UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 10, 2014
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
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Delaware |
333-200063 |
47-1535633 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
265 Turner Drive
Durango, Colorado 81303
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (970) 259-0554
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[X] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On November 10, 2014, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“RMCF”), Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of RMCF (“Newco”), and RKB Merger Corp., a Colorado corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Newco (“MergerCo”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Reorganization Agreement”), that provides for the merger (the “Merger”) of RMCF with MergerCo, with RMCF surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newco, and the conversion of each share of common stock, par value $0.03 per share, of RMCF (“RMCF Common Stock”) (including the associated preferred stock purchase right) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, into one duly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share , of Newco (“Newco Common Stock”), including the associated preferred stock purchase right (collectively with the other transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, the “Reorganization”). In addition, each outstanding option to purchase or other right to acquire shares of RMCF Common Stock would automatically convert into an option to purchase or right to acquire, upon the same terms and conditions, an identical number of shares of Newco Common Stock.
Upon completion of the Reorganization, Newco, a Delaware corporation, would, in effect, replace RMCF, a Colorado corporation, as the publicly held corporation traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “RMCF”, and the holders of RMCF Common Stock would hold the same number of shares and same ownership percentage of Newco after the Reorganization as they held of RMCF immediately prior to the Reorganization.
The directors and executive officers of Newco immediately following the Reorganization would be the same individuals who were directors and executive officers, respectively, of RMCF immediately prior to the Reorganization.
The boards of directors of RMCF, Newco and MergerCo have unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Reorganization Agreement is subject to specified conditions, including approval by RMCF’s shareholders at RMCF’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), which is currently scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2015. If approved by RMCF’s shareholders at the Annual Meeting and the other conditions set forth in the Reorganization Agreement are satisfied, it is currently expected that the Reorganization would be completed on or about March 1, 2015.
The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated thereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the effective time of the merger by action of the board of directors of RMCF if it should determine that for any reason the completion of the transactions provided for therein would be inadvisable or not in the best interest of RMCF or its shareholders.
The Reorganization is intended to be tax-free for RMCF and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Upon completion of the Reorganization, Newco Common Stock would be deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) promulgated thereunder. For purposes of Rule 12g-3(a), Newco would be the successor issuer to RMCF.
The foregoing description of the Reorganization Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Reorganization Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
RMCF and Newco have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents in connection with the proposed Reorganization. RMCF SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THESE DOCUMENTS AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, WHEN FILED AND MAILED, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN AND WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION. Investors may obtain a free copy of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other filings containing information about RMCF, Newco and the proposed Reorganization, from the SEC at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other filings containing information about RMCF, Newco and the proposed Reorganization can be obtained without charge by directing a request to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., 265 Turner Drive, Durango, Colorado 81303, Attention: Tracy Wojcik (telephone 970-375-5678) or accessing them on RMCF’s corporate website at www.rmcf.com.
RMCF, its directors, executive officers, certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of RMCF in favor of the proposed Reorganization. In addition, RMCF has engaged Georgeson Inc. to aid in the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting, