• | it does not reflect Atlantica’s cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; |
• | it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, Atlantica’s working capital needs; |
• | it may not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary, to service interest or principal payments, on Atlantica’s debts; |
• | although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often need to be replaced in the future and Adjusted Cash EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements that would be required for such replacements; and |
• | the fact that other companies in Atlantica’s industry may calculate Adjusted Cash EBITDA differently than Atlantica does, which limits their usefulness as comparative measures. |
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE BUSINESS AND PROPERTY COURTS OF ENGLAND AND WALES COMPANIES COURT (ChD) ICC JUDGE BARBER | | | CR-2024-003315 |
(a) | the directors of the Company (or a duly authorised committee thereof) be and are hereby authorised to take all such action as they may consider necessary or appropriate for carrying the Scheme of Arrangement into effect; and |
(b) | with effect from the passing of this resolution, the articles of association of the Company be and are hereby amended by the adoption and inclusion of the following new article 124: |
“124. | Scheme of Arrangement |
124.1 | In this Article, references to the “Scheme of Arrangement” are to the scheme of arrangement dated 16 July 2024 under Part 26 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006 between the Company and the registered holders of the Scheme Shares (as defined in the Scheme of Arrangement) in its original form or with or subject to any modification, addition or condition as may be agreed between the Company and California Buyer Limited (“Bidco”) and which (if required) is approved by the Court, or which is otherwise imposed by the Court and is mutually acceptable to the Company and Bidco each acting reasonably and in good faith. Capitalised terms used but not otherwise defined in this Article shall have the meanings given to them in the Scheme of Arrangement. |
124.2 | Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, if the Company issues any shares or transfers any shares out of treasury (other than to Bidco or its nominee(s)) at or after the Voting Record Time but before the Scheme Record Time, such shares shall be issued, transferred or registered subject to the terms of the Scheme of Arrangement (and shall be Scheme Shares for the purposes of the Scheme of Arrangement) and the original or any subsequent holder or holders of such shares shall be bound by the Scheme of Arrangement accordingly. |
124.3 | Subject to the Scheme of Arrangement becoming effective, and notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, if any shares in the Company are issued, transferred out of treasury or transferred to any person (including on an exercise of an option over such shares) and other than under the Scheme of Arrangement or to Bidco or its nominee(s) (a “New Member”) after the Scheme Record Time (such shares the “Post-Scheme Shares”), such New Member (or any subsequent holder or any nominee of such New Member or any such subsequent holder) will be obliged, upon the Scheme of Arrangement becoming effective (or, if later, upon the issue or transfer of the Post-Scheme Shares to such New Member, but subject to the terms of Articles 124.4 and 124.5 below), to transfer immediately all of its Post-Scheme Shares free of all encumbrances to Bidco or its nominee(s) who shall be obliged to acquire (or procure the acquisition by such other person of) all of the Post-Scheme |
124.4 | Any New Member (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, a person who becomes a New Member by virtue of a transfer pursuant to this Article 124.4) may, prior to the issue of Post-Scheme Shares to them, give not less than two business days’ written notice to the Company in such manner as the directors of the Company shall prescribe of their intention to transfer some or all of such Post-Scheme Shares to their respective spouse or civil partner and may, if such notice has been validly given, on such Post-Scheme Shares being issued to them, immediately transfer to their respective spouse or civil partner any such Post-Scheme Shares, provided that such Post-Scheme Shares will then be immediately transferred by that spouse or civil partner (as applicable) to Bidco or its nominee(s) pursuant to Article 124.3 above. If notice has been validly given pursuant to this Article 124.4 but the New Member does not immediately transfer to their spouse or civil partner the Post-Scheme Shares in respect of which notice was given, such shares will be transferred to Bidco or its nominee(s) pursuant to Article 124.3 above. |
124.5 | On any reorganisation of, or material alteration to, the share capital of the Company (including, without limitation, any subdivision and/or consolidation) carried out after the Effective Time, the value of the consideration per Post-Scheme Share to be paid under Article 124.3 shall be adjusted by the Company in such manner as the auditors of the Company may determine to be appropriate to reflect such reorganisation or alteration. References in this Article to such shares shall, following such adjustment, be construed accordingly. |
124.6 | To give effect to any transfer of Post-Scheme Shares required by this Article, the Company may appoint any person as attorney and/or agent (the “agent”) for the New Member to execute and deliver as transferor a form of transfer or other instrument or instruction of transfer (including by way of deed) on behalf of the New Member (or any subsequent holder or any nominee of such New Member or any such subsequent holder) in favour of Bidco or its nominee(s) and do all such other things and execute and deliver all such documents or deeds as may in the opinion of the agent be necessary or desirable to vest the Post-Scheme Shares in Bidco or its nominee(s) and pending such vesting to exercise all such rights attaching to the Post-Scheme Shares as Bidco may direct. If an agent is so appointed, the New Member shall not thereafter be entitled to exercise any rights attaching to the Post-Scheme Shares unless so agreed in writing by Bidco, and the Company may send to the agent any notice, circular, warrant or other document or communication which may otherwise be required to be sent to the New Member as a member of the Company. |
124.7 | The Company may give good receipt for the Per Share Consideration for the Post-Scheme Shares and may register Bidco or its nominee(s) as holder of the Post-Scheme Shares and issue to it certificate(s) for the same. The agent shall be empowered to execute and deliver as transferor a form of transfer or other instrument or instruction of transfer on behalf of the New Member (or any subsequent holder). The Company shall not be obliged to issue a certificate to the New Member for any Post-Scheme Shares. |
124.8 | Bidco shall settle (or procure the settlement) of the Per Share Consideration within fourteen days of the transfer of the Post-Scheme Shares by the New Member to Bidco or its nominee(s). |
124.9 | Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, neither the Company nor its directors shall register the transfer of any Scheme Shares effected between the Scheme Record Time and the Effective Time (other than to Bidco or its nominee(s) pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement). |
124.10 | If the Scheme of Arrangement has not become effective by the End Date, this Article 124 shall be of no effect.” |
Registered Office: | | | By order of the Board |
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc Great West House (GW1), Great West Road Brentford, Middlesex Greater London TW8 9DF United Kingdom | | | Irene M. Hernandez Martin de Arriva Company Secretary and General Counsel Dated 16 July 2024 |
Event | | | Time/date(1) |
Publication of this document | | | 16 July 2024 |
Latest time for receipt of Court Meeting Proxy Cards for Shareholders of Record (Beneficial Holders should follow the deadlines provided by their broker, bank, trust or other nominee) | | | 2.00 p.m. on 6 August 2024(2) |
Latest time for receipt of General Meeting Proxy Cards for Shareholders of Record (Beneficial Holders should follow the deadlines provided by their broker, bank, trust or other nominee) | | | 2.15 p.m. on 6 August 2024(3) |
Voting Record Time | | | 6.30 p.m. on 6 August 2024(4) |
Court Meeting | | | 2.00 p.m. on 8 August 2024 |
General Meeting | | | 2.15 p.m. on 8 August 2024(5) |
Event | | | Time/date(1) |
Satisfaction or waiver of all Conditions | | | C(6) |
Court Hearing to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement | | | C + 12 Business Days(7) |
Last day of dealings in Atlantica Shares on Nasdaq | | | C + 13 Business Days |
Scheme Record Time | | | 6.00 p.m. on C + 13 Business Days |
Effective Date of the Scheme of Arrangement (not to occur prior to C + 12 Business Days) | | | C + 14 Business Days = E(8) |
Settlement of the Consideration | | | As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, and in any event not later than 14 calendar days after the Effective Time |
Suspension of trading in Atlantica Shares on Nasdaq | | | By 8.00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on C + 15 Business Days |
Cancellation of listing of Atlantica Shares on Nasdaq | | | C + 17 Business Days |
End Date | | | 27 April 2025 |
(1) | These times and dates are indicative only and will depend, amongst other things, on the dates on which: (i) the Conditions are satisfied or (where applicable) waived; (ii) the Court sanctions the Scheme of Arrangement; and (iii) a copy of the Court Order is delivered to the Registrar of Companies. Atlantica will give notice of any change(s) by making such announcement available on Atlantica’s website at https://www.atlantica.com/web/en/investors/ and by furnishing to the SEC a current report on form 6-K in connection therewith. |
(2) | It is requested that Court Meeting Proxy Cards for the Court Meeting be lodged not later than 2.00 p.m. on 6 August 2024 or, if the Court Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours (excluding any part of a day that is a non-working day in the United Kingdom) before the time appointed for the holding of the adjourned meeting. However, if not so lodged, Court Meeting Proxy Cards (together with any power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed, or a duly certified copy thereof) may be handed to the Chair of the Court Meeting before the start of the Court Meeting, and will still be valid. |
(3) | General Meeting Proxy Cards for the General Meeting must be lodged no later than 2.15 p.m. on 6 August 2024 in order to be valid or, if the General Meeting is adjourned, no later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the adjourned meeting. General Meeting Proxy Cards submitted after this time will not be valid. |
(4) | If either of the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings is adjourned, the Voting Record Time for the relevant adjourned meeting will be 6.30 p.m. on the date 48 hours (excluding any part of a day that is not a working day in the United Kingdom) before the date set for the adjourned meeting. |
(5) | To commence at 2.15 p.m. or, if later, immediately after the conclusion or adjournment of the Court Meeting. |
(6) | Excluding those Conditions set out at A(iii) and (iv) of Part A of Part III (Conditions and to and Further Terms of the Scheme of Arrangement and the Transaction). |
(7) | Under the Transaction Agreement, Bidco and Atlantica have agreed that the Court Hearing to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement will be held on a date that is at least 12 Business Days from the date on which the relevant Conditions are satisfied or (where applicable) waived. This is in order to allow the funds managed by ECP sufficient time to call the capital required in connection with the Equity Financing. |
(8) | Under the Transaction Agreement, (i) without the written consent of Bidco, the Effective Date shall not occur prior to 25 August 2024 and (ii) without the written consent of Bidco and Atlantica, the Effective Date shall not occur prior to 27 November 2024 if (x) certain third-party consents and (y) a certain approval required by Bidco (unless Bidco has delivered written notice to Atlantica that it has determined it is not necessary to obtain such approval), in each case, have not been obtained in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Bidco. |
• | a Court Meeting Proxy Card for use in respect of the Court Meeting; and |
• | a General Meeting Proxy Card for use in respect of the General Meeting. |
• | complete and return the Court Meeting Proxy Card (for the Court Meeting); and |
• | complete and return the General Meeting Proxy Card (for the General Meeting), |
• | value the entire issued share capital of Atlantica at approximately USD 2,555 million; |
• | value Atlantica at approximately USD 8,135 million on an enterprise value basis, including assumed indebtedness and net of cash; and |
• | represent a premium of approximately: |
• | 18.9% to the closing share price on 22 April 2024, the last trading day prior to the emergence of market rumours regarding a potential acquisition of Atlantica; and |
• | 21.8% to the 30-day volume weighted average trading price as of 22 April 2024. |
• | At or prior to the Effective Time, Bidco shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with the Paying Agent, for the benefit of the Scheme Shareholders, cash in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the Per Share Consideration to which the Scheme Shareholders are entitled pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement. |
• | Scheme Shares that are Residual Shares: Where, at the Scheme Record Time, a Scheme Shareholder holds Residual Shares, Bidco shall procure that the Paying Agent despatches from the Company Payment Fund to the persons entitled thereto, cheques for the sums payable to each of them in accordance with the Scheme of Arrangement, unless otherwise properly directed by the persons entitled thereto. |
• | Scheme Shares that are Cede Shares: Where, at the Scheme Record Time, a Scheme Shareholder holds Cede Shares, Bidco shall procure that the Paying Agent despatches from the Company Payment Fund to Cede or its nominee, by way of electronic payment in lieu of a cheque, an amount in cash in immediately available funds equal to the amount payable in respect of the Cede Shares in accordance with the Scheme of Arrangement. |
• | Scheme Shares issued or transferred pursuant to the Company Share Plans: In the case of Scheme Shares issued or transferred pursuant to the Company Share Plans after the sanction of the Scheme of Arrangement |
• | All cheques delivered by the Paying Agent will be in U.S. dollars. Cheques will be payable to the Scheme Shareholder concerned or, in the case of joint holders, Bidco reserves the right to make the cheque payable to the holder whose name stands first in the register of members of Atlantica. Cheques will be despatched as soon as practicable after the Effective Time, and in any event within fourteen calendar days of the Effective Time, to the person entitled thereto at the address as appearing in the register of members of Atlantica at the Scheme Record Time. None of Atlantica, Bidco, any member of the Bidco Group nor the Paying Agent or any of their respective agents or nominees or the DR Nominee shall be responsible for any loss or delay in the transmission of any cheques or payments, and such cheques shall be sent entirely at the risk of the person entitled thereto. |
• | Each option to acquire Atlantica Shares outstanding under the Company Share Plans (a “Company Share Option”) that is outstanding and unexercised as of immediately prior to the Effective Time will become vested at the Effective Time, and immediately and automatically cancelled and converted into the right to receive at the Effective Time a lump-sum amount in cash, without interest and net of any taxes and applicable withholding, equal to the product of (i) the excess of the Per Share Consideration over the exercise price per share of such Company Share Option, multiplied by (ii) the total number of Atlantica Shares subject to such vested Company Share Option immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Company Share Option Consideration”). If the exercise price per share of any such Company Share Option is equal to or greater than the Per Share Consideration, such Company Share Option will, whether vested or unvested, be automatically cancelled without any payment. Based on the Per Share Consideration of USD 22.00 per Scheme Share, all Company Share Options are out-of-the-money. |
• | Each restricted stock unit granted under any of the Company Share Plans (a “Company RSU”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will become vested at the Effective Time (with any applicable performance vesting conditions deemed to have been achieved at levels based on actual performance as of the Effective Date), and be immediately cancelled and converted into the right to receive at the Effective Time a lump-sum amount in cash, without interest and net of any taxes and applicable withholding, equal to the product of (i) the sum of all the dividends or distributions paid by Atlantica from the relevant date specified in the applicable award agreement to the Effective Time in respect of an Atlantica Share plus the Per Share Consideration, and (ii) the number of Atlantica Shares subject to such Company RSU (the “Company RSU Consideration”), subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code. |
• | The Company Share Option Consideration and Company RSU Consideration will be paid through the payroll systems of Atlantica or its applicable subsidiaries as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time (and in any event no later than the applicable first regularly scheduled payroll run following the Effective Date), subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code. |
• | Prior to the Effective Time, Atlantica will deliver a written notice to each holder of Company Share Options and Company RSUs informing such holder of the effect of the Transaction on such Company Share Options and Company RSUs, and take necessary actions to terminate the Company Share Plans as of and subject to the occurrence of, the Effective Time. |
• | the approval by a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent in value of the Scheme Shares held by such Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) in each case present, entitled to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting; |
• | the Resolution being passed by Atlantica Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent of the total voting rights of Atlantica Shareholders present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the General Meeting; |
• | the Scheme of Arrangement being sanctioned by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any non-de minimis modifications being acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, acting reasonably and in good faith); |
• | a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
• | no order having been issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that remains in effect and enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that remains in effect and prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Transaction; and |
• | any waiting period under the HSR Act (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction, and any commitment to, or agreement (including any timing agreement) with, any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of, or not to consummate before a certain date, the Transaction, having expired or been terminated, and all other Clearances having been obtained (including in the form of a decision indicating a lack of jurisdiction) and remaining in full force and effect. |
• | Atlantica having performed or complied in all material respects with its obligations, agreements and covenants under the Transaction Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time; |
• | subject to certain materiality qualifiers, the accuracy of each of Atlantica’s representations and warranties in the Transaction Agreement; |
• | since 27 May 2024, no effect having occurred that has had, or would be reasonably expected to have, a Company Material Adverse Effect that is continuing as of the Effective Time; and |
• | Bidco having received a certificate from an executive officer or director of Atlantica confirming the satisfaction of the Conditions set out in the preceding three bullet points. |
• | Bidco having performed or complied in all material respects with its obligations, agreements and covenants under the Transaction Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time; |
• | subject to certain materiality qualifiers, the accuracy of Bidco’s representations and warranties in the Transaction Agreement; and |
• | Atlantica having received a certificate from an executive officer or director of Bidco confirming the satisfaction of the Conditions set out in the preceding two bullet points. |
• | equity financing in the amount of USD 1,753.6 million to be provided by certain funds managed by ECP, who have agreed to capitalise Bidco subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Equity Commitment Letter (the “Equity Financing”); and |
• | debt financing to be provided by Banco Santander S.A., Barclays Bank plc, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, ING Capital LLC, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc, and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (together with any other |
• | by mutual written agreement of Atlantica and Bidco; |
• | by either Atlantica or Bidco if: |
• | the Scheme of Arrangement has not become Effective on or before 11:59 p.m. on the End Date (“End Date Termination”); |
• | a court or other Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction has issued an Order that permanently enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and such order has become final and non-appealable, or a Governmental Authority has enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced any other Law that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Transaction; |
• | the Court Meeting or General Meeting (including, in each case, any postponements or adjournments thereof) has been completed and the required Company Shareholder Approval voted on at the meeting has not been obtained (a “Vote-Down Termination”); or |
• | the Court declines or refuses to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement, except that, if an appeal has been submitted by Atlantica in respect of any such decline or refusal, this right to terminate the Transaction Agreement may not be exercised until such appeal has been denied in a final determination (a “Court Refusal Termination”); |
• | by Bidco if: |
• | prior to the receipt of the Company Shareholder Approvals, a Company Adverse Recommendation Change has occurred (a “Recommendation Change Bidco Termination”); or |
• | a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or obligation on the part of Atlantica has occurred that would cause certain conditions to the obligations of Bidco to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied, and such breach or failure to perform (A) is incapable of being cured by the End Date or (B) has not been cured by Atlantica within the earlier of (x) thirty (30) days following written notice to Atlantica from Bidco and (y) the End Date, except that the Transaction Agreement may not be terminated pursuant to this termination right if Bidco is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations, which breach by Bidco would cause certain conditions to the obligation of Atlantica to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied (such termination, an “Atlantica Material Breach Termination”); or |
• | by Atlantica if: |
• | a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or obligation on the part of Bidco has occurred that would cause certain conditions to the obligations of Atlantica to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied, and such breach or failure to perform (A) is incapable of being cured by the End Date or (B) has not been cured by Bidco within the earlier of (x) thirty (30) days following written notice to Bidco from Atlantica and (y) the End Date, except that the Transaction Agreement may not be terminated pursuant to this termination right if Atlantica is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations, which breach by Atlantica would cause certain conditions to the obligation of Bidco to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied (such termination, a “Bidco Material Breach Termination”); |
• | prior to the receipt of the Company Shareholder Approvals, (A) the Atlantica Board (or any committee thereof) receives a competing proposal that the Atlantica Board deems to be a superior proposal, (B) Atlantica is in compliance in all respects (other than immaterial non-compliance that does not adversely affect Bidco) with its non-solicitation obligations under the Transaction Agreement, (C) the Atlantica Board has authorised the termination of the Transaction Agreement in accordance with its terms in order to enter into a definitive agreement in respect of such superior proposal, (D) concurrently with such termination, a definitive agreement in respect of such superior proposal is entered into and (E) Atlantica pays Bidco the Company Termination Fee concurrently with or prior to (and as a condition to) such termination (a “Recommendation Change Atlantica Termination”); or |
• | (A) certain conditions to the obligations of Atlantica and Bidco to complete the transaction have been satisfied, (B) Atlantica has delivered written confirmation to Bidco that it stands ready, willing and able to consummate the transaction on such date and through the end of a five (5) Business Day period following delivery of such notice and (C) Bidco fails to consummate the Transaction within such five (5) Business Day period (a “Bidco Consummation Failure Termination”). |
• | a Recommendation Change Bidco Termination; |
• | a Recommendation Change Atlantica Termination; or |
• | (x) (A) by Atlantica or Bidco pursuant to an End Date Termination, Vote-Down Termination or Court Refusal Termination or (B) by Bidco pursuant to an Atlantica Material Breach Termination, (y) a bona fide competing proposal has been communicated to the Atlantica Board or publicly announced, disclosed or otherwise communicated to Atlantica within a prescribed timeframe and (z) within twelve (12) months of such termination of the Transaction Agreement, Atlantica enters into a definitive agreement for or consummates such competing proposal with a third party. |
• | either Bidco or Atlantica due to failure to (i) receive approval by the Atlantica Shareholders at the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings or (ii) obtain the Court sanction of the Scheme of Arrangement; or |
• | Bidco following an uncured breach by Atlantica of its representations, warranties or covenants that would cause a closing condition to not be satisfied. |
Q: | Why am I receiving this document? |
A. | On 27 May 2024, Atlantica entered into an agreement in connection with the acquisition of Atlantica by Bidco, whereby Bidco agreed to acquire (or to procure that its nominee(s) acquire) the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Atlantica for USD 22.00 per share in cash by way of a “scheme of arrangement” under Part 26 of the Companies Act. You are receiving this document in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Atlantica Board in favour of approval of the Transaction. |
Q: | What is a “scheme of arrangement”? |
A. | A “scheme of arrangement” is a Court-sanctioned arrangement between a company and its shareholders, which can be used as a transaction structure to effect the acquisition or “takeover” of a company. The form of scheme of arrangement that will be used to implement the Transaction is set out in Part VIII (The Scheme of Arrangement) of this document. The Scheme of Arrangement will enable Bidco or its nominee(s) to acquire all of the Scheme Shares in issue at the Effective Time. In order to become Effective, the Scheme of Arrangement requires the approval of the requisite majorities of Scheme Shareholders and the sanction of the Court. Upon becoming Effective the Scheme of Arrangement will be binding on all Scheme Shareholders, whether or not they voted in favour of the Scheme of Arrangement. |
Q: | What will I receive if the Scheme of Arrangement becomes Effective? |
A. | If the Scheme of Arrangement becomes Effective, then: |
• | all Scheme Shares will be transferred to Bidco or its nominee(s); and |
• | holders of Scheme Shares at the Scheme Record Time (being 6.00 p.m. on the Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Date) will receive USD 22.00 in cash for each Scheme Share that they hold, subject to any applicable withholding taxes. |
Q: | What is the Court Meeting? |
A. | In order for the Scheme of Arrangement to become Effective, the Scheme of Arrangement must be approved by Scheme Shareholders, as further described below. This approval is obtained at a shareholder meeting convened with the permission of the Court referred to as the “Court Meeting”. The purpose of the Court Meeting is to allow the Court to ascertain whether Scheme Shareholders are in favour of the Scheme of Arrangement. |
Q: | When and where is the Court Meeting? |
A. | The Court Meeting will be held at the offices of Atlantica’s solicitors, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP, at 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom at 2.00 p.m. on 8 August 2024. |
Q: | What is the General Meeting? |
A. | In addition to the approval of the Scheme of Arrangement at the Court Meeting, certain additional resolutions, necessary for Atlantica to implement the Transaction, are required to be approved at a general meeting of Atlantica Shareholders, referred to as the “General Meeting”. |
Q: | When and where is the General Meeting? |
A. | The General Meeting will be held at the offices of Atlantica’s solicitors, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP, at 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom at 2.15 p.m. on 8 August 2024 or, if later, immediately after the conclusion or adjournment of the Court Meeting. |
Q: | Who is entitled to attend and vote at the Court Meeting and the General Meeting? |
A. | Only Shareholders of Record at the Voting Record Time will be entitled to attend and vote on the resolutions to be put to the Atlantica Shareholders at the Court Meeting and the General Meeting. Each Beneficial Holder as of the relevant record time set by his or her broker, bank, trust or other nominee will be entitled to direct his or her broker, bank, trust or other nominee how to vote such Atlantica Shares on the resolutions to be put to the Atlantica Shareholders at the Court Meeting and the General Meeting. At the close of business on 12 July 2024, there were 116,159,054 Atlantica Shares outstanding and entitled to vote at each of the Court Meeting and the General Meeting. |
Q: | What matters will be voted on at the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings? |
A. | At the Court Meeting, Scheme Shareholders (being those holders who hold Scheme Shares only) will vote on the approval of the Scheme of Arrangement. |
Q: | What constitutes a quorum for the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings? |
A. | In connection with the General Meeting and the Court Meeting, a quorum will be present if two Atlantica Shareholders as at the Voting Record Time are present, in person or by proxy or by a duly authorised representative of a corporation which is an Atlantica Shareholder. As at the close of business on the Latest Practicable Date, there were 116,159,054 Atlantica Shares in issue. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be considered in determining the presence of a quorum at the General Meeting. |
Q: | What vote of Scheme Shareholders is required to approve the Scheme of Arrangement? |
A. | At the Court Meeting, the Scheme of Arrangement will be approved by Scheme Shareholders if both: (i) a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders who vote (in person or by proxy) at the Court Meeting vote in favour of the Scheme of Arrangement; and (ii) Scheme Shares representing at least 75 percent in value of the total number of Schemes Shares voted (in person or by proxy) at the Court Meeting are voted in favour of the Scheme of Arrangement. |
Q: | How does the Atlantica Board recommend that I vote? |
A. | The Atlantica Board unanimously recommends that you vote in favour of the Scheme of Arrangement at the Court Meeting and in favour of the Resolution at the General Meeting. |
Q: | How do Atlantica Directors intend to vote? |
A. | The Atlantica Directors who beneficially own Atlantica Shares have agreed, and intend, to vote in favour of the Transaction at the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings in their capacity as shareholders in respect of their entire beneficial holdings of Atlantica Shares, which amounts to 141,991 Atlantica Shares, representing approximately 0.12% of the issued share capital of Atlantica as at the Latest Practicable Date. |
Q: | What is the Court Hearing? |
A. | In addition to the approval of the Scheme of Arrangement by the Scheme Shareholders at the Court Meeting and Atlantica Shareholders at the General Meeting, in order for the Scheme of Arrangement to become Effective, the Court must sanction the Scheme of Arrangement at a hearing. This hearing is referred to as the “Court Hearing”. |
Q: | When and where is the Court Hearing? |
A. | Subject to the approval of Atlantica Shareholders and the prior satisfaction of certain other Conditions to completion of the Transaction, the Court Hearing is expected to be held at the Court in the fourth quarter of 2024 or early first quarter of 2025. Atlantica will give notice of the Court Hearing and the expected Effective Date in due course by making such announcement available on Atlantica’s website at https://www.atlantica.com/web/en/investors/ and by furnishing to the SEC a current report on form 6-K in connection therewith. |
Q: | When is the Transaction expected to be completed? |
A. | As at the date of this document, it is expected that the Scheme of Arrangement will become Effective during the fourth quarter of 2024 or early first quarter of 2025. However, the Transaction cannot proceed until all of the Conditions are satisfied or waived (if capable of waiver) at or prior to the End Date in accordance with their respective terms, including the approval of the Scheme of Arrangement at the Court Meeting and the Resolution at the General Meeting. The Scheme of Arrangement also requires the sanction by the Court at the Court Hearing. In addition, under the Transaction Agreement, (i) without the written consent of Bidco, the Effective Date shall not occur prior to 25 August 2024 and (ii) without the written consent of Bidco and Atlantica, the Effective Date shall not occur prior to 27 November 2024 if (x) certain third-party consents and (y) a certain approval required by Bidco (unless Bidco has delivered written notice to Atlantica that it has determined it is |
Q: | What happens if the Transaction is not completed? |
A. | If the Scheme of Arrangement is not approved by Scheme Shareholders, or if the Transaction does not become Effective for any other reason, the Scheme of Arrangement will lapse and Scheme Shareholders will not receive any payment for their Scheme Shares in connection with the Transaction. Instead, Atlantica will remain a public company, and Atlantica Shares will continue to be registered under the U.S. Exchange Act and will continue to be listed and traded on Nasdaq. In the event that either Atlantica or Bidco terminates the Transaction Agreement, Atlantica may, in certain circumstances, pay Bidco a termination payment in an amount equal to USD 26 million or Bidco may, in certain circumstances, pay Atlantica a termination payment in an amount equal to USD 116 million. |
Q: | What do I need to do now if I hold Atlantica Shares? How do I vote my Atlantica Shares? |
A. | If you hold Scheme Shares registered in your own name, you are entitled to attend the Court Meeting to vote in person or to appoint another person or persons as your proxy or proxies to attend and vote in your stead, in accordance with the procedures further outlined in this document. |
Q: | Can I revoke my proxy? |
A. | Any person submitting a Proxy Card pursuant to this solicitation has the power to revoke and change it at any time before it is voted. |
• | completing and returning a new Proxy Card to Broadridge or by submitting a new proxy appointment electronically by logging on to www.proxyvote.com and following the instructions there; |
• | attending the Court Meeting and/or the General Meeting and voting in person; or |
• | delivering a written notice of revocation by mail to Broadridge at Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. |
Q: | What happens if I do not vote or if I abstain from voting on the proposals? |
A. | If you are the registered holder of Atlantica Shares and do not vote either in person or by appointing another person as your proxy to attend and vote in your stead, your shares will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the General Meeting or for calculating the proportion of votes “For” and “Against” at either of the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings. |
Q: | Will my Atlantica Shares held by a broker, bank or other nominee be combined for voting purposes with Atlantica Shares I hold of record? |
A. | If you are a Beneficial Holder and your Atlantica Shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee, these will not be combined for voting purposes with Atlantica Shares in relation to which you are the registered holder. |
Q: | What happens if I sell my Atlantica Shares before completion of the Transaction? |
A. | In order to receive the Consideration of USD 22.00 per Scheme Share, you must hold Scheme Shares at 6.00 p.m. on the Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Date, being the “Scheme Record Time”. Consequently, if you transfer your Scheme Shares before the Scheme Record Time, you will have transferred your right to receive the Consideration. |
Q: | Should I send in my share certificates or other evidence of ownership now? |
A. | No, do not send your certificates now. |
Q: | Where can I find more information about Atlantica? |
A. | You can find more information about Atlantica from the various sources described in paragraph 10 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document. |
Q: | Can I access these materials on the internet? |
A. | These materials can be found at Atlantica’s website, https://www.atlantica.com/web/en/investors/. |
Q: | Who can help answer my other questions? |
A. | Atlantica Shareholders who have any questions about submitting their proxy appointment should contact Atlantica’s proxy solicitor, Georgeson LLC, by calling (i) +1 (866) 679-3747 within the U.S. or (ii) +1 (805) 885-0683 outside of the U.S. |
Directors: | | | Registered office: |
Michael Woollcombe (Independent Non-Executive Chair of the Atlantica Board) | | | Great West House (GW1) |
Santiago Seage (Chief Executive Officer) | | | Great West Road |
William Aziz (Independent) | | | Brentford, Middlesex |
Arun Banskota | | | Greater London |
Debora Del Favero (Independent) | | | TW8 9DF |
Brenda Eprile (Independent) | | | United Kingdom |
Ryan Farquhar | | | |
Michael Forsayeth (Independent) | | | |
Edward C. Hall (Independent) | | |
1. | Introduction |
Summary of the terms of the Transaction |
• | value the entire issued share capital of Atlantica at approximately USD 2,555 million; |
• | value Atlantica at approximately USD 8,135 million on an enterprise value basis, including assumed indebtedness and net of cash; and |
• | represent a premium of approximately: |
• | 18.9% to the closing share price on 22 April 2024, the last trading day prior to the emergence of market rumours regarding a potential acquisition of Atlantica; and |
• | 21.8% to the 30-day volume weighted average trading price as of 22 April 2024. |
(i) | the approval by a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent in value of the Scheme Shares held by such Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) in each case present, entitled to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting; |
(ii) | the Resolution being passed by Atlantica Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent of the total voting rights of Atlantica Shareholders present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the General Meeting; |
(iii) | the Scheme of Arrangement being sanctioned by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any non-de minimis modifications being acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, acting reasonably and in good faith); |
(iv) | a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
(v) | no order having been issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that remains in effect and enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that remains in effect and prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Transaction; and |
(vi) | any waiting period under the HSR Act (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction, and any commitment to, or agreement (including any timing agreement) with, any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of, or not to consummate before a certain date, the Transaction, having expired or been terminated, and all other Clearances having been obtained (including in the form of a decision indicating a lack of jurisdiction) and remaining in full force and effect. |
3. | ECP’s reasons for the Transaction |
Atlantica Board recommendation |
5. | Opinion of Atlantica’s financial adviser |
6. | Background to the Recommendation |
Reasons for the Recommendation |
• | Acquisition price; premium to the trading price of the Atlantica Shares. The Consideration represents a premium of approximately: |
• | 18.9% to the closing price of Atlantica Shares on 22 April 2024, the last trading day prior to the emergence of market rumours regarding a potential acquisition of Atlantica; and |
• | 21.8% to the 30-day volume weighted average trading price as of 22 April 2024. |
• | Cash consideration; certainty of value. The form of consideration payable to Atlantica Shareholders is cash, which will provide Atlantica Shareholders with certainty of value and immediate liquidity. |
• | No financing condition. The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition, and Bidco will have sufficient cash resources to pay the amounts required to be paid under the Transaction Agreement based on the Equity Commitment Letters and the Debt Commitment Letters. Further, the Debt Commitment Letters are provided by reputable financing sources with limited and customary conditionality to funding. |
• | Competitive public sale process. As further described in the “Background to the Recommendation” section above, the Transaction is the culmination of a thorough and comprehensive public strategic review process conducted by Atlantica with the support and advice of Atlantica’s management and legal and financial advisers. The Strategic Review involved: contacting 58 different potential bidders, entering non-disclosure agreements with 13 potential bidders, holding discussions with eight interested parties and receiving preliminary, non-binding indicative proposals from and providing confidential information to four bidders. Further, should any other party be interested in pursuing a transaction on terms more favourable to Atlantica and its shareholders than those contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the terms of the Transaction Agreement do not prevent such other party from pursuing such a transaction or such Superior Proposal being successful. Based on the value, timing, risk allocation and other terms and conditions negotiated with ECP, the Atlantica Board determined that the Transaction is in the best interests of Atlantica and Atlantica’s shareholders as a whole. |
• | Strategic alternatives. During the Strategic Review process, the Atlantica Board also considered other possible strategic alternatives and transactions, including those discussed below, determining that the Transaction was the best option available at the time of signing the Transaction Agreement. |
• | Transitioning to a renewable energy independent power producer (“IPP”). The IPP model already exists in Europe and Canada, with pay-out ratios ranging between 20% and 60% of the applicable earnings or cash metric. Transitioning Atlantica’s model to a renewable energy IPP with a lower pay-out ratio would potentially allow Atlantica to redeploy part of the cash generated by operations towards the development and construction of new projects and potentially better enable Atlantica to capture the energy transition opportunity. However, transitioning to a renewable energy IPP would require Atlantica to increase its development and construction pipeline. The Atlantica Board considered whether such transition could be facilitated or accelerated through an acquisition of or merger with a developer in the United States. The Atlantica Board evaluated the potential acquisition of various large renewable energy developers in the United States and, as part of that, Atlantica engaged in discussions with one such developer regarding a potential acquisition of that developer, including by obtaining access to a data room and reviewing financial projections of the developer. |
• | Merging with a public or private renewable company or IPP that already has a pipeline of renewable projects under development. Over the course of the Strategic Review, the market for renewables businesses generally became more challenging mainly given interest rate increases, a decrease in positive expectations regarding renewable energy and ESG-related investments, inflation driven cost pressures and delays in supply chains (and thus in the execution of projects). In addition, certain renewable energy companies announced impairments and cancellation of contracts and some of Atlantica’s peers announced decreases in their dividend per share growth outlook, which raised concerns regarding their financing structure. As part of the Strategic Review, the Atlantica Board considered whether merging with another company would enable Atlantica to increase its operational scale, enhance its growth, decrease its cost of capital and become more competitive. Having a larger scale generally would allow Atlantica to benefit from lower costs, as it would increase Atlantica’s negotiation leverage with suppliers and generally result in a lower cost of capital as larger companies commonly benefit from lower equity volatility in the public markets and better financing terms via improved credit, bank relationships and an enhanced ability to obtain corporate debt and revolving credit facilities, thus lowering the cost of debt. |
• | Pursuing a “no-growth” alternative. The Atlantica Board also considered transitioning to a business model in which Atlantica would not pursue growth opportunities, either through construction and development or additional acquisitions and would continue to operate some or all of its existing assets until their decommissioning, which would reduce costs. The Atlantica Board concluded that this alternative was not in the best interests of Atlantica and its shareholders, particularly if the Company were to remain publicly listed, as it was unlikely to attract interest from existing or potential investors. |
• | Capital markets. From 17 February 2023, the trading day prior to the public announcement by Atlantica of the Strategic Review, until 22 April 2024, the last trading day before market rumours of a sale of Atlantica to ECP, Atlantica’s share price declined by 29% from $25.91 to $18.51. During the same period, the share prices of Atlantica’s peers also declined, ranging from a 23% decline to an almost 62% decline. |
• | Continuing to operate as a standalone, listed company. In assessing the Transaction, the Atlantica Board evaluated the possibility of remaining a publicly listed company. However, as previously noted, the Atlantica Board considered that any strategy that involved future growth was likely, at some point in time, to require a material reduction in Atlantica’s dividend, with a risk of a negative market reaction. In addition, in May 2023, AQN publicly announced its intention to become a pure-play utility company, which created an expectation that AQN might sell its stake in Atlantica. This had the potential of creating an overhang on Atlantica Shares. |
• | Opinion of Atlantica’s financial adviser. The Atlantica Board considered the financial presentation and opinion, dated 26 May 2024, of Citi to the Atlantica Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, of the Consideration to be received in the Transaction by holders of Atlantica Shares (other than any parties to rollover or reinvestment arrangements, AQN and their respective affiliates) pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, which opinion was based on and subject to various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken by Citi set forth in its written opinion as more fully described below under the heading “Opinion of Atlantica’s Financial Adviser.” |
• | Negotiation process. The terms of the Transaction were the result of robust arm’s-length negotiations conducted by Atlantica under the direction of the Atlantica Board and with the assistance of Atlantica’s management and legal and financial advisers. |
• | Reputation and resources of ECP. ECP has global commercial capabilities and a positive business reputation. Additionally, ECP has extensive experience in consummating transactions of this type and owning and managing renewable energy assets. Further, ECP has robust financial resources, including a track record of post-acquisition equity investments and history of de-leveraging balance sheets at portfolio companies. |
• | Likelihood of completion. The Transaction has a high likelihood of completion based upon, amongst other things (not in any relative order of importance): |
• | the business reputation, capabilities and financial condition of ECP and Atlantica’s expectation that ECP is willing and able to devote the resources necessary to complete the Transaction in an expeditious manner; |
• | the availability of the remedy of specific performance to Atlantica under the Transaction Agreement, in the event of breaches by Bidco; and |
• | the USD 116,000,000 termination payment payable by Bidco to Atlantica if the Transaction Agreement is terminated by Atlantica (a) following an uncured breach by Bidco of its representations, warranties or covenants that would cause a condition to the Transaction to not be satisfied or (b) because Bidco failed to consummate the Transaction within five business days following delivery of a notice by Atlantica confirming that it stands ready, willing and able to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement. |
• | Terms of the Transaction Agreement. The Atlantica Board considered the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement, including: |
• | the right of Atlantica, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to furnish non-public information to, and to participate in discussions with, third parties in response to certain proposals relating to alternative acquisition transactions; |
• | the right of the Atlantica Board, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to withdraw or modify its recommendation in favour of the Transaction, or to terminate the Transaction Agreement, if the Atlantica Board determines, in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel and financial advisers, that Atlantica has received a competing proposal that constitutes a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Transaction Agreement); |
• | the belief of the Atlantica Board that (i) the USD 26,000,000 termination payment, representing approximately 1% of the equity value of Atlantica based on the consideration of USD 22.00 per share, (ii) the up to USD 12,500,000 reimbursement of ECP’s out-of-pocket expenses and (iii) the requirement that termination of the AQN Support Agreement be effective only if the consideration payable pursuant to a Superior Proposal exceeds the Consideration by more than 3.5%, would, in each case, not unreasonably deter another party with the strategic interest and necessary financial capability from making a competing proposal for Atlantica; and |
• | the conditions to the completion of the Transaction, including the fact that the completion of the Transaction is conditioned on the approval of a majority of Scheme Shareholders who are present and vote (whether in person or by proxy) at the Court Meeting and who represent not less than 75% in value of the Scheme Shares voted by such Scheme Shareholders, which vote would demonstrate strong support by Atlantica Shareholders for the Transaction. |
• | AQN Voting and Transaction Support Agreement and AQN Letter Agreement. The Atlantica Board also considered the Voting and Transaction Support Agreement entered into with AQN and Liberty in respect of their entire beneficial holdings, amounting to 48,962,925 Atlantica Shares, representing approximately 42.2% of the issued share capital of Atlantica. Pursuant to such Voting and Transaction Support Agreement, AQN and Liberty have agreed to vote in favour of the Transaction, demonstrating support for the Transaction from Atlantica’s largest shareholder. In addition, the Atlantica Board also considered the AQN Letter Agreement, which provided for certain agreements between Atlantica, on one hand, and AQN and Liberty, on the other hand, in connection with the Scheme of Arrangement and the Transaction. |
• | Loss of future value creation. Subsequent to consummation of the Transaction, Atlantica will no longer exist as an independent public company and that the nature of the transaction as a cash transaction will prevent Atlantica Shareholders from participating in any future value creation, earnings or growth that Atlantica could generate. |
• | Disruption of Atlantica’s business. The public announcement of the Transaction may adversely effect Atlantica’s operations and employees, Atlantica’s ability to attract and retain key management and other personnel while the Transaction is pending, and the financial and other results of Atlantica. |
• | Non-solicitation covenant. The Transaction Agreement imposes restrictions on Atlantica’s solicitation of competing proposals from third parties and requires Atlantica to provide Bidco with an opportunity to propose adjustments to the Transaction Agreement prior to Atlantica being able to terminate the Transaction Agreement and accept a Superior Proposal, although the Atlantica Board believes that this would not preclude another potential acquiror from submitting a proposal to acquire Atlantica. A Superior Proposal must be a proposal for 50% or more of Atlantica’s voting or equity securities or assets, and in order to terminate the Transaction Agreement or withdraw its recommendation of the Transaction in order to pursue such a Superior Proposal the Atlantica Board would need to, in good faith, after consultation with its outside counsel and financial advisers, determine that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law. |
• | Termination payment. Atlantica must pay Bidco a termination payment of USD 26,000,000 if the Transaction is terminated under certain circumstances, including to pursue a Superior Proposal. The Atlantica Board believes that the amount of the termination payment is reasonable, would not likely deter competing bids and would not likely be required to be paid unless Atlantica entered into a more favourable transaction. |
• | Interim operating covenants. The Transaction Agreement imposes restrictions on the conduct of Atlantica’s business prior to completion of the Transaction, requiring Atlantica to conduct its business in the ordinary course and refrain from taking specified actions. Such restrictions may delay or prevent Atlantica from pursuing business strategies or opportunities that may arise pending completion of the Transaction. |
• | Risks the Transaction may not be completed. Although Atlantica expects that the Transaction will be completed, there can be no assurance that all Conditions will be satisfied. The Atlantica Board considered the risk that (i) conditions to the parties’ obligations to complete the Transaction may not be satisfied, (ii) completion may be unduly delayed, or (iii) the Transaction may not otherwise be completed despite the parties’ efforts. The Atlantica Board also considered the potential resulting disruptions to Atlantica’s business in the event the Transaction is not completed, including the diversion of management and employee attention, employee attrition and the effect on vendors, customers, suppliers and others that do business with Atlantica, and the potential effect on the trading price of the Atlantica Shares. |
• | Transaction costs. Significant costs have been and will continue to be incurred in connection with negotiating and entering into the Transaction Agreement and completing the Transaction, and substantial time and effort of management will be required, potentially resulting in disruptions to the operation of Atlantica’s business. |
• | Potential conflicts of interest. The Atlantica Board considered the potential conflict of interest created by the fact that Atlantica’s executive officers and directors have financial interests in connection with the Transaction and the Transaction Agreement, which may be different from or in addition to those of other shareholders, as is more fully described in paragraph 8 of Part II (Explanatory Statement) of this document and paragraph 4 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document. |
8. | Projected Financial Information |
• | Unrisked Projections: includes the existing portfolio of assets in operation, all assets under construction and all investments in new projects. |
• | Risked Projections: assumes the same investments as in the unrisked projections; however, for growth projects it is assumed that the equity internal rate of return will be 100 basis points lower than in the unrisked projections. The lower equity internal rate of return is applied to the portfolio in the aggregate, including projects that are ready to build and growth projects in the long term. |
• | No Growth: assumes that the portfolio is formed only by the existing assets in operation and some assets under construction. In this scenario, the projects that are ready to build are not included, there are no investments in new growth projects and there are no acquisitions. |
Unrisked Projected Financial Measures | | | Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||
($ in millions) | | | 2024 | | | 2025 | | | 2026 | | | 2027 |
Revenue | | | $1,203 | | | $1,294 | | | $1,441 | | | $1,558 |
Adjusted Cash EBITDA | | | 772 | | | 918 | | | 1,043 | | | 1,123 |
Levered Free Cash Flow | | | 50 | | | 40 | | | 195 | | | 190 |
Risked Projected Financial Measures | | | Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||
($ in millions) | | | 2024 | | | 2025 | | | 2026 | | | 2027 |
Revenue | | | $1,203 | | | $1,294 | | | $1,434 | | | $1,545 |
Adjusted Cash EBITDA | | | 772 | | | 917 | | | 1,038 | | | 1,114 |
Levered Free Cash Flow | | | 50 | | | 39 | | | 181 | | | 176 |
No Growth Projected Financial Measures | | | Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||
($ in millions) | | | 2024 | | | 2025 | | | 2026 | | | 2027 |
Revenue | | | $1,203 | | | $1,274 | | | $1,348 | | | $1,380 |
Adjusted Cash EBITDA | | | 777 | | | 908 | | | 981 | | | 997 |
Levered Free Cash Flow | | | 132 | | | 235 | | | 272 | | | 288 |
• | it does not reflect Atlantica’s cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; |
• | it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, Atlantica’s working capital needs; |
• | it may not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary, to service interest or principal payments, on Atlantica’s debts; |
• | although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often need to be replaced in the future and Adjusted Cash EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements that would be required for such replacements; and |
• | the fact that other companies in Atlantica’s industry may calculate Adjusted Cash EBITDA differently than Atlantica does, which limits their usefulness as comparative measures. |
Opinion of Atlantica’s Financial Adviser |
• | reviewed a draft, dated 23 May 2024, of the Transaction Agreement; |
• | held discussions with certain senior officers, directors and other representatives of Atlantica concerning the business, operations and prospects of Atlantica; |
• | reviewed certain publicly available and other business and financial information relating to Atlantica provided to or discussed with Citi by the management of Atlantica, including certain risk adjusted and non-risk adjusted financial forecasts and other information and data relating to Atlantica provided to or discussed with Citi by the management of Atlantica; |
• | reviewed the financial terms of the Transaction as set forth in the Transaction Agreement in relation to, amongst other things, current and historical market prices of Atlantica Shares, the financial condition and certain historical and projected financial and operating data of Atlantica, and the capitalisation of Atlantica; |
• | reviewed certain financial, stock market and other publicly available information relating to the businesses of certain other companies whose operations Citi considered relevant in evaluating those of Atlantica; |
• | for informational purposes, reviewed, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms of certain other transactions in the renewable power generation industry; |
• | considered the fact that Atlantica had publicly announced that it was reviewing strategic alternatives and the results of the process undertaken at the direction of Atlantica to solicit third-party indications of interest in the possible acquisition of all or a portion of Atlantica; and |
• | conducted such other analyses and examinations and considered such other information and financial, economic and market criteria as Citi deemed appropriate in arriving at its opinion. |
• | Clearway Energy, Inc. |
• | NextEra Energy Partners, LP |
Implied Equity Value Per Share Reference Ranges Based On: | | | Consideration | |||
CY2024E Adjusted Cash EBITDA | | | CY2025E Adjusted Cash EBITDA | | | |
$5.80 – $23.40 | | | $14.50 – $31.00 | | | $22.00 |
Implied Equity Value Per Share Reference Ranges Based On: | | | Consideration | |||||||||
Non-Risk-Adjusted Financial Information and Data | | | Risk-Adjusted Financial Information and Data | | | |||||||
Before Tax Attributes | | | After Tax Attributes | | | Before Tax Attributes | | | After Tax Attributes | | | |
$14.00 – $20.00 | | | $17.40 – $23.50 | | | $12.60 – $18.40 | | | $16.00 – $21.90 | | | $22.00 |
Implied Equity Value Per Share Reference Ranges Based On: | | | Consideration | ||||||
Non-Risk-Adjusted Financial Information and Data | | | Risk-Adjusted Financial Information and Data | | | No-Growth Financial Information and Data | | | |
$19.90 – $26.60 | | | $18.70 – $25.10 | | | $19.00 – $22.70 | | | $22.00 |
Announcement Date | | | Acquiror | | | Target |
March 2022 | | | • KKR & Co. Inc. | | | • ContourGlobal plc |
August 2019 | | | • Canada Pension Plan Investment Board / Riverstone Holdings LLC | | | • Pattern Energy Group Inc. |
February 2018 | | | • Global Infrastructure Partners | | | • NRG Energy, Inc.’s 46% Economic Interest in NRG Yield, Inc. |
February 2018 | | | • Capital Dynamics, Inc. | | | • 8point3 Energy Partners L.P. |
March 2017 | | | • Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | | | • TerraForm Global Inc. |
March 2017 | | | • Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | | | • Majority Interest in TerraForm Power, Inc. |
• | historical intraday prices of Atlantica Shares during the 52-week period ended 24 May 2024, which indicated low and high intraday prices of Atlantica Shares of $16.35 per share and $25.65 per share, respectively, over such period; |
• | the closing price of Atlantica Shares on 22 April 2024 (the trading day prior to market rumours of a potential transaction involving Atlantica and ECP) of $18.51 per share and the volume-weighted average price of Atlantica Shares over the 30-day period ended 22 April 2024 of $18.07 per share; and |
• | publicly available Wall Street research analysts’ undiscounted price targets for Atlantica Shares, which implied overall low and high undiscounted target prices for Atlantica Shares of $20.00 per share and $25.00 per share, respectively. |
10. | Company Share Plans |
11. | Incentivisation and retention arrangements |
12. | The Scheme of Arrangement and the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings |
• | the approval by a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent in value of the Scheme Shares held by such Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) in each case present, entitled to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting; |
• | the Resolution being passed by Atlantica Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent of the total voting rights of Atlantica Shareholders present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the General Meeting; |
• | the Scheme of Arrangement being sanctioned by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any non-de minimis modifications being acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, acting reasonably and in good faith); |
• | a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
• | no order having been issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that remains in effect and enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that remains in effect and prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Transaction; and |
• | any waiting period under the HSR Act (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction, and any commitment to, or agreement (including any timing agreement) with, any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of, or not to consummate before a certain date, the Transaction, having expired or been terminated, and all other Clearances having been obtained (including in the form of a decision indicating a lack of jurisdiction) and remaining in full force and effect. |
13. | Delisting and re-registration |
14. | United Kingdom and United States taxation |
15. | Overseas Shareholders |
16. | Action to be taken |
17. | Further information |
18. | Recommendation |
1. | Introduction |
2. | Summary of the terms of the Transaction |
• | value the entire issued share capital of Atlantica at approximately USD 2,555 million; |
• | value Atlantica at approximately USD 8,135 million on an enterprise value basis, including assumed indebtedness and net of cash; and |
• | represent a premium of approximately: |
• | 18.9% to the closing share price on 22 April 2024, the last trading day prior to the emergence of market rumours regarding a potential acquisition of Atlantica; and |
• | 21.8% to the 30-day volume weighted average trading price as of 22 April 2024. |
3. | ECP’s reasons for the Transaction |
4. | Financing |
• | the USD Initial Term Facility, being a senior secured first lien term loan facility denominated in USD in an aggregate principal amount equal to USD 1,500 million; |
• | the USSD DDTL Facility, being a senior secured first lien delayed draw term loan facility denominated in USD in an aggregate principal amount to be determined by Bidco in its sole discretion, which shall reduce the USD Initial Term Facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis; |
• | the EUR Initial Term Facility, being a senior secured first lien term loan facility denominated in EUR in an aggregate principal amount equal to EUR 500 million; |
• | the EUR DDTL Facility, being a senior secured first lien delayed draw term loan facility denominated in EUR in an aggregate principal amount to be determined by Bidco in its sole discretion, which shall reduce the EUR Initial Term Facility on a euro-for-euro basis; and |
• | a USD 450 million multi-currency senior secured first lien revolving loan and letter of credit facility, available in USD and EUR. |
Information on Atlantica |
Information on ECP and Bidco |
7. | Atlantica’s current trading and prospects |
Company Share Plans |
• | Each Company Share Option that is outstanding and unexercised as of immediately prior to the Effective Time will become vested at the Effective Time, and at the Effective Time, shall be immediately and automatically cancelled and converted into the right to receive at the Effective Time the Company Share Option Consideration, which is a lump-sum amount in cash, without interest and net of any taxes and applicable withholding, equal to the product of (i) the excess, if any, of the Per Share Consideration (for any Company Share Option exercisable into Atlantica Shares) over the exercise price per share of such Company Share Option (expressed on a per share basis), multiplied by (ii) the total number of Atlantica Shares subject to such vested Company Share Option immediately prior to the Effective Time. If the exercise price per share of any such Company Share Option that is outstanding and unexercised as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (expressed on a per share basis) is equal to or greater than the Per Share Consideration, such Company Share Option will, whether vested or unvested, be automatically cancelled without any payment. Based on the Per Share Consideration of USD 22.00 per Scheme Share, all Company Share Options are out-of-the-money. |
• | Each Company RSU that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will become vested at the Effective Time (with any applicable performance vesting conditions deemed to have been achieved at levels based on actual performance as of the Effective Date), and be immediately cancelled and converted into the right to receive at the Effective Time the Company RSU Consideration, which is a lump-sum amount in cash, without interest and net of any taxes and applicable withholding, equal to the product of (i) the sum of all the dividends or distributions paid by Atlantica from the relevant date specified in the applicable award agreement to the Effective Time in respect of an Atlantica Share plus the Per Share Consideration, and (ii) the number of Atlantica Shares subject to such Company RSU, subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code. |
• | The Company Share Option Consideration and Company RSU Consideration will be paid through the payroll systems of Atlantica or its applicable subsidiaries as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time (and in any event no later than the applicable first regularly scheduled payroll run following the Effective Date), subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code. |
• | Prior to the Effective Time, Atlantica will deliver a written notice to each holder of Company Share Options and Company RSUs informing such holder of the effect of the Transaction on such Company Share Options and Company RSUs and take necessary actions to terminate the Company Share Plans as of and subject to the occurrence of, the Effective Time. |
9. | Structure of the Transaction |
(a) | The Scheme of Arrangement |
Scheme Shareholder approvals |
(i) | The Court Meeting |
(ii) | The General Meeting |
Court Hearing to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement |
(d) | Amendment to the Atlantica Articles in respect of the Scheme of Arrangement |
(e) | Modifications to the Scheme of Arrangement |
Conditions to the Transaction |
(i) | the approval by a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent in value of the Scheme Shares held by such Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) in each case present, entitled to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting; |
(ii) | the Resolution being passed by Atlantica Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent of the total voting rights of Atlantica Shareholders present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the General Meeting; |
(iii) | the Scheme of Arrangement being sanctioned by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any non-de minimis modifications being acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, acting reasonably and in good faith); |
(iv) | a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
(v) | no order having been issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that remains in effect and enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that remains in effect and prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Transaction; and |
(vi) | any waiting period under the HSR Act (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction, and any commitment to, or agreement (including any timing agreement) with, any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of, or not to consummate before a certain date, the Transaction, having expired or been terminated, and all other Clearances having been obtained (including in the form of a decision indicating a lack of jurisdiction) and remaining in full force and effect. |
(g) | Alternative means of implementing the Transaction |
10. | Offer-related arrangements |
11. |
12. | Delisting and re-registration |
Settlement |
(a) | Consideration |
(i) | Scheme Shares that are Residual Shares |
(ii) | Scheme Shares that are Cede Shares |
(iii) | Scheme Shares issued or transferred pursuant to the Company Share Plans |
(b) | General |
No Appraisal Rights |
15. | Overseas Shareholders |
(a) | General |
(b) | Securities laws |
(c) | Additional information for U.S. investors |
16. | United Kingdom and United States taxation |
17. | Action to be taken |
• | a Court Meeting Proxy Card to be used in connection with the Court Meeting; and |
• | a General Meeting Proxy Card to be used in connection with the General Meeting. |
• | complete and return the Court Meeting Proxy Card (for the Court Meeting); and |
• | complete and return the General Meeting Proxy Card (for the General Meeting), |
18. | Further information |
A. | The obligations of Atlantica and Bidco to give effect to the Transaction pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Atlantica and Bidco, acting jointly, to the extent permitted by applicable law) of the following Conditions: |
(i) | the approval by a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent in value of the Scheme Shares held by such Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) in each case present, entitled to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting; |
(ii) | the Resolution being passed by Atlantica Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent of the total voting rights of Atlantica Shareholders present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the General Meeting; |
(iii) | the Scheme of Arrangement being sanctioned by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any non-de minimis modifications being acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, acting reasonably and in good faith); |
(iv) | a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
(v) | no Order having been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority or competent jurisdiction that remains in effect and enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that remains in effect and prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Transaction; and |
(vi) | any waiting period under the HSR Act (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction, and any commitment to, or agreement (including any timing agreement) with, any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of, or not to consummate before a certain date, the Transaction having expired or been terminated, and all other Clearances having been obtained (including in the form of a decision indicating a lack of jurisdiction) and remaining in full force and effect. |
B. | The obligations of Bidco to give effect to the Transaction pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Bidco to the extent permitted by Applicable Law) of the following further Conditions: |
(i) | Atlantica having performed or complied in all material respects with its obligations, agreements and covenants under the Transaction Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time; |
(ii) | (a) the representations and warranties of Atlantica in the Transaction Agreement related to (i) due incorporation, valid existence and corporate power of Atlantica, (ii) the organisational documents of Atlantica, (iii) the due authorisation of Atlantica to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under the Transaction Agreement, (iv) the binding nature of the obligations under the Transaction Agreement and the Scheme of Arrangement on Atlantica, (v) the capitalisation of Atlantica, (vi) no other outstanding securities and (vii) finders’ fees, being true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time as if made at and as of the Effective Time (or, if such representations and warranties are given as of another specific date, at and as of such date), except for any de minimis inaccuracies; (b) the representations and warranties of Atlantica in the Transaction Agreement related to absence of certain changes being true and correct at and as of the date of the Transaction |
(iii) | no effect having occurred since the date of the Transaction Agreement that has had a Company Material Adverse Effect that is continuing as of the Effective Time; and |
(iv) | Bidco having received a certificate from an executive officer of Atlantica confirming the satisfaction of the Conditions set out in paragraphs B(i), B(ii) and B(iii) above. |
C. | The obligations of Atlantica to give effect to the Transaction pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Atlantica of the following further Conditions: |
(i) | Bidco having performed or complied in all material respects with its obligations, agreements and covenants under the Transaction Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time; |
(ii) | (a) the representations and warranties of Bidco in the Transaction Agreement related to (i) the due incorporation, valid existence and corporate power of Bidco, (ii) the due authorisation of Bidco to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under the Transaction Agreement, (iii) the binding nature of the obligations under the Transaction Agreement and the Scheme of Arrangement on Bidco, and (iv) finders’ fees, being true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time as if made at and as of the Effective Time (or, if such representations and warranties are given as of another specific date, at and as of such date), except for any de minimis inaccuracies; and (b) the other representations and warranties of Bidco contained in Article V of the Transaction Agreement, excluding the representations and warranties identified in (a) above, being true and correct at and as of the date of the Transaction Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time as if made at and as of the Effective Time (or, if such representations and warranties are given as of another specific date, at and as of such date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct has not had a Bidco Material Adverse Effect; and |
(iii) | Atlantica having received a certificate from an executive officer of Bidco confirming, on behalf of Bidco, the satisfaction of the Conditions set out in paragraphs C(i) and C(ii) above and the Transaction Agreement. |
Financial Information | | | Reference |
Audited consolidated accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 | | | https://atlantica.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/As_Filed_-_Atlantica_Sustainable_Infrastructure_plc_-_20F_-_2022.pdf The audited consolidated accounts of the Atlantica Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 are set out in the annual report of Atlantica on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2022, filed on 1 March 2023 and available from Atlantica’s website (at the link referred to above) |
| | ||
Audited consolidated accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 | | | https://atlantica.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/AS-FILED-Atlantica-Sustainable-Infrastructure-plc-20F-2023.pdf The audited consolidated accounts of the Atlantica Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 are set out in the annual report of Atlantica on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2023, filed on 1 March 2024 and available from Atlantica’s website (at the link referred to above) |
| | ||
Unaudited consolidated accounts for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024 | | | https://www.atlantica.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/Atlantica-Reports-Q1-2024-Financial-Results_VF.pdf The unaudited consolidated accounts of the Atlantica Group for the three-month period ended 31 March 2024 are set out in the quarterly report of Atlantica on Form 6-K for the three months ended 31 March 2024, filed on 8 May 2024 and available from Atlantica’s website (at the link referred to above) |
1. | Responsibility |
(a) | The Atlantica Directors, whose names are set out in paragraph 2(a) below, each accept responsibility for the information contained in this document other than the information for which responsibility is taken by others pursuant to paragraph 1(b) below. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Atlantica Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this document for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. |
(b) | The Bidco Directors, whose names are set out in paragraph 2(b) below, accept responsibility for the information contained in this document relating to Bidco, the Bidco Group and any Bidco Director (including such Bidco Director’s immediate family, related trusts and persons connected with such Bidco Director). To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Bidco Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this document for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. |
2. | Directors |
(a) | The Atlantica Directors and their respective positions in Atlantica are as follows: |
Name | | | Position |
Michael Woollcombe | | | Director and Non-Executive Chair of the Atlantica Board |
Santiago Seage | | | Director and Chief Executive Officer |
William E. Aziz | | | Non-Executive Director |
Arun Banskota | | | Director |
Debora Del Favero | | | Non-Executive Director |
Brenda Eprile | | | Non-Executive Director |
Ryan Farquhar | | | Director |
Michael Forsayeth | | | Non-Executive Director |
Edward C. Hall | | | Non-Executive Director |
(b) | The Bidco Directors and their respective positions in Bidco is as follows: |
Name | | | Position |
Andrew Gilbert | | | Director |
Kelly Self | | | Director |
Scott Steimer | | | Director |
3. | Market quotations |
(i) | the first dealing day in each of the six months immediately before the date of this document; and |
(ii) | 12 July 2024, being the Latest Practicable Date. |
Date | | | Atlantica Shares (USD) |
2 January 2024 | | | 21.28 |
1 February 2024 | | | 19.69 |
1 March 2024 | | | 17.82 |
Date | | | Atlantica Shares (USD) |
1 April 2024 | | | 18.67 |
1 May 2024 | | | 20.92 |
3 June 2024 | | | 21.98 |
1 July 2024 | | | 21.91 |
12 July 2024 | | | 22.05 |
4. |
Atlantica Director / Executive Officer | | | Unvested Company Share Options (#) | | | Unvested Company Share Options (US$) | | | Unvested Company RSUs (#) | | | Unvested Company RSUs (US$) |
Atlantica Directors | | | | | | | | | ||||
Michael Woollcombe | | | — | | | — | | | 29,889 | | | 657,558 |
Santiago Seage | | | — | | | — | | | 192,906 | | | 4,243,932 |
William E. Aziz | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Arun Banskota | | | — | | | — | | | 3,803 | | | 83,666 |
Debora Del Favero | | | — | | | — | | | 6,376 | | | 140,272 |
Brenda Eprile | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Ryan Farquhar | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Michael Forsayeth | | | — | | | — | | | 9,963 | | | 219,186 |
Edward C. Hall | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
5. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
Name of Beneficial Owner | | | Number of Atlantica Shares | | | Percentage of issued ordinary share capital of Atlantica |
5 percent Shareholders | | | | | ||
Liberty (AY Holdings) B.V.(1) | | | 48,962,925 | | | 42.2% |
Lazard Asset Management, LLC(2) | | | 9,826,614 | | | 8.5% |
Name of Beneficial Owner | | | Number of Atlantica Shares(3) | | | Percentage of issued ordinary share capital of Atlantica |
Atlantica Directors | | | | | ||
Michael Woollcombe | | | 5,000(4) | | | * |
Santiago Seage | | | 117,491(5) | | | * |
William E. Aziz | | | 2,500(6) | | | * |
Arun Banskota | | | —(7) | | | — |
Debora Del Favero | | | —(8) | | | — |
Brenda Eprile | | | 13,000(9) | | | * |
Ryan Farquhar | | | —(10) | | | — |
Michael Forsayeth | | | 2,500(11) | | | * |
Edward C. Hall | | | 1,500(12) | | | * |
All current Atlantica Directors and the Executive Officer as a group (8 persons) | | | 141,991 | | | 0.12% |
* | Less than 1 percent of the outstanding ordinary share capital of Atlantica. |
(1) | Based solely on information reported on a Schedule 13D filed on 28 May 2024 by Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada, Algonquin (AY Holdco) B.V., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, and Liberty (AY Holdings) B.V., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, and Atlantica’s outstanding shares as of 31 December 2023. |
(2) | Based solely on information reported on a Schedule 13F-HR filed on 14 May 2024 by Lazard Asset Management, LLC. |
(3) | Other than Santiago Seage, no Atlantica Director holds any Company Share Options. |
(4) | Represents for Mr. Woollcombe (i) 5,000 Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(5) | Represents for Mr. Seage (i) 117,491 Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. Mr. Seage also holds 109,337 Atlantica Shares underlying Company Share Options that are currently vested but which are underwater based on the Per Share Consideration of USD 22.00 per Scheme Share. |
(6) | Represents for Mr. Aziz (i) 2,500 Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(7) | Represents for Ms. Banksota (i) nil Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(8) | Represents for Ms. Del Favero (i) nil Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(9) | Represents for Ms. Eprile (i) 13,000 Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(10) | Represents for Mr. Farquhar (i) nil Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(11) | Represents for Mr. Forsayeth (i) 2,500 Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
(12) | Represents for Mr. Hall (i) 1,500 Atlantica Shares and (ii) nil Atlantica Shares underlying Company RSUs that are currently vested and exercisable or that vest within sixty days of the Latest Practicable Date. |
6. |
• | dealers in securities, commodities or currencies; |
• | traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities; |
• | persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
• | persons holding Atlantica Shares as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion or other “synthetic security” or integrated transaction; |
• | persons that acquired Atlantica Shares pursuant to an exercise of employee options, in connection with employee incentive plans or otherwise as compensation or in connection with services; |
• | certain U.S. expatriates; |
• | financial institutions; |
• | insurance companies; |
• | regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts; |
• | persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
• | persons that actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules own any interest in Bidco Parent, or 10% or more of Atlantica Shares; and |
• | entities that are tax-exempt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
• | any gain recognised pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement will be allocated ratably over such holder’s holding period for the Atlantica Shares; |
• | amounts allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in such holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which Atlantica was classified as a PFIC (a “pre-PFIC year”) will be taxable as ordinary income; and |
• | amounts allocated to each prior taxable year, other than the current taxable year or a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect applicable to such holder for that year, and such amounts will be increased by an additional tax equal to interest on the resulting tax deemed deferred with respect to such years (an “interest charge”). |
7. | Service contracts and remuneration of Atlantica Directors |
Non-Executive Director | | | Date of Appointment Letter | | | Effective Date of Appointment | | | Annual Fee |
William Aziz | | | 5 May 2020 | | | 5 May 2020 | | | US$160,000 |
Arun Banskota | | | 28 April 2020 | | | 28 April 2020 | | | US$150,000(1) |
Debora Del Favero | | | 5 May 2020 | | | 5 May 2020 | | | US$160,000 |
Brenda Eprile | | | 5 May 2020 | | | 5 May 2020 | | | US$165,000 |
Ryan Farquhar | | | 30 August 2023 | | | 30 August 2023 | | | —(2) |
Michael Forsayeth | | | 5 May 2020 | | | 5 May 2020 | | | US$150,000 |
Edward C. Hall | | | 2 August 2022 | | | 2 August 2022 | | | US$150,000 |
Michael Woollcombe | | | 8 May 2020 | | | 5 May 2020 | | | US$225,000 |
(1) | Mr. Arun Banskota, a non-independent Non-Executive Director, has received compensation since August 2023 (following Mr. Banskota’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer of Alongquin Power & Utilities Corp. in August 2023). |
(2) | Mr. Farquhar, a non-independent Non-Executive Director, does not receive remuneration from Atlantica. |
8. | Offer-related arrangements |
• | due incorporation, valid existence, good standing and qualification to do business; |
• | due incorporation, valid existence, good standing and ownership of material Subsidiaries and material minority-owned entities; |
• | organisational documents of Atlantica, its material Subsidiaries and material minority-owned entities; |
• | corporate authority, authorisation and approvals relating to the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Agreement; |
• | the enforceability of the Transaction Agreement and the Scheme of Arrangement against Atlantica; |
• | required consent of or filings with any Governmental Authority or any stock market or stock exchange for the execution and performance by Atlantica of the Transaction Agreement and the consummation of the Transaction; |
• | the absence of contravention with, or violation of the Atlantica Articles, constitutional or organisational document of its material Subsidiaries and material minority-owned entities, applicable laws, material contracts and permits; |
• | the absence of creation or imposition of encumbrance on any asset of Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries or material minority-owned entities; |
• | capitalisation of Atlantica; |
• | the reports, schedules, forms, statements, prospectuses, registration statement documents filed with or furnished to the SEC and returns, resolutions and other documents required under the Companies Act to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
• | the absence of undisclosed material liabilities or obligations; |
• | financial statements and maintenance of disclosure controls and procedures, and internal controls over financial reporting; |
• | the absence of any effect that has had a Company Material Adverse Effect; |
• | real properties; |
• | compliance in all material respects in the past three years with material permits, licences or authorisations; |
• | compliance in all material respects in the past three years with applicable laws; |
• | compliance in the past five years with applicable anti-corruption laws, anti-money laundering laws, trade controls and sanctions; |
• | the absence of material civil, criminal, or administrative actions pending against the Atlantica Group that would have a Company Material Adverse Effect; |
• | tax matters; |
• | material contracts; |
• | employee and employee benefit plans; |
• | intellectual property; |
• | data protection and information technology; |
• | environmental and energy regulatory matters; |
• | receipt by the Atlantica Board of an opinion of Atlantica’s financial adviser; |
• | finders’ fees; and |
• | insurance coverage. |
• | due incorporation, valid existence, good standing and qualification to do business; |
• | corporate power and approvals of each of Bidco, Guarantor (as defined below) and certain funds managed by ECP relating to the execution and performance of the Transaction Agreement and the Scheme of Arrangement; |
• | the enforceability of the Transaction Agreement and Scheme of Arrangement against Bidco; |
• | the absence of contravention with, or violation of constitutional or organisational document of Bidco or any of its Subsidiaries, applicable laws, material contracts and permits; |
• | organisational documents of Bidco; |
• | legality, validity and enforceability of the Guarantee and obligations of the Guarantor thereunder; |
• | validity, enforceability of the obligations of Bidco and the relevant equity investors (as applicable) under the Financing Documents; |
• | sufficiency of financing to consummate the Transaction (including payment of, amongst others, the Per Share Consideration, the Company Share Option Consideration, the Company RSU Consideration, the Strategic Review Bonus and certain payoff indebtedness); |
• | required consent of or filings with any Governmental Authority or any stock market or stock exchange for the execution and performance by Bidco of the Transaction Agreement and the consummation of the Transaction; |
• | capitalisation and operations of Bidco; |
• | the absence of litigation; |
• | finders’ fees; and |
• | the absence of any contract or arrangement with Atlantica’s shareholders, directors, officers, employees or affiliates (other than the AQN Support Agreement and the Director Support Agreements (each as defined below)). |
• | any changes in economic conditions in the United States or any other country or jurisdiction(s) in which the Atlantica Group operates or other general business, financial or market conditions; |
• | any changes in conditions generally affecting the industry in which Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries operate; |
• | fluctuations in the value of any currency; |
• | regulatory, legislative or political conditions or conditions in securities, credit, financial, debt or other capital markets (including changes in interest or inflation rates), in each case, in the United States or any other country or jurisdiction in which the Atlantica Group operates; |
• | any adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, amendment, authoritative interpretation, change or proposal of any applicable law of or by any Governmental Authority relevant to the business of Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries after the date hereof; |
• | any changes or prospective changes in IFRS (or authoritative interpretations thereof) after the date hereof; |
• | geopolitical conditions, the outbreak, escalation or continuation of hostilities, civil or political unrest, any acts of war, sabotage, cyberattack or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of the foregoing; |
• | any epidemic, pandemic (including COVID-19), hurricane, earthquake, flood, calamity or other natural disasters, acts of God, change resulting from weather conditions or any other force majeure event (or any worsening of any of the foregoing); |
• | any decline, in and of itself, in the market price or trading volume of the Atlantica Shares or any other outstanding security or debt obligation of Atlantica (provided, that any Effects giving rise to or contributing to such decline that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Company Material Adverse Effect may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Company Material Adverse Effect); |
• | any failure, in and of itself, by Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenues, earnings or other financial or operating metrics for any period (provided, that any Effects giving rise to or contributing to such failure that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Company Material Adverse Effect may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Company Material Adverse Effect); |
• | the execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreement, the public announcement (including any leaks or unintentional announcements) or the pendency of the Transaction Agreement or the pendency or consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (including the Transaction), the taking of any action (or omitting to take any action) expressly in accordance with the Transaction Agreement, or the identity of, or any facts or circumstances relating to, Bidco, any ECP Entity or any of their respective affiliates, including the impact of any of the foregoing on the relationships, contractual or otherwise, of Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries with Governmental Authorities, customers, suppliers, partners, distributors, payors, officers, employees or other material business relations subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Transaction Agreement; |
• | any claims, actions, suits or proceedings arising from allegations of a breach of fiduciary duty or violation of securities laws, in each case relating to the Transaction Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (including the Transaction); |
• | any change or development in national, regional, state or local wholesale or retail markets or prices for electric power, capacity, emissions allowances, natural gas, fuel oil, coal, steel, concrete, water, steam or fuel or the transportation of any of the foregoing, including those due to actions by competitors or due to changes in commodities prices or hedging markets therefor; or |
• | the availability or cost of financing to Bidco or any of its Subsidiaries. |
• | if any assets or properties (or any portion thereof) of any member of the Atlantica Group, either alone, or together with any other assets or properties (or any portion thereof) of any member of the Atlantica Group, (i) are damaged by any loss, damage, destruction or impairment as a result of fire, explosion, hurricane, earthquake, windstorm, flood or other casualty or act of God or (ii) become subject to a completed Condemnation or an Initiated Condemnation which has been instituted and not dismissed as of the Effective Date, then such Casualties or Condemnations (taking into account any lost profits, the timing and ability to repair or replace such assets and any recoveries received by the Atlantica Group under any insurance policies or pursuant to any condemnation awards) will be taken into account in determining whether there shall have been or would reasonably be expected to be a Company Material Adverse Effect; and |
• | if certain assets or properties (or any portion thereof) of any member of the Atlantica Group set out in the disclosure schedule delivered with the Transaction Agreement, either alone, or together with any other such assets or properties (or any portion thereof) of any member of the Atlantica Group set out in the disclosure schedule delivered with the Transaction Agreement, becomes subject to a completed Condemnation or an Initiated Condemnation which has been instituted and not dismissed as of the Effective Date, then such completed Condemnation or Initiated Condemnation will be deemed to be and constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect. |
• | declare, authorise, establish a record date for, set aside or pay any dividends on or make any distribution with respect to the outstanding shares of its share capital or Awards (in cash, stock or other equity, property or in kind), subject to certain exceptions provided under the Transaction Agreement; |
• | purchase, repurchase, redeem, repay, reduce or otherwise reacquire any Company Group Securities, subject to certain exceptions provided under the Transaction Agreement; |
• | create, split, combine, consolidate, subdivide, reduce, redesignate or reclassify any shares or other equity interests in Atlantica; |
• | issue, grant, pledge, charge, mortgage, encumber, subject to a lien, transfer, sell dispose of or authorise any of the foregoing with respect to any Company Group Securities, or securities convertible into, |
• | adopt or propose any change or amendment to its certificate of incorporation, articles of association or other organisational or constitutional documents (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise) (including the organisational or constitutional documents of Atlantica or its material Subsidiaries or material minority-owned entities) other than ministerial changes or amendments or, with respect to any member of the Atlantica Group other than the Company, changes or amendments that would not have the effect of circumventing any of the other restrictions contained under the Transaction Agreement; |
• | except for with respect to expenditures or investments, acquire or authorise or announce (or enter into or amend any contract for or with respect to) the acquisition of (by merger, takeover offer, scheme of arrangement, consolidation, acquisition or by any other means) any equity interests, assets or properties of any person or other business organisation, or merge or consolidate with any third party, subject to certain exceptions provided under the Transaction Agreement; |
• | make, incur or authorise any expenditures or investments for the development and construction of new projects where (i) the investment (including debt and equity) in such project is in excess of $100,000,000 individually or (ii) the Atlantica Group’s equity investment in such project is in excess of $20,000,000 individually and $50,000,000 in the aggregate, subject to certain exceptions provided under the Transaction Agreement; |
• | subject to certain exceptions provided under the Transaction Agreement, (i) amend, renew, extend or modify in any manner that is materially adverse to the Atlantica Group, taken as a whole, or waive, release or forego any material rights or claim under, or cancel, fail to renew, voluntarily terminate, or assign, any material contract or government contract (other than (x) non-renewals or auto-renewals (in accordance with the terms of such material contract or government contract as of the date of the Transaction Agreement) occurring in the ordinary course of business, (y) expiration or termination at the end of the term of the material contract or government contract in accordance with their terms as of the date of the Transaction Agreement, (z) termination as a result of a material breach or a material default by the counterparty to such material contract or government contract in accordance with the terms of such contracts) or (ii) enter into any contract which if entered into prior to the date of the Transaction Agreement would have been a material contract or government contract, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business; |
• | except with respect to tax matters, (i) enter into any settlement, release, waiver, discharge or compromise of any existing, pending or threatened action (1) in excess of $20,000,000 in the aggregate or (2) that would impose any material non-monetary obligations on the Atlantica Group or (ii) initiating or commencing any new action involving claims for money damages in excess of $10,000,000 without first notifying Bidco before (and in any event by no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to) initiating or commencing any such new action; provided that Atlantica will keep Bidco reasonably informed of any material developments with respect to such new action; |
• | establish, adopt, enter into, amend or terminate any material benefit plan applicable to employees generally or any such plan, scheme, program, policy, agreement or arrangement that would be a benefit plan if it were in effect on the date of the Transaction Agreement, subject to certain exceptions provided under the Transaction Agreement (and subject to the disclosure set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered with the Transaction Agreement that, amongst other actions, Atlantica may take tax-planning actions to mitigate any adverse tax consequences under Section 280G or 4999 of the Code that could arise in connection with the Transaction following consultation with Bidco in good faith prior to implementing any mitigation strategy and considering in good faith any reasonable comments and requests made by Bidco on such mitigation strategy); |
• | except to the extent required by the terms of any benefit plan or any collective bargaining agreement, in each case, as in effect on the date of the Transaction Agreement or applicable law: (i) increase the |
• | hire or engage any employee or terminate (other than for cause) any current or former employee (i) with an annual base salary of $400,000 or more or (ii) with an annual base salary below $400,000 that is not in the ordinary course of business, or appoint any director of any Subsidiary or material minority-owned entity who is not an employee of Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries; |
• | recognise or certify any labour or trade union, works council, or other employee representative group labour organisation as the representative of any of the employees of Atlantica or any of its Subsidiaries, or enter into or amend any collective bargaining agreement, labour union contract, trade union agreement or works council agreement, except in the ordinary course of business; |
• | adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution or winding up, merger, combination, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of any member of the Atlantica Group, except with respect to dormant or immaterial subsidiaries or any minority-owned entities; |
• | enter into any new line of business that is not reasonably related to the business of the Atlantica Group as of the date of the Transaction Agreement or abandon or discontinue any existing line of business of the Atlantica Group as of the date of the Transaction Agreement; |
• | sell, assign, lease, licence, sublicence, mortgage, pledge, encumber, subject to a lien, transfer, surrender, relinquish or dispose of (or enter into or amend any contract for or with respect to) any of its assets or properties (other than intellectual property rights) with an aggregate value in excess of $10,000,000 individually or $20,000,000 in the aggregate, other than (i) mortgages or mortgage commitments, pledges or other liens granted in connection with non-recourse indebtedness incurred as permitted under the Transaction Agreement, (ii) inventory in the ordinary course of business, (iii) pursuant to any contracts in effect as of the date of the Transaction Agreement (and which have been provided to Bidco) or (iv) pursuant to any transactions solely between any members of the Atlantica Group; |
• | sell, assign, transfer, licence, fail to renew, permit to lapse (other than the expiration of Atlantica’s intellectual property rights at the end of their statutory term), or otherwise dispose of (or enter into or amend any contract for or with respect to) the rights to use any of Atlantica’s material intellectual property rights other than in the ordinary course of business, or disclose material trade secrets or other material confidential information to a third party other than in the ordinary course of business to a recipient under an obligation of confidentiality; |
• | materially and adversely amend, fail to maintain (including failure to pay any premiums thereon), terminate or cancel any of the Atlantica Group’s material insurance policies; |
• | enter into any transaction with any shareholder of Atlantica, except for the Transaction Agreement, the AQN Support Agreement and the Director Support Agreements; |
• | make or adopt any change in its accounting methods, principles, practices policies or procedures, except as required by applicable law or a change in IFRS; |
• | change the country of residence for tax purposes of any member of the Atlantica Group; |
• | repay, refinance, redeem, purchase, repurchase, defease or cancel any indebtedness other than as permitted pursuant to the terms thereof, subject to certain exceptions under the Transaction Agreement; |
• | incur, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable or responsible for any indebtedness of the Atlantica Group or of any other person (other than in an amount not in excess of $35,000,000 in the aggregate) or materially and adversely modify, amend or waive the terms of any indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions under the Transaction Agreement; or |
• | adopt or otherwise implement any shareholder rights plan, “poison-pill” or other comparable agreement. |
• | solicit, initiate, participate in, knowingly facilitate, knowingly assist or knowingly encourage any enquiries regarding, or the making of submission of any Acquisition Proposal (as defined below); |
• | enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations in respect of any Acquisition Proposal or furnish to any third party any information in connection with any Acquisition Proposal or furnish to any third party any information in connection with any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, indication of interest, proposal, offer or request that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal; |
• | enter into or adopt any letter of intent, head of terms, memorandum of understanding or similar document, agreement, commitment, or agreement in principle (whether written or oral, biding or non-binding) with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (other than an acceptable confidentiality agreement); |
• | recommend, adopt, approve, endorse or publicly propose to recommend, adopt, approve or endorse any Acquisition Proposal; |
• | withhold, withdraw, or qualify, amend or modify the Atlantica Board’s recommendation of the Transaction in a manner adverse to Bidco, or resolve or agree to take any such action, including requesting that the Court does not sanction the Scheme of Arrangement or failing to submit the Scheme of Arrangement to the Court for sanction; |
• | fail to include the Atlantica Board’s recommendation of the Transaction in this document or fail to publicly reaffirm the Atlantica Board’s recommendation of the Transaction within ten (10) Business Days after (i) Bidco so requests in writing or (ii) an Acquisition Proposal is publicly announced or disclosed; |
• | make any public recommendation in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer other than a recommendation in a solicitation / recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9, against any Acquisition Proposal subject to Regulation 14D under the U.S. Exchange Act; or |
• | resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing. |
• | engage in negotiations or discussions with such third party who has made such Acquisition Proposal and its representatives and financing sources; and |
• | furnish to such third party and its representatives and financing sources information relating to the Atlantica Group pursuant to an acceptable confidentiality agreement provided that all such information (to the extent that it has not been previously provided or made available to Bidco) would also be provided concurrently to Bidco with provision to such third party. |
• | make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change; or |
• | terminate the Transaction Agreement in accordance with the termination provisions therein, provided that: |
• | Atlantica must first notify Bidco in writing at least five Business Days before taking such action that Atlantica intends to take such action, which notice shall include an unredacted copy of such proposal and, if any, a copy of any financing commitments; |
• | Atlantica and its representatives will negotiate in good faith with Bidco and its representatives during such five Business Day notice period to the extent Bidco wishes to negotiate and make itself reasonably available to negotiate, to enable Bidco to propose revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement; |
• | Atlantica will consider by the end of such notice period any revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement committed to in a binding written proposal by Bidco and the Atlantica Board that such Superior Proposal would nevertheless continue to constitute a Superior Proposal if such revisions proposed by Bidco were to be given effect and that the failure to make such Company Adverse Recommendation Change or to terminate the Transaction Agreement in response to such Superior Proposal would continue to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law; and |
• | Atlantica will follow the notice requirements to Bidco as set forth in the Transaction Agreement. |
• | Atlantica notifies Bidco in writing at least five Business Days before taking such action, and such notice includes a reasonably detailed description of the intervening event (including the facts and circumstances providing the basis for the determination by the Atlantica Board (or any committee thereof) to effect such Company Adverse Recommendation Change); |
• | Atlantica and its representatives negotiate in good faith with Bidco and its representatives during such five Business Day notice period, to the extent that Bidco affirmatively wishes to negotiate, to enable Bidco to propose revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement; |
• | Atlantica and its representatives provide to Bidco and its representatives all applicable information with respect to such intervening event reasonably requested by Bidco to allow it to propose revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement; and |
• | following the five Business Day period, the Atlantica Board (or any committee thereof) considers in good faith any revisions to the terms of the Transaction Agreement proposed in a binding written proposal by Bidco, |
• | preparing and filing as promptly as practicable with any Governmental Authority all documentation to effect all filings as are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the Transaction; |
• | obtaining all clearances from any Governmental Authority that are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the Transaction and to make an appropriate response as promptly as reasonably practicable to any request for additional information or documentary material pursuant to applicable antitrust, foreign direct investment or energy regulatory laws; and |
• | cooperating with the other party in its efforts to comply with its obligations under the Transaction Agreement. |
• | does not involve any businesses, assets, interests, properties, contracts, agreements, commercial arrangements, relationships, ventures, rights or obligations of the Bidco Group, any ECP Entity, any current or prospective investors in or partners of any ECP Entity or any of their respective affiliates; |
• | with respect to any business, operations, assets and properties of the Atlantica Group in the United States, would not, and would not reasonably be expected to, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, liabilities, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Atlantica Group in the United States; and |
• | with respect to any business, operations, assets and properties of the Atlantica Group outside the United States, would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. |
• | HSR Act; |
• | Mexico Federal Economic Competition Law 2014 and any related rules and regulations, as administered and enforced by the Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE); |
• | South Africa Competition Act 1998; |
• | the CFIUS Approval; |
• | Spain Law 19/2003 of 4 July, on the Legal System of Transfers of Capital and Financial Transactions with Foreigners (Ley 19/2003, de 4 de julio, sobre régimen jurídico de los movimientos de capitales y de las transacciones económicas con el exterior), as amended and restated from time to time (Law 19/2003), and Royal Decree 571/2023 of 4 July on foreign investments (Real Decreto 571/2023, de 4 de julio, sobre inversiones exteriores), as amended and restated from time to time (Royal Decree 571/2023); |
• | Italy Law Decree No. 21 of 15 March 2012 converted with amendments by Law No. 56 of 11 May 2012, together with all connected or subordinated implementing decrees and regulations, all as subsequently amended and integrated; and |
• | approval by FERC under Section 203 of the Federal Power Act, as amended, and the implementing regulations of FERC. |
• | not to terminate, amend, supplement or modify provisions of the Equity Commitment Letter or the Debt Commitment Letter or any related fee letters (other than as provided for under the Transaction Agreement); |
• | upon reasonable written request by Atlantica, keep Atlantica informed in reasonable detail of the status of its efforts to arrange the Debt Financing, and promptly provide to Atlantica complete, correct and executed copies of the definitive agreements relating to the Debt Financing; |
• | give Atlantica prompt written notice (i) of any actual or threatened (in writing) breach, default, termination, cancellation or repudiation by any party to any of the Financing Documents, and (ii) of the receipt by Bidco of any written notice or other written communication from any Debt Financing provider with respect to any actual or alleged (in writing) breach, default, termination, cancellation or repudiation by any party to any of the Financing Documents of any provisions of the Financing Documents; |
• | notify Atlantica of any material dispute or disagreement between or amongst any parties to the Financing Documents that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the funding of the Equity Financing and the Debt Financing on the Effective Date; and |
• | notify Atlantica of the occurrence of an event or development that would reasonably be expected to adversely impact the ability of Bidco to obtain all or any portion of the Equity Financing and the Debt Financing necessary to fund the amounts required to be paid on the Effective Date pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. |
• | maintain in full force and effect and comply with the Financing Documents and, to the extent entered into prior to the closing of the Transaction, the definitive agreements relating to the Debt Financing; |
• | negotiate and enter into definitive agreements with respect to the Debt Financing on a timely basis, on the terms and subject to those conditions set forth in the Debt Commitment Letter; |
• | satisfy (or obtain a waiver of), on a timely basis, at or prior to the closing of the Transaction all conditions applicable to (and within control of) Bidco in the Financing Documents and, to the extent entered into prior to the closing of the Transaction, the definitive agreements relating to the Debt Financing; |
• | consummate the Debt Financing and cause the Debt Financing providers, the equity investors and the other Persons committing to fund the Debt Financing to fund at the closing of the Transaction; |
• | fully pay, or cause to be fully paid, all commitment or other fees arising pursuant to the Debt Commitment Letter as and when they become due and payable; and |
• | promptly notify Atlantica in writing if any portion of the Debt Financing becomes unavailable and, unless Bidco has available to it unrestricted and readily available cash and/or cash equivalents to replace such unavailable financing, Bidco will use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) arrange and obtain alternative debt financing from the same or alternative sources in an amount sufficient to assure the availability of the amounts required to be paid at the closing of the Transaction pursuant to the Transaction Agreement and with terms and conditions not materially less favourable in the aggregate, to Bidco and its affiliates than the terms and conditions in the Debt Commitment Letter, and (ii) obtain one or more new financing commitment letters with respect to such alternative debt financing which new letters will replace or supplement the existing Debt Commitment Letter in whole or in part, subject to certain restrictions under the Transaction Agreement. |
• | timely furnishing Bidco with the required financial information and furnishing any other financial statements, financial data and other customary financial and other pertinent information of the Atlantica Group; |
• | assisting in the preparation for and to participate in a reasonable and limited number of investor and lender meetings, presentations, “road show” presentations, due diligence sessions, and sessions with rating agencies in connection with the Debt Financing at reasonable times and locations mutually agreed; |
• | assisting with the preparation by Bidco and the Debt Financing providers of materials for rating agencies, customary bank books, offering memoranda, private placement memoranda, road show presentations and other customary documents reasonably requested in writing in connection with the Debt Financing; |
• | providing all documentation and other information about Atlantica and its Subsidiaries required by bank regulatory authorities with respect to the Debt Financing under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations; |
• | obtaining customary payoff letters, lien terminations and instruments of discharge necessary to be delivered at the closing of the Transaction to allow for the payoff, discharge or termination in full as of the closing of the Transaction of certain payoff indebtedness; |
• | assisting Bidco in preparing pro forma financial statements of the type and form customarily included in offering memoranda for high yield debt securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act; |
• | executing and delivering customary evidence of authority, customary officer’s certificates, to the extent they are available; |
• | providing commercially reasonable and customary assistance in completing any schedules or other customary informational requirements relating to Atlantica and its Subsidiaries with respect to any definitive financing documents contemplated by the Debt Financing; and |
• | subject to certain exceptions under the Transaction Agreement, facilitating customary cooperation and assistance of Atlantica’s auditors. |
• | the approval by a majority in number of Scheme Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent in value of the Scheme Shares held by such Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) in each case present, entitled to vote and voting, either in person or by proxy, at the Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting; |
• | the Resolution being passed by Atlantica Shareholders representing not less than 75 percent of the total voting rights of Atlantica Shareholders present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the General Meeting; |
• | the Scheme of Arrangement being sanctioned by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any non-de minimis modifications being acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, acting reasonably and in good faith); |
• | a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies; |
• | no order having been issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that remains in effect and enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that remains in effect and prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Transaction; and |
• | any waiting period under the HSR Act (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Transaction, and any commitment to, or agreement (including any timing agreement) with, any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of, or not to consummate before a certain date, the Transaction, having expired or been terminated, and all other Clearances having been obtained (including in the form of a decision indicating a lack of jurisdiction) and remaining in full force and effect. |
• | by mutual written agreement of Atlantica and Bidco; |
• | by either Atlantica or Bidco, if: |
• | the Transaction has not been consummated on or before the End Date; |
• | a court or other Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction has issued an Order (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) that permanently enjoins, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Transaction and such Order has become final and non-appealable or a Governmental Authority has enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced any other law that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Transaction; |
• | the Court Meeting or the General Meeting (including, in each case, any postponements or adjournments thereof) have been held and the required Company Shareholder Approval voted on at the meeting has not been obtained; or |
• | the Court declines or refuses to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement, except that, if an appeal has been submitted by Atlantica in respect of any such decline or refusal, this right to terminate the Transaction Agreement may not be exercised until such appeal has been denied in a final determination; |
• | by Bidco, if: |
• | prior to Atlantica Shareholders approving the Scheme of Arrangement, a Company Adverse Recommendation Change occurs; or |
• | Atlantica breaches any of its representations and warranties set out in the Transaction Agreement that would cause certain conditions to the obligations of Bidco to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied and such breach or failure to perform (i) is incapable of being cured by the End Date, or (ii) has not been cured by Atlantica within the earlier of (A) 30 days following written notice from Bidco of such breach or failure to perform and (B) the End Date, except that the Transaction Agreement may not be terminated pursuant to this termination right if Bidco is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations, which breach by Bidco would cause certain conditions to the obligations of Atlantica to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied; or |
• | by Atlantica, if: |
• | Bidco breaches any of its representations and warranties set out in the Transaction Agreement that would cause certain conditions to the obligations of Atlantica to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied, and such breach or failure to perform (i) is incapable of being cured by the End Date or (ii) has not been cured by Bidco within the earlier of (A) 30 days following written notice from Atlantica of such breach or failure to perform and (B) the End Date, except that the Transaction Agreement may not be terminated pursuant to this termination right if Atlantica is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations, which breach by Atlantica would cause certain conditions to the obligations of Bidco to complete the Transaction not to be satisfied; |
• | prior to the receipt of the Company Shareholder Approvals, (i) the Atlantica Board receives a Superior Proposal, (ii) Atlantica is in compliance in all respects (other than immaterial compliance that does not adversely affect Bidco) with the non-solicitation obligations under the Transaction Agreement, (iii) the Atlantica Board has authorised termination of the Transaction Agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement providing for a Superior Proposal, (iv) concurrently with such termination, Atlantica enters into such definitive agreement and (v) Atlantica pays Bidco the Company Termination Fee (as defined below) concurrently with or prior to (and as a condition to) such termination; or |
• | Bidco fails to consummate the closing of the Transaction within 5 Business Days following delivery of a written confirmation by Atlantica notifying Bidco that it stands ready, willing and able to consummate the Transactions and all conditions to the mutual obligations of the parties and the obligations of Atlantica to complete the Transaction. |
• | Atlantica has the right to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable remedies in connection with enforcing Bidco’s obligations to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, and cause the Equity Financing to be funded subject to the terms and conditions set forth under the Transaction Agreement (provided that Atlantica will not be entitled to the remedy of specific performance if the Reverse Termination Fee is paid); and |
• | Bidco shall have the right to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable remedies in connection with enforcing Atlantica’s obligations to consummate the Transaction, subject to the terms and conditions set forth under the Transaction Agreement. |
• | the USD Initial Term Facility, being a senior secured first lien term loan facility denominated in USD in an aggregate principal amount equal to USD 1,500 million; |
• | the USD DDTL Facility, being a senior secured first lien delayed draw term loan facility denominated in USD in an aggregate principal amount to be determined by Bidco in its sole discretion, which shall reduce the USD Initial Term Facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis; |
• | the EUR Initial Term Facility, being a senior secured first lien term loan facility denominated in EUR in an aggregate principal amount equal to EUR 500 million; |
• | the EUR DDTL Facility, being a senior secured first lien delayed draw term loan facility denominated in EUR in an aggregate principal amount to be determined by Bidco in its sole discretion, which shall reduce the EUR Initial Term Facility on a euro-for-euro basis; and |
• | a USD 450 million multi-currency senior secured first lien revolving loan and letter of credit facility, available in USD and EUR. |
• | consummation or substantially concurrent consummation of the Transaction; |
• | absence of Company Material Adverse Effect; |
• | occurrence of Equity Financing on or substantially concurrent with the Debt Financing; |
• | solvency of Bidco; |
• | execution of the Financing Documents; and |
• | payment of fees and expenses related to the Debt Commitment Letter or under certain related fee letters. |
• | Atlantica shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate, as reasonably requested by AQN and at AQN’s sole cost and expense, with respect to providing information to support AQN in determining the quantum of any tax liability due in connection with the disposition of its Atlantica Shares, preparing and finalising any tax return, and any audit, examination, assessment, litigation or other proceeding of AQN initiated by or against any tax authority with respect to the disposition of AQN’s Atlantica Shares; |
• | Atlantica shall promptly and reasonably cooperate with AQN in obtaining a “recovery of invested capital certificate” from the SUNAT (the Peruvian tax authority) in order for AQN to be entitled to deduct its tax basis in the Atlantica Shares in the calculation of the Peruvian indirect transfer capital gains tax; |
• | no later than six (6) months following closing of the Transaction, Atlantica shall acquire, or cause the acquisition of, all of AQN’s interest in each of Hypesol Energy Holding, S.L.U. and Logrosán Solar Inversiones Dos, S.L. for USD 1.00 each and on such other terms as reasonably agreed by Atlantica and AQN; |
• | subject to and conditional upon consummation of the Transaction. AQN and Atlantica shall, and shall cause their respective affiliates to, terminate a number of existing agreements between them, effective as of the Effective Time; |
• | certain of AQN and Liberty’s obligations under an existing shareholders agreement with respect to standstill provisions shall terminate upon the earliest of (i) the expiration of the standstill period defined in the such shareholders agreement; (ii) the termination of such shareholders agreement; (iii) the termination of the Transaction Agreement; and (iv) the termination of the AQN Support Agreement (as defined below); |
• | certain of AQN and Liberty’s obligations under an existing enhanced cooperation agreement with Atlantica with respect to arrangements relating to the exercise of their voting rights shall be waived solely in relation to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (which was conditional upon the execution of the AQN Support Agreement); |
• | Atlantica shall, from time to time at AQN’s reasonable request and in any event on an annual basis up to the 5th anniversary of the Effective Date, deliver to AQN a status report and other reasonably required information relating to the development and/or construction of the Cedar I project located in Imperial County, California; |
• | Atlantica shall (a) keep AQN reasonably informed of the number of valid proxy votes received in respect of the resolutions to be proposed at the Court Meeting and the General Meeting; and (b) notify AQN promptly if Atlantica becomes aware of any concerns or issues raised by the Atlantica Shareholders, any persons interested in securities relating to Atlantica or any third party which may have an impact on the Transaction or the matters contemplated therein, and reasonably consult with, and consider in good faith the reasonable views and requests of, AQN in connection with addressing any such concerns or issues; and |
• | each of Atlantica and AQN acknowledge and agree to effect certain amendments and clarifications to existing general partnership agreements and shareholders agreements entered into between Subsidiaries of Atlantica and AQN. |
• | not to make, cause or permit any transfer of any of its Atlantica Shares or enter into, or cause any of its affiliates to enter into, any contract, option or arrangement with respect to a transfer of any of its Atlantica Shares; and |
• | to vote all of the Atlantica Shares beneficially owned or owned of record by such Relevant Shareholder (a) in favour of the Scheme of Arrangement, the Resolution at the General Meeting, any proposal to adjourn or postpone any such meeting if there are not sufficient votes, and any other resolution necessary or desirable to implement the Transaction (provided that the foregoing shall not require such Relevant Shareholder to vote in favour of any waiver, modification or amendment to the terms of the Transaction Agreement that would be less favourable in any material respect to the Relevant Shareholders) and (b) against any resolution to approve an Acquisition Proposal, any action, proposal transaction or contract that would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty, or any other obligation or agreement, of Atlantica or Bidco under the Transaction Agreement or of the Relevant Shareholders under the AQN Support Agreement, and any action, proposal, transaction or contract that would reasonably be expected to impede with the timely consummation of the Transaction or the fulfilment of any of the Conditions. |
9. | Consents |
10. | Documents |
(i) | this document, the Court Meeting Proxy Card and the General Meeting Proxy Card; |
(ii) | the Atlantica Articles and a copy of the articles of association as proposed to be amended at the General Meeting; |
(iii) | Atlantica’s Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2022; and |
(iv) | Atlantica’s Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2023. |
(a) | as at the Latest Practicable Date, Atlantica had 116,159,054 Atlantica Shares in issue; |
