 to $3.75 per share
and for the Alcatel ADSs of $14.00 to $16.75 per share.
Morgan Stanley noted that the implied range of exchange ratios
given these ranges was 0.180x to 0.270x.
Morgan Stanley repeated the analysis for both Lucent and Alcatel
using Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA. Based on the
price/earnings multiple ranges set forth in the table above,
this adjusted analysis implied a range for Lucent common stock
of $1.50 to $2.00 per share and for the Alcatel ADSs of
$12.75 to $15.00 per share. Morgan Stanley noted that the
implied range of exchange ratios given these ranges was 0.110x
to 0.150x. Based on the aggregate value/ EBITDA multiple ranges
set forth in the table above, this adjusted analysis implied a
range for Lucent common stock of $2.00 to $2.50 per share
and for the Alcatel ADSs of $14.25 to $17.00 per share.
Morgan Stanley noted that the implied range of exchange ratios
given these ranges was 0.115x to 0.175x. Morgan Stanley noted
that the merger transaction exchange ratio was 0.1952x.
No company included in the comparable company analysis is
identical to Lucent or Alcatel. In evaluating the comparable
companies, Morgan Stanley made judgments and assumptions with
regard to industry performance, general business, economic,
market and financial conditions and other matters. Many of these
matters are beyond the control of Lucent or Alcatel, such as the
impact of competition on the businesses of Lucent and Alcatel
and the industry in general, industry growth and the absence of
any material adverse change in the financial condition and
prospects of Lucent or Alcatel or the industry or in the
financial markets in general. Mathematical analysis, such as
determining the arithmetic mean or median, or the high or low,
is not in itself a meaningful method of using comparable company
data.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Morgan Stanley calculated
ranges of implied equity values per share for Alcatel and Lucent
as of March 31, 2006 based on a discounted cash flow
analysis utilizing management projections for the calendar years
2005 and 2006 and extrapolations of such projections for the
calendar years from 2007 to 2010. In arriving at the estimated
equity values per share of Lucent common stock and per Alcatel
ADSs, Morgan Stanley calculated a terminal value as of
December 31, 2010 by applying a range of perpetual free
cash flow growth rates from 3.0% to 4.0%. The unlevered free
cash flows from calendar years 2006 through 2010 and the
terminal value were then discounted to present values using a
range of discount rates from 10.0% to 11.0%. Morgan Stanley
incorporated a risk premium to Alcatels and Lucents
predicted
78
weighted average cost of capital to take into account unique
risks for the companies and the communications equipment
industry as a whole.
Based on the assumptions set forth above, this analysis implied
a range for Lucent common stock of $2.25 to $3.00 per share
and for the Alcatel ADSs of $13.00 to $16.00 per share.
Morgan Stanley noted that the implied range of exchange ratios
given these ranges was 0.145x to 0.230x. Morgan Stanley noted
that the merger transaction exchange ratio was 0.1952x.
Pro Forma Analysis of the Merger. Morgan Stanley analyzed
the pro forma impact of the merger on estimated earnings per
share for Lucent for calendar years 2007 and 2008. The pro forma
results were calculated as if the merger had closed at the end
of calendar year 2006 and were based on estimated earnings
derived from publicly available equity research estimates for
Alcatel and Lucent. In deriving the combined companys net
income estimates from pretax income estimates, Morgan Stanley
used an effective tax rate that, based on discussions with the
senior executives of Alcatel and Lucent, took into account
potential tax benefits and deductions available to the combined
company on a pro forma basis. The following table presents
estimated pro forma calendar year 2007 and 2008 Lucent earnings
per share and accretion/(dilution) analysis based on the merger
exchange ratio of 0.1952x, according to the equity research
estimates, which excludes the impact of one-time and non-cash
acquisition-related expenses, as well as IFRS accounting. Morgan
Stanley performed the analysis assuming no synergies as well as
with the realization of annual pretax synergies during calendar
years 2007 and 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion/(Dilution) |
|
|
|
Equity Research Estimates |
|
CY2007E |
|
CY2008E |
|
|
|
|
|
No Synergies
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
|
|
(7 |
)% |
With Synergies
|
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Synergies
|
|
|
(29 |
)% |
|
|
(29 |
)% |
With Synergies
|
|
|
(3 |
)% |
|
|
15 |
% |
In connection with the review of the merger by Lucents
board of directors, Morgan Stanley performed a variety of
financial and comparative analyses for purposes of rendering its
opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex
process and is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis
or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Morgan
Stanley considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole
and did not attribute any particular weight to any particular
analysis or factor considered by it. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley
believes that the summary provided and the analyses described
above must be considered as a whole and that selecting any
portion of Morgan Stanleys analyses, without considering
all of its analyses, would create an incomplete view of the
process underlying Morgan Stanleys opinion. In addition,
Morgan Stanley may have deemed various assumptions more or less
probable than other assumptions, so that the range of valuations
resulting from any particular analysis described above should
not be taken to be Morgan Stanleys view of the actual
value of Lucent or Alcatel.
In performing its analyses, Morgan Stanley made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general
business and economic conditions and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of Lucent or Alcatel. Any estimates
contained in Morgan Stanleys analysis are not necessarily
indicative of future results or actual values, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by
such estimates. The analyses performed were prepared solely as
part of Morgan Stanleys analysis of the fairness of the
exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement from a financial
point of view to the holders of Lucent common stock and were
conducted in connection with the delivery of the Morgan Stanley
opinion to the board of directors of Lucent. The analyses do not
purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
Lucent common stock or the Alcatel ADSs might actually trade.
The exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement and other
terms of the merger agreement were determined through
arms-length negotiations between Lucent and Alcatel and
were approved by Lucents board of directors. Morgan
Stanley provided advice to Lucent during these negotiations;
however, Morgan Stanley did not recommend any specific
consideration to Lucent or that any specific consideration
constituted the only appropriate
79
consideration for the merger. In addition, as described above,
Morgan Stanleys opinion and presentation to Lucents
board of directors was one of many factors taken into
consideration by Lucents board of directors in making its
decision to approve the merger. Consequently, the Morgan Stanley
analyses as described above should not be viewed as
determinative of the opinion of Lucents board of directors
with respect to the exchange ratio or whether the Lucent board
of directors would have been willing to agree to a different
consideration.
The Lucent board of directors retained Morgan Stanley based upon
Morgan Stanleys qualifications, experience and expertise.
Morgan Stanley is an internationally recognized investment
banking and advisory firm. Morgan Stanley, as part of its
investment banking and financial advisory business, is
continuously engaged in the valuation of businesses and
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwriting, competitive bidding, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes. In
the ordinary course of Morgan Stanleys trading and
brokerage activities, Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may at
any time hold long or short positions, trade or otherwise effect
transactions, for their own accounts or for the accounts of
customers, in the equity or debt securities or senior loans of
Lucent and/or Alcatel.
Pursuant to an engagement letter, Morgan Stanley provided
financial advisory services and a financial opinion in
connection with the merger, and Lucent agreed to pay Morgan
Stanley a fee of $3 million upon announcement of the merger
and an additional fee of $24.5 million which is contingent
upon closing of the merger. Lucent has also agreed to reimburse
Morgan Stanley for its expenses incurred in performing its
services. In addition, Lucent has agreed to indemnify Morgan
Stanley and its affiliates, their respective directors,
officers, agents and employees and each person, if any,
controlling Morgan Stanley or any of its affiliates against
certain liabilities and expenses, including certain liabilities
under the federal securities laws, related to or arising out of
Morgan Stanleys engagement and any related transactions.
In the past, Morgan Stanley and its affiliates have provided
advisory and financing services to Lucent and Alcatel and have
received fees for the rendering of these services. Morgan
Stanley and its affiliates may also seek to provide such
services to Alcatel and its affiliates in the future and will
receive fees for the rendering of these services.
Interests of the Directors and Executive Officers of Lucent
in the Merger
In considering the recommendation of the Lucent board of
directors with respect to the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, you should be
aware that some of Lucents directors and executive
officers have interests in the merger and have arrangements that
are different from, or in addition to, those of the Lucent
shareowners generally. These interests and arrangements may be
deemed to create potential conflicts of interest. The Lucent
board of directors was aware of these interests and considered
them, among other matters, in making its recommendation.
|
|
|
Employment Agreement with Patricia F. Russo |
Pursuant to a January 6, 2002 employment agreement between
Lucent and Ms. Russo, Lucent would be obligated to provide
Ms. Russo with certain severance benefits in the event of a
termination of her employment by Lucent without cause (as
defined in the agreement) or by her for good reason (as defined
in the agreement). In the event of such a termination, she would
receive (i) vesting of any unvested make-whole
stock options and restricted stock units granted to her upon her
commencement of service as Lucents chief executive officer
in 2002 (the remaining unvested installments of these awards are
scheduled to vest on January 6, 2007), with such options
remaining exercisable until the end of their originally
scheduled terms, (ii) pro rata vesting in any unvested
inducement stock options and restricted stock units
granted to her upon her commencement of service as Lucents
chief executive officer in 2002 (the remaining unvested
installments of these awards are scheduled to vest on
January 6, 2007), with such options remaining exercisable
until the end of their originally scheduled terms,
(iii) severance benefits pursuant to Lucents Officer
Severance Policy described below, and (iv) pro rata vesting
in a supplemental pension arrangement set forth in the
employment agreement. Ms. Russos agreement also
provides a tax gross-up if she is subject to the
change
80
of control excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Ms. Russo
will be named chief executive officer of the combined company
following the merger, and Alcatel and Lucent expect that the
combined company will enter into a new employment agreement with
Ms. Russo, which will be effective as of and conditioned
upon the completion of the merger. The terms of this new
employment agreement have not yet been determined or agreed.
Lucents executive officers who were officers of Lucent
prior to October 2003 are provided with severance protection
under Lucents Officer Severance Policy in the event of a
termination of employment by Lucent without cause (as defined in
the policy) or, following a change of control of Lucent, by the
covered individual for good reason (as defined in the policy).
Upon such a qualifying termination, the policy provides the
terminated employee with two years of salary continuation and
with a bonus payment at target levels during each of the two
Decembers during the continuation period. The severance period
and payments are counted towards age, service, and compensation
for purposes of calculating pension benefits. Terminated
employees also continue to participate in welfare, retirement,
and fringe benefit plans and are considered employed during this
continuation period for purposes of equity awards. The severance
benefits are subject to execution of a release (including
non-competition and non-solicitation provisions). The following
Lucent executive officers are covered by the Officer Severance
Policy: Ms. Russo, Frank DAmelio, Janet Davidson,
James Brewington, Cynthia Christy-Langenfeld, William Carapezzi,
John Kritzmacher, and John Meyer. The merger will constitute a
change of control of Lucent under the Officer Severance Policy
and under all other Lucent plans and programs with
change-of-control triggers.
Lucent executive officers who became officers of Lucent on or
after October 1, 2003 are covered by Lucents Officer
Severance Program, which, following a change of control,
provides benefits upon qualifying terminations that are
substantially similar to those provided by the Officer Severance
Policy, but with a continuation period of one year rather than
two years (including for purposes of base salary continuation
and payment of target bonus). The following Lucent executive
officers are covered by the Officer Severance Program: David
Hitchcock, Michael Jones, and Jeong Kim. However, the Officer
Severance Program was amended effective April 14, 2006 to
provide that the merger will not constitute a change in control
for officers who began coverage under the program after that
date. Michael Jones began coverage under the program on
April 17, 2006.
Neither the Officer Severance Policy nor the Officer Severance
Program may be amended adversely to participants during the
two-year period following the merger.
The estimated aggregate cash severance benefits under these
policies (not including, in the case of Ms. Russo, any
potential tax gross-up payments or pro rata pension vesting) for
each named executive officer and for all Lucent executive
officers as a group, assuming all such individuals incurred a
qualifying termination of employment following the merger on
October 1, 2006, would be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Patricia F. Russo
|
|
$ |
6,000,000 |
|
Frank A. DAmelio
|
|
$ |
3,400,000 |
|
Janet G. Davidson
|
|
$ |
2,420,000 |
|
James K. Brewington
|
|
$ |
2,420,000 |
|
Cynthia K. Christy-Langenfeld
|
|
$ |
2,600,000 |
|
All executive officers as a group (11 individuals)
|
|
$ |
24,100,000 |
|
Lucents executive officers participate in Lucents
equity and long-term incentive plans under which stock options,
restricted stock units and three-year performance awards have
been granted. The conversion of these awards in the merger into
Alcatel awards is discussed under The Merger
Agreement Merger
81
Consideration Stock Options and Other Stock
Awards. Pursuant to the change-of-control provisions of
the plans, the merger will have the following impact upon these
awards:
|
|
|
|
|
upon shareowner and regulatory approval of the merger, all
outstanding stock options granted under Lucents long-term
incentive programs that were in use prior to the 2003 Long Term
Incentive Program shall vest; |
|
|
|
if, within 24 months following the merger, the award
holders employment is terminated without cause by Lucent
or by the holder for good reason (as such terms are defined in
the applicable award or severance policy), any stock options or
restricted stock units that remain unvested shall vest upon the
date of termination; and |
|
|
|
with respect to Lucents outstanding performance cycle
awards, any amounts earned for fiscal years completed prior to
the merger, and prorated amounts at target performance levels
for the fiscal year in which the merger closes, will be payable
to participants, subject to the original schedule and terms of
these awards. |
The following table shows, for each Lucent-named executive
officer and for Lucents executive officers as a group,
based on holdings outstanding as of May 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
the number of unvested stock options that would become vested
upon shareowner and regulatory approval of the merger and their
weighted average exercise price; |
|
|
|
the number of unvested restricted stock units that would become
vested upon shareowner and regulatory approval of the merger; |
|
|
|
the number of unvested stock options that would vest upon a
termination without cause or for good reason during the two-year
period following the merger and their weighted average exercise
price; and |
|
|
|
the unvested restricted stock units that would vest upon such a
termination during the two-year period following the merger. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options |
|
|
|
Restricted Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
That Would |
|
|
|
Units That Would |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
Vest upon |
|
|
|
Vest upon |
|
Stock Options |
|
|
|
Stock Units |
|
|
Shareowner |
|
Weighted Average |
|
Shareowner |
|
That Would |
|
Weighted Average |
|
That Would |
|
|
and Regulatory |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
and Regulatory |
|
Vest upon a |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
Vest upon a |
|
|
Approval of |
|
Such Stock |
|
Approval of |
|
Qualifying |
|
Such Stock |
|
Qualifying |
Name |
|
the Merger |
|
Options |
|
the Merger |
|
Termination |
|
Options |
|
Termination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patricia F. Russo
|
|
|
1,658,921 |
|
|
$ |
4.44 |
|
|
|
396,936 |
|
|
|
5,187,500 |
|
|
$ |
3.28 |
|
|
|
1,170,135 |
|
Frank A. DAmelio
|
|
|
437,500 |
|
|
|
1.42 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,718,750 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
329,068 |
|
Janet G. Davidson
|
|
|
162,500 |
|
|
|
1.42 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,544,375 |
|
|
|
3.32 |
|
|
|
223,035 |
|
James K. Brewington
|
|
|
162,500 |
|
|
|
1.42 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,544,375 |
|
|
|
3.32 |
|
|
|
223,035 |
|
Cynthia K. Christy- Langenfeld
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
1.42 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,681,250 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
343,693 |
|
All executive officers as a group (12 individuals)
|
|
|
2,683,921 |
|
|
|
3.32 |
|
|
|
396,936 |
|
|
|
17,431,875 |
|
|
|
3.27 |
|
|
|
2,764,285 |
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plans and Trust |
Lucent maintains deferred compensation and supplemental pension
programs for both employees and non-employee directors, although
the employee deferred compensation program was frozen in 2002.
Lucents executive officers and non-employee directors
participate in these programs. Pursuant to the requirements of a
trust agreement, shortly following execution of the merger
agreement, Lucent funded in a trust that is subject to
Lucents creditors the accrued balances under these
programs of its former and current officers. Within 90 days
following the merger, Lucent will be required to distribute to
all participants their outstanding account balances in the
deferred compensation programs.
82
|
|
|
Designation as Directors of the Combined Company |
Under the terms of the merger agreement, five directors from
Lucents current board of directors in addition to
Ms. Russo will be designated by Lucent to serve on the
combined companys board of directors after the effective
time of the merger. As of the date of this proxy statement/
prospectus, those persons have not been determined.
|
|
|
Continued Employment with the Combined Company |
Certain of Lucents current executive officers will be
offered continued employment with the combined company after the
effective time of the merger.
|
|
|
Indemnification and Insurance |
The merger agreement provides that, for a period of six years
following the effective time of the merger, the combined company
will maintain in effect the exculpation, indemnification and
advancement of expenses provisions of the organizational
documents of Lucent and its subsidiaries and in any
indemnification agreements of Lucent and its subsidiaries with
any of their respective directors, officers or employees in
effect immediately prior to the effective time with respect to
acts or omissions prior to the effective time of the merger.
Alcatel and Lucent have also agreed, for a period of six years
following the effective time of the merger, to indemnify the
officers, directors and employees of Lucent and its subsidiaries
with respect to all acts or omissions by them in their
capacities as such prior to the effective time of the merger, to
the extent provided under Lucents certificate of
incorporation and bylaws in effect on April 2, 2006.
The merger agreement further requires the combined company to,
for a minimum of six years following the effective time of the
merger, maintain coverage under an officers and
directors liability insurance policy on terms and
conditions no less advantageous to the directors and officers
than the liability insurance policy that Lucent maintained for
its directors and officers prior to the merger. The combined
company will not be obligated to make annual premium payments
for this insurance to the extent that the premiums exceed 250%
of the most recent annual premiums paid by Lucent prior to
April 2, 2006. The agreements regarding insurance and
indemnification are enforceable by the directors and officers of
Lucent and are binding on the successors and assigns of Alcatel
and the surviving corporation.
Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger
The merger is subject to review by the Antitrust Division and
the FTC under the HSR Act. Lucent and Alcatel were informed by
the Antitrust Division that on or before April 2, 2006, the
Antitrust Division opened a preliminary investigation into the
merger. Lucent filed on May 5, 2006, and Alcatel filed on
May 8, 2006, the requisite Pre-Merger Notification and
Report Forms under the HSR Act with the Antitrust Division and
the FTC. After such filings, the Antitrust Division received
clearance to review the merger under the HSR Act. On
June 7, 2006, the Antitrust Division granted early
termination of the HSR waiting period. The Antitrust Division,
the FTC, state attorneys general and others may challenge the
merger on antitrust grounds after termination of the waiting
period. Accordingly, at any time before or after the completion
of the merger, any of the Antitrust Division, the FTC, state
attorneys general or others could take action under the
antitrust laws, including, without limitation, by seeking to
enjoin the completion of the merger or permitting completion
subject to regulatory concessions or conditions.
Alcatel and Lucent each conduct business in Member States of the
European Union. Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004
of the Council of the European Union, which is referred to as
the EC Merger Regulation, requires notification to and prior
approval by the European Commission of mergers or acquisitions
involving parties with aggregate worldwide sales and individual
European Union sales exceeding specified thresholds. Lucent and
Alcatel exceed those thresholds, and filed the requisite
notification with the European Commis-
83
sion on June 16, 2006. On July 24, 2006, the European
Commission declared the merger compatible with the Common Market.
The Exon-Florio Amendment empowers the President of the United
States to prohibit or suspend an acquisition of, or investment
in, a U.S. company by a foreign person if the
President, after investigation, finds credible evidence that the
foreign person might take action that threatens to impair the
national security of the United States and that other provisions
of existing law do not provide adequate and appropriate
authority to protect the national security. By a 1988 executive
order, the President delegated to CFIUS the authority to receive
notices of proposed transactions, determine when an
investigation is warranted, conduct investigations and submit
recommendations to the President to suspend or prohibit the
completion of transactions or to require divestitures of
completed transactions.
A party or parties to a transaction may, but are not required
to, submit to CFIUS a voluntary notice of the transaction. CFIUS
has 30 calendar days from the date of submission to decide
whether to initiate a formal investigation. If CFIUS declines to
investigate, it sends a no action letter, and the
review process is complete. If CFIUS decides to investigate, it
has 45 calendar days in which to prepare a recommendation to the
President of the United States, who must then decide within 15
calendar days whether to block the transaction.
Alcatel and Lucent plan to submit a notice of the merger to
CFIUS, in accordance with the regulations implementing the
Exon-Florio Amendment in the near future. Alcatel and Lucent are
working with the U.S. government to ensure that U.S. national
security interests are protected. Although Lucent and Alcatel do
not believe an investigation of, or recommendation to block, the
merger by CFIUS is warranted under the standards of the
Exon-Florio Amendment, CFIUS and the President of the United
States have considerable discretion to conduct investigations
and block transactions under the Exon-Florio Amendment. In
addition, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives each
passed bills to amend the CFIUS review process in
July 2006, and legislation may be enacted which could
affect CFIUS review of this transaction.
To address foreign ownership issues, Lucent and Alcatel agreed
in the merger agreement to establish a separate subsidiary to
perform certain work for the U.S. government that is of a
sensitive nature. Under the terms of the merger agreement,
Alcatel, Lucent and such separate subsidiary will enter into an
appropriate form of agreement, effective as of the effective
time of the merger, which will include security measures to
protect classified and sensitive contracts, and protections for
U.S. infrastructure and technologies. The terms of this
agreement are being negotiated with the U.S. government.
The agreement will provide that three special directors of such
entity will be citizens and residents of the United States
eligible to obtain personnel security clearance from the
U.S. Department of Defense. Subsequent to entering into the
merger agreement, Alcatel and Lucent agreed to nominate Hon.
William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Hon. R.
James Woolsey, former director of the U.S. Central Intelligence
Agency and former Under Secretary of the U.S. Navy, and Lt. Gen.
Kenneth A. Minihan, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), former director of
the National Security Agency, to be the special directors. The
nominations are subject to U.S. government approval. In
connection with CFIUS review, Lucent and Alcatel are engaged in
discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense and other
federal agencies regarding security protections for certain
projects, which may include separation of certain employees,
operations and facilities in a specified subsidiary, as well as,
with respect to such subsidiary, restrictions of control by the
parent company and on information flows.
|
|
|
Foreign and Certain Other Regulatory Matters |
The merger may be subject to certain regulatory requirements of
other municipal, state, federal and foreign governmental
agencies and authorities, including those relating to the offer
and sale of securities. Alcatel and Lucent are currently working
to evaluate and comply in all material respects with these
requirements, as appropriate, and do not currently anticipate
that they will hinder, delay or restrict completion of the
merger.
84
It is possible that one or more of the regulatory approvals
required to complete the merger will not be obtained on a timely
basis or at all. In addition, it is possible that any of the
governmental entities with which filings are made may seek
regulatory concessions as conditions for granting approval of
the merger. Under the merger agreement, Alcatel and Lucent have
each agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to complete the
merger, including to gain clearance from antitrust and
competition authorities and obtain other required approvals. For
this purpose, each of Alcatel and Lucent has agreed to commit to
certain divestitures or restrictions, if necessary, that after
the effective time of the merger would limit the combined
companys freedom of action with respect to, or its ability
to retain, one or more of its businesses, product lines or
assets. See The Merger Agreement Covenants and
Agreements.
Although Alcatel and Lucent do not expect regulatory authorities
to raise any significant objections to the merger, they cannot
be certain that they will obtain all required regulatory
approvals or that these approvals will not contain terms,
conditions or restrictions that would be detrimental to the
combined company after the merger. Alcatel and Lucent have not
yet obtained any of the governmental or regulatory approvals
required to complete the merger.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general discussion of material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger that may
be relevant to you if you hold Lucent common stock as a capital
asset and are:
|
|
|
|
|
an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
|
|
|
a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created
in or organized under the laws of the United States or any
political subdivision thereof; |
|
|
|
an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal
income tax without regard to its source; or |
|
|
|
a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary supervision over its administration and one or more
U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the
substantial decisions of such trust. |
This discussion is addressed only to Lucent shareowners to the
extent that they exchange Lucent common stock for Alcatel ADSs
in the merger and therefore are treated for federal income tax
purposes as receiving the Alcatel ordinary shares represented by
such Alcatel ADSs. Holders of Lucent warrants or convertible
debt obligations should consult their tax advisors as to the tax
consequences to them of the merger.
This discussion is not intended to be a complete analysis and
does not address all potential tax consequences that may be
relevant to you. Moreover, this discussion does not apply to you
if you are subject to special treatment under the Internal
Revenue Code, including, without limitation, because you are:
|
|
|
|
|
a foreign person or entity; |
|
|
|
a tax-exempt organization, a financial institution, a mutual
fund, a dealer or broker in securities or an insurance company; |
|
|
|
a trader who elects to
mark-to-market its
securities; |
|
|
|
a person who holds Lucent common stock as part of an integrated
investment such as a straddle, hedge, constructive sale,
conversion transaction or other risk reduction transaction; |
|
|
|
a person who holds Lucent common stock in an individual
retirement or other tax-deferred account; |
|
|
|
a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
|
|
|
an individual who received shares of Lucent common stock, or who
acquires Alcatel ADSs or Alcatel ordinary shares, pursuant to
the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as
compensation or in connection with the performance of services; |
85
|
|
|
|
|
a partnership or other flow-through entity (including an
S corporation or a limited liability company treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and
persons who hold an interest in such entities; or |
|
|
|
a person subject to the alternative minimum tax. |
In addition, this discussion does not address the tax
consequences to you if you will become a five-percent
transferee shareholder of Alcatel within the meaning of
the applicable Treasury Regulations under Section 367 of
the Internal Revenue Code. In general, a five-percent transferee
shareholder is a person who holds Lucent common stock and will
own directly, indirectly or constructively through attribution
rules, at least five percent of either the total voting power or
total value of Alcatel shares immediately after the merger.
Based on the current value and ownership of Alcatel and Lucent,
Alcatel does not expect that any Lucent shareowners will become
five-percent transferee shareholders of Alcatel in connection
with the merger. However, the attribution rules for determining
ownership are complex, and neither Alcatel nor Lucent can offer
any assurance that you will not be a five-percent transferee
shareholder based on your particular facts and circumstances. If
you believe you could become a five-percent transferee
shareholder of Alcatel, you should consult your tax advisor
about the special rules and time-sensitive tax procedures,
including the requirement to file a gain recognition agreement,
that might apply regarding your ability to obtain
non-recognition treatment in the merger. The tax opinion to be
provided by Wachtell Lipton as a condition to the obligation of
Lucent to consummate the merger will assume that any shareowner
who is a
five-percent
transferee shareholder with respect to Alcatel within the
meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations under
Section 367 of the Internal Revenue Code will in a timely
and effective manner file the gain recognition agreement
described in such Treasury Regulations.
This discussion also does not address the tax consequences of
the merger under foreign, state, local or other tax laws or the
tax consequences of transactions effectuated prior or subsequent
to, or concurrently or in connection with, the merger. The
following discussion is based on existing U.S. federal
income tax law, including the provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code, the Treasury Regulations thereunder, IRS rulings, judicial
decisions and other administrative pronouncements, all as in
effect on the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus. Neither
Alcatel nor Lucent can provide any assurance that future
legislative, administrative or judicial changes or
interpretations will not affect the accuracy of the statements
or conclusions set forth below. Any future change in the
U.S. federal income tax law or interpretation thereof could
apply retroactively and could affect the accuracy of the
following discussion. In addition, Alcatel and Lucent do not
presently anticipate seeking any advance income tax ruling from
the IRS regarding the tax consequences of the merger or any
transactions entered into concurrently or in connection with the
merger, and neither Alcatel nor Lucent can assure you that the
IRS will agree with the conclusions expressed herein.
You are strongly urged to consult your own tax advisor as to the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger,
including the income tax consequences arising from your own
unique facts and circumstances, and as to any estate, gift,
state, local or
non-U.S. tax
consequences, including French tax consequences, arising out of
the merger and the ownership and disposition of Alcatel ADSs
and/or Alcatel ordinary shares. You are also urged to consult
your tax advisor as to the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of other transactions entered into in connection
with or in contemplation of the merger, which may depend on your
particular situation.
|
|
|
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger |
The following discussion as to the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the merger assumes that the merger will be
consummated as described in the merger agreement and this proxy
statement/ prospectus and that, following the merger, Lucent
will comply with the reporting requirements set forth in
Treasury Regulations Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(6). The
discussion is also based on certain other assumptions, including
the assumption that the merger will be treated as a
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax
purposes within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code and that each transfer of shares of Lucent
common stock to Alcatel by a shareowner of Lucent pursuant to
the merger will not be subject to Section 367(a)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the obligation of Lucent to
consummate the merger is conditioned upon the receipt by Lucent
of a tax opinion, dated the effective time of the merger, from
86
its counsel, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, in form
and in substance reasonably satisfactory to Lucent, that the
merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes
as a reorganization qualifying under the provisions
of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, that each
of Alcatel, Merger Sub and Lucent will be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code and that each transfer of shares of Lucent
common stock to Alcatel by a shareowner of Lucent pursuant to
the merger will not be subject to Section 367(a)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Such tax opinion will be based on certain
facts, representations, covenants and assumptions, including a
representation that at the time of the merger Lucent will not
have any issued and outstanding stock for U.S. federal
income tax purposes other than its common stock, and certain
other representations of Alcatel and Lucent and that the parties
will comply with certain reporting obligations under the
Internal Revenue Code. However, this discussion and the tax
opinion are not binding on the IRS or any court and do not
preclude the IRS or a court from reaching a contrary conclusion.
Therefore, while Alcatel and Lucent believe that the merger will
be treated as a tax-free reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, no assurance
can be provided that the IRS will agree with this conclusion.
Lucent has agreed that, after receipt of Lucent shareowner
approval, Lucent will not waive receipt of a tax opinion from
Wachtell Lipton as a condition to closing, unless further
approval of the Lucent shareowner is obtained with appropriate
disclosure.
Assuming that the merger is treated as a reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and that each
transfer of shares of Lucent common stock to Alcatel by a
shareowner of Lucent pursuant to the merger will not be subject
to Section 367(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, if you
receive only Alcatel ADSs in exchange for your Lucent common
stock as a result of the merger, you will not recognize gain or
loss upon the exchange (except with respect to cash received in
lieu of a fractional interest in an Alcatel ADS). Accordingly,
(i) the aggregate tax basis of the Alcatel ADSs you receive
in the merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the
Lucent common stock you surrender in exchange therefor and
(ii) the holding period of the Alcatel ADSs you receive in
the merger will include the holding period of the Lucent common
stock you surrender in exchange therefor.
Any cash you receive in lieu of a fractional Alcatel ADS will be
treated as a deemed redemption, taxable as a sale of that
interest for cash. The amount of any capital gain or loss
attributable to the deemed sale will be equal to the amount of
cash received with respect to the fractional interest less the
ratable portion of the tax basis of the Lucent common stock
surrendered that is allocated to the fractional interest. If you
are an individual, any gain recognized will generally be subject
to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum 15% rate if your
holding period in the Lucent common stock is more than one year
on the date of completion of the merger. The deductibility of
capital losses is subject to limitations.
If the IRS were successfully to challenge the qualification of
the merger as a reorganization, you would generally be required
to recognize gain or loss with respect to the Lucent common
stock surrendered in the merger equal to the difference between
your adjusted tax basis in the surrendered stock and the fair
market value, as of the effective time of the merger, of the
Alcatel ADSs (including any fractional Alcatel ADSs) received or
to be received in the merger. Generally, in such event, your tax
basis in the Alcatel ADSs received by you would equal their fair
market value as of the date of the merger, and your holding
period for the Alcatel ADSs would begin on the day after the
merger. If the IRS were successfully to assert that transfers of
shares of Lucent common stock to Alcatel pursuant to the merger
were subject to Section 367(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue
Code, you would generally be required to recognize gain (but not
loss) with respect to the Lucent common stock surrendered in the
merger. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the
allowance or deductibility of any loss you may have with respect
to your Lucent common stock.
|
|
|
U.S. Information Reporting and Backup
Withholding |
If you receive Alcatel ADSs in the merger, you will be required
(i) to file a statement with your U.S. federal income
tax return providing a complete statement of all facts pertinent
to the non-recognition of gain or loss upon your exchange of
Lucent common stock, including the tax basis in the Lucent
common stock that you surrendered and the fair market value of
the Alcatel ADSs and any cash you received in the merger and
(ii) to retain permanent records of these facts relating to
the merger.
87
Additionally, you may be subject to a backup withholding tax at
the rate of 28% with respect to any cash received in the merger
in lieu of fractional Alcatel ADSs, unless you (i) are a
corporation or come within certain other exempt categories and,
when required, demonstrate this fact or (ii) provide a
correct taxpayer identification number (which for an individual
shareowner is the shareowners U.S. Social Security
number), certify that you are not subject to backup withholding
and otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup
withholding rules. To prevent the backup withholding tax on
payments made to you pursuant to the merger, you must provide
the exchange agent with your correct taxpayer identification
number by completing an IRS
Form W-9 or a
substitute
Form W-9. If you
do not provide your correct taxpayer identification number, you
may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS, as well as the
backup withholding tax. However, any amounts withheld under
these rules may be credited against your U.S. federal
income tax liability.
|
|
|
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of
Holding Alcatel ADSs |
Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/
prospectus, contains a description of certain U.S. federal
income tax consequences related to holding Alcatel ADSs,
including the treatment of dividends paid with respect to
Alcatel ADSs. The description contained in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F,
however, is only a summary and does not purport to be a complete
analysis of all potential tax effects resulting from the
ownership of Alcatel ADSs (such as tax consequences for holders
who are subject to special treatment under U.S. federal
income tax law).
Certain French Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
If you are not a resident of France, you will not be subject to
French tax on the exchange of your Lucent common stock for
Alcatel ADSs in the merger, provided that you do not have a
permanent establishment or a fixed base in France to which your
Lucent common stock may be attributed. If you are a resident of
France or if you hold your stock through a permanent
establishment or fixed base in France, you should consult your
tax advisor.
The material French tax consequences relating to the ownership
of Alcatel ADSs are summarized in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated by reference into this proxy
statement/prospectus.
Accounting Treatment
Due to the listing of Alcatels securities on the Euronext
Paris SA and in accordance with EC
Regulation No. 1606/2002 of July 19, 2002, the
2005 consolidated financial statements of Alcatel and its
subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with IFRS. In accordance
with the rules and regulations of the SEC, Alcatel reconciles
the financial statements it files with the SEC to U.S. GAAP.
Alcatel intends to account for the merger as a business
combination applying the purchase method of accounting as
defined by IFRS 3 Business combinations, or IFRS 3.
In accordance with this method, the acquirer purchases net
assets and recognizes at fair value the assets acquired and
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed, including those
not previously recognized by the acquired entity. The
measurement of the acquirers assets and liabilities is not
affected by the transaction.
Because the purchase method views a business combination from
the acquirers perspective, it assumes that one of the
parties to the transaction can be identified as the acquirer.
Based on the analysis of all factors set forth in IFRS 3,
paragraphs 19 to 21, including the relative ownership
of Alcatel shareholders and Lucent shareowners in the combined
company upon completion of the merger, the relative fair value
of Alcatel and Lucent and the issuance by Alcatel of Alcatel
ordinary shares in connection with the merger, Alcatels
management has concluded that, under IFRS, Alcatel will be
considered the acquirer and Lucent the acquiree. Concerning the
accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP, Alcatels
management has carefully considered all of the factors in
paragraph 17 of FASB Statement No. 141, Business
Combinations, or SFAS 141, including the relative
ownership of Alcatel shareholders and Lucent shareowners in the
combined company upon completion of the merger, that the
combined company will be incorporated in France with its
executive offices in Paris, and the composition of the combined
companys board of directors, and has
88
concluded that, under U.S. GAAP, the merger will also be
treated as an acquisition of Lucent by Alcatel. See Note 6
to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information of Alcatel and Lucent.
As defined by IFRS 3, the cost of the business combination
will be measured as the aggregate of: (i) the market value
at the effective time of the merger of Alcatel ordinary shares
and ADSs issued to holders of Lucent common stock and
(ii) any costs directly attributable to the business
combination.
Under U.S. GAAP, as defined by EITF
Issue No. 99-12,
Determination of the Measurement Date for the Market Price of
Acquirer Securities Issued in a Purchase Business
Combination, the purchase price will be based on the market
price of Alcatels ordinary shares and ADS over a
reasonable period of time before and after the terms of the
business combination are agreed to and announced (April 2,
2006).
The excess of the cost of the business combination over
Alcatels interest in the net fair value of Lucents
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities will
be accounted for as goodwill.
In applying this method, the measurement of Lucents
acquired assets and liabilities assumed could differ materially
from their carrying value in Lucents books.
When it reconciles its financial statements to U.S. GAAP,
Alcatel will also account for the merger using the purchase
method of accounting for combinations as defined by
SFAS 141.
Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, Lucent will be fully
consolidated by Alcatel.
Listing of Alcatel ADSs
Alcatel will use all reasonable best efforts to cause the
Alcatel ADSs to be issued in connection with the merger (and
underlying Alcatel ordinary shares, if necessary) to be approved
for listing on the NYSE upon the completion of the merger.
Approval of the listing on the NYSE of the Alcatel ADSs to be
issued in the merger is a condition to each partys
obligation to complete the merger.
Delisting and Deregistration of Lucent Common Stock
If the merger is completed, Lucent common stock will be delisted
from the NYSE and deregistered under the Exchange Act.
Dissenters Rights of Appraisal
Holders of Lucent common stock will not have any appraisal
rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law or under
Lucents certificate of incorporation in connection with
the merger, and neither Lucent nor Alcatel will independently
provide holders of Lucent common stock with any such rights.
Restrictions on Sales of Alcatel ADSs Received in the
Merger
The Alcatel ADSs to be issued in connection with the merger will
be registered under the Securities Act and will be freely
transferable, except for Alcatel ADSs issued to any person who
is deemed to be an affiliate of Lucent under the
Securities Act at the time of the Lucent special meeting.
Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of Lucent
prior to the merger include individuals or entities that
control, are controlled by, or are under common control with,
Lucent prior to the merger, and may include officers and
directors, as well as significant shareowners of Lucent prior to
the merger. Affiliates of Lucent prior to the merger may not
sell any of the Alcatel ADSs received by them in connection with
the merger, except pursuant to:
|
|
|
|
|
an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
covering the resale of those shares; |
|
|
|
an exemption under paragraph (d) of Rule 145
under the Securities Act; or |
|
|
|
any other applicable exemption under the Securities Act. |
89
Lucent has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause
each person identified as an affiliate of Lucent at the time of
the Lucent special meeting to deliver, on or prior to the
effective time of the merger, a letter agreement providing,
among other things, that such person agrees not to transfer any
Alcatel ADSs received in the merger in violation of the
Securities Act.
The Alcatel registration statement on
Form F-6 does not
cover the resale of Alcatel ADSs to be received by affiliates of
Lucent in the merger.
90
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following summary describes selected material provisions
of the merger agreement, which is included in this proxy
statement/ prospectus as Annex A and is incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus. This summary
may not contain all of the information about the merger
agreement that is important to you. You are encouraged to
carefully read the merger agreement in its entirety.
The merger agreement has been included to provide you with
information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide
any other factual information about Alcatel or Lucent. Such
information can be found elsewhere in this document and in the
public filings that Alcatel and Lucent make with the SEC, which
are available without charge through the SECs website at
http://www.sec.gov.
The representations and warranties described below and
included in the merger agreement were made by each of Alcatel
and Lucent to the other. These representations and warranties
were made as of specific dates and are subject to important
exceptions, limitations and supplemental information contained
in the confidential disclosure letters provided by each of
Alcatel and Lucent to the other in connection with the signing
of the merger agreement, including a contractual standard of
materiality different from that generally applicable under
federal securities laws. In addition, the representations and
warranties may have been included in the merger agreement for
the purpose of allocating risk between Alcatel and Lucent rather
than to establish matters as facts. The merger agreement is
described in this proxy statement/ prospectus and included as
Annex A hereto only to provide you with information
regarding its terms and conditions, and not to provide any other
factual information regarding Alcatel, Lucent or their
respective businesses. Accordingly, you should not rely on the
representations and warranties in the merger agreement as
characterizations of the actual state of facts about Alcatel or
Lucent, and you should read the information provided elsewhere
in this proxy statement/ prospectus and in the documents
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus
for information regarding Alcatel and Lucent and their
respective businesses. See Additional
Information Where You Can Find More
Information.
Structure of the Merger
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, Merger
Sub will merge with and into Lucent, with Lucent being the
surviving corporation in the merger. As a result of the merger,
Lucent will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcatel. The
combined company will be renamed Alcatel Lucent,
with effect upon completion of the merger.
Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger
The closing of the merger will occur as soon as practicable
after all of the conditions to completion of the merger
contained in the merger agreement are satisfied or waived (see
The Merger Agreement Conditions to Completion
of the Merger). The merger will become effective upon the
filing of the certificate of merger with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware or at such later time as is specified
in the certificate of merger.
Merger Consideration
Conversion to Alcatel ADSs. At the effective time of the
merger, each share of Lucent common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time (other than any shares
of Lucent common stock owned by Lucent as treasury stock, or by
Alcatel or Merger Sub immediately prior to the effective time of
the merger) will be converted into the right to receive 0.1952
of an Alcatel ADS, which is referred to as the exchange ratio,
together with the right, if any, to receive cash in lieu of any
fractional ADSs (see Fractional ADSs).
Cancellation of Lucent Common Stock. Each share of Lucent
common stock held in treasury by Lucent or owned by Alcatel or
Merger Sub immediately prior to the effective time of the merger
will be canceled, and no payment will be made with respect to
such shares.
Fractional ADSs. Fractional Alcatel ADSs will not be
issued in the merger. Instead, each holder of shares of Lucent
common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a
fractional Alcatel ADS in the
91
merger will be entitled to receive a cash payment representing
such holders proportionate interest, if any, in the
proceeds from the sale by the exchange agent in one or more
transactions at then-prevailing prices on the NYSE of the number
of Alcatel ADSs delivered to the exchange agent by Alcatel over
the aggregate number of whole Alcatel ADSs to be distributed to
holders of shares of Lucent common stock. Any expenses
associated with the sale of the aggregation of all such
fractional Alcatel ADSs by the exchange agent shall be paid by
the surviving corporation.
Exchange Procedures. At the effective time of the merger,
Alcatel will deposit with Société Générale
(as custodian of the Bank of New York, the depositary for the
Alcatel ADSs) the number of Alcatel ordinary shares equal to the
aggregate number of Alcatel ADSs to be issued to holders of
Lucent common stock as consideration for the merger, and will
deposit receipts representing such Alcatel ADSs with the Bank of
New York, the exchange agent for the merger, each for the
benefit of holders of shares of Lucent common stock to be
converted into the right to receive Alcatel ADSs in the merger.
Promptly after the effective time of the merger, Alcatel will
cause the Bank of New York to mail to each record holder of
Lucent common stock a letter of transmittal for use in the
exchange of such holders certificates representing shares
of Lucent common stock for Alcatel ADSs. Those holders of Lucent
common stock who properly surrender their certificates
representing shares of Lucent common stock in accordance with
the exchange agents instructions will receive the merger
consideration to which the holder is entitled under the terms of
the merger agreement. The surrendered certificates representing
Lucent common stock will be canceled. After the effective time
of the merger, each certificate representing shares of Lucent
common stock that has not been surrendered will represent only
the right to receive the merger consideration.
Adjustments to Prevent Dilution. The merger consideration
will be adjusted to provide holders of Lucent common stock the
same economic effect contemplated by the merger agreement if, at
any time between April 2, 2006 and the effective time,
there is any change in the outstanding shares of capital stock
of Lucent or Alcatel by reason of any reclassification,
recapitalization, stock split or combination, exchange or
readjustment, or stock dividend with a record date during such
period. Alcatel may not take any action prior to the effective
time of the merger that would cause each Alcatel ADS to
represent more or less than one Alcatel ordinary share.
Termination of Exchange Fund; Unclaimed Merger
Consideration. Any portion of the merger consideration, or
dividends payable pursuant to the merger agreement, made
available to the exchange agent that remains unclaimed by
holders of Lucent common stock for twelve months after the
effective time of the merger will be returned to the combined
company. Thereafter, a holder of Lucent common stock must look
only to the combined company for payment of the merger
consideration to which the holder is entitled under the terms of
the merger agreement. The combined company will not be liable to
any holder of shares of Lucent common stock for any amount paid
to a public authority under any applicable abandoned property,
escheat or similar laws.
Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. After
the effective time of the merger, holders of shares of Lucent
common stock will be entitled to dividends and other
distributions payable with a record date after the effective
time of the merger with respect to the number of Alcatel ADSs
(or the underlying Alcatel ordinary shares) to which they are
entitled upon exchange of their shares of Lucent common stock,
without interest, but they will not be paid any dividends or
other distributions on such Alcatel ADSs (or the underlying
Alcatel ordinary shares) until they surrender their Lucent
common stock to the exchange agent in accordance with the
exchange agents instructions.
Transfers of Ownership and Lost Stock Certificates.
Following the effective time of the merger, Lucent will not
register any transfers of shares of Lucent common stock on its
stock transfer books.
If a certificate representing Lucent common stock is lost,
stolen or destroyed, the holder of such certificate will be
required to deliver an affidavit (and may be required to deliver
a bond) prior to receiving the merger consideration payable in
respect of the shares of Lucent common stock represented by such
certificate.
Stock Options and Other Stock Awards. At the effective
time of the merger, each outstanding option to purchase shares
of Lucent common stock granted under Lucents stock-based
compensation or benefit plans
92
excluding options granted under the Lucent 2001 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, whether vested or unvested, shall be converted
into a right to acquire Alcatel ordinary shares, on the same
terms and conditions as were applicable to such option prior to
the effective time of the merger, provided that the number of
Alcatel ordinary shares and the exercise price of the option
shall be adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio and shall be
denominated in euros rather than U.S. dollars. All other Lucent
equity-based awards and accounts outstanding as of the effective
time of the merger will be amended or converted into an award
denominated in Alcatel ordinary shares or Alcatel ADSs, with the
applicable adjustments to reflect the exchange ratio.
Alcatel Ordinary Shares and Alcatel ADSs Issuable for Lucent
Warrants and Convertible Debt. Under the terms of the merger
agreement, the combined company has agreed to make available for
issuance or delivery such number of Alcatel ordinary shares and
Alcatel ADSs that may be issued or delivered on and after the
effective time of the merger under the terms of Lucent warrants
and debt instruments that, by their terms, will become
convertible into Alcatel ordinary shares or Alcatel ADSs.
Corporate Governance Matters
Alcatel and Lucent have agreed that the combined company will be
renamed Alcatel Lucent, with effect upon completion
of the merger. Alcatel and Lucent will mutually agree on a stock
trading symbol prior to the effective time of the merger.
As of and after the merger, the executive offices of the
combined company will be located in Paris, France, and the
principal offices of the activities of Lucent known as
Bell Laboratories (which will be the global research
and development headquarters of the combined company) and the
North American operating headquarters of the combined company
will be located in New Jersey.
|
|
|
Board of Directors of the Combined Company Following the
Merger |
On July 26, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors nominated
twelve individuals for election by the Alcatel shareholders to
the board of directors of the combined company effective as of,
and conditioned upon, the occurrence of the effective time of
the merger. Each nominee, if elected, will serve for a term of
four years. Immediately following the completion of the merger,
the newly elected board members are expected to appoint two
independent directors. Following completion of the merger and
the expected appointment of two independent directors by the
newly elected board members, the combined companys board
of directors is expected to be comprised of fourteen members as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
five members designated by Alcatel from Alcatels current
board of directors, currently expected to be Daniel Bernard, W.
Frank Blount, Jozef Cornu, Jean-Pierre Halbron and Daniel
Lebègue; |
|
|
|
five members designated by Lucent from Lucents current
board of directors, currently expected to be Linnet F. Deily,
Henry B. Schacht, Karl J. Krapek, Edward E. Hagenlocker and
Robert E. Denham; |
|
|
|
Serge Tchuruk, the current chairman of the board of directors
and chief executive officer of Alcatel, and Patricia F.
Russo, the current chairman of the board of directors and chief
executive officer of Lucent; and |
|
|
|
two persons (one French and one European) who will qualify as
independent directors and who will be mutually agreed upon by
Alcatel and Lucent. |
Alcatel also nominated two employee representatives for election
by the Alcatel shareholders as censeurs. The
censeurs will be non-voting observers at meetings of the
board of directors.
93
As of the effective time of the merger, Serge Tchuruk,
Alcatels current chairman of the board of directors and
chief executive officer, will be appointed as non-executive
chairman of the board of directors of the combined company, and
Patricia F. Russo, Lucents current chairman of the board
of directors and chief executive officer, will be appointed as
chief executive officer of the combined company, in accordance
with the articles of association and bylaws (statuts) of
Alcatel in effect as of the effective time of the merger. The
non-executive chairman of the combined company will be
responsible for the proper functioning of the governing bodies
of the combined company and organizing the work of the board of
directors of the combined company. He will have no casting vote.
The chief executive officer will have broad powers and
responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the combined
company. If either appointee is unwilling or unable to serve as
of the effective time of the merger, the combined companys
board of directors will name another appointee in accordance
with the articles of association and bylaws (statuts) of
the combined company in effect as of the effective time of the
merger.
The business of the combined company will be divided into three
sectors:
|
|
|
|
|
a carrier business group, headed by Etienne Fouques, which will
consist of wireless, wireline and convergence groups headed
respectively by Mary Chan, Michel Rahier and Marc Rouanne; |
|
|
|
an enterprise business group headed by Hubert de
Pesquidoux; and |
|
|
|
a service business group headed by John Meyer. |
The combined company will also have a decentralized regional
structure, anticipated to include the following four geographic
regions:
|
|
|
|
|
Europe/North, to include the United Kingdom, all scandinavian
countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Russia
and all eastern European countries, headed by Vince Molinaro; |
|
|
|
Europe/South, to include France, Italy, Spain, other southern
European countries, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin
America, headed by Olivier Picard; |
|
|
|
North America, including the United States, Canada and the
Caribbean, headed by Cindy Christy; and |
|
|
|
Asia-Pacific, including China, northeast Asia, southeast Asia
and Australia, headed by Frédéric Rose. |
Alcatel and Lucent have also agreed on the following management
positions:
|
|
|
|
|
Jeong Kim will remain as president of Bell Labs; |
|
|
|
Olivier Baujard will become chief technology officer; |
|
|
|
Helle Kristoffersen, will become the vice president of corporate
strategy; |
|
|
|
John Giere will become chief marketing officer; and |
|
|
|
Elizabeth Hackenson will be head of information technology. |
Lastly, the combined company will have a management committee
headed by Patricia Russo, chief executive officer, which will
include:
|
|
|
|
|
Etienne Fouques, senior executive vice president of the carrier
group; |
|
|
|
Frank DAmelio, senior executive vice president integration
and chief administrative officer; |
|
|
|
Jean-Pascal Beaufret, chief financial officer; |
|
|
|
Claire Pedini, senior vice president, human resources and
communication; and |
|
|
|
Mike Quigley, president, science, technology and strategy. |
94
|
|
|
Governance of Certain Bell Laboratories Operations |
Alcatel, Lucent and an entity holding certain sensitive assets
of Lucent (including certain government contracts) will enter
into an appropriate form of agreement, effective as of the
effective time of the merger, to ensure the independence of that
entity from its parent entities and to protect the
confidentiality of such classified information. The terms of
this agreement have not yet been agreed or determined. The
agreement will also provide that three special directors of such
entity will be citizens and residents of the United States
eligible to obtain personnel security clearance from the
U.S. Department of Defense. Subsequent to entering into the
merger agreement, Alcatel and Lucent agreed to nominate Hon.
William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Hon. R.
James Woolsey, former director of the U.S. Central Intelligence
Agency and former Under Secretary of the U.S. Navy, and Lt. Gen.
Kenneth A. Minihan, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), former director of
the National Security Agency, to be the special directors. The
nominations are subject to U.S. government approval.
Representations and Warranties
The merger agreement contains various mutual representations and
warranties of Alcatel and Lucent that relate to:
|
|
|
|
|
corporate organization (including, in the case of Lucent, its
good standing under the laws of Delaware); |
|
|
|
corporate authority, approval and fairness matters; |
|
|
|
governmental filings and absence of violations; |
|
|
|
capital structure; |
|
|
|
subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
SEC filings and financial statements; |
|
|
|
absence of material adverse effect and specified changes; |
|
|
|
litigation and liabilities; |
|
|
|
tax matters; |
|
|
|
employee benefit plans, employees and labor matters; |
|
|
|
compliance with laws; |
|
|
|
environmental matters; |
|
|
|
intellectual property; |
|
|
|
vendor financing; |
|
|
|
takeover statutes; |
|
|
|
advisors and finders; and |
|
|
|
opinions of financial advisors. |
Certain representations and warranties of Alcatel and Lucent are
qualified as to materiality or as to material adverse
effect. When used with respect to Alcatel or Lucent,
material adverse effect means any events, facts, changes or
circumstances which are, have resulted in, or would reasonably
be expected to result in, a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, business or annual results of operations of
Alcatel or
95
Lucent, as the case may be, and its respective subsidiaries
taken as a whole, but excluding any effect to the extent
resulting from or arising in connection with:
|
|
|
|
|
changes or developments in the United States, European or global
economic, regulatory or political conditions, or generally
affecting the financial or securities markets in the United
States, Europe or elsewhere in the world; |
|
|
|
changes or developments involving the communications systems,
software and products industries in general, and not
disproportionately affecting Alcatel or Lucent, as the case may
be, relative to other participants in such industries generally; |
|
|
|
changes in applicable law or accounting standards; or |
|
|
|
changes or developments directly resulting from the execution,
delivery, existence of, or compliance with, the merger
agreement, or the announcement of the merger. |
The representations and warranties made by each of Lucent and
Alcatel are subject to information disclosed in the confidential
disclosure letters that each of Alcatel and Lucent delivered to
the other. In addition, the representations and warranties are
subject to information in the parties SEC filings. For
example, Lucents 2005
Form 10-K and
Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F each
include disclosure relating to investigations by Lucent or
Alcatel, as the case may be, into violations of the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act and other laws.
Covenants and Agreements
Conduct of Alcatel and Lucent. Each of Alcatel and Lucent
has agreed that until the effective time of the merger or
termination of the merger agreement, it will conduct its
operations in the ordinary course consistent with past practice
and use its reasonable best efforts to preserve intact its
business organizations and relationships with third parties
(including employees and those persons with whom it has business
dealings). The merger agreement also provides that
(1) unless the other party consents in writing (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or
conditioned), (2) except as may otherwise be required by
law and (3) subject to certain exceptions, each of Lucent
and Alcatel will not, and will not permit its subsidiaries to:
|
|
|
|
|
adopt or propose a change in its organizational documents or
take any action that would exempt any person or entity from any
applicable antitakeover law; |
|
|
|
enter into any plan or agreement of liquidation, dissolution,
merger, consolidation, spin-off, restructuring, recapitalization
or other material reorganization; |
|
|
|
issue, sell, transfer, pledge, dispose of or encumber any shares
of its capital stock or that of its subsidiaries, or issue, sell
or transfer securities convertible into or exchangeable for any
shares of its capital stock or that of its subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any of its outstanding
shares of capital stock, or declare or pay any dividend or
distribution with respect to its capital stock (except that
Alcatel may declare and pay its regular annual dividend approved
by the Alcatel shareholders); |
|
|
|
redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any of its own capital
stock, unless such repurchases, redemptions or acquisitions are
required under the terms of its capital stock, other outstanding
securities, or its stock option or dividend reinvestment plans; |
|
|
|
amend the terms of any outstanding options to purchase its
capital stock (or ADSs, in the case of Alcatel); |
|
|
|
make any capital expenditure; |
|
|
|
increase the compensation of any current or former director,
officer or employee, other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice or as required by law or
by any existing commitments; |
96
|
|
|
|
|
other than acquisitions in the ordinary course of business or
under existing contracts or commitments, acquire assets or stock
in excess of $500 million in the aggregate (Alcatel has
further covenanted that no individual acquisition will exceed
$300 million); |
|
|
|
transfer, lease, license, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose
of any material assets or stock, other than inventory,
receivables and vendor financing loans in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice or pursuant to existing
contracts or commitments; |
|
|
|
change any accounting method or practice, except as required in
order to remain in compliance with law or applicable accounting
principles; |
|
|
|
enter into any material joint venture, partnership or other
similar arrangement or materially amend or modify in an adverse
manner the terms of any existing material joint venture,
partnership or other similar arrangement; |
|
|
|
incur material indebtedness, other than pursuant to credit
facilities in place as of the date of the merger agreement or
refinancing, extending or renewing the maturity of existing
indebtedness in an amount not greater than such existing
indebtedness, provided that such refinancing is on terms not
materially less favorable than the existing indebtedness
refinanced or extended; |
|
|
|
enter into or commit to provide vendor financing; |
|
|
|
settle, pay, discharge or compromise any material claim or
litigation, unless such claim or litigation is subject to
reserves existing as of April 2, 2006, covered by insurance
policies or otherwise less than $50 million in the
aggregate; |
|
|
|
enter into, modify or amend any material contract
(as that term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of
Regulation S-K of
the SEC) other than in the ordinary course of business, or enter
into any contract or agreement which expressly limits the
ability of the party to compete in or conduct any line of
business or compete with any person or in any geographic area,
if such limitation is reasonably likely to be material to the
business of the party and its subsidiaries or to the combined
company and its subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
enter into any new line of business material to it and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or |
|
|
|
agree or commit to do any of the foregoing. |
Other Offers. The merger agreement provides that neither
Alcatel and Lucent nor any of their respective subsidiaries
will, and Lucent or Alcatel, as the case may be, will not permit
any of the officers, directors, employees, investment bankers,
consultants, representatives and other agents of Lucent and its
subsidiaries (which are referred to collectively as
representatives), on the one hand, or Alcatel and its
subsidiaries, on the other hand to, directly or indirectly, take
any action to:
|
|
|
|
|
solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage or facilitate the
making of or inquiries regarding any proposal, or offer, which
is referred to as an acquisition proposal, or engage in
discussions or negotiations or enter into any agreement with
respect to an acquisition proposal; |
|
|
|
disclose or provide any non-public information with respect to
itself or its subsidiaries to any third party with respect to an
acquisition proposal; |
|
|
|
afford access to its properties, books or records to any third
party that has made or to its knowledge is considering making
such an acquisition proposal; |
|
|
|
approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or
enter into any agreement relating to such an acquisition
proposal; or |
|
|
|
propose publicly or agree to any of the foregoing relating to an
acquisition proposal. |
97
For purposes of the merger agreement, an acquisition
proposal is any offer or proposal for, or any indication
of interest in any:
|
|
|
|
|
direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business or
assets that constitute 20% or more of the net revenues, net
income or the assets of Lucent and its subsidiaries or Alcatel
and its subsidiaries, in each case, taken as a whole; |
|
|
|
direct or indirect acquisition, purchase, tender offer or
exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any third
party beneficially owning (i) 20% or more of any class of
equity securities of the party or (ii) 50% or more of any
class of equity securities of any of the partys
subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or more of the net
revenues, net income or assets of the party and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or |
|
|
|
merger, consolidation, spin-off, business combination,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar
transaction involving the party or any of its subsidiaries whose
business constitutes 20% or more of the net revenues, net income
or assets of the party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
pursuant to which the shareholders of the party or such
subsidiary, as applicable, immediately prior to such transaction
(other than the third party in such transaction) would own less
than 80% of any class of equity securities of the resultant
entity or entities. |
The merger agreement also provides that each of Alcatel and its
subsidiaries and Lucent and its subsidiaries will and will cause
their respective officers, directors, employees, investment
bankers, consultants and other agents to immediately cease any
and all discussions and negotiations that have taken place prior
April 2, 2006, with respect to any third-party acquisition
proposal.
The merger agreement obligates each of Alcatel and Lucent to
promptly notify the other party upon receipt of any acquisition
proposal, or any request for non-public information by any third
party that has made or intends to make an acquisition proposal.
Such notice must be given (both orally and in writing) no later
than 24 hours after the receipt of such acquisition
proposal and must identify the third party and set forth the
material terms of the acquisition proposal. The merger agreement
also provides that each of Alcatel and Lucent keep the other
party informed of the status and material terms of any such
acquisition proposal or request, including any material
amendments or proposed material amendments to such acquisition
proposal or request.
The merger agreement also provides that the above restrictions
would not prevent Alcatel and its board of directors, on the one
hand, or Lucent and its board of directors, on the other hand,
at any time prior to, but not after, the time the merger
agreement is approved by the requisite vote of such partys
shareholders, from furnishing non-public information to, or
entering into discussions with, any person who has made a bona
fide written acquisition proposal that was not initiated,
solicited, knowingly encouraged or facilitated by Alcatel or
Lucent, as the case may be, or its representatives in violation
of the merger agreement, provided that:
|
|
|
|
|
the board of directors of the party receiving the acquisition
proposal has, by a majority vote, determined in its good faith
judgment (after consulting with its financial advisors) that
such acquisition proposal is reasonably expected to lead to a
bona fide acquisition proposal for or in respect of at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the party
or all or substantially all of the assets of the party and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, on terms that the board of
directors of such party determines in its good faith judgment
(after consultation with outside legal counsel and a financial
advisor of recognized reputation) are more favorable to such
partys shareholders than the merger agreement, taking into
account all of the terms and conditions of such acquisition
proposal, including any
break-up fees, expense
reimbursement provisions and conditions to completion, as well
as any revisions to the terms of the merger agreement proposed
by the other party after being notified of such acquisition
proposal; |
|
|
|
the party receiving such acquisition proposal has complied with
the terms of the merger agreement relating to acquisition
proposals; and |
98
|
|
|
|
|
the party receiving such acquisition proposal enters into a
confidentiality agreement with the third party, on terms no less
favorable to the party receiving the acquisition proposal than
those contained in the confidentiality agreement between Alcatel
and Lucent. |
The merger agreement does not prevent the board of directors of
either Lucent or Alcatel from complying with its disclosure
obligations under the Exchange Act with regard to an acquisition
proposal. However, if any disclosure has the effect of
withholding, withdrawing, qualifying or modifying the
recommendation of the board of directors of either Lucent or
Alcatel with respect to the merger, the other party will have
the right to terminate the merger agreement.
The merger agreement also provides that, in the event a third
party commences a tender offer or exchange offer that
constitutes an acquisition proposal to Lucent, Lucent will
promptly adopt a shareholder rights plan unless the Lucent board
of directors by a majority vote determines, in its good faith
judgment and after consultation with outside legal counsel, that
the adoption of such a rights plan would be reasonably likely to
result in a breach of the directors fiduciary obligations
to the Lucent shareowners under applicable law.
Recommendations of the Boards of Directors; Shareholders
Meetings. The merger agreement requires Lucent to take all
action necessary to convene a meeting of its shareowners on a
date mutually agreed upon between the parties for the purpose of
obtaining approval of the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement, as promptly as practicable and no later than
60 calendar days after the registration statement (of which this
proxy statement/ prospectus forms a part) is declared effective
by the SEC. The merger agreement requires Alcatel to take all
action necessary to convene a meeting of its shareholders on a
date mutually agreed between the parties for the purpose of
obtaining approval of the Alcatel shareholders to the issuance
of Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the merger
agreement, the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares for delivery
upon exercise Lucent stock option or upon exercise or conversion
of Lucent warrants, Lucent convertible debt or Lucent
stock-based accounts, the approval of the new Alcatel bylaws and
the election of Alcatel directors nominated by the parties in
accordance with the merger agreement.
The Lucent board of directors will recommend that Lucent
shareowners vote to adopt the merger agreement. The Alcatel
board of directors will recommend that Alcatel shareholders vote
in favor of the shareholder proposals described above at the
Alcatel shareholders meeting. The parties will use reasonable
best efforts to cause the Lucent shareowners meeting and the
Alcatel shareholders meeting to be held on the same day.
Notwithstanding the obligations of the respective boards of
directors of the parties described in the preceding paragraph,
the board of directors of either party will be permitted to not
recommend or to withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to the
other party its recommendation that its shareholders vote in
favor of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement,
or recommend any superior proposal, but only if all of the
following conditions are met:
|
|
|
|
|
the board of directors by a majority vote determines, in its
good faith judgment and after consultation with outside legal
counsel, that the failure of the board of directors to change
its recommendation would be reasonably likely to result in a
breach of the directors fiduciary obligations to its
shareholders under applicable law; and |
|
|
|
if the board of directors recommends a superior proposal, then
the board of directors has complied with the terms of the merger
agreement relating to acquisition proposals. |
The merger agreement requires each of Alcatel and Lucent to use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain the approval of its
shareholders in connection with the merger (subject to the
ability of its board of directors to withdraw or modify its
recommendation as described above) and to comply with all
applicable legal requirements with respect to its shareholders
meeting. Regardless of whether its board of directors has
effected a change in recommendation, each party will submit the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement for approval
by their respective shareholders, and each must use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain the requisite quorum and other
approvals necessary to obtain such shareholder approval.
99
Reasonable Best Efforts. Lucent and Alcatel shall each
cooperate with the other and shall use their respective
reasonable best efforts to promptly:
|
|
|
|
|
take or cause to be taken all actions and do or cause to be done
all things necessary, proper or advisable under the merger
agreement and applicable law to consummate the merger and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as soon as
practicable, including preparing and filing all documentation to
effect all necessary filings, applications and other documents; |
|
|
|
obtain all approvals, consents, registrations, permits,
authorizations and other confirmations required to be obtained
from any third party necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate the merger and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement; |
|
|
|
defend any lawsuits or other legal proceedings challenging the
merger agreement or the completion of the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement; and |
|
|
|
execute and deliver any additional instruments necessary to
consummate the merger and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement. |
If necessary in order to resolve objections to the merger by a
governmental authority with respect to any antitrust or
competition law, trade regulation, or any law respecting the
national security or national economy of any nation, which
objection would otherwise have the effect of preventing or
materially delaying the effective time of the merger, each of
Alcatel and Lucent has agreed to commit to divestitures or
restrictions, so long as such measures would not reasonably be
expected to materially adversely affect the financial condition,
business or annual results of operations of Lucent and its
subsidiaries or Alcatel and its subsidiaries, in each case taken
as a whole, or require the parties to take actions inconsistent
with the corporate governance provisions in the merger
agreement. In addition, neither Alcatel nor Lucent shall be
required to divest a significant portion of the assets of Bell
Laboratories, to take any action resulting in any material loss
of control over Lucent that would affect Alcatels ability
to manage Lucents business, or take any actions resulting
in any material loss of control over the business of Alcatel in
the United States that would materially affect Alcatels
ability to manage its business in the United States.
Directors and Officers Liability. The merger
agreement provides that, for a period of six years following the
effective time of the merger, the combined company will maintain
in effect the exculpation, indemnification and advancement of
expenses provisions of the organizational documents of Lucent
and its subsidiaries and in any indemnification agreements of
Lucent and its subsidiaries with any of their respective
directors, officers or employees in effect immediately prior to
the effective time with respect to acts or omissions prior to
the effective time of the merger. The combined company has also
agreed, for a period of six years following the effective time
of the merger, to indemnify the officers, directors and
employees of Lucent and its subsidiaries with respect to all
acts or omissions by them in their capacities as such prior to
the effective time of the merger, to the extent provided under
Lucents certificate of incorporation and bylaws in effect
on April 2, 2006. The merger agreement further requires the
combined company to, for a minimum of six years following the
effective time of the merger, maintain coverage under an
officers and directors liability insurance policy on
terms and conditions no less advantageous to the directors and
officers than the liability insurance policy that Lucent
maintained for its directors and officers prior to the merger,
subject to certain limitations.
Employee Matters. Through at least December 31,
2007, the combined company has agreed to provide all individuals
who are employed by Alcatel or Lucent as of the effective time
of the merger and who remain employees of the combined company
or its subsidiaries (including Lucent) after the effective time
of the merger with a base salary no less favorable than the base
salary provided to such employee immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger, and aggregate employee benefits
that are no less favorable than those provided to such employees
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (excluding
any equity-based programs). The combined company has also agreed
to maintain all of Alcatels and Lucents severance
plans, programs, and policies that are in effect as of the
effective time of the merger for such employees for a period of
at least two years following the effective time of the merger,
other than for those employees whose employment is governed by a
collective bargaining or similar agreement. The combined company
has agreed
100
that it will honor all Lucent benefit plans in accordance with
their terms, subject to any amendment or termination that may be
permitted by the terms of any plan. The combined company has
also agreed to waive pre-existing conditions, exclusions,
waiting periods and certain other requirements, provide credit
for co-payments and deductibles paid and generally recognize
prior service with Lucent and Alcatel prior to the effective
time of the merger for purposes of any Alcatel employee benefit
plans. Each of Lucent and Alcatel may provide a retention pool
for the purpose of retaining the services of key employees after
the effective time of the merger.
Proxy Statement and Registration Statement. Alcatel and
Lucent have agreed to cooperate in connection with the
preparation of the Lucent proxy statement contained in this
proxy statement/ prospectus, the Alcatel circular to be
delivered to or put at the disposal of Alcatels
shareholders in connection with Alcatels shareholders
meeting and other necessary corporate documents related to such
meeting, the registration statement (of which this proxy
statement/ prospectus forms a part) to register the Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the merger, and
the registration statement to register the Alcatel ADSs
representing the Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued in
connection with the merger. Each party has further agreed to
promptly notify the other party of the receipt of any comments
from any governmental body or authority with respect to any of
such documents and to allow the other party with a reasonable
opportunity to review and comment on any amendment to such
documents prior to the filing of such amendment with any
governmental body or authority. Alcatel and Lucent have further
agreed that no amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing
documents will be filed without the approval of both Alcatel and
Lucent, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed; provided that each party may amend or supplement in the
event that its board of directors has changed its recommendation
with respect to the merger.
Access to Information; Compliance Program; Transition
Committee. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each
party has agreed to provide the other party, its counsel,
financial advisors, auditors and other authorized
representatives with reasonable access to its offices,
properties, books and records and other information that is
reasonably requested by the other party. All such information is
to remain confidential in accordance with the terms of the
confidentiality agreement between the parties.
The parties have agreed to develop a mutually acceptable
compliance program to address the combined companys
compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, rules related
to the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public
Officials and other laws. The parties have also agreed to
implement a plan and procedures to review Alcatels and
Lucents current compliance with such laws.
Alcatel and Lucent have further agreed to create a special
transition committee to be co-chaired by the chief executive
officer of Alcatel and the chief executive officer of Lucent,
which will be composed of an even number of designees half of
whom will be designated by each of Lucent and Alcatel. This
transition committee will examine the various alternatives
regarding the manner in which to best organize and manage the
business of Alcatel and its subsidiaries (including Lucent)
following the effective time of the merger. On May 5, 2006,
the parties announced that they had formed the special
transition committee. The members representing Alcatel are Mike
Quigley (Alcatels president and chief operating officer),
Jean-Pascal Beaufret, (Alcatels chief financial officer),
and Christian Reinaudo, executive vice president and integration
project team leader for Alcatel. The members representing Lucent
are Frank DAmelio (Lucents chief operating officer),
John Kritzmacher (Lucents chief financial officer), and
Janet Davidson (Lucents chief strategy officer). Serge
Tchuruk, Alcatels chairman and chief executive officer,
and Patricia Russo, Lucents chairman and chief executive
officer, will co-chair the overall integration process, make
final decisions and ensure reporting to their respective board
of directors.
Tax Treatment. Each of Alcatel and Lucent have agreed
that they will use their reasonable best efforts to cause the
merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and have
further agreed that they will not take, or fail to take, any
action that would reasonably be expected to cause the merger to
fail to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code or cause shareowners of
Lucent to recognize gain pursuant to Section 367(a)(1) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
101
Public Announcements. Alcatel and Lucent have agreed to
consult with each other and provide each other with the
opportunity to review and comment upon any press release or any
public statement with respect to the merger agreement prior to
the issuance of such press release or the making of such public
statement, unless otherwise required by applicable law or any
listing agreement with any national securities exchange.
Notice of Certain Events. Each party has agreed to
provide the other with written communications or notices related
to the merger, and to promptly notify the other of any actions,
claims, investigations or proceedings affecting a party or any
of its subsidiaries which relate to the completion of the
transactions under the merger agreement. Prior to the effective
time of the merger, Lucent will deliver to Alcatel a letter
identifying all persons who, to the best of Lucents
knowledge, are at the time of the Lucent shareowners meeting,
affiliates of Lucent for purposes of Rule 145 under the
Securities Act. Lucent will use its reasonable best efforts to
cause each person identified as an affiliate to deliver to
Alcatel prior to the effective time of the merger, a written
agreement relating to sales of Alcatel ordinary shares.
Stock Exchange Listing. Alcatel has agreed to cause the
Alcatel ADSs (and, if required, the underlying Alcatel ordinary
shares) to be issued in connection with the merger and made
available on the exercise of Lucent stock options or upon the
exercise or conversion of Lucent warrants, Lucent convertible
debt or Lucent stock-based accounts to be approved for listing
on the NYSE, and Alcatel has agreed to obtain the approval
(visa) of the AMF on the French prospectus (note
dopération) relating to the Alcatel ordinary
shares and the approval of Euronext Paris SA to the listing of
the Alcatel ordinary shares, in each case issued or made
available for issuance in accordance with the merger agreement.
Dividends. Alcatel and Lucent have agreed to coordinate
with each other with respect to the declaration of dividends in
respect of the Lucent common stock and the Alcatel ordinary
shares, so that holders of shares of Lucent common stock do not
receive dividends on both shares of Lucent common stock and
Alcatel ADSs received in the merger, or fail to receive one
dividend, for any calendar quarter with respect to Lucent common
stock and the Alcatel ADSs received by such holder in the
merger. However, Lucent does not intend to declare or pay a
dividend prior to the effective date of the merger, and Alcatel
intends to pay an annual dividend only to holders of Alcatel
ordinary shares who held such shares as of September 8,
2006 (the record date), and in the case of Alcatel ADSs, to
Société Générale, as custodian for the Bank
of New York, the depositary for the Alcatel ADSs, for
distribution consistent with past practice to the holders of
Alcatel ADSs who held such Alcatel ADSs as of September 8,
2006. Lucent shareowners will not receive this dividend.
Fees and Expenses. Unless agreed in writing by the
parties, each of Lucent and Alcatel will pay all costs and
expenses incurred by it in connection with the merger agreement,
except for the termination fees described below, and except that
all liability for transfer taxes (other than transfer taxes to
be paid by Alcatel in connection with the issuance of Alcatel
ADSs and Alcatel ordinary shares in the merger) incurred by
Lucents shareowners in connection with merger will be paid
by the surviving corporation out of its own funds and will not
be paid, directly or indirectly, by Alcatel.
Obligations of Merger Sub. Alcatel has agreed to take all
actions necessary to cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations
under the merger agreement.
Business in Sanctioned Countries. Alcatel has agreed to
take all necessary actions as may be necessary to ensure that
from and after the effective date of the merger, the operations
and governance of Alcatel and its subsidiaries will comply with
and be permissible under applicable U.S. laws relating to the
transaction of business involving sanction-subject persons.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
The obligations of Alcatel, Merger Sub and Lucent to consummate
the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, where
legally permissible, of the following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
the merger agreement will have been approved by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of Lucents outstanding
common stock; |
102
|
|
|
|
|
the following actions will have been approved by the holders of
two-thirds of the voting rights attached to the Alcatel ordinary
shares cast at the Alcatel shareholders meeting: |
|
|
|
|
|
the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares in connection with the
merger; |
|
|
|
the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares for delivery upon
exercise or conversion, as applicable, of Lucent stock options,
stock-based awards, warrants and convertible debt; |
|
|
|
the adoption of certain amendments to the Alcatel bylaws; |
|
|
|
|
|
the designees to the combined companys board of directors
will have been elected by the holders of a majority of the
voting rights attached to the Alcatel ordinary shares cast at
the Alcatel shareholders meeting; |
|
|
|
the waiting period applicable to the completion of the merger
under the HSR Act will have expired or been earlier terminated
(which early termination occurred on June 7, 2006); |
|
|
|
the European Commission will have issued a decision (or been
deemed to have done so) declaring the merger compatible with the
Common Market (which decision was issued on July 24, 2006); |
|
|
|
all required governmental antitrust and/or competition
approvals, and consents will have been received and all
requisite filings, notices or notifications will have been made,
other than those the absence of which would not result in a
material adverse effect on either Lucent or Alcatel; |
|
|
|
there is no law, regulation, judgment, injunction, order or
decree which prohibits or enjoins the completion of the merger; |
|
|
|
the registration statement of which this proxy statement/
prospectus forms a part will have been declared effective by the
SEC, and no stop order suspending its effectiveness will be in
effect; and Alcatel will have received the approval
(visa) of the French prospectus (note
dopération) by the AMF relating to the Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued as of the effective time of the
merger (on August 4, 2006, Alcatel requested the
approval (visa) of the AMF for the French prospectus
(comprised of a note dopération and
Alcatels document de référence for
2005) relating to the admission to trading on Euronext Paris of
the new Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued in connection with
the merger); |
|
|
|
the Alcatel ADSs (and, if required, the underlying Alcatel
ordinary shares) to be issued in the merger will have been
approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance, and the AMF and Euronext Paris SA will have approved
the listing of the Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued as of
the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
CFIUS will have notified Alcatel and Lucent in writing that it
has determined not to investigate the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement or, in the event that CFIUS has
undertaken such an investigation, CFIUS will have terminated
such investigation, or the President of the United States will
have determined not to take any action to prohibit or restrain
the merger or to seek a divestiture of any shares of Lucent
common stock or the shares of the surviving corporation or
limitation on the ownership rights of Alcatel over the shares of
the surviving corporation that would reasonably be expected to
materially adversely affect the financial condition, business or
annual results of operations of Lucent and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole or Alcatel and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole; |
|
|
|
the absence of any action, litigation or proceeding by any
governmental authority, instituted or pending, which seeks to
prohibit or restrain the merger or to seek a divestiture of any
shares of Lucent common stock or the shares of the surviving
corporation or limitation on the ownership rights of Alcatel
over the shares of the surviving corporation that would
reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the
financial condition, business or annual results of operations of
Lucent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole or Alcatel and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and |
|
|
|
the absence of any statute, rule, regulation, injunction, order
or decree issued or deemed applicable to the merger that is
reasonably likely to prohibit or restrain the merger or to seek
a divestiture of any shares of Lucent common stock or the shares
of the surviving corporation or limitation on the ownership
rights of Alcatel over the shares of the surviving corporation
that would reasonably be |
103
|
|
|
|
|
expected to materially adversely affect the financial condition,
business or annual results of operations of Lucent and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole or Alcatel and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole. |
The obligations of Alcatel and Merger Sub to consummate the
merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, prior to the
effective time of the merger, of the following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent will have performed in all material respects all of its
obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed
by it at or prior to the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
the representations and warranties of Lucent in the merger
agreement relating to the capital stock of Lucent will be true
and correct in all material respects as of the date specified in
such representation; |
|
|
|
the representations and warranties of Lucent set forth in the
merger agreement that are qualified with respect to material
adverse effect will be true and correct as of the date of the
merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
the other representations and warranties of Lucent set forth in
the merger agreement that are not so qualified will be true in
all respects when made and at and as of the effective time of
the merger as if made at and as of such time (provided that the
accuracy of representations and warranties that by their terms
speak as of a specified date will be determined as of such
date), except for failure to be so true and correct which would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect on Lucent; |
|
|
|
Alcatel will have received a certificate from Lucent, signed by
a senior executive officer of Lucent, certifying that Lucent has
performed its obligations under the merger agreement in all
material respects and that the representations and warranties of
Lucent satisfy the condition set forth above; and |
|
|
|
the fair market value of the assets of Lucents major
pension plans as of the last day of the month last ending prior
to the closing date of the merger shall not be less than
$28,600,000,000 if the relevant measurement date is
September 30, 2006, decreasing by $200,000,000 as of the
first day of each calendar month thereafter through December
2006, but in no event shall the threshold be less than
$28,000,000,000. |
The obligation of Lucent to consummate the merger is subject to
the satisfaction or waiver, prior to the effective time of the
merger, of the following conditions:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel will have performed in all material respects all of its
obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed
by it at or prior to the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
the representations and warranties of Alcatel in the merger
agreement relating to the capital stock of Alcatel will be true
and correct in all material respects as of the date specified in
such representation; |
|
|
|
the representations and warranties of Alcatel set forth in the
merger agreement that are qualified with respect to material
adverse effect will be true and correct as of the date of the
merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger; |
|
|
|
the other representations and warranties of Alcatel set forth in
the merger agreement that are not so qualified will be true in
all respects when made and at and as of the effective time of
the merger as if made at and as of such time (provided that the
accuracy of representations and warranties that by their terms
speak as of a specified date will be determined as of such
date), except for failure to be so true and correct which would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect on Alcatel; |
|
|
|
Lucent will have received a certificate from Alcatel, signed by
a senior executive officer of Alcatel, certifying that Alcatel
has performed its obligations under the merger agreement in all
material respects and that the representations and warranties of
Alcatel satisfy the condition set forth above; and |
|
|
|
Lucent will have received the opinion of Wachtell Lipton,
special counsel to Lucent, that the merger will be treated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization qualifying
under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code, that each of Alcatel, Merger Sub and Lucent will
be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and that each
transfer of shares of Lucent common stock to Alcatel by a
shareowner of Lucent pursuant to |
104
|
|
|
|
|
the merger will not be subject to Section 367(a)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Lucent may not waive receipt of a tax
opinion from Wachtell Lipton as a condition after the merger has
been approved by the shareowners of Lucent, unless further
approval of such shareowners is obtained after appropriate
disclosure. |
Termination
The merger agreement may be terminated and the merger may be
abandoned at any time prior to the effective time of the merger,
whether before or after the approval by the shareholders of
Alcatel or the shareowners of Lucent required in each case for
closing,
|
|
|
|
|
by mutual written consent of Alcatel and Lucent; |
|
|
|
by either Alcatel or Lucent if: |
|
|
|
|
|
the merger is not completed by December 31, 2006, which
will be extended one or more times until March 31, 2007 in
the event that all conditions to the merger have been satisfied
or waived other than receipt of clearance under the HSR Act,
European Union antitrust approval, or NYSE approval for the
listing of the Alcatel ADSs; provided, however, that this right
to terminate will not be available to a party whose failure to
fulfill in any material respect any obligation under the merger
agreement has caused or resulted in the failure of a condition
to complete the merger; |
|
|
|
the approval of the Lucent shareowners was not obtained at the
Lucent shareowners meeting duly convened to vote on the merger,
or at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting; |
|
|
|
the approval of Alcatel shareholders for the issuance of Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement,
the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares for delivery upon
exercise of Lucent stock options or upon exercise or conversion
of Lucent warrants, Lucent convertible debt or Lucent
stock-based accounts, the approval of the new Alcatel bylaws and
the election of Alcatel directors nominated by the parties in
accordance with the merger agreement was not obtained at the
Alcatel shareholders meeting duly convened to vote on such
matters, or at any adjournment or postponement of such
meeting; or |
|
|
|
there is any law or regulation prohibiting the merger or making
the completion of the merger illegal, or an injunction,
judgment, order or decree enjoining the merger becomes final and
non-appealable; |
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel breaches or fails to perform in any material respect any
of its representations, warranties, covenants or other
agreements in the merger agreement, such that the closing
conditions to Lucents obligation to effect the merger
would not be satisfied and the breach or failure to perform
would not be curable, of if curable, would not be cured within
60 days following receipt of written notice from Lucent of
such breach or failure to perform; |
|
|
|
prior to the receipt of the approval of the Alcatel shareholders
of the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued pursuant
to the merger agreement and the other matters related to the
merger agreement to be considered by the Alcatel shareholders at
such meeting, the board of directors of Alcatel has recommended
that Alcatel shareholders not approve such matters, has
withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to Lucent its
recommendation that the Alcatel shareholders vote in favor of
such matters or has recommended a superior proposal; or |
|
|
|
Alcatel has not called and held the meeting of Alcatel
shareholders to approve the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares
to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement and the other
matters related to the merger agreement, as required under the
merger agreement; and |
105
|
|
|
|
|
Lucent breaches or fails to perform in any material respect any
of its representations, warranties, covenants or other
agreements in the merger agreement, such that the closing
conditions to Alcatels obligation to effect the merger
would not be satisfied and the breach or failure to perform
would not be curable, or if curable, would not be cured within
60 days following receipt of written notice from Alcatel of
such breach or failure to perform; |
|
|
|
prior to the receipt of approval of the merger agreement by
Lucents shareowners, the board of directors of Lucent has
recommended that Lucent shareowners not approve the merger
agreement, has withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to
Alcatel its recommendation that the Lucent shareowners vote in
favor of such matters or has recommended a superior
proposal; or |
|
|
|
Lucent has not called and held the meeting of Lucent shareowners
to approve the merger agreement, as required under the merger
agreement. |
Effect of Termination
If the merger agreement is terminated and the merger is
abandoned as described above, the merger agreement will be void
and of no effect, with no liability on the part of any party to
the merger agreement, other than the obligation to pay, if
applicable, fees and expenses in accordance with the merger
agreement, and any damages resulting from any willful breach of
the merger agreement. In addition, the parties obligations
under the confidentiality agreement previously entered into will
survive termination of the merger agreement.
Termination Fee
If the merger agreement is:
|
|
|
|
|
terminated by either party on the basis of the failure of the
Lucent shareowners to approve the merger agreement at the
meeting of Lucent shareowners, and prior to the date of the
meeting of Lucent shareowners, an acquisition proposal had been
made known to Lucent or was made known to the shareowners of
Lucent or otherwise became publicly known or a third party had
publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to
make an acquisition proposal for Lucent; |
|
|
|
terminated by Alcatel if the meeting of Lucent shareowners to
approve the merger agreement is not called and held in
accordance with the merger agreement, and prior to the date of
termination, an acquisition proposal had been made known to
Lucent or was made known to the shareowners of Lucent or
otherwise became publicly known or a third party had publicly
announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make an
acquisition proposal for Lucent; or |
|
|
|
terminated by Alcatel because the board of directors of Lucent
has recommended that Lucent shareowners not approve the merger
agreement, or has withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to
Alcatel its recommendation that the Lucent shareowners vote in
favor of such matters or has recommended a superior proposal; |
then, immediately upon termination of the merger agreement,
Lucent shall pay to Alcatel $250,000,000 by wire transfer of
immediately available funds, which amount is referred to as the
initial termination fee.
If the merger agreement is:
|
|
|
|
|
terminated by either party on the basis of the failure of the
Lucent shareowners to approve the merger agreement at the
meeting of Lucent shareowners, and prior to the date of the
meeting of Lucent shareowners, an acquisition proposal had been
made known to Lucent or was made known to the shareowners of
Lucent or otherwise became publicly known or a third party had
publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to
make an acquisition proposal for Lucent, and within twelve
months after the date of such termination, Lucent enters into an
agreement with a third party with respect to, or consummates, an
acquisition proposal; |
106
|
|
|
|
|
terminated by Alcatel if the meeting of Lucent shareowners to
approve the merger agreement is not called and held in
accordance with the merger agreement, and within twelve months
after the date of such termination, Lucent enters into an
agreement with a third party with respect to, or consummates, an
acquisition proposal; or |
|
|
|
terminated by Alcatel because the Lucent board of directors has
recommended that Lucent shareholders not approve the merger
agreement, or has withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to
Alcatel its recommendation that the Lucent shareowners vote in
favor of such matters or has recommended a superior proposal,
and within twelve months after the date of such termination,
Lucent enters into an agreement with a third party with respect
to, or consummates, an acquisition proposal; |
then, no later than the time that Lucent enters into a merger
agreement with respect to an acquisition proposal, or if there
is no such agreement, upon consummation of such acquisition
proposal, Lucent shall pay to Alcatel $500,000,000 by wire
transfer of immediately available funds, offset by any amounts
previously paid to Alcatel as an initial termination fee.
If the merger agreement is:
|
|
|
|
|
terminated by either party on the basis of the failure of the
Alcatel shareholders to approve the issuance of Alcatel ordinary
shares required to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement
and the other matters related to the merger agreement to be
considered by the Alcatel shareholders, and prior to the date of
the meeting of Alcatel shareholders, an acquisition proposal had
been made known to Alcatel or was made known to the shareholders
of Alcatel or otherwise became publicly known or a third party
had publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional)
to make an acquisition proposal for Alcatel; |
|
|
|
terminated by Lucent if the meeting of Alcatel shareholders to
approve the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares required to be
issued pursuant to the merger agreement and the other matters
related to the merger agreement to be considered by the Alcatel
shareholders is not called and held in accordance with the
merger agreement, and prior to the date of termination, an
acquisition proposal had been made known to Alcatel or was made
known to the shareholders of Alcatel or otherwise became
publicly known or a third party had publicly announced an
intention (whether or not conditional) to make an acquisition
proposal for Alcatel; or |
|
|
|
terminated by Lucent because the board of directors of Alcatel
has recommended that Alcatel shareholders not approve the
issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares required to be issued
pursuant to the merger agreement and the other matters related
to the merger agreement, or has withdrawn or modified in a
manner adverse to Lucent its recommendation that the Alcatel
shareholders vote in favor of such matters or has recommended a
superior proposal; |
then, immediately upon termination of the merger agreement,
Alcatel shall pay to Lucent the initial termination fee.
If the merger agreement is:
|
|
|
|
|
terminated by either party on the basis of the failure of the
Alcatel shareholders to approve the issuance of Alcatel ordinary
shares required to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement
and the other matters related to the merger agreement, and prior
to the date of the meeting of Alcatel shareholders, an
acquisition proposal had been made known to Alcatel or was made
known to the shareholders of Alcatel or otherwise became
publicly known or a third party had publicly announced an
intention (whether or not conditional) to make an acquisition
proposal for Alcatel, and within twelve months after the date of
such termination, Alcatel enters into an agreement with a third
party with respect to, or consummates, an acquisition proposal; |
|
|
|
terminated by Lucent if the meeting of Alcatel shareholders to
approve the issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares required to be
issued pursuant to the merger agreement and the other matters
related to the merger agreement is not called and held in
accordance with the merger agreement, and within |
107
|
|
|
|
|
twelve months after the date of such termination, Alcatel enters
into an agreement with a third party with respect to, or
consummates, an acquisition proposal; or |
|
|
|
terminated by Lucent because the board of directors of Alcatel
has recommended that Alcatel shareholders not approve the
issuance of Alcatel ordinary shares required to be issued
pursuant to the merger agreement and the other matters related
to the merger agreement, or has withdrawn or modified in a
manner adverse to Lucent its recommendation that the Alcatel
shareholders vote in favor of such matters or has recommended a
superior proposal, and within twelve months after the date of
such termination, Alcatel enters into an agreement with a third
party with respect to, or consummates, an acquisition proposal; |
then, no later than the time that Alcatel enters into a merger
agreement with respect to an acquisition proposal, or if there
is no such agreement, upon consummation of such acquisition
proposal, Alcatel shall pay to Lucent $500,000,000 by wire
transfer of immediately available funds, offset by any amounts
previously paid to Lucent as an initial termination fee.
Amendment and Waiver
Any provision of the merger agreement may be amended or waived
prior to the effective time of the merger if such amendment or
waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by
Lucent, Alcatel and Merger Sub, or in the case of a waiver, by
the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. After the
adoption of the merger agreement by the shareowners of Lucent,
no such amendment or waiver shall, without the approval of
Lucent shareowners, alter or change the amount or kind of
consideration to be received in exchange for any shares of
capital stock of Lucent, any term of the articles of association
and bylaws of Alcatel or any of the terms or conditions of the
merger agreement if such alteration or change would adversely
affect the holders of any shares of capital stock of Lucent.
108
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
of Alcatel and Lucent giving effect to the Thales transaction
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance
sheets and unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of
income, which give effect to the merger, are presented in
millions of euros and reflect the combination of Alcatel and
Lucent using the purchase method under IFRS and U.S. GAAP
as of and for the
twelve-month period
ended December 31, 2005.
The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information
and certain assumptions that each of Alcatel and Lucent believes
are reasonable, including the assumptions that pursuant to the
terms of the merger agreement:
|
|
|
|
|
each outstanding share of Lucent common stock at the effective
time of the merger will be converted into the right to receive
0.1952 of an Alcatel ADS; |
|
|
|
all of the outstanding Lucent stock options and other
stock-based awards at the effective time of the merger, whether
vested or not vested, shall be converted into a right to
acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable
under such Lucent stock option prior to the closing, a number of
Alcatel ordinary shares or Alcatel ADSs determined by
multiplying the number of shares subject to such award by the
exchange ratio, at an exercise price determined by dividing the
former exercise price by the exchange ratio; and |
|
|
|
each outstanding Lucent warrant will at the effective time of
the merger be convertible into a number of Alcatel ordinary
shares or Alcatel ADSs determined in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the warrant agreement, dated as of
December 10, 2004, between Lucent and the Bank of New York,
as warrant agent. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not
indicative of the income (loss) from operating activities or the
financial condition of the combined company that would have been
achieved had the merger been completed during the period
presented, nor are the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements indicative of the future operating results
or financial position of the combined company. The unaudited pro
forma condensed combined financial statements do not reflect any
cost savings or other synergies which may result from the
merger. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements do not reflect any special items such as payments
pursuant to contractual
change-of-control
provisions or restructuring and integration costs which may be
incurred as a result of the merger. In addition, the financial
effects of any actions described in the sections entitled
The Merger Alcatels Reasons for the
Merger and The Merger Recommendation of
the Lucent Board of Directors and Its Reasons for the
Merger, such as synergies or the effect of asset
dispositions, if any, that may be required by regulatory
authorities, cannot currently be determined and therefore are
not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with
the respective consolidated financial statements of Alcatel as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the
consolidated financial statements of Lucent as of and for the
year ended September 30, 2005 and the three-month period
ended December 31, 2005, each of which has been
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
are based on preliminary estimates and assumptions, which
Alcatel and Lucent believe to be reasonable. In the unaudited
pro forma condensed combined balance sheets, the fair value of
the Alcatel ADSs to be issued has been allocated to the Lucent
assets and liabilities based upon preliminary estimates by the
management of Alcatel and Lucent of their respective fair values
as of the date of the merger. Any difference between the fair
value of the Alcatel ADSs issued and the fair value of the
Lucent assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.
Definitive allocations will be performed and finalized based
upon certain valuations and other studies that will be performed
with the services of outside valuation specialists after the
effective time of the merger. Accordingly, the purchase price
109
allocation pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been
made solely for the purpose of preparing the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial statements and are subject to
revision based on a final determination of fair value after the
effective time of the merger.
Pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed Thales
transaction
In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements also reflect the estimated effect of the
proposed Thales transaction as described in Note 5-a. The
unaudited pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed Thales
transaction described in the accompanying notes are based upon
available information and certain assumptions that
Alcatels management believes are reasonable. The unaudited
pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed Thales transaction
are for illustrative purposes only and are not indicative of the
terms of the transaction and the results of operations that
would have occurred had the proposed Thales transaction been
consummated on the terms described on the dates indicated, nor
are they indicative of future operating results.
The unaudited pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed
Thales transaction do not give effect to any synergies which may
result from the proposed Thales transaction, or any severance or
restructuring costs that may be incurred following the proposed
Thales transaction. The estimated net gain after tax on the
disposal of the assets contributed has not been taken into
account in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement
of income.
The following unaudited pro forma adjustments reflecting the
proposed Thales transaction on the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined financial statements, are presented in millions of
euros and reflect the expected accounting treatment under both
IFRS and U.S. GAAP of the proposed Thales transaction
accounted for as described in Note 5-b under both IFRS and
U.S. GAAP as of and for the
twelve-month period
ended December 31, 2005.
110
ALCATEL AND LUCENT UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005 UNDER IFRS
(in millions of euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
Combined | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments | |
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
|
|
|
|
Combined | |
|
Reflecting | |
|
|
|
IFRS After | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
Lucent | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Ref to | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Thales | |
|
|
|
Thales | |
|
|
Alcatel | |
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Note 2-a & | |
|
IFRS | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Ref to | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
IFRS | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
3-b | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
Note 5-c | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Note 1 | |
|
Note 1 | |
|
Notes 2-a, 3-a & b | |
|
|
|
|
|
Note 5-c | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
Goodwill
|
|
|
3,772 |
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
10,704 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
14,792 |
|
|
|
(795 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
13,997 |
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
819 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
|
|
(2)&(5) |
|
|
|
5,514 |
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
5,481 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
1,111 |
|
|
|
1,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,172 |
|
|
|
(190 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1,982 |
|
Share in net assets of equity affiliates and other non-current
financial assets
|
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
966 |
|
|
|
670 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
1,636 |
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
1,768 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
2,037 |
|
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1,901 |
|
Prepaid pension costs
|
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
5,208 |
|
|
|
(3,448 |
) |
|
|
(1)&(5) |
|
|
|
2,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,054 |
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
Other non-current assets
|
|
|
468 |
|
|
|
716 |
|
|
|
(383 |
) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
9,144 |
|
|
|
9,270 |
|
|
|
11,802 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,216 |
|
|
|
(484 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories and work in progress, amounts due from customers on
construction-type contracts and advances and progress payments
|
|
|
2,355 |
|
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
3,346 |
|
|
|
(685 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
2,661 |
|
Trade receivables and related accounts, net
|
|
|
3,420 |
|
|
|
1,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,627 |
|
|
|
(220 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
4,407 |
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,046 |
|
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
(205 |
) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
1,373 |
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1,286 |
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
640 |
|
|
|
549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,510 |
|
|
|
1,270 |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(7) |
|
|
|
5,728 |
|
|
|
548 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
6,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
11,971 |
|
|
|
4,205 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,263 |
|
|
|
(444 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
|
21,115 |
|
|
|
13,475 |
|
|
|
11,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,479 |
|
|
|
(928 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity Attributable to the equity
holders of the parent
|
|
|
6,234 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
11,366 |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
|
|
17,849 |
|
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
18,500 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
6,711 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
11,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,352 |
|
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pensions, retirement indemnities and other post-retirement
benefits
|
|
|
1,461 |
|
|
|
5,194 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
(1)&(5) |
|
|
|
7,158 |
|
|
|
(133 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
7,025 |
|
Bonds and notes issued and other long-term debt
|
|
|
2,752 |
|
|
|
4,264 |
|
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
6,579 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
6,578 |
|
Other non-current liabilities
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
(1),(2)&(5) |
|
|
|
1,203 |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
4,670 |
|
|
|
10,183 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,940 |
|
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions
|
|
|
1,621 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
969 |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
2,590 |
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
2,514 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
1,046 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1,344 |
|
Trade payables and related accounts
|
|
|
3,755 |
|
|
|
652 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,407 |
|
|
|
(520 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
3,887 |
|
Customers deposits and advances and amounts due to
customers on construction-type contracts
|
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,644 |
|
|
|
(688 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
956 |
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
2,030 |
|
|
|
1,718 |
|
|
|
(559 |
) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
3,189 |
|
|
|
(96 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
3,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
9,734 |
|
|
|
3,043 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,187 |
|
|
|
(1,393 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,794 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
21,115 |
|
|
|
13,475 |
|
|
|
11,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,479 |
|
|
|
(928 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
111
Schedule of Pro Forma Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Balance Sheet under IFRS (in millions of
euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Note 2-a | |
|
Note 2-a | |
|
Note 3-b | |
|
Note 3-b | |
|
Note 3-b | |
|
|
Adjustments | |
|
(1) | |
|
(2) | |
|
(5) | |
|
(6) | |
|
(7) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Goodwill
|
|
|
10,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
4,341 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid pension costs
|
|
|
(3,448 |
) |
|
|
(2,146 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,302 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other non-current assets
|
|
|
(383 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(319 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories and work in progress, amounts due from customers on
construction-type contracts and advances and progress payments
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(205 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(205 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,889 |
|
|
|
(2,146 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity attributable to the equity
holders of the parent
|
|
|
11,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pensions, retirement indemnities and other post-retirement
benefits
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
(2,820 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds and notes issued and other long-term debt
|
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other non-current liabilities
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions
|
|
|
969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
(559 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(559 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,889 |
|
|
|
(2,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,080 |
|
|
|
11,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112
ALCATEL AND LUCENT UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
UNDER IFRS
(in millions of euros, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustments | |
|
|
|
Combined pro | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reflecting | |
|
|
|
forma IFRS | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
Lucent | |
|
Pro forma | |
|
Ref to | |
|
Combined | |
|
Thales | |
|
Ref to | |
|
after Thales | |
|
|
Alcatel | |
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Note 2-a | |
|
pro forma IFRS | |
|
transaction | |
|
Note | |
|
transaction | |
|
|
IFRS | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
& 3-c | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
5-d | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Note 1 | |
|
Note 1 | |
|
Notes 2-a, 3-a & c | |
|
|
|
|
|
Note 5-d | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
13,135 |
|
|
|
7,355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,490 |
|
|
|
(1,909 |
) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
18,581 |
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
(8,503 |
) |
|
|
(4,148 |
) |
|
|
(335 |
) |
|
|
(2),(12)&(13) |
|
|
|
(12,986 |
) |
|
|
1,429 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(11,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
4,632 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
(335 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,504 |
|
|
|
(480 |
) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
7,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative and selling expenses
|
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,581 |
) |
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
(2)&(13) |
|
|
|
(3,505 |
) |
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(3,325 |
) |
Research and development costs
|
|
|
(1,443 |
) |
|
|
(949 |
) |
|
|
(1,295 |
) |
|
|
(2),(9)&(13) |
|
|
|
(3,687 |
) |
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(3,520 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operating activities before restructuring,
share-based payments, impairment of capitalized development
costs and gain on disposal of consolidated entities
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
|
|
677 |
|
|
|
(1,554 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
312 |
|
|
|
(133 |
) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring costs
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(72 |
) |
Litigation and settlement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(223 |
) |
Gain/ (loss) on disposal of consolidated entities
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129 |
|
Other operating income (expenses)
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(2)&(11) |
|
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(123 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operating activities
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
|
|
685 |
|
|
|
(1,834 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1),(2),(10), |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial result
|
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
(13)&(14) |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
311 |
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
(196 |
) |
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share in net income (losses) of equity affiliates
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before tax and discontinued operations
|
|
|
1,075 |
|
|
|
612 |
|
|
|
(1,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax (expense)
benefit(1)
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
564 |
|
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
(5)&(6) |
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
984 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
(862 |
) |
|
|
(1)&(15) |
|
|
|
851 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
971 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
(862 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
838 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
747 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Equity holders of the parent
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
(858 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
710 |
|
|
- Minority interests
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less non-recurring charges or credits directly
attributable to the transaction:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- inventory and work in progress step-up (net of tax)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
(12) |
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent
before discontinued activities and non-recurring charges or
credit directly attributable to the transaction
|
|
|
943 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
(659 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,013 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
922 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to the equity holders of the parent
per share (in euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Basic earnings per share
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
- Diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of existing shares (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- basic
|
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
- diluted
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to the equity holders of the parent
(before discontinued activities and non-recurring charges or
credit directly attributable to the transaction) per share (in
euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Basic earnings per share
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
- Diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of existing shares (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- basic
|
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
- diluted
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See Note 3-c(15)
for a discussion of the impact of the valuation allowance
reversals reflected in the historical Lucent statement of income
under U.S. GAAP. |
113
Schedule of Pro Forma Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Statement of Income under IFRS (in millions
of euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma | |
|
Note 2-a | |
|
Note 2-a | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
Note 3-c | |
|
|
adjustments | |
|
(1) | |
|
(2) | |
|
(9) | |
|
(10) | |
|
(11) | |
|
(12) | |
|
(13) | |
|
(14) | |
|
(15) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Cost of sales
|
|
|
(335 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(327) |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative and selling expenses
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development costs
|
|
|
(1,295 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(434 |
) |
|
|
(868) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Litigation and settlement
|
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating income (expenses)
|
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial result
|
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
(481 |
) |
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses)
|
|
|
(196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
538 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-recurring charges or credits directly attributable to the
transaction
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(199) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114
ALCATEL AND LUCENT UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005 UNDER U.S. GAAP
(in millions of euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
Combined | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments | |
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
|
|
|
|
Combined | |
|
Reflecting | |
|
|
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
Lucent | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Thales | |
|
|
|
After Thales | |
|
|
Alcatel | |
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Ref to Note | |
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Ref to | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
2-b, 2-c & 3-d | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
Note 5-e | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Note 1 | |
|
Note 1 | |
|
Notes 2-b, 2-c, 3-a & d | |
|
|
|
|
|
Note 5-e | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,510 |
|
|
|
1,270 |
|
|
|
(129 |
) |
|
|
(4)&(18) |
|
|
|
5,651 |
|
|
|
624 |
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
6,275 |
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
640 |
|
|
|
549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
Other debtors and assets held for sale
|
|
|
1,360 |
|
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
1,792 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
1,786 |
|
Trade receivables and related accounts, net
|
|
|
4,090 |
|
|
|
1,207 |
|
|
|
(525 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
4,772 |
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
4,734 |
|
Inventories, net
|
|
|
1,695 |
|
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
2,570 |
|
|
|
(220 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
2,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
12,295 |
|
|
|
4,205 |
|
|
|
(526 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,974 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
Other investments and other non- current assets, net
|
|
|
2,312 |
|
|
|
770 |
|
|
|
(508 |
) |
|
|
(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
2,574 |
|
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
2,542 |
|
Share in net assets of equity affiliates
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
995 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
1,701 |
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
1,502 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
1,168 |
|
|
|
1,061 |
|
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
2,050 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
2,033 |
|
Prepaid pension costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,208 |
|
|
|
(1,226 |
) |
|
|
(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
3,982 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,982 |
|
Acquisition goodwill
|
|
|
7,024 |
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
8,787 |
|
|
|
(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
16,127 |
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
16,013 |
|
Other intangible assets, net
|
|
|
679 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
3,783 |
|
|
|
(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
4,497 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
4,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
11,889 |
|
|
|
9,270 |
|
|
|
11,652 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,811 |
|
|
|
(365 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
|
24,184 |
|
|
|
13,475 |
|
|
|
11,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,785 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
2,106 |
|
|
|
2,080 |
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
3,991 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
4,062 |
|
Trade payables
|
|
|
3,755 |
|
|
|
652 |
|
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
4,086 |
|
|
|
(197 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
3,889 |
|
Accrued contract costs and other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
1,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
Customer deposits and advances
|
|
|
1,144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
897 |
|
|
|
(400 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
497 |
|
Short-term financial debt
|
|
|
1,051 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
1,293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
1,293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
9,320 |
|
|
|
3,043 |
|
|
|
(946 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,417 |
|
|
|
(526 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,891 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long term liabilities
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
1,244 |
|
|
|
(3),(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
2,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,542 |
|
Bonds and notes issued and other financial debt
long-term part
|
|
|
2,913 |
|
|
|
4,264 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
Other reserves
|
|
|
470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(470 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued pensions and retirement obligations
|
|
|
1,717 |
|
|
|
5,194 |
|
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
(4)&(16) |
|
|
|
7,341 |
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
7,272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
5,673 |
|
|
|
10,183 |
|
|
|
1,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,059 |
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock
|
|
|
2,857 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
1,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,605 |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
21,594 |
|
|
|
19,892 |
|
|
|
(9,948 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,538 |
|
Retained earnings, other reserves, cumulative translation
adjustments and unrealized holding gains (loss) and cash-flow
hedge
|
|
|
(14,076 |
) |
|
|
(19,681 |
) |
|
|
19,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,676 |
) |
|
|
590 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,086 |
) |
Less treasury stock, at cost
|
|
|
(1,656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
8,719 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
10,843 |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
|
|
19,811 |
|
|
|
590 |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
20,401 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
24,184 |
|
|
|
13,475 |
|
|
|
11,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,785 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
115
Schedule of Pro Forma Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Balance Sheet Under U.S. GAAP (in
millions of euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
2-b | |
|
2-c | |
|
3-d | |
|
3-d | |
|
3-d | |
|
|
Adjustments | |
|
(3) | |
|
(4) | |
|
(16) | |
|
(17) | |
|
(18) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(129 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
Other debtors and assets held for sale
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables and related accounts, net
|
|
|
(525 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(525 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other investments and other non-current assets, net
|
|
|
(508 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(284 |
) |
|
|
(224 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share in net assets of equity affiliates
|
|
|
995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid pension costs
|
|
|
(1,226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
(1,302 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition goodwill
|
|
|
8,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(717 |
) |
|
|
9,504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other intangible assets, net
|
|
|
3,783 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(182 |
) |
|
|
3,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
|
11,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,109 |
) |
|
|
12,287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables
|
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued contract costs and other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer deposits and advances
|
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term financial debt
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
1,244 |
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds and notes issued and other long-term debt
long-term part
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other reserves
|
|
|
(470 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(470 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued pensions and retirement obligations
|
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
10,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
11,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,109 |
) |
|
|
1,392 |
|
|
|
10,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116
ALCATEL AND LUCENT UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
UNDER U.S. GAAP
(in millions of euros, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
Combined | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments | |
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
|
|
|
|
Combined | |
|
Reflecting | |
|
|
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
Lucent | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Thales | |
|
|
|
after Thales | |
|
|
Alcatel | |
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Ref to | |
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Ref to | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
U.S. GAAP | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
Note 2-c & 3-e | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
Note 5-f | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Note 1 | |
|
Note 1 | |
|
Notes 2-c, 3-a & e | |
|
|
|
|
|
Note 5-f | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
|
13,129 |
|
|
|
7,355 |
|
|
|
(565 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
19,919 |
|
|
|
(1,363 |
) |
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
18,556 |
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
(8,517 |
) |
|
|
(4,148 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(4), (22), (23), (24)&(25) |
|
|
|
(12,670 |
) |
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(11,674 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
4,612 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
(570 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,249 |
|
|
|
(367 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative and selling expenses
|
|
|
(2,049 |
) |
|
|
(1,581 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(4), (22), (24)&(25) |
|
|
|
(3,644 |
) |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(3,518 |
) |
R&D expenses and purchased in-process R&D
|
|
|
(1,449 |
) |
|
|
(949 |
) |
|
|
(1,308 |
) |
|
|
(4), (20), (22), (24)&(25) |
|
|
|
(3,706 |
) |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(3,590 |
) |
Restructuring costs
|
|
|
(174 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(142 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
940 |
|
|
|
685 |
|
|
|
(1,886 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(261 |
) |
|
|
(107 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(368 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense on notes mandatorily redeemable for shares and
other interest expenses
|
|
|
(243 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(4)&(21) |
|
|
|
(508 |
) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(491 |
) |
Interest income and other financial income, net
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275 |
|
Gain on sale of stocks in subsidiaries
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before amortization of goodwill and tax
|
|
|
976 |
|
|
|
612 |
|
|
|
(1,885 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(297 |
) |
|
|
(90 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(387 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share in net income (losses) of equity affiliates
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
(14)&(15) |
|
|
|
44 |
|
Income tax (expense) benefit
(1)
|
|
|
(156 |
) |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
473 |
|
|
|
(4)&(26) |
|
|
|
434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
434 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
763 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
(1,338 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
(63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less non-recurring charges or credit directly attributable to
the transaction:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
inventory step-up (net of tax)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
(23) |
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
IPR&D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
(20) |
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent
before non recurring charges or credit directly attributable to
the transaction
|
|
|
763 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
(539 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
953 |
|
|
|
(63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
890 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share (in euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of existing shares (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
basic
|
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
diluted
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income before discontinued activities and non-recurring
charges or credit directly attributable to the transaction per
share (in euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
Weighted average number of existing shares (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
basic
|
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
diluted
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,412 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,299 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See Note 3-c(15)
for a discussion of the impact of the valuation allowance
reversals reflected in the historical Lucent statement of income
under U.S. GAAP. |
117
Schedule of Pro Forma Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Statement of Income Under U.S. GAAP (in
millions of euros)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
Note | |
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
2-c | |
|
3-e | |
|
3-e | |
|
3-e | |
|
3-e | |
|
3-e | |
|
3-e | |
|
3-e | |
|
|
Adjustments | |
|
(4) | |
|
(20) | |
|
(21) | |
|
(22) | |
|
(23) | |
|
(24) | |
|
(25) | |
|
(26) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net sales
|
|
|
(565 |
) |
|
|
(565 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(327 |
) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Administrative and selling expenses
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
|
|
|
R&D expenses and purchased in-process R&D
|
|
|
(1,308 |
) |
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
(1,348 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
(88 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Restructuring costs
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense on notes mandatorily redeemable for shares and
other interest expenses
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income and financial income, net
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses)
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of stocks in subsidiaries
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share in net income (losses) of equity affiliates
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax
|
|
|
473 |
|
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
527 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-recurring charges or credits directly attributable to the
transaction
|
|
|
(799 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(199 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Note 1 Description of transactions and basis
of presentation
|
|
|
Description of transactions |
The merger is described in the section entitled The
Merger contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/
prospectus. The proposed Thales transaction is described in the
section entitled Alcatel Recent Developments
Thales Transaction contained elsewhere in this proxy
statement/ prospectus.
Alcatel and Lucent merger. Pro forma adjustments related
to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of
income are computed assuming the merger was completed on the
first day of the earliest fiscal year presented (that is,
January 1, 2005 for each of the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statements of income presented).
Pro forma adjustments related to the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined balance sheets are computed assuming the
merger was completed on December 31, 2005.
All pro forma adjustments are directly attributable to the
merger. With respect to pro forma adjustments related to the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income,
only adjustments that are expected to have a continuing effect
on the combined companys financial statements are taken
into account. For instance, the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined financial statements do not reflect any restructuring
expenses that may be incurred in connection with the merger or
any effect related to payments to Lucents employees
resulting from the change of control of Lucent.
Only adjustments that are factually supportable and that can be
estimated reliably are taken into account. For instance, the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do
not reflect any cost savings potentially realizable from the
elimination of certain expenses or from synergies. The unaudited
pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not reflect
any special items such as payments pursuant to contractual
change-of-control
provisions or restructuring and integration costs that may be
incurred as a result of the merger. Material non-recurring items
that are directly attributable to the merger and that can be
factually supported and reliably estimated are included in the
pro forma adjustments related to the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined balance sheets.
There are certain differences in the way in which Alcatel and
Lucent present items on their respective balance sheets and
statements of income. As a result, certain items reported under
other income (expenses) in Lucents statement
of income have been reclassified in the IFRS and U.S. GAAP
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income to
conform with Alcatels presentation, based upon the
detailed information related to the statement of income given by
Lucent in its annual and quarterly reports. The capitalized
software of Lucent has also been reclassified in the IFRS
balance sheet between other non-current assets and intangible
assets and the deferred tax assets and liabilities have been
isolated on specific balance sheet line items in the IFRS
balance sheet. Minority interests that are considered as part of
equity under IFRS and not under U.S. GAAP have been
reclassified in the IFRS balance sheet accordingly.
Alcatel and Lucent expect that there could be additional
reclassifications following completion of the merger to conform
Lucents financial presentation to Alcatels financial
presentation. For example, there are differences in the way
certain assets and liabilities included in working capital are
reported for construction-type contracts. Alcatel and Lucent are
in the process of reviewing the reclassifications necessary to
conform Lucents financial presentation to Alcatels
financial presentation. Such reclassifications are complex, and
are expected to take several months to complete.
Upon completion of the merger, any transactions that occurred
between Alcatel and Lucent will be considered intercompany
transactions. Balances and transactions between Alcatel and
Lucent as of and for the period presented are not significant.
If an estimate or an assumption used to determine a pro forma
adjustment could have a significant impact on the unaudited pro
forma condensed combined financial statements, a sensitivity
analysis is presented. This is the case with respect to the
price of Alcatel ADSs assumed in the determination of the
119
purchase price under IFRS and for the estimated amounts
allocated to useful life of acquired technologies, in-process
research and development, which is referred to as IPR&D, and
other intangible assets with definite useful lives.
Proposed Thales transaction. The unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial statements also reflect the effect
of the proposed Thales transaction as described in Note 1,
which contemplates the contribution of certain Alcatel assets to
Thales in exchange for cash and Thales ordinary shares.
Alcatels interest in Thales held as of December 31,
2005 is accounted for using the equity method in Alcatels
consolidated financial statements included in Alcatels
2005 20-F, which has been incorporated by reference into this
proxy statement/ prospectus.
Pro forma adjustments included in the pro forma condensed
combined statements of income are computed assuming the proposed
Thales transaction was completed on the first day of the
earliest fiscal year presented (i.e., January 1,
2005 for each of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statements of income presented).
Pro forma adjustments included in the pro forma condensed
combined balance sheets are computed assuming the proposed
Thales transaction was completed on December 31, 2005.
All pro forma adjustments are directly attributable to the
proposed Thales transaction. With respect to pro forma
adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined statements of income, only adjustments that are
expected to have a continuing effect on the financial statements
of the combined company are taken into account. For instance,
the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
do not reflect any restructuring expenses that may be incurred
in connection with the proposed Thales transaction. Material
non-recurring items that are directly attributable to the
proposed Thales transaction and that can be factually supported
and reliably estimated are taken into account in the pro forma
adjustments included in the pro forma condensed combined balance
sheet.
As final documentation with respect to the proposed Thales
transaction is still under discussion, the definitive terms of
the transaction could materially differ from the assumptions
made to determine the pro forma adjustments herein presented.
The main areas of uncertainty include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Earnout clauses with respect to the contribution of
Alcatels interests in Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio
have not been taken into account. |
|
|
|
Transaction terms having a potential impact on the cash received
(and the net gain on disposal) and related to the enterprise
value of the businesses contributed to Thales. Such clauses are
mainly related to the normative level of working capital, the
level of financial debt of the contributed businesses at the
closing date and the amount of pension and similar obligations.
Only clauses for which the estimated impact has been judged
reliable and factually supportable have been taken into account. |
|
|
|
As some of the contributed businesses will be segregated from
Alcatels other businesses before the closing of the
proposed Thales transaction, the determination of the carrying
value and the tax value of the assets contributed is preliminary
and has been estimated based upon information available. The
difference between these estimated values presented in the pro
forma adjustments and the definitive values could have a
material impact on the net result on disposal. |
The effect of the cash proceeds that will be received by Alcatel
on Alcatels statement of income has not been taken into
account in the pro forma adjustments, but is disclosed
separately in Notes 5-d(8) and 5-f(16). The effect of
the increased interest costs relating to this cash payment on
the statement of income of Thales has been taken into account
for the corresponding Thales ordinary shares held by Alcatel
after the proposed Thales transaction.
Alcatel and Lucent merger. The Alcatel ADS price used to
compute the estimated value of the Alcatel ADSs to be issued in
the merger is based on the average closing price of an Alcatel
ADS for the period beginning two days before and ending two days
after the date the merger was officially announced
(April 2, 2006). However, the actual measurement date for
the value of Alcatel ADSs under IFRS will occur at the effective
time of the merger. For each
1.00 increase or
decrease in the price of an Alcatel ADS, the value of
120
the Alcatel ADSs to be issued in the merger computed pursuant to
the terms of the merger agreement and therefore the goodwill
would increase or decrease by approximately
870 million.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
reflect a preliminary allocation of the price of the Alcatel
ADSs to be issued in the merger to the fair value of
Lucents technologies, customer relationships and IPR&D
which has been amortized over an estimated useful life of five
years in the pro forma adjustments under IFRS, with IPR&D
being expensed upon completion of the merger under
U.S. GAAP. The estimated useful life used in the unaudited
pro forma condensed combined financial statements could differ
materially from the useful lives of the assets that will be
determined by external experts following the effective time of
the merger, based on an analysis of the patent portfolio and a
valuation of Lucents technologies, customer relationships
and IPR&D, and as a result, the final purchase price
allocation could differ materially from the preliminary
allocation reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined financial statements. For illustrative purposes, the
following table sets forth the estimated annual impact on pro
forma net income caused by each incremental
500 million
allocated to amortizable intangible assets in the final purchase
price allocation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
depreciation |
|
|
|
|
Life of Asset in years |
|
expense |
|
Net income impact |
|
Per share impact |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros, except years and per share data) |
3
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
4
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
5
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
6
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
7
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
Proposed Thales transaction. The Thales stock price used
to compute the estimated purchase price of the incremental stake
in Thales is
36.72 per
Thales ordinary share and is based on the average closing price
of a Thales ordinary share for the period beginning two days
before and ending two days after the date the proposed
transaction was officially announced (April 5, 2006). This
stock price is also used to determine the result on the disposal
of the assets contributed. However, the actual measurement date
for the purchase price under IFRS will occur at the closing date
of the proposed Thales transaction. For each
1.00 increase or
decrease in the price of a Thales ordinary share, the purchase
price will increase or decrease by approximately
27 million,
representing an equivalent increase or decrease of both the
result before tax on the disposal and the goodwill corresponding
to the acquisition of the incremental stake in Thales.
|
|
|
Historical financial statements and currency
translation |
Alcatels historical financial statements for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005 are presented in euros and are
derived from Alcatels audited consolidated financial
statements included in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/
prospectus.
Lucents historical financial statements for the
twelve-month period ended December 31, 2005 are presented
in U.S. dollars and are derived from Lucents audited
consolidated financial statements included in Lucents
current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, which has been incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement/ prospectus, and from Lucents
unaudited quarterly financial statements included in
Lucents quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended December 31, 2005, which has been
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus,
as shown in the table below.
All data related to Lucents historical balance sheet as of
December 31, 2005 and the pro forma adjustments to the
balance sheets as of December 31, 2005 are translated into
euros at the noon buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842.
All data related to Lucents statement of income for the
twelve-month period ended December 31, 2005 and the pro
forma adjustments to the statements of income for the year ended
December 31, 2005 are translated into euros at an exchange
rate of 1.00 =
$1.2445, which was the average euro/dollar exchange rate for the
twelve-month period ended December 31, 2005.
121
SCHEDULE CALCULATING LUCENT STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE
TWELVE-MONTH
PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 UNDER
U.S. GAAP(1)(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve | |
|
Three | |
|
Three | |
|
Twelve | |
|
|
|
|
Months | |
|
Months | |
|
Months | |
|
Months | |
|
|
|
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
Twelve Months Ended | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
A | |
|
B | |
|
C | |
|
D = A+C -B | |
|
D = A+C -B | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros, | |
|
|
|
|
except per share data)(3) | |
|
|
(in millions of dollars, except per share data) | |
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
9,441 |
|
|
|
2,335 |
|
|
|
2,047 |
|
|
|
9,153 |
|
|
|
7,355 |
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
(5,317 |
) |
|
|
(1,351 |
) |
|
|
(1,196 |
) |
|
|
(5,162 |
) |
|
|
(4,148 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
4,124 |
|
|
|
984 |
|
|
|
851 |
|
|
|
3,991 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative and selling expenses
|
|
|
(1,696 |
) |
|
|
(385 |
) |
|
|
(656 |
) |
|
|
(1,967 |
) |
|
|
(1,581 |
) |
R&D expenses
|
|
|
(1,177 |
) |
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(1,181 |
) |
|
|
(949 |
) |
Business restructuring
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operating activities
|
|
|
1,261 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
(89 |
) |
|
|
853 |
|
|
|
685 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(341 |
) |
|
|
(89 |
) |
|
|
(83 |
) |
|
|
(335 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before taxes
|
|
|
1,034 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
(88 |
) |
|
|
762 |
|
|
|
612 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
1,185 |
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
(104 |
) |
|
|
907 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of existing shares
(in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
basic
|
|
|
4,426 |
|
|
|
4,403 |
|
|
|
4,452 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
|
|
4,438 |
|
diluted
|
|
|
5,218 |
|
|
|
4,998 |
|
|
|
4,452 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
5,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The purpose of this schedule is to reflect Lucents
statement of income for the
twelve-month period
ended December 31, 2005. The schedule is not intended to be
a U.S. GAAP presentation of Lucents results and is
presented to reflect twelve months of results for purposes
of comparison with Alcatels calendar year presentation. |
|
(2) |
Certain items included in Lucents annual statements of
income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 are
derived from annual calculations including the net pension and
postretirement benefit credit, employee incentive awards and
income taxes, among other items. This schedule does not consider
the impact of how these items would have been different had the
fiscal year ended on December 31, 2005. |
|
(3) |
Translated solely for convenience into euros at the average rate
for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2005 of
1.00 = $1.2445. |
122
Note 2 Historical Lucent and Alcatel
adjustments
Note 2-a Historical Lucent adjustments
|
|
|
(1) Adjustments of Lucents historical financial
statements for differences between U.S. GAAP and
IFRS |
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
include adjustments to Lucents historical financial
statements for the following differences between U.S. GAAP
and IFRS:
|
|
|
|
|
Market-Related-Value Method. Under U.S. GAAP, Lucent
uses the market-related-value method for determining the
expected return on plan assets. IFRS does not allow the use of
the market-related-value method. A pro forma adjustment was made
to Lucents statement of income to disallow the use of the
market-related value method in determining the expected return
on plan assets, as this method is not permitted under IFRS. The
market-related-value, as indicated in the notes to Lucents
audited consolidated financial statements as of
September 30, 2005, incorporates asset-related gains and
losses over a period of five years and differs materially from
the fair value of the plan assets as of January 1, 2005.
The aggregate market-related value of pension and postretirement
plan assets was $35.2 billion
(29.7 billion)
and $37.7 billion
(31.8 billion)
as of September 30, 2005 and 2004 respectively, which
exceeded the fair value of plan assets by $6 million
(5 million)
and $4 billion
(3.4 billion),
respectively. This adjustment reduces by
273 million
the pre-tax financial results shown in the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statements of income. The use of the
market-related-value method had a negative pre-tax effect of
208 million
on the amount of amortization of the unrecognized gains and
losses, and has also been included in the IFRS adjustments.
These unrecognized gains and losses are cancelled in the pro
forma adjustments, as explained in
Note 3-c(13). In
aggregate, adjustments for market-related value totaled
481 million.
The amount of this adjustment is not necessarily the amount that
would have been reflected had Lucent actually adopted
IAS 19. |
|
|
|
Minimum Liability Adjustment. Under U.S. GAAP,
Lucent is required to make a minimum liability adjustment when
its accumulated benefit obligations exceed the fair value of its
plan assets. This adjustment is not permitted under IFRS, and
accordingly, a pro forma adjustment was made to Lucents
balance sheet to comply with IFRS requirements. This adjustment
had been accounted for directly by Lucent in other accumulated
comprehensive loss, as disclosed in Note 9
Employee Benefit Plan
(pages F-59 to
F-65) to Lucents
audited consolidated financial statements as of
September 30, 2005, which are included in Lucents
current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, which has been incorporated into this proxy
statement/prospectus by reference. |
|
|
|
Asset Ceiling. Under IFRS, plan assets are limited to the
lower of: (i) the value resulting from applying IAS 19
Employee benefits, which is referred to as IAS 19,
and (ii) the net total present value of any available
refund from the plan or reduction in future contributions to the
plan. This limitation, known as an asset ceiling, is not
permitted under U.S. GAAP. The net impact on equity of
these two adjustments is an increase of
674 million,
consisting of a decrease of
2,146 million
in prepaid pension costs and a decrease of
2,820 million
of pensions, retirement indemnities and other post-retirement
benefits. |
The calculation of this impact assumes, among other things, that
$1.6 billion is available to be transferred through a
Section 420 transfer from Lucents pension plan assets
to fund its annual retiree health care benefits (see
page F-30 of
Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, and the section entitled Risk
Factors in this proxy statement/prospectus). The
$1.6 billion of excess pension assets available for a
Section 420 transfer is in the process of being updated as
of January 1, 2006, and is expected to be significantly
higher. However, the final amounts to be considered in the asset
ceiling calculation will depend on the fair value of pension
plan assets upon completion of the merger, as well as potential
changes resulting from possible changes in legislation that
could alter the manner in which the obligations are determined.
As a result, the ultimate amount of the asset ceiling could be
higher or lower upon completion of the merger.
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Taxes. The deferred tax impact of the above
adjustments has been computed at an estimated tax rate of 39%,
and represents a decrease in equity as of December 31, 2005
of
263 million |
123
|
|
|
|
|
(which is accounted for under the line item other
non-current liabilities) and an increase of net income of
188 million
for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005. |
The adjustments related to pensions are based on available
information as of September 30, 2005, Lucents most
recent fiscal year end. These adjustments are an estimation of
the impact that will be calculated by actuaries once all
information has been obtained for subsequent periods. Due to the
material amounts of plan assets and pension and other
post-retirement obligations of Lucent, differences between the
estimated adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial statements and their actual effect
could be material.
Alcatel has not prepared a complete reconciliation of
Lucents financial statements to IFRS. Such reconciliations
are complex and are expected to take several months to complete.
No pro forma adjustments other than those referred to above
related to differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP have been
included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements because Alcatel believes that, in the aggregate, no
such adjustments would have a material impact on the pro forma
information presented in this proxy statement/prospectus.
However, no assurance can be given that other reconciling items
will not be material upon completion of a comprehensive review.
|
|
|
(2) Reclassifications of specific line-items in the
balance sheet and statement of income of Lucent under
IFRS |
Certain items included on Lucents historical balance sheet
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been
reclassified in the IFRS unaudited pro forma condensed combined
balance sheet to conform with Alcatels presentation and
conform with IFRS for pro forma purposes. The deferred tax
assets (representing an amount of
269 million)
that are considered as non-current under IFRS have been
accordingly reclassified from current and non-current assets (in
the amounts of
205 million
and
64 million,
respectively) and are presented as a specific line-item on the
IFRS unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet.
Minority interests that are considered part of equity under IFRS
have also been reclassified in an amount of
26 million
from other non-current liabilities on a specific line-item.
Capitalized software (for internal use and marketed software)
has been reclassified as an intangible asset in the IFRS
unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet from its
classification as other non-current assets under
U.S. GAAP, representing an amount of
319 million.
Provisions for an amount of
969 million
are presented on a specific line-item under IFRS, whereas they
are included in current liabilities (for an amount of
559 million)
and non-current liabilities (for an amount of
410 million)
in the historical U.S. GAAP accounts of Lucent.
Certain reclassifications on the IFRS unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statements of income are related to other
income (expenses) of Lucent (in an amount of
196 million)
that have been allocated to the financial result,
minority interests and administrative and
selling expenses line-items presented on the IFRS
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income (in
the amounts of
161 million,
4 million
and
31 million,
respectively). Due to the specific and material nature of the
Winstar litigation, as disclosed in Lucents quarterly
report on
Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended December 31, 2005, a charge has been
set forth on a specific line-item, litigation and
settlement, in the statement of income (in an amount of
223 million)
and reclassified from administrative and selling
expenses to this specific caption. Another
reclassification is related to the amortization of capitalized
software (marketed software) which is presented in research and
development expense under IFRS and as cost of sales
for an amount of
193 million
in Lucents historical statements of income. Share-based
payments have also been reclassified under IFRS in other
operating income (expenses) in an amount of
40 million
from cost of sales, R&D expenses and
selling and administrative expenses in the amounts
of
2 million,
8 million
and
30 million,
respectively. The other main reclassification is related to the
pension and other post-retirement benefit net credit. As
indicated in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, the
expense resulting from the change in net pension and other
post-retirement obligations is recorded in income (loss) from
operating activities or in other financial income (loss)
depending upon the nature of the underlying obligation. The
financial portion of the pension and other post-retirement
benefit net credit of Lucent has been reclassified from income
(loss) from operating activities (of which
209 million
is in cost of sales,
249 million
is in R&D expenses and
215 million
is in administrative and selling expenses) to the
financial result representing, a credit of
673 million.
124
As a result of the reclassifications described above, cost of
sales increased by
14 million,
administrative and selling expenses decreased by
69 million,
R&D expenses increased by
434 million,
litigation and settlement expenses increased by
223 million,
other operating income (expenses) decreased by
40 million,
financial result increased by
834 million,
other income (expense) decreased by
196 million
and minority interests decreased by
4 million.
Note 2-b
Historical Lucent U.S. GAAP reclassification
Minority interests of
26 million
have been reclassified as a specific
line-item to conform to
the presentation used by Alcatel in its balance sheet.
Note 2-c
Historical Alcatel U.S. GAAP adjustments
|
|
|
(4) Homogenization of U.S. GAAP standards
applied |
As a foreign private issuer and in accordance with regulations
of the SEC with respect to the use of the proportionate
consolidation method, Alcatel discloses summarized financial
information with respect to Alcatels proportion of the
balance sheet, statement of income and cash flow data of
consolidated entities in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, but
entities consolidated using proportionate consolidation under
IFRS are not adjusted in Alcatels condensed balance sheet
under U.S. GAAP, as disclosed in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F.
Upon completion of the Thales transaction, certain of
Alcatels businesses will no longer be accounted for using
the proportionate method of consolidation under IFRS and
U.S. GAAP using the accommodation referred to above.
Further, under U.S. GAAP, Lucent accounts for its interests
in joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. For the
purposes of presenting the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined financial statements under U.S. GAAP, the amounts
related to Alcatels interest in its joint ventures have
been adjusted to the equity method of accounting.
The tables below reflect the impact of these adjustments on the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet and the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proportionate |
|
|
consolidation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
ASSETS |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(77 |
) |
Other debtors and assets held for sale
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
Trade receivables and related accounts, net
|
|
|
(525 |
) |
Inventories, net
|
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
(818 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other investments and other non-current assets, net
|
|
|
(208 |
) |
Share in net assets of equity affiliates
|
|
|
995 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
(179 |
) |
Acquisition goodwill
|
|
|
(717 |
) |
Other intangible assets, net
|
|
|
(182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
(291 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
|
(1,109 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proportionate |
|
|
consolidation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
Trade payables
|
|
|
(321 |
) |
Accrued contract costs and other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
Customer deposits and advances
|
|
|
(247 |
) |
Short term financial debt
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
(946 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
(89 |
) |
Bonds and notes issued and other financial debt
long-term part
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Accrued pensions and retirement obligations
|
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
(1,109 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proportionate |
|
|
consolidation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
Net sales
|
|
|
(565 |
) |
Cost of sales
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
(192 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative and selling expenses
|
|
|
66 |
|
R&D expenses and purchased in-process R&D
|
|
|
97 |
|
Restructuring costs
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense on notes mandatorily redeemable for shares and
other interest expenses
|
|
|
6 |
|
Gain on sale of stocks in subsidiaries
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before amortization of goodwill, tax and discontinued
operations
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share in net income (losses) of equity affiliates
|
|
|
39 |
|
Income tax
|
|
|
(54 |
) |
Minority interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
(35 million)
and interest income and other financial income, net
(114 million)
have been reclassified in other income (expenses) to
be consistent with Lucents presentation for an amount of
79 million.
Other reserves have been reclassified in the amount
of
470 million
in other long-term liabilities. Prepaid
pension costs have been reclassified in the amount of
76 million
from other investments and other non-current assets,
net.
126
No other U.S. GAAP homogenization adjustments related to
historical Alcatel financial data have been made in the
U.S. GAAP unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
Note 3 Pro forma adjustments
Note 3-a Purchase Price Computation and
Allocation
The following is a preliminary estimate of the value of the
purchase price under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP:
|
|
|
Purchase price computation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Lucent common stock outstanding as of March 31,
2006
|
|
|
4,476,628,861 |
|
Treasury stock as of March 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange ratio per share (1,952 Alcatel ordinary shares
exchanged for 10,000 Lucent ordinary shares tendered)
|
|
|
0.1952 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total number of Alcatel ordinary shares to be issued
|
|
|
873,837,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiplied by Alcatels average stock price (in euros) for
the period beginning two days before and ending two days after
the April 2, 2006 announcement of the merger, as an
approximation for the stock price at the effective date of the
merger
|
|
|
13.045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of Alcatel ordinary shares issued (in millions of
euros)
|
|
|
11,399 |
|
|
Fair value of outstanding warrants (in millions of euros)
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
Fair value of outstanding stock options and similar equity
awards (in millions of euros)
|
|
|
215 |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated transaction costs (in millions of euros)
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated purchase price (in millions of euros)
|
|
|
11,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatels estimated direct transaction costs amount to
50 million
under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP (Lucents costs are
expensed as incurred). These amounts are before tax. The
estimated cost of issuing Alcatel ADSs has not been taken into
account (these costs are estimated to be
2 million,
and are accounted for as a reduction of the proceeds from the
issuance of Alcatel ADSs).
127
|
|
|
Purchase price allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
|
IFRS |
|
U.S. GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
Book value of net assets acquired as of December 31,
2005
|
|
|
660 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation of purchase price:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired technologies and other intangible assets
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
In-process research and development
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
Equity component of convertible debt
|
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Write-off of existing other intangible assets
(excluding goodwill)
|
|
|
(259 |
) |
|
|
(259 |
) |
|
Write-off of historical goodwill
|
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
Write-up of finished goods and work in progress
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
Adjustments on pension and other post-retirement
benefits
|
|
|
(4,625 |
) |
|
|
(1,805 |
) |
|
Deferred taxes on the above adjustments
|
|
|
(194 |
) |
|
|
(889 |
) |
|
Deferred compensation
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
Goodwill (residual balance not allocated)
|
|
|
11,020 |
|
|
|
9,820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated purchase price
|
|
|
11,769 |
|
|
|
11,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized,
but is tested for impairment at least annually.
The fair value of Lucents technologies, customer
relationships and IPR&D is based upon the preliminary
estimates of Lucent and Alcatel managements. A valuation
performed in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP would
entail determining the fair value of Lucents technologies,
IPR&D and customer relationships acquired in business
combinations based on different valuation techniques, such as
projection of discounted cash flows derived from income
statement projections. The revenue projection used to value
IPR&D would be based on estimates of relevant market sizes
and growth factors, expected trends in technology, and the
nature and expected timing of new product introductions by
Lucent and its competitors. Future net cash flows from such
projects are based on the estimates of Lucent and Alcatel
managements of such projects cost of sales, operating
expenses and income taxes.
With respect to inventories, a portion of the purchase price has
been tentatively allocated to the fair value of finished goods
and work in progress. The amount allocated has been determined
based upon available information and corresponds to
Alcatels and Lucents best estimate at the date of
this proxy statement/ prospectus of the difference between the
selling prices less the sum of (i) costs to complete the
work in progress, and (ii) a reasonable profit allowance
after completing work in progress and the selling effort (for
both finished goods and work in progress) based on profit for
similar goods. No assurance can be given that the definitive
purchase price allocation will confirm Alcatels and
Lucents estimates.
Lucents pension and post-retirement assets and liabilities
have not been adjusted to take into account Alcatels
actuarial assumptions. It has been assumed that the expected
return rate on plan assets used by Lucent (8.50%, to be compared
with a rate of 5.37% used by Alcatel for North America) was
justified by an allocation of plan assets that differs
materially from the allocation of assets chosen by Alcatel in
the same geographical area. Furthermore, Alcatel and Lucent have
assumed that the return on assets will approximate the expected
return, based on the assumptions used by Lucent. The pro forma
adjustments related to pension and other post-retirement
benefits take into account the cancellation of unrecognized
actuarial gains and losses, the Minimum Liability Adjustment
(MLA) under U.S. GAAP and the asset ceiling
under IFRS.
These adjustments are based on information for Lucent as of
September 30, 2005, Lucents most recent fiscal year
end. These adjustments are an estimation of the impact that will
be calculated by actuaries once all information has been
obtained. Due to the material amounts of plan assets and pension
and other post-
128
retirement obligations related to Lucent, differences between
the estimated adjustments taken into account in the pro forma
condensed combined financial statements and the actual effects
could be material.
No fair value of contingent liabilities has been taken into
account in the purchase price allocation.
Note 3-b Pro forma adjustments to the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of
December 31, 2005 under IFRS
|
|
|
(5) Allocation of purchase price |
The allocation of the estimated purchase price has been adjusted
to reflect the difference between the estimated IFRS adjusted
book value and the fair value of Lucent net assets, and also the
accrual of estimated direct transaction costs of
50 million
before tax. To account for the differences between the estimated
IFRS adjusted book value and the fair value of Lucent net
assets, adjustments have been made to:
|
|
|
|
|
Record identifiable intangible assets at fair value for an
amount of
4,341 million
(consisting of the recognition of
4,600 million
and the write-off of existing intangible assets (mainly
capitalized marketed software) in the amount of
-259 million). |
|
|
|
Increase benefit liability to the funded status (elimination of
unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior
service costs) as of September 30, 2005 as disclosed in
Note 9 Employee Benefit Plan (pages F-59 to
F-65) to the audited consolidated financial statements contained
in Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006:
-4,625 million
(of which
1,302 million
is a decrease of prepaid pension costs and
3,323 million
is an increase of pensions, retirement indemnities and other
post-retirement benefits). |
|
|
|
Increase inventories and work in progress for an amount
corresponding to the estimated difference between
(a) selling prices less the sum of (i) the cost to
complete work in progress, (ii) the cost of disposal and
(iii) a reasonable profit allowance for the completing and
selling effort and (b) the carrying amount:
344 million. |
|
|
|
Account for the equity component calculated on the date of
completion of the merger of the convertible bonds issued by
Lucent that were outstanding as of December 31, 2005. If a
financial instrument contains both a liability and an equity
component, such components must be classified separately as
financial liabilities or equity instruments under IAS 32
Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation, which
is referred to as IAS 32. These requirements differ from those
of U.S. GAAP. The impact on the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined balance sheet is an increase in equity and a
decrease in debt for an estimated amount of
437 million. |
|
|
|
Record additional goodwill corresponding to the transaction:
10,704 million
(of which 11,020
was the residual balance not allocated and
316 million
was a write-off of historical goodwill). |
|
|
|
Compute deferred taxes on the above adjustments:
-194 million
(see comments in Note 3-c(15)). |
Accounting treatment of convertible bonds issued by
Lucent. Alcatel and Lucent performed a preliminary analysis
regarding the convertible bonds of Lucent outstanding as of
December 31, 2005 and reached the conclusion that an equity
component should be classified separately in accordance with the
provisions of IAS 32, which states that financial
instruments that contain both liability and equity components
shall be accounted for separately as financial liabilities and
equity instruments (split accounting). These IFRS requirements
differ from those of U.S. GAAP. Because the convertible
bonds are initially convertible into shares of Lucent common
stock and following the effective date of the merger will
entitle the holders to receive Alcatel ADSs, Alcatel and Lucent
made the assumption that it was part of a new contract and
applied the split accounting treatment as of the effective date
of the merger.
Based on the respective fair values of those components, the
impact to the balance sheet is an increase in equity and a
corresponding decrease in the liability component of the
convertible bonds of an estimated amount of
437 million.
The increase in equity related to the equity component of the
convertible debt of Lucent has been estimated based upon pricing
of these compound financial instruments made as of March 31,
129
2006. The definitive effect will be determined at the effective
date of the merger and could differ from the estimated effect
depending on the rating of these convertible bonds at the
effective date of the merger.
This policy may be subject to change following any
interpretations to be issued or other decisions to be taken by
the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee
(IFRIC) or IASB in this regard and may have a significant
impact on the definitive accounting treatment.
|
|
(6) |
Adjustments to shareholders equity |
Adjustments in the aggregate amount of
11,366 million
have been made to adjust the shareholders equity for the
following purposes:
|
|
|
|
|
to remove the historical balance of Lucent:
249 million
decrease; |
|
|
|
to record the fair value of all vested stock options and similar
equity-based compensation (see comments below in the section
entitled Share-based payment adjustments):
113 million
increase; |
|
|
|
to record the fair value of outstanding warrants:
105 million
increase; the outstanding warrants have not been included in
determining the number of Alcatel ordinary shares and Alcatel
ADSs to be issued as purchase price under the assumption that
they will not be exercised upon completion of the merger; |
|
|
|
to record the estimated fees related to the issuance of new
Alcatel ADSs by Alcatel:
2 million
decrease; and |
|
|
|
to record the amounts related to the issuance of Alcatel ADSs by
Alcatel in the merger
(11,399 million
increase), excluding the amount allocated to the transaction
costs. |
|
|
(7) |
Estimated transaction costs and issuance fees |
To record in cash the
50 million
(before tax) estimated costs related to the merger and the
2 million
of estimated fees with respect to the issuance of Alcatel ADSs
in the merger.
|
|
(8) |
Share-based payment adjustments |
As indicated in the merger agreement, each outstanding option to
purchase shares granted under Lucents compensation or
benefit plans or agreements pursuant to which shares may be
issued (excluding the Lucent 2001 employee stock purchase plan),
whether vested or not vested, will be converted into a right to
acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable
under such Lucent stock option prior to the effective date of
the merger, the number of Alcatel ordinary shares determined by
multiplying the number of stock options granted by Lucent by the
exchange ratio, at an exercise price per Alcatel ordinary shares
equal to the product of (a) the quotient of (i) the
U.S. dollar exercise price per share otherwise purchasable
pursuant to such Lucent stock option, divided by (ii) the
exchange ratio, multiplied by the (b) euro exchange rate.
The euro exchange rate shall equal the noon buying rate for
euros as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on
the date of completion of the merger.
As prescribed by IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, which is
referred to as IFRS 2, and IFRS 3 Business
Combination, which is referred to as IFRS 3, unvested
stock options or awards granted by an acquirer in exchange for
stock options or awards held by employees of the acquiree shall
be considered to be part of the purchase price for the acquiree,
and the fair value (at the effective time of the merger) of the
new (acquirer) awards shall be included in the purchase
price. However, as service is required subsequent to the
effective time of the merger in order to vest the new awards
granted, a portion of this fair value is allocated to unearned
compensation (reflected in equity) and recognized as
compensation expense over the remaining vesting period. These
entries will therefore increase equity at the effective date of
the merger for an amount corresponding to the fair value of
vested replacement awards, and a similar increase of goodwill.
The fair value of the replacement awards used in the unaudited
pro forma condensed combined financial statements has been
determined as of the date of the announcement of the merger with
assumptions related to Alcatel ordinary shares and information
set forth in the notes to the audited financial statements of
Lucent as of September 30, 2005 and unaudited interim
financial statements of Lucent as of December 31, 2005,
using a
130
Cox Ross and Rubinstein valuation model. As some of the
parameters used in the valuation, such as the implied
volatility, differ materially between Lucent and Alcatel
ordinary shares, the fair value determined and the future impact
on compensation costs could differ materially from information
disclosed in Lucents current report on
Form 8-K dated
May 5, 2006 or in Lucents statement of income for the
three-month period ended December 31, 2005, as disclosed in
Lucents quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended December 31, 2005.
Under IFRS, the estimated fair value of outstanding stock awards
at the date of the announcement of the merger amounts to
215 million,
consisting of
113 million
for vested options and
102 million
for unvested options. Of the
102 million,
57 million
have been taken into account in the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statement of income, as they represent
options that vest in 2005. All compensation costs related to
stock options or similar equity based compensation included in
the historical Lucent financial statements used in the unaudited
pro forma condensed combined statement of income (representing
an amount of
40 million)
have been cancelled, as the fair value of the replacement awards
has been taken into account in place of the prior Lucent awards.
The net adjustment is a compensation expense of
17 million
recorded in the other operating income (expenses)
line item of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statement of income.
Note 3-c Pro forma adjustments on the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 2005 under IFRS
|
|
|
(9) Amortization
of intangible assets (acquired technologies, IPR&D and
customer relationships) at fair value |
An adjustment has been made to record the amortization expense
related to the value of identifiable intangible assets from the
purchase price for approximately
868 million
for the year ended December 31, 2005. This adjustment has
been reflected as research and development costs. The
classification of the amortization may ultimately change based
on the nature of the fair value assigned to the intangible
assets in the final purchase price allocation upon completion of
the merger.
|
|
(10) |
To record the interest costs related to the financing of
the estimated transaction costs |
An adjustment has been made to record the interest costs related
to the financing of the estimated transaction costs, which were
computed using an effective interest rate of 3.56%, for an
amount of approximately
2 million
for the year ended December 31, 2005. The interest rate
corresponds to the interest rate that will be applied on
incremental borrowing by Alcatel.
|
|
(11) |
Share-based payment adjustments |
As described above in Note 3-b(8), the net pro forma adjustment
related to share-based payments is a compensation expense of
17 million
recorded in the other operating income (expenses)
line item of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statement of income.
|
|
(12) |
Impact of the allocation of the purchase price to the
inventories and work in progress |
As described above in
Note 3-b(5), part
of the purchase price has been allocated to inventories and work
in progress, to take into account the difference between the
selling price of these assets less the reasonable costs of
completion and a reasonable profit allowance for the completion
and remaining selling efforts and their carrying amount. It is
likely that this part of the allocation of the purchase price
will be reversed in the statement of income during the first
year following the effective time of the merger (under the
assumption that such inventories will be sold within one year),
resulting in an increase in cost of sales of
327 million,
before tax. The amount net of tax represents a charge of
199 million
that will be fully recognized in the first year following the
effective time of the merger and will have no further effect on
following years.
131
|
|
(13) |
Cancellation of the amortization of unrecognized actuarial
gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs |
As the pension and other post-retirement benefits assets and
liabilities have been accounted for at fair value in the
allocation of the purchase price, the amortization of
unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior
service costs accounted for in the historical Lucent statements
of income and adjusted due to the use of market-related value
that is not permitted under IFRS (see comment in Note 2-a
above) have been cancelled in the pro forma adjustments,
representing a positive impact of
302 million
on the financial result and a positive impact of
6 million,
7 million
and
7 million
in cost of sales, administrative and selling expenses and
research and development costs, respectively.
|
|
(14) |
Amortization of equity component of convertible
debt |
The impact on interest expense in the statement of income from
the amortization of the equity component of convertible debt
until its maturity has been taken into account in the unaudited
pro forma condensed combined statement of income. The impact is
an increase in interest expense of
23 million.
|
|
(15) |
Deferred taxes impact |
The effect on deferred taxes of the pro forma adjustments,
computed using a rate of 39%, is a net increase of
350 million
in net income.
No deferred tax asset related to the carry-forward of unused tax
losses of Alcatel or Lucent that have not been recognized in
their respective historical financial statements have been
included in the pro forma adjustments, as it is not possible to
assess whether the utilization of such tax losses in the future
is probable. In its historical financial statements for the year
ended September 30, 2005, Lucent has recorded an income tax
benefit of $357 million
(287 million)
from the reversal of a portion of its valuation allowance.
Similar amounts attributed to the twelve months ending
December 31, 2005 are $264 million
(212 million).
For the purposes of preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined information, this income tax benefit has not been
eliminated from the historical financial statements of Lucent in
arriving at pro forma net income, as the adjustment is not
directly affected by the merger.
As prescribed by IFRS and U.S. GAAP, Alcatel has a
twelve-month period beginning on the effective time of the
merger to complete the purchase price allocation and determine
if some deferred tax assets related to the carry-forward of
unused tax losses of Lucent that have not been recognized in
historical Lucent financial statements should be recognized in
the financial statements of the combined company.
If any deferred tax assets related to the merger are recognized
in the future actual financial statements of the combined
company, the impact will be accounted for in the statement of
income (for the combined companys tax losses not yet
recognized), but the goodwill will be impaired accordingly (for
Lucents tax losses not yet recognized only).
As indicated in paragraph 67 of IAS 12 Income taxes,
which is referred to as IAS 12, as a result of a business
combination, an acquirer may consider it probable that it will
recover its own deferred tax asset that was not recognized
before a business combination. For example, an acquirer may be
able to utilize the benefit of its unused tax losses against the
future taxable profit of the acquiree. In such cases, the
acquirer recognizes a deferred tax asset, but does not include
it as part of the accounting for the business combination, and
therefore does not take it into account in determining the
goodwill or the amount of any excess of the acquirers
interest in the net fair value of the acquirees
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over
the cost of the combination. In addition, paragraph 68 of
IAS 12 provides that if the potential benefit of the
acquirees income tax loss carry-forwards or other deferred
tax assets does not satisfy the criteria in IFRS 3 for
separate recognition when a business combination is initially
accounted for, but is subsequently realized, the acquirer shall
recognize the resulting deferred tax income in profit or loss.
In addition, the acquirer shall:
|
|
|
|
|
reduce the carrying amount of goodwill to the amount that would
have been recognized if the deferred tax asset had been
recognized as an identifiable asset from the acquisition
date; and |
132
|
|
|
|
|
recognize the reduction in the carrying amount of goodwill as an
expense. |
Note 3-d Pro forma adjustments on the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of
December 31, 2005 under U.S. GAAP
|
|
(16) |
Allocation of purchase price |
The allocation of the estimated purchase price has been adjusted
to reflect the difference between the U.S. GAAP book value and
the fair value of Lucent net assets, and also the estimated
direct transaction costs of
50 million
before tax. To account for the differences between the U.S. GAAP
book value and the fair value of Lucent net assets, adjustments
have been made to:
|
|
|
|
|
record identifiable intangible assets at fair value in an amount
of
4,000 million
and to write-off existing intangible assets in an amount of
-259 million,
of which
224 million
related to capitalized marketed software recorded in other
non-current assets; |
|
|
|
increase benefit plan liability to fair value (cancellation of
unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior
service costs, net of the related impact on the additional
minimum liability adjustment), as disclosed in
Note 9 Employee Benefit Plan (pages F-59 to
F-65) to the audited consolidated financial statement contained
in Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006:
-1,805 million
(of which
1,302 million
is a decrease of prepaid pension costs and
503 million
is an increase of accrued pensions and retirement obligations); |
|
|
|
increase inventories and work in progress for an amount
corresponding to the estimated difference between
(a) selling prices less the sum of (i) the cost to
complete work in progress, (ii) the cost of disposal and
(iii) a reasonable profit allowance for the completing and
selling effort, and (b) the carrying amount:
344 million; |
|
|
|
record additional goodwill corresponding to the transaction:
9,504 million
(of which 9,820
was the residual balance not allocated, and
316 was a
write-off of historical goodwill); and |
|
|
|
compute deferred taxes on the above adjustments:
-889 million
(see comments in Note 3-e(25)). |
|
|
(17) |
To adjust shareholders equity |
Adjustments in the aggregate amount of
10,843 million
have been made to adjust shareholders equity for the
following purposes:
|
|
|
|
|
to eliminate the historical balance of Lucent:
249 million
decrease; |
|
|
|
to record the preliminary estimate of the fair value of
in-process research & development:
600 million
decrease; |
|
|
|
to record the fair value of all outstanding stock options and
similar equity-based compensation less the intrinsic value of
the unvested portion (see comments in Note 3-d(19)):
190 million
increase; |
|
|
|
to record the fair value of outstanding warrants:
105 million
increase; the outstanding warrants have not been included in
determining the number of Alcatel ordinary shares and Alcatel
ADSs to be issued as purchase price under the assumption that
they will not be exercised upon completion of the merger.
Assuming that all of the outstanding warrants are exercised
prior to the completion of the merger, it would increase the
purchase price by
402 million; |
|
|
|
to record the estimated fees related to the issuance of new
Alcatel ADSs:
2 million
decrease; and |
|
|
|
to record the issuance of Alcatel ADSs
(11,399 million
increase) in the merger, excluding the amount allocated to
transaction costs. |
133
|
|
(18) |
Estimated transaction costs and issuance fees |
To record in cash the
50 million
(before tax) estimated costs related to the merger and the
2 million
of estimated issuance fees.
|
|
(19) |
Share-based payment adjustments |
As indicated in the merger agreement, each outstanding option to
purchase shares granted under Lucents compensation or
benefit plans or agreements pursuant to which shares may be
issued (excluding the Lucent 2001 employee stock purchase plan),
whether vested or not vested, will be converted into a right to
acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable
under such Lucent stock option prior to the effective date of
the merger, the number of Alcatel ordinary shares determined by
multiplying the number of stock options granted by Lucent by the
exchange ratio, at an exercise price per Alcatel ordinary shares
equal to the product of (a) the quotient of (i) the
U.S. dollar exercise price per share otherwise purchasable
pursuant to such Lucent stock option, divided by (ii) the
exchange ratio, multiplied by (b) the euro exchange rate.
The euro exchange rate shall equal the noon buying rate for
euros as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for
the closing date.
As prescribed by FASB Interpretation No. 44, Accounting
for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation,
unvested stock options or awards granted by an acquirer in
exchange for stock options or awards held by employees of the
acquiree shall be considered to be part of the purchase price
for the acquiree, and the fair value (at the effective time of
the merger) of the new (acquirer) awards shall be included
in the purchase price. However, as service is required
subsequent to the effective time of the merger in order to vest
the new awards granted, a portion of the intrinsic value (if
any) of the unvested awards shall be allocated to unearned
compensation (in the equity) and recognized as compensation
costs over the remaining vesting period. These entries will
therefore increase the equity at the consummation date of the
merger in an amount corresponding to the fair value of vested
replacement awards, together with a corresponding increase in
goodwill.
Under U.S. GAAP, the estimated fair value of outstanding
stock awards at the date the merger was announced amounts to
215 million,
and the intrinsic value of unvested replacement awards amounts
to
25 million
as of December 31, 2005 and
81 million
as of January 1, 2005, representing a compensation cost
included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement
of income for the year ended December 31, 2005 of
57 million.
All compensation costs related to stock options or similar
equity-based compensation included in the historical Lucent
financial statement used in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined statement of income (representing an amount of
28 million)
have been cancelled, as the intrinsic value of the replacement
awards is included in place of the prior Lucent awards. The net
adjustment is a compensation cost of
29 million
recorded in cost of sales, administrative and selling expenses
and R&D expenses for
2 million,
21 million
and
6 million,
respectively.
The statement of income pro forma adjustment has been calculated
based upon the intrinsic value of replacement awards vested
during the period and not the fair value, due to the fact that
both Lucent and Alcatel were applying APB Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, which is
referred to as APB Opinion No. 25, as of January 1,
2005, the date at which the merger is assumed to be completed in
the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income
for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Note 3-e Pro forma adjustments in the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 2005 under U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
(20) Amortization of
intangible assets (acquired technologies and customer
relationship) and expensing of IPR&D at fair value |
An adjustment has been made to record the amortization expense
related to the value of identifiable intangible assets from the
purchase price allocation, which are being amortized in
research and development costs over their estimated
useful life (five years), for approximately
748 million
for the year ended December 31, 2005, and to expense the
IPR&D accounted for in the purchase price allocation for an
amount
134
of
600 million.
The amortization of intangible assets has been reflected as
research and development costs. The classification of the
amortization may ultimately change based on the nature of the
fair value assigned to the intangible assets in the final
purchase price allocation upon completion of the merger.
|
|
(21) |
To record interest expense related to the financing of the
estimated transaction costs |
An adjustment has been made to record the interest expense
related to the financing of the estimated transaction costs,
which were computed using an effective interest rate of 3.25%,
in an amount of approximately
2 million
for the year ended December 31, 2005.
|
|
(22) |
Share-based payment adjustments |
As described above, the net pro forma adjustment related to
share-based payment is recorded as a compensation expense of
29 million,
and included in cost of sales, administrative and selling
expenses and R&D expenses for
2 million,
21 million
and
6 million,
respectively.
|
|
(23) |
Follow-up of the
allocation of the purchase price to inventories and work in
progress |
As described above, part of the purchase price has been
allocated to the fair value of inventories and work in progress
to take into account the difference between the selling price of
these assets less reasonable costs of completion, a reasonable
profit allowance for the completion and remaining selling
efforts and their carrying amounts. It is expected that this
portion of the allocation of the purchase price will be reversed
in the statement of income during the first year following the
effective time of the merger, representing a pre-tax reduction
in cost of sales of
327 million.
The amount net of tax represents a charge
199 million
that will be fully recognized in the first year following the
effective time of the merger and will have no further effect on
the following years.
|
|
(24) |
Cancellation of the amortization of unrecognized actuarial
gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs |
As the pension and other post-retirement benefit assets and
liabilities have been accounted for at fair value in the
allocation of the purchase price, the amortization of
unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior
service costs accounted for in the historical Lucent statements
of income have been eliminated in the pro forma adjustments,
representing a positive impact of
35 million,
42 million
and
37 million
in cost of sales, administrative and selling expenses
and research and development costs, respectively.
|
|
(25) |
Adjustment of expected return on plan assets due to the
use of the market-related-value method |
As described in
Note 2-a(1),
Lucent uses the market-related-value method for determining the
expected return on plan assets under U.S. GAAP. As the
pension and other post-retirement benefit assets and liabilities
have been accounted for at fair value in the allocation of the
purchase price, the effect of the use of market-related value in
the historical Lucent statements of income have been eliminated
in the pro forma adjustments, representing a negative impact of
84 million,
101 million
and
88 million
in cost of sales, administrative and selling expenses, and
research and development costs, respectively.
|
|
(26) |
Deferred taxes impact |
The effect on deferred taxes of the pro forma adjustments,
computed using a rate of 39%, is a net increase of
527 million
in net income.
No reversal of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets
related to the carry forward of unused tax losses of Alcatel or
Lucent that have been accounted for in their respective
historical financial statements have been included in the pro
forma adjustments, as it is not possible to assess whether the
utilization of such tax losses in the future is more likely than
not. In its historical financial statements for the year ended
September 30, 2005, Lucent has recorded an income tax
benefit of $357 million
(287 million)
from the
135
reversal of a portion of its valuation allowance. Similar
amounts attributed to the twelve months ending December 31,
2005 are $264 million
(212 million).
For the purpose of preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined information, this income tax benefit has not been
eliminated from the historical financial statements of Lucent in
arriving at pro forma net income, as the adjustment is not
directly affected by the merger.
As prescribed by IFRS and U.S. GAAP, Alcatel has up to a
twelve-month period from the effective time of the merger to
complete the purchase price allocation and determine if any of
the deferred tax assets related to carry forward of unused tax
losses of Lucent that have not been recognized in historical
Lucent financial statements should be recognized.
If any reversal of allowances on deferred tax assets related to
the merger is recognized in the future financial statements of
the combined company, the impact will be accounted for as a
reduction of goodwill (for the combined companys
allowances on tax losses that could be reversed) in accordance
with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes.
Note 4 Items directly attributable to the
merger and excluded from pro forma adjustments
No restructuring expense that could result from the merger has
been taken into consideration in the pro forma adjustments.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
do not reflect any cost savings or other synergies which may
result from the merger between Alcatel and Lucent or the effect
of asset dispositions, if any, that may be required by
regulatory authorities.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
do not reflect any special items such as payments pursuant to
contractual
change-of-control
provisions.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
do not include any deferred tax assets related to loss carry
forwards not recognized in historical Alcatels financial
statements under IFRS and for which valuation allowances have
been accounted in both Lucents and Alcatels
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP (see
Notes 3-c(15) and
3-d(25) above).
Note 5 Pro forma adjustments reflecting the
proposed Thales transaction
On April 5, 2006, Alcatel announced that the board of
directors of Thales had approved in principle the acquisition of
Alcatels satellite subsidiaries, its railway signaling
business and its non-telecommunications related integration and
services activities for security systems in exchange for Thales
ordinary shares and cash.
Note 5-a Description of the Thales
transaction
Under the terms of the Thales transaction as currently
contemplated, Alcatel would contribute the following assets to
Thales:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatels 67% interest in the capital of Alcatel Alenia
Space. Alcatel Alenia Space constructs satellites for both civil
and military use, particularly for communications satellite
operators, the armed forces and institutional European bodies
such as the European Space Agency, the Centre National
dEtudes Spatiales, Frances national space agency,
and the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Italys national space
agency. Finmeccanica would retain its 33% stake in the joint
venture. |
|
|
|
Alcatels 33% interest in the capital of Telespazio.
Telespazio Holdings provides services related to satellite
activities. Finmeccanica would retain its 67% interest in
Telespazio. |
|
|
|
Alcatels Transport Solutions division, which provides
control and signaling system products and services for trains
and subways worldwide. |
|
|
|
Alcatels operations relating to non-telecommunications
related services activities for security systems, a part of
Alcatels Systems Integration division. |
136
In Alcatels fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the
revenues generated by the assets to be contributed to Thales in
the proposed Thales transaction were approximately
1.9 billion
in the aggregate.
In exchange for Alcatels contribution of the assets listed
above, Alcatel would receive:
|
|
|
|
|
Approximately 26.7 million newly issued Thales ordinary
shares; |
|
|
|
Approximately
673 million
in cash, subject to adjustment; and |
|
|
|
The potential for an earn-out payment in 2009 based on a
valuation of the contributed equity of Alcatel Alenia Space. |
Note 5-b Accounting treatment of the
proposed transaction under IFRS and U.S. GAAP
If the proposed Thales transaction is completed, current
standards provide that Alcatels ownership in Thales will
be accounted for using the equity method, and that Thales will
remain an associate of Alcatel as defined by IAS 28
Investments in Associates, which is referred to as IAS 28.
The proposed Thales transaction will be analyzed as a disposal
of certain Alcatel assets and as the acquisition of an
incremental interest in Thales, an entity that is currently
treated as an associate of Alcatel, and accordingly will be
accounted for using the equity method. The net result related to
the disposal will be the difference between the cash received
plus the market value of Thales ordinary shares issued to
Alcatel in exchange for the contributed assets and the carrying
value of those assets. The acquisition of this incremental
interest will be accounted for as prescribed by IAS 28 and
by analogy with IFRS 3 requirements related to step-by-step
acquisitions. This means that the difference between the
purchase price (computed as the market value of the Thales
ordinary shares issued at the acquisition date) and
Alcatels incremental portion of the net fair value of
Thales identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities will be accounted for as goodwill. The adjustment of
the fair values relating to the previously held interests in
Thales will be treated as a revaluation, and will be accounted
for directly in equity.
The portion of the disposal gain that is considered as
inter-company (as Thales is accounted for using the equity
method) will be eliminated.
As under IFRS, the merger will be analyzed as a disposal of
certain Alcatel assets and as the acquisition of an incremental
interest in Thales. With respect to the asset disposal,
consistent with the U.S. accounting literature that applies to
transfers of equity method investments, Alcatel will account for
the transfer at fair value. This will result in a gain, and the
portion of the disposal gain that corresponds to the ownership
in Thales will be eliminated.
Alcatel will account for its increase in Thales ownership as the
acquisition of an incremental interest in an associate,
accounted for under the equity method. Therefore, Alcatel will
record at fair value the additional net assets acquired, but the
original 9.5% equity interest held by Alcatel in Thales will
remain recorded at its carrying amount. The latter differs from
the IFRS treatment referred to above. Thales will remain
accounted for as an equity investee.
Note 5-c Pro forma adjustments reflecting
the proposed Thales transaction on the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2005
under IFRS
|
|
|
(1) Determination of net assets contributed and
allocation of purchase price |
The businesses to be contributed by Alcatel to Thales in the
proposed Thales transaction are described in Note 5-a
above. Of these businesses, the net assets of Alcatel Alenia
Space and Telespazio are located in separate legal entities, the
net assets of the Transportation Solutions business are located
in subsidiaries of Alcatel that will not be contributed, and the
net assets of the systems integration activities consist mainly
of contracts and all related net assets and workforce.
137
Depending on the activities involved, the carrying value of net
assets to be contributed as of December 31, 2005 that has
been taken into account in the pro forma adjustments has been
determined based upon the following information:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio: the value of the net assets
of these businesses for purposes of the pro forma adjustments
will be the carrying amounts of these assets as recorded in the
audited consolidated financial statements of Alcatel under IFRS. |
|
|
|
Transport Solutions: as this business is reported as a business
division of Alcatel, information available on the carrying
amounts of the net assets associated with this business relates
mainly to working capital, property, plant and equipment,
goodwill and intangible assets. Information reported has been
used for the purpose of the pro forma adjustments. An estimated
amount of the pension reserves has also been taken into account.
Cash, financial debt and other operating and non-operating
assets and liabilities have been excluded from the pro forma
adjustments. |
|
|
|
System integration activities: the value of assets and
liabilities included in the pro forma adjustments is the
estimated working capital associated with the contracts that
will be contributed to Thales. |
The purchase price of the incremental interest in Thales has
been fully allocated to goodwill, as Alcatels management
had no supportable and reliable information to determine the
fair value of the net assets of Thales at the acquisition date.
|
|
(2) |
Impact on share in net assets in equity affiliates |
The pro forma adjustments related to the share in the net assets
of equity affiliates and other non-current financial assets
amounts to
670 million,
which consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
a decrease of
80 million
in other non-current financial assets related to businesses that
will be contributed; |
|
|
|
an increase of
980 million
related to the incremental interest in Thales corresponding to
the market value of Thales ordinary shares that will be issued
in exchange for the contributed assets; and |
|
|
|
a decrease of
230 million
corresponding to the elimination of the inter-company result on
the disposal of assets contributed by Alcatel to Thales, which
will continue to be accounted for using the equity method after
the proposed Thales transaction. |
|
|
(3) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
The amount indicated as a pro forma adjustment to cash and cash
equivalents reflecting the proposed Thales transaction amounts
to
548 million
and corresponds to the
673 million
of cash that will be received by Alcatel as part of the exchange
for the assets contributed to Thales, less (i) the
estimated impact of the adjustment of the purchase price related
to the enterprise value of businesses contributed, as discussed
in Note 1, and (ii) the cash related to the activities
contributed.
|
|
(4) |
Shareholders equity impact |
The pro forma adjustment related to shareholders equity is
651 million,
and is the result of the estimated net gain after tax on the
disposal of the contributed assets to Thales, including the
associated cumulative translation adjustments.
138
Note 5-d Pro forma adjustments reflecting
the proposed Thales transaction on the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statement of income for the year ended
December 31, 2005 under IFRS
|
|
(5) |
Determination of the revenues, expenses and income related
to the net assets contributed |
The statement of income items related to the activities to be
contributed to Thales that have been included in the pro forma
adjustments have been determined based upon the following
information:
|
|
|
|
|
Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio: the statement of income
items of the legal entities included in the audited consolidated
financial statements of Alcatel under IFRS. |
|
|
|
Transport Solutions: as this business is reported as a business
division of Alcatel, information relating to the income and
expenses of this business included in income from
operating activities in the audited consolidated financial
statements of Alcatel under IFRS. As no information is available
on financial result and tax income (charge) for this business
division, no adjustment for these statement of income items has
been made in the pro forma adjustments. |
|
|
|
System integration activities: estimated revenues and operating
expenses related to the contracts that will be contributed. No
income or expenses below income from operating activities have
been taken into account in the pro forma adjustments. |
The impact of the disposed businesses on the management fees
paid by these activities to contribute to overhead functions has
been included in the adjustments, representing a net increase in
administrative and selling expenses of
30 million.
The statement of income items related to Alcatel Alenia Space
and Telespazio that have been taken into account in the pro
forma adjustments include a non-recurring tax credit in the
amount of
54 million.
This tax credit is related to deferred tax assets that have been
recognized in the activities of Alcatel Alenia Space and
Telespazio following the business combination that occurred in
2005 with Finmeccanica and the exit from the French tax group of
certain legal entities. This credit has been more than offset by
a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets accounted for in
the French tax group (in the Alcatel parent company).
|
|
(7) |
Share in net income of equity affiliates |
The pro forma adjustment reflecting the Thales transaction
related to the share in net income of equity affiliates amounts
to
63 million,
which consists of:
|
|
|
|
|
36 million
corresponding to Alcatels incremental interest in
Thales net income less the estimated impact of the
interest costs associated with the cash proceeds that will be
paid to Alcatel; and |
|
|
|
27 million
corresponding to 21.6% of the net income attributable to the
activities contributed by Alcatel to Thales and that will be
accounted for using the equity method as part of Thales Group. |
The difference between the purchase price of the incremental
interest in Thales and the corresponding share of the net assets
of Thales has been accounted for as goodwill in the pro forma
adjustments. The definitive purchase price allocation will
require an allocation of a portion of this difference to
intangible assets or other balance sheet items, and will
therefore have an impact on the future net income of Thales. No
tax-related impact has been taken into account in the
determination of the 21.6% of the net result of the activities
contributed by Alcatel to Thales.
|
|
(8) |
Impact of the cash proceeds on financial result |
The impact of the cash proceeds that will be received by Alcatel
in the proposed Thales transaction has not been taken into
account in the pro forma adjustments. This impact can be
estimated as an income before tax of
22 million.
The impact on Thales of the interest costs associated with this
cash payment has been taken into account for the corresponding
share held by Alcatel after completion of the proposed Thales
transaction.
139
Note 5-e Pro forma adjustments reflecting
the proposed Thales transaction on the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2005
under U.S. GAAP
As the accounting treatment of the proposed Thales transaction,
as described in Note 5-b above, is the same under
U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the pro forma adjustments reflecting
the proposed Thales transaction on the balance sheet as
December 31, 2005 under U.S. GAAP are the same as the
pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed Thales transaction
on the balance sheet as December 31, 2005 under IFRS as
described above in Note 5-c. Nevertheless, as both the
carrying values of the businesses contributed to Thales and the
carrying value of the interest in Thales currently held by
Alcatel before the proposed transaction are different under IFRS
and under U.S. GAAP, the impact of the proposed Thales
transaction on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2005
under U.S. GAAP is different than the impact under IFRS.
|
|
(9) |
Determination of net assets contributed and allocation of
purchase price |
The methodology applied and the assumptions made to determine
the carrying values of net assets contributed to Thales is
described in
Note 5-c(1) above.
The carrying values of the businesses contributed by Alcatel to
Thales are different under IFRS and U.S. GAAP due mainly to
the differences between the accounting standards described in
Note 6-1(1)(b) and
(c) below.
The allocation of purchase price for the incremental interest in
Thales acquired is described in
Note 5-c(1) above.
|
|
(10) |
Impact on share in net assets in equity affiliates |
The pro forma adjustment related to the share in net assets of
equity affiliates and other non-current financial assets amounts
to a decrease of
199 million,
which consists of:
|
|
|
|
|
a decrease of
966 million
in the share in net assets of equity affiliates and other
non-current financial assets related to businesses that will be
contributed; |
|
|
|
an increase of
980 million
related to the incremental value in Thales based on the market
value of Thales ordinary shares that will be issued in exchange
for the contributed assets; and |
|
|
|
a decrease of
213 million
corresponding to the elimination of the inter-company result on
the disposal of assets contributed by Alcatel to Thales, which
will continue to be accounted for using equity method after the
transaction. |
|
|
(11) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
The amount indicated as a pro forma adjustment to cash and
equivalents reflecting the proposed Thales transaction amounts
to
624 million
and corresponds to the
673 million
of cash that will be received by Alcatel as part of the exchange
for the assets contributed to Thales, less the estimated impact
of the adjustment of the purchase price related to the
enterprise value of businesses contributed as noted in
Note 1 above.
|
|
(12) |
Shareholders equity impact |
The pro forma adjustment related to the shareholders
equity amounts to
590 million
related to the estimated net gain after tax on the disposal of
the contributed assets to Thales, including associated
cumulative translation adjustments.
Note 5-f
Pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed Thales transaction
on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of
income for the year ended December 31, 2005 under
U.S. GAAP
As the accounting treatment of the proposed transaction, as
described in Note 5-b above, is the same under
U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the pro forma adjustments reflecting
the proposed Thales transaction on the statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 2005 under U.S. GAAP are
the same as the pro forma adjustments reflecting the proposed
Thales transaction on the statement of income for the year ended
140
December 31, 2005 under IFRS as described above in
Note 5-d.
Nevertheless, the impact on the statement of income under
U.S. GAAP is different from the impact described in
Note 5-d above due mainly to the following:
|
|
|
|
|
revenues, expenses and income related to the businesses
contributed are different under IFRS and U.S. GAAP due to
the differences in accounting principles described in
Note 6-1(1)
below; and |
|
|
|
as described in
Note 2-c above,
Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio have been accounted for
under the equity method in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined statement of income for the year ended
December 31, 2005 under U.S. GAAP, as compared with
the use of the proportionate consolidation method under IFRS for
the six-month period ended December 31, 2005. |
|
|
(13) |
Determination of the revenues, expenses and income related
to the net assets contributed |
The methodology applied and the assumptions made to determine
the carrying values of the revenues, expenses and income related
to the net assets contributed to Thales is described in
Note 5-d(1) above.
The revenues, expenses and income of the businesses contributed
by Alcatel to Thales is different under IFRS and U.S. GAAP
due mainly to the differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP
described in
Note 6-1(1)(b)
and (c) below.
|
|
(14) |
Income tax included in share of equity affiliates (related
to Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio) |
The statement of income items related to Alcatel Alenia Space
and Telespazio that have been taken into account in the pro
forma adjustments include a non-recurring tax credit in the
amount of
54 million.
It is related to deferred tax assets that have been recognized
in the activities of Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio
following the business combination that occurred in 2005 with
Finmeccanica and the exit from the French tax group of certain
legal entities. This credit has been more than offset by a
valuation allowance on deferred tax assets accounted for in the
French tax group (in the Alcatel parent company).
|
|
(15) |
Share in net income of equity affiliates |
The pro forma adjustment reflecting the proposed Thales
transaction related to the share in net income of equity
affiliates amounts to an increase of
27 million,
which consists of:
|
|
|
|
|
an increase of
35 million
relating to the incremental increase in Alcatels interest
in Thales net results, net of Alcatels interest in
the interest expense incurred by Thales on the cash proceeds
that will be paid to Alcatel; |
|
|
|
a decrease of
28 million
relating to the share in net income of Alcatel Alenia Space and
Telespazio, entities which will be contributed to
Thales; and |
|
|
|
an increase of
20 million
relating to the 21.6% of the net income under U.S. GAAP of
the activities contributed by Alcatel to Thales that will be
accounted for using the equity method as part of Thales Group. |
|
|
(16) |
Impact of the cash proceeds on financial result |
The impact of the cash proceeds that will be received by Alcatel
in the proposed Thales transaction has not been taken into
account in the pro forma adjustments. This impact can be
estimated as an increase in net income before tax of
22 million.
The impact on Thales of the interest costs associated with this
cash payment has been taken into account for the corresponding
interest in Thales held by Alcatel after completion of the
proposed Thales transaction.
141
Note 6 Significant Differences Between IFRS
and U.S. GAAP
6.1 Reconciliation of 2005
combined pro forma net income and shareholders equity
Alcatel prepared its 2005 consolidated financial statements in
accordance with IFRS, which differs in certain significant
respects from U.S. GAAP. The effects of the application of
U.S. GAAP on the pro forma adjustments, and ultimately on
the combined pro forma net income and shareholders equity,
are set out in the following tables.
Historical U.S. GAAP adjustments for Alcatel for the year
ended, and as of, December 31, 2005 have been derived from
Alcatels audited consolidated financial statements
included in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
have been incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by
reference (see Notes 39 to 42 to Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F).
IFRS adjustments for Lucent have been determined for pro forma
purposes as described in
Note 2-a above.
Because the purchase method views a merger from the
acquirers perspective, it assumes that one of the parties
to the transaction can be identified as the acquirer.
Under IFRS 3, the acquirer is the combining entity that
obtains control of the other combining entity. Paragraph 19
of IFRS 3 provides that control is the power to govern the
financial and operating policies of an entity or business so as
to obtain benefits from its activities, and that the combining
entity shall be presumed to have obtained control of another
combining entity when it acquires more than one-half of that
other entitys voting rights, unless it can be demonstrated
that such ownership does not constitute control. Following the
effective time of the merger, the current holders of Alcatel
ordinary shares (including Alcatel ordinary shares represented
by Alcatel ADSs) will own approximately 61% of the share capital
and approximately 62% of the voting rights of the combined
company, and the former holders of Lucent common stock will own
approximately 39% of the share capital and approximately 38% of
the voting rights of the combined company, based upon the number
of ordinary shares of Alcatel outstanding as of
December 31, 2005. Based on the foregoing, Alcatel will be
presumed to have obtained control of Lucent in the merger under
IFRS. The analysis of other factors defined by IFRS as
indications of which party is the acquirer in a business
combination transaction, such as the relative fair value of the
two entities involved, or who will issue equity interests in the
business combination, have also been taken into consideration.
Based on the foregoing analysis, the management teams of Alcatel
and Lucent have concluded that, under IFRS, Alcatel is
considered the acquirer and Lucent the acquiree. With respect to
the accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP, Alcatel and
Lucent management have carefully considered all of the factors
in paragraph 17 of SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations, and, in particular: the relative weight of the
former Alcatel shareholders and Lucent shareowners in the
combined company upon completion of the merger as discussed
above; that the combined company will be incorporated in France,
with executive offices located in Paris; that the North American
operating headquarters of the combined company will be based in
New Jersey, U.S.A., and Bell Laboratories will remain
headquartered in New Jersey; that the board of directors of the
combined company will be composed of 14 members and will
have equal representation from each company, including Serge
Tchuruk as non-executive chairman of the board of directors and
Patricia Russo as the new chief executive officer, five of
Alcatels current directors and five of Lucents
current directors; and that the board will also include two new
independent directors (one French and one European) to be
mutually agreed upon.
Based on this analysis, Alcatel and Lucent management have
concluded that, under U.S. GAAP, the transaction would also
be treated as an acquisition of Lucent by Alcatel.
Under IFRS, the purchase price in the merger is to be obtained
by multiplying the number of Alcatel ADSs issued in the merger
by the market price of Alcatel ADSs as of the effective time of
the merger. Under U.S. GAAP, the purchase price is to be
obtained by multiplying the number of Alcatel ADSs issued in the
merger by the average market price of Alcatel ADSs for the
period beginning two days before and ending two days after the
April 2, 2006 announcement date of the transaction.
However, the actual measurement date for
142
the value of the Alcatel ADSs will occur after both
Alcatels and Lucents shareholders have approved the
terms of the merger and the merger is completed. For the purpose
of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements, under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the average
stock price for the period beginning two days before and ending
two days after April 2, 2006, the date of execution of the
merger agreement (that is,
13.05 per
share), has been used in calculating the purchase price.
|
|
|
Combined unaudited pro forma net income reconciled from
IFRS to U.S. GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2005 | |
|
Year ended December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Before Thales | |
|
After Thales | |
|
Before Thales | |
|
After Thales | |
|
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
(in millions of euros) | |
|
(in millions of dollars) (1) | |
Combined unaudited pro forma net income before non-recurring
charges or credits directly attributable to the merger, as
determined under IFRS
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
710 |
|
|
|
949 |
|
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to
Alcatel.
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(121 |
) |
|
|
(121 |
) |
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to
Lucent.
|
|
|
481 |
|
|
|
481 |
|
|
|
570 |
|
|
|
570 |
|
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to
proposed Thales transaction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 |
|
Market-related-value impact on amortization of unrecognized
losses (see Note 6.1(4)(a))
|
|
|
(208 |
) |
|
|
(208 |
) |
|
|
(246 |
) |
|
|
(246 |
) |
Market-related-value impact on expected return on an asset
(see note 6.1(4)(a))
|
|
|
(273 |
) |
|
|
(273 |
) |
|
|
(323 |
) |
|
|
(323 |
) |
Equity component of convertible debt (see Note 6.1(4)(b))
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
IPR&D expensed under U.S. GAAP and amortized under IFRS
|
|
|
(480 |
) |
|
|
(480 |
) |
|
|
(569 |
) |
|
|
(569 |
) |
Share-based payment
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
Income tax effect on the above adjustments and differences:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- on Alcatel
|
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
- on Lucent
|
|
|
(188 |
) |
|
|
(188 |
) |
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
- on purchase accounting
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
Elimination of discontinued operations, extraordinary items, or
the cumulative effects of accounting changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined unaudited pro forma net income before non-recurring
charges or credits directly attributable to the transaction, as
determined under U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
143
|
|
|
Combined unaudited pro forma shareholders equity
reconciled from IFRS to U.S. GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005 | |
|
As of December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Before Thales | |
|
After Thales | |
|
Before Thales | |
|
After Thales | |
|
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
Transaction | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
|
(in millions of euros) | |
|
(in millions of dollars)(1) | |
Combined unaudited pro forma shareholders equity
attributable to equity holders of the parent according to
IFRS
|
|
|
17,849 |
|
|
|
18,500 |
|
|
|
21,137 |
|
|
|
21,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to
Alcatel
|
|
|
2,485 |
|
|
|
2,485 |
|
|
|
2,943 |
|
|
|
2,943 |
|
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to
Lucent
|
|
|
(674 |
) |
|
|
(674 |
) |
|
|
(798 |
) |
|
|
(798 |
) |
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to
proposed Thales transaction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(72 |
) |
Pension - minimum liability adjustment (see note 6.1(4)(a))
|
|
|
2,820 |
|
|
|
2,820 |
|
|
|
3,339 |
|
|
|
3,339 |
|
Equity component of convertible debt (see note 6.1(4)(b))
|
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
(437 |
) |
|
|
(517 |
) |
|
|
(517 |
) |
Goodwill adjustment
|
|
|
(1,200 |
) |
|
|
(1,200 |
) |
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
In-process Research and Development
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
(711 |
) |
|
|
(711 |
) |
Income tax effect on the above adjustments and differences:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- on Alcatel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- on Lucent
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
312 |
|
|
|
312 |
|
|
- on purchase accounting
|
|
|
(695 |
) |
|
|
(695 |
) |
|
|
(824 |
) |
|
|
(824 |
) |
Elimination of discontinued operations, extraordinary items, or
the cumulative effects of accounting changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined unaudited pro forma shareholders equity
according to U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
19,811 |
|
|
|
20,401 |
|
|
|
23,460 |
|
|
|
24,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
144
|
|
(1) |
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate
to Alcatel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of |
|
(in millions of |
|
|
euros) |
|
dollars)(1) |
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent as
reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income according to
IFRS
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
1,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-a & b- Business combinations
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
(118 |
) |
-c- Capitalization of development costs
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
-d- Restructuring plans
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(62 |
) |
-e- Sale and leaseback transactions
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
-f- Compound financial instruments
|
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
(32 |
) |
-g- Share-based payment
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
-h- Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
Other adjustments
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Income tax effect on the above adjustments
|
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
(77 |
) |
Elimination of discontinued operations, extraordinary items, or
the cumulative effects of accounting changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) according to U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
763 |
|
|
|
903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
2005 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions |
|
(in millions of |
|
|
of euros) |
|
dollars)(1) |
Shareholders equity attributable to the equity holders
of the parent according to IFRS
|
|
|
6,234 |
|
|
|
7,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-a & b- Business combinations and amortization of
goodwill
|
|
|
3,265 |
|
|
|
3,867 |
|
-c- Capitalization of development costs
|
|
|
(194 |
) |
|
|
(230 |
) |
-d- Restructuring plans
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
-e- Sale and leaseback transactions
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
-f- Compound financial instruments
|
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(137 |
) |
-h- Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
|
|
|
(427 |
) |
|
|
(506 |
) |
Other adjustments
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
Income tax effect on the above adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elimination of discontinued operations, extraordinary items, or
the cumulative effects of accounting changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity according to U.S. GAAP
|
|
|
8,719 |
|
|
|
10,325 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 =
$1.1842 on December 31, 2005. |
|
|
(a) |
Business combinations |
From January 1, 1999, in connection with the change in
French accounting principles, Alcatel accounted for its
acquisition of DSC Communications Corporation, which is referred
to as DSC, under the French pooling of interests accounting
method: the assets and liabilities of DSC were accounted for on
a carryover
145
basis at the acquisition date, adjusted to Alcatels
accounting method. The difference resulting from the application
of the pooling of interests accounting method remained in
shareholders equity.
The stock-for-stock
acquisitions of Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories and
Newbridge Networks Corporation made during the first half of
2000, the
stock-for-stock
acquisition of Kymata Ltd. made during the second half of 2001,
the stock-for-stock
acquisitions of Astral Point Communications Inc. and Telera
Corp. made during 2002 and the
stock-for-stock
acquisition of TiMetra Networks Inc. made during 2003 have been
accounted for using the
pooling-of-interests
accounting method under French generally accepted accounting
principles, which are referred to as French GAAP.
Under IFRS, these business combinations have not been restated
to conform with IFRS 3 requirements, as permitted by the
exemption authorized by Alcatels election under
paragraph 13(a) of IFRS 1 First-Time Adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards, which is
referred to as IFRS 1.
The part of the purchase price allocated under U.S. GAAP to
intangible assets with definite useful lives, such as acquired
technologies, continues to be amortized over the estimated
useful life under U.S. GAAP. There is no amortization of
these intangible assets under IFRS, as the difference between
the purchase price and the net equity of the businesses acquired
has been accounted for directly to equity, and no intangible
assets have been accounted for.
|
|
(b) |
Amortization and impairment of goodwill |
Under French GAAP, goodwill was generally amortized over its
estimated life, not to exceed 20 years.
As business combinations consummated before January 1, 2004
have not been restated to conform with IFRS 3 requirements, as
permitted by the exemption authorized by Alcatels election
under paragraph 13(a) of IFRS 1, accumulated
amortization of goodwill as of December 31, 2003 accounted
for in accordance with French GAAP was maintained in the IFRS
consolidated financial statements.
Beginning January 1, 2002, for the purpose of preparing the
U.S. GAAP reconciliation, Alcatel adopted
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. Goodwill is no longer amortized but rather tested
for impairment at the adoption date and on an annual basis or
whenever indicators of impairment arise.
Additionally, goodwill on equity method investments is no longer
amortized. However, it continues to be tested for impairment in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 18, The Equity Method of
Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.
Amortization charges of goodwill for fiscal years 2002 and 2003
accounted for in Alcatels previous French GAAP
consolidated financial statements are restated in Alcatels
U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements and specific
U.S. GAAP impairment losses have been accounted for related
to business combinations recorded under the French
pooling-of-interests method that were not restated under IFRS.
|
|
(c) |
Capitalization of development expenses related to Research
and Development efforts |
Under IAS 38, expenses related to the development phase of a
research and development project must be capitalized if certain
criteria are met:
|
|
|
|
|
technical feasibility of completing the project so that it will
be available for use or sale; |
|
|
|
intention to complete the project; |
|
|
|
ability to use or sell the intangible asset arising from the
project; |
|
|
|
capacity to generate probable future economic benefits; |
|
|
|
availability of adequate resources to complete the
development; and |
|
|
|
ability to measure the expenditures attributable to the project. |
Under U.S. GAAP, software development costs would be
similarly capitalized in accordance with SFAS No. 86
Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold,
Leased, or Otherwise Marketed,
146
which is referred to as SFAS No. 86. However, in
accordance with SFAS No. 2, non-software development
costs must be charged to expense when incurred.
|
|
(d) |
Liability recognition for certain employee termination
benefits and other costs associated with restructuring plans,
such as anticipated termination of leases |
The main difference between IFRS and U.S. GAAP relates to
voluntary termination benefits. Under IAS 19 Employee
benefits, benefits are recognized when the entity is
demonstrably committed to providing those benefits. This
definition differs from the requirements of
SFAS No. 88, Employers Accounting for
Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans
and for Termination Benefits, pursuant to which the
liability is recognized when incurred (that is, when the
employee accepts the employers offer of voluntary
termination of employment).
Another difference is related to the accounting method for
onerous contracts which, in the context of restructurings, is
relevant with respect to leases for premises that will be
vacated. Under IAS 37 Contingent Liabilities and
Contingent Assets (which is referred to as IAS 37), an
onerous contract is a contract in which the
unavoidable costs of meeting an entitys obligations exceed
the economic benefits its expects to receive under the contract.
Pursuant to IAS 37, Alcatel must recognize a provision
concerning an obligation essentially as soon as it determines
that it will probably have to effect payments without receiving
any value in return. In the specific case of an onerous
operating lease, the provision may have to be recognized before
Alcatel ceases to use the premises concerned.
Under SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities (which is referred to as SFAS
No. 146), a liability for a cost to terminate a contract
before the end of its term is recognized at fair value when the
entity terminates the contract. If the contract is an operating
lease, the provision must be recognized at the time the entity
actually ceases to use the leased premises. The fair value of
the liability at the cease-use date is determined based on the
remaining lease rentals.
Under SFAS No. 146, the provision is reduced by the
estimated sublease rental income that could be reasonably
obtained, even if the entity does not intend to enter into a
sublease. Under IFRS, sublease rental income is taken into
account in the computation of the provision only if the entity
enters into a sublease.
|
|
(e) |
Leases and sale-leaseback transactions |
SFAS No. 13, Accounting for leases, which is
referred to as SFAS No. 13, requires that in a
sale-leaseback transaction with a lease classified as an
operating lease, any profit or loss on the sale shall be
deferred and amortized in proportion to the rental payments over
the period of time that the asset is expected to be used. Under
IAS 17 Leases, which is referred to as IAS 17,
the profit corresponding to the disposal of the asset is not
deferred if the transaction was made with a selling price and
rental payments that correspond to the market conditions at the
time of the transaction.
IAS 17 and SFAS No. 13 prescribe similar lease
accounting approaches based on whether a lease transfers
substantially all of the risks and rewards related to ownership
of the leased asset. However, SFAS No. 13 provides
quantitative criteria to determine if a lease is an operating
lease or a capital lease, whereas IAS 17 requires
subjective determinations to be made. This could lead in certain
rare instances to considering a lease as an operating lease
under U.S. GAAP and as a finance lease under IAS 17,
and vice versa.
|
|
(f) |
Compound financial instruments |
If a financial instrument contains both a liability and an
equity component, such components shall be classified separately
as financial liabilities or equity instruments under IAS 32.
This is the case with the bonds issued by Alcatel in 2003 (which
are referred to as Oceane Obligation Convertible
ou Echangeable en Actions Nouvelles ou Existantes, bonds
convertible into or exchanged for new or existing shares) and
2002 (which are referred to as Orane Obligation
Remboursable en Actions Nouvelles ou Existantes, bonds
mandatorily redeemable for new or existing shares).
147
These requirements differ from those of U.S. GAAP. The
Oceane (bonds convertible into or exchanged for new or existing
shares) are accounted for as financial debt and presented as
long-term financial debt in the U.S. GAAP balance sheet.
Accounting for stock option plans under IFRS 2 leads to
recognition of a compensation expense. Equity-settled
share-based payment, such as stock options plans, are measured
at fair value. Fair value is determined at the date of grant
using an appropriate valuation model. Only options issued after
November 7, 2002 and not fully vested at January 1,
2005 are accounted for using IFRS principles. Other stock
options do not lead to recognition of a compensation expense.
Under U.S. GAAP, Alcatel accounts for those plans under the
recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion
No. 25 and related interpretations. Stock-based employee
compensation cost is reflected in net income based on the
intrinsic value of the stock options granted.
|
|
(h) |
Pension and post-retirement benefits other than pension
plans |
Under U.S. GAAP, when the unfunded accumulated benefit
obligation (being the actuarial present value of benefits
attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service
rendered prior to that date and based on current and past
compensation levels) exceeds the fair value of plan assets, an
additional minimum liability must be recognized in accordance
with SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for
Pensions. If this liability exceeds the unrecognized prior
service cost, the excess is recorded as a reduction of
shareholders equity. Under IFRS (IAS 19), there is no such
requirement.
To comply with U.S. GAAP, Alcatel applies
SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for
Post-retirement Benefits other than Pensions. These
post-retirement benefits, primarily life insurance and health
care, cover most of Alcatels U.S. employees.
Starting on January 1, 2004, Alcatel was required to comply
with IAS 19. The actuarial gains and losses linked to experience
adjustments and to the effects of changes in actuarial
assumptions that were recorded at January 1, 2004 have been
recorded in shareholders equity. Under U.S. GAAP
those actuarial gains and losses will be recognized over the
expected average remaining working lives of the employees.
|
|
(2) |
Differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS as they relate to
Lucent |
Alcatel has not prepared a complete reconciliation of
Lucents financial statements to IFRS. Such reconciliations
are complex and are expected to take several months to complete.
No pro forma adjustments other than those referred to below
related to differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP have been
included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements because Alcatel believes that, in the aggregate, no
such adjustments would have a material impact on the pro forma
information presented in this proxy statement/prospectus.
However, no assurance can be given that other reconciling items
will not be material upon completion of a comprehensive review.
148
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
Year ended |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of |
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
|
dollars)(1) |
Net income (loss) under U.S. GAAP for the twelve-month
period ended December 31, 2005
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
863 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-a- Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
|
|
|
(481 |
) |
|
|
(570 |
) |
Other adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax effect on the above adjustments
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
Elimination of discontinued operations, extraordinary items, or
the cumulative effects of accounting changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent
according to IFRS
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
Year ended |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions of |
|
|
(in millions of euros) |
|
dollars)(1) |
Shareholders equity according to U.S. GAAP as
reported
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-a- Pensions and other post-retirement benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- asset ceiling
|
|
|
(2,146 |
) |
|
|
(2,541 |
) |
- minimum liability adjustment
|
|
|
2,820 |
|
|
|
3,339 |
|
Income tax effect on the above adjustments
|
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
|
(312 |
) |
Elimination of discontinued operations, extraordinary items, or
the cumulative effects of accounting changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity attributable to the holders of the
parent entity according to IFRS
|
|
|
660 |
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Translated solely for convenience into dollars at the noon
buying rate of
1.00 = $1.1842
on December 31, 2005. |
|
|
(a) |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits |
The use of the market-related value to determine the expected
return on plan assets is not permitted under IFRS. The estimated
impact on 2005 results has been adjusted accordingly.
Market-related value consists of two components: the first is
the fair value of the plan assets, and the second is an
adjustment for the unrecognized portion of previous years
market gains or losses that are being amortized.
The Minimum Liability Adjustment corresponding to the additional
minimum liability required when the accumulated benefit
obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets that has
been accounted for directly by Lucent in other accumulated
comprehensive loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP
requirements (as disclosed in Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006) has been adjusted, as such adjustment is not
compliant with IFRS requirements. On the other hand, the impact
of the IFRS asset ceiling rules has been applied in the IFRS
unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. Under
IFRS, plan assets are limited to the lower of: (i) the
assets resulting from applying the standard
(IAS 19) and (ii) the net total of the present
value of any available refunds from the plan or reduction in
future contributions to the plan. The net impact on equity of
these two adjustments is an increase of
589 million.
149
|
|
(3) |
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, as they relate
to the proposed Thales transaction |
The differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP as they relate
to the proposed Thales transaction are mainly due to the
differences described in Note 1(b) and (c) above.
|
|
(4) |
Differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP relating to purchase
accounting entries |
|
|
(a) |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits |
The market-related-value effect on amortization of unrecognized
losses and expected return on plan assets as described in
Note 2(a) and Note 3(e), respectively, as well as the
minimum liability adjustment as described in Note 6.1(2)(a) must
be reversed in purchase accounting, due to the cancellation of
outstanding unrecognized actuarial gains and losses discussed in
Note 3-d(10).
|
|
(b) |
Compound financial instruments |
As noted earlier, if a financial instrument contains both a
liability and an equity component, such components shall be
classified separately as financial liabilities or equity
instruments under IAS 32. This is the case with the
convertible bonds issued by Lucent (the 2.75% Series A and
B convertible debentures, the 7.75% convertible securities and
the 8% convertible securities) as disclosed in
Note 8 Debt Obligations and Early
Extinguishment of Debt, in
pages F-57 to
F-59 of Lucents
audited consolidated financial statements contained in
Lucents current report on
Form 8-K, dated
May 5, 2006, which has been incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement/prospectus. The equity component is
amortized over the life of the related debt. These requirements
differ from those of U.S. GAAP. The convertible debentures and
securities are accounted for as financial debt and presented as
long term financial debt in the U.S. GAAP classified balance
sheet.
150
DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMBINED COMPANY AFTER THE
MERGER
Board of Directors of the Combined Company Following the
Effective Time of the Merger
On July 26, 2006, the Alcatel board of directors nominated
twelve individuals for election by the Alcatel shareholders to
the board of directors of the combined company effective as of,
and conditioned upon, the occurrence of the effective time of
the merger. Each nominee, if elected, will serve for a term of
four years. Immediately following the completion of the merger,
the newly elected board members are expected to appoint two
independent directors. Following completion of the merger and
the expected appointment of two independent directors by the
newly elected board members, the combined companys board
of directors is expected to be comprised of fourteen members, as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
five members designated by Alcatel from Alcatels current
board of directors, currently expected to be Daniel Bernard,
W. Frank Blount, Jozef Cornu, Jean-Pierre Halbron and
Daniel Lebègue; |
|
|
|
five members designated by Lucent from Lucents current
board of directors, currently expected to be Linnet F. Deily,
Henry B. Schacht, Karl J. Krapek, Edward E. Hagenlocker and
Robert E. Denham; |
|
|
|
Serge Tchuruk, the current chairman of the board of directors
and chief executive officer of Alcatel, and Patricia F. Russo,
the current chairman of the board of directors and chief
executive officer of Lucent; and |
|
|
|
two persons (one French and one European) who will qualify as
independent directors and who will be mutually agreed upon by
Alcatel and Lucent. |
For a one-year period following the completion of the merger, at
least a
662/3
% vote of the entire board of directors of the combined
company and the nominating committee would be required to fill
any vacancy on the board of directors.
The amendment of the articles of association and bylaws
(statuts) of Alcatel to effect the foregoing is a
condition to the completion of the merger.
Alcatel also nominated two employee representatives for election
by the Alcatel shareholders as censeurs. The
censeurs will be non-voting observers at meetings of the
board of directors.
Executive Positions
As of the effective time of the merger, Serge Tchuruk,
Alcatels current chairman of the board of directors and
chief executive officer, will be appointed as non-executive
chairman of the board of directors of the combined company, and
Patricia F. Russo, Lucents current Chairman of the board
of directors and chief executive officer, will be appointed as
chief executive officer of the combined company, in accordance
with the articles of association and bylaws (statuts) of
the combined company in effect as of the effective time of the
merger. The non-executive chairman of the combined company will
be responsible for the proper functioning of the governing
bodies of the combined company and organizing the work of the
board of directors of the combined company. He shall have no
casting vote. The chief executive officer will have broad powers
and responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the
combined company. If either appointee is unwilling or unable to
serve as of the effective time of the merger, the combined
companys board of directors will name another appointee in
accordance with the articles of association and bylaws
(statuts) of the combined company in effect as of the
effective time of the merger.
For a three-year period following the completion of the merger,
at least a
662/3
% vote of the entire board of directors of the combined
company would be required to remove the chairman or the chief
executive officer of the combined company and to decide on any
replacement.
151
The amendment of the articles of association and bylaws
(statuts) of Alcatel to effect the foregoing is a
condition to the completion of the merger.
The business of the combined company will be divided into three
sectors:
|
|
|
|
|
a carrier business group, headed by Etienne Fouques, which will
consist of wireless, wireline and convergence groups headed
respectively by Mary Chan, Michel Rahier and Marc Rouanne; |
|
|
|
an enterprise business group headed by Hubert de
Pesquidoux; and |
|
|
|
a service business group headed by John Meyer. |
The combined company will also have a decentralized regional
structure, anticipated to include the following four geographic
regions:
|
|
|
|
|
Europe/ North, to include the United Kingdom, all scandinavian
countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Russia
and all eastern European countries, headed by Vince Molinaro; |
|
|
|
Europe/ South, to include France, Italy, Spain, other southern
European countries, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin
America, headed by Olivier Picard; |
|
|
|
North America, including the United States, Canada and the
Caribbean, headed by Cindy Christy; and |
|
|
|
Asia-Pacific, including China, northeast Asia, southeast Asia
and Australia, headed by Frédéric Rose. |
Alcatel and Lucent have also agreed on the following management
positions:
|
|
|
|
|
Jeong Kim will remain as president of Bell Labs; |
|
|
|
Olivier Baujard will become chief technology officer; |
|
|
|
Helle Kristoffersen, will become the vice president of corporate
strategy; |
|
|
|
John Giere will become chief marketing officer; and |
|
|
|
Elizabeth Hackenson will be head of information technology. |
Lastly, the combined company will have a management committee
headed by Patricia Russo, chief executive officer, which will
include:
|
|
|
|
|
Etienne Fouques, senior executive vice president of the carrier
group; |
|
|
|
Frank DAmelio, senior executive vice president integration
and chief administrative officer; |
|
|
|
Jean-Pascal Beaufret, chief financial officer; |
|
|
|
Claire Pedini, senior vice president, human resources and
communication; and |
|
|
|
Mike Quigley, president, science, technology and strategy. |
152
CONTRACTS BETWEEN LUCENT AND ALCATEL PRIOR TO THE MERGER
From time to time in the ordinary course of business, Alcatel or
its subsidiaries enter into contracts with Lucent or its
subsidiaries. These contracts include license agreements,
non-disclosure agreements, cooperation agreements and other
commercial agreements. Many of these contracts have been
substantially performed, but have confidentiality, indemnity or
other continuing obligations. Neither Alcatel nor Lucent views
any of these contracts as material.
In addition, Alcatel, Lucent and certain of their respective
subsidiaries are party to agreements with Deutsche Telekom AG
pursuant to which they have agreed to supply Deutsche Telekom
with hardware, software and services in connection with its
Platform 2000. Platform 2000 is a Deutsche Telekom
project for its transport network, including a network
management system. Alcatel and Lucent are both suppliers for
this project and have separate supply agreements with Deutsche
Telekom. To ensure cooperation within the project, Alcatel SEL
AG, Lucent Technologies Network System GmbH and Deutsche Telekom
AG entered into a trilateral agreement dated February 24,
2000, pursuant to which they are obligated to cooperate with
each other on the project. This cooperation includes disclosure,
development and testing of open interfaces, information sharing
and coordination, participation in the joint project steering
committee meetings and other integration work necessary to
ensure interoperability of the components each supplier delivers
for the network. In addition, under the trilateral agreement,
Alcatel SEL AG and Lucent Technologies Network Systems GmbH
entered into a cooperation agreement dated February 13,
2003, which further details their mutual cooperation and support
obligations within Platform 2000.
153
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF LUCENT SHAREOWNERS AND ALCATEL
SHAREHOLDERS
The rights of Lucent shareowners are governed by the Delaware
General Corporation Law and the provisions of Lucents
certificate of incorporation and bylaws. The rights of Alcatel
shareholders (including holders of Alcatel ADSs) are governed by
the French Commercial Code and by the provisions of
Alcatels articles of association and bylaws (statuts). In
connection with the merger, Alcatel shareholders will vote on a
proposal to amend the provisions of Alcatels articles of
association and bylaws at the meeting of Alcatel shareholders to
be held on September 7, 2006 to vote on the issuance of
Alcatel ordinary shares required under the merger agreement. An
English translation of Alcatels articles of association
and bylaws (giving effect to the proposed amendments to be voted
on by Alcatel shareholders) is attached to this proxy statement/
prospectus as Annex B. Approval of the proposed amendments
to Alcatels articles of association and bylaws by the
Alcatel shareholders is a condition to the completion of the
merger. The following is a summary of the material differences
between the rights of Lucent shareowners and Alcatel
shareholders, assuming approval of the proposed amendments to
Alcatels articles of association and bylaws by the Alcatel
shareholders. These differences arise from differences between
the Delaware General Corporation Law and the French Commercial
Code and between Lucents certificate of incorporation and
bylaws and Alcatels articles of association and bylaws,
assuming approval of the proposed amendments to Alcatels
articles of association and bylaws by the Alcatel shareholders.
Upon completion of the merger, the rights of Lucent shareowners
who become holders of Alcatel ADSs will be governed by the
French Commercial Code, Alcatels articles of association
and bylaws including the proposed amendments, as approved by the
Alcatel shareholders, and by the deposit agreement concerning
the Alcatel ADSs described in the section entitled
Description of ADSs in Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, which
has been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/
prospectus. For more complete information, you should read
Lucents certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the
English translation of Alcatels proposed articles of
association and bylaws, as amended, as well as the relevant
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and the
French Commercial Code.
Lucents certificate of incorporation and bylaws and
Alcatels existing articles of association and bylaws may
be obtained without charge by following the instructions in the
section entitled Additional Information Where
You Can Find More Information.
Size and Qualification of the Board of Directors;
Committees
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of a corporation may specify the number
of directors. Lucents certificate of incorporation and
bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be fixed by
resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of
directors that the company would have if there were no
vacancies, but the number of directors shall not be less than
three. As of the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus,
Lucent has ten directors. Lucents bylaws provide that the
directors shall be elected at an annual meeting of the holders
of the voting stock of Lucent. The Lucent board of directors is
not classified, and directors hold office for one-year terms.
The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that directors
must be natural persons. Neither the Delaware General
Corporation Law nor Lucents certificate of incorporation
or bylaws requires board members to have any specific
qualifications.
Lucents board of directors has three committees: a
corporate governance and nominating committee, a leadership
development and compensation committee and an audit and finance
committee.
The organizational documents of the combined company will
provide that the board of directors will have no less than six
and no more than fourteen members, each of whom shall be elected
by the shareholders at an ordinary shareholders meeting.
Pursuant to the merger agreement, the combined companys
board of directors following the effective time of the merger
will be comprised of: (i) the current chief executive
officer of Alcatel and the current chief executive officer of
Lucent; (ii) five members designated by Alcatel from
154
Alcatels current board of directors in addition to the
current chief executive officer; (iii) five members
designated by Lucent from Lucents current board of
directors in addition to the current chief executive officer;
and (iv) two persons (one French and one European)
appointed by the newly elected board of directors of the
combined company who will qualify as independent directors and
who will be mutually agreed upon by Alcatel and Lucent (see
Directors and Management of the Combined Company after the
Merger Board of Directors of the Combined
Company Following the Effective Time of the Merger).
Alcatels articles of association and bylaws provide that a
director must own at least 500 ordinary shares of Alcatel and
that directors be elected for a four-year term. In addition, no
more than one-third of the directors may be older than
70 years of age. If the number of directors over
70 years of age should exceed one-third of the number of
directors on the Alcatel board of directors, the oldest
director(s) shall automatically be deemed to have retired at the
ordinary shareholders meeting called to approve the financial
statements for the fiscal year in which the proportion of the
directors over 70 years of age was exceeded, unless the
permitted proportion was re-established in the interim. As
amended, Alcatels articles of association and bylaws
provide that when the roles of the chairman and the chief
executive officer are held by separate persons, the age limit
applicable to the chairman of the board of directors will be
that applied to all of the directors of Alcatel.
The French Commercial Code provides that directors can be
individuals or entities, including corporations. If an entity is
a director, it must appoint an individual to act as its
permanent representative.
Alcatels articles of association and bylaws allow, on the
chairmans recommendation, the board of directors to submit
to an ordinary shareholders meeting the appointment of one
or two board observers (censeurs). The censeurs
are appointed for six-year terms which may be renewed or
revoked at any time and the aggregate number of censeurs
may not exceed six.
Lucent and Alcatel have agreed that the combined companys
articles of association and bylaws will provide that, on the
proposal of the chairman, the board of directors must propose to
the shareholders meeting the appointment of two employee
representatives to serve as censeurs. The employee
representatives will be appointed for two-year, renewable terms
and will participate in meetings of the board of directors in a
non-voting, consultative capacity.
Alcatels proposed articles of association and bylaws and
proposed board rules (règlement intérieur) to
be in effect as of the effective time of the merger will provide
that each committee of the board of directors will have no less
than three directors with an equal number of Alcatel designees
and Lucent designees, and the number of committees for which an
Alcatel designee has been appointed chairman will equal the
number of committees for which a Lucent designee has been
appointed chairman. The proposed board rules will also provide
that the combined company will have four committees: a corporate
governance and nominating committee, a compensation committee,
an audit committee and a strategic planning and finance
committee.
Removal of Directors and Vacancies
Pursuant to Lucents certificate of incorporation and
bylaws, any director may be removed with or without cause by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
voting power of all voting stock of Lucent then outstanding,
voting together as a single class.
Under Lucents certificate of incorporation and bylaws,
newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
number of directors and any vacancies resulting from death,
resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be
filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining
directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, and
not by the stockholders.
Each of the nominees elected at the Alcatel shareholders meeting
shall be elected for a term of four years. Under Alcatels
proposed articles of association and bylaws and board rules to
be in effect as of the effective time of the merger, for a
period of three years following the effective time of the
merger, at least a
155
two-thirds vote of the board of directors then in office will be
required to remove the chairman or chief executive officer and
to decide any replacement.
In addition, any vacancy on the board of directors following the
death or resignation of one or more directors, shall be
temporarily filled by the appointment of a replacement director
by the Alcatel board of directors, such appointment being
subject to approval at the next shareholders meeting. Moreover,
the appointment of a replacement director in the event of a
vacancy by reason of death or resignation would require the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in
office until one year after the effective time of the merger,
and thereafter the affirmative vote of the majority of the
directors present or represented.
A member of the Alcatel board of directors, including the chief
executive officer and the chairman of the board of directors,
may be removed prior to the expiration of such directors
term by a majority vote of Alcatels shareholders. Under
the French Commercial Code, removal of a member of the Alcatel
board of directors will not subject a company to liability
unless the removed director shows that the removal was done in
an injurious or vexatious manner.
A director appointed to replace another director will hold
office only for the remainder of his predecessors term.
Duties of the Board of Directors and Liability of
Directors
The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the board of
directors of a Delaware corporation has ultimate responsibility
for managing the corporations business and affairs. In
discharging this function, directors of Delaware corporations
owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the corporations for
which they serve as directors. Directors of Delaware
corporations also owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to
stockholders. Delaware courts have held that the directors of a
Delaware corporation are required to exercise informed business
judgment in the performance of their duties. Informed business
judgment means that the directors have informed themselves of
all material information reasonably available to them.
A director of a Delaware corporation, in the performance of such
directors duties, is fully protected in relying, in good
faith, upon the records of the corporation and upon such
information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the
corporation by any of the corporations officers or
employees, or committees of the board of directors, or by any
other person as to matters the director reasonably believes are
within such other persons professional or expert
competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or
on behalf of the corporation.
The Delaware General Corporation Law does not contain any
statutory provision permitting the board of directors,
committees of the board or individual directors, when
discharging the duties of their respective positions, to
consider the interests of any constituencies other than the
corporation or its stockholders. In addition, the duty of the
board of directors, committees of the board and individual
directors of a Delaware corporation may be enforced directly by
the corporation or may be enforced by a stockholder, as such, by
a derivative action or may, in certain circumstances, be
enforced directly by a stockholder or by any other person or
group.
Lucents certificate of incorporation limits the liability
of directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law. Thus, a Lucent director is not
personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for
monetary damages resulting from a breach of a fiduciary duty,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the
directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith
or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation
of law, (iii) for the unlawful payment of dividends under
section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
156
Alcatel directors may be held civilly liable, either
individually or jointly, as applicable, to the company or to
third parties for breaches of statutory or regulatory provisions
applicable to public limited companies, for violations of
Alcatels organizational documents and for mismanagement.
Mismanagement is broadly defined as any act, intentional or
unintentional, contrary to the interest of the company. If
mismanagement results in a companys bankruptcy, the
directors, in their individual capacities, may be liable for
part or all of the excess of the liabilities of the company over
its assets, or may be subject to bankruptcy proceedings.
Directors are generally jointly and severally liable for
misconduct arising from the board acting collectively, and
individually for misconduct that can be specifically attributed
to certain directors. In particular, all of a companys
directors will be jointly and severally liable for actions taken
by the companys board of directors unless individual
directors can prove that they were against the action, made
their opposition known and such opposition was recorded in the
minutes, and that they took all steps available to them to
prevent the action from being taken. Third parties bringing suit
against one or more directors, including a companys
shareholders, must prove that they have suffered a loss, either
personally or through the company, and that the directors
action caused the loss.
Directors can incur criminal liability for violating certain
provisions of the French Commercial Code and other laws and
regulations, including employment and securities laws, as well
as regulations specific to a companys business. In
particular, the French Commercial Code provides that a
companys directors can be fined and/or sentenced to prison
if they, in bad faith and for their own direct or indirect
benefit, use the companys assets or credit for purposes
which they know are not to the companys benefit.
The French Commercial Code prohibits a company from providing
for any limitation to director liability in the companys
organizational documents.
Transactions With Interested Parties
The Delaware General Corporation Law generally permits
transactions involving a Delaware corporation and an interested
director or officer of that corporation if:
|
|
|
|
|
the material facts as to the directors or officers
relationship or interest are disclosed and a majority of
disinterested directors consent to the transaction; |
|
|
|
the material facts are disclosed as to the directors or
officers relationship or interest and the holders of a
majority of shares entitled to vote thereon consent; or |
|
|
|
the transaction is fair to the corporation at the time that it
is authorized by the board of directors, a committee of the
board of directors or the stockholders. |
As a U.S. public company, however, Lucent is prohibited from
directly or indirectly extending or maintaining credit, or
arranging for the extension of credit or renewing any extension
of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any
directors or executive officers under U.S. federal securities
laws.
Under the French Commercial Code, any transaction directly or
indirectly between a company and a member of its board of
directors and/or its chief executive officer or any deputy
executive officers or one of its shareholders holding more than
10% of the total voting rights (or, if such shareholder is a
legal entity, the entitys parent), if any, that cannot be
reasonably considered to be in the ordinary course of business
of the company and is not at arms length, is subject to
the prior consent of the board of directors. Any such
transaction entered into without the prior consent of the board
of directors can be nullified if it causes prejudice to the
company, unless it is subsequently approved at the next
shareholders meeting, upon presentation of a report of the
statutory auditors explaining the reasons why the prior consent
of the board has not been properly sought or given. The
statutory auditors must be informed of the transaction within one
157
month following its conclusion and must prepare the report to be
submitted to the shareholders for approval at their next
meeting. In the event that the transaction is not ratified by
the shareholders, it will remain enforceable by third parties
against the company, but the company may in turn hold the
interested member of the board of directors, the concerned
executive officer, and, in some circumstances, the other members
of the board of directors, liable for any damages it may suffer
as a result. In addition, the transaction may be canceled if it
is fraudulent. Moreover, certain transactions between a company
and a member of its board of directors who is a natural person
and/or its chief executive officer or any deputy executive
officers, if any, are disallowed by the French Commercial Code.
The French Commercial Code enjoins corporations from granting
any loan, caution or aval (guarantees) to any
individual member of the board of directors or their dependents.
Any such transaction must be nullified. In addition, as a
company with securities registered under the Exchange Act,
Alcatel is prohibited from directly or indirectly extending or
maintaining credit, or arranging for the extension of credit or
renewing any extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan
to or for any directors or executive officers under
U.S. federal securities laws.
Indemnification
Lucents certificate of incorporation requires
indemnification of its past and present directors, officers,
employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted under the
Delaware General Corporation Law. Under the Delaware General
Corporation Law, a corporation may indemnify any director,
officer, employee or agent involved in a third-party action or
agreeing at the request of the corporation to serve, serving or
formerly serving as an officer, director, employee or agent of
the corporation, against expenses, judgments, fines and
settlement amounts paid in the third party action, if the
director, officer, employee or agent acted in good faith and
reasonably believed that his actions were in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his
conduct was unlawful. In addition, a corporation may indemnify
any director, officer, employee or agent involved in a
derivative action brought by or on behalf of the corporation
against expenses incurred in the derivative action, if the
director, officer, employee or agent acted in good faith and
reasonably believed that his actions were in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the corporation. However, no
indemnification for expenses in derivative actions is permitted
where the person has been adjudged liable to the corporation,
unless a court finds him entitled to indemnification. If a
person has been successful in defending a third-party or
derivative action, indemnification for expenses incurred is
mandatory under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
The statutory provisions for indemnification are nonexclusive
with respect to any other rights, such as contractual rights, to
which a person seeking indemnification may be entitled.
Furthermore, under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a
corporation may advance expenses incurred by officers,
directors, employees and agents in defending any action upon
receipt of an undertaking by the person to repay the amount
advanced if it is ultimately determined that such person is not
entitled to indemnification.
The merger agreement provides that, for a period of six years
following the effective time of the merger, the combined company
will maintain in effect the exculpation, indemnification and
advancement of expenses provisions of the organizational
documents of Lucent and its subsidiaries and in any
indemnification agreements of Lucent and its subsidiaries with
any of their respective directors, officers or employees in
effect immediately prior to the effective time of the merger
with respect to acts or omissions prior to such effective time.
See The Merger Agreement Covenants and
Agreements Directors and Officers
Liability.
Under French law, sociétés anonymes may
generally indemnify, contract for and maintain liability
insurance against civil liabilities incurred by any of their
directors and officers involved in a third-party action,
provided that they acted in good faith and within their
capacities as directors or officers of the company. Criminal
liabilities cannot be indemnified under French law, whether
directly by the company or through liability insurance.
158
Sociétés anonymes are generally allowed to
advance expenses incurred by their officers and directors in
defending any civil or criminal action. They may also indemnify
those directors and officers for their expenses, provided that
they acted in good faith and in their capacities as directors or
officers of the company.
Shareholders Meetings, Voting and Quorum
The Delaware General Corporation Law and Lucents bylaws
provide for annual and special meetings. Lucent is required to
hold an annual meeting of stockholders on a date set by
resolution of the board of directors. Annual meetings are
currently held on the third Wednesday in the month of February
of each year. A special meeting may be held for any purpose or
purposes, such as the approval and adoption of a merger, charter
amendment, sale of substantially all of the assets of the
company or any other matter requiring stockholder approval;
however, the business transacted at any special meeting of
stockholders is limited to the purposes stated in the notice of
special meeting.
Pursuant to Lucents bylaws, a special meeting may be
called at any time by (i) the board of directors pursuant
to a resolution stating the purpose or purposes thereof approved
by a majority of the total number of directors that Lucent would
have if there were no vacancies, or (ii) by the chairman of
the board of directors.
Written notice of date, time, place and purposes of each meeting
of the stockholders must be given either personally or by mail
not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the
date of such meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to
vote at such meeting. However, meetings may be held without
notice at all if all stockholders entitled to vote are present,
or if notice is waived by those not present.
Under Lucents certificate of incorporation, holders of
Lucent common stock have one vote with respect to each share of
Lucent common stock held by them upon all proposals presented to
the stockholders on which the holders of common stock are
entitled to vote. There is currently no outstanding shares of
Lucent preferred stock, although Lucents certificate of
incorporation contains a provision designating
25,000,000 shares as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (which is referred to as the Series A
Preferred Stock).
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall entitle the
holder thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote
of the stockholders of the corporation. However, holders of
Series A Preferred Stock have no special voting rights and
their consent shall not be required for taking any corporate
action.
Lucents bylaws provide that, except as otherwise provided
by applicable law or by Lucents certificate of
incorporation, the holders of a majority of the voting power of
all outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, represented in person or
by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a stockholders meeting.
When specified business is to be voted on by a class or series
of stock voting as a class, the holders of a majority of the
shares of such class or series shall constitute a quorum of such
class for the transaction of such business. However,
Lucents certificate of incorporation provides that the
holders of Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of
common stock and any other capital stock having general voting
rights shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted
to a vote of the corporation.
French companies may hold either ordinary or extraordinary
general meetings of shareholders. Ordinary meetings are required
for matters that are not specifically reserved by law to
extraordinary general meetings. These matters include the
election of the members of the board of directors, the
appointment of statutory auditors, the approval of annual
accounts, the declaration of dividends and the issuance of
bonds. Extraordinary general meetings are required to approve,
among other things, amendments to a companys articles of
association and bylaws, modifications to shareholders
rights, mergers, increases or decreases in share capital
(including a waiver of preferential subscription rights), the
creation of a new class of shares, the authorization of the
issuance of securities convertible or exchangeable into shares
and the sale or transfer of substantially all of a
companys assets.
159
Alcatels board of directors is required to convene an
annual general meeting of shareholders for approval of the
annual financial statements. This meeting must be held within
six months from the end of Alcatels fiscal year, unless
the chief judge of the Paris Commercial Court (Président
du Tribunal de Commerce de Paris) orders an extension of
this six-month period. Alcatel has received an extension of this
six-month period through September 15, 2006, in connection
with its annual meeting following the end of the 2005 fiscal
year. Alcatel may convene other ordinary and extraordinary
meetings at any time during the year. Meetings of shareholders
may be convened by the Alcatel board of directors or by its
statutory auditors or by a court-appointed agent. A shareholder
or shareholders holding at least 5% of Alcatels capital
stock, or another interested party, may request that the court
appoint an agent to convene the shareholders meeting. The notice
of a meeting must state the agenda for the meeting.
French law requires that a preliminary notice of the general
shareholders meeting of a company that is listed on a French
stock exchange be published in the official French journal of
mandatory legal notices (Bulletin dannonces
légales obligatoires, which is referred to as the
BALO), by electronic means, at least 30 days prior to the
meeting. A copy of the preliminary notice is usually first sent
to the AMF with an indication of the date on which it is to be
published. The preliminary notice must include the agenda of the
meeting and a draft of the resolutions that will be submitted to
a shareholders vote.
A second notice of the general shareholders meeting (avis de
convocation), which includes any resolutions submitted by
the companys shareholders and the recommendation of the
companys board of directors with respect to the
resolutions, must be sent by mail at least 15 days before
the meeting to all holders of registered shares who have held
their shares for more than one month. However, where a quorum is
not present and the original meeting is adjourned, this time
period is reduced to six days for any subsequent reconvening of
the shareholders meeting. Notice of the adjourned meeting must
also be published with the BALO, as well as with another French
journal of legal notices, usually after having first being sent
to the AMF. The notice must include the agenda of the meeting
and a draft of the resolutions that will be submitted to a
shareholders vote to the extent that the resolutions have
changed since the original notice.
Under French law, shares held by entities controlled, directly
or indirectly, by Alcatel are not entitled to voting rights.
There is no requirement that a shareholder own a minimum number
of shares in order to be able to attend or be represented at a
general shareholders meeting.
Under French law, ordinary general shareholders meetings and
extraordinary general shareholders meetings called to decide a
share capital increase by capitalization of reserves, profits or
share premium, generally require the presence, in person or by
proxy, of shareholders holding outstanding shares representing
at least 20% of the voting rights. A quorum of at least 25% of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote is required for all
other extraordinary general meetings. If a quorum is not
reached, the meeting must be adjourned. No quorum is required
when an ordinary general meeting is reconvened, but only
questions that were on the agenda of the adjourned meeting may
be considered. A quorum of at least 20% of the shares entitled
to vote is required when an extraordinary shareholders meeting
is reconvened, except where the reconvened meeting is
considering a share capital increase by capitalization of
reserves, profits or share premium, in which case no quorum is
required. If no quorum is reached at a reconvened extraordinary
shareholders meeting requiring a 20% quorum, then the meeting
may be adjourned to a date within a period not to exceed two
months.
One voting right is attached to each Alcatel ordinary share
(including Alcatel ordinary shares underlying Alcatel ADSs) at
all shareholders meetings. However, double voting rights are
attached to all fully paid up registered ordinary shares
(including Alcatel ordinary shares underlying Alcatel ADSs) that
are registered in the name of the same holder for at least three
years. Double voting rights are cancelled for any share that is
converted into a bearer share or whose ownership is transferred.
Under Alcatels ADS deposit agreement, because ADS holders
are entitled to exercise voting rights pertaining to the
ordinary shares represented by their ADSs, they are also
entitled to double voting rights if the Alcatel ordinary shares
represented by their ADSs are held in registered form for at
least three years. In general, the Alcatel ordinary shares
represented by the Alcatel ADSs are held in bearer form unless
the holder of the ADS notifies the depositary in writing that
the ordinary shares should be held in registered form.
160
Regardless of the number of shares that a shareholder possesses,
directly and/or indirectly, a shareholder may not cast, as
single votes in his own name or as a proxy, more than 8% of the
votes attached to the shares present or represented at the
shareholders meeting. This limit may be exceeded if such
shareholder is further entitled to double voting rights, in his
own name or as a proxy, taking into account such additional
voting rights only. However, the total number of cast votes may
not under any circumstances exceed 16% of the votes attached to
the shares present or represented at the shareholders meeting
unless the shareholder holds at least
662/3
% of the total number of shares as a result of a public
tender offer.
Shareholder Proposals
Lucents current bylaws establish procedures that must be
followed for a stockholder to submit a proposal to be voted on
by the stockholders of Lucent at its annual meeting of
stockholders and a substantially similar procedure to be
followed for the nomination and election of directors. No
business may be proposed by a stockholder at the annual meeting
of stockholders without giving written notice to the secretary
of Lucent between 45 and 75 days prior to the scheduled
date of the meeting. In the event, however, that the number of
directors to be elected is increased and there is no public
announcement by Lucent naming all of the nominees for director
or specifying the size of the increased board of directors at
least 55 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the
record date for the preceding years annual meeting, a
stockholders notice shall be considered timely with
respect to nominees for any new positions created by such
increase if it is delivered to the secretary of Lucent not later
than the close of business on the 10th calendar day
following the day on which such public announcement is first
made by the corporation.
No nomination may be proposed by a stockholder at a special
meeting of stockholders held for the purpose of electing
directors without giving written notice not earlier than the
120th calendar day prior to such special meeting and not
later than the close of business on the later of the
90th calendar day prior to such special meeting or the
10th calendar day following the date on which public
announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting
and of the nominees proposed by the board of directors to be
elected at such meeting.
To properly bring business before the annual meeting of Lucent
stockholders, a stockholders notice must set forth:
|
|
|
|
|
a brief description of the business desired to be brought before
the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at
the annual meeting and any material interest in such business of
such stockholder; |
|
|
|
the name and record address of such stockholder; and |
|
|
|
the class or series and number of shares of Lucent capital stock
that are owned beneficially or of record of such stockholder. |
In addition, stockholders notices relating to director
nominations must be accompanied by a written consent of each
proposed nominee being named as a nominee and to serve as a
director, if elected, and must include:
|
|
|
|
|
the name, age, business address and residence address of the
nominee; |
|
|
|
the principal occupation or employment of the nominee; |
|
|
|
the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of
Lucent that are owned beneficially or of record by the nominee; |
|
|
|
any other information relating to the nominee that is required
to be disclosed in proxy solicitations for director elections
pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act; and |
|
|
|
certain other specified information relating to the stockholder
making the nomination. |
161
In addition, pursuant to
Rule 14a-8 under
the Exchange Act, a stockholder may have his proposal disclosed
in a companys proxy materials and presented to
stockholders for a vote, provided that the stockholder follows
the procedures set forth in
Rule 14a-8 and
provided, further, that the proposal is not substantively
excludable under the SECs stockholder proposal rules.
Under the French Commercial Code, shareholders can nominate
individuals for election to a companys board of directors
at an ordinary general shareholders meeting if the election of
directors is part of the agenda for the shareholders meeting.
However, shareholders cannot elect a new director at an ordinary
general shareholders meeting if the agenda for the meeting does
not include the election of directors, unless such nomination is
necessary to fill a vacancy due to the previous removal of a
director. In either case, the nomination must contain the name,
age, professional references and professional activity of the
nominee for the past five years, if any, the occupation within
the company, as well as the number of the companys shares
owned by such candidate, if any. This information must be made
available to shareholders by the companys board of
directors no less than 15 days before the meeting. If the
agenda of a shareholders meeting includes the election of
members of the board of directors, any shareholder is entitled
to be a candidate for election to the board at that shareholders
meeting, even though such shareholder has not complied with
established nomination procedures.
Under the French Commercial Code, shareholders representing,
individually or collectively, a specified percentage determined
on the basis of a formula related to capitalization, which in
any event may not exceed 5% of a companys capital stock,
may request that a resolution, which they propose for adoption
at a shareholders meeting, be included in the agenda. This
request must be made within 10 days of the publication of
the initial notice of the shareholders meeting in the BALO and
may specify the reasons for the resolution. Properly submitted
requests will be considered at the meeting. The French
Commercial Code requires a companys board of directors to
respond at the meeting to any questions submitted in writing by
any shareholder.
As a foreign private issuer, the requirements set forth in
Rule 14a-8 of the
Exchange Act requiring the inclusion of certain stockholder
proposals in a companys proxy materials do not apply to
Alcatel.
Approval of Extraordinary Actions
Under the DGCL, fundamental corporate transactions (such as
mergers, sales of all or substantially all of the
corporations assets, dissolutions, and amendments to the
certificate of incorporation) as well as certain other actions,
require the approval of the holders of not less than a majority
of the shares entitled to vote.
Lucents certificate of incorporation further provides that
the amendment of the provisions relating to stockholder action
(addressing the prohibition on the stockholders ability to
act by written consent or call stockholders meetings), the board
of directors, or the bylaws of the company requires the
affirmative vote of no less than 80% of the voting power of all
issued and outstanding stock.
The certificate of incorporation may not be amended in any
manner which would materially alter rights of the holders of
Series A Preferred Stock so as to adversely affect them
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock, voting together as a single class.
Lucents bylaws provide for their amendment, alteration or
repeal upon the affirmative vote of (a) a majority of the
total number of directors that the company would have if there
were no vacancies or (b) the holders of a majority of the
voting power of the stock issued, outstanding and entitled to
vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders. However,
any proposed alteration or repeal of, or the adoption of any
bylaw inconsistent with specific provisions relating to
stockholders and the board of directors require the affirmative
vote of the holders of no less than 80% of the voting power of
all voting stock then outstanding, voting together as a single
class.
162
Under the French Commercial Code, the following fundamental
actions require the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes
cast at an ordinary or extraordinary meeting of shareholders, as
the case may be:
|
|
|
|
|
amendments to the organizational documents; |
|
|
|
transfers of the companys registered office to a
non-neighboring department; |
|
|
|
increases or decreases of the companys registered capital; |
|
|
|
eliminations of shareholders pre-emptive rights with
respect to any transactions that either immediately or with the
passage of time would result in an increase in the registered
capital; |
|
|
|
authorizations of employee stock option and/or purchase
plans; and |
|
|
|
authorizations of mergers, spin-offs, dissolutions and
dispositions of all or substantially all of the companys
assets if the disposition would entail a modification of the
companys corporate purpose. |
Furthermore, the transformation of a société
anonyme into another type of legal entity requires,
depending on the type of entity into which the company seeks to
transform, a unanimous vote, a three-fourths majority vote or a
two-thirds majority vote of the votes cast.
Certain Rights of Preferred Stockholders
Lucents certificate of incorporation provides for shares
of Series A Preferred Stock, but no shares of Series A
Preferred Stock are outstanding. If issued, the Series A
Preferred Stock would rank, with respect to the payment of
dividends and the distribution of assets, junior to all series
of any other class of Lucents preferred stock. Under
Lucents certificate of incorporation, the common stock
shall be subject to the express terms of the preferred stock and
any series thereof.
Under Lucents certificate of incorporation, the shares of
Series A Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable.
Furthermore, Lucents certificate of incorporation may not
be amended in any manner which would materially alter or change
the powers, preferences or special rights of the Series A
Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely without the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting
together as a single class.
None of the Alcatel ordinary shares is entitled to any
preferential distribution.
Shareholder Action By Written Consent
Lucents certificate of incorporation provides that any
action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or
special meeting of stockholders may only be taken upon the vote
of the stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly called,
and may not be taken by written consent of the stockholders.
The French Commercial Code does not allow shareholders of a
société anonyme to act by written consent.
Disclosures of Interests
Under federal securities laws, stockholders of Lucent reaching
certain stock ownership levels must disclose that fact and
provide extensive background information in filings with the SEC.
163
Under federal securities laws, every officer or director of
Lucent, as well as every person owning more than 10% of any
class of Lucents securities registered under the Exchange
Act, must file with the SEC and the NYSE, an initial report of
its holdings of all of such securities, and a further report
after there has been any change in such holdings.
In addition, Lucent must furnish the following information with
respect to any person, including any group, who is known to the
company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of
any class of its voting securities: (1) title of class;
(2) the name and address of the beneficial owner;
(3) amount and nature of beneficial ownership; and
(4) percent of class owned.
Under federal securities laws, Lucent has a duty to describe any
arrangements known to it, including any pledge by any person of
its securities, the operation of which may at a subsequent date
result in a change in control of the company.
Under French law, any individual or entity, acting alone or in
concert with others, who becomes the owner of more than 5%, 10%,
15%, 20%, 25%,
331/3%,
50%,
662/3
%, 90% or 95% of Alcatels outstanding share capital
or voting rights (including through Alcatel ADSs), or whose
holdings subsequently fall below any of these thresholds, must
notify both Alcatel and the AMF of the number of shares and
Alcatel ADSs that it holds within five trading days from the
date the relevant threshold was crossed.
Furthermore, Alcatels articles of association and bylaws
provide that:
|
|
|
|
|
any individual or legal entity which at any time comes to hold a
number of shares representing 2% of the total number of shares
of the company, or comes to cross any further 1% threshold, or
whose holding falls below these thresholds, must, within five
trading days from the date it crossed a threshold, notify
Alcatel of the total number of shares that it owns; and |
|
|
|
any individual or legal entity which at any time comes to hold a
number of shares representing 3% of the total number of shares
of the company, or comes to cross any further 1% threshold, must
request the conversion of its shares into registered form within
five trading days from the date on which it crossed a threshold.
This registration obligation applies to all shares already held
by a shareholder, as well as to the shares it may come to hold
beyond the threshold. |
Failure to provide timely written notice to Alcatel may, upon
petition of one or more shareholders representing 3% or more of
Alcatels share capital, result in the loss of the voting
rights attached to the shares in excess of the relevant
threshold.
French corporate law and the regulations of the AMF impose
additional reporting requirements on any person or persons
acting alone or in concert who acquire more than 10% or 20% of
Alcatels share capital or voting rights. Any purchaser
exceeding these thresholds must file a statement with Alcatel
and the AMF. The notice must specify the acquirers
intentions for the
twelve-month period
following the acquisition of its 10% or 20% stake, including
whether or not it intends to (a) increase its stake,
(b) acquire a controlling interest in Alcatel or
(c) seek the election of nominees to Alcatels board
of directors, and whether it is acting alone or in concert with
other shareholders. The statement must be filed within five
trading days from the date either of these thresholds was
crossed. The statement is published by the AMF. Similar
reporting requirements must be complied with if the
purchasers intentions have changed due to subsequent
events.
Under French law and the regulations of the AMF, any person or
persons, acting alone or in concert, who enter into an agreement
containing stipulations granting preferential treatment with
respect to the sale of shares, voting rights, or otherwise, for
shares representing 0.5% or more of Alcatels share capital
or voting rights, must file such stipulations with the AMF
within five trading days from the date of the agreement.
Moreover, under French law and the regulations of the AMF, and
subject to limited exemptions provided for therein, any person
or persons, acting alone or in concert, who acquires shares
representing more than one-third of Alcatels share capital
or voting rights must initiate a public tender offer for the
balance of Alcatels
164
share capital and all other outstanding securities that are
convertible into or exchangeable for Alcatels share
capital or voting rights.
If a shareholder (including a holder of Alcatel ADSs) fails to
comply with these notification requirements, the shareholder
will be deprived of voting rights attached to the shares it
holds in excess of the relevant threshold. The shareholder will
be deprived of its voting rights at all shareholders meetings
held until the end of a two-year period following the date on
which the shareholder has complied with the notification
requirements. Furthermore, any shareholder who fails to comply
with these requirements, including the notification requirements
of Alcatels organizational documents, may have all or part
of its voting rights (and not only with respect to the shares in
excess of the relevant threshold) suspended for up to five years
by court decree at the request of Alcatels chairman, any
of Alcatels shareholders or the AMF. Such shareholder may
also be subject to criminal liability.
In order to allow shareholders to give appropriate notice in
accordance with French law and the articles of association and
bylaws of the company, Alcatel is required to publish in the
BALO, no later than 15 calendar days from its annual ordinary
shareholders meeting, information with respect to the total
number of votes available as of the date of the meeting. In
addition, in the future, Alcatel shall disclose the allocation
of available shares and voting rights on a monthly basis if
those shares and voting rights have varied since their last
disclosure. The means of such disclosure will be specified in a
stock exchange regulation which is expected to be enacted in the
near future.
Payment of Dividends
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, dividends may be
declared by the board of directors of a corporation. The DGCL
generally permits dividends to be paid out of any surplus,
defined as the excess of the net assets of the corporation over
the amount determined to be the capital of the corporation by
the board of directors, which cannot be less than the aggregate
par value of all issued shares of capital stock. The DGCL also
permits a dividend to be paid out of the net profits of the
current or the preceding fiscal year, or both, unless net assets
are less than the capital represented by any outstanding
preferred shares. Lucents certificate of incorporation
provides that the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall
be entitled to receive quarterly dividends payable in cash prior
to the payment of any cash dividend to holders of common stock.
Dividends are paid to the holder of record on the record date of
the dividend.
Under French law, the board of directors is entitled to propose
the distribution of dividends at the ordinary shareholders
meeting. The holders of a majority of the voting rights present
or represented at the meeting must then approve the
distribution. The aggregate amount of dividends a company is
entitled to distribute for a certain fiscal year may not exceed
the amount of so-called distributable amounts (sommes
distribuables) for that year. In any fiscal year, the
companys distributable amounts will equal the sum of the
following:
The companys profits for the fiscal year, less
|
|
|
|
|
the companys losses for the fiscal year, less |
|
|
|
any required contribution to the companys legal reserve
fund under French law, plus |
|
|
|
any additional profits that the company reported, but did not
distribute in its prior fiscal years, less |
|
|
|
any loss carryforward from prior fiscal years, plus |
|
|
|
any reserves available for distribution. |
Except in case of a decrease in the share capital, no
distribution may be made to shareholders if, as a result of such
distribution, the shareholders equity would fall below the
amount of the share capital increased by those reserves that may
not be distributed according to applicable legal provisions or
the companys
165
organizational documents. The methods of payment of dividends
are determined by the shareholders at their general meeting.
If the company has made a profit since the end of the preceding
fiscal year, as shown on an interim balance sheet certified by
the companys statutory auditors, the board of directors is
entitled, subject to the provisions of the French Commercial
Code and other regulations, to distribute interim dividends
prior to the approval of the annual accounts by the
shareholders. The amount of these interim dividends may not
exceed the amount of the so-called distributable
profit (bénéfice distribuable) resulting
from the following formula:
|
|
|
|
|
the profit of the company for the fiscal year, less |
|
|
|
the aggregate amount of losses the company may have incurred
prior to the last fiscal year, less |
|
|
|
any required contribution to the companys legal reserve
fund under French law, plus |
|
|
|
any additional profits the company reported, but did not
distribute during the last fiscal year. |
Consistent with past practice, the holders of Alcatel ordinary
shares issued between the first day of each fiscal year and the
record date for payment of dividends, if any, in that fiscal
year are not entitled to such dividends unless otherwise
provided in the decision to issue such shares. For all other
shares, the dividend is paid at a date determined at the
shareholders meeting to holders of Alcatel ordinary shares who
held such shares at the close of business on the date preceding
the date on which the dividend is to be paid, as determined by
the shareholders meeting (or at the close of business on
the date preceding the date of payment of an interim dividend
decided by the board of directors of Alcatel).
Preferential Subscription Rights
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, stockholders have no
pre-emptive rights to subscribe for additional issues of stock
or for any security convertible into such stock unless, and
except to the extent that, such rights are expressly provided
for in the certificate of incorporation. The Lucent certificate
of incorporation does not provide for pre-emptive rights.
Under the French Commercial Code, if a corporation issues shares
or other securities that carry a right, directly or indirectly,
to purchase equity securities issued by the corporation for
cash, current shareholders have preferential rights to purchase
those securities on a pro rata basis. Those rights entitle the
individual or entity that holds them to subscribe in an offering
of any securities that may increase the companys share
capital for consideration consisting of a cash payment or a
set-off of cash debts. Preferential subscription rights are
transferable during the subscription period relating to a
particular offering. The rights are listed on Euronext Paris for
the same period.
Preferential subscription rights with respect to any particular
offering can be waived upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the shareholders present or represented at an extraordinary
shareholders meeting. French law requires a companys board
of directors and independent auditors to present reports that
specifically address any proposal to waive preferential
subscription rights. In the event of a waiver, the offering must
be completed within the period prescribed by the law. The
shareholders may also decide at an extraordinary general meeting
to give the existing shareholders a non-transferable priority
right to subscribe for the new securities during a limited
period of time. Shareholders may also waive their own
preferential subscription rights with respect to any particular
offering.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
imposes, with some exceptions, a three-year ban on certain
transactions and business combinations between a corporation (or
its majority-owned subsidiaries)
166
and a holder of 15% or more of the corporations
outstanding voting stock, together with affiliates or associates
thereof.
The three-year ban does not apply if:
|
|
|
|
|
either (1) the proposed business combination or
(2) the transaction by which the 15% stockholder became a
15% stockholder is approved by the board of directors of the
corporation prior to completion; |
|
|
|
if the 15% stockholder owns at least 85% of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation, without regard to those shares
owned by the corporations officers and directors or
certain employee stock plans; or |
|
|
|
if the transaction or business combination is approved by the
board of directors of the corporation and, at an annual or
special meeting, by the holders of at least
662/3
% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not
owned by the 15% stockholder. |
A corporation may elect not to be governed by Section 203
of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Neither Lucents
certificate of incorporation nor its bylaws contain this
election. Therefore, Lucent is governed by Section 203 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, and the provisions
requiring supermajority approval apply to Lucent with respect to
business combinations with interested stockholders.
Under applicable French stock exchange regulations, when an
individual or legal entity, acting alone or in concert, comes to
hold, directly or indirectly, more than one-third of the shares
or voting rights of a listed company, such person or legal
entity is required to inform the AMF thereof and make a tender
offer for all the capital stock of the company and for all other
securities convertible into, or exchangeable or otherwise
exercisable for, the capital stock or voting rights of the
company. The offer must be on terms and conditions that are
acceptable to the AMF and must remain open for 25 trading days.
The same provisions apply to:
|
|
|
|
|
any individual or legal entity acting alone or in concert that
holds directly or indirectly between one-third and one-half of
the shares or voting rights of a company and has increased its
interest in the capital or voting rights of such company by more
than 2% within less than 12 consecutive months; |
|
|
|
any individual or legal entity acting alone or in concert that,
as a result of a merger or asset contribution, comes to hold
more than one-third of a companys shares or voting rights,
where such shares represent an essential part of the assets of
the entity absorbed or contributed; or |
|
|
|
any company holding more than one-third of the share capital or
voting rights of a listed company, where such interest
constitutes an essential part of the companys assets and
(i) a third party acquires control (as defined
under the French Commercial Code) of the company; or (ii) a
group of persons acting in concert acquires control of the
company, unless one or more of those persons already exercised
control over the company and remains predominant, and as long as
the balance of respective interests is not altered significantly. |
French stock exchange regulations provide that the AMF may grant
certain exemptions to the obligation to make a mandatory offer.
Under French stock market regulations, a shareholder who comes
to hold, alone or in concert with others, at least 95% of the
voting rights of a listed company may initiate a withdrawal
offer (offre publique de retrait) to acquire the shares
of the remaining shareholders and, subject to the
initiators decision at the time of the offer launch, the
withdrawal offer may be followed by a mandatory squeeze-out
(retrait obligatoire) of the remaining minority
shareholders. The majority shareholder may also reserve its
right to initiate a squeeze-out until the withdrawal offer has
been completed. In the event that a majority shareholder or
group of shareholders holds 95% of a companys voting
rights, any minority holder of voting equity securities is
entitled to solicit the AMF to request that the majority
shareholder or group of shareholders file a withdrawal offer to
acquire the minority shares. The consideration paid to minority
shareholders in a squeeze-out cannot be
167
inferior to the consideration paid in the preceding withdrawal
offer (and may be required to be higher if any event that would
have an impact on the value of the companys securities
occurs after the withdrawal offer has been declared receivable
by the AMF). Also, it must be appraised by an independent expert.
French law and Alcatels articles of association and bylaws
also require notification if a shareholders ownership of
shares exceeds certain thresholds and provides the loss of
voting rights in the event that such timely notice is not
provided. See above under Disclosure of
Interests. In addition, no shareholder may cast 8% (or
16%, in certain limited circumstances) of the votes attached to
the shares present or represented at any shareholder meeting,
unless the shareholder holds at least
662/3
% of the total number of shares as a result of a public
tender offer. See above under Shareholders Meetings,
Voting and Quorum.
On March 31, 2006, legislation took effect in France
allowing companies to issue warrants that are convertible into
shares at a discounted price in response to the receipt of a
takeover proposal from certain potential acquirers. Approval by
holders of a majority of a companys outstanding shares is
required for adoption of the resolution concerning the issuance
of the warrants and the conditions for their use, including the
maximum amount of the share capital increase that could result
from the warrants being exercised and the maximum number of
warrants to be issued.
Shareholder Suits
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a stockholder may
bring a derivative action on behalf of the corporation to
enforce the rights of the corporation. A person may institute
and maintain a derivative suit only if he was a stockholder at
the time of the transaction which is the subject of the suit or
his stock was transferred to him, her or it by operation of law.
Additionally, under Delaware case law, the plaintiff generally
must be a stockholder not only at the time of the transaction
which is the subject of the suit, but also through the duration
of the derivative suit. The Delaware General Corporation Law
also requires that the derivative plaintiff make a demand on the
directors of the corporation to assert the corporate claim
before the suit may be prosecuted by the derivative plaintiff,
unless the demand would be futile.
The French Commercial Code allows a shareholder or shareholders,
irrespective of the percentage of share capital he owns, or a
group of shareholders owning a specified percentage of the share
capital who designate one or more among them to represent them,
to initiate a derivative lawsuit (action sociale) against
one or more directors. The purpose of such lawsuit is to recover
the damages that the company incurred as a result of the
directors actions.
Inspection of Books and Records
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, every stockholder,
upon proper written demand stating the purpose, may inspect the
corporate books and records as long as the inspection is for a
proper purpose and during normal business hours.
Furthermore, every stockholder of the corporation may make
copies and extracts from the corporations stock ledger, a
list of its stockholders, and its other books and records. A
proper purpose is any purpose reasonably related to
the interest of the inspecting person as a stockholder.
Under the French Commercial Code, shareholders or their proxies
may examine a number of corporate records pertaining to the last
three fiscal years, including:
|
|
|
|
|
inventory lists; |
|
|
|
annual financial statements; |
|
|
|
consolidated financial statements, if any; |
168
|
|
|
|
|
reports of the board of directors and the statutory auditors; |
|
|
|
proposed resolutions; |
|
|
|
information regarding candidates for the board of directors; |
|
|
|
the total overall compensation paid to the corporations
ten highest-paid employees; |
|
|
|
the total amount of charitable deductions made by the
corporation, certified by the statutory auditors; |
|
|
|
minutes of shareholders meetings; |
|
|
|
attendance sheets of shareholders meetings; |
|
|
|
a list of transactions with related parties; |
|
|
|
report on employment-related matters (bilan
social); and |
|
|
|
a list of the corporations directors and statutory
auditors. |
Shareholders may consult the documents listed above at any time
at the companys registered office. Shareholders are also
entitled to make one copy of the documents available for
examination with the exception of inventory lists.
Shareholders have special inspection rights before a
shareholders meeting. They can request additional information,
including:
|
|
|
|
|
the agenda for the meeting; |
|
|
|
a table showing the results of operations for the last five
years; |
|
|
|
a summary of the companys financial situation over the
last fiscal year; |
|
|
|
the proposed resolutions to be presented at the meeting; |
|
|
|
a proxy card and a form for voting by mail; and |
|
|
|
a form for requesting documents at later meetings. |
Between the date of publication of the meeting notice and the
date of the meeting, shareholders or their proxies may inspect,
at the companys registered office, any of the above
documents, as well as a list of the companys shareholders,
which must be finalized by the company 15 calendar days before
the meeting.
Reporting Requirements
As a U.S. reporting company, Lucent must file with the SEC,
among other reports and notices:
|
|
|
|
|
an annual report on
Form 10-K within
60 days after the end of each fiscal year; |
|
|
|
quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q within
40 days after the end of each of the first three quarters
of the fiscal year; and |
|
|
|
current reports on
Form 8-K upon the
occurrence of specified corporate events. |
In addition to the foregoing, federal securities laws require
Lucent to mail the following documents to its stockholders in
advance of each annual meeting:
|
|
|
|
|
an annual report containing audited financial
statements; and |
|
|
|
a proxy statement that complies with the requirements of the
Exchange Act. |
169
As a French société anonyme, Alcatel is
required to file the following documents with the Paris
Commercial Court within one month from the annual ordinary
shareholders meeting:
|
|
|
|
|
annual financial statements; |
|
|
|
a management report; |
|
|
|
a report of the statutory auditors on the annual financial
statements; |
|
|
|
the proposed allocation of the results submitted to the
shareholders; and |
|
|
|
the resolution on the allocation of the companys results
approved by the shareholders. |
As a French société anonyme and the parent
company of a group, Alcatel is required to file the following
documents with the Paris Commercial Court within one month from
its annual ordinary shareholders meeting:
|
|
|
|
|
consolidated financial statements; |
|
|
|
a group management report; and |
|
|
|
a report of the statutory auditors on the consolidated financial
statements. |
As a company listed on a regulated market, Alcatel is also
required to:
|
|
|
|
|
attach to its annual financial statements an inventory of the
securities listed in the corporate portfolio as of the close of
the fiscal year; |
|
|
|
publish annually in the BALO, within four months from the end of
the fiscal year and at least 15 days prior to the annual
ordinary shareholders meeting, the following documents: |
|
|
|
|
|
annual financial statements; |
|
|
|
the proposed allocation of results, in table format required
pursuant to the French general accounting principles; and |
|
|
|
consolidated financial statements; |
with a clear statement, on the face thereof, that those
documents have not been reviewed by the companys statutory
auditors;
|
|
|
|
|
publish, within 45 days from the annual ordinary
shareholders meeting, a separate BALO entry of the following
documents: |
|
|
|
|
|
approved annual financial statements; |
|
|
|
the decision of the allocation of the result; and |
|
|
|
consolidated accounts reviewed by the statutory auditors; |
|
|
|
|
|
publish, within four months from the end of the first semester,
a table of activity and results and a report on the
semesters activity; and |
|
|
|
publish, within 45 days from the end of each quarter, a
breakdown per branch of activity of its quarterly turnover and,
if applicable, its turnover for previous quarters, a comparison
of those figures with the figures of the previous fiscal year,
as well as a consolidated statement of its net turnover. |
As a foreign private issuer in the United States, Alcatel is
required to file with the SEC an annual report on
Form 20-F within
six months after the end of each fiscal year. Furthermore,
Alcatel must furnish reports on
Form 6-K with
respect to any material information which is required to be
publicly disclosed in France or filed with Euronext Paris SA, or
regarding information distributed or required to be distributed
by Alcatel to its shareholders.
170
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Shareowner Proposals
The 2007 annual meeting of Lucent shareowners will not be held
if the merger is completed. Therefore, Lucent reserves the right
to postpone or cancel its 2007 annual meeting. If the 2007
annual meeting is held, Lucent shareowners may submit proposals
on matters appropriate for shareowner action at meetings of
Lucents shareowners in accordance with
Rule 14a-8 under
the Exchange Act. If a Lucent shareowner wants Lucent to include
such a proposal in its proxy statement for presentation at its
2007 annual meeting of shareowners, the proposal must be
received by Lucents Corporate Secretary, at
600 Mountain Avenue, Room 3C-536, Murray Hill, New
Jersey 07974, no later than September 5, 2006, and all
applicable requirements of
Rule 14a-8 must be
satisfied. If the shareowner submitting the proposal is not the
holder of record, the shareowner will need to submit to Lucent
proof of ownership for at least one year. This can generally be
obtained from the broker or other nominee holding the shares.
Lucent is not required to include any proposal received after
September 5, 2006 in its proxy materials for the 2007
annual meeting.
A shareowner may also nominate directors or have other business
brought before the 2007 annual meeting by submitting the
nomination or proposal to Lucent on or after October 5,
2006, and on or before November 4, 2006, in accordance with
Section 2.7 of Lucents bylaws. The nomination or
proposal must be delivered to Lucents Corporate Secretary,
600 Mountain Avenue, Room 3C-536, Murray Hill, New Jersey
07974, and meet all the requirements of Lucents bylaws.
Legal Matters
The legality of the Alcatel ordinary shares offered by this
proxy statement/ prospectus will be passed upon for Alcatel by
Mr. Pascal Durand-Barthez, general counsel to Alcatel.
Mr. Durand-Barthez is regularly employed by Alcatel, owns
Alcatel ordinary shares and holds options to purchase additional
Alcatel ordinary shares.
Experts
The consolidated financial statements of Alcatel and its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and for each
of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005,
which have been incorporated into this proxy statement/
prospectus by reference to Alcatels 2005
Form 20-F, have
been audited by Deloitte & Associés
(Neuilly-sur-Seine, France), an independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The audited historical financial statements and
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting included in Exhibit 99.1
of Lucents current report on
Form 8-K dated
May 5, 2006 have been so incorporated in reliance on the
report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
Where You Can Find More Information
Alcatel and Lucent file reports and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy these reports, statements or other
information filed by either Alcatel or Lucent at the SECs
Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the Public Reference Rooms. The SEC
filings of Alcatel and Lucent are also available to the public
from commercial document retrieval services and at the website
maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
Alcatel has filed a registration statement on
Form F-4 to
register with the SEC the Alcatel ordinary shares underlying the
Alcatel ADSs to be issued to Lucent shareowners in the merger.
This proxy statement/ prospectus forms a part of that
registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of Alcatel,
in addition to being a proxy statement of Lucent for its special
meeting. The registration statement, including the attached
171
annexes, exhibits and schedules, contains additional relevant
information about Alcatel and Lucent. As allowed by SEC rules,
this proxy statement/ prospectus does not contain all the
information you can find in the registration statement or the
exhibits to the registration statement.
The SEC allows Alcatel and Lucent to incorporate by
reference information into this proxy statement/
prospectus. This means that Alcatel and Lucent can disclose
important information to you by referring you to another
document filed separately with the SEC. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this
proxy statement/ prospectus, except for any information that is
superseded by information that is included directly in this
proxy statement/ prospectus or incorporated by reference
subsequent to the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus.
Neither Alcatel nor Lucent incorporate the contents of their
websites into this proxy statement/ prospectus.
This proxy statement/ prospectus incorporates by reference the
documents listed below that Alcatel and Lucent have previously
filed with or furnished to the SEC. They contain important
information about Alcatel and Lucent and the financial condition
of each company.
|
|
|
Alcatel SEC Filings (File No. 001-11130) |
|
Period and/or Date Filed or Date Furnished |
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 20-F
|
|
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed on
March 31, 2006, as amended on August 4, 2006 |
Reports on Form 6-K
|
|
Furnished on April 3, 2006; April 6, 2006; and
June 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
Lucent SEC Filings (File No. 001-11639) |
|
Period and/or Date Filed |
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 10-K
|
|
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, filed on
December 14, 2005 |
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
|
|
Quarterly period ended December 31, 2005, filed on
February 8, 2006; and quarterly period ended March 31,
2006, filed on May 9, 2006 |
Current Reports on Form 8-K
|
|
Filed on: December 22, 2005 (under Item 1.01
only); January 13, 2006 (under Item 5.02 only);
January 20, 2006; February 28, 2006; March 27,
2006; April 3, 2006; May 5, 2006; June 8, 2006
and July 27, 2006 (under Item 2.02 (to the extent
filed and not furnished) and Item 8.01 only) |
Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for Lucents 2006
Annual Meeting of Shareowners |
|
Filed on January 3, 2006 |
In addition, Alcatel and Lucent incorporate by reference
additional documents that they may file with the SEC pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
between the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus and the
date of the Lucent special meeting. These documents include
periodic reports, such as annual reports on
Form 20-F or on
Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q and
current reports on
Form 6-K or
Form 8-K.
Alcatel and Lucent also incorporate by reference the merger
agreement attached to this proxy statement/ prospectus as
Annex A, and the English translation of Alcatels
articles of association and bylaws (giving effect to the
proposed amendments to be voted on by Alcatel shareholders)
attached to this proxy statement prospectus as Annex B.
Alcatel has supplied all information contained in or
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus
relating to Alcatel and Merger Sub, and Lucent has supplied all
information contained in this proxy statement/ prospectus
relating to Lucent.
You can obtain any of the documents that Alcatel and Lucent have
filed with the SEC through Alcatel or Lucent, as the case may
be, or from the SEC through the SECs website at
http://www.sec.gov. These
172
documents are available from Alcatel and Lucent without charge,
excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is
specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this
proxy statement/ prospectus. Alcatel shareholders and Lucent
shareowners may request a copy of such documents by contacting
the applicable department at:
|
|
|
Alcatel |
|
Lucent Technologies Inc. |
54, rue La Boétie |
|
600 Mountain Avenue |
75008 Paris, France |
|
Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 |
Attention: Investor Relations |
|
Attention: Investor Relations |
In order for you to receive timely delivery of the documents
in advance of the Lucent special meeting, Alcatel or Lucent, as
applicable, should receive your request no later than
August 30, 2006.
Alcatel and Lucent have not authorized anyone to give any
information or make any representation about the merger or their
companies that is different from, or in addition to, that
contained in this proxy statement/ prospectus or in any of the
materials that have been incorporated into this proxy statement/
prospectus. Therefore, if anyone does give you information of
this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a
jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations
of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by
this proxy statement/ prospectus or the solicitation of proxies
is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to
direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in
this proxy statement/ prospectus does not extend to you. The
information contained in this proxy statement/ prospectus is
accurate only as of the date of this document unless the
information specifically indicates that another date applies.
173
ANNEX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
dated as of
April 2, 2006
by and among
LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
ALCATEL
and
AURA MERGER SUB, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
|
|
| |
ARTICLE I
The Merger |
Section 1.01
|
|
The Merger |
|
|
A-1 |
|
Section 1.02
|
|
Conversion of Shares |
|
|
A-2 |
|
Section 1.03
|
|
Surrender and Payment |
|
|
A-2 |
|
Section 1.04
|
|
Stock Options and Other Stock-Based Awards |
|
|
A-4 |
|
Section 1.05
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
A-5 |
|
Section 1.06
|
|
Fractional Shares |
|
|
A-5 |
|
Section 1.07
|
|
Withholding Rights |
|
|
A-6 |
|
Section 1.08
|
|
Lost Certificates |
|
|
A-6 |
|
Section 1.09
|
|
Shares Held by Lucent Affiliates |
|
|
A-6 |
|
|
ARTICLE II
Certain Governance Matters |
Section 2.01
|
|
Corporate Name and Executive Offices |
|
|
A-6 |
|
Section 2.02
|
|
Alcatel Board of Directors and Management |
|
|
A-7 |
|
Section 2.03
|
|
Articles of Association and By-laws of Alcatel |
|
|
A-7 |
|
Section 2.04
|
|
Board Rules of Alcatel |
|
|
A-7 |
|
Section 2.05
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation |
|
|
A-7 |
|
Section 2.06
|
|
By-laws of the Surviving Corporation |
|
|
A-7 |
|
Section 2.07
|
|
Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation |
|
|
A-7 |
|
Section 2.08
|
|
Governance of Bell Laboratories and Certain Government Contracts |
|
|
A-7 |
|
|
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of Lucent |
Section 3.01
|
|
Corporate Existence and Power |
|
|
A-8 |
|
Section 3.02
|
|
Corporate Authorization |
|
|
A-8 |
|
Section 3.03
|
|
Governmental Authorization |
|
|
A-9 |
|
Section 3.04
|
|
Non-Contravention |
|
|
A-9 |
|
Section 3.05
|
|
Capitalization of Lucent |
|
|
A-9 |
|
Section 3.06
|
|
Subsidiaries |
|
|
A-10 |
|
Section 3.07
|
|
SEC Filings |
|
|
A-11 |
|
Section 3.08
|
|
Financial Statements |
|
|
A-12 |
|
Section 3.09
|
|
Disclosure Documents |
|
|
A-12 |
|
Section 3.10
|
|
Absence of Certain Changes |
|
|
A-12 |
|
Section 3.11
|
|
No Undisclosed Material Liabilities |
|
|
A-13 |
|
Section 3.12
|
|
Investigation; Litigation |
|
|
A-13 |
|
Section 3.13
|
|
Taxes |
|
|
A-13 |
|
Section 3.14
|
|
Employee Benefit Plan; Employment and Labor Matters |
|
|
A-14 |
|
Section 3.15
|
|
Compliance with Laws |
|
|
A-15 |
|
Section 3.16
|
|
Environmental Matters |
|
|
A-16 |
|
Section 3.17
|
|
Intellectual Property |
|
|
A-17 |
|
Section 3.18
|
|
Vendor Financing |
|
|
A-17 |
|
Section 3.19
|
|
Takeover Statutes |
|
|
A-18 |
|
A-i
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Section 3.20
|
|
Finders or Advisors Fees |
|
|
A-18 |
|
Section 3.21
|
|
Opinions of Financial Advisors |
|
|
A-18 |
|
|
ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of Alcatel |
Section 4.01
|
|
Corporate Organization |
|
|
A-18 |
|
Section 4.02
|
|
Corporate Authorization |
|
|
A-18 |
|
Section 4.03
|
|
Governmental Authorization |
|
|
A-19 |
|
Section 4.04
|
|
Non-Contravention |
|
|
A-19 |
|
Section 4.05
|
|
Capitalization of Alcatel |
|
|
A-20 |
|
Section 4.06
|
|
Subsidiaries |
|
|
A-20 |
|
Section 4.07
|
|
SEC Filings |
|
|
A-21 |
|
Section 4.08
|
|
Financial Statements |
|
|
A-21 |
|
Section 4.09
|
|
Disclosure Documents |
|
|
A-22 |
|
Section 4.10
|
|
Absence of Certain Changes |
|
|
A-22 |
|
Section 4.11
|
|
No Undisclosed Material Liabilities |
|
|
A-23 |
|
Section 4.12
|
|
Investigation; Litigation |
|
|
A-23 |
|
Section 4.13
|
|
Taxes |
|
|
A-23 |
|
Section 4.14
|
|
Employee Benefit Plans; Employment and Labor Matters |
|
|
A-24 |
|
Section 4.15
|
|
Compliance with Laws |
|
|
A-25 |
|
Section 4.16
|
|
Environmental Matters |
|
|
A-25 |
|
Section 4.17
|
|
Intellectual Property |
|
|
A-26 |
|
Section 4.18
|
|
Vendor Financing |
|
|
A-26 |
|
Section 4.19
|
|
Finders or Advisors Fees |
|
|
A-26 |
|
Section 4.20
|
|
Opinion of Financial Advisor |
|
|
A-26 |
|
Section 4.21
|
|
Takeover Statutes |
|
|
A-26 |
|
|
ARTICLE V
Covenants of Lucent |
Section 5.01
|
|
Conduct of Lucent |
|
|
A-27 |
|
Section 5.02
|
|
Lucent Stockholder Meeting; Proxy Material |
|
|
A-29 |
|
Section 5.03
|
|
Other Offers |
|
|
A-29 |
|
Section 5.04
|
|
Shareholder Rights Plan |
|
|
A-30 |
|
|
ARTICLE VI
Covenants of Alcatel |
Section 6.01
|
|
Conduct of Alcatel |
|
|
A-31 |
|
Section 6.02
|
|
Obligations of Merger Subsidiary |
|
|
A-33 |
|
Section 6.03
|
|
Director and Officer Liability |
|
|
A-33 |
|
Section 6.04
|
|
Alcatel Shareholder Meeting; Form F-4 |
|
|
A-33 |
|
Section 6.05
|
|
Stock Exchange Listing |
|
|
A-34 |
|
Section 6.06
|
|
Employee Benefits |
|
|
A-34 |
|
Section 6.07
|
|
Other Offers |
|
|
A-35 |
|
Section 6.08
|
|
Business in Sanctioned Countries |
|
|
A-36 |
|
A-ii
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
ARTICLE VII
Covenants of Alcatel and Lucent |
Section 7.01
|
|
Reasonable Best Efforts |
|
|
A-37 |
|
Section 7.02
|
|
Preparation of Proxy Statement/ Prospectus; Form F-4,
Form F-6 |
|
|
A-38 |
|
Section 7.03
|
|
Access to Information; Compliance Program; Transition Committee |
|
|
A-39 |
|
Section 7.04
|
|
Tax Treatment |
|
|
A-39 |
|
Section 7.05
|
|
Public Announcements |
|
|
A-40 |
|
Section 7.06
|
|
Further Assurances |
|
|
A-40 |
|
Section 7.07
|
|
Notices of Certain Events |
|
|
A-40 |
|
Section 7.08
|
|
Payment of Dividends |
|
|
A-41 |
|
|
ARTICLE VIII
Conditions to the Merger |
Section 8.01
|
|
Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party |
|
|
A-41 |
|
Section 8.02
|
|
Conditions to the Obligations of Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary |
|
|
A-42 |
|
Section 8.03
|
|
Conditions to the Obligations of Lucent |
|
|
A-43 |
|
|
ARTICLE IX
Termination |
Section 9.01
|
|
Termination |
|
|
A-44 |
|
Section 9.02
|
|
Effect of Termination |
|
|
A-44 |
|
|
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous |
Section 10.01
|
|
Notices |
|
|
A-45 |
|
Section 10.02
|
|
Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties |
|
|
A-45 |
|
Section 10.03
|
|
Amendments; No Waivers |
|
|
A-45 |
|
Section 10.04
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
A-46 |
|
Section 10.05
|
|
Successors and Assigns |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.06
|
|
Governing Law |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.07
|
|
Jurisdiction |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.08
|
|
Waiver of Jury Trial |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.09
|
|
Counterparts; Effectiveness |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.10
|
|
Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.11
|
|
Interpretation |
|
|
A-48 |
|
Section 10.12
|
|
Severability |
|
|
A-49 |
|
A-iii
INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
1933 Act
|
|
|
7 |
|
ADS
|
|
|
3 |
|
Affected Employees
|
|
|
46 |
|
Agreement
|
|
|
1 |
|
Alcatel
|
|
|
1 |
|
Alcatel Acquisition Proposal
|
|
|
48 |
|
Alcatel Balance Sheet
|
|
|
29 |
|
Alcatel Balance Sheet Date
|
|
|
29 |
|
Alcatel CEO
|
|
|
9 |
|
Alcatel Change in Recommendation
|
|
|
45 |
|
Alcatel Circular
|
|
|
29 |
|
Alcatel Disclosure Letter
|
|
|
26 |
|
Alcatel Employee Plan
|
|
|
32 |
|
Alcatel Initial Fee
|
|
|
63 |
|
Alcatel Necessary Corporate Documents
|
|
|
45 |
|
Alcatel Ordinary Share
|
|
|
3 |
|
Alcatel SEC Documents
|
|
|
28 |
|
Alcatel Securities
|
|
|
27 |
|
Alcatel Shareholder Approval
|
|
|
25 |
|
Alcatel Shareholder Meeting
|
|
|
45 |
|
Alcatel Stock Option Plans
|
|
|
27 |
|
Alcatel Subsidiary Securities
|
|
|
28 |
|
Alcatel Superior Proposal
|
|
|
48 |
|
Alcatel Termination Fee
|
|
|
63 |
|
Alcatel Vendor Financing
|
|
|
35 |
|
AMF
|
|
|
12 |
|
Appropriate Assets
|
|
|
10 |
|
Book-Entry Shares
|
|
|
4 |
|
Certificates
|
|
|
3 |
|
CFIUS
|
|
|
55 |
|
Cleanup
|
|
|
21 |
|
Closing
|
|
|
2 |
|
Closing Date
|
|
|
2 |
|
Code
|
|
|
1 |
|
Common Shares Trust
|
|
|
8 |
|
Confidentiality Agreement
|
|
|
52 |
|
Delaware Law
|
|
|
1 |
|
Depository
|
|
|
3 |
|
Detriment
|
|
|
56 |
|
EC Merger Regulation
|
|
|
12 |
|
Effective Time
|
|
|
2 |
|
End Date
|
|
|
58 |
|
Environmental Claim
|
|
|
22 |
|
Environmental Laws
|
|
|
22 |
|
ERISA
|
|
|
19 |
|
Excess Shares
|
|
|
7 |
|
Exchange Act
|
|
|
12 |
|
Exchange Agent
|
|
|
3 |
|
Exchange Ratio
|
|
|
2 |
|
Exon-Florio Act
|
|
|
12 |
|
Filed Alcatel SEC Documents
|
|
|
24 |
|
Filed Lucent SEC Documents
|
|
|
10 |
|
Form F-4
|
|
|
29 |
|
Form F-6
|
|
|
29 |
|
Hazardous Materials
|
|
|
22 |
|
HSR Act
|
|
|
12 |
|
IFRS
|
|
|
29 |
|
Indemnitees
|
|
|
44 |
|
Intellectual Property
|
|
|
22 |
|
Lien
|
|
|
12 |
|
Lucent
|
|
|
1 |
|
Lucent Acquisition Proposal
|
|
|
40 |
|
Lucent Balance Sheet
|
|
|
16 |
|
Lucent Balance Sheet Date
|
|
|
16 |
|
Lucent CEO
|
|
|
9 |
|
Lucent Change in Recommendation
|
|
|
39 |
|
Lucent Convertible Debt
|
|
|
7 |
|
Lucent Disclosure Letter
|
|
|
6 |
|
Lucent Employee Plan
|
|
|
19 |
|
Lucent Initial Fee
|
|
|
62 |
|
Lucent Proxy Statement
|
|
|
16 |
|
Lucent SEC Documents
|
|
|
15 |
|
Lucent Securities
|
|
|
13 |
|
Lucent Stock Option
|
|
|
5 |
|
Lucent Stock Option Plans
|
|
|
5 |
|
Lucent Stock-Based Account
|
|
|
6 |
|
Lucent Stockholder Approval
|
|
|
11 |
|
Lucent Stockholder Meeting
|
|
|
38 |
|
Lucent Subsidiary Securities
|
|
|
14 |
|
Lucent Superior Proposal
|
|
|
40 |
|
Lucent Termination Fee
|
|
|
62 |
|
Lucent Vendor Financing
|
|
|
24 |
|
Lucent Warrants
|
|
|
6 |
|
Major Pension Plans
|
|
|
57 |
|
A-iv
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
Material Adverse Effect
|
|
|
11 |
|
Merger
|
|
|
1 |
|
Merger Consideration
|
|
|
3 |
|
Merger Subsidiary
|
|
|
1 |
|
Multiemployer Plans
|
|
|
19 |
|
New Alcatel By-Laws
|
|
|
9 |
|
NYSE
|
|
|
7 |
|
Person
|
|
|
3 |
|
Plan Asset Measurement Date
|
|
|
57 |
|
Plan Assets
|
|
|
57 |
|
Qualifying Amendment
|
|
|
51 |
|
Release
|
|
|
22 |
|
Rule 145
|
|
|
8 |
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
|
|
|
15 |
|
SEC
|
|
|
7 |
|
Shares
|
|
|
2 |
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
3 |
|
Surviving Corporation
|
|
|
1 |
|
Tax Returns
|
|
|
19 |
|
Taxes
|
|
|
18 |
|
Trade Secrets
|
|
|
23 |
|
Transition Committee
|
|
|
52 |
|
US GAAP
|
|
|
15 |
|
Warrant Agreement
|
|
|
6 |
|
A-v
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Amended and Restated Articles of
Association and By-laws of Alcatel (statuts)
Exhibit B Amended and Restated Board Rules of
Alcatel (Règlements intérieurs)
Exhibit C Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of Surviving Company
Exhibit D Form of Affiliate Letter
A-vi
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this
Agreement), dated as of April 2, 2006,
by and among Lucent Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(Lucent), Alcatel, a société
anonyme organized under the laws of the Republic of France
(Alcatel), and Aura Merger Sub, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of
Alcatel (Merger Subsidiary).
W I T N E S S
E T H:
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Merger Subsidiary
and Lucent have approved this Agreement, and deem it advisable
and in the best interests of their respective stockholders to
consummate the merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into Lucent
on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and the Board of
Directors of Lucent has determined to recommend the Merger to
the stockholders of Lucent;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Alcatel has approved this
Agreement, and deems it in the best interest of Alcatel to
consummate the merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into Lucent
on the terms and conditions set forth herein and has determined
to recommend the Merger to the shareholders of Alcatel; and
WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, it is
intended that the Merger qualify (i) as a reorganization
under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code),
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and
(ii) for an exception to the general rule of
Section 367(a)(1) of the Code, and that this Agreement be,
and is hereby adopted as, a plan of reorganization for purposes
of Section 368 of the Code.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
The Merger
Section 1.01 The
Merger. (a) At the Effective Time (as defined in
Section 1.01(b)), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, Merger Subsidiary shall
be merged (the Merger) with and into Lucent
in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware (Delaware Law), whereupon the
separate existence of Merger Subsidiary shall cease, and Lucent
shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger (the
Surviving Corporation).
(b) As soon as practicable after satisfaction or, to the
extent permitted hereunder, waiver of all conditions to the
Merger, Lucent and Merger Subsidiary will file a certificate of
merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and
make all other filings or recordings required by Delaware Law in
connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective at
such time as the certificate of merger is duly filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later
time as is specified in the certificate of merger (the
Effective Time).
(c) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving
Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges, powers and
franchises and be subject to all of the restrictions,
obligations and duties of Lucent and Merger Subsidiary, all as
provided under Section 259 of Delaware Law.
(d) The closing of the Merger (the
Closing) shall take place at the offices of
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Four Times
Square, New York, NY 10036, as soon as practicable, but in any
event within three business days after the day on which the last
to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in
Article VIII (other than those conditions that by their
nature are to be fulfilled by actions taken at the Closing, but
subject to the fulfillment or waiver of such conditions) shall
be fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement or at
such other place and time or on such other date as Lucent and
Alcatel may agree in writing (the Closing
Date).
A-1
Section 1.02 Conversion
of Shares. (a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of any party hereto or
of any holder of capital stock thereof:
|
|
|
(i) each share of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of Lucent (the Shares) held by Lucent
as treasury stock or held by Alcatel or Merger Subsidiary
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled, and
no payment shall be made with respect thereto; |
|
|
(ii) each share of common stock of Merger Subsidiary
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
converted into and become one share of common stock of the
Surviving Corporation with the same rights, powers and
privileges as the shares so converted and shall constitute the
only outstanding shares of capital stock of the Surviving
Corporation; and |
|
|
(iii) each Share outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall, except as otherwise provided in
Section 1.02(a)(i), be converted into the right to receive
0.1952 (the Exchange Ratio) of an ADS (as
defined below). |
(b) All ADSs issued as provided in this Section 1.02
shall be of the same class and shall have the same terms as the
currently outstanding ADSs. The Alcatel Ordinary Shares
underlying the ADSs that are issued in connection with the
Merger shall be of the same class and shall have the same terms
as the currently outstanding Alcatel Ordinary Shares with all
rights attached or accrued to them to any distribution occurring
after the Closing Date (including without limitation, interim
dividends or distributions out of retained earnings or issuance
or merger premium). Alcatel or Lucent shall, following the
Closing, except as provided in Section 1.03(c), pay all
stamp duties, if any, imposed in connection with the issuance or
creation of the ADSs (and the underlying Alcatel Ordinary
Shares) in connection with the Merger.
(c) From and after the Effective Time, each holder of a
certificate representing any Shares shall cease to have any
rights with respect thereto, except, in the case of holders of
Shares converted in accordance with Section 1.02(a)(iii),
the right to receive the Merger Consideration (as defined below)
and any dividends payable pursuant to Section 1.03(f), in
each case without interest thereon. From and after the Effective
Time, all certificates representing the common stock of Merger
Subsidiary shall be deemed for all purposes to represent the
number of shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation
into which they were converted in accordance with
Section 1.02(a)(ii).
(d) The ADSs to be received as consideration pursuant to
the Merger by each holder of Shares (together with cash in lieu
of fractional ADSs as specified below) is referred to herein as
the Merger Consideration.
(e) In accordance with Section 262 of Delaware Law, no
appraisal rights shall be available to the holders of Shares in
connection with the Merger.
(f) For purposes of this Agreement:
|
|
|
ADS means an American Depository Share of
Alcatel representing one (1) Alcatel Ordinary Share. |
|
|
Alcatel Ordinary Share means an ordinary
share, nominal value
2.00 per
share, of Alcatel. |
|
|
Subsidiary when used with respect to any
Person means any other Person, whether incorporated or
unincorporated, of which (i) more than fifty percent of the
capital securities or other ownership interests or
(ii) securities or other interests having by their terms
ordinary voting power to elect more than fifty percent of the
board of directors (or comparable governing body or person), is
directly owned or controlled by such first Person or by any one
or more of its Subsidiaries. |
|
|
Person means an individual, a corporation, a
limited liability company, a partnership, an association, a
trust or any other entity or organization, including a
government or political subdivision or any agency or
instrumentality thereof. |
Section 1.03 Surrender
and Payment. (a) Prior to the Effective Time, Alcatel
shall appoint The Bank of New York or an agent mutually agreed
by Alcatel and Lucent (the Exchange Agent),
pursuant to
A-2
an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to
Alcatel and Lucent for the purpose of exchanging certificates
representing Shares (the Certificates) for
the Merger Consideration and any dividends payable pursuant to
Section 1.03(f). At the Effective Time, Alcatel shall:
(i) deposit, or cause to be deposited, with
Société Générale, as custodian and agent of
The Bank of New York, as depositary for the ADSs, or any
successor depositary thereto (the
Depository), a number of Alcatel Ordinary
Shares equal to the aggregate number of ADSs to be issued as
Merger Consideration; and (ii) deposit, or cause to be
deposited, with the Exchange Agent the receipts representing
such aggregate number of ADSs, in each of cases (i) and
(ii), for the benefit of the holders of Shares which are
converted into the right to receive ADSs pursuant to
Section 1.02(a)(iii) of this Agreement. To the extent
required, Alcatel shall cause the Exchange Agent to requisition
from the Depository, from time to time, such number of ADSs as
are issuable in respect of Shares to be properly delivered to
the Exchange Agent. Promptly after the Effective Time, Alcatel
will send, or will cause the Exchange Agent to send, to each
holder of record at the Effective Time of Shares a letter of
transmittal for use in such exchange (which shall specify that
the delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title shall
pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the
Exchange Agent) in such form as Lucent and Alcatel may
reasonably agree, for use in effecting delivery of Shares to the
Exchange Agent. Following the Effective Time, Alcatel agrees to
make available to the Exchange Agent, from time to time as
needed, cash in U.S. dollars sufficient to pay any
dividends and other distributions pursuant to
Section 1.03(f). At and after the Effective Time, Alcatel
will take all actions necessary to cause the delivery of Alcatel
Ordinary Shares or ADSs, as applicable upon the exercise or
conversion at or after the Effective Time of any option referred
to in Section 1.04, any Lucent Warrant, any Lucent
Stock-Based Account or Lucent Convertible Debt.
(b) Each holder of Shares that have been converted into a
right to receive the Merger Consideration, upon surrender to the
Exchange Agent of a Certificate representing Shares (or
effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof in accordance with
the procedures set forth in Section 1.08) or
non-certificated Shares represented by book-entry
(Book-Entry Shares), together with a properly
completed letter of transmittal, will be entitled to receive the
Merger Consideration in respect of such Shares (including cash
payable in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to
Section 1.06), and any dividends payable pursuant to
Section 1.03(f). Until a Certificate is so surrendered,
such Certificate shall, after the Effective Time, only represent
the right to receive such Merger Consideration and any dividends
payable pursuant to Section 1.03(f) (in each case without
interest thereon).
(c) If any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be
paid to a Person other than the Person in whose name the
Certificate is registered, it shall be a condition to such
payment that the Certificate so surrendered shall be properly
endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for transfer and that
the Person requesting such payment shall pay to the Exchange
Agent any transfer or other taxes required as a result of such
payment to a Person other than the registered holder of such
Certificate or establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange
Agent that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no further
registration of transfers of Shares. If, after the Effective
Time, Certificates or Book-Entry Shares are presented to Alcatel
or the Surviving Corporation, they shall be canceled and
exchanged for the Merger Consideration, and any dividends
payable pursuant to Section 1.03(f), in accordance with the
provisions of this Article I. In no event shall any
interest be payable with respect to the Merger Consideration or
any such dividends.
(e) Any portion of the Merger Consideration, or dividends
payable pursuant to Section 1.03(f), made available to the
Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 1.03(a) that remains
unclaimed by the holders of Shares twelve (12) months after
the Effective Time shall be returned to Alcatel, upon demand,
and any such holder who has not exchanged his Shares for Merger
Consideration in accordance with this Section prior to that time
shall thereafter look only to Alcatel for payment of the Merger
Consideration in respect of his Shares. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Alcatel shall not be liable to any holder of Shares
for any amount paid to a public official pursuant to applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar laws. Any amounts
remaining unclaimed by holders of Shares three years after the
Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately prior to such
time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become the
property of any governmental entity)
A-3
shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, become the
property of Alcatel free and clear of any Liens (as defined in
Section 3.04), claims or interest of any Person previously
entitled thereto.
(f) No dividends or other distributions with respect to
ADSs (or the underlying Alcatel Ordinary Shares) issued in the
Merger shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered
Certificates or Book-Entry Shares until such Certificates or
Book-Entry Shares are surrendered as provided in this
Section 1.03. Subject to applicable law, following such
surrender, there shall be paid, without interest, to the record
holder of the ADSs issued in exchange for such Certificates or
Book-Entry Shares (i) at the time of such surrender, all
dividends and other distributions payable in respect of such
ADSs with a record date after the Effective Time and a payment
date on or prior to the date of such surrender and which were
not previously paid, and (ii) at the appropriate payment
date, the dividends or other distributions payable with respect
to such ADSs with a record date after the Effective Time but
with a payment date subsequent to such surrender. For purposes
of dividends or other distributions in respect of ADSs, all ADSs
to be issued pursuant to the Merger (excluding ADSs (and
underlying Alcatel Ordinary Shares) issuable upon exercise of
options which are issued pursuant to Section 1.04 unless
such options are actually exercised prior to the Effective Time,
or upon exercise of Lucent Warrants, Lucent Stock-Based Awards
or Lucent Convertible Debt) shall be entitled to dividends
pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence as if such ADSs
were issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time.
Section 1.04 Stock
Options and Other Stock-Based Awards. (a) Except as
otherwise mutually agreed by Alcatel and Lucent, at the
Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase Shares (a
Lucent Stock Option) granted under
Lucents compensation or benefit plans or agreements
pursuant to which Shares may be issued (collectively, the
Lucent Stock Option Plans) (excluding any
option granted under the Lucent 2001 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan (the ESPP)), whether vested or not
vested, shall be converted into a right to acquire, on the same
terms and conditions as were applicable under such Lucent Stock
Option prior to the Effective Time, the number (rounded down to
the nearest whole number) of Alcatel Ordinary Shares determined
by multiplying (x) the number of Shares subject to such
Lucent Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time by
(y) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per Alcatel
Ordinary Shares expressed in Euros equal to the product of
(A) the quotient of (x) the U.S. dollar exercise
price per Share otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Lucent
Stock Option, divided by (y) the Exchange Ratio, multiplied
by (B) the Euro Exchange Rate, rounding the resulting
exercise price up to the nearest euro cent. The Euro
Exchange Rate shall equal the Noon Buying Rate for euros
as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the
Closing Date, which for the avoidance of doubt shall be computed
as euros per one U.S. dollar. In addition, prior to the
Effective Time (but effective as of the Effective Time), Lucent
will make any amendments to the terms of Lucent Stock Option
Plans that are necessary to give effect to the transactions
contemplated by this Section. Lucent has identified in
Section 1.04(a) of the separate disclosure letter delivered
by Lucent to Alcatel dated as of the date of this Agreement (the
Lucent Disclosure Letter) each of the Lucent
Stock Option Plans. Lucent has not taken, and shall not take,
any action causing any option holder to have the right to
receive a change in control cash-out described in
Section 11(b) of the Lucent 2003 Long Term Incentive
Program, Section 10(b) of the Lucent 2000 Stock Option Plan
or any similar provision of any other Lucent Stock Option Plan.
The rights to exercise for Alcatel Ordinary Shares into which
the Lucent Stock Options will be converted will have exercise
features (including without limitation net cashless exercise
features) comparable to those provided generally to holders of
Alcatel stock options employed in the same jurisdiction.
(b) At the Effective Time, each award (Lucent
Stock-Based Account) that has been established under
any employee incentive or benefit plan, program or arrangement
or under any non-employee director plan maintained by Lucent on
or prior to the date of this Agreement which provides for
equity-based awards shall be amended or converted into an award
with respect to Alcatel Ordinary Shares for individuals
domiciled outside the United States and denominated in ADSs with
respect to individuals domiciled in the United States, with the
number of ADSs or Alcatel Ordinary Shares in each case
determined by multiplying (x) the number of Shares subject
to such Lucent Stock-Based Account immediately prior to the
Effective Time by (y) the Exchange Ratio. The other terms
and conditions of Lucent Stock-Based Accounts, and the plans or
agreements under which they were established, shall continue to
apply in accordance with their terms and
A-4
conditions. Lucent represents that all employee incentive or
benefit plans, programs or arrangements and non-employee
director plans under which any Lucent Stock-Based Accounts have
been established are disclosed in Section 1.04(c) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter.
(c) Pursuant to Section 11(c)(2) of the ESPP, Lucent
shall make reasonable efforts to provide that no later than the
earlier of (x) the Closing Date and (y) the final date
of the first six-month ESPP cycle to commence following the date
hereof (such earlier date, the ESPP Termination
Date), all then-outstanding Options (as defined in the
ESPP) shall be exercised, and that no Options shall be granted
on or following the ESPP Termination Date.
(d) Alcatel shall take all corporate action necessary to,
and shall, make available for issuance or delivery such number
of Alcatel Ordinary Shares and ADSs that may be issued or
delivered on and after the Effective Time (i) pursuant to
the terms set forth in this Section 1.04, (ii) in
respect of the warrants of Lucent (Lucent
Warrants) outstanding as of immediately prior to the
Effective Time issued pursuant to the warrant agreement, dated
as of December 10, 2004 (the Warrant
Agreement), between Lucent and The Bank of New York,
as warrant agent, (iii) in respect of the debentures, notes
and securities outstanding as of immediately prior to the
Effective Time issued pursuant to (1) the Indenture, dated
as of March 19, 2002, by and between Lucent and The Bank of
New York, as trustee, for the 7.75% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures of Lucent, due 2017, (2) the
Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2003, by and between Lucent
and The Bank of New York, as trustee, as supplemented by the
First Supplemental Denture, dated as of June 4, 2003, by
and between Lucent and The Bank of New York, as trustee, for the
23/4%
Series A Convertible Senior Debentures due 2023 and for the
23/4%
Series B Convertible Senior Debentures of Lucent due 2025
and (3) the Indenture, dated as of November 24, 2003,
by and between Lucent and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, for
the 8.00% Convertible Subordinated Debentures of Lucent Due
2031 (collectively, the Lucent Convertible
Debt).
(e) At the Effective Time, Alcatel shall file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC)
a registration statement on an appropriate form or a
post-effective amendment to a previously filed registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
1933 Act), with respect to the ADSs
(and, if required, the underlying Alcatel Ordinary Shares),
subject to options and other equity-based awards issued pursuant
to this Section 1.04, and subject to Lucent Warrants,
Lucent Stock-Based Accounts and Lucent Convertible Debt, and for
purposes of satisfying 401(k) plan obligations, and shall use
its reasonable best efforts to maintain the current status of
the prospectus contained therein, as well as comply with any
applicable state securities or blue sky laws, for so
long as such options or other equity-based awards, Lucent
Warrants, Lucent Stock-Based Accounts or Lucent Convertible Debt
remain outstanding.
(f) The parties will make good faith efforts to make any
equitable adjustments necessary to ensure that the conversions
of Lucent Stock Options and Lucent Stock-Based Accounts
contemplated by this Section 1.04 comply with
Section 409A of the Code.
Section 1.05 Adjustments.
If at any time during the period between the date of this
Agreement and the Effective Time, any change in the outstanding
shares of capital stock of Alcatel or Lucent shall occur by
reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split or
combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, or any stock
dividend thereon with a record date during such period, the
Merger Consideration shall be appropriately adjusted to provide
the holders of Shares the same economic effect as contemplated
by this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 1.05 shall be
construed to permit Alcatel to take any action that is otherwise
prohibited or restricted by any other provision of this
Agreement. Prior to the Effective Time, Alcatel shall not take
any action, including amending the deposit agreement between
Alcatel and Depositary that would cause each ADS to represent
more or less than one Alcatel Ordinary Share.
Section 1.06 Fractional
Shares. (a) No fractional ADSs shall be issued in the
Merger, but in lieu thereof each holder of Shares otherwise
entitled to a fractional ADS will be entitled to receive, from
the Exchange Agent in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 1.06, a cash payment in lieu of such fractional ADS
representing such holders proportionate interest, if any,
in the proceeds from the sale by the Exchange Agent in one or
more transactions of the number of ADSs delivered to the
Exchange Agent by Alcatel pursuant to Section 1.03(a) over
the aggregate number of whole ADSs to be distributed to the
holders
A-5
of Certificates pursuant to Section 1.03(b) (such excess
being herein called the Excess Shares). The
parties acknowledge that payment of cash consideration in lieu
of issuing fractional ADSs was not separately bargained for
consideration but merely represents a mechanical rounding off
for purposes of simplifying the corporate and accounting
problems that would otherwise be caused by the issuance of
fractional ADSs. As soon as practicable after the Effective
Time, the Exchange Agent, as agent for the holders of the
Certificates and Book-Entry Shares shall sell the Excess Shares
at then-prevailing prices on the New York Stock Exchange (the
NYSE) in the manner provided in the following
paragraph.
(b) The sale of the Excess Shares by the Exchange Agent, as
agent for the holders that would otherwise receive fractional
ADSs, shall be executed on the NYSE through one or more member
organizations of the NYSE and shall be executed in round lots to
the extent practicable. The compensation payable to the Exchange
Agent and the expenses incurred by the Exchange Agent, in each
case, in connection with such sale or sales of the Excess
Shares, and all related commissions, transfer taxes and other
out-of-pocket
transaction costs, will be paid by the Surviving Corporation out
of its own funds and will not be paid directly or indirectly by
Alcatel. Until the proceeds of such sale or sales have been
distributed to the holders of Shares, the Exchange Agent shall
hold such proceeds in trust for the holders of Shares (the
Common Shares Trust). The Exchange Agent
shall determine the portion of the Common Shares Trust to which
each holder of Shares shall be entitled, if any, by multiplying
the amount of the aggregate proceeds comprising the Common
Shares Trust by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount
of the fractional ADS interest to which such holder of Shares
would otherwise be entitled and the denominator of which is the
aggregate amount of fractional ADS interests to which all
holders of Shares would otherwise be entitled.
(c) As soon as practicable after the determination of the
amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of Shares in lieu
of any fractional ADSs, the Exchange Agent shall make available
such amounts to such holders of Shares (without interest
thereon).
Section 1.07 Withholding
Rights. Each of the Surviving Corporation and Alcatel shall
be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration
otherwise payable to any Person pursuant to this Article I
such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with
respect to the making of such payment under any provision of
federal, state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that
amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Corporation or Alcatel,
as the case may be, such withheld amounts shall be treated for
all purposes under this Agreement and otherwise as having been
paid to the holder of the Shares in respect of which such
deduction and withholding was made by the Surviving Corporation
or Alcatel, as the case may be.
Section 1.08 Lost
Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that
fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen
or destroyed and, if required by the Surviving Corporation, the
posting by such Person of a bond, in such reasonable amount as
the Surviving Corporation may direct, as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against it with respect to such
Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger Consideration
to be paid in respect of the Shares represented by such
Certificate as contemplated by this Article.
Section 1.09 Shares
Held by Lucent Affiliates. Anything to the contrary herein
notwithstanding, any ADSs and, upon exchange therefor, the
underlying Alcatel Ordinary Shares (and, in either case, any
receipts, certificates or evidences of Book-Entry Shares
therefor) issued to affiliates (as such term is used
in Rule 145 promulgated under the 1933 Act
(Rule 145)) of Lucent pursuant to
Section 1.03, shall be subject to the restrictions
described in Rule 145.
ARTICLE II
Certain Governance Matters
Section 2.01 Corporate
Name and Executive Offices. (a) Promptly following the
Effective Time, Alcatels name shall be changed to a name
mutually agreed by the parties prior to the Effective Time,
which name shall not be solely Alcatel or
Lucent. In connection with the name change, Alcatel
and Lucent shall mutually agree on a stock trading symbol prior
to the Effective Time.
A-6
(b) As of and after the Merger, (i) the executive
offices of Alcatel shall be located in Paris, France, and
(ii) the offices of the business of Lucent currently known
as Bell Laboratories (which shall be the Global
Research and Development headquarters of Alcatel) and the
U.S. operating headquarters of Alcatel shall be located in
the State of New Jersey, USA.
Section 2.02 Alcatel
Board of Directors and Management. (a) At the meeting
of Alcatels shareholders to obtain the Alcatel Shareholder
Approval (as defined in Section 4.02(a)), Alcatels
Board of Directors shall nominate fourteen (14) individuals
for election to the Board of Directors of Alcatel effective as
of, and conditioned upon, the occurrence of the Effective Time.
Such nominees (the Board Designees) shall be
comprised of: (i) five persons designated by Alcatel from
Alcatels current Board of Directors, (ii) five
persons designated by Lucent from Lucents current Board of
Directors, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer of Alcatel as
of the date of this Agreement (the Alcatel
CEO) and the Chief Executive Officer of Lucent as of
the date of this Agreement (the Lucent CEO),
and (iv) two persons who qualify as independent directors
of Alcatels Board of Directors mutually agreed upon by
Alcatel and Lucent, consistent with Schedule 2.02(a) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter. Each nominee elected to the Board of
Directors in such meeting of Alcatels shareholders shall
be elected for a term of four years.
(b) Alcatels Board of Directors shall cause the
Lucent CEO to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of
Alcatel, and cause the Alcatel CEO to be appointed as the
non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alcatel, in
each case, effective as of the Effective Time. In the event that
the Lucent CEO is unwilling or unable to serve as the Chief
Executive Officer of Alcatel as of the Effective Time, the Board
of Directors of Alcatel (constituted pursuant to
Section 2.02(a)) shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer of
Alcatel in accordance with the articles of association and
by-laws (statuts) of Alcatel as in effect as of the
Effective Time. In the event that the Alcatel CEO is unwilling
or unable to serve as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Alcatel as of the Effective Time, the Board of
Directors of Alcatel (constituted pursuant to
Section 2.02(a)) shall appoint a non-executive Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Alcatel in accordance with the
articles of association and by-laws (statuts) of Alcatel
as in effect as of the Effective Time.
Section 2.03 Articles
of Association and By-laws of Alcatel. The articles of
association and by-laws of Alcatel (statuts) in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be amended so that
as of the Effective Time, the articles of association and
by-laws of Alcatel (statuts) shall read in their entirety
as set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the New Alcatel
By-Laws).
Section 2.04 Board
Rules of Alcatel. The Board Rules (Règlements
intérieurs)of Alcatel in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be amended and restated in their
entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
effective as of the Effective Time.
Section 2.05 Certificate
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation. Subject to
Section 6.03, the certificate of incorporation of Lucent in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, as amended and
restated in its entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit C
hereto, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with
applicable law.
Section 2.06 By-laws
of the Surviving Corporation. Subject to Section 6.03,
the by-laws of Merger Subsidiary in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time, as set forth in Exhibit C hereto, shall
be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation until amended in
accordance with applicable law.
Section 2.07 Directors
and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. From and after
the Effective Time, until successors are duly elected or
appointed and qualified in accordance with applicable law, the
directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be
mutually selected by Alcatel and Lucent.
Section 2.08 Governance
of Bell Laboratories and Certain Government Contracts.
Alcatel, Lucent, the entity holding certain appropriate assets
(including certain government contracts consistent with
Section 2.08 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter), (the
Appropriate Assets) and any intermediate
entities shall enter into the appropriate form of agreement,
effective as of the Effective Time and mutually acceptable to
the parties acting in accordance with Section 7.01, with
respect to the Appropriate Assets, pursuant to which the sole
equityholder of the entity holding the Appropriate Assets shall
provide three special directors (which
A-7
special directors shall be citizens and residents of the United
States eligible to obtain personnel security clearance from the
U.S. Department of Defense) with certain governance rights
over the entity holding the Appropriate Assets to ensure the
independence of such entity from its parent entities and to
protect the confidentiality of classified information.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of Lucent
Except as set forth in any Lucent SEC Document (as defined in
Section 3.07(a)), filed and publicly available prior to the
date of this Agreement (the Filed Lucent SEC
Documents), excluding any disclosure in such Filed
Lucent SEC Document set forth in any risk factor section and in
any section relating to forward-looking statements, and except
as set forth in the Lucent Disclosure Letter (subject to
Section 10.11(b)), Lucent represents and warrants to
Alcatel that:
Section 3.01 Corporate
Existence and Power. Lucent is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware. Lucent has all corporate powers
and all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and
approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted,
except for those the absence of which would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined
below) on Lucent. Lucent is duly qualified to do business and is
in good standing in each jurisdiction (to the extent such
concepts exist in such jurisdictions) where the character of the
property owned, operated or leased by it or the nature of its
activities makes such qualification necessary, except for those
jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or be in good
standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Lucent. For purposes of this
Agreement, a Material Adverse Effect with
respect to any Person means any events, facts, changes or
circumstances which are, have resulted in, or would reasonably
be expected to result in, a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, business, or annual results of operations
of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except to
the extent arising or resulting from, or caused by any of the
following, in which case, they shall be excluded from
consideration: (i) any changes or developments in United
States, European or global economic, regulatory or political
conditions in general (including the outbreak or escalation of
hostilities or acts of war or terrorism), or generally affecting
the financial or securities markets in the United States, Europe
or elsewhere in the world, (ii) any changes or developments
involving the communications systems, software and products
industries in general and not materially disproportionately
affecting such Person (and its Subsidiaries) relative to other
participants in such industries generally, (iii) any
changes in applicable law, US GAAP (as herein defined), IFRS (as
herein defined) or other accounting standards, (iv) any
changes or developments directly resulting from the execution,
delivery, existence of, or compliance with, this Agreement or
announcement of the transactions contemplated hereby (provided
that the exception in this clause (iv) shall not apply to
the representations and warranties contained in
Section 3.04 or 4.04 to the extent that the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby would result in a breach or
inaccuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in
Section 3.04 or 4.04). Lucent has heretofore made available
to Alcatel true and complete copies of Lucents certificate
of incorporation and by-laws as currently in effect.
Section 3.02 Corporate
Authorization. (a) The execution, delivery and
performance by Lucent of this Agreement and the consummation by
Lucent of the transactions contemplated hereby are within
Lucents corporate powers and, except for the Lucent
Stockholder Approval (as defined below), have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Agreement has
been duly and validly executed and delivered by Lucent and,
assuming that this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
agreement of each of Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary, constitutes
a valid and binding agreement of Lucent enforceable against
Lucent in accordance with its terms.
(b) Lucents Board of Directors, at a meeting duly
called and held, has (i) determined that this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) are
advisable and in the best interests of Lucents
stockholders, (ii) duly and validly approved and adopted
this Agreement and the
A-8
transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) and
(iii) resolved (subject to Section 5.02) to recommend
to its stockholders the adoption of this Agreement.
(c) The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the Shares outstanding on the record date (the Lucent
Stockholder Approval) set for the Lucent Stockholder
Meeting (as defined in Section 5.02) to adopt this
Agreement is the only vote of the holders of any class or series
of Lucents capital stock necessary under applicable law to
approve and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 3.03 Governmental
Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by
Lucent of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) by
Lucent require no action by or in respect of, or filing with,
any governmental body, agency, official or authority other than
(a) the filing of a certificate of merger in accordance
with Delaware Law, (b) compliance with any applicable
requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the
HSR Act), (c) compliance with any
applicable requirements of Council Regulation
(EC) No. 139/2004 of the Council of the European Union
(the EC Merger Regulation),
(d) compliance with any applicable requirements of any
other foreign antitrust laws or regulations, (e) compliance
with any applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the Exchange Act),
(f) compliance with any applicable requirements of the
1933 Act, (g) compliance with French securities
regulatory requirements, including of the Autorité des
Marchés Financiers (the AMF),
(h) compliance with any applicable requirements of the
Exon-Florio Amendment to the Defense Protection Act of 1998 (the
Exon-Florio Act) and (i) other actions
or filings which if not taken or made would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent.
Section 3.04 Non-Contravention.
Except as set forth on Section 3.04 of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter, the execution, delivery and performance by
Lucent of this Agreement and the consummation by Lucent of the
transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not
(a) assuming receipt of the Lucent Stockholder Approval,
contravene or conflict with the certificate of incorporation or
by-laws or equivalent organizational documents of Lucent or any
of its Subsidiaries, (b) assuming compliance with the
matters referred to in Section 3.03, contravene or conflict
with or constitute a violation of any provision of any law,
regulation, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon
or applicable to Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries,
(c) constitute a violation of or default under or give rise
to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any
right or obligation of Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries or to a
loss of any benefit to which Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries
is entitled under any provision of any agreement, contract or
other instrument binding upon Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries
or any license, franchise, permit or other similar authorization
held by Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries, or (d) result in
the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Lucent or
any of its Subsidiaries, except for such contraventions,
conflicts or violations referred to in clause (b) or
violations, defaults, rights of termination, cancellation or
acceleration, or losses or Liens referred to in clause (c)
or (d) that would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term Lien means, with respect
to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security
interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset
other than any such mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security
interest or encumbrance, (i) for Taxes (as defined in
Section 3.13) not yet due or being contested in good faith
(and for which adequate accruals or reserves have been
established on the Alcatel Balance Sheet (as defined in
Section 4.08) or Lucent Balance Sheet (as defined in
Section 3.08), as the case may be) or (ii) which is a
carriers, warehousemens, mechanics,
materialmens, repairmens or other like lien arising
in the ordinary course of business. Except as disclosed in
Section 3.04 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter, neither
Lucent nor any Subsidiary of Lucent is a party to any agreement
that expressly limits the ability of Lucent or any Subsidiary of
Lucent, or would limit Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel
after the Effective Time, to compete in or conduct any line of
business or compete with any Person or in any geographic area or
during any period of time, in each case, if such limitation is
or is reasonably likely to be material to Lucent and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, following the Effective
Time, to Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Section 3.05 Capitalization
of Lucent. The authorized capital stock of Lucent consists
of 10,000,000,000 Shares and 250,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share (of which
A-9
25,000,000 shares are designated as Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock). As of the close of business on
February 28, 2006, (i) there were
4,470,843,920 Shares issued and outstanding, and
(ii) there were no shares of preferred stock of Lucent
issued and outstanding. As of the close of business on
February 28, 2006, (i) there were
375,904,163 Shares issuable assuming that all options
outstanding as of such date issued under the Lucent Stock Option
Plans were exercisable as of such date (of which options to
purchase an aggregate of 282,901,542 Shares were
exercisable as of such date), (ii) there were Lucent
Stock-Based Accounts with respect to (a) 25,172,796 full
stock units for employees and (b) 236,232 non-employee
director Shares (including deferred Share grants to non-employee
directors); (iii) there were 816,454,426 Shares
issuable assuming the conversion of all of the outstanding
Lucent Convertible Debt as of such date and (iv) there were
199,372,885 Shares issuable assuming that all of the Lucent
Warrants outstanding as of such date were converted into Shares
as of such date. All outstanding Shares have been duly
authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable. Except as set forth in this Section 3.05 and
except for changes since the close of business on
February 28, 2006 resulting from the exercise of employee
stock options outstanding on such date or options or other
stock-based awards granted as permitted by Section 5.01,
there are outstanding (a) no shares of capital stock or
other voting securities of Lucent, (b) no securities of
Lucent convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital
stock or voting securities of Lucent, and (c) no options,
warrants or other rights to acquire from Lucent, and no
preemptive or similar rights, subscription or other rights,
convertible securities, agreements, arrangements or commitments
of any character, relating to the capital stock of Lucent,
obligating Lucent to issue, transfer or sell, any capital stock,
voting securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for capital stock or voting securities of Lucent or obligating
Lucent to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant,
subscription or other right, convertible security, agreement,
arrangement or commitment (the items in clauses (a),
(b) and (c) being referred to in this Agreement
collectively as the Lucent Securities). There
are no outstanding obligations of Lucent or any of its
Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
Lucent Securities.
Section 3.06 Subsidiaries.
(a) Each Subsidiary of Lucent is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction
of organization, (to the extent such concepts exist in such
jurisdictions), has all powers and all governmental licenses,
authorizations, permits, consents and approvals required to
carry on its business as now conducted, except for those
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals the absence of
which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Lucent. Each Subsidiary of Lucent is
duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction (to the extent such concepts exist in such
jurisdictions) where the character of the property owned,
operated or leased by it or the nature of its activities makes
such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions
where failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Lucent.