(b) | the fully diluted share capital of Atlantica (being 117,083,462 shares) as at the Latest Practicable Date, was calculated on the basis of: |
• | the number of issued Atlantica Shares in item (a) above; and |
• | the number of Atlantica Shares subject to Awards deemed, by Atlantica’s management, to be dilutive to the number of issued Atlantica Shares in item (a) above. |
(c) | the value of the Transaction as at the date of this document (being USD 2,555 million) is calculated by multiplying the USD 22.00 Per Share Consideration by the Atlantica Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date (as referred to in item (a) above); |
(d) | the enterprise value of USD 8,135 million is calculated by reference to an equity value of USD 2,555 million plus (i) corporate debt of USD 1,174 million minus (ii) corporate cash of USD 47 million plus (iii) project debt of USD 4,588 million minus (iv) non-restricted project cash of USD 220 million plus (v) leases of USD 85 million, each as of 31 March 2024; |
(e) | unless otherwise stated, all prices for Atlantica Shares are the Closing Price derived from Nasdaq for the relevant date; |
(f) | the 30-day volume weighted average trading price of an Atlantica Share is derived from data provided by Bloomberg; |
(g) | unless otherwise stated, financial information concerning Atlantica has been extracted from Atlantica’s Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2023, the announcement of Atlantica’s unaudited results for the three-month period ending 31 March 2024 filed on Form 6-K or Atlantica’s management sources; and |
(h) | certain figures included in this document have been subject to rounding adjustments. |
“Acquisition Proposal” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Applicable Law” | | | means, with respect to any person, any Law that is binding on or applicable to such person, as the same may be amended from time to time unless expressly specified otherwise in the Transaction Agreement; |
“AQN” | | | means Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada; |
“AQN Support Agreement” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Atlantica” or the “Company” | | | means Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc, a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 08818211 whose registered office is at Great West House (GW1), Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, Greater London TW8 9DF, United Kingdom; |
“Atlantica Articles” | | | means the articles of association of Atlantica in force, from time to time; |
“Atlantica Board” | | | means the board of directors of Atlantica at the date of this document or, where the context so requires, the board of directors of Atlantica from time to time; |
“Atlantica Directors” | | | means the directors of Atlantica as at the date of this document or, where the context so requires, the directors of Atlantica from time to time; |
“Atlantica Group” | | | means Atlantica together with its direct or indirect Subsidiaries, from time to time; |
“Atlantica Material Breach Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Atlantica Shareholder Meetings” | | | means the Court Meeting and/or the General Meeting, as the case may be; |
“Atlantica Shareholders” | | | means the registered holders of Atlantica Shares as shown on the register of the members of Atlantica, from time to time; |
“Atlantica Shares” | | | means the ordinary shares of Atlantica with a par value of USD 0.10 each from time to time; |
“Awards” | | | means any grant of Atlantica Shares or the right to receive, subscribe for or otherwise acquire one or more Atlantica Shares under a Company Share Plan; |
“AY Holdings” | | | means Liberty (AY Holdings), B.V., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands; |
“Beneficial Holders” | | | has the meaning given to it on page ii of this document; |
“Bidco” | | | means California Buyer Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 15712233, whose registered office is at C/O Cogency Global (UK) Limited 6 Lloyds Avenue, Unit 4cl, London EC3N 3AX, United Kingdom; |
“Bidco Consummation Failure Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Bidco Directors” | | | means the directors of Bidco as at the date of this document or, where the context so requires, the directors of Bidco from time to time; |
“Bidco Group” | | | means Bidco Parent, Bidco and any other direct or indirect Subsidiaries of Bidco Parent from time to time; |
“Bidco Material Adverse Effect” | | | means any Effect that, individually or in the aggregate, does or would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of Bidco to perform its obligations under the Transaction Agreement or consummate the Transaction; |
“Bidco Material Breach Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Broadridge” | | | means Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Atlantica’s agent for the Atlantica Shareholder Meetings; |
“Business Day” | | | means a day, other than Saturday, Sunday, public or bank holiday, or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York, Madrid, Spain or London, England are authorised or required by Applicable Law to close; |
“Cap” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Casualties” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Cede” | | | means Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC; |
“Cede Shares” | | | means the Scheme Shares in respect of which Cede is the registered holder; |
“certificated” or “in certificated form” | | | means a share or security of Atlantica which is not in uncertificated form; |
“CFIUS” | | | means the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States; |
“CFIUS Approval” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Citi” | | | means Citigroup Global Markets Limited, together with its affiliate, Citigroup Global Markets Inc.; |
“Clearances” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Closing Price” | | | means the Nasdaq closing price of a share; |
“Code” | | | means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; |
“Companies Act” | | | means the Companies Act 2006, as amended from time to time; |
“Company Adverse Recommendation Change” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Company Group Securities” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Company Material Adverse Effect” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Company Payment Fund” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Scheme of Arrangement; |
“Company RSU” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Company RSU Consideration” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Company Share Option Consideration” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Company Share Options” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Company Share Plans” | | | means the Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Director RSU Plan; |
“Company Shareholder Approvals” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Company Termination Fee” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Computershare” | | | means Computershare Trust Company, NA, Atlantica’s transfer agent and registrar; |
“Condemnation” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“Conditions” | | | means the conditions to the implementation of the Transaction as set out in Part III (Conditions to and Further Terms of the Scheme of Arrangement and the Transaction) of this document and “Condition” means such one or more of them as the context may require; |
“Confidentiality Agreement” | | | means the confidentiality letter agreement dated 29 March 2023 between Atlantica and Energy Capital Partners LLC; |
“Consideration” | | | means the cash amount of USD 22.00 per Scheme Share payable to the holders of Scheme Shares in connection with the Transaction; |
“Court” | | | means the High Court of Justice of England and Wales; |
“Court Hearing” | | | means the hearing of the Court at which Atlantica will seek an order sanctioning the Scheme of Arrangement pursuant to Part 26 of the Companies Act; |
“Court Meeting” | | | means such meeting(s) (and any adjournment or postponement thereof) convened with the permission of the Court pursuant to section 896 of the Companies Act for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, approving (with or without modification) the Scheme of Arrangement, notice of which is to be set out in this document; |
“Court Order” | | | means the order of the Court sanctioning the Scheme under Part 26 of the Companies Act; |
“Court Refusal Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Debt Commitment Letter” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4 of Part II (Explanatory Statement) of this document; |
“Debt Financing” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Director RSU Plan” | | | means the agreements under which restricted stock units have been granted by Atlantica to certain directors of Atlantica; |
“Director Shareholders” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Director Support Agreements” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“DR Nominee” | | | means such company falling within Section 67(6) and Section 93(3) of the Finance Act 1986 as Bidco may in its sole discretion appoint; |
“DTC” | | | means the Depository Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation; |
“Eastern Time” | | | means the standard time in a zone including the eastern states of the United States; |
“ECP” | | | means ECP V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and its affiliates, including any funds managed or advised by such affiliates; |
“ECP Entities” | | | means (i) any investment fund, continuation fund, or other vehicle or account directly or indirectly controlled, managed or advised by Energy Capital Partners Management, LP or ECP ControlCo, LLC, (ii) any investment vehicle or other arrangement investing on a parallel basis with such entities in the preceding clause, and (iii) any portfolio companies, directly or indirectly, owned, managed, or controlled by investment funds managed or advised by any of the entities in the preceding clauses (other than the Bidco Group). |
“Effect” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Effective” | | | means the Scheme of Arrangement having become effective in accordance with its terms; |
“Effective Date” | | | means the date upon which the Scheme of Arrangement becomes Effective; |
“Effective Time” | | | means the time on the Effective Date at which the Scheme of Arrangement becomes Effective; |
“End Date” | | | means 27 April 2025; |
“End Date Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Enforcement Expenses” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Equity Commitment Letter” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4 of Part II (Explanatory Statement) of this document; |
“Equity Financing” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“EUR DDTL Facility” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document |
“EUR Initial Term Facility” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document |
“Excluded Shares” | | | means: (a) any Atlantica Shares which are registered in the name of or beneficially owned by Bidco or by any member of the Bidco Group or by any of their respective nominees; and (b) any Atlantica Shares held in treasury; |
“Executive Officer” | | | means Santiago Seage, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlantica; |
“Explanatory Statement” | | | means the explanatory statement (in compliance with Part 26 of the Companies Act) relating to the Scheme of Arrangement, as set out in Part II (Explanatory Statement) of this document; |
“FERC” | | | means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or its successor; |
“Financing Documents” | | | means the Equity Commitment Letter, the Debt Commitment Letter and certain related fee letters; |
“Foreign Investment Laws” | | | means any Applicable Laws that are designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions by persons to acquire interests in or control over domestic equities, securities, entities, assets, land or interests to address national security or public order or similar policy goals; |
“General Meeting” | | | means the general meeting of the Atlantica Shareholders (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) to be convened in connection with the Scheme of Arrangement in order for the Atlantica Shareholders to consider and, if thought fit, approve the Resolution, notice of which is to be set out in this document; |
“Governmental Authority” | | | means any national, transnational, domestic or foreign federal, state or local governmental, regulatory, judicial or administrative authority, department, court, tribunal, legislature, executive, agency, commission or official, including any political subdivision thereof, or any non-governmental self-regulatory agency, commission or authority and any arbitral tribunal; |
“Guarantee” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4 of Part II (Explanatory Statement) of this document; |
“Guaranteed Obligations” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Guarantor” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4 of Part II (Explanatory Statement) of this document; |
“HMRC” | | | means HM Revenue & Customs; |
“holder” | | | means a registered holder and includes any person(s) entitled by transmission; |
“HSR Act” | | | means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976; |
“IASB” | | | means the International Accounting Standards Board; |
“IFRS” | | | means International Financial Reporting Standards; |
“Indemnified Parties” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Initiated Condemnation” | | | has the meaning given to it in the Transaction Agreement; |
“intervening event” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“IRS” | | | means U.S. Internal Revenue Service; |
“ISA” | | | means an Individual Savings Account; |
“Latest Practicable Date” | | | means close of business on 12 July 2024, being the latest practicable date prior to the date of this document; |
“Law” | | | means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, national or other law, treaty, convention, statute, constitution, resolution, ordinance, common law, code, edict, order, guidance, rule, regulation, ruling, executive order or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect or applied by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority or any national securities exchange or stock market (including the Nasdaq); |
“Liberty” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Long-Term Incentive Plan” | | | means the terms comprised in the “LTIP” award agreements and plan rules under which share options and restricted stock units have been granted by Atlantica to employees of Atlantica and its Subsidiaries; |
“Nasdaq” | | | means The Nasdaq Global Select Market; |
“Nominated Person” | | | means a person nominated under Section 146 of the Companies Act to enjoy information rights; |
“Non-Executive Directors” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 7 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“non-GAAP financial measures” | | | has the meaning given to it on page v of this document; |
“Offer” | | | means, if Bidco, with the prior written consent of Atlantica (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), elects to implement the Transaction by way of a takeover offer (as that term is defined in section 974 of the Companies Act) in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement, the offer to be made by or on behalf of Bidco, or an associated undertaking thereof (including Bidco), to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Atlantica including, where the context admits, any subsequent revision, variation, extension or renewal of such offer; |
“Order” | | | means any order, writ, decree, judgment, award, injunction, ruling, settlement or stipulation issued, promulgated, made, rendered or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority (in each case, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent). |
“Overseas Shareholders” | | | means Scheme Shareholders who are resident in, ordinarily resident in, or citizens of, jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom or the United States; |
“Paying Agent” | | | means Computershare Trust Company, N.A.; |
“Per Share Consideration” | | | means USD 22.00 in cash per Scheme Share; |
“person” | | | means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organisation, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality of such government or political subdivision (in each case whether or not having separate legal personality); |
“PFIC” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 6 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Proxy Cards” | | | means the Court Meeting Proxy Card for use at the Court Meeting and the and the General Meeting Proxy Card for use at the General Meeting, which have been sent to Scheme Shareholders and Atlantica Shareholders (as applicable) together with this document, and a “Proxy Card” means either of them as the context requires; |
“Recommendation Change Atlantica Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Recommendation Change Bidco Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“Registrar of Companies” | | | means the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales; |
“Relevant Service Provider” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Relevant Shareholders” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Relevant System” | | | means any computer-based system, and procedures, which enable title to units of a share or security to be evidenced and transferred without a written instrument; |
“Remedy Action” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Residual Shares” | | | means the Scheme Shares excluding the Cede Shares; |
“Resolution” | | | means the special resolution to amend the Atlantica Articles and approve such other matters as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of the Transaction and/or the Scheme of Arrangement; |
“Restricted Jurisdiction” | | | means any jurisdiction where local laws or regulations may result in a significant risk of civil, regulatory or criminal exposure if information concerning the Transaction is sent or made available to Atlantica Shareholders in that jurisdiction; |
“Reverse Termination Fee” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Scheme of Arrangement” | | | means the proposed scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act between Atlantica and the Scheme Shareholders to implement the Transaction set out in Part VIII (The Scheme of Arrangement) of this document, in its present form or with or subject to any modification, addition or condition: (a) as may be agreed between Atlantica and Bidco and which (if required) is approved by the Court; or (b) which is otherwise imposed by the Court and mutually acceptable to Atlantica and Bidco, each acting reasonably and in good faith; |
“Scheme Record Time” | | | means 6.00 p.m. on the Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Date; |
“Scheme Shareholder” | | | means a holder of one or more Scheme Shares; |
“Scheme Shares” | | | means the Atlantica Shares: (a) in issue at the date of the Scheme of Arrangement; (b) (if any) issued after the date of the Scheme of Arrangement and prior to the Voting Record Time; and (c) (if any) issued at or after the Voting Record Time but at or before the Scheme Record Time in respect of which the original or any subsequent holder thereof is bound by the Scheme of Arrangement or shall by such time have agreed in writing to be bound by the Scheme of Arrangement, in each case excluding any Excluded Shares; |
“SEC” | | | means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency thereto; |
“Securities Act” | | | means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933; |
“Shareholders of Record” | | | has the meaning given to it on page ii of this document; |
“Strategic Review Bonus” | | | has the meaning given in paragraph 11 of Part I (Letter from the Chair of Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc) of this document; |
“Subsidiary” | | | means, with respect to any person, any entity of which such person directly or indirectly owns or purports to own, beneficially or of record, (a) an amount of voting securities or other interests in such entity that is sufficient to enable such person to elect at least a majority of the members of such entity’s board of directors or equivalent governing body, or (b) at least 50% of the outstanding equity or ownership interests of such entity; |
“Superior Proposal” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 8 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Transaction” | | | means the acquisition by Bidco, its nominee(s) or the DR Nominee of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Atlantica in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement; |
“Transaction Agreement” | | | means the transaction agreement between Atlantica and Bidco dated 27 May 2024, as it may be amended from time to time; |
“U.K. Takeover Code” | | | means the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers; |
“uncertificated” or “in uncertificated form” | | | means any share or other security of Atlantica in respect of which title is evidenced and transferred by means of a Relevant System; |
“United Kingdom” or “U.K.” | | | means the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; |
“United States” or “U.S.” | | | means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state or political subdivision of the United States of America and the District of Columbia; |
“USD DDTL Facility” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“USD Initial Term Facility” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; |
“U.S. Exchange Act” | | | means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; |
“U.S. Holder” | | | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 6 of Part V (Additional Information) of this document; |
“Vote-Down Termination” | | | has the meaning given to it in the “Summary” section of this document; and |
“Voting Record Time” | | | means 6.30 p.m. on the day which is two days (excluding non-working days in the United Kingdom) prior to the date of the Court Meeting or, if the Court Meeting is adjourned, 6.30 p.m. on the day which is two days (excluding non-working days in the United Kingdom) before the day of such adjourned meeting. |
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE BUSINESS AND PROPERTY COURTS OF ENGLAND AND WALES COMPANIES COURT (ChD) | | | CR-2024-003315 |
(A) | In this Scheme of Arrangement, unless inconsistent with the subject or context, the following expressions shall have the following meanings: |