(b) Except for Liens in respect of the Collateral
Agreements as provided therein and except as set forth on
Section 3.06(b) of the Lucent Disclosure Letter, all of the
outstanding capital stock of, or other ownership interests in,
each Subsidiary of Lucent are owned by Lucent, directly or
indirectly, free and clear of any material Lien and free of any
other material limitation or restriction (including any
restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of
such capital stock or other ownership interests). Except as set
forth on Section 3.06(b) of the Lucent Disclosure Letter,
there are no outstanding (i) securities convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of capital stock or other voting
securities or ownership interests in any Subsidiary of Lucent or
(ii) options, warrants, preemptive or similar rights,
subscriptions or other rights, convertible securities,
agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character,
relating to the capital stock of any Subsidiary of Lucent,
obligating Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, transfer
or sell, any capital stock, voting securities or other ownership
interests in, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable
for any capital stock, voting securities or ownership interests
in, any Subsidiary of Lucent or obligating Lucent or any
Subsidiary of Lucent to grant, extend or enter into any such
option, warrant, subscription or other right, convertible
security, agreement, arrangement or commitment (the items in
clauses (i) and (ii) of this sentence being referred
to in this Agreement collectively as the Lucent
Subsidiary Securities). Except as set forth on
Section 3.06(b) of the Lucent Disclosure Letter, there are
no outstanding obligations of Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries
to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any outstanding
Lucent Subsidiary Securities. No non-wholly owned Subsidiary of
Lucent owns any Shares.
A-10
For purposes of this Agreement, the term Collateral
Agreements means (i) the Amended and Restated
Letter of Credit Issuance and Reimbursement Agreement among
Lucent Technologies Inc. and several banks and other parties
thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent,
dated as of October 1, 2004, as amended; (ii) the
Amended and Restated External Sharing Debt Agreement among
Lucent Technologies Inc., several banks and other parties
thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent,
dated as of October 1, 2004, as amended; (iii) the
First Amendment, dated as of April 8, 2005, to the
(a) the Amended and Re-stated Letter of Credit Issuance and
Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2004, among
Lucent Technologies Inc., the several banks and other financial
institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and
(b) the Amended and Restated External Sharing Debt
Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2004, among Lucent
Technologies Inc., the several banks and other financial
institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent;
(iv) the Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement made by Lucent Technologies Inc. and certain of its
subsidiaries in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
collateral agent, dated as of October 1, 2004
(Guarantee and Collateral Agreement), and
(v) the Amended and Restated Collateral Sharing Agreement
made by Lucent Technologies Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries
in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as collateral agent,
dated October 1, 2004; and (vi) the Amended and
Restated Cash Collateral Agreement Dated as of October 1,
2004.
Section 3.07 SEC
Filings. (a) Lucent has made available to Alcatel
(i) its annual reports on
Form 10-K for its
fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2004 and 2005,
(ii) its quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q for its
fiscal quarters ended after September 30, 2005,
(iii) its proxy or information statements relating to
meetings of, or actions taken without a meeting by, the
stockholders of Lucent held since September 30, 2004, and
(iv) all of its other reports, statements, schedules and
registration statements filed with the SEC since
September 30, 2005 (the documents referred to in this
Section 3.07(a) being referred to in this Agreement
collectively as the Lucent SEC Documents).
(b) As of its filing date or, if amended prior to the date
of this Agreement, as of the date of the last such amendment
prior to the date of this Agreement, each Lucent SEC Document
complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act, the 1933 Act and the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act).
(c) As of its filing date, or, if amended prior to the date
of this Agreement, as of the date of the last such amendment
prior to the date of this Agreement, each Lucent SEC Document
filed pursuant to the Exchange Act did not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(d) Each registration statement constituting a Lucent SEC
Document, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, filed with
the SEC by Lucent pursuant to the 1933 Act as of the date
such statement or amendment became effective did not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading.
(e) Lucent has established and maintains a system of
disclosure controls and procedures and
internal control over financial reporting (as such
terms are defined in paragraphs (e) and (f),
respectively, of
Rule 13a-15 under
the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance
(i) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in conformity with United
States generally accepted accounting principles (US
GAAP), consistently applied, (ii) that
transactions are executed only in accordance with the
authorization of management and (iii) regarding prevention
or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of Lucents assets. As of September 30,
2005, (x) there were no material weaknesses (as
defined by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) and
(y) there was no series of multiple significant
deficiencies (as defined by the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board) that was reasonably likely to collectively
represent a material weakness in the design or
operation of Lucents internal controls. Since
September 30, 2005, neither Lucent nor any of its
Subsidiaries nor, to Lucents knowledge, Lucents
independent auditors, have identified or been made aware of
(A) any material
A-11
weakness in the system of internal controls utilized by Lucent
and its Subsidiaries, (B) any fraud, whether or not
material, that involves Lucents management or other
employees who have a role in the preparation of financial
statements or the internal controls utilized by Lucent and its
Subsidiaries or (C) any material claim or allegation
regarding any of the foregoing.
(f) The disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in
Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) of the
Exchange Act) utilized by Lucent are reasonably designed to
ensure that all information (both financial and non-financial)
required to be disclosed by Lucent in the reports that it files
or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such information
required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to
Lucents management as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure and to enable the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Lucent to make
the certifications required under the Exchange Act with respect
to such reports.
Section 3.08 Financial
Statements. The audited consolidated financial statements
and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of
Lucent (including any related notes and schedules) included in
its annual reports on
Form 10-K and the
quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, in each
case referred to in Section 3.07, fairly present in all
material respects, in conformity with US GAAP, applied on a
consistent basis (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto), the consolidated financial position of Lucent and its
consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their
consolidated results of operations and changes in financial
position for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of any
unaudited interim financial statements, to normal year-end audit
adjustments and to any other adjustments described therein,
including the notes thereto). For purposes of this Agreement,
Lucent Balance Sheet means the consolidated
balance sheet of Lucent as of December 31, 2005 set forth
in Lucents Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005 and Lucent
Balance Sheet Date means December 31, 2005.
Section 3.09 Disclosure
Documents. (a) Subject to the last sentence of this
Section 3.09(a), neither the proxy statement of Lucent (the
Lucent Proxy Statement) to be filed with the
SEC in connection with the Merger, nor any amendment or
supplement thereto, will, at the date on which the Lucent Proxy
Statement or any such amendment or supplement is first mailed to
stockholders of Lucent or at the time such stockholders vote on
the adoption of this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The
Lucent Proxy Statement will, when filed, comply as to form in
all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation or warranty is
made by Lucent in this Section 3.09(a) with respect to
statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on
information supplied by or on behalf of Alcatel or Merger
Subsidiary for inclusion or incorporation by reference in Lucent
Proxy Statement.
(b) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by
or on behalf of Lucent for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in the Alcatel Circular (as defined in
Section 4.09) or in the
Form F-4 (as
defined in Section 4.09) or any amendment or supplement
thereto will, at the date on which the Alcatel Circular or any
such supplement or amendment thereto is first mailed to the
shareholders of Alcatel or at the time such shareholders vote on
the matters constituting the Alcatel Shareholder Approval (as
defined in Section 4.02) or at the time the
Form F-4 or any
such amendment or supplement becomes effective under the
1933 Act, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary
in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Section 3.10 Absence
of Certain Changes. (a) Except as set forth on
Section 3.10 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter, from the
Lucent Balance Sheet Date to the date of this Agreement, Lucent
and its Subsidiaries have conducted their business in the
ordinary course consistent with past practice and there has not
been:
|
|
|
(i) any event, occurrence, change or development of a state
of circumstances or facts which has had, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent; or |
A-12
|
|
|
(ii) any action taken by Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent
that, if taken on or after the date of this Agreement, would
conflict with or constitute a violation of Section 5.01
(other than clauses (c) or (g) of Section 5.01). |
(b) Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have
been any event, occurrence, change or development of a state of
circumstances or facts which has had, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent.
Section 3.11 No
Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no material
liabilities of Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent of any kind
whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined,
determinable or otherwise, other than:
|
|
|
(a) liabilities disclosed or provided for in Lucent Balance
Sheet or in the notes thereto; |
|
|
(b) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business
since the Lucent Balance Sheet Date which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Lucent; |
|
|
(c) liabilities disclosed in the Filed Lucent SEC Documents
or set forth on Section 3.11(c) of the Lucent Disclosure
Letter; and |
|
|
(d) liabilities arising, or expressly permitted to be
incurred, under this Agreement (including Section 5.01). |
Section 3.12 Investigation;
Litigation. Except as set forth on Section 3.12 of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this Agreement,
(a) there is no investigation or review pending or, to the
knowledge of Lucent, threatened by any governmental body, agency
or official with respect to Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries;
and (b) there is no action, suit, claim, investigation or
proceeding pending against or, to the knowledge of Lucent,
threatened against or affecting Lucent or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets
before any court or arbitrator or any governmental body, agency
or official, in each of cases (a) and (b) which would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Lucent.
Section 3.13 Taxes.
(a) Except as set forth in the Lucent SEC Documents
(including the notes thereto) or as otherwise set forth on
Section 3.13 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter or as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Lucent: (i) all Tax Returns required to be filed
with any taxing authority by, or with respect to, Lucent and its
Subsidiaries (and any affiliated or unitary group of which any
such Person was a member) have been filed in accordance with all
applicable laws and, as of the time of filing, such Tax Returns
correctly reflected the facts regarding the income, business,
assets, operations, activities and the status of Lucent and its
Subsidiaries; (ii) Lucent and its Subsidiaries (and any
affiliated or unitary group of which any such Person was a
member) have timely and duly paid all Taxes required to be paid
by any of them; (iii) Lucent and its Subsidiaries (and any
affiliated or unitary group of which any such Person was a
member) have timely withheld and paid over to the proper taxing
authorities all Taxes and other amounts required to be so
withheld and paid over; (iv) Lucent and its Subsidiaries
have made provision for all Taxes payable by Lucent and its
Subsidiaries for which no Tax Return has yet been filed;
(v) the charges, accruals and reserves for Taxes with
respect to Lucent and its Subsidiaries reflected on the Lucent
Balance Sheet are adequate under US GAAP to cover the Tax
liabilities accruing through the date thereof; (vi) there
is no action, suit, proceeding, audit or claim now proposed in
writing or pending against or with respect to Lucent or any of
its Subsidiaries in respect of any Tax where there is a
reasonable possibility of an adverse determination;
(vii) neither Lucent nor any of its Subsidiaries is liable
for any Tax imposed on any entity other than such Person, except
as the result of the application of Treas. Reg.
§ 1.1502-6 (and any comparable provision of the tax
laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction) to the
affiliated group of which Lucent is the common parent;
(viii) neither Lucent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a
party to, is bound by or has any obligation under any tax
sharing or similar agreement or arrangement; (ix) Lucent is
not and has not been, a United States Real Property Holding
Corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the
Code during the applicable period set forth in
Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code; and (x) there
are no liens for Taxes upon any asset of Lucent or any of its
Subsidiaries except for liens for Taxes not yet due.
A-13
(b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.13(b) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter, and except as to matters the substance
and maximum potential liability for Taxes in respect of which
both have been (1) previously disclosed to Alcatel and
(2) fully and independently reserved for on the Lucent
Balance Sheet, neither Lucent nor any of its Subsidiaries has
participated in any material listed transaction
within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.6011-4 for any taxable year as to
which the statute of limitations has not expired.
(c) Neither Lucent nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken or
agreed to take any action or knows of any fact, agreement, plan
or other circumstance that is reasonably likely to
(i) prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or
(ii) cause the stockholders of Lucent to recognize gain
pursuant to Section 367(a)(1) of the Code other than any
such stockholder that would be a five-percent transferee
shareholder of Alcatel (within the meaning of United
States Treasury Regulations
Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(5)(ii))
following the Merger that does not enter into a five-year gain
recognition agreement in the form provided in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.367(a)-8(b).
For purposes of this Agreement, Taxes shall
mean any and all taxes, charges, fees, levies or other
assessments, including, without limitation, all net income,
gross income, gross receipts, excise, stamp, real or personal
property, ad valorem, withholding, social security (or similar),
unemployment, occupation, use, service, service use, license,
net worth, payroll, franchise, severance, transfer, recording,
employment, premium, windfall profits, environmental (including
taxes under Section 59A of the Code), customs duties,
capital stock, profits, disability, sales, registration, value
added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated or other taxes,
assessments or charges imposed by any federal, state, local or
foreign governmental entity and any interest, penalties, or
additions to tax attributable thereto. For purposes of this
Agreement, Tax Returns shall mean any return,
report, form or similar statement required to be filed with
respect to any Tax (including any attached schedules),
including, without limitation, any information return, claim for
refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax.
Section 3.14 Employee
Benefit Plan; Employment and Labor Matters. (a) For
purposes of this Agreement, Lucent Employee
Plan shall mean each material employee benefit
plan, as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(ERISA), each material employment, severance
or similar contract, plan, arrangement or policy applicable to
any director, former director, employee or former employee of
Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries and each material plan or
arrangement, providing for compensation, bonuses,
profit-sharing, stock option or other stock related rights or
other forms of incentive or deferred compensation, vacation
benefits, insurance coverage (including any self-insured
arrangements), health or medical benefits, disability benefits,
workers compensation, supplemental unemployment benefits,
severance benefits and post-employment or retirement benefits
(including compensation, pension, health, medical or life
insurance benefits) which is maintained, administered or
contributed to by Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries and covers
any employee or director or former employee or director of
Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries, or under which Lucent or any
of its Subsidiaries has any liability, other than statutorily
mandated plans or multiemployer plans, as defined in
Section 3(37) of ERISA (Multiemployer
Plans). Except as set forth on Section 3.14(a) of
the Lucent Disclosure Letter, neither Lucent nor any of its
Subsidiaries contributes to a Multiemployer Plan in the United
States.
(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.14(b) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter, each Lucent Employee Plan has been
maintained in compliance with its terms and with the
requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules
and regulations (including but not limited to ERISA and the
Code) which are applicable to such plan, except where failure to
so comply would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Lucent.
(c) Neither Lucent nor any affiliate of Lucent has incurred
a material liability under Title IV of ERISA that has not
been satisfied in full, and no condition exists that presents a
material risk to Lucent or any affiliate of Lucent of incurring
any such liability other than liability for premiums due the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (which premiums have been
paid when due).
(d) Except as set forth on Section 3.14(d) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter, with respect to each Lucent Employee
Plan which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a)
of the Code either the Internal Revenue Service has issued a
favorable determination letter that has not been revoked, or an
application for a
A-14
favorable determination letter was timely submitted to the
Internal Revenue Service for which no final action has been
taken by the Internal Revenue Service.
(e) Except as set forth on Section 3.14(e) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter, and except for liabilities that are
statutorily mandated, or that would not, on an individual basis,
exceed $500,000, no director or officer or other employee of
Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries will become entitled to any
retirement, severance or similar benefit or enhanced or
accelerated benefit (including enhanced eligibility for
severance benefits, eligibility for enhanced severance benefits,
any acceleration of vesting or lapse of repurchase rights or
obligations with respect to any employee stock option or other
benefit under any stock option plan or compensation plan or
arrangement of Lucent) as a result of the transactions
contemplated hereby (either alone or as a result of a
termination of employment benefit which is a change of
control benefit).
(f) Section 3.14(f) of the Lucent Disclosure Letter
lists each material United States collective bargaining
agreement to which Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or which is otherwise applicable to any of their respective
employees. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement will not give rise to any obligation to pay any
amounts under, or permit any union or similar labor organization
to open negotiations with respect to the terms of, any such
United States collective bargaining agreement.
(g) Except for such matters which would not have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Lucent, or as set forth on Section 3.14(g) of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter, (i) as of the date of this Agreement,
(1) there are no strikes or lockouts with respect to any
employees of Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries, (2) to the
knowledge of Lucent, there is no union organizing effort pending
or threatened against Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries,
(3) there is no unfair labor practice, labor dispute (other
than routine individual grievances) or labor arbitration
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Lucent, threatened
against Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries, and (4) there is
no slowdown, or work stoppage in effect or, to the knowledge of
Lucent, threatened with respect to any employees of Lucent or
any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) Lucent and its
Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws
respecting employment, employment practices, labor, occupational
safety and health and wages and hours, including all civil
rights and anti-discrimination laws, rules and regulations and
laws concerning unfair labor practices.
Section 3.15 Compliance
with Laws. (a) Since January 1, 2003, Lucent and
its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in
compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances,
rules, judgments, orders, decrees or regulations, except for any
violations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent. No personal loan or
other extension of credit by Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries
to any of their respective executive officers or directors has
been made or modified (other than as permitted by
Section 13 of the Exchange Act and Section 402 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act) since July 31, 2002. This
Section 3.15 does not relate to Taxes, which are the
subject of Section 3.13, to environmental matters, which
are the subject of Section 3.16, or to matters relating to
Intellectual Property, which are the subject of
Section 3.17.
(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.15(b) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter, from January 1, 2003 to the date
of this Agreement and to the best of their knowledge,
information and belief, Lucent and its Subsidiaries, and their
respective officers, directors, employees and agents have not
corruptly made, promised, offered, or authorized any payment or
transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any
government official, employee or agent for the purpose of
(i) influencing such government official, employee or agent
to take any action or decision or to omit to take any action, in
his or her official capacity, (ii) inducing such government
official, employee or agent to use his or her influence with a
government or instrumentality to affect any act or decision of
the government or instrumentality, or (iii) securing any
improper advantage.
(c) From January 1, 2003 to the date of this Agreement
and to the best of their knowledge, information and belief,
Lucent and its Subsidiaries have not caused any of their
respective consultants, joint venture partners and/or
representatives (including resellers), in connection with its
relationship with Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries, to
corruptly make, promise, offer, or authorize any payment or
transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any
government official, employee or agent for the purpose of
(i) influencing such government official, employee or agent
to take any action or decision or to omit to take any action, in
his or her official capacity, (ii) inducing such government
official, employee or agent to use his or her influence with
A-15
a government or instrumentality to affect any act or decision of
the government or instrumentality, or (iii) securing any
improper advantage.
Section 3.16 Environmental
Matters.
(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.16 of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter:
|
|
|
(i) Lucent is in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws (which compliance includes the possession by
Lucent of all permits and other governmental authorizations
required under applicable Environmental Laws, and compliance
with the terms and conditions thereof), except where failure to
be in compliance would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent; |
|
|
(ii) there is no Environmental Claim pending or threatened
against Lucent or, to the best knowledge of Lucent, against any
Person whose liability for any Environmental Claim Lucent has or
may have retained or assumed either contractually or by
operation of law, except for any such Environmental Claims which
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Lucent; |
|
|
(iii) there are no past or present actions, activities,
circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including the
Release or presence of any Hazardous Material, which could form
the basis of any Environmental Claim against Lucent or, to the
best knowledge of Lucent, against any Person whose liability for
any Environmental Claim Lucent has or may have retained or
assumed either contractually or by operation of law which would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Lucent; and |
|
|
(iv) there is no Cleanup of Hazardous Materials being
conducted or planned at any property currently or formerly owned
or operated by Lucent, except for such Cleanups which would not,
individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect
on Lucent. |
(b) For purposes of this Agreement:
|
|
|
(i) Cleanup means all actions required
to: (A) cleanup, remove, treat or remediate Hazardous
Materials in the indoor or outdoor environment; (B) prevent
the Release of Hazardous Materials so that they do not migrate,
endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the
indoor or outdoor environment; (C) perform pre-remedial
studies and investigations and post-remedial monitoring and
care; or (D) respond to any government requests for
information or documents in any way relating to cleanup,
removal, treatment or remediation or potential cleanup, removal,
treatment or remediation of Hazardous Materials in the indoor or
outdoor environment. |
|
|
(ii) Environmental Claim means any
claim, action, cause of action, investigation or notice (written
or oral) by any Person alleging potential liability (including
potential liability for investigatory costs, Cleanup costs,
governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property
damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising out of, based
on or resulting from (a) the presence or Release of any
Hazardous Materials at any location, whether or not owned or
operated by Lucent or Alcatel, or (b) circumstances forming
the basis of any violation, or alleged violation, of any
Environmental Law. |
|
|
(iii) Environmental Laws means all
federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating
to pollution or protection of human health or the environment,
including laws relating to Releases or threatened Releases of
Hazardous Materials or otherwise relating to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, Release,
disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials and all
laws and regulations with regard to recordkeeping, notification,
disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous
Materials. |
|
|
(iv) Hazardous Materials means all
substances defined as Hazardous Substances, Oils, Pollutants or
Contaminants in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances
Pollution Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. § 300.5, or
defined as such by, or regulated as such under, any
Environmental Law. |
|
|
(v) Release means any release, spill,
emission, discharge, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit,
disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration into the indoor or
outdoor environment (including ambient air, |
A-16
|
|
|
surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata) or
into or out of any property, including the movement of Hazardous
Materials through or in the air, soil, surface water,
groundwater or property. |
Section 3.17 Intellectual
Property. (a) For purposes of this Agreement, the term
Intellectual Property means all registered
and unregistered service marks, trademarks, trade names,
corporate names, trade dress, Internet domain names, identifying
symbols, logos, emblems, signs or insignia, including all
goodwill associated therewith, and all applications,
registrations, and renewals in connection therewith; all
inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or
not reduced to practice), and all U.S. and foreign patents,
patent applications, and patent disclosures (and all rights
related thereto, including all reissues, divisions,
continuations,
continuations-in-part,
substitutions, extensions, or renewals of any of the foregoing);
all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and
renewals in connection therewith; all computer programs,
including any and all software implementations of algorithms,
models and methodologies whether in source code or object code
form, databases and compilations, including any and all data and
collections of data, all documentation, including user manuals
and training materials, related to any of the foregoing and the
content and information contained on any web site; all
confidential information, technology, know-how, inventions,
processes, formulae, algorithms, models and methodologies (such
confidential items, collectively Trade
Secrets); and any licenses to use any of the foregoing.
(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.17(b) of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter or as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent:
|
|
|
(i) Lucent, or one of its Subsidiaries, owns or possesses
adequate licenses or other legal rights to use, sell or license
all Intellectual Property used in the present conduct of the
businesses of Lucent and its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all
Liens other than Liens in respect of the Collateral Agreements; |
|
|
(ii) no claims or, to the knowledge of Lucent, threat of
claims have been asserted by any Person related to the use of
any Intellectual Property in the conduct of the businesses of
Lucent and its Subsidiaries; |
|
|
(iii) no settlement agreements, consents, judgments,
orders, forbearance to sue or similar obligations limit or
restrict Lucents or any Subsidiarys rights in and to
any Intellectual Property, other than the granting of a license
or a covenant not to sue; |
|
|
(iv) it is the policy of Lucent and its Subsidiaries to not
knowingly infringe any valid Intellectual Property right of any
Person, and Lucent and its Subsidiaries have, to Lucent and its
Subsidiaries knowledge, abided by their policy of not
knowingly infringing any valid Intellectual Property right of
any Person; |
|
|
(v) to the knowledge of Lucent, no third party is
infringing or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property
owned by Lucent or its Subsidiaries; |
|
|
(vi) Lucent and its Subsidiaries take reasonable measures
to protect the confidentiality of their Trade Secrets. To the
knowledge of Lucent, no Trade Secret of Lucent or its
Subsidiaries has been disclosed or authorized to be disclosed to
any third party other than pursuant to a written nondisclosure
agreement that adequately protects Lucents and its
Subsidiaries proprietary interests in and to such Trade
Secrets; |
|
|
(vii) the consummation of the transactions as specified
herein will not result in the loss or impairment of
Lucents and its Subsidiaries rights to own or use
any of the Intellectual Property nor will such consummation
require the consent of any third party in respect of any such
Intellectual Property; and |
|
|
(viii) Lucent and its Subsidiaries have conducted their
respective businesses in compliance with all applicable laws,
statutes, ordinances and regulations relating to, or in respect
of, Intellectual Property. |
Section 3.18 Vendor
Financing. Section 3.18 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter
contains a true, complete and accurate list, as of the date of
this Agreement, of (i) all financing arrangements
(including loans, deferred payment arrangements in excess of one
year and equity-linked arrangements) to customers
A-17
(including distributors to customers) or vendors of Lucent or
any of its Subsidiaries which have been provided by Lucent
and/or any of its Subsidiaries or are guaranteed (including by
guarantee to an institution providing such loan), secured or
supported in any respect by Lucent and/or any of its
Subsidiaries (collectively, Lucent Vendor
Financing) with an aggregate principal amount of
financing or available commitment greater than $25,000,000 and
(ii) all contracts, agreements, commitments and other
arrangements relating to Lucent Vendor Financing with an
aggregate principal amount of financing or available commitment
greater than $25,000,000.
Section 3.19 Takeover
Statutes. The Board of Directors of Lucent has taken the
necessary action to make inapplicable to this Agreement, the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby
Section 203 of the Delaware Law and any other applicable
antitakeover or similar statute or regulation.
Section 3.20 Finders
or Advisors Fees. Except for J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co., there is no
investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary which
has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of Lucent
or any of its Subsidiaries who might be entitled to any fee or
commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
Section 3.21 Opinions
of Financial Advisors. Lucent has received the opinion of
each of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. to the effect that, as of the date of
this Agreement, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of Shares (other than Alcatel or
any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates).
ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of Alcatel
Except as set forth in any Alcatel SEC Document (as defined in
Section 4.07(a)), filed and publicly available prior to the
date of this Agreement (the Filed Alcatel SEC
Documents), excluding any disclosure in such Filed
Alcatel SEC Document set forth in any risk factor section and in
any section relating to forward-looking statements, and except
as set forth in the Alcatel Disclosure Letter (subject to
Section 10.11(b)), Alcatel represents and warrants to
Lucent that:
Section 4.01 Corporate
Organization. Alcatel is a société anonyme duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the Republic of France. Alcatel has all powers and all
governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals
required to carry on its business as now conducted, except for
those the absence of which would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel. Merger
Subsidiary is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Merger Subsidiary has all corporate powers and all governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to
carry on its business as now conducted, except for those the
absence of which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on Merger Subsidiary. Alcatel is
duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction (to the extent such concepts exist in such
jurisdictions) where the character of the property owned,
operated or leased by it or the nature of its activities makes
such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions
where the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Alcatel. Since the date of its incorporation,
Merger Subsidiary has not engaged in any activities other than
in connection with or as contemplated by this Agreement. Alcatel
has made available to Lucent true and complete copies of
Alcatels articles of association and by-laws as currently
in effect and Merger Subsidiarys certificate of
incorporation and by-laws as currently in effect.
Section 4.02 Corporate
Authorization. (a) The execution, delivery and
performance by Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary of this Agreement
and the consummation by Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary of the
transactions contemplated hereby are within the powers of
Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary and have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate or other action, except for the
affirmative vote of the holders representing more than 50% (in
the case of clause (iv) below) or two-thirds (in the case
of clauses (i)-(iii) below), as applicable, of the voting
rights attached to the Alcatel Ordinary Shares cast at the
Alcatel Shareholder Meeting (as defined in Section 6.04),
authorizing and approving: (i) the issuance of Alcatel
A-18
Ordinary Shares in connection with the Merger pursuant to
L225-148 of the French Commercial Code, (ii) the issuance
of ADSs and Alcatel Ordinary Shares for delivery upon the
exercise or settlement of Lucent Stock Options or instruments,
and upon exercise or conversion of Lucent Warrants, Lucent
Convertible Debt and Lucent Stock-Based Accounts, (iii) the
adoption of the New Alcatel By-Laws, and (iv) the election
of the members of the Board of Directors contemplated by
Section 2.02(a) (collectively, the Alcatel
Shareholder Approval). This Agreement has been duly
and validly executed and delivered by each of Alcatel and Merger
Subsidiary and, assuming that this Agreement constitutes the
valid and binding agreement of Lucent, constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of each of Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms. The
ADSs and the underlying Alcatel Ordinary Shares issued pursuant
to the Merger, when issued in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued and fully
paid (and, with respect to the ADSs nonassessable), and not
subject to preemptive rights.
(b) Alcatels Board of Directors, at a meeting duly
called and held, has (i) determined that this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) are
in the best interests of Alcatel, (ii) duly and validly
approved and adopted this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby (including the Merger), and
(iii) resolved (subject to Section 6.04) to recommend
to its shareholders the approval of the matters constituting the
Alcatel Shareholder Approval.
(c) The Alcatel Shareholder Approval is the only vote of
the holders of any class or series of Alcatels capital
stock necessary under applicable law to approve and adopt the
matters constituting the Alcatel Shareholder Approval.
Section 4.03 Governmental
Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by
Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary of this Agreement and the
consummation by Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary of the
transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) require
no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental
body, agency, official or authority other than (a) the
filing of a certificate of merger in accordance with Delaware
Law, (b) compliance with any applicable requirements of the
HSR Act, (c) compliance with any applicable requirements of
the EC Merger Regulation, (d) compliance with any
applicable requirements of any other foreign antitrust laws or
regulations, (e) compliance with any applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act, (f) compliance with any
applicable requirements of the 1933 Act,
(g) compliance with French securities regulatory
requirements, including those of the AMF, (h) compliance
with any applicable requirements of the Exon-Florio Act and
(i) other actions or filings which if not taken or made
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Alcatel.
Section 4.04 Non-Contravention.
Except as set forth on Section 4.04 of the separate
disclosure letter delivered by Alcatel to Lucent dated as of the
date of this Agreement (the Alcatel Disclosure
Letter), the execution, delivery and performance by
Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary of this Agreement and the
consummation by Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary of the
transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not
(a) assuming receipt of Alcatel Shareholder Approval,
contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of the
articles of association and by-laws of Alcatel or the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or equivalent
organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries (including
Merger Subsidiary), (b) assuming compliance with the
matters referred to in Section 4.03, contravene or conflict
with or constitute a violation of any provision of any law,
regulation, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon
or applicable to Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries,
(c) constitute a violation of or default under or give rise
to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any
right or obligation of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries or to
a loss of any benefit to which Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries is entitled under any provision of any agreement,
contract or other instrument binding upon Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries or any license, franchise, permit or other similar
authorization held by Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries or
(d) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any
asset of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries, except for such
contraventions, conflicts or violations referred to in
clause (b) or violations, defaults, rights of termination,
cancellation or acceleration, or losses or Liens referred to in
clause (c) or (d) that would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel. Except
as disclosed in Section 4.04 of the Alcatel Disclosure
Letter, neither Alcatel nor any Subsidiary of Alcatel is a party
to any agreement that expressly limits the ability of Alcatel or
any Subsidiary of Alcatel to compete in or conduct any line of
business or compete with any Person or in any geographic area
A-19
or during any period of time, in each case, if such limitation
is or is reasonably likely to be material to Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Section 4.05 Capitalization
of Alcatel. As of February 24, 2006, the issued capital
stock of Alcatel consists of 1,429,278,636 shares with a
nominal value of
2 per
share, all of which are Alcatel Ordinary Shares. As of the close
of business on February 24, 2006, (i) there were
143,700,120 ADSs representing an aggregate of 143,700,120
Alcatel Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding, (ii) there
were 115,539,007 Alcatel Ordinary Shares that could be issued
pursuant to Alcatels stock option incentive plans and
share subscription options set forth on Section 4.05 of the
Alcatel Disclosure Letter (collectively, the Alcatel
Stock Option Plans), (iii) there were 2,719,130
Alcatel Ordinary Shares that could be issued upon redemption of
bonds issued by a subsidiary of Alcatel and redeemable for
Alcatel Ordinary Shares, and (iv) there were 63,192,019
Alcatel Ordinary Shares that could be issued upon conversion of
convertible bonds issued by Alcatel. All outstanding shares of
capital stock of Alcatel have been duly authorized and validly
issued and are fully paid. Except as set forth in this
Section 4.05 and except for changes since the close of
business on February 24, 2006, resulting from the exercise
of employee stock options outstanding on such date or options or
other stock-based awards granted thereafter and except for the
shares to be issued in connection with the Merger, there are
outstanding (a) no shares of capital stock or other voting
securities of Alcatel, (b) no securities of Alcatel
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or
voting securities of Alcatel, and (c) no options, warrants
or other rights to acquire from Alcatel, and no preemptive or
similar rights, subscription or other rights, convertible
securities, agreements, arrangements, or commitments of any
character, relating to the capital stock of Alcatel, obligating
Alcatel to issue, transfer or sell any capital stock, voting
security or securities convertible into or exchangeable for
capital stock or voting securities of Alcatel or obligating
Alcatel to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant,
subscription or other right, convertible security, agreement,
arrangement or commitment (the items in clauses (a),
(b) and (c) being referred to collectively as the
Alcatel Securities). There are no outstanding
obligations of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any Alcatel Securities.
Section 4.06 Subsidiaries.
(a) Each Subsidiary of Alcatel is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction
of organization (to the extent such concepts exist in such
jurisdictions), has all powers and all governmental licenses,
authorizations, permits, consents and approvals required to
carry on its business as now conducted, except for those
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals the absence of
which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel. Each Subsidiary of Alcatel
is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction (to the extent such concepts exist in such
jurisdictions) where the character of the property owned,
operated or leased by it or the nature of its activities makes
such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions
where failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Alcatel.
(b) Except as set forth on Section 4.06(b) of the
Alcatel Disclosure Letter, all of the outstanding capital stock
of, or other ownership interests in, each Subsidiary of Alcatel
are owned by Alcatel, directly or indirectly, free and clear of
any material Lien and free of any other material limitation or
restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote,
sell or otherwise dispose of such capital stock or other
ownership interests). There are no outstanding
(i) securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares
of capital stock or other voting securities or ownership
interests in any Subsidiary of Alcatel, and (ii) options,
warrants, preemptive or similar rights, subscriptions or other
rights, convertible securities, agreements, arrangements or
commitments of any character, relating to the capital stock of
any Subsidiary of Alcatel, obligating Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries to issue, transfer or sell, any capital stock,
voting securities or other ownership interests in, or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for any capital
stock, voting securities or ownership interests in, any
Subsidiary of Alcatel or obligating Alcatel or any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant,
subscription or other right, convertible security, agreement,
arrangement or commitment (the items in clauses (i) and
(ii) of this sentence being referred to in this Agreement
collectively as the Alcatel Subsidiary
Securities). There are no outstanding obligations of
Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any outstanding Alcatel Subsidiary Securities.
A-20
Section 4.07 SEC
Filings. (a) Alcatel has made available to Lucent
(i) its annual reports on
Form 20-F for its
fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005,
(ii) its proxy or information statements relating to
meetings, of, or actions taken without a meeting by, the
shareholders of Alcatel held since December 31, 2004, and
(iii) all of its other reports, statements, schedules and
registration statements filed with the SEC since
December 31, 2005 (the documents referred to in this
Section 4.07(a) being referred to in this Agreement
collectively as the Alcatel SEC Documents).
(b) As of its filing date or, if amended prior to the date
of this Agreement, as of the date of the last such amendment
prior to the date of this Agreement, each Alcatel SEC Document
complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act, the 1933 Act and the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(c) As of its filing date, or, if amended prior to the date
of this Agreement, as of the date of the last such amendment
prior to the date of this Agreement, each Alcatel SEC Document
filed pursuant to the Exchange Act, did not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(d) Each registration statement constituting an Alcatel SEC
Document, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, filed with
the SEC by Alcatel pursuant to the 1933 Act as of the date
such statement or amendment became effective did not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading.
(e) Alcatel has taken all steps necessary to establish a
system of disclosure controls and procedures and
internal control over financial reporting (as such
terms are defined in paragraphs (e) and (f),
respectively, of
Rule 13a-15 under
the Exchange Act). Since December 31, 2005 to the date
hereof, Alcatels independent auditors have not notified
Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries of (A) any material
weakness in the system of internal controls utilized by Alcatel
and its Subsidiaries, (B) any fraud, whether or not
material, that involves Alcatels management or other
employees who have a role in the preparation of financial
statements or the internal controls utilized by Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries or (C) any material claim or allegation
regarding any of the foregoing. The report of the Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Alcatel dated March 30, 2006,
given pursuant to Article L.225-37 of the French Commercial
Code, accurately describes the design and operation of
Alcatels system of internal control over financial
reporting for the period covered thereby.
(f) The disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in
Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) of the
Exchange Act) utilized by Alcatel are reasonably designed to
ensure that all information (both financial and non-financial)
required to be disclosed by Alcatel in the reports that it files
or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such information
required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to
Alcatels management as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure and to enable the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Alcatel to make
the certifications required under the Exchange Act with respect
to such reports.
Section 4.08 Financial
Statements. The audited consolidated financial statements of
Alcatel (including any related notes and schedules) included in
its annual reports on
Form 20-F for
Alcatels fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and
2004 as referred to in Section 4.07(a)(i) fairly present in
all material respects, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in France applied on a consistent basis
(except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), the
consolidated financial position of Alcatel and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their consolidated
results of operations and changes in financial position for the
periods then ended, and such audited consolidated financial
statements are reconciled to US GAAP as required by and in
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. The
audited consolidated financial statements of Alcatel (including
any notes and schedules) included in the annual report on
Form 20-F for
Alcatels fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 fairly
present in all material respects, in conformity with
International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) (except as may be indicated in the
notes thereto), the consolidated financial position of Alcatel
and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date
A-21
thereof and their consolidated results of operations and changes
in financial position for the period then ended, and such
audited consolidated financial statements are reconciled to US
GAAP as required by and in accordance with the requirements of
the Exchange Act. For purposes of this Agreement,
Alcatel Balance Sheet means the consolidated
balance sheet of Alcatel as of December 31, 2005 set forth
in Alcatels annual report on
Form 20-F for
Alcatels fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, and
Alcatel Balance Sheet Date means
December 31, 2005.
Section 4.09 Disclosure
Documents. (a) Subject to the last sentence of
Section 4.09(b), the Registration Statement on
Form F-4 of
Alcatel (the
Form F-4)and
the Registration Statement on
Form F-6 of
Alcatel (the
Form F-6)
to be filed under the 1933 Act relating to the issuance of
ADSs in the Merger and the issuance of Alcatel Ordinary Shares
underlying such ADSs that may be required to be filed with the
SEC, and any amendments or supplements thereto, will, when
filed, subject to the last sentence of Section 4.09(b)),
comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act and the 1933 Act. The
circular of Alcatel (Alcatel Circular) to be
delivered to, or put at the disposal of, Alcatels
shareholders in connection with obtaining the Alcatel
Shareholder Approval at the Alcatel Shareholder Meeting will,
when provided to Alcatels shareholders, subject to the
last sentence of Section 4.09(b), comply as to form and
substance in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of French securities regulations.
(b) None of the Alcatel Circular or any amendment or
supplement thereto, will, at the date on which the Alcatel
Circular or any amendment or supplement thereto is first mailed
to shareholders of Alcatel or at the time such shareholders vote
on the matters constituting the Alcatel Shareholder Approval,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. Neither the
Form F-4, the
Form F-6 nor any
amendment or supplement thereto will at the time it becomes
effective under the 1933 Act or at the time of the Alcatel
Shareholder Meeting contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation or
warranty is made by Alcatel in this Section 4.09 with
respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein
based on information supplied by or on behalf of Lucent for
inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Alcatel Circular,
the Form F-4 or
the Form F-6.
(c) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by
or on behalf of Alcatel for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in the Lucent Proxy Statement or any amendment or
supplement thereto will, at the date on which the Lucent Proxy
Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto is first mailed
to stockholders of Lucent or at the time such stockholders vote
on the adoption of this Agreement, contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary
in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Section 4.10 Absence
of Certain Changes. (a) From the Alcatel Balance Sheet
Date to the date of this Agreement, Alcatel and its Subsidiaries
have conducted their business in the ordinary course consistent
with past practice and there has not been:
|
|
|
(i) any event, occurrence, change or development of a state
of circumstances or facts which has had, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel; or |
|
|
(ii) any action taken by Alcatel or any Subsidiary that, if
taken on or after the date of this Agreement, would conflict
with or constitute a violation of Section 6.01 (other than
clauses (c) or (g) of Section 6.01). |
(b) Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have
been any event, occurrence, change or development of a state of
circumstances or facts which has had, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel.
A-22
Section 4.11 No
Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no material
liabilities of Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel of any kind
whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined,
determinable or otherwise, other than:
|
|
|
(a) liabilities disclosed or provided for in the Alcatel
Balance Sheet or in the notes thereto; |
|
|
(b) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business
since the Alcatel Balance Sheet Date which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Alcatel; |
|
|
(c) liabilities disclosed in the Filed Alcatel SEC
Documents or set forth on Section 4.11(c) of the Alcatel
Disclosure Letter; and |
|
|
(d) liabilities arising, or expressly permitted to be
incurred, under this Agreement (including Section 6.01). |
Section 4.12 Investigation;
Litigation. Except as set forth on Section 4.12 of the
Alcatel Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this Agreement
(a) there is no investigation or review pending or, to the
knowledge of Alcatel, threatened by any governmental body,
agency or official with respect to Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries; and (b) there is no action, suit, claim,
investigation or proceeding pending against or, to the knowledge
of Alcatel, threatened against or affecting Alcatel or any of
its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets
before any court or arbitrator or any governmental body, agency
or official, in each of cases (a) and (b), which would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Alcatel.
Section 4.13 Taxes.
(a) Except as set forth in the Alcatel SEC Documents
(including the notes thereto) or as otherwise set forth on
Section 4.13 of the Alcatel Disclosure Letter or as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Alcatel, (i) all Tax Returns required to be filed
with any taxing authority by, or with respect to, Alcatel and
its Subsidiaries (and any affiliated or unitary group of which
any such Person was a member) have been filed in accordance with
all applicable laws and, as of the time of filing, such Tax
Returns correctly reflected the facts regarding the income,
business, assets, operations, activities and the status of
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries; (ii) Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries (and any affiliated or unitary group of which any
such Person was a member) have timely and duly paid all Taxes
required to be paid by any of them; (iii) Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries (and any affiliated or unitary group of which any
such Person was a member) have timely withheld and paid over to
the proper taxing authorities all Taxes and other amounts
required to be so withheld and paid over; (iv) Alcatel and
its Subsidiaries have made provision for all Taxes payable by
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries for which no Tax Return has yet
been filed; (v) the charges, accruals and reserves for
Taxes with respect to Alcatel and its Subsidiaries reflected on
the Alcatel Balance Sheet are adequate under IFRS to cover the
Tax liabilities accruing through the date thereof;
(vi) there is no action, suit, proceeding, audit or claim
now proposed in writing or pending against or with respect to
Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of any Tax where
there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination;
(vii) neither Alcatel nor any of its Subsidiaries is liable
for any Tax imposed on any entity other than such Person, except
as the result of the application of Treas. Reg.
§ 1.1502-6 (and any comparable provision of the tax
laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction) to the group
of which Alcatel is the common parent; (viii) neither
Alcatel nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, is bound by
or has any obligation under any tax sharing or similar agreement
or arrangement; and (ix) there are no liens for Taxes upon
any asset of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries except for liens
for Taxes not yet due.
(b) Except as disclosed in Section 4.13(b) of the
Alcatel Disclosure Letter, and except as to matters the
substance and maximum potential liability for Taxes in respect
of which both have been (1) previously disclosed to Lucent
and (2) fully and independently reserved for on the Alcatel
Balance Sheet, neither Alcatel nor any of its Subsidiaries has
participated in any material listed transaction
within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.6011-4 for any taxable year as to
which the statute of limitations has not expired.
(c) Neither Alcatel nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken
or agreed to take any action or knows of any fact, agreement,
plan or other circumstance that is reasonably likely to
(i) prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or
(ii) cause the stockholders of Lucent to recognize gain
pursuant to Section 367(a)(1) of the Code, other than any
such stockholder that would be a
A-23
five-percent transferee shareholder of Alcatel
(within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulations
Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(5)(ii)) following the Merger that
does not enter into a five-year gain recognition agreement in
the form provided in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.367(a) 8(b).
Section 4.14 Employee
Benefit Plans; Employment and Labor Matters. (a) For
purposes of this Agreement, Alcatel Employee
Plan shall mean each material employee benefit
plan, as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, each
material employment, severance or similar contract, plan,
arrangement or policy applicable to any director, former
director, employee or former employee of Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries and each material plan or arrangement, providing
for compensation, bonuses, profit-sharing, stock option or other
stock related rights or other forms of incentive or deferred
compensation, vacation benefits, insurance coverage (including
any self-insured arrangements), health or medical benefits,
disability benefits, workers compensation, supplemental
unemployment benefits, severance benefits and post-employment or
retirement benefits (including compensation, pension, health,
medical or life insurance benefits) which is maintained,
administered or contributed to by Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries and covers any employee or director or former
employee or director of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries, or
under which Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries has any
liability, other than statutorily mandated plans or
Multiemployer Plans. Neither Alcatel nor any of its Subsidiaries
contributes to a Multiemployer Plan in the United States.
(b) Each Alcatel Employee Plan has been maintained in
compliance with its terms and with the requirements prescribed
by any and all statutes, orders, rules and regulations
(including but not limited to ERISA and the Code) which are
applicable to such plan, except where failure to so comply would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Alcatel.
(c) Neither Alcatel nor any affiliate of Alcatel has
incurred a material liability under Title IV of ERISA that
has not been satisfied in full, and no condition exists that
presents a material risk to Alcatel or any affiliate of Alcatel
of incurring any such liability other than liability for
premiums due the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (which
premiums have been paid when due).
(d) Each Alcatel Employee Plan which is intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code either the
Internal Revenue Service has issued a favorable determination
letter that has not been revoked, or an application for a
favorable determination letter was timely submitted to the
Internal Revenue Service for which no final action has been
taken by the Internal Revenue Service.
(e) Except for liabilities that are statutorily mandated,
or that would not, on an individual basis, exceed $500,000, no
director or officer or other employee of Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries will become entitled to any retirement, severance
or similar benefit or enhanced or accelerated benefit (including
enhanced eligibility for severance benefits, eligibility for
enhanced severance benefits, any acceleration of vesting or
lapse of repurchase rights or obligations with respect to any
employee stock option or other benefit under any stock option
plan or compensation plan or arrangement of Alcatel) as a result
of the transactions contemplated hereby (either alone or as a
result of a termination of employment benefit which is a
change of control benefit).
(f) Section 4.14(f) of the Alcatel Disclosure Letter
lists each material United States collective bargaining
agreement to which Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or which is otherwise applicable to any of their respective
employees. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement will not give rise to any obligation to pay any
amounts under, or permit any union or similar labor organization
to open negotiations with respect to the terms of, any such
United States collective bargaining agreement.
(g) Except for such matters which would not have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Alcatel, (i) as of the date of this Agreement,
(1) there are no strikes or lockouts with respect to any
employees of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries, (2) to the
knowledge of Alcatel, there is no union organizing effort
pending or threatened against Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries, (3) there is no unfair labor practice, labor
dispute (other than routine individual grievances) or labor
arbitration proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Alcatel,
threatened against Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries, and
(4) there is no slowdown, or work stoppage in effect or, to
the knowledge of Alcatel, threatened with respect to any
employees of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries and
(ii) Alcatel and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with
all applicable laws
A-24
respecting employment, employment practices, labor, occupational
safety and health and wages and hours, including all civil
rights and anti-discrimination laws, rules and regulations and
laws concerning unfair labor practices.
Section 4.15 Compliance
with Laws. (a) Since January 1, 2003, Alcatel and
its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in
compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances,
rules, judgments, orders, decrees or regulations, except for any
violations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel. No personal loan or
other extension of credit by Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries
to any of their respective executive officers or directors has
been made or modified (other than as permitted by
Section 13 of the Exchange Act and Section 402 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act) since July 31, 2002. This
Section 4.15 does not relate to Taxes, which are the
subject of Section 4.13, to environmental matters, which
are the subject of Section 4.16, or to matters relating to
Intellectual Property, which are the subject of
Section 4.17.
(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.15(b) of the
Alcatel Disclosure Letter, from January 1, 2003 to the date
of this Agreement and to the best of their knowledge,
information and belief, Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, and their
respective officers, directors, employees and agents have not
corruptly made, promised, offered, or authorized any payment or
transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any
government official, employee or agent for the purpose of
(i) influencing such government official, employee or agent
to take any action or decision or to omit to take any action, in
his or her official capacity, (ii) inducing such government
official, employee or agent to use his or her influence with a
government or instrumentality to affect any act or decision of
the government or instrumentality, or (iii) securing any
improper advantage.
(c) From January 1, 2003 to the date of this Agreement
and to the best of their knowledge, information and belief,
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries have not caused any of their
respective consultants, joint venture partners and/or
representatives (including resellers), in connection with its
relationship with Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries, to
corruptly make, promise, offer, or authorize any payment or
transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any
government official, employee or agent for the purpose of
(i) influencing such government official, employee or agent
to take any action or decision or to omit to take any action, in
his or her official capacity, (ii) inducing such government
official, employee or agent to use his or her influence with a
government or instrumentality to affect any act or decision of
the government or instrumentality, or (iii) securing any
improper advantage.
Section 4.16 Environmental
Matters. (i) Alcatel is in compliance with all
applicable Environmental Laws (which compliance includes the
possession by Alcatel of all permits and other governmental
authorizations required under applicable Environmental Laws, and
compliance with the terms and conditions thereof), except where
failure to be in compliance would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel;
|
|
|
(ii) there is no Environmental Claim pending or threatened
against Alcatel or, to the best knowledge of Alcatel, against
any Person whose liability for any Environmental Claim Alcatel
has or may have retained or assumed either contractually or by
operation of law, except for any such Environmental Claims which
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Alcatel; |
|
|
(iii) there are no past or present actions, activities,
circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including the
Release or presence of any Hazardous Material which could form
the basis of any Environmental Claim against Alcatel, or to the
best knowledge of Alcatel, against any Person whose liability
for any Environmental Claim Alcatel has or may have retained or
assumed either contractually or by operation of law which would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Alcatel; and |
|
|
(iv) there is no Cleanup of Hazardous Materials being
conducted or planned at any property currently or formerly owned
or operated by Alcatel, except for such Cleanups which would
not, individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse
Effect on Alcatel. |
A-25
Section 4.17 Intellectual
Property. Except as set forth on Section 4.17 of the
Alcatel Disclosure Letter or as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel:
|
|
|
(i) Alcatel, or one of its Subsidiaries, owns or possesses
adequate licenses or other legal rights to use, sell or license
all Intellectual Property used in the present conduct of the
businesses of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, free and clear of
all Liens; |
|
|
(ii) no claims or, to the knowledge of Alcatel, threat of
claims have been asserted by any Person related to the use of
any Intellectual Property in the conduct of the businesses of
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries; |
|
|
(iii) no settlement agreements, consents, judgments,
orders, forbearance to sue or similar obligations limit or
restrict Alcatels or any Subsidiarys rights in and
to any Intellectual Property other than the granting of a
license or a covenant not to sue; |
|
|
(iv) it is the policy of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries to
not knowingly infringe any valid Intellectual Property right of
any Person, and Alcatel and its Subsidiaries have, to Alcatel
and its Subsidiaries knowledge, abided by their policy of
not knowingly infringing any valid Intellectual Property right
of any Person; |
|
|
(v) to the knowledge of Alcatel, no third party is
infringing or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property
owned by Alcatel or its Subsidiaries; |
|
|
(vi) Alcatel and its Subsidiaries take reasonable measures
to protect the confidentiality of their Trade Secrets. To the
knowledge of Alcatel, no Trade Secret of Alcatel or its
Subsidiaries has been disclosed or authorized to be disclosed to
any third party other than pursuant to a written nondisclosure
agreement that adequately protects Alcatels and its
Subsidiaries proprietary interests in and to such Trade
Secrets; |
|
|
(vii) the consummation of the transactions as specified
herein will not result in the loss or impairment of
Alcatels and its Subsidiaries rights to own or use
any of the Intellectual Property nor will such consummation
require the consent of any third party in respect of any such
Intellectual Property; and |
|
|
(viii) Alcatel and its Subsidiaries have conducted their
respective businesses in compliance with all applicable laws,
statutes, ordinances and regulations relating to, or in respect
of, Intellectual Property. |
Section 4.18 Vendor
Financing. Section 4.18 of the Alcatel Disclosure
Letter contains a true, complete and accurate list, as of the
date of this Agreement, of (i) all financing arrangements
(including loans, deferred payment arrangements in excess of one
year and equity-linked arrangements) to customers (including
distributors to customers) or vendors of Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries which have been provided by Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries or are guaranteed (including by guarantee to an
institution providing such loan), secured or supported in any
respect by Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively,
Alcatel Vendor Financing) with an aggregate
principal amount of financing or available commitment greater
than $25,000,000 and (ii) all contracts, agreements,
commitments and other arrangements relating to Alcatel Vendor
Financing with an aggregate principal amount of financing or
available commitment greater than $25,000,000.
Section 4.19 Finders
or Advisors Fees. Except for Goldman, Sachs &
Co., whose fees will be paid by Alcatel, there is no investment
banker, broker, finder or other intermediary which has been
retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of Alcatel or any
of its Subsidiaries who might be entitled to any fee or
commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
Section 4.20 Opinion
of Financial Advisor. Alcatel has received the opinion of
Goldman Sachs & Co. to the effect that, as of the date
of this Agreement, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial
point of view, to Alcatel.
Section 4.21 Takeover
Statutes. The Board of Directors of Alcatel has taken the
necessary action, if any, to make inapplicable to this
Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby any applicable antitakeover or similar statute or
regulation under French law or any other applicable antitakeover
law.
A-26
ARTICLE V
Covenants of Lucent
Lucent agrees that:
Section 5.01 Conduct
of Lucent. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier
of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9.01, Lucent and its Subsidiaries shall
conduct their respective businesses in the ordinary course
consistent with past practice and shall use their respective
reasonable best efforts to preserve intact their respective
business organizations and relationships with third parties
(including employees and those Persons having business dealings
with them). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
except (i) as set forth on Section 5.01 of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter, (ii) with the prior written consent of
Alcatel (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
delayed or conditioned), (iii) as may be required by
applicable law or (iv) as expressly contemplated by this
Agreement, from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Section 9.01:
|
|
|
(a) Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, adopt or propose any change in its certificate
of incorporation or by-laws (or comparable organizational
documents) or otherwise take any action to exempt any person or
entity (other than Alcatel) from any applicable antitakeover
law, provided that the organizational documents of Subsidiaries
may be changed in a way that is not material; |
|
|
(b) Lucent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Lucent to, adopt, enter into or effect any plan or agreement of
complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger (excluding
acquisitions permitted under Section 5.01(i)),
consolidation, spin-off, restructuring, recapitalization or
other material reorganization of Lucent or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any such action between its wholly
owned Subsidiaries); |
|
|
(c) Lucent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Lucent to, issue, sell, transfer, pledge, dispose of or encumber
any shares of capital stock of any class or series of Lucent or
its Subsidiaries, or issue, sell or transfer securities
convertible into or exchangeable for, or options, warrants,
calls, commitments or rights of any kind to acquire, any shares
of capital stock of any class or series of Lucent or its
Subsidiaries, or materially amend the terms of any outstanding
capital stock other than upon issuance of Shares upon exercise
or settlement of Lucent Stock Options or Lucent Stock-Based
Accounts, Lucent Convertible Debt or Lucent Warrants, and in
cases other than those in connection with employee benefit and
compensation matters to the extent permitted by
Section 5.01 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter; |
|
|
(d) (i) Lucent will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary of Lucent to, split, combine, subdivide or reclassify
any of its outstanding shares of capital stock, and
(ii) Lucent will not declare, set aside or pay any dividend
or other distribution payable in cash, stock or property with
respect to its capital stock; |
|
|
(e) Lucent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Lucent to, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire directly or
indirectly any of Lucents capital stock, except for
repurchases, redemptions or acquisitions (i) required by
the terms of its capital stock or any securities outstanding on
the date of this Agreement, or (ii) required by or in
connection with the respective terms, as of the date of this
Agreement, of any Lucent Stock Option Plan or any dividend
reinvestment plan as in effect on the date of this Agreement in
the ordinary course of the operations of such plan consistent
with past practice and only to the extent consistent with
Section 7.04; |
|
|
(f) Lucent will not amend the terms (including the terms
relating to accelerating the vesting or lapse of repurchase
rights or obligations) of any outstanding options to purchase
Shares; |
A-27
|
|
|
(g) Lucent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Lucent to, make or commit to make any capital expenditure, other
than capital expenditures set forth on Section 5.01 of the
Lucent Disclosure Letter; |
|
|
(h) Lucent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Lucent to, increase the compensation or benefits of any current
or former director, officer or employee, except for increases in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or
as required under applicable law or any existing agreement or
commitment; |
|
|
(i) except for (1) acquisitions of assets in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices,
(2) acquisitions pursuant to existing contracts or
commitments as set forth on Section 5.01(i) of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter, and (3) acquisitions not in excess of
$500,000,000 in the aggregate, Lucent will not, and will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, acquire assets or stock (or
similar ownership interests) of any other Person; |
|
|
(j) Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, sell, transfer, lease, license, pledge,
encumber or otherwise dispose of any material (as determined
with respect to Lucent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole)
assets or stock, other than (i) inventory, receivables and
vendor financing loans in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice and (ii) pursuant to existing
contracts or commitments; |
|
|
(k) except for any such change which is required in order
to remain in compliance with US GAAP or applicable law, Lucent
will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of Lucent to,
change any method of financial accounting or accounting practice
used by it; |
|
|
(l) Lucent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Lucent to, enter into any material joint venture, partnership or
other similar arrangement or materially amend or modify in an
adverse manner the terms of (or waive any material rights under)
any existing material joint venture, partnership or other
similar arrangement (other than any such action between its
wholly owned Subsidiaries); |
|
|
(m) Except as set forth in Section 5.01 of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter, Lucent will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, incur material indebtedness, other than
(1) pursuant to the credit facilities of Lucent existing on
the date of this Agreement, or (2) to refinance, extend or
renew the maturity of any existing indebtedness in an amount not
to exceed such existing indebtedness, provided that such
refinancing or extension is at prevailing market interest rates
and otherwise on terms not materially less favorable in
aggregate than the existing indebtedness being so refinanced or
extended; |
|
|
(n) Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, enter into or commit to provide any Lucent
Vendor Financing not in effect as of the date of this Agreement
other than in accordance with Section 5.01 of the Lucent
Disclosure Letter; |
|
|
(o) other than with respect to the settlement, payment,
discharge or compromise in the ordinary course of business of
litigation arising in the ordinary course of Lucents and
its Subsidiaries business, or settlements providing solely
for the payment of money damages that are (i) subject to
reserves existing as of the date of this Agreement in accordance
with US GAAP, (ii) covered by existing insurance policies
or (iii) otherwise less than $50,000,000 in the aggregate,
Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
settle, pay, discharge or compromise any material claim
(including arbitration) or litigation; |
|
|
(p) Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, (i) enter into, modify or amend any
material contract (as such term is defined in
Item 601(b)(10) of
Regulation S-K of
the SEC), other than in the ordinary course of business, or
(ii) enter into any contract or agreement which expressly
limits the ability of Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent, or
would limit Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel after the
Effective Time, to compete in or conduct any line of business or
compete with any Person or in any geographic area or during any
period of time, in each case, if such limitation is or is
reasonably likely to be material to Lucent and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, or, following the Effective Time, to Alcatel
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
A-28
|
|
|
(q) Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, enter into any new line of business material to
it and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
|
|
(r) Lucent will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, agree or commit to do any of the foregoing. |
Section 5.02 Lucent
Stockholder Meeting; Proxy Material. Lucent shall take, in
accordance with applicable law and its certificate of
incorporation and bylaws, all action necessary to convene a
meeting of its stockholders (the Lucent Stockholder
Meeting) on a date mutually agreed between Lucent and
Alcatel, which date shall be as promptly as practicable and in
no event later than sixty (60) calendar days after the
Form F-4 is
declared effective by the SEC for the purpose of voting on the
approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger and shall
use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Lucent Stockholder
Meeting to be held on the same day as the Alcatel Shareholder
Meeting. Except as provided in the next sentence, the Board of
Directors of Lucent shall recommend adoption of this Agreement
by Lucents stockholders. The Board of Directors of Lucent
shall be permitted to (i) not recommend to Lucents
stockholders that they give the Lucent Stockholder Approval,
(ii) withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Alcatel its
recommendation to Lucents stockholders that they give the
Lucent Stockholder Approval or (iii) recommend any Lucent
Superior Proposal (as defined in Section 5.03) other than
the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(each, a Lucent Change in Recommendation),
but only if (1) the Board of Directors of Lucent by a
majority vote determines, in its good faith judgment and after
consultation with outside legal counsel, that the failure of the
Board of Directors to effect such Lucent Change in
Recommendation would be reasonably likely to result in a breach
of the directors fiduciary obligations to the Lucent
stockholders under applicable law and (2) in the case of
5.02(iii) only, the Board of Directors of Lucent has complied
with its obligations under Section 5.03. In connection with
the Lucent Stockholder Meeting, Lucent will use its reasonable
best efforts, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, to
obtain the Lucent Stockholder Approval and will otherwise comply
with all legal requirements applicable to the Lucent Stockholder
Meeting. The parties agree that (in accordance with
Section 146 of Delaware Law) this Agreement shall be
submitted for adoption by Lucents stockholders at the
Lucent Stockholder Meeting regardless of whether or not there is
a Lucent Change in Recommendation. Lucent agrees that
(i) except in order to obtain a quorum or as otherwise
advisable under applicable law, it shall not adjourn, postpone
or cancel (or propose to adjourn, postpone or cancel) the Lucent
Stockholder Meeting and (ii) it shall use its reasonable
best efforts to obtain the requisite quorum and other approvals
of Lucents stockholders necessary to obtain the Lucent
Stockholder Approval.
Section 5.03 Other
Offers. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Section 9.01, Lucent and its Subsidiaries will not, and
Lucent will not permit any of the officers, directors,
employees, investment bankers, consultants, representatives and
other agents of Lucent and its Subsidiaries to (and shall
instruct such Persons not to), directly or indirectly, take any
action to (a) solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage or
facilitate the making of any Lucent Acquisition Proposal or any
inquiry with respect thereto or engage in discussions or
negotiations or enter into any agreement, arrangement or
understanding with respect to a Lucent Acquisition Proposal,
(b) disclose or provide any non-public information relating
to Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent to any Person with respect
thereto, (c) afford access to the properties, books or
records of Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent to, any Person
that has made, or to Lucents knowledge, is considering
making, any Lucent Acquisition Proposal, (d) approve or
recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or
enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger
agreement, option agreement, acquisition agreement or other
agreement relating to a Lucent Acquisition Proposal, or
(e) propose publicly or agree to any of the foregoing
relating to a Lucent Acquisition Proposal; provided that nothing
contained in this Section 5.03 shall prevent Lucent, prior
to the receipt of Lucent Stockholder Approval, from furnishing
non-public information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with, any Person in connection with an unsolicited
bona fide written Lucent Acquisition Proposal received from such
Person prior to the receipt of Lucent Stockholder Approval, so
long as prior to furnishing non-public information to, or
entering into discussions or negotiations with, such Person,
(i) the Board of Directors of Lucent by a majority vote
determines in its good faith judgment that such Lucent
Acquisition Proposal is reasonably expected to lead to a Lucent
Superior Proposal (after consulting
A-29
with its financial advisors), taking into account any revisions
to the terms of the Merger or this Agreement proposed by Alcatel
after being notified pursuant to this Section 5.03,
(ii) Lucent is not then in breach of its obligations under
this Section 5.03 and (iii) Lucent enters into, and
receives from such Person, an executed confidentiality agreement
on terms no less favorable to Lucent than those contained in the
Confidentiality Agreement (as defined in Section 7.03).
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Board of
Directors of Lucent from complying with
Rule 14d-9 and
Rule 14e-2 under
the Exchange Act with regard to a Lucent Acquisition Proposal;
provided that Lucent shall not make any disclosure or take any
action that amounts to a Lucent Change in Recommendation other
than in compliance with Section 5.02. Lucent further agrees
that it shall (a) promptly (and in no event later than
24 hours after receipt of any Lucent Acquisition Proposal)
notify (which notice shall be provided orally and in writing and
shall identify the Person making such Lucent Acquisition
Proposal and set forth the material terms thereof) Alcatel after
receipt of any Lucent Acquisition Proposal, or any request for
non-public information relating to Lucent or any Subsidiary of
Lucent or for access to the properties, books or records of
Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent by any Person that has made,
or to Lucents knowledge intends to make, a Lucent
Acquisition Proposal, and (b) keep Alcatel informed of the
status and material terms of any such Lucent Acquisition
Proposal or request (including any material amendments or
proposed material amendments). Lucent and its Subsidiaries will,
and Lucent will cause the officers, directors, employees,
investment bankers, consultants and other agents of Lucent and
its Subsidiaries to, immediately cease and cause to be
terminated all discussions and negotiations, if any, that have
taken place prior to the date of this Agreement with any parties
with respect to any Lucent Acquisition Proposal.
For purposes of this Agreement, Lucent Acquisition
Proposal means any offer or proposal for, or any
indication of interest in, any (i) direct or indirect
acquisition or purchase of a business or assets that constitute
20% or more of the net revenues, net income or the assets of
Lucent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) direct
or indirect acquisition or purchase of (A) 20% or more of
any class of equity securities of Lucent or (B) 50% or more
of any class of equity securities of any of Lucents
Subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or more of the net
revenues, net income or assets of Lucent and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, (iii) tender offer or exchange offer
that, if consummated, would result in any person beneficially
owning (A) 20% or more of any class of equity securities of
Lucent or (B) 50% or more of any class of equity securities
of any of Lucents Subsidiaries whose business constitutes
20% or more the net revenues, net income or assets of Lucent and
its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iv) merger,
consolidation, spin-off, business combination, recapitalization,
liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving Lucent
or any of its Subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or
more of the net revenues, net income or assets of Lucent and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, pursuant to which the
stockholders of Lucent or such Subsidiary, as applicable,
immediately prior to such transaction (other than the
counterparty in such transaction) would own less than 80% of any
class of equity securities of the resultant entity(ies), in each
case other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or expressly permitted by Section 5.01 (including the items
set forth in Section 5.01 of the Lucent Disclosure Letter).
For purposes of this Agreement, Lucent Superior
Proposal means any bona fide Lucent Acquisition
Proposal for or in respect of at least a majority of the
outstanding Shares or all or substantially all of Lucents
and its Subsidiaries assets, taken as a whole, on terms
that the Board of Directors of Lucent determines in its good
faith judgment (after consultation with outside legal counsel
and a financial advisor of recognized reputation) and taking
into account all of the terms and conditions of such Lucent
Acquisition Proposal, including any
break-up fees, expense
reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation, as well
as any revisions to the terms of the Merger or this Agreement
proposed by Alcatel after being notified pursuant to this
Section 5.03) are more favorable to Lucents
stockholders than the Merger (after taking into account any such
revised terms).
Section 5.04 Shareholder
Rights Plan. Lucent agrees that, in the event any Person
commences a tender offer or exchange offer under the
U.S. federal securities laws that constitutes a Lucent
Acquisition Proposal, Lucent shall, promptly but not later than
the tenth business day following the commencement of such offer,
adopt a shareholder rights plan in customary form, unless the
Board of Directors of Lucent by a majority vote determines, in
its good faith judgment and after consultation with outside
legal counsel, that the adoption of such rights plan would be
reasonably likely to result in a breach of the directors
fiduciary obligations to the Lucent stockholders under
applicable law.
A-30
ARTICLE VI
Covenants of Alcatel
Alcatel agrees that:
Section 6.01 Conduct
of Alcatel. From the date of this Agreement until the
earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries shall conduct their respective businesses in the
ordinary course consistent with past practice and shall use
their respective reasonable best efforts to preserve intact
their respective business organizations and relationships with
third parties (including employees and those Persons having
business dealings with them). Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, except (i) as set forth on Section 6.01
of the Alcatel Disclosure Letter, (ii) with the prior
written consent of Lucent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), (iii) as
may be required by applicable law or (iv) as expressly
contemplated by this Agreement, from the date of this Agreement
until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01:
|
|
|
(a) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, adopt or propose any change in its certificate
of incorporation or by-laws (or comparable organizational
documents) or otherwise take any action to exempt any person or
entity (other than Lucent) from any applicable antitakeover law,
provided that the organizational documents of Subsidiaries may
be changed in a way that is not material; |
|
|
(b) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to, adopt, enter into or effect any plan or agreement of
complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger (excluding
acquisitions permitted under Section 6.01(i)),
consolidation, spin-off, restructuring, recapitalization or
other material reorganization of Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any such action between its wholly
owned Subsidiaries); |
|
|
(c) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to, issue, sell, transfer, pledge, dispose of or
encumber any shares of capital stock of any class or series of
Alcatel or its Subsidiaries, or issue, sell or transfer
securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or options,
warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any kind to acquire,
any shares of capital stock of any class or series of Alcatel or
its Subsidiaries, other than upon issuance of Shares upon
exercise or settlement of Alcatel Stock Options or materially
amend the terms of any outstanding capital stock; |
|
|
(d) (i) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary of Alcatel to, split, combine, subdivide or
reclassify any of its outstanding shares of capital stock, and
(ii) Alcatel will not declare, set aside or pay any
dividend or other distribution payable in cash, stock or
property with respect to its capital stock other than the
regular annual dividend approved by the Alcatel stockholders at
the annual general meeting of Alcatel; |
|
|
(e) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire directly or
indirectly any of Alcatels capital stock, except for
repurchases, redemptions or acquisitions (i) required by
the terms of its capital stock or any securities outstanding on
the date of this Agreement, or (ii) required by or in
connection with the respective terms, as of the date of this
Agreement, of any stock option plan of Alcatel or its
Subsidiaries or any dividend reinvestment plan as in effect on
the date of this Agreement in the ordinary course of the
operations of such plan consistent with past practice and only
to the extent consistent with Section 7.04; |
|
|
(f) Alcatel will not amend the terms (including the terms
relating to accelerating the vesting or lapse of repurchase
rights or obligations) of any outstanding options to purchase
ADSs or Alcatel Ordinary Shares; |
|
|
(g) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to, make or commit to make any capital expenditure,
other than capital expenditures set forth on Section 6.01
of the Alcatel Disclosure Letter; |
A-31
|
|
|
(h) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to, increase the compensation or benefits of any current
or former director, officer or employee, except for increases in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or
as required under applicable law or any existing agreement or
commitment; |
|
|
(i) except for (1) acquisitions of assets in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices
(2) acquisitions pursuant to existing contracts or
commitments as set forth on Section 6.01(i) of the Alcatel
Disclosure Letter and (3) acquisitions not in excess of
$500,000,000 in the aggregate, of which no individual
acquisition shall exceed $300,000,000, Alcatel will not, and
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, acquire assets or
stock (or similar ownership interests) of any other Person; |
|
|
(j) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, sell, transfer, lease, license, pledge,
encumber or otherwise dispose of any material (as determined
with respect to Alcatel and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole)
assets or stock, other than (i) inventory, receivables and
vendor financing loans in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice and (ii) pursuant to existing
contracts or commitments; |
|
|
(k) except for any such change which is required in order
to remain in compliance with IFRS or applicable law, Alcatel
will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of Alcatel to,
change any method of financial accounting or accounting practice
used by it; |
|
|
(l) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of
Alcatel to, enter into any material joint venture, partnership
or other similar arrangement or materially amend or modify in an
adverse manner the terms of (or waive any material rights under)
any existing material joint venture, partnership or other
similar arrangement (other than any such action between its
wholly owned Subsidiaries); |
|
|
(m) Except as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Alcatel
Disclosure Letter, Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, incur material indebtedness, other than
(1) pursuant to the credit facilities of Alcatel existing
on the date of this Agreement, or (2) to refinance, extend
or renew the maturity of any existing indebtedness in an amount
not to exceed such existing indebtedness, provided that such
refinancing or extension is at prevailing market interest rates
and otherwise on terms not materially less favorable in
aggregate than the existing indebtedness being so refinanced or
extended; |
|
|
(n) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, enter into or commit to provide any Alcatel
Vendor Financing not in effect as of the date of this Agreement
other than in accordance with Section 6.01 of the Alcatel
Disclosure Letter; |
|
|
(o) other than with respect to the settlement, payment,
discharge or compromise in the ordinary course of business of
litigation arising in the ordinary course of Alcatels and
its Subsidiaries business, or settlements providing solely
for the payment of money damages that are (i) subject to
reserves existing as of the date of this Agreement in accordance
with IFRS, (ii) covered by existing insurance policies or
(iii) otherwise less than $50,000,000 in the aggregate,
Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, settle, pay, discharge or compromise any material claim
(including arbitration) or litigation; |
|
|
(p) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, (i) enter into, modify or amend any
material contract ( as such term is defined in
Item 601(b)(10) of
Regulation S-K of
the SEC), other than in the ordinary course of business, or
(ii) enter into any contract or agreement which expressly
limits the ability of Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel, or
would limit Lucent or any Subsidiary of Lucent after the
Effective Time, to compete in or conduct any line of business or
compete with any Person or in any geographic area or during any
period of time, in each case, if such limitation is or is
reasonably likely to be material to Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, following the Effective
Time, to Lucent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
|
|
(q) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, enter into any new line of business material to
it and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
A-32
|
|
|
(r) Alcatel will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, agree or commit to do any of the foregoing. |
Section 6.02 Obligations
of Merger Subsidiary. Alcatel will take all action necessary
to cause Merger Subsidiary to perform its obligations under this
Agreement and to consummate the Merger on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
Section 6.03 Director
and Officer Liability. (a) For a period of six
(6) years from the Effective Time, Alcatel shall maintain
in effect the exculpation, indemnification and advancement of
expenses provisions of any certificate of incorporation and
by-laws or similar organization documents of Lucent and its
Subsidiaries in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
and with respect to acts or omissions prior to the Effective
Time or in any indemnification agreements of Lucent or its
Subsidiaries with any of their respective directors, officers or
employees in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time and
with respect to acts or omissions prior to the Effective Time,
and shall not amend, repeal or otherwise modify any such
provisions or the exculpation, indemnification or advancement of
expenses provisions of the Surviving Corporations
certificate of incorporation and by-laws in any manner that
would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any individuals
who at the Effective Time were current or former directors,
officers or employees of Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) For a period of six years after the Effective Time,
Alcatel shall, and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to,
indemnify and hold harmless the individuals who on or prior to
the Effective Time were officers, directors and employees of
Lucent or its Subsidiaries or were serving at the request of
Lucent as an officer, director or employee of any other
corporation, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan or other enterprise (collectively, the
Indemnitees) with respect to all acts or
omissions by them in their capacities as such or taken at the
request of Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries at any time prior
to the Effective Time to the extent provided under Lucents
certificate of incorporation and by-laws in effect on the date
of this Agreement (including with respect to the advancement of
expenses). Alcatel shall, and shall cause the Surviving
Corporation to, honor all indemnification agreements with the
Indemnitees (including under Lucents by-laws) in effect as
of the date of this Agreement in accordance with the terms
thereof. Lucent represents that it has made available to Alcatel
all such indemnification agreements prior to the date of this
Agreement.
(c) For six years after the Effective Time, Alcatel shall
procure the provision of officers and directors
liability insurance in respect of acts or omissions occurring
prior to the Effective Time covering each such Person currently
covered by Lucents officers and directors
liability insurance policy on terms with respect to coverage and
in amounts no less than those of the policy in effect on the
date of this Agreement; provided, that if the aggregate annual
premiums for such insurance at any time during such period shall
exceed 250% of the per annum rate of premium paid by Lucent and
its Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement for such
insurance, then Alcatel shall, or shall cause its Subsidiaries
to, provide only such coverage as shall then be available at an
annual premium equal to 250% of such rate.
(d) In the event that the Surviving Corporation or any of
its successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges
into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving
corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or
(ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all its
properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such
case, Alcatel shall cause proper provision to be made so that
the successors and assigns of the Surviving Corporation assume
the obligations set forth in this Section 6.03.
(e) The provisions of this Section 6.03 are intended
to be for the benefit of, and will be enforceable by, each
indemnified party, his or her heirs and his or her
representatives. Alcatel shall pay all reasonable expenses,
including reasonable attorneys fees, that may be incurred
by any Indemnitee in enforcing the indemnity and other
obligations provided in this Section 6.03, provided that
such indemnitee is successful in enforcing any such enforcement
claim.
Section 6.04 Alcatel
Shareholder Meeting;
Form F-4.
Alcatel shall take in accordance with applicable law and its
articles of association and by-laws, all action necessary to
convene an extraordinary meeting of its shareholders (the
Alcatel Shareholder Meeting) on a date
mutually agreed between Lucent and Alcatel,
A-33
which date shall be as promptly as practicable and in no event
later than sixty (60) calendar days after the
Form F-4 is
declared effective by the SEC for the purpose of approving the
matters constituting the Alcatel Shareholder Approval and shall
use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Alcatel Shareholder
Meeting to be held on the same day as the Lucent Stockholder
Meeting. The resolutions proposed at the Alcatel Shareholder
Meeting, together with all other corporate documents provided by
applicable law (including expert reports, if required) (the
Alcatel Necessary Corporate Documents), shall
be sufficient for the valid approval of the issuance of the
Alcatel Ordinary Shares in accordance with this Agreement.
Except as provided in the next sentence, the Board of Directors
of Alcatel shall recommend approval of the matters constituting
the Alcatel Shareholder Approval. The Board of Directors of
Alcatel shall be permitted to (i) not recommend to
Alcatels shareholders that they give the Alcatel
Shareholder Approval, (ii) withdraw or modify in a manner
adverse to Lucent its recommendation to Alcatels
shareholders that they give the Alcatel Shareholder Approval or
(iii) recommend any Alcatel Superior Proposal (as defined
in Section 6.07) other than the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (each, a Alcatel Change
in Recommendation), but only if (1) the Board of
Directors of Alcatel by a majority vote determines, in its good
faith judgment and after consultation with outside legal
counsel, that the failure of the Board of Directors to effect
such Alcatel Change in Recommendation would be reasonably likely
to result in a breach of the directors fiduciary
obligations to Alcatel or the Alcatel shareholders under
applicable law and (2) in the case of 6.02(iii) only, the
Board of Directors of Alcatel has complied with its obligations
under Section 6.07. In connection with the Alcatel
Shareholder Meeting, Alcatel will use its reasonable best
efforts, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, to
obtain the Alcatel Shareholder Approval and will otherwise
comply with all legal requirements applicable to the Alcatel
Shareholder Meeting. Alcatel shall promptly take any action
required to be taken under foreign or state securities or Blue
Sky laws in connection with the issuance of ADSs in connection
with the Merger. The parties agree that the Alcatel Shareholder
Meeting to obtain the Alcatel Shareholder Approval shall be duly
called and held regardless of whether or not there is an Alcatel
Change in Recommendation. Alcatel agrees that (i) except in
order to obtain a quorum or as otherwise advisable under
applicable law, it shall not adjourn, postpone or cancel (or
propose to adjourn, postpone or cancel) the Alcatel Shareholder
Meeting and (ii) it shall use its reasonable best efforts
to obtain the requisite quorum and other approvals of
Alcatels shareholders necessary to obtain the Alcatel
Shareholder Approval.
Section 6.05 Stock
Exchange Listing. Alcatel shall use its reasonable best
efforts to (a) cause the ADSs (and, if required, the
underlying shares of Alcatel Ordinary Shares) to be issued in
connection with the Merger and made available for issuance
pursuant to Section 1.04 to be listed on the NYSE, subject
to official notice of issuance and (b) obtain the approval
(visa) of the AMF on the prospectus relating to the Alcatel
Ordinary Shares and the approval of Euronext Paris SA to the
listing of the Alcatel Ordinary Shares, in each case to be
issued on the Effective Date (so that the listing of the Alcatel
Ordinary Shares takes place at the Effective Time, or as soon as
practicable thereafter) as part of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or made available for issuance pursuant to
Section 1.04 subject to official notice of issuance.
Section 6.06 Employee
Benefits. (a) At least through December 31, 2007,
Alcatel shall provide or cause to be provided to individuals who
are employed as of the Effective Time by Lucent and its
Subsidiaries or by Alcatel and its Subsidiaries and who remain
employed by Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel (collectively,
the Affected Employees) (i) base salary
no less favorable than the base salary provided the applicable
Affected Employee immediately prior to the Effective Time and
(ii) aggregate employee benefits (including, but not
limited to, retirement and health and welfare plans, but
excluding any equity-based programs) that are no less favorable
than those provided to the applicable group of Affected
Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time (including,
but not limited to, retirement and health and welfare plans, but
excluding any equity-based programs). It is the intention of the
parties that (x) the compensation and employee benefits
provided to Affected Employees following the Closing Date be
within industry-competitive ranges and that similar compensation
and employee benefit programs be provided to similarly situated
Affected Employees notwithstanding whether such employees were
historical employees of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries or Lucent
and its Subsidiaries. Following the Effective Time, Alcatel
shall maintain or cause to be maintained in effect pursuant to
their terms (including any provision on amendment and
termination) all severance plans, programs, and policies of
Lucent and its Subsidiaries and of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries
that are in effect as of the Effective Time, provided, that, in
no event shall any amendments to, or
A-34
terminations of, any such plans, policies, and programs that are
adverse to covered employees be made prior to the second
anniversary of the Effective Time. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the provisions of this Section 6.06(a) shall not
apply with respect to Affected Employees whose employment is
governed by a collective bargaining or similar agreement.
(b) From and after the Effective Time, Alcatel shall, and
shall cause its Subsidiaries to, recognize service with Alcatel
and Lucent and their respective Subsidiaries prior to the
Effective Time (to the same extent recognized under the
corresponding Alcatel Employee Plan or Lucent Employee Plan, as
applicable) for all purposes (including, without limitation,
eligibility to participate, vesting, benefit accrual,
eligibility to commence benefits, and severance) under any
benefit plans of Alcatel or its Subsidiaries in which the
applicable Affected Employee participates; provided, however,
that such credit need not be provided for purposes of benefit
accrual under defined benefit plans and that the foregoing shall
not result in any duplication of benefits. Alcatel will, or will
cause the Surviving Corporation to, (i) waive all
limitations as to preexisting conditions, exclusions and waiting
periods with respect to participation and coverage requirements
applicable to the Affected Employees under any welfare benefit
plans that such employees may be eligible to participate in
after the Effective Time, other than limitations or waiting
periods that are already in effect with respect to such
employees and that have not been satisfied as of the Effective
Time under any welfare plan maintained for the Affected
Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time, and
(ii) provide each Affected Employee with credit for any
copayments and deductibles paid in the applicable plan year
prior to the Effective Time in satisfying any applicable
deductible or
out-of-pocket
requirements under any welfare plans that such employees are
eligible to participate in after the Effective Time.
(c) From and after the Effective Time, Alcatel and its
Subsidiaries shall honor in accordance with their terms all
Lucent Employee Plans and Alcatel Employee Plans. Subject to
Section 6.06(a), no provision of this Section 6.06
shall be construed as a limitation on the right of Alcatel and
its Subsidiaries to amend or terminate any specific Lucent
Employee Plan or Alcatel Employee Plan which Lucent or Alcatel
would otherwise have under the terms of such Lucent Employee
Plan or Alcatel Employee Plan.
(d) Without limiting the generality of Section 10.10,
no provision of this Section 6.06 shall be construed to
create a right in any employee or beneficiary of such employee
under a Lucent Employee Plan or Alcatel Employee Plan.
Section 6.07 Other
Offers. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Section 9.01, Alcatel and its Subsidiaries will not, and
Alcatel will not permit any of the officers, directors,
employees, investment bankers, consultants, representatives and
other agents of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries to (and shall
instruct such Persons not to), directly or indirectly, take any
action to (a) solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage or
facilitate the making of any Alcatel Acquisition Proposal or any
inquiry with respect thereto or engage in discussions or
negotiations or enter into any agreement, arrangement or
understanding with respect to an Alcatel Acquisition Proposal,
(b) disclose or provide any non-public information relating
to Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel to any Person with
respect thereto, (c) afford access to the properties, books
or records of Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel to, any
Person that has made, or to Alcatels knowledge, is
considering making, any Alcatel Acquisition Proposal,
(d) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or
recommend, or execute or enter into any letter of intent,
agreement in principle, merger agreement, option agreement,
acquisition agreement or other agreement relating to an Alcatel
Acquisition Proposal or (e) propose publicly or agree to
any of the foregoing relating to an Alcatel Acquisition
Proposal; provided that nothing contained in this
Section 6.07 shall prevent Alcatel, prior to the receipt of
the Alcatel Shareholder Approval, from furnishing non-public
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
with, any Person in connection with an unsolicited bona fide
written Alcatel Acquisition Proposal received from such Person
prior to Alcatel Shareholder Approval, so long as prior to
furnishing non-public information to, or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, such Person, (i) the
Board of Directors of Alcatel by a majority vote determines in
its good faith judgment that such Alcatel Acquisition Proposal
is reasonably expected to lead to an Alcatel Superior Proposal
(after consulting with its financial advisors), taking into
account any revisions to the terms of the Merger or this
Agreement proposed by Lucent after being notified pursuant to
this Section 6.07, (ii) Alcatel is not then in breach
of its obligations under this Section 6.07 and
(iii) Alcatel enters into, and receives from such Person,
an executed
A-35
confidentiality agreement on terms no less favorable to Alcatel
than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (as
defined in Section 7.03). Nothing contained in this
Agreement shall prevent the Board of Directors of Alcatel from
complying with
Rule 14d-9 and
Rule 14e-2 under
the Exchange Act (or any non-United States equivalent) with
regard to an Alcatel Acquisition Proposal; provided that Alcatel
shall not make any disclosure or take any action that amounts to
an Alcatel Change in Recommendation other than in compliance
with Section 6.04. Alcatel further agrees that it shall
(a) promptly (and in no event later than 24 hours
after receipt of any Alcatel Acquisition Proposal) notify (which
notice shall be provided orally and in writing and shall
identify the Person making such Alcatel Acquisition Proposal and
set forth the material terms thereof) Lucent after receipt of
any Alcatel Acquisition Proposal, or any request for non-public
information relating to Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel or
for access to the properties, books or records of Alcatel or any
Subsidiary of Alcatel by any Person that has made, or to
Alcatels knowledge intends to make an Alcatel Acquisition
Proposal, and (b) keep Lucent informed of the status and
material terms of any such Alcatel Acquisition Proposal or
request (including any material amendments or proposed material
amendments). Alcatel and its Subsidiaries will, and Alcatel will
cause the officers, directors, employees, investment bankers,
consultants and other agents of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries to,
immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions and
negotiations, if any, that have taken place prior to the date of
this Agreement with any parties with respect to any Alcatel
Acquisition Proposal.
For purposes of this Agreement, Alcatel Acquisition
Proposal means any offer or proposal for, or any
indication of interest in, any (i) direct or indirect
acquisition or purchase of a business or assets that constitute
20% or more of the net revenues, net income or the assets of
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) direct
or indirect acquisition or purchase of (A) 20% or more of
any class of equity securities of Alcatel or (B) 50% or
more of any class of equity securities of any of Alcatels
Subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or more of the net
revenues, net income or assets of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, (iii) tender offer or exchange offer
that, if consummated, would result in any person beneficially
owning (A) 20% or more of any class of equity securities of
Alcatel or (B) 50% or more of any class of equity
securities of any of Alcatels Subsidiaries whose business
constitutes 20% or more the net revenues, net income or assets
of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
(iv) merger, consolidation, spin-off, business combination,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar
transaction involving Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries whose
business constitutes 20% or more of the net revenues, net income
or assets of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
pursuant to which the shareholders of Alcatel or such
Subsidiary, as applicable, immediately prior to such transaction
(other than the counterparty in such transaction) would own less
than 80% of any class of equity securities of the resultant
entity(ies), in each case other than the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or expressly permitted by
Section 6.01 (including the items set forth in
Section 6.01 of the Alcatel Disclosure Letter). For
purposes of this Agreement, Alcatel Superior
Proposal means any bona fide Alcatel Acquisition
Proposal for or in respect of at least a majority of the
outstanding Alcatel Ordinary Shares or all or substantially all
of Alcatels and its Subsidiaries assets, taken as a
whole, on terms that the Board of Directors of Alcatel
determines in its good faith judgment (after consultation with
outside legal counsel and a financial advisor of recognized
reputation) and taking into account all of the terms and
conditions of such Alcatel Acquisition Proposal, including any
break-up fees, expense
reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation, as well
as any revisions to the terms of the Merger or this Agreement
proposed by Lucent after being notified pursuant to this
Section 6.07), are more favorable to Alcatels
shareholders than the Merger (after taking into account any such
revised terms).
Section 6.08 Business
in Sanctioned Countries. Alcatel covenants and agrees to
take all such actions as may be necessary to ensure that from
and after the Effective Time, the operations and governance of
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries will comply with and be permissible
under applicable United States laws relating to the transaction
of business involving Sanction-Subject Persons. The term
Sanction-Subject Persons means any country, entity
or individual that is designated as a target of United States
economic sanctions implemented by the United States Department
of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control under
31 CFR Chapter V.
A-36
ARTICLE VII
Covenants of Alcatel and Lucent
The parties hereto agree that:
Section 7.01 Reasonable
Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in this Agreement and applicable law, Lucent and Alcatel shall
each cooperate with the other and shall use (and shall cause
their respective Subsidiaries to use) their respective
reasonable best efforts to promptly (i) take or cause to be
taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things,
necessary, proper or advisable under this Agreement and
applicable laws (including under HSR Act, EC Merger Regulation,
other competition laws and the Exon-Florio Act) to consummate
and make effective the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as soon as practicable,
including, preparing and filing as promptly as practicable (or
any specific time as the parties mutually agree) all
documentation to effect all necessary filings, notices,
petitions, statements, registrations, submissions of
information, applications and other documents, (ii) obtain
all approvals, consents, registrations, permits, authorizations
and other confirmations required to be obtained from any third
party necessary, proper or advisable under this Agreement and
applicable laws (including under HSR Act, EC Merger Regulation,
other competition laws and the Exon-Florio Act) to consummate
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, (iii) defend any lawsuits or other legal
proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and (iv) execute and deliver
any additional instruments necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and applicable
law, Alcatel and Lucent will (1) promptly notify the other
party of any communication to that party from any governmental
authority in respect of any filing, investigation or inquiry
concerning this Agreement or Merger; (2) if practicable,
permit the other party the opportunity to review in advance all
the information relating to Lucent and its Subsidiaries or
Alcatel and its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, that appears
in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any
third party and/or any governmental authority in connection with
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and incorporate the other partys reasonable
comments; (3) not participate in any substantive meeting or
discussion with any governmental authority in respect of any
filing, investigation, or inquiry concerning this Agreement or
the Merger unless it consults with the other party in advance,
and, to the extent permitted by such governmental authority,
gives the other party the opportunity to attend;
(4) furnish the other party with copies of all
correspondences, filings, and written communications between
them and their Subsidiaries and representatives, on the one
hand, and any governmental authority or its respective staff, on
the other hand, with respect to this Agreement and the Merger,
except that any materials concerning valuation of the
transaction or internal financial information may be redacted;
and (5) use reasonable best efforts to offer to take, or
cause to be taken, all other actions and do, or cause to be
done, all other things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated
hereby, including taking all such further action as reasonably
may be necessary to resolve such objections, if any, as the
United States Federal Trade Commission, the Antitrust Division
of the United States Department of Justice, state antitrust
enforcement authorities or competition authorities of any other
nation or other jurisdiction or any other person may assert
under Regulatory Law (as hereinafter defined) with respect to
the transactions contemplated hereby, and to avoid or eliminate
each and every impediment under any law that may be asserted by
any governmental entity or authority with respect to the Merger
so as to enable the Closing to occur as soon as expeditiously
possible. The parties agree that, subject to the last sentence
of this Section 7.01, the use of reasonable best
efforts shall include proposing, negotiating, committing
to and effecting, by consent decree, hold separate order or
otherwise, (x) the sale, divestiture or disposition of such
assets or businesses of either party or its Subsidiaries or
affiliates and (y) restrictions, or actions that after the
Closing Date would limit Alcatels or its
Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporations)
or affiliates freedom of action with respect to, or its
ability to retain, one or more of its or its Subsidiaries
(including the Surviving Corporations) businesses, product
lines or assets, in each case as may be required in order to
avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any
injunction, temporary restraining order or other order in any
suit or proceeding that would otherwise have the effect of
preventing or materially delaying the Closing. For purposes of
this Agreement, Regulatory Law means the Sherman Act
of 1890, the Clayton Antitrust Act of
A-37
1914, the HSR Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 and
all other federal, state or foreign statutes, rules,
regulations, orders, decrees, administrative and judicial
doctrines and other laws, including any antitrust, competition
or trade regulation laws that are designed or intended to
(i) prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the
purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or
lessening competition through merger or acquisition or
(ii) protect the national security or the national economy
of any nation. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein,
the provisions of this Section 7.01 shall not be construed
to (i) require either party to undertake any efforts, or to
take or consent to any action if such efforts, action or consent
would be reasonably likely to result in a Detriment or
(ii) take or consent to any action inconsistent with
Article II hereof. The parties acknowledge that, without
limitation, (i) any requirement to divest a significant
portion of the assets of Bell Laboratories other than the assets
referred to in Section 2.08 of the Lucent Disclosure
Letter, (ii) any material loss of control over Lucent that
would materially affect Alcatels ability to manage
Lucents business or (iii) any material loss of
control over the business of Alcatel in the United States that
would materially affect Alcatels ability to manage its
business in the United States, shall be deemed a Detriment.
Section 7.02 Preparation
of Proxy Statement/ Prospectus;
Form F-4,
Form F-6.
(a) Lucent and Alcatel shall cooperate with one another
(a) in connection with the preparation of the Lucent Proxy
Statement, the Alcatel Circular, the Alcatel Necessary Corporate
Documents, the
Form F-4 and the
Form F-6,
(b) in determining whether any action by or in respect of,
or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official, or
authority is required, or any consents, approvals or waivers are
required to be obtained from parties to any material contracts,
in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and (c) in seeking any such
actions, consents, approvals or waivers or making any such
filings, furnishing information required in connection therewith
or with the Lucent Proxy Statement, the Alcatel Circular, the
Form F-4 and the
Form F-6 and
seeking timely to obtain any such actions, consents, approvals
or waivers. The Lucent Proxy Statement will be included as part
of the Form F-4.
Each of Lucent and Alcatel shall use reasonable best efforts to
have the Lucent Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC and the
Form F-4 and
Form F-6 declared
effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable and to keep the
Form F-4 and
Form F-6 effective
as long as is necessary to consummate the Merger and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Lucent and Alcatel
shall, as promptly as practicable after receipt thereof, provide
the other party copies of any written comments and advise the
other party of any oral comments with respect to the Lucent
Proxy Statement, the Alcatel Circular, the Alcatel Necessary
Corporate Documents, the
Form F-4 and the
Form F-6 received
by any governmental body or authority. The parties shall
cooperate and provide the other with a reasonable opportunity to
review and comment on any amendment or supplement to the Lucent
Proxy Statement, the Alcatel Circular, the Alcatel Necessary
Corporate Documents, the
Form F-4 or the
Form F-6 prior to
filing such documents with any governmental body or authority,
and will provide each other with a copy of all such filings made
with any governmental body or authority.
(b) Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no
amendment or supplement (including by incorporation by
reference) to the Lucent Proxy Statement, the Alcatel Circular,
the Alcatel Necessary Corporate Documents, the
Form F-4 or the
Form F-6 shall be
made without the approval of both Lucent and Alcatel, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided
that Lucent, in connection with a Lucent Change in
Recommendation, and Alcatel, in connection with an Alcatel
Change in Recommendation, may amend or supplement the Lucent
Proxy Statement, the Alcatel Circular, the Alcatel Necessary
Corporate Documents, the
Form F-4 or the
Form F-6
(including by incorporation by reference) pursuant to a
Qualifying Amendment to effect such a change, and in such event,
the right of approval set forth in this Section 7.02(b)
shall apply only with respect to information relating to the
other party or its business, financial condition or results of
operations, and shall be subject to the right of each party to
have its Board of Directors deliberations and conclusions
to be accurately described. A Qualifying
Amendment means an amendment or supplement to the
Lucent Proxy Statement,
Form F-4 or the
Alcatel Necessary Corporate Documents (including by
incorporation by reference) to the extent that it contains
(i) a Lucent Change in Recommendation or an Alcatel Change
in Recommendation (as the case may be), (ii) a statement of
the reasons of the Board of Directors of Lucent or Alcatel (as
the case may be) for making such Lucent Change in Recommendation
or Alcatel Change in Recommendation (as the case may be) and
(iii) additional information reasonably related to the
foregoing.
A-38
(c) Lucent will advise Alcatel, and Alcatel will advise
Lucent, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the times
when the Form F-4
and Form F-6 have
become effective, when the Alcatel Circular obtains the
visa of the AMF, the issuance of any stop order, the
suspension of the qualification of the ADSs or Alcatel Ordinary
Shares issuable in connection with the Merger for offering or
sale in any jurisdiction or any request by any governmental body
or authority for amendment of the Lucent Proxy Statement, the
Alcatel Circular, the Alcatel Necessary Corporate Documents, the
Form F-4 or the
Form F-6.
(d) Alcatel shall file the opinion described in
Section 8.03(d) with the SEC on a post-effective amendment
to the Form F-4,
unless requested otherwise by Lucent prior to the Effective Time.
Section 7.03 Access
to Information; Compliance Program; Transition Committee.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Effective Time or termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 9.01, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
Lucent and Alcatel will give the other party, its counsel,
financial advisors, auditors and other authorized
representatives reasonable access to the offices, properties,
books and records of such party and its Subsidiaries, furnish to
the other party, its counsel, financial advisors, auditors and
other authorized representatives such financial and operating
data and other information as such Persons may reasonably
request and will instruct its own employees, counsel and
financial advisors to cooperate with the other party in its
investigation of the business of Lucent or Alcatel, as the case
may be; provided that no investigation of the other partys
business shall affect any representation or warranty given by
either party hereunder, and no party shall be required to afford
such access if it would cause a significant risk, in the
reasonable judgment of the disclosing party, of a loss of
privilege to the disclosing party. Lucent agrees to comply with
the provisions of Section 7.03(a) of the Lucent Disclosure
Letter with respect to access to certain information. All
information obtained by Alcatel or Lucent pursuant to this
Section shall be kept confidential in accordance with, and shall
otherwise be subject to the terms of, the Confidentiality
Agreement dated February 9, 2006 between Alcatel and Lucent
(the Confidentiality Agreement), which
Confidentiality Agreement will continue in full force and effect
in accordance with its terms.
(b) The parties will work together in order to develop a
mutually acceptable compliance program, in general based on the
current compliance program of Lucent, to address the combined
companys compliance following the Effective Time with its
obligations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, OECD rules
and other relevant laws. This policy will include: (i) key
policies and procedures; (ii) training, education and
communication; (iii) approval system for gifts, expenses
and similar items; and (iv) auditing, monitoring and
reporting.
(c) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9.01, and subject to applicable law,
Lucent and Alcatel will cooperate with each other in
implementing the plan and procedures set forth in
Section 7.03(c) of the Alcatel Disclosure Letter. In
connection with this obligation, Lucent and Alcatel shall each
as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement
designate certain of their respective employees as coordinators
for this purpose.
(d) Alcatel and Lucent shall create a special transition
committee (the Transition Committee) that
shall be co-chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Alcatel
and the Chief Executive Officer of Lucent and shall be composed
of such chief executive officers and an even number of
designees, half of whom shall be designated by each of Alcatel
and Lucent. After the date of this Agreement and prior to the
Effective Time, the Transition Committee shall examine various
alternatives regarding the manner in which to best organize and
manage the business of Alcatel and its Subsidiaries (including
Lucent) after the Effective Time, subject to applicable law.
Section 7.04 Tax
Treatment. (a) Each of Alcatel and Lucent will use its
reasonable best efforts, and each agrees to cooperate with the
other and provide the other with such documentation, information
and materials as may be reasonably necessary, proper or
advisable to (i) cause the Merger to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code and to obtain the opinion of counsel referred to in
Section 8.03(d), (ii) avoid gain recognition to the
stockholders of Lucent pursuant to Section 367(a)(1) of the
Code and (iii) enable the parties to obtain, prior to the
Closing Date, any rulings from the IRS relating
A-39
to the Merger, including any rulings under Section 367 of
the Code that are referred to in Section 8.03(d) of this
Agreement. If Lucent notifies Alcatel that Lucent desires to
seek a ruling from the IRS relating to the Merger, then the
parties shall jointly submit the request for such a ruling and
work together in good faith in the preparation of such request.
Alcatel shall not make any submission or representation to the
IRS in connection with the Merger, including in connection with
a ruling request, without the approval of Lucent. Neither
Alcatel nor Lucent will take or fail to take (and, following the
Merger, Alcatel will cause Lucent not to take or fail to take)
any action which action (or failure to act) would reasonably be
expected to (i) cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code or (ii) cause stockholders of Lucent to recognize gain
pursuant to Section 367(a)(1) of the Code, other than any
such stockholder that would be a five-percent transferee
shareholder of Alcatel (within the meaning of US Treasury
Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)
(5)(ii)) following the Merger that does not enter into a
five-year gain recognition agreement in the form provided in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.367
(a)-8(b). With respect
to the Merger, Alcatel will (and following the Merger will cause
Lucent to) file all required information with its Tax Returns
and maintain all records required for Tax purposes, including,
without limitation, the reporting requirements contained in
United States Treasury
Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(6).
(b) Alcatel shall use its reasonable best efforts to
provide to Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz a certificate
substantially in the form attached hereto as
Section 7.04(b) to the Alcatel Disclosure Letter. Lucent
shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide to Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz a certificate substantially in the
form attached hereto as Section 7.04(b) to the Lucent
Disclosure Letter.
(c) Alcatel will make arrangements with each five-percent
transferee shareholder, as defined in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(5)(ii), if any, to
ensure that such shareholder will be informed of any disposition
of any property that would require the recognition of gain under
such persons gain recognition agreement entered into under
Treasury Regulation Section 1.367(a)-8.
Section 7.05 Public
Announcements. Alcatel and Lucent will consult with each
other and provide each other with the opportunity to review and
comment upon any press release or any public statement with
respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby prior to the issuance of such press release or the making
of such public statement unless otherwise required by applicable
law or any listing agreement with any national securities
exchange. Alcatel and Lucent agree to issue a joint press
release announcing the execution of this Agreement.
Section 7.06 Further
Assurances. At and after the Effective Time, the officers
and directors of the Surviving Corporation will be authorized to
execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of Lucent or
Merger Subsidiary, any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or
assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of
Lucent or Merger Subsidiary, any other actions and things to
vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving
Corporation any and all right, title and interest in, to and
under any of the rights, properties or assets of Lucent acquired
or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result of,
or in connection with, the Merger.
Section 7.07 Notices
of Certain Events. (a) Each of Lucent and Alcatel shall
promptly notify the other party of:
|
|
|
(i) any notice or other communication from any Person
alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; and |
|
|
(ii) any notice or other communication from any
governmental or regulatory agency or authority in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
(b) Lucent and Alcatel shall promptly notify the other
party of any actions, suits, claims, investigations or
proceedings commenced or, to the best of its knowledge,
threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise
affecting such party or any of its Subsidiaries which relate to
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(c) Prior to the Effective Time, Lucent shall cause to be
delivered to Alcatel a letter identifying, to the best of
Lucents knowledge, all Persons who are, at the time of the
Lucent Stockholder Meeting, affiliates of
A-40
Lucent for purposes of Rule 145 under the 1933 Act.
Lucent shall furnish such information and documents as Alcatel
may reasonably request for the purpose of reviewing such list.
Lucent shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each
Person who is so identified as an affiliate to deliver to
Alcatel on or prior to the Effective Time a letter agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit D to this Agreement.
Section 7.08 Payment
of Dividends. From the date of this Agreement until the
earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, Alcatel and Lucent will
coordinate with each other regarding the declaration of
dividends in respect of the shares of Alcatel Ordinary Shares
and the Shares and the record dates and payment dates relating
thereto, it being the intention of the parties that holders of
Shares will not receive two dividends, or fail to receive one
dividend, for any single calendar quarter with respect to their
Shares and the shares of Alcatel Ordinary Shares any holder of
Shares receives in exchange therefor in connection with the
Merger.
ARTICLE VIII
Conditions to the Merger
Section 8.01 Conditions
to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of Lucent,
Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary to consummate the Merger are
subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent legally
permissible, waiver) of the following conditions:
|
|
|
(a) the Lucent Stockholder Approval shall have been
obtained in accordance with Delaware Law; |
|
|
(b) the Alcatel Shareholder Approval shall have been
obtained in accordance with applicable French law; |
|
|
(c) any waiting period (and any extension thereof)
applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act
shall have expired or been terminated; |
|
|
(d) the European Commission shall have issued a decision
under Article 6(1)(b) or 8(1) or 8(2) of the EC Merger
Regulation (or shall be deemed to have done so under
Article 10(6) thereof), declaring the transactions
contemplated hereby compatible with EC Common Market; |
|
|
(e) the parties shall (i) have received all required
governmental antitrust and/or competition approvals and consents
(excluding those specified in foregoing
paragraphs (c) and (d)), and (ii) have made all
requisite filings, notices or notifications, other than, in the
case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), those the absence of
which would not result in a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent or
Alcatel; |
|
|
(f) no provision of any applicable law or regulation and no
judgment, injunction, order or decree shall prohibit or enjoin
the consummation of the Merger; |
|
|
(g) the
Form F-4 shall
have been declared effective by the SEC under the 1933 Act,
and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Form F-4 shall be
in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending
before or threatened by the SEC; and the approval (visa) of
the registration statement by the AMF relating to the Alcatel
Ordinary Shares to be issued on the Effective Date as part of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been
obtained; |
|
|
(h) ADSs (and, if required, the underlying shares of
Alcatel Ordinary Shares) to be issued in the Merger shall have
been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance and the AMF and the Euronext Paris SA shall
have approved the listing of the Alcatel Ordinary Shares to be
issued on the Effective Date as part of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; |
|
|
(i) at or prior to the Effective Time, the Committee on
Foreign Investment in the United States
(CFIUS) shall have notified Alcatel in
writing that it has determined not to investigate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the
Merger) pursuant to the powers vested in it by the Exon-Florio
Act or, in the event that CFIUS has undertaken such an
investigation, CFIUS has terminated such investigation or the
President of the United States has determined not to take any
action that would result in a Detriment; |
A-41
|
|
|
(j) there shall not be instituted or pending any action,
litigation or proceeding by any governmental authority (whether
domestic, foreign or supranational) before any court or
governmental authority or agency, domestic, foreign or
supranational, (i) seeking to prohibit, materially restrain
or otherwise materially interfere with the Merger or the
ownership or operation by Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel
of all or any material portion of the business or assets of
Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries or of Alcatel or any of its
Subsidiaries or to compel Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel
to dispose of or hold separate all or any material portion of
the business or assets of Lucent or any of its Subsidiaries or
of Alcatel or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) seeking
divestiture of any Shares (or shares of stock of the Surviving
Corporation) or seeking to impose or confirm limitations on the
ability of Alcatel or any Subsidiary of Alcatel effectively to
exercise full rights of ownership of the Shares (or shares of
stock of the Surviving Corporation) including the right to vote
any Shares (or shares of stock of the Surviving Corporation) on
any matters properly presented to stockholders, in the case of
clause (i) or clause (ii) which would reasonably be
expected to materially adversely affect the financial condition,
business or annual results of operations of Lucent and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or Alcatel and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole (any such matter described in clauses (i)
or (ii) of this Agreement being referred to in this
Agreement as a Detriment); |
|
|
(k) there shall not be any statute, rule, regulation,
injunction, order or decree or decision, enacted, enforced,
promulgated, entered, issued or deemed applicable to the Merger
and the other transactions contemplated hereby (or in the case
of any statute, rule or regulation, awaiting signature or
reasonably expected to become law), by any court, government or
governmental authority or agency or legislative body, domestic,
foreign or supranational, that is reasonably likely, directly or
indirectly, to result in a Detriment; |
Section 8.02 Conditions
to the Obligations of Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary. The
obligations of Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary to consummate the
Merger are subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent
legally permissible, waiver) of the following further conditions:
|
|
|
(a) Lucent shall have performed in all material respects
all of its obligations hereunder required to be performed by it
at or prior to the Effective Time; |
|
|
(b) (i) the representations and warranties of Lucent
contained in this Agreement that are qualified by a
Material Adverse Effect qualification shall be true
in all respects as so qualified when made and at and as of the
Effective Time as if made at and as of such time (provided that
the accuracy of representations and warranties that by their
terms speak as of a specified date will be determined as of such
date); (ii) the representations and warranties of Lucent
contained in this Agreement that are not qualified by a
Material Adverse Effect qualification (other than
the representations and warranties of Lucent contained in the
second sentence of Section 3.05) shall be true in all
respects when made and at and as of the Effective Time as if
made at and as of such time (provided that the accuracy of
representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of a
specified date will be determined as of such date), except for
failure to be so true and correct which would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Lucent,
and (iii) the representation and warranty of Lucent
contained in the second sentence of Section 3.05 shall be
in true in all material respects as of the date specified in
such representation and warranty; |
|
|
(c) Alcatel shall have received a certificate of Lucent,
signed by a senior executive officer of Lucent, certifying to
the effect that the conditions set forth in
Sections 8.02(a) and 8.02(b) have been satisfied; and |
|
|
(d) The fair market value of the Plan Assets as of the Plan
Asset Measurement Date shall not be less than the Plan Asset
Target. For purposes of this Section 8.02(d):
(i) Plan Assets shall mean assets held
under the Major Pension Plans, less the amount of all
contributions to such plans following September 30, 2005;
(ii) Major Pension Plans shall mean
those pension plans maintained by Lucent or any of its
Subsidiaries and reflected in major plans under the
column headed pension benefits September 30,
2005 on page 61 of Lucents annual report on
Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended September 30, 2005;
(iii) Plan Asset Measurement Date shall
mean the last day of the month last |
A-42
|
|
|
ending prior to the Closing Date and (iv) Plan Asset
Target shall mean $28,600,000,000 if the Plan Measurement
Date is on or prior to September 30, 2006, reduced by
$200,000,000 as of the first day of each calendar month
thereafter through December 2006, but in no event less that
$28,000,000,000. |
Section 8.03 Conditions
to the Obligations of Lucent. The obligation of Lucent to
consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction (or, to the
extent legally permissible, waiver) of the following further
conditions:
|
|
|
(a) Alcatel shall have performed in all material respects
all of its obligations hereunder required to be performed by it
at or prior to the Effective Time; |
|
|
(b) (i) the representations and warranties of Alcatel
contained in this Agreement that are qualified by a
Material Adverse Effect qualification shall be true
in all respects as so qualified when made and at and as of the
Effective Time as if made at and as of such time (provided that
the accuracy of representations and warranties that by their
terms speak as of a specified date will be determined as of such
date); (ii) the representations and warranties of Alcatel
contained in this Agreement that are not qualified by a
Material Adverse Effect qualification (other than
the representations and warranties of Lucent contained in the
first sentence of Section 4.05) shall be true in all
respects when made and at and as of the Effective Time as if
made at and as of such time (provided that the accuracy of
representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of a
specified date will be determined as of such date), except for
failure to be so true and correct which would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Alcatel,
and (iii) the representation and warranty of Alcatel
contained in the first sentence of Section 4.05 shall be in
true in all material respects as of the date specified in such
representation and warranty; |
|
|
(c) Lucent shall have received a certificate of Alcatel,
signed by a senior executive officer of Alcatel, certifying to
the effect that the conditions set forth in
Sections 8.03(a) and 8.03(b) have been satisfied; and |
|
|
(d) Lucent shall have received an opinion of Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Lucent, on the basis of certain facts,
representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such
opinion, dated the Effective Time, to the effect that
(i) the Merger will be treated for United States federal
income tax purposes as a reorganization qualifying under the
provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code and that each of
Alcatel, Merger Subsidiary and Lucent will be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the
Code and (ii) each transfer of Shares to Alcatel by a
stockholder of Lucent pursuant to the Merger will not be subject
to Section 367(a)(1) of the Code. In rendering such
opinion, such counsel shall be entitled to rely upon (among
other things) (x) and require certain representations of
officers of Alcatel and Lucent reasonably requested by counsel,
including without limitation those contained in certificates
substantially in the form attached as Section 7.04(b) of
the Alcatel Disclosure Letter and Lucent Disclosure Letter,
respectively, and (y) any rulings received by the parties
from the IRS with respect to the Merger (and any representations
of Alcatel or Lucent made in connection therewith), including
any ruling received by the parties to the effect that the Merger
will not be subject to section 367(a)(1) of the Code (and
any representations of Alcatel or Lucent made in connection
therewith). The opinion may assume that all applicable reporting
requirements have been satisfied and that any stockholder who is
a five-percent transferee shareholder with respect
to Alcatel within the meaning of United States Treasury
Regulations
Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(5)(ii)
will in a timely and effective manner file the agreement
described in United States Treasury Regulations
Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(1)(iii)(B).
After receipt of Lucent Stockholder Approval, Lucent shall not
waive receipt of a tax opinion from Wachtell, Lipton,
Rosen & Katz as a condition to closing unless further
approval of the shareholders of Lucent is obtained with
appropriate disclosure. |
A-43
ARTICLE IX
Termination
Section 9.01 Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned
at any time prior to the Effective Time (notwithstanding any
approval of the Merger and this Agreement by the stockholders of
Lucent or any approval of the matters constituting the Alcatel
Shareholder Approval by the shareholders of Alcatel):
|
|
|
(a) by mutual written consent of Lucent and Alcatel; |
|
|
(b) by either Lucent or Alcatel, |
|
|
|
(i) if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or
before December 31, 2006 (the End Date);
provided that if (x) the Effective Time has not occurred by
December 31, 2006 solely by reason of non-satisfaction of
one or more of the conditions set forth in
Sections 8.01(c), 8.01(d), 8.01(e) or 8.01(h) and
(y) all other conditions in Article VIII have been
satisfied or (to the extent legally permissible) waived or are
then capable of being satisfied, the End Date will be extended
one or more times up to and including March 31, 2007;
provided further that the right to terminate this Agreement
under this Section 9.01(b)(i) shall not be available to any
party whose failure to fulfill in any material respect any
obligation under this Agreement has caused or resulted in the
failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before
December 31, 2006, in the case of a failure prior to that
date, or March 31, 2007, in the case of any such failure
after December 31, 2006; |
|
|
(ii) if the Lucent Stockholder Approval shall not have been
obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at
the Lucent Stockholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof; |
|
|
(iii) if the Alcatel Shareholder Approval shall not have
been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required
vote at the Alcatel Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment
thereof; |
|
|
(iv) if there shall be any law or regulation that makes
consummation of the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibited or if
any judgment, injunction, order or decree enjoining Alcatel or
Lucent from consummating the Merger is entered and such
judgment, injunction, order or decree shall become final and
nonappealable; |
|
|
|
(c) by Alcatel, if (i) there is a Lucent Change in
Recommendation or (ii) the Lucent Stockholder Meeting shall
not have been called and held as required by Section 5.02; |
|
|
(d) by Lucent, if (i) there is an Alcatel Change in
Recommendation or (ii) the Alcatel Shareholder Meeting
shall not have been called and held as required by
Section 6.04. |
|
|
(e) by Lucent, if Alcatel shall have breached or failed to
perform in any material respect any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this
Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (A) would
give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in
Section 8.01 or 8.03, and (B) is incapable of being
cured by Alcatel or is not cured by Alcatel within 60 days
following receipt of written notice from Lucent of such breach
or failure to perform; |
|
|
(f) by Alcatel, if Lucent shall have breached or failed to
perform in any material respect any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this
Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (A) would
give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in
Section 8.01 or 8.02, and (B) is incapable of being
cured by Lucent or is not cured by Lucent within 60 days
following receipt of written notice from Alcatel of such breach
or failure to perform; |
The party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
clause (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 9.01 shall give
written notice of such termination to the other party in
accordance with Section 10.01, specifying the provision of
this Agreement pursuant to which such termination is effected.
Section 9.02 Effect
of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 9.01, this Agreement shall become void and of no
effect with no liability on the part of any party hereto, except
that (a) the agreements contained in this
Section 9.02, in Article X, in the last sentence of
Section 7.03, and in the
A-44
Confidentiality Agreement shall survive the termination of this
Agreement and (b) no such termination shall relieve any
party of any liability or damages resulting from any willful
material breach by that party of this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
Section 10.01 Notices.
All notices, requests and other communications to any party
hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile or similar
writing) and shall be given,
|
|
|
if to Alcatel or Merger Subsidiary, to: |
|
|
Alcatel |
|
54, rue La Boétie |
|
75008 Paris, France |
|
Facsimile No.: +33 1 40 76 14 35 |
|
|
|
|
Attn: |
Pascal Durand-Barthez
General Counsel |
|
|
|
with a copy to: |
|
|
Roger S. Aaron |
|
Stephen F. Arcano |
|
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP |
|
Four Times Square |
|
New York, New York 10036 |
|
Facsimile No.: (212) 735-2000 |
|
|
if to Lucent, to: |
|
|
Lucent Technologies, Inc. |
|
600 Mountain Avenue |
|
Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974 |
|
Facsimile No.: (908) 582 4640 |
|
|
|
|
Attn: |
William Carapezzi, Jr., Esq.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
|
|
|
with a copy to: |
|
|
David A. Katz |
|
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz |
|
51 West 52nd Street |
|
New York, New York 10019 |
|
Facsimile No.: (212) 403-2000 |
or such other address or facsimile number as such party may
hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other parties
hereto. Each such notice, request or other communication shall
be effective (i) if given by facsimile, when such facsimile
is transmitted to the facsimile number specified in this Section
and the appropriate facsimile confirmation is received or
(ii) if given by any other means, when delivered at the
address specified in this Section.
Section 10.02 Non-Survival
of Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties contained herein and in any certificate or other
writing delivered pursuant hereto shall not survive the
Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement.
Section 10.03 Amendments;
No Waivers. (a) Any provision of this Agreement
(including the Exhibits hereto and the Lucent Disclosure Letter
and the Alcatel Disclosure Letter) may be amended or waived
prior to the Effective Time if, and only if, such amendment or
waiver is in writing and signed, in the
A-45
case of an amendment, by Lucent, Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary,
or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver
is to be effective; provided that after the adoption of this
Agreement by the stockholders of Lucent, no such amendment or
waiver shall, without the further approval of such stockholders,
alter or change (i) the amount or kind of consideration to
be received in exchange for any shares of capital stock of
Lucent, (ii) any term of the articles of association and
by-laws of Alcatel or (iii) any of the terms or conditions
of this Agreement if such alteration or change would adversely
affect the holders of any shares of capital stock of Lucent.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any
right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies
herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any
rights or remedies provided by law.
Section 10.04 Expenses.
(a) Except as otherwise specified in this
Section 10.04 or agreed in writing by the parties, all
costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
paid by the party incurring such cost or expense; provided that
all liability for transfer taxes (other than transfer taxes to
be paid by Alcatel in connection with the issuance and creation
of ADSs and the underlying Alcatel Ordinary Shares in the
Merger, as provided in Section 1.02(b)) incurred by Lucent
or Lucents stockholders in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Surviving
Corporation out of its own funds and will not be paid, directly
or indirectly, by Alcatel.
(b) If
(i) (A) either Lucent or Alcatel terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(ii) or if Alcatel
terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(c)(ii)
and (B) prior to the Lucent Stockholder Meeting (in the
case of a termination pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(ii)) or
the date of termination (in the case of a termination pursuant
to Section 9.01(c)(ii)), a Lucent Acquisition Proposal was
made known to Lucent or was made known directly to the
stockholders of Lucent or otherwise became publicly known or any
third party has publicly announced an intention (whether or not
conditional) to make a Lucent Acquisition Proposal; or
(ii) Alcatel terminates this Agreement pursuant to
Section 9.01(c)(i),
then in any case described in clause (i) or (ii), Lucent
shall pay to Alcatel by wire transfer of immediately available
funds an amount equal to $250,000,000 (the Lucent
Initial Fee). The Lucent Initial Fee shall be paid
immediately upon termination of this Agreement. Receipt by
Alcatel of the Lucent Initial Fee shall constitute conclusive
evidence that this Agreement has been validly terminated and,
upon receipt of the Lucent Initial Fee, Lucent shall be fully
released and discharged from any liability or obligation
resulting from or under this Agreement, except as otherwise
provided in Sections 9.02(b) and 10.04(c).
(c) If:
(i) (A) either Lucent or Alcatel terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(ii), (B) prior
to the Lucent Stockholder Meeting, a Lucent Acquisition Proposal
was made known to Lucent or was made known directly to the
stockholders of Lucent or otherwise became publicly known or any
third party has publicly announced an intention (whether or not
conditional) to make a Lucent Acquisition Proposal, and
(C) Lucent enters into an agreement with respect to, or
consummates, any Lucent Acquisition Proposal with any Person
within twelve months after such termination of this
Agreement; or
(ii) (A) if Alcatel terminates this Agreement pursuant
to Section 9.01(c) and (B) Lucent enters into an
agreement with respect to, or consummates, any Lucent
Acquisition Proposal with any Person within twelve months after
such termination of this Agreement;
then in any case described in clause (i) or (ii), Lucent
shall pay to Alcatel by wire transfer of immediately available
funds an amount equal to $500,000,000 (the Lucent
Termination Fee) no later than the time of
Lucents entering into an agreement with respect to any
Lucent Acquisition Proposal with any Person or, if there is no
such agreement, upon consummation of such Lucent Acquisition
Proposal, and shall be offset by any amounts previously paid to
Alcatel pursuant to Section 10.04(b). Acceptance by Alcatel
of the Lucent Termination Fee shall constitute conclusive
evidence that this Agreement has been validly terminated and,
A-46
upon acceptance of the Lucent Termination Fee, Lucent shall be
fully released and discharged from any liability or obligation
resulting from or under this Agreement, except as otherwise
provided in Section 9.02(b). Lucent acknowledges that the
agreements contained in Sections 10.04(b) and (c) are
an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and that, without these agreements, Alcatel would not
enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if Lucent fails to pay
when due the amounts due pursuant to Sections 10.04(b) and
(c) Alcatel shall be entitled to interest on the amounts
set forth in Sections 10.04(b) and (c) at the prime
rate of Citibank, N.A. in effect on the date such payment was
required to be made.
(d) If
(i) (A) either Lucent or Alcatel terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(iii) or if Lucent
terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(d)(ii)
and (B) prior to the Alcatel Shareholder Meeting (in the
case of a termination pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(iii)) or
the date of termination (in the case of a termination pursuant
to Section 9.01(d)(ii)), an Alcatel Acquisition Proposal
was made known to Alcatel or was made known directly to the
shareholders of Alcatel or otherwise became publicly known or
any third party has publicly announced an intention (whether or
not conditional) to make an Alcatel Acquisition Proposal; or
(ii) Lucent terminates this Agreement pursuant to
Section 9.01(d)(i);
then in any case described in clause (i) or (ii), Alcatel
shall pay to Lucent by wire transfer of immediately available
funds an amount equal to $250,000,000 (the Alcatel
Initial Fee). The Alcatel Initial Fee shall be paid
immediately upon termination of this Agreement. Acceptance by
Lucent of the Alcatel Initial Fee shall constitute conclusive
evidence that this Agreement has been validly terminated and,
upon acceptance of the Alcatel Initial Fee, Alcatel and Merger
Subsidiary shall be fully released and discharged from any
liability or obligation resulting from or under this Agreement
except as otherwise provided in Sections 9.02(b) and 10.04(e).
(e) If:
(i) (A) either Lucent or Alcatel terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01(b)(iii), (B) prior
to the Alcatel Shareholder Meeting, an Alcatel Acquisition
Proposal was made known to Alcatel or was made known directly to
the shareholders of Alcatel or otherwise became publicly known
or any third party has publicly announced an intention (whether
or not conditional) to make an Alcatel Acquisition Proposal, and
(C) Alcatel enters into an agreement with respect to, or
consummates, any Alcatel Acquisition Proposal with any Person
within twelve months after such termination of this
Agreement; or
(ii) (A) if Lucent terminates this Agreement pursuant
to Section 9.01(d) and (B) Alcatel enters into an
agreement with respect to, or consummates, any Alcatel
Acquisition Proposal with any Person within twelve months after
such termination of this Agreement;
then in any case described in clause (i) or (ii), Alcatel
shall pay to Lucent by wire transfer of immediately available
funds an amount equal to $500,000,000 (the Alcatel
Termination Fee), which shall be paid no later than
the time of Alcatels entering into an agreement with
respect to any Alcatel Acquisition Proposal with any Person or,
if there is no such agreement, upon consummation of such Alcatel
Acquisition Proposal, and shall be offset by any amounts
previously paid to Lucent pursuant to Section 10.04(d).