“Applicable Law” | | | means, with respect to any person, any Law that is binding on or applicable to such person, as the same may be amended from time to time; |
“Bidco” | | | California Buyer Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 15712233; |
“Bidco Group” | | | means Bidco Parent, Bidco and any other direct or indirect Subsidiaries of Bidco Parent from time to time; |
“Bidco Parent” | | | means ECP California Holdings, LP, a limited partnership organised under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada; |
“Business Day” | | | means a day, other than Saturday, Sunday, public or bank holiday, or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York, Madrid, Spain or London, England are authorised or required by Applicable Law to close; |
“Cede” | | | means Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC; |
“Cede Shares” | | | means the Scheme Shares in respect of which Cede is the registered holder; |
“certificated” or “in certificated form” | | | means a share or security of the Company which is not in uncertificated form; |
“Companies Act” | | | means the Companies Act 2006, as amended from time to time; |
“Company” | | | means Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc, a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 08818211; |
“Company Board” | | | means the board of directors of the Company from time to time; |
“Company Group” | | | means the Company and any other direct or indirect Subsidiaries of the Company; |
“Company Payment Fund” | | | has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1; |
“Company Share Plans” | | | means the Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Director RSU Plan; |
“Company Shareholder” | | | means a holder of Company Shares from time to time (being for the avoidance of doubt, a registered holder of Company Shares as shown from time to time on the Company’s register of members); |
“Company Shares” | | | means the ordinary shares of the Company with a par value of US$0.10 each from time to time; |
“Court” | | | means the High Court of Justice of England and Wales; |
“Court Hearing” | | | means the hearing by the Court of the petition to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement (and to grant the Court Order); |
“Court Order” | | | means the order of the Court sanctioning the Scheme of Arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act; |
“Director RSU Plan” | | | means the agreements under which restricted stock units have been granted by the Company to certain directors of the Company; |
“DR Nominee” | | | means such company falling within Section 67(6) and Section 93(3) of the Finance Act 1986 as Bidco may in its sole discretion appoint; |
“DTC” | | | means The Depository Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation; |
“Effective Date” | | | means the date on which this Scheme of Arrangement becomes effective in accordance with Clause 7.1; |
“Effective Time” | | | means the date and time at which this Scheme of Arrangement becomes effective in accordance with Clause 7.1; |
“Encumbrances” | | | means, in respect of any Scheme Share, all mortgages, pledges, liens, charges, options, encumbrances, equitable rights, rights of pre-emption, assignments, hypothecations or any other third-party rights of any nature whatsoever; |
“End Date” | | | means 11:59 p.m. on 27 April 2025, or such later date as Bidco and the Company may agree in writing and the Court may allow; |
“Excluded Shares” | | | means: (c) any Company Shares at the Scheme Record Time which are registered in the name of or beneficially owned by Bidco or by any member of the Bidco Group or by any of their respective nominees; and (d) any Company Shares at the Scheme Record Time held in treasury; |
“Governmental Authority” | | | means any national, transnational, domestic or foreign federal, state or local governmental, regulatory, judicial or administrative authority, department, |
| | court, tribunal, legislature, executive, agency, commission or official, including any political subdivision thereof, or any non-governmental self-regulatory agency, commission or authority and any arbitral tribunal; | |
“holder” | | | means a registered holder and includes any person(s) entitled by transmission; |
“Latest Practicable Date” | | | means close of business on 12 July 2024, being the latest practicable date prior to the date of this Scheme of Arrangement; |
“Law” | | | means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, national or other law, treaty, convention, statute, constitution, resolution, ordinance, common law, code, edict, order, guidance, rule, regulation, ruling, executive order or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect or applied by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority or any national securities exchange or stock market (including the Nasdaq); |
“Long-Term Incentive Plan” | | | means the terms comprised in the “LTIP” award agreements and plan rules under which share options and restricted stock units have been granted by the Company to employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries; |
“Nasdaq” | | | means The Nasdaq Global Select Market; |
“Paying Agent” | | | means Computershare Trust Company, N.A.; |
“Per Share Consideration” | | | means USD 22.00 in cash, as adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement; |
“Registrar of Companies” | | | means the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales; |
“Relevant System” | | | means any computer-based system, and procedures, which enable title to units of a share or security to be evidenced and transferred without a written instrument; |
“Residual Shares” | | | means the Scheme Shares excluding the Cede Shares; |
“Scheme Meeting” | | | means such meeting(s) of the Scheme Shareholders (and any adjournment or postponement thereof) convened with the permission of the Court pursuant to section 896 of the Companies Act for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, approving (with or without modification) the Scheme of Arrangement; |
“Scheme of Arrangement” | | | means this scheme of arrangement of the Company under Part 26 of the Companies Act to effect the Transaction, in its present form or with or subject to any modification, addition or condition which (a) Bidco and the Company mutually agree in writing and which (if required) is approved by the Court or (b) is otherwise imposed by the Court and mutually acceptable to Bidco and the Company in writing each acting reasonably and in good faith, in each case, in accordance with the Companies Act and the Transaction Agreement; |
“Scheme Record Time” | | | means 6:00 p.m. on the Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Date; |
“Scheme Shareholder” | | | means a registered holder of one or more Scheme Shares; |
“Scheme Shares” | | | means the Company Shares which remain in issue at the Scheme Record Time and are: (a) in issue at the date of this Scheme of Arrangement; |
| | (b) (if any) issued after the date of this Scheme of Arrangement and prior to the Voting Record Time; and (c) (if any) issued at or after the Voting Record Time but before the Scheme Record Time in respect of which the original or any subsequent holder thereof is bound by this Scheme of Arrangement or shall by such time have agreed in writing to be bound by this Scheme of Arrangement, in each case excluding any Excluded Shares; | |
“Subsidiary” | | | means, with respect to any person, any entity of which such person directly or indirectly owns or purports to own, beneficially or of record, (a) an amount of voting securities or other interests in such entity that is sufficient to enable such person to elect at least a majority of the members of such entity’s board of directors or equivalent governing body, or (b) at least 50% of the outstanding equity or ownership interests of such entity; |
“Transaction” | | | means the proposed acquisition by Bidco of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company, other than the Excluded Shares, in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement; |
“Transaction Agreement” | | | means the transaction agreement between Bidco and the Company dated 27 May 2024, as it may be amended from time to time; |
“uncertificated” or “in uncertificated form” | | | means any share or other security of the Company in respect of which title is evidenced and transferred by means of a Relevant System; and |
“Voting Record Time” | | | means 6:30 p.m. on the day which is two days (excluding non-working days) prior to the date of the Scheme Meeting or, if the Scheme Meeting is adjourned, 6:30 p.m. on the day which is two days (excluding non-working days) before the day of such adjourned meeting. |
(B) | “U.S. dollar”, “USD” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America. |
(C) | References to Clauses and sub-Clauses are to clauses and sub-clauses of this Scheme of Arrangement. |
(D) | As at the Latest Practicable Date, the issued share capital of the Company was 116,159,054 Company Shares, all of which are credited as fully paid up and none of which were held in treasury. |
(E) | As at the Latest Practicable Date, share options and restricted stock units over Company Shares have been granted and remain outstanding under the Company Share Plans, which could require the issue of up to the equivalent to 924,408 Company Shares in aggregate. The figure does not include the Company Share Options as they are all underwater based on the Per Share Consideration of USD 22.00. |
(F) | As at the date of this Scheme of Arrangement, no Company Shares are registered in the name of or beneficially owned by Bidco or any other member of the Bidco Group. |
(G) | Bidco has agreed, subject to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, to appear by counsel at the Court Hearing to sanction this Scheme of Arrangement and to be bound by, and to undertake to the Court to be bound by, the terms of this Scheme of Arrangement and to execute and do, or procure to be executed and done, all such documents, acts and things as may be necessary or desirable to be executed or done by them for the purposes of giving effect to this Scheme of Arrangement. |
(H) | References to times are to London time in the United Kingdom. |
1. | TRANSFER OF THE SCHEME SHARES |
1.1 | At the Effective Time, Bidco or its nominee(s) and/or at Bidco’s discretion and direction, a DR Nominee (and/or such of its nominee(s) as agreed between Bidco and the Company) shall, in accordance with Clause 1.2, acquire all of the Scheme Shares fully paid, with full title guarantee, free from all Encumbrances (other than transfer restrictions arising under applicable securities laws) and together with all rights at or after the Effective Time attached or relating to such Scheme Shares, including voting rights and the right to receive and retain all dividends and other distributions (if any) and any other return of capital (whether by way of reduction of share capital or share premium account or otherwise) thereon. |
1.2 | For the purposes of such acquisition: |
(a) | the Cede Shares shall be transferred to Bidco or its nominee(s) and/or at Bidco’s discretion and direction, a DR Nominee (and/or such of its nominee(s) as agreed between Bidco and the Company) by means of a form of transfer or other instrument or instruction of transfer, including any stock transfer form or block transfer; |
(b) | the Residual Shares shall be transferred to Bidco or its nominee(s) and/or at Bidco’s discretion and direction, a DR Nominee (and/or such of its nominee(s) as agreed between Bidco and the Company) by means of a separate form of transfer or other instrument or instruction of transfer, including any stock transfer form or block transfer; and |
(c) | to give effect to such transfers, any person may be appointed by Bidco as attorney and/or agent and shall be authorised as such attorney and/or agent on behalf of each of the Scheme Shareholders concerned to execute and deliver as transferor such forms of transfer or other instruments or instructions of transfer (whether as a deed or otherwise) of, or otherwise give any instructions to transfer, the Scheme Shares and every form, instrument or instruction of transfer so executed or instruction so given shall be as effective as if it had been executed or given by the holder or holders of the Scheme Shares thereby transferred. Each such form of transfer or other instrument or instruction shall be deemed to be the principal instrument of transfer of the relevant Scheme Shares and the equitable or beneficial interest in the Scheme Shares shall only be transferred together with the legal interest in such Scheme Shares, pursuant to such form, instruction or instrument of transfer. |
1.3 | From the Effective Time and pending the transfer of the Scheme Shares pursuant to Clauses 1.1 and 1.2, each Scheme Shareholder: |
(a) | irrevocably appoints Bidco (and/or each of its agents and directors) or its nominee(s) and/or at Bidco’s discretion and direction, a DR Nominee (and/or such of its nominee(s) as agreed between Bidco and the Company) as its attorney and/or agent: |
(i) | to exercise or direct the exercise of (in place of and to the exclusion of the relevant Scheme Shareholder) any voting rights attached to the Scheme Shares and any or all other rights and privileges attaching to the Scheme Shares (including the right to requisition the convening of a general meeting of the Company or of any class of its shareholders); and |
(ii) | to sign on behalf of such Scheme Shareholder such documents, and to do such things, as may, in the opinion of Bidco and/or its agents and directors (in each case acting reasonably), be necessary or desirable in connection with the exercise of any voting rights and any or all rights and privileges attaching to such Scheme Shares (including, without limitation, any consent to short notice of a general or separate class meeting or form of proxy or forms of proxy in respect of such Scheme Shares appointing any person nominated by Bidco to attend general and separate class meetings of the Company (or any adjournment thereof)); |
(b) | authorises the Company and/or its agents to send to Bidco (and/or its nominee(s)) any notice, circular, warrant or other document or communication which may be required to be sent to them as a member (including any share certificate(s) or other document(s) of title issued as a result of any conversion of their Scheme Shares into certificated form); and |
(c) | agrees not to exercise any voting rights or any other rights attaching to the relevant Scheme Shares without the consent of Bidco, and irrevocably undertakes not to appoint a proxy or representative for or to attend any general or separate class meetings of the Company without the prior consent of Bidco. |
1.4 | The authorities granted by each Scheme Shareholder pursuant to Clauses 1.2 and 1.3 shall be treated for all purposes as having been granted by deed. |
2. | CONSIDERATION FOR THE SCHEME SHARES |
2.1 | Subject to Clause 2.2, in consideration for the transfer of the Scheme Shares to Bidco or its nominee(s) and/or at Bidco’s discretion and direction, a DR Nominee (and/or such of its nominee(s) as agreed between Bidco and the Company), as referred to in Clauses 1.2 and 1.3, Bidco shall pay, or procure that there shall be paid, a cash amount to or for the account of each Scheme Shareholder on the following basis: |
2.2 | Unless the Company Board determines that it would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under Applicable Law, the Company Board shall, in the ordinary course of business, declare, authorise and establish a record date for the payment by the Company of regular quarterly cash dividends at a rate of US$0.445 per Company Share per quarter and pay such dividends to the Company Shareholders prior to or at the Effective Time. |
3. | SETTLEMENT |
3.1 | At or prior to the Effective Time, Bidco shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with the Paying Agent, for the benefit of the Scheme Shareholders, cash in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the Per Share Consideration to which the Scheme Shareholders are entitled pursuant to Clause 2. All cash deposited with the Paying Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Company Payment Fund”. |
3.2 | As soon as practicable, and in any event not later than fourteen (14) days, after the Effective Time, Bidco shall: |
(a) | in the case of the Scheme Shares that at the Scheme Record Time are Residual Shares, procure that the Paying Agent despatches from the Company Payment Fund, to the persons entitled thereto, cheques for the sums payable to each of them in accordance with Clause 2, unless: (i) otherwise properly directed by the person entitled thereto; or (ii) the persons disposing of Scheme Shares do so pursuant to deposit/withdrawal at custodian, in which case Bidco shall make payment to such persons by electronic means as shall be determined by the disposing person at the relevant time, provided that this Clause 3.2(a) is subject to the persons entitled thereto having complied with the obligations set out in Clause 4.1; and |
(b) | in the case of the Scheme Shares that at the Scheme Record Time are Cede Shares, procure that the Paying Agent despatches from the Company Payment Fund, to Cede or its nominee, by way of an electronic payment in lieu of a cheque, an amount in cash in immediately available funds equal to the amount payable in respect of the Cede Shares in accordance with Clause 2. |
3.3 | All deliveries of notices or cheques required to be made pursuant to this Scheme of Arrangement shall be effected by sending the same by first class post in pre-paid envelopes or by international standard post if overseas, addressed to the persons entitled thereto at their respective registered addresses as appearing in the register of members of the Company at the Scheme Record Time or, in the case of joint holders, to the address of the holder whose name stands first in such register in respect of the joint holding concerned at such time and none of the Company, any member of the Company Group, Bidco, any member of the Bidco Group or any of their respective agents or nominees or the DR Nominee shall be responsible for any loss or delay in the transmission of any notices or cheques sent in accordance with this Clause 3.3, which shall be sent at the risk of the person or persons entitled thereto. |
3.4 | Except as otherwise provided for in Clause 3.2(a), all cheques shall be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a United States of America clearing bank and shall be made payable to the person whom, in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Clause 3, the envelope containing the same is addressed (save that in the case of joint holders, Bidco reserves the right to make the cheque payable to the holder whose name stands first in the register of members of the Company), and the encashment of any such cheque shall be a complete discharge of Bidco’s obligation under this Scheme of Arrangement to pay the monies represented thereby. |
3.5 | In respect of payments made through Cede, Bidco shall procure the despatch by the Paying Agent of the sum to Cede in accordance with Clause 3.2(b) within fourteen (14) days of the Effective Time. Such procurement of the Paying Agent shall be a complete discharge of Bidco’s obligation under this Scheme of Arrangement in respect of payments for Cede Shares made through Cede. |
3.6 | Any portion of the Company Payment Fund which has not been transferred to the Scheme Shareholder to which it is due within twelve months of the Effective Time shall be delivered to the Paying Agent promptly upon demand by Bidco to hold on behalf of such Scheme Shareholder and such Scheme Shareholder may claim the consideration due to them (net of any taxes or expenses) at any time during the period of twelve years following the Effective Time by written notice to Bidco in a form which Bidco determines evidences their entitlement to such funds. |
3.7 | The preceding clauses of this Clause 3 shall take effect subject to any prohibition or condition imposed by law. |
4. | SHARE CERTIFICATES AND REGISTER OF MEMBERS |
4.1 | With effect from the Effective Time, Scheme Shareholders shall in accordance with this Scheme of Arrangement cease to have any rights with respect to Scheme Shares, save for the right to receive the amount provided for in Clause 2, and each existing certificate representing a holding of Scheme Shares shall cease to be valid or have effect as a document of title to the Scheme Shares represented thereby and each holder of Scheme Shares shall be bound at the request of the Company to deliver up the share certificates to the Company or the Paying Agent, together with an executed letter of transmittal in a form provided by the Company or the Paying Agent, prior to receipt of the consideration payable to them for their Scheme Shares in accordance with Clause 2. |
4.2 | On or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time and subject to the completion of such transfers, forms, instruments or instructions of transfer as may be required in accordance with Clause 1 and the stamping for U.K. stamp duty purposes thereof (to the extent required), the Company shall make or procure to be made appropriate entries in the register of members of the Company to reflect the transfer of the Scheme Shares to Bidco or its nominee(s) and/or at Bidco’s discretion and direction, a DR Nominee (and/or such of its nominee(s) as agreed between Bidco and the Company). |
5. | WITHHOLDING |
5.1 | Notwithstanding any other provision of this Scheme of Arrangement, Bidco, the Company, the Paying Agent and each of their respective agents or nominees shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment made in accordance with Clause 3 such amounts, if any, of tax as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment or delivery under Applicable Law. |
5.2 | To the extent that amounts of tax are deducted and withheld in accordance with Clause 5.1, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be: |
(a) | remitted to the applicable taxing authority within the time limits imposed by Applicable Law; and |
(b) | shall be treated for all purposes of the Scheme of Arrangement as having been paid to the person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made. |
6. | MANDATES AND DIVIDENDS |
7. | EFFECTIVE TIME |
7.1 | This Scheme of Arrangement shall become effective upon a copy of the Court Order being delivered to the Registrar of Companies. |
7.2 | Unless this Scheme of Arrangement shall have become effective on or before the End Date, this Scheme of Arrangement shall never become effective. |
8. | MODIFICATION |
9. | GOVERNING LAW |