Acceptance by Lucent of the Alcatel Termination Fee shall
constitute conclusive evidence that this Agreement has been
validly terminated and, upon acceptance of the Alcatel
Termination Fee, Alcatel and Merger Subsidiary shall be fully
released and discharged from any liability or obligation
resulting from or under this Agreement, except as otherwise
provided in Section 9.02(b). Alcatel acknowledges that the
agreements contained in Sections 10.04(d) and (e) are
an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and that, without these agreements, Lucent would not
enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if Alcatel fails to pay
when due the amounts due pursuant to this Section 10.04(d)
and (e), Lucent shall be entitled to interest on the amounts set
forth in this Section 10.04(d) and (e) at the prime
rate of Citibank, N.A. in effect on the date such payment was
required to be made.
A-47
Section 10.05 Successors
and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors and assigns; provided that no party
may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or
obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the
other parties hereto.
Section 10.06 Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
and governed by the law of the State of Delaware, without regard
to principles of conflicts of law.
Section 10.07 Jurisdiction.
Any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision
of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with,
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be
brought in any federal or state court located in the State of
Delaware, and each of the parties hereby consents to the
jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate
courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and
irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of
the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such
court or that any such suit, action or proceeding which is
brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient
forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be
served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or
without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the
foregoing, each party agrees that service of process on such
party as provided in Section 10.01 shall be deemed
effective service of process on such party.
Section 10.08 Waiver
of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 10.09 Counterparts;
Effectiveness. This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts (including by facsimile), each of which shall be an
original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and
hereto were upon the same instrument. This Agreement shall
become effective when each party hereto shall have received (by
telecopy or otherwise) counterparts of this Agreement signed by
all of the other parties hereto.
Section 10.10 Entire
Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement
(including the Exhibits hereto and the Lucent Disclosure Letter
and the Alcatel Disclosure Letter) and the Confidentiality
Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and
supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both oral and
written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement and thereof. Except for the provisions of
Section 1.02 (which shall be for the benefit of the holders
of Shares as of immediately prior to the Effective Time) and
Section 6.03 (which shall be for the benefit of the
Indemnitees), no provision of this Agreement or any other
agreement contemplated hereby is intended to confer on any
Person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies.
Section 10.11 Interpretation.
(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to an
Article, a Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference shall be
to an Article of, a Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to,
this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents
and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words
include, includes or
including are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words without
limitation. The words hereof,
herein and hereunder and
hereunder and words of similar import when used in
this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not
to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined
in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in
any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant
thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions
contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as
well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as
well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any
statute defined or referred to herein means such statute as from
time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by
succession of comparable successor statutes and references to
all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein.
References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and
assigns. Each of the parties has participated in the drafting
and negotiation of this Agreement.
A-48
If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises,
this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all of
the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise
favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of authorship of any
of the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Any matter disclosed in the Alcatel Disclosure Letter
or the Lucent Disclosure Letter, as the case may be, in respect
of any representation or covenant made by such party shall be
deemed to be disclosed for purposes of the other representations
and covenants made by such party to the extent that such
disclosure (in light of its form and substance) would reasonably
be expected to be pertinent to such other representation(s) and
covenant(s).
Section 10.12 Severability.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of
the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no
way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic
or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is
not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon
such a determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith
to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of
the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in
order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated
as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized
officers as of the day and year first above written.
|
|
|
LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Patricia F. Russo
______________________________________
Patricia F. Russo
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Serge Tchuruk
______________________________________
Serge Tchuruk
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Jean-Pascal Beaufret
______________________________________
Jean-Pascal Beaufret
President |
A-49
ANNEX B
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND BY-LAWS
As amended through
[ l ] [ l ],
2006
THIS DOCUMENT IS A TRANSLATION FROM FRENCH INTO ENGLISH,
DELIVERED AT THE REQUEST OF THE RECIPIENT AND HAS NO OTHER VALUE
THAN AN INFORMATIVE ONE. SHOULD THERE BE ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE FRENCH AND THE ENGLISH VERSION, ONLY THE TEXT IN FRENCH
LANGUAGE SHALL BE DEEMED AUTHENTIC AND BINDING.
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND BY-LAWS
Article 1 Legal Form
The Company, made up of holders of existing shares and shares
that may be issued in the future, is in the form of a
societe anonyme governed by the statutory and
regulatory provisions in force at present and in the future and
by the present Articles of association and by-laws.
Article 2 Purpose
The purpose of the Company in all countries shall be:
1. The study, the manufacture, the development and the
business of all devices, equipment and software relating to
domestic, industrial, civilian or military applications and
other applications related to electricity, telecommunications,
data processing, electronics, space industry, nuclear power,
metallurgy and generally to all means of production and
transmission of power or communications (cables, batteries and
other components) and all possible activities related to
operations and services in connection with the above-mentioned
means.
2. The acquisition, the use and the sale or transfer of all
patents, licenses, royalties, manufacturing processes and
secrets, knack, patterns, trademarks or software related to the
devices and equipment mentioned in the above paragraph.
3. The creation, the acquisition, the use, the transfer,
the leasing of all industrial or commercial premises, factories,
buildings, equipment and machines of any kind, necessary or
useful for the implementation of its objects.
4. The acquisition of equity participations in any company,
association, partnership, French or other, irrespective of its
legal form, object and activity.
5. The management of shares and securities, investment by
any means whatsoever, and in particular by acquisition, increase
in capital, take-over or merger.
6. The creation, the acquisition, the taking of lease or
granting, the management of all companies, French or others,
whatever their activities, and in particular in the financial,
industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural fields or connected
to the activities described in paragraph 1.
7. The management of its own assets, fixed or moveable, and
of any assets, irrespective of their structure.
The above shall be carried out by the Company, directly or
indirectly, by way of forming companies, contributions,
subscription or purchase of securities or corporate rights,
merger, take-over, capital investment by a silent partner,
partnerships or in any other way.
In general, the Company may carry out all industrial,
commercial, financial operations, fixed or moveable property,
connected, directly or indirectly, wholly or in part, to the
above-mentioned object and to similar or related objects.
Article 3 Name
The name of the Company is: Alcatel Lucent.
B-1
Article 4 Registered Office
The registered office is at 54, rue La Boétie, 75008
Paris.
Article 5 Duration
Except in the case of an early termination or extension agreed
by an extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, the duration of
the Company shall be ninety nine years as of July 1, 1987.
Article 6 Capital
The share capital is set at EUR 2 857 083 280. It is made
up of 1 428 541 640 shares with a nominal value of
EUR 2 each, wholly paid up.
Article 7 Form, Registration, Holders,
Thresholds of Shares
Shares shall be registered until fully paid up.
Fully paid-up shares
shall be registered or bearer shares as the Shareholder chooses,
subject to the provisions of (2) below. Further to the
statutory requirement to notify the Company of certain
percentage share holdings, any Shareholder, natural or legal
person holding a number of Company shares equal to or in excess
of:
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
2% of the total number of the shares must, within a period of
five trading days from the date on which this share ownership
threshold is reached, inform the Company of the total number of
shares that he owns, by letter or fax. This notification shall
be renewed under the same conditions each time a further
threshold of 1% is reached. |
|
|
|
2. |
3% of the total number of the shares must, within a period of
five trading days from the date on which this share ownership
threshold is reached, request the registration of his shares.
This obligation to register shares shall apply to all the shares
already held as well as to any which might be acquired
subsequently in excess of this threshold. The copy of the
request for registration, sent by letter or fax to the Company
within fifteen days from the date on which this share ownership
threshold is reached, shall be deemed to be a notification that
the threshold has been reached. A further request shall be sent
in the same conditions each time a further threshold of 1% is
reached, up to 50%. |
|
Calculation of the thresholds in (1) and (2) above
shall include indirectly held shares and shares equivalent to
existing shares as defined in Article L.
233-7 and seq. of the
Commercial Code.
Shareholders must certify that all securities owned or held as
defined in the preceding paragraph are included in each such
declaration and must also indicate the date(s) of acquisition.
Should Shareholders not comply with the provisions set forth in
(1) and (2) above, voting rights for shares exceeding
the declarable thresholds shall, at the request of one or more
Shareholders holding at least 3% of share capital, be withdrawn
under the conditions and within the limits laid down by law. Any
shareholder whose shareholding falls below either of the
thresholds provided for in (1) and (2) above must also
inform the Company thereof, within the same period of five days
and in the same manner.
Shares shall be materialized by registration in the owners
name in the books of the issuing Company or of an authorized
intermediary.
Transfers of registered securities shall be made from one
account to another. The registration, transfer and disposal of
securities shall be carried out in accordance with the laws and
regulations in force.
Where the parties are not exempted from such formalities by law,
the Company may require certification of signed declarations,
transfer or assignment orders in accordance with the laws and
regulations in force.
B-2
The Company may, in accordance with the laws and regulations in
force, request from all organizations or authorized
intermediaries any information concerning Shareholders or
holders of securities with immediate or future voting rights,
their identity, the number of securities they hold and the
possible limitations imposed on them.
Article 8 Paying-Up of the Shares
The total amount of the shares issued by way of increase in
capital and to be
paid-up in cash is
payable under the conditions set out by the Board of Directors.
The calling-up of
capital is notified to the subscribers and Shareholders at least
ten days before the date fixed for each payment, by a notice
inserted in a legal journal appearing in the place where the
registered office of the Company is situated, or by individual
recorded delivery. Any delay in the payment of sums due shall
incur, in itself, and without the need for any formalities, the
payment of interest at the legal rate, on a daily basis,
starting from the date of the demand for payment without
prejudice to the personal action that the Company can exercise
against the defaulting Shareholder and the means of enforcement
provided for by law.
Article 9 Rights and Obligations of Shares
Each share shall give entitlement to Company assets and
distribution of profits in the proportions set out in
Articles 24 and 25 below, with the exception of rights
attached to shares of different categories that may be created.
Tax charges shall be levied as a whole on all shares without
distinction, such that each share in a same Class shall give
entitlement to payment of the same net amount on any
distribution or reimbursement made during the Companys
term or on liquidation.
Shareholders shall be liable only up to the nominal amount of
each share held. Any call to pay in capital in excess of such
amount is prohibited. Dividends and income from shares issued by
the Company shall be paid under the conditions authorized or
provided for by the regulations in force and in such a way as
the Shareholders Meeting or, failing that, the Board of
Directors, shall decide.
Rights and obligations shall remain attached to a share
regardless of who holds the share.
Ownership of a share entails as of right acceptance of the
Companys Articles of association and by-laws and of
resolutions of the Shareholders Meeting.
Shares are indivisible with regard to the Company; joint owners
of shares must be represented by a single person. Shares with
usufruct must be identified as such in the share registration.
Article 10 Creditors of Shareholders
Creditors of a Shareholder may not, by whatsoever means, cause
the goods or assets of the Company to be placed under seal,
divided or sold by auction and may not interfere in any way with
the Companys management. In the exercise of their rights
they must rely on Company records and resolutions of
Shareholders Meeting.
Article 11 Issuance of Securities Representing
Debt
The Company may contract borrowings as and when needed by means
of the issuance of securities representing debt, under the
conditions provided by law.
Article 12 Management of the Company
The Company shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting
of no less than six and no more than fourteen members.
Each director must hold at least 500 Company shares.
B-3
If there exists any vacancy on the Board of Directors following
the decease or resignation of one or more directors, the Board
of Directors shall temporarily appoint for each vacancy one
replacement director, such appointment being subject to approval
at the next Shareholders Meeting. The appointment of a
replacement director in the event of a vacancy by reason of
decease or resignation requires the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the directors then in office until the first
anniversary of the effective date of the merger, as contemplated
by the agreement of April 2, 2006, entitled Agreement and
Plan of Merger between Alcatel, Lucent Technologies Inc. (a
corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
Delaware, USA), and Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA), and
thereafter requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the
directors present or represented.
Article 13 Term of Office for
Directors Age Limit
Directors shall be elected for a four-year term. Directors may
be re-elected subject to the conditions below. A director
appointed to replace another director shall hold office only for
the remainder of his predecessors term of office.
The maximum age for holding a directorship shall be 70. This age
limit does not apply if less than one third, rounded up to the
nearest whole number, of serving directors have reached the age
of 70. No director over 70 may be appointed if as a result more
than one third of the serving directors rounded up as defined
above, are over 70.
If for any reason whatsoever the number of serving directors
over 70 should exceed one third as defined above, the oldest
director(s) shall automatically be deemed to have retired at the
ordinary Shareholders Meeting called to approve the
accounts of the financial year in which the proportion of
directors over 70 years was exceeded, unless the proportion
was re-established in the interim. Directors representing legal
persons shall be taken into account when calculating the number
of directors to which the age limit does not apply. Directors
representing legal persons must replace any 70 year old
representative at the latest at the ordinary Shareholders
Meeting called to approve the accounts of the financial year in
which such representative reached the age of 70.
The age limitations set forth in this Article shall apply to any
Chairman of the Board of Directors, provided that such Chairman
is not also the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, in which
case the age limitation set forth in Article 18 shall apply.
Article 14 Censeurs
On proposal of the Chairman, the Board of Directors must propose
to the Shareholders Meeting the appointment of two
censeurs satisfying the conditions described hereunder. The
censeurs shall be called to the meetings of the Board of
Directors and shall participate in a consultative capacity. They
are appointed for a two year term and can be renewed.
They shall be, at the time of their appointment, both salaried
employees of the Company or of an affiliate and members of a
mutual fund in accordance with the conditions set out below. All
mutual funds meeting the conditions below may nominate
candidates for appointment as censeurs.
With regard to the above provisions:
1. An affiliate of the Alcatel group shall be defined as
any company in which Alcatel directly or indirectly holds at
least half of the voting rights and/or any company in which an
Alcatel affiliate directly or indirectly holds at least half of
the voting rights.
2. The mutual funds referred to above are those formed as a
result of a Company share holding scheme in which the Company or
an affiliate is a participant and having at least 75% of its
portfolio in Company shares.
If for any reason one of the censeurs appointed by the
Shareholders Meeting as provided above should no longer
meet the joint conditions defined above (employee of the group
or an affiliate and a member of a
B-4
mutual fund), he shall automatically be deemed to have retired
one calendar month after the joint conditions are no longer met.
Should the number of censeurs meeting the joint conditions as
defined above (employment in the group and membership of a
mutual fund) fall below the number of two for any reason
whatsoever, the Board of Directors must make up its numbers
within three months either by appointment upon the affirmative
vote of the majority of the directors present or represented,
subject to ratification by the nearest shareholders
meeting, or by calling a Shareholders Meeting to appoint a
censeur meeting the conditions defined hereunder.
On the Chairmans proposal, the Board of Directors can
propose to the Annual Shareholders Meeting the appointment of
one or more censeurs who do not meet the above requirements,
among the shareholders or not, it being specified that total
number of censeurs shall not exceed six.
The censeurs compensation shall be determined by the
Shareholders Meeting on a yearly basis and allocated by the
Board of Directors.
Article 15 Meetings of the Board of Directors
1. The Board shall meet as often as required in the
interest of the Company at the corporate headquarters or any
other location, either in France or abroad, as determined by the
Chairman in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer. The
meeting is called by the Chairman as stipulated by law, by any
means, even verbally, and may be called at the request of the
Chief Executive Officer or at least one-third of the directors.
An agenda clearly stating matters to be discussed shall be
attached to each notice of meeting.
In the event the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman or Chairmen
cannot attend, the Chairman or, if he does not do so, the Board
may designate for each meeting the director who shall chair the
meeting.
2. Any director, whether a natural person or the standing
representative of a legal person, may give another director
power of attorney to represent him at a board meeting; the
authorized agent must show proof of his power of attorney at the
start of the meeting. Directors may hold only one power of
attorney per meeting which shall be valid for a specific meeting
only.
Except where prohibited by law, directors who participate in the
board meeting through video-conferencing methods, the type and
use of which are defined by current regulations, shall be deemed
present at the meeting for the calculation of quorum and
majority.
3. Except as stipulated in Article 12 above, for
resolutions governing the appointment of directors to fill any
vacancy following the death or resignation of any director,
Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 16 below, for
resolutions governing the choice of management, in
Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 17 below, for
resolutions governing the appointment and removal of the
Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, resolutions shall be
adopted under the quorum and majority laid down by law. In the
event of a tie, neither the Chairman nor any director acting as
Chairman shall have a casting vote.
4. The minutes of the meetings shall be drawn up and copies
shall be certified and delivered in accordance with the law.
5. On the Chairmans proposal, the Board may authorize
members of management or third parties to attend Board meetings;
they shall not have a vote.
Article 16 Powers and Duties of the Board of
Directors
1. The Board of Directors is vested with complete authority
granted to it by the legislation in effect.
The Board shall determine the business strategies of the Company
and shall ensure their implementation.
Subject to the authority expressly reserved for the
Shareholders, and within the limits of the corporate purpose,
the Board of Directors shall deal with any question that affects
the Companys operations, and governs the affairs of the
Company through its deliberations.
B-5
2. The Board of Directors shall decide whether the
management of the Company will be performed by the Chairman of
the Board of Directors or by a Chief Executive Officer.
3. Until the third anniversary of the effective date of the
merger, as contemplated by the agreement of April 2, 2006,
entitled Agreement and Plan of Merger between Alcatel, Lucent
Technologies Inc. (a corporation incorporated under the laws of
the State of Delaware, USA) and Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a
corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
Delaware, USA), management of the Company will be performed by
the Chief Executive Officer unless the Board of Directors
decides, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the
directors then in office, that management of the Company will be
performed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
4. From and after the third anniversary of the effective
date of the merger, as contemplated by the agreement of
April 2, 2006, entitled Agreement and Plan of Merger
between Alcatel, Lucent Technologies Inc. (a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA) and
Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a corporation incorporated under the laws
of the State of Delaware, USA), the Board of Directors may
deliberate on the matter of whether management of the Company
shall be performed by the Chief Executive Officer or the
Chairman of the Board of Directors only if at least two-thirds
of its current members are present. If it has been unable to
deliberate because the required quorum is not present, the Board
of Directors must meet a second time to deliberate again within
a maximum period of ten days. The Boards decision with
respect to the management method of the Company shall be made by
a two-thirds majority of the directors present or represented,
and shall remain valid until a new decision from the Board.
5. Each director shall receive all of the information
necessary to perform the duties of his office and may obtain any
document he deems useful.
6. Notwithstanding statutory provisions, particularly those
concerning the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief
Executive Officer, if he is a director, directors do not in the
exercise of their management enter into any personal or joint
undertaking with regard to the Companys commitments;
within the limits set by the laws in force, they shall only be
liable for performance of their appointed duties.
Article 17 Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Chief
Executive Officer, Senior Executive Vice Presidents, and
Secretary « President, Vice-President, Directeur
General, Directeurs Generaux Delegues et Secretaire »
1. The Board of Directors shall appoint from among its
members, upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the
directors in office until the third anniversary of the effective
date of the merger, as contemplated by the agreement of
April 2, 2006, entitled Agreement and Plan of Merger
between Alcatel, Lucent Technologies Inc. (a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA) and
Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a corporation incorporated under the laws
of the State of Delaware, USA), and thereafter upon the
affirmative vote of the majority of the directors present or
represented, a Chairman for a term not to exceed the term of
his/her position as a director. The Board of Directors may
remove the Chairman at any time, upon the affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of the directors in office until the third
anniversary of the effective date of the merger, as contemplated
by the agreement of April 2, 2006, entitled Agreement and
Plan of Merger between Alcatel, Lucent Technologies Inc. (a
corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
Delaware, USA) and Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA), and
thereafter upon the affirmative vote of the majority of the
directors present or represented.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall perform the
missions assigned to him by law; in particular, he shall ensure
the proper functioning of the Companys governing bodies.
He shall chair meetings of the Board of Directors, organize the
work of the Board, and ensure that the directors are able to
fulfill their mission.
The Board of Directors shall appoint, if it so wishes, one or
more Vice-Chairman from among its members, and shall set their
term of office which may not exceed their term as director. The
Vice-Chairman, or the most senior Vice-Chairman, shall perform
the duties of the Chairman when he is unable to do so.
B-6
2. If the Board of Directors does not assign the general
management of the Company to the Chairman, the Board of
Directors shall appoint, whether among its members or outside
the board, upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of
the directors in office until the third anniversary of the
effective date of the merger, as contemplated by the agreement
of April 2, 2006, entitled Agreement and Plan of Merger
between Alcatel, Lucent Technologies Inc. (a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA) and
Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a corporation incorporated under the laws
of the State of Delaware, USA), and thereafter upon the
affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present or
represented, a Chief Executive Officer for a term, determined by
the Board of Directors at the time of such appointment, not to
exceed, if applicable, the term of his/her position as a
director. The Board of Directors may remove the Chief Executive
Officer at any time, upon the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the directors in office until the third
anniversary of the effective date of the merger, as contemplated
by the agreement of April 2, 2006, entitled Agreement and
Plan of Merger between Alcatel, Lucent Technologies Inc. (a
corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
Delaware, USA) and Aura Merger Sub, Inc. (a corporation
incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA), and
thereafter upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the
directors present or represented.
3. The Chief Executive Officer is invested as of right with
the fullest power to act in all circumstances as the
Companys behalf, within the limits of the corporate
purpose and subject to the powers expressly invested in
Shareholders Meetings by law and the powers specifically
invested in the Board of Directors.
The Chief Executive Officer shall represent the Company in its
relations with third parties. He shall represent the Company in
the courts. When the Chairman of the Board of Directors assumes
the management of the Company, the provisions of this Article
and the law governing the Chief Executive Officer shall apply to
him.
4. On the proposal of the Chief Executive Officer, the
Board of Directors may authorize one or more persons to assist
him, who shall have the title of Deputy Executive Officers
(Directeur Général Délégué).
A maximum of five Deputy Executive Officers may be appointed.
The scope and duration of the powers delegated to Senior
Executive Vice-Presidents shall be determined by the Board of
Directors in agreement with the Chief Executive Officer.
Deputy Executive Officers have the same authority as the Chief
Executive Officer with respect to third persons.
In the event the office of Chief Executive Officer becomes
vacant, the duties and powers of the Deputy Executive Officers
shall continue until the appointment of a new Chief Executive
Officer, unless otherwise decided by the Board of Directors.
5. The Board of Directors on the recommendation of the
Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman or the
Chief Executive Officer themselves and the Senior Deputy
Executive Officers, may, within the limits set by law, delegate
such powers as they or he deem fit, either for the management or
conduct of the Companys business or for one or more
specific purposes, to all authorized agents, whether members of
the board or not or member of the Company or not, individually
or as committees. Such powers may be standing or temporary and
may or may not be delegated to deputies. All or some of such
authorized agents may also be authorized to authenticate all
copies or extracts of all documents for which certification
procedures are not laid down by law, and in particular all
powers of attorney, Company accounts and Articles of association
and by-laws, and to issue all certificates pertaining thereto.
Powers of attorney granted by the Board of Directors, the
Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the Deputy Executive
Officers pursuant to the present Articles of association and
by-laws shall remain effective should the terms of office of the
Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Executive
Officers, or directors expires at the time such powers of
attorney were granted.
6. The Board shall appoint a secretary and may also appoint
a deputy secretary under the same terms.
B-7
Article 18 Age Limit for Chief Executive
Officer
and Deputy Executive Officers
Subject to the provisions respecting removal and appointment of
the Chief Executive Officer in Article 17, the Chief
Executive Officer and deputy executive officers may hold office
for the period set by the Board of Directors, but this period
shall not exceed their term of office as directors, if
applicable, nor in any event shall such period extend beyond the
date of the ordinary Shareholders Meeting called to
approve the financial statements for the fiscal year in which
they shall have reached 68 years of age, subject to the
decision of the extraordinary shareholders meeting of the
Company to postpone this age limit to a later date under
exceptional circumstances. The same age limit shall apply to the
Chairman when he/she is also the Chief Executive Officer.
When the Chairman does not also occupy the position of Chief
Executive Officer, he may hold the office of Chairman for the
period set by the Board of Directors, but this period shall not
exceed his/her term of office as director, subject to the terms
set forth in Article 13.
Article 19 Remuneration of Corporate Officers
and Directors
1. The remuneration for the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Senior Executive
Vice-President or Vice-Presidents shall be set by the Board of
Directors. Said remuneration may be fixed and/or proportional.
2. The Shareholders Meeting may award and set
directors fees which shall remain unchanged until amended
by a new resolution. The board shall distribute said amount
among the directors as it sees fit and as required by law.
Directors may not receive from the Company any remuneration,
permanent or not, other than those specified by the law or nor
contrary to it.
Article 20 Statutory Auditors
The ordinary Shareholders Meeting shall appoint at least
two statutory auditors to undertake the duties required by law.
The auditors may be reappointed. The Shareholders Meeting
shall appoint as many deputy auditors as statutory auditors
pursuant to paragraph 1 above.
Article 21 Shareholders Meetings
1. Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders Meetings
shall be convened and held according to the rules and procedures
laid down by law.
The duly constituted Shareholders Meeting shall represent
all the Shareholders.
Its decisions are binding on all Shareholders, including those
not present or dissenting.
2. Meetings shall take place at the registered office or at
any other place specified in the notice of Meeting.
3. Any Shareholder may attend in person or be represented
by proxy at the Meeting, on justification of his identity and of
ownership of his shares either by a registration of his
ownership or by depositing bearer shares with the holder at the
places mentioned in the notice of the Meeting; these formalities
should be completed at least three days before the Meeting,
unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise.
Subject to the terms and conditions defined by regulations and
the procedures defined by the Board of Directors, Shareholders
may participate and vote in all Ordinary or Extraordinary
Shareholders Meetings by video-conferencing or any
telecommunications method that allows identification of the
Shareholder.
4. Subject to the conditions defined by regulations,
Shareholders may send their proxy or mail voting form for any
Ordinary or Extraordinary Meeting either in paper form or, on
the decision of the Board of Directors published in the notices
of Meetings, by remote transmission.
In order to be considered, all necessary forms for votes by mail
or by proxy must be received at the Companys registered
offices or at the location stated in the notice of the Meeting
at least three days before
B-8
any Shareholders Meeting. This time limit may be shortened
by decision of the Board of Directors. Instructions given
electronically that include a proxy or power of attorney may be
accepted by the Company under the conditions and within the
deadlines set by the regulations in effect.
5. The Meeting may be rebroadcast by video-conferencing or
remote transmission. If applicable, this will be mentioned in
the notice of Meeting.
6. Any Shareholder who has demonstrated his intention to
attend the Shareholders Meeting, issued a mail vote, or
given a proxy by producing a certificate of non-transferability
issued by the custodian of the shares may transfer all or part
of the shares for which he has made known his intention to
attend the Meeting, transmitted his vote or proxy, provided that
he notifies the representative authorized by the Company so as
to allow his vote or proxy to be canceled or the number of
shares and corresponding votes to be changed, under the
conditions and within the deadlines stipulated by law and
regulations.
7. The Shareholders Meeting shall be chaired either
by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, or
by a director appointed by the Board of Directors or by the
Chairman.
Shareholders shall appoint the officers of the Meeting made up
of the Chairman, two tellers and a secretary.
The tellers shall be the two members of the Meeting representing
the largest number of votes or, should they refuse, those who
come after in descending order until the duties are accepted.
8. Copies or extracts of the minutes may be authenticated
by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the secretary of the
Shareholders Meeting, or the director appointed to chair
the Meeting.
Article 22 Voting Rights
Without prejudice to the following provisions, each member of
the Shareholders Meeting has as many votes as shares that
he owns or represents. However, double voting rights are
attached to all fully paid up registered shares, registered in
the name of the same holder for at least three years.
Double voting rights shall be cancelled as of right for any
share that is converted into a bearer share or whose ownership
is transferred. However, the period set here above shall not be
interrupted, nor existing rights cancelled, where ownership is
transferred, the shares remaining in registered form, as a
result of intestate or testamentary succession, the division
between spouses of a common estate, or donation inter vivos in
favor of a spouse or heirs.
Whatever number of shares a Shareholder possesses, directly
and/or indirectly, he may not cast, as single votes in his own
name or as a proxy, more than 8% of the votes attached to the
shares present or represented when any motion at a
Shareholders Meeting is put to the vote. This limit may be
exceeded if such Shareholder is further entitled to double
votes, in his own name or as a proxy, taking into account such
additional voting rights only. However, the total number of
votes cast may not under any circumstances whatsoever exceed 16%
of the votes attached to the shares present or represented.
Indirectly held shares and shares treated in the same way as
owned shares as defined by the provisions of Articles L
233-7 et seq. of the
Commercial Code shall be taken into account when applying the
above mentioned limit.
The limitation instituted in the preceding paragraph
automatically becomes null and void from that time when an
individual or a legal entity, acting alone or in concert with
one or more individuals or legal entities, comes to hold at
least 66.66% of the total number of the Companys shares,
as the result of a public offering to purchase or exchange
relating to all of the Companys shares. The Board of
Directors agrees that at the announcement of such offerings,
such invalidation will take effect.
The limitation instituted in paragraph 4 above does not
apply to the Chairman of the Shareholders Meeting casting
a vote pursuant to proxies received in accordance with the legal
obligation deriving from Article L.
225-106 al.7 of
the Commercial Code.
Voting rights in all ordinary, extraordinary or special
Shareholders Meetings belong to the usufructuary.
B-9
Article 23 Financial Year
The financial year shall begin on January 1st and end
on December 31st.
Article 24 Allocation of Profits
The difference between the proceeds and the expenses of the
financial year, after provisions, constitutes the profits or the
losses for the financial year. From the profits, minus previous
losses, if any, shall be deducted the sum of 5% in order to
create the legal reserves, until such legal reserves are at
least equal to 1/10th of the share capital. Additional
contributions to the legal reserves will be required if the
legal reserves fall below, for any reason, that fraction.
The distributable profits shall be the profits for the financial
year minus the previous losses and the above-mentioned deduction
plus income carried over. The Shareholders Meeting, on a
proposal of the board, may decide to carry over some or all of
the profits, to allocate them to reserve funds of whatever kind
or to distribute them to the Shareholders as a dividend.
Besides, the Shareholders Meeting may decide the
distribution of sums deducted from the optional reserves, either
as initial or additional dividends or as special distribution.
In this case, the decision indicates clearly the items from
which the said sums are deducted. However, the dividends are
deducted first from the distributable profits of the financial
year.
The ordinary Shareholders Meeting may grant each
Shareholder, for all or part of the dividend distributed or the
interim dividend, the option to receive payment of the dividend
or interim dividend in cash or in shares. The Shareholders
Meeting or the Board of Directors, in the case of an interim
dividend, fix the date from which the dividend shall be
distributed.
Article 25 Dissolution and Liquidation
The Shareholders Meeting, under the quorum and majority
conditions laid down by law, may, at any time and for any reason
whatsoever, decide the early dissolution of the Company. When
the Company reaches its due date, or in the event of early
dissolution, the Shareholders Meeting shall decide the
manner of liquidation, appoint one or more liquidators and set
their powers, their terms of office and their remuneration. In
the event of the death, resignation or indisposition of the
liquidators the ordinary Shareholders Meeting, called
under the condition laid down by law, shall take steps to
replace them.
The Shareholders Meeting shall retain the same powers
during liquidation as in the Companys course of business.
On completion of the liquidation the Shareholders shall be
called to approve the liquidators accounts and discharge
him and to record the closing of the liquidation.
The liquidator(s) shall carry out their duties under the
conditions laid down by law. In particular, they shall realize
all the Companys movable and fixed assets, including by
private treaty, and extinguish all its liabilities. They may
also, with the authorization of the extraordinary
Shareholders Meeting, transfer the Companys entire
assets or contribute them to another Company, in particular by
way of a merger.
Assets remaining after all liabilities have been extinguished
shall first be used to pay Shareholders a sum equal to the paid
up and non-redeemed capital. Any surplus shall constitute
profits and shall be divided between all the Shareholders,
subject to rights related to shares of different classes, if any.
Article 26 Disputes
Any disputes that may arise during the Companys term or at
its liquidation, whether between Shareholders and the Company or
between Shareholders themselves where they concern Company
matters, shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent
courts.
B-10
ANNEX C
Goldman Sachs International | Peterborough Court | 133
Fleet Street | London EC4A 2BB
Tel: 020 7774 1000 | Telex: 94015777
| Cable: goldsachs
london
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
April 2, 2006
Board of Directors
Alcatel
54, rue La Boétie 75008
Paris, France
Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a
financial point of view to Alcatel (the Company) of
the exchange ratio of 0.1952 of an American Depositary Share
(the Company ADS), each representing one ordinary
share, nominal value
2.00 per
share (the Company Common Stock), of the Company
(the Exchange Ratio), to be issued in exchange for
each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share (the Lucent Common Stock), of Lucent
Technologies, Inc. (Lucent), pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 2, 2006
(the Agreement), by and among the Company, Merger
Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Lucent.
Goldman Sachs International and its affiliates, as part of their
investment banking business, are continually engaged in
performing financial analyses with respect to businesses and
their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements and other transactions as well as for estate,
corporate and other purposes. We have acted as financial advisor
to the Company in connection with, and have participated in
certain of the negotiations leading to, the transaction
contemplated by the Agreement (the Transaction). We
expect to receive fees for our services in connection with the
Transaction, a substantial portion of which are contingent upon
consummation of the Transaction, and the Company has agreed to
reimburse our expenses and indemnify us against certain
liabilities arising out of our engagement. In addition, we have
provided certain investment banking services to the Company from
time to time, including having acted as co-managing underwriter
of a public offering of 20,125,000 shares of Nexans, the
cable and components segment of the Company, in June 2001. We
also may provide investment banking services to the Company and
Lucent in the future. In connection with the above-described
services we have received, and may receive, compensation.
Goldman Sachs International is a full service securities firm
engaged, either directly or through its affiliates, in
securities trading, investment management, financial planning
and benefits counseling, risk management, hedging, financing and
brokerage activities for both companies and individuals. In the
ordinary course of these activities, Goldman Sachs International
and its affiliates may provide such services to the Company,
Lucent and their respective affiliates, may actively trade the
debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) of
the Company, Lucent and their respective affiliates for their
own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at
any time hold long and short positions of such securities.
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other
things, the Agreement; annual reports to stockholders and Annual
Reports on
Forms 20-F
and 10-K of the
Company and Lucent for the five fiscal years ended
December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005,
respectively; certain interim reports to stockholders of Alcatel
and certain interim reports and Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q for
Lucent; certain other communications from the Company and Lucent
to their respective stockholders; the Document de
Référence for Alcatel; certain internal financial
analyses and forecasts for Lucent prepared by its management,
certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the
Company and Lucent prepared by the Companys manage-
Board of Directors
Alcatel
April 2, 2006
Page Two
ment (the Forecasts), including certain cost savings
and operating synergies projected by the management of the
Company and Lucent to result from the Transaction (the
Synergies). We also have held discussions with
members of the senior management of the Company and Lucent
regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and
the potential benefits of, the Transaction and the past and
current business operations, financial condition and future
prospects of the Company and Lucent. In addition, we have
reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the Company
ADSs and Company Common Stock and the Lucent Common Stock,
compared certain financial and stock market information for the
Company and Lucent with similar information for certain other
companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed
the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in
the communications technology industry specifically and in other
industries generally and performed such other studies and
analyses, and considered such other factors, as we considered
appropriate.
We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the
financial, accounting, legal, tax, pension and other post
employment benefit obligations and other information discussed
with or reviewed by us and have assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion. In that
regard, we have assumed with your consent that the Forecasts and
Synergies prepared by the managements of the Company and Lucent
have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best
currently available estimates and judgments of the Company and
Lucent. We also have assumed that all governmental, regulatory
or other consents or approvals necessary for the consummation of
the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on
the Company or Lucent or on the expected benefits of the
Transaction in any way meaningful to our analysis. In addition,
we have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the
assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or
off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of the Company or
Lucent or any of their respective subsidiaries and we have not
been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal.
Our opinion does not address the underlying business decision of
the Company to engage in the Transaction, nor are we expressing
any opinion as to the prices at which the Company ADSs or shares
of Company Common Stock will trade at any time. Our opinion is
necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other
conditions as in effect on, and the information made available
to us as of, the date hereof. Our advisory services and the
opinion expressed herein are provided for the information and
assistance of the Board of Directors of the Company in
connection with its consideration of the Transaction and such
opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any
holder of Company ADSs or Common Stock should vote with respect
to such Transaction.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that,
as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the
Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the Company.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Goldman Sachs International
GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL
ANNEX D
April 1, 2006
The Board of Directors
Lucent Technologies, Inc.
600 Mountain Avenue
Murray Hill, NJ 07974
Members of the Board of Directors:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of common stock, par
value $0.01 per share (the Company Common
Stock), of Lucent Technologies, Inc. (the
Company) of the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) in
the proposed merger (the Merger) of the Company with
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcatel S.A. (the Merger
Partner). Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the Agreement), among the Company, the Merger
Partner and a subsidiary of the Merger Partner (the Merger
Sub), the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Merger Partner, and each outstanding share of Company Common
Stock, other than shares of Company Common Stock held by the
Company as treasury stock or held by the Merger Partner or the
Merger Sub, will be converted into the right to receive 0.1952
(the Exchange Ratio) of an American Depositary Share
of the Merger Partner (the Merger Partner ADS), with
each Merger Partner ADS representing one Ordinary Share of the
Merger Partner, nominal value
2.00 per
share.
In arriving at our opinion, we have (i) reviewed a draft
dated March 30, 2006 of the Agreement; (ii) reviewed
certain publicly available business and financial information
concerning the Company and the Merger Partner and the industries
in which they operate; (iii) compared the proposed
financial terms of the Merger with the publicly available
financial terms of certain transactions involving companies we
deemed relevant and the consideration received for such
companies; (iv) compared the financial and operating
performance of the Company and the Merger Partner with publicly
available information concerning certain other companies we
deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market
prices of the Company Common Stock
D-1
and the Merger Partner ADS and certain publicly traded
securities of such other companies; (v) reviewed certain
internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the
managements of the Company and the Merger Partner relating to
their respective businesses, as well as the estimated amount and
timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies
expected to result from the Merger (the Synergies);
and (vi) performed such other financial studies and
analyses and considered such other information as we deemed
appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.
In addition, we have held discussions with certain members of
the management of the Company and the Merger Partner with
respect to certain aspects of the Merger, and the past and
current business operations of the Company and the Merger
Partner, the financial condition and future prospects and
operations of the Company and the Merger Partner, the effects of
the Merger on the financial condition and future prospects of
the Company and the Merger Partner, and certain other matters we
believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry.
In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without
assuming responsibility or liability for independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information
that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed
with us by the Company and the Merger Partner or otherwise
reviewed by or for us. We have not conducted or been provided
with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities,
nor have we evaluated the solvency of the Company or the Merger
Partner under any state, federal or foreign laws relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. In relying on
financial analyses and forecasts provided to us, including the
Synergies, we have assumed that they have been reasonably
prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments by management as to the
expected future results of operations and financial condition of
the Company and the Merger Partner to which such analyses or
forecasts relate. We express no view as to such analyses or
forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which
they were based. We have also assumed that the Merger will
qualify as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal
income tax purposes, that the other transactions contemplated by
the Agreement will be consummated as described in the Agreement,
and that the definitive Agreement will not differ in any
material respects from the draft thereof furnished to us. We
have relied as to all legal matters relevant to rendering our
opinion upon the advice of our counsel. We have further assumed
that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and
approvals necessary for the consummation of the Merger will be
obtained without any waiver of any condition to the completion
of the Merger contained in the Merger Agreement.
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other
conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the
date hereof. It should be understood that subsequent
developments may affect this opinion and that we do not have any
obligation to update, revise, or
D-2
reaffirm this opinion. Our opinion is limited to the fairness,
from a financial point of view, to the holders of the Company
Common Stock of the Exchange Ratio in the proposed Merger and we
express no opinion as to the fairness of the Merger to, or any
consideration of, the holders of any other class of securities,
creditors or other constituencies of the Company or as to the
underlying decision by the Company to engage in the Merger. We
are expressing no opinion herein as to the price at which the
Company Common Stock or the Merger Partner ADS will trade at any
future time.
We note that we were not authorized to and did not solicit any
expressions of interest from any other parties with respect to
the sale of all or any part of the Company or any other
alternative transaction. We note that on March 23, 2006,
the parties publicly confirmed that they were in discussions
regarding a potential business combination transaction.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Company with respect
to the proposed Merger and will receive a fee from the Company
for our services if the proposed Merger is consummated. In
addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify us for certain
liabilities arising out of our engagement. We and our affiliates
have provided investment banking and commercial banking services
from time to time to the Company, the Merger Partner and their
respective affiliates. Such past services include
(i) acting as joint bookrunner, mandated lead arranger and
documentation agent for the refinancing of a revolving credit
facility for the Merger Partner in 2004, (ii) acting as
lead dealer manager of a bond exchange offer for the Merger
Partner in 2004, (iii) acting as financial advisor to the
Company on its acquisition of Riverstone Networks in 2006,
(iv) acting as bookrunner and administrative agent of a
secured credit facility for the Company in 2006 and providing
loan commitments thereunder, and (v) providing treasury
services to the Company and its affiliates from time to time. In
the ordinary course of our businesses, we and our affiliates may
actively trade the debt and equity securities of the Company or
the Merger Partner for our own account or for the accounts of
customers and, accordingly, we may at any time hold long or
short positions in such securities.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion
as of the date hereof that the Exchange Ratio in the proposed
Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders
of the Company Common Stock.
This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company
in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the
Merger. This opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any
shareholder of the Company as to how such shareholder should
vote with respect to the Merger or any other matter. This
opinion may not be disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in
whole or in part) to any third party for any purpose whatsoever
except with our prior written approval. This opinion may be
reproduced in full in any proxy or information statement mailed
to shareholders of the Company (as well as in any prospectus or
registration
D-3
statement of Merger Partner containing any such proxy or
information statement) but may not otherwise be disclosed
publicly in any manner without our prior written approval.
Very truly yours,
/s/ J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
D-4
ANNEX E
April 1, 2006
Board of Directors
Lucent Technologies Inc.
600 Mountain Avenue
Murray Hill, NJ 07974
Members of the Board:
We understand that Lucent Technologies Inc. (Lucent
or the Company), Alcatel (Alcatel) and
Aura Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcatel
(Merger Subsidiary), propose to enter into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement),
which provides, among other things, for the merger (the
Merger) of Merger Subsidiary with and into Lucent.
Pursuant to the Merger, the Company will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Alcatel, and each outstanding share of common
stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Lucent Common
Stock), of the Company, other than shares held in treasury
or shares owned by Alcatel or Merger Subsidiary, will be
converted into the right to receive 0.1952 shares (the
Exchange Ratio) of an American Depository Share of
Alcatel (the Alcatel ADS). Each Alcatel ADS is
equivalent to one ordinary share, nominal value
2.00 per
share (Alcatel Ordinary Share), of Alcatel. The
terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in
the Merger Agreement.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether the Exchange Ratio
pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point
of view to holders of shares of Lucent Common Stock (other than
Alcatel or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates).
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
|
|
|
|
(a) |
reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and
other business and financial information of Alcatel and the
Company, respectively; |
|
|
(b) |
reviewed certain internal financial statements and other
financial and operating data concerning Alcatel and the Company,
respectively; |
|
|
(c) |
reviewed certain financial projections prepared by the
managements of Alcatel and the Company, respectively; |
|
|
(d) |
reviewed information relating to certain strategic, financial
and operational benefits anticipated from the Merger, prepared
by the managements of Alcatel and the Company, respectively; |
E-1
|
|
|
|
(e) |
discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of Alcatel, including information
relating to certain strategic, financial and operational
benefits anticipated from the Merger, with senior executives of
Alcatel; |
|
|
|
|
(f) |
discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of the Company, including
information relating to certain strategic, financial and
operational benefits anticipated from the Merger, with senior
executives of the Company; |
|
|
|
|
(g) |
reviewed the pro forma impact of the Merger on the
Companys, Alcatels and the combined companys
earnings per share, cash flow, consolidated capitalization and
other financial ratios; |
|
|
(h) |
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for Alcatel
Ordinary Shares, the Alcatel ADS and the Lucent Common Stock; |
|
|
(i) |
compared the financial performance of Alcatel and the Company
and the prices and trading activity of Alcatel Ordinary Shares,
the Alcatel ADS and the Lucent Common Stock with that of certain
other publicly-traded companies comparable with Alcatel and the
Company, respectively, and their securities; |
|
|
(j) |
participated in discussions among representatives of Alcatel and
the Company and their financial and legal advisors; |
|
|
(k) |
reviewed the Merger Agreement draft dated March 31, 2006,
and certain related documents; and |
|
|
(l) |
performed such other analyses, reviewed such other information
and considered such other factors as we have deemed appropriate. |
We have assumed and relied upon, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information
supplied or otherwise made available to us by Alcatel and the
Company for the purposes of this opinion. With respect to the
financial projections, including information relating to certain
strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated from
the Merger, we have assumed that they have been reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of
Alcatel and the Company. We have relied without independent
verification, upon the assessment by the managements of the
Company and of Alcatel the timing and risks associated with the
integration of the Company and Alcatel, their ability to retain
key employees of the Company and Alcatel, respectively, and the
validity of, and risks associated with, Lucent and
Alcatels existing and future technologies, intellectual
property, products, services and business models. In addition,
we have assumed that the Merger will be consummated in
accordance with the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement
without any waiver, amendment or delay of any terms or
conditions, including, among other things, that the Merger will
be treated as a tax-free reorganization pursuant to the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
E-2
Morgan Stanley has also assumed that in connection with the
receipt of all the necessary governmental, regulatory or other
approvals and consents required for the proposed Merger no
delays, limitations, conditions or restrictions will be imposed
that would cause a failure of any condition to either
partys obligation to complete the proposed Merger. We are
not legal or tax advisors and have relied upon, without
independent verification, the assessment of the Company with
respect to legal and tax matters.
We have not made any independent valuation or appraisal of the
assets or liabilities of Alcatel, nor have we been furnished
with any such appraisals. Our opinion is necessarily based on
financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect
on, and the information made available to us as of, the date
hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof, may affect this
opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and we do not
assume any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion.
In arriving at our opinion, we were not authorized to solicit,
and did not solicit, interest from any party with respect to the
acquisition, business combination or other extraordinary
transaction involving the Company. We note that on
March 23, 2006, the parties publicly confirmed that they
were in discussions regarding a potential business combination
transaction.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection
with this transaction and will receive a fee for our services, a
substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of
the transaction. In the past, Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated (Morgan Stanley) and its affiliates
have provided financial advisory and financing services for the
Company and Alcatel and have received fees in connection with
such services. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may also seek
to provide such services to Alcatel and its affiliates in the
future and will receive fees for the rendering of these
services. In the ordinary course of our trading, brokerage,
investment management and financing activities, Morgan Stanley
or its affiliates may at any time hold long or short positions,
and may trade or otherwise effect transactions, for our own
account or the accounts of customers, in debt or equity
securities or senior loans of the Company, Alcatel or any other
company or any currency or commodity that may be involved in
this transaction.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the
Board of Directors of the Company and may not be used for any
other purpose without our prior written consent, except that a
copy of this opinion may be included in its entirety in any
filing the Company is required to make with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) in connection with
this transaction or in any filing Alcatel is required to make
with the SEC that contains or includes any proxy statement,
information statement or similar document of the Company. In
addition, this opinion does not in any manner address the prices
at which the Lucent Common Stock, the Alcatel ADS or Alcatel
Ordinary Shares will trade following consummation of the
transaction or at any other time and Morgan Stanley expresses no
opinion or recommendation as to how the shareholders of the
Company and Alcatel should vote at the shareholders
meetings to be held in connection with the transaction.
E-3
Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion on
the date hereof that the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger
Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to holders of
the Lucent Common Stock (other than Alcatel or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates).
|
|
|
Very truly yours, |
|
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Robert L. Eatroff
______________________________________
Robert L. Eatroff
Managing Director |
E-4
ANNEX F
Given the significant nature of the proposed merger, the
Autorité des marchés financiers (the AMF)
notified Alcatel that its board of directors should obtain an
independent financial assessment of its recommendations to the
Alcatel shareholders. Therefore, on April 15, 2006, the
Alcatel board of directors engaged BNP Paribas as a financial
expert to deliver a financial opinion to the Alcatel board of
directors concerning the proposed exchange ratio. An English
translation of the text of the opinion of BNP Paribas is
reproduced below.
BNP Paribas was engaged by the Alcatel board of directors after
its approval of, and Alcatels execution of, the merger
agreement, and accordingly the BNP Paribas opinion was not a
factor considered by the Alcatel board of directors in its
decision to enter into the merger agreement. Because the BNP
opinion is being made available in the French prospectus
(note dopération) relating to the Alcatel
ordinary shares to be issued in connection with the merger, an
English translation of the BNP Paribas opinion is included in
this proxy statement/ prospectus. On May 12, 2006, BNP
Paribas delivered its written opinion to the Alcatel board of
directors that, based on public information and information made
available to BNP Paribas by Alcatel, the assumptions made by
Alcatel and the features of the merger described in their
written opinion, the exchange ratio (0.1952 Alcatel ADSs for
each Lucent share) appears to be reasonable for the Alcatel
shareholders as of April 2, 2006 from a financial point of
view.
BNP Paribas opinion letter was delivered in the French
language and is governed by French law. The English translation
of the opinion letter reproduced below is provided for
informational purposes only and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the original French-language opinion letter filed
with the AMF. BNP Paribas disclaims any responsibility for any
errors or omissions in the translation.
To the attention of the members of the Alcatel board of
directors
Paris, May 12, 2006
Dear Sirs:
On April 15, 2006, Alcatel engaged the Corporate Finance
Department of BNP Paribas (BNP Paribas) as a
financial expert for the proposed merger (the
Merger) between Alcatel and Lucent Technologies,
Inc. (Lucent).
Within the framework of this engagement, Alcatel asked BNP
Paribas to issue an opinion (the Opinion) to the
Alcatel board of directors on the reasonableness, from a
financial standpoint, for the Alcatel shareholders, of the
proposed exchange ratio of 0.1952 Alcatel ADS for one Lucent
share.
The Proposed Merger
On the basis of the information provided to us, our
understanding of the Merger (as defined below) is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
the proposed merger (the Merger) would be completed
through the merger of Lucent and Merger Sub, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Alcatel, with Lucent shares being exchanged for
Alcatel American Depositary Shares (the Alcatel
ADS), on the basis of an exchange ratio of 0.1952 Alcatel
ADS for one Lucent share, in accordance with the terms and
conditions provided in the Agreement and Plan of Merger entered
into on April 2, 2006 between Alcatel, Merger Sub, and
Lucent. The exchange ratio corresponds to the parity of the
Lucent share and the Alcatel ADS prices over a recent period,
prior to the market rumors of the Merger, on March 24,
2006. The Merger, subject to certain conditions and
authorizations, might be completed prior to the end of 2006. |
|
|
|
the Merger is expected to result in pre-tax cost synergies
estimated at
1.4bn per year
within three years. The cash cost of implementing these
synergies is estimated at
1.4bn. |
F-1
Information
In performing its work, BNP Paribas relied on the following
information (the Information):
|
|
|
(i) Publicly available information on the Merger, Alcatel
and Lucent, and specifically: |
|
|
|
|
|
the Agreement and Plan of Merger and the
Form F-4; |
|
|
|
the annual reports of Alcatel (Document de
référence,
Form 20-F and
Form 10-K) and of
Lucent (Form 10-K)
for the last five fiscal years (ended respectively on
December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2005); |
|
|
|
Certain Alcatel and Lucent interim reports, including certain
Lucent quarterly reports
(Form 10-Q); |
|
|
|
(ii) Information relating to the Merger presented to the
Alcatel board of directors, including financial projections
prepared by Alcatel on the same, Lucent, the expected synergies
and the combined company; |
|
|
(iii) Several meetings and telephone conversations with
Alcatel and its advisor for the Merger; |
Please note that BNP Paribas did not have access to any data
room, and that no due diligence was carried out, whether of a
tax, financial, commercial, industrial, legal, social
(specifically in terms of Lucents commitments to its
workforce), environmental or strategic nature.
BNP Paribas based the works it carried out for the purposes of
issuing this Opinion solely on the Information described above.
In performing its work, BNP Paribas did not verify whether the
Information was real, complete and/or accurate, and assumed this
to be the case. It did not fall within the scope of BNP
Paribas assignment to verify the Information or to verify
the assets and liabilities of the companies involved in the
Merger or to submit the information, assets and liabilities to
an independent expert (in any regard whatsoever, whether legal,
environmental, tax, social, etc.). Neither did BNP Paribas
verify the situations/position of the entities involved in the
Merger, and considered that the projections and all of the
provisional data and assumptions that were disclosed to it
(including expected synergies) (i) reflected the best
estimates and judgments of Alcatels management,
(ii) were drawn up in good faith on the basis of realistic
assumptions, founded on real, complete and accurate information.
Finally, BNP Paribas was provided with a management
representation letter from Alcatel confirming that it had
brought to its attention all important and necessary information
of which it was aware, in order to enable BNP Paribas to carry
out its assignment.
Method
On the basis of the Information:
|
|
|
(i) BNP Paribas first compared the proposed parity of
0.1952 Alcatel ADS per Lucent share with the parity resulting
from the performance of the Lucent share price and that of the
Alcatel ADS (which correlates exactly with the price of the
ordinary Alcatel share) over several periods prior to market
rumors on March 24, 2006. The Alcatel share prices were
adjusted by the dividend offered in 2005
(0.16 per
share) and reserved for its own shareholders. |
|
|
The proposed parity is lower than the averages recorded on
March 23, 2006
(1-month,
3-month,
6-month,
1-year). It is only
higher than the parity of the last share prices on
March 23, 2006 (0.1848). |
|
|
The proposed parity was also compared to the parity resulting
from target share prices of financial analysts prior to
March 24, 2006. For each 12 month period preceding
this date, it is lower than the parity resulting from the
average target share prices for Alcatel and Lucent. |
|
|
(ii) BNP Paribas then performed a valuation of the Alcatel
shareholders share in the value of the combined
companys equity, synergies included, and compared this
value with the value of Alcatels |
F-2
|
|
|
equity prior to the rumors of March 24, 2006 (the market
capitalization of Alcatel calculated on the basis of the
1-month average share
price on March 23, 2006, was used as a reference). |
|
|
The value of the combined company was determined using two
separate methods: |
|
|
|
|
|
discounting the free cash flows of the group resulting from the
Merger, synergies included. We extrapolated the free cash flows
after 2009, the last year of the financial projections prepared
by Alcatel, on a normalized basis, assumed to grow at
2% per year (inflation included). A discount rate of 9.7%,
corresponding to our estimate of the weighted average cost of
capital of the combined company, was used. A corporate income
tax rate of 30% was used after 2009. Possible tax-loss
carryforwards from which the combined company could benefit at
this time were valued separately; |
|
|
|
a comparison of the multiples of Alcatel, Lucent and comparable
companies (Avaya, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia and
Nortel Networks). The most relevant multiple is the value of
capital employed over EBIT which factors in the earnings power
and capital intensity of the companies, without factoring in the
impacts of different financial structures. This multiple was
calculated for 2007 and 2008, as financial analysts
estimates were unavailable for 2009. This multiple was applied
to projections of the EBIT of the combined company for 2007 and
2008. Expected synergies for 2007 and 2008 only represent 30%
and 70% respectively of synergies expected over the long term.
The amount of long-term synergies, discounted at the weighted
average cost of capital, was factored in so as to provide a
truer image of the earnings power of the combined company. We
considered the tax-loss carryforwards as implicitly valued by
the multiples of the peer companies, as most of them also have
substantial tax-loss carryforwards. |
|
|
|
The two methods were applied both on the basis of the consensus
of financial analysts forecasts for both companies and on
the basis of projections prepared by Alcatel (extrapolated by us
for the discounted cash flows approach). Lucents forecast
EBIT was adjusted to factor in only the service cost relating to
pension and other post-retirement benefits obligations and to
exclude the impact, positive however without any cash effect, of
the actuarial assumptions relied on for these commitments. |
|
|
In order to determine the value of the combined companys
equity, we took the following factors into account: |
|
|
|
|
|
The net debt, estimated at market value, of Alcatel and Lucent
on March 31,2006; |
|
|
|
The minority interests in the equity of the subsidiaries that
have been fully consolidated, but that are not wholly-owned,
valued at their book value. This amount reflects a P/ E ratio
that is higher than the sector average, which leads us to assume
that this approach is cautious; |
|
|
|
The difference between the present value of the assets covering
pension and other post-retirement benefits obligations and the
after tax value of these obligations, as assessed by Alcatel; |
|
|
|
The value of financial assets, the income on which is not
included in EBIT. |
|
|
|
Using the multiples approach, the cost of implementing the
synergies resulting from the Merger was deducted from the asset
value in order to determine the equity value. Using the
discounted cash flows approach, they were included in the flows. |
|
|
Regardless of the method used to value the equity of the
combined company, (discounted free cash flows or multiples of
peers) or of the financial projections used for Lucent (prepared
by Alcatel or resulting from the consensus of financial
analysts, with in both cases, only the service cost factored
in), and given the expected synergies, Alcatels
shareholders share (60%) in the equity of the combined
company is substantially higher than the value of Alcatels
equity prior to the announcement of the Merger (calculated on
the basis of the Alcatel
1-month average share
price on March 23, 2006). |
|
|
On the basis of the financial projections for Lucent prepared by
Alcatel, the percentage of the creation of value in connection
with the Merger that the Alcatel shareholders would get is lower
than the percentage of their share in the capital of the
combined company (60%), which could be expected in the |
F-3
|
|
|
case of a merger through a share exchange with no premium, on
the basis of listed share prices. This is explained by the fact
that the financial projections of Lucent prepared by Alcatel are
lower, in the interests of caution, to the consensus of
financial analysts. Additionally, on the basis of the financial
projections for Lucent prepared by Alcatel and extrapolated by
us, the creation of value for Alcatel shareholders, calculated
using the discounted cash flows method, is positive when the
actual synergies realized represent approximately half of the
expected synergies. |
|
|
If we use the financial projections for Lucent drawn from
analysts consensus for 2006, 2007 and 2008
only the percentage of the creation of value by the
Merger that the Alcatel shareholders would get, would be close
to the percentage of their share in the capital of the combined
company (60%). Additionally, also on the basis of the financial
projections for Lucent drawn from analysts consensus, the
creation of value for Alcatel shareholders, calculated using the
discounted cash flows method, is positive when the actual
synergies realized represent approximately one third of the
expected synergies. |
|
|
Furthermore, for indicative purposes, BNP Paribas analyzed the
impact of the Merger on Alcatels forecast earnings per
share. This analysis is based on projections made by Alcatel for
Alcatel and Lucent (only factoring in the service cost) and
expected synergies from the Merger in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Earnings per share were calculated before depreciation of
intangibles and excluding the cost of implementing the synergies. |
|
|
This analysis reveals, given the expected synergies, a slight
increase in Alcatels earnings per share from 2007, and an
increase of over 30% in 2008 and 2009. |
Opinion
On the basis of the Information, the assumptions made by Alcatel
(and especially the expected synergies) and the features of the
Merger as described above, it appears that, from a financial
point of view, on April 2, 2006, the exchange ratio being
offered for the Merger (0.1952 ADS for one Lucent share) is in
our opinion reasonable for the Alcatel shareholders.
The opinions expressed in this document are only valid for the
assignment as described in the engagement letter entered into
between Alcatel and BNP Paribas. These opinions reflect the
judgment of BNP Paribas on April 2, 2006, and are based
exclusively on the Information, the assumptions made by Alcatel
(and especially the expected synergies), the features of the
Merger and economic and market conditions as of such date. BNP
Paribas shall not be held liable for any impact on these
opinions due to any substantial change, subsequent to
April 2, 2006, in the Information, assumptions made by
Alcatel, features of the Merger, economic and market conditions
and, in more general terms, any event likely to call these
opinions into question.
This Opinion shall under any circumstances be considered as a
recommendation to the Alcatel board of directors, the
shareholders, or any other party, to approve or reject the whole
or part of the Merger, the assessment of which should also
factor in criteria and information other than that covered in
this document. This opinion is intended for the Alcatel board of
directors in order to assist it in the assessment of the Merger.
The decision on whether or not to complete the Merger will in
any event fall solely under the responsibility of the Alcatel
board of directors, the Alcatel shareholders and the pertinent
companies and/or parties to the Merger, who will have to carry
out their own independent analyses on the timeliness and
appropriateness of the completion of the Merger.
This Opinion is only valid if the Merger is completed under the
terms and conditions and in accordance with the methods
described on page 1 hereof.
We would like to remind you that BNP Paribas has provided in the
past, is currently providing and intends to continue to provide
commercial services to Alcatel in the fields of investment
banking and financing, for which BNP Paribas has received,
should receive and expects to receive financial income,
commissions and fees. Moreover, as a provider of investment
services, BNP Paribas, or certain of its subsidiaries, could be
required to trade, for its own account or on behalf of its
clients, in the shares of Alcatel or third parties involved in
the Merger or those of any of their listed subsidiaries.
F-4
This document is governed by French law and any disputes
relating hereto shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction
of the Paris Court of Appeal.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
/s/ Christophe Moulin |
|
/s/ Pascal Quiry |
|
|
|
Christophe Moulin
|
|
Pascal Quiry |
Managing Director
|
|
Managing Director |
BNP Paribas Corporate Finance
|
|
BNP Paribas Corporate Finance |
F-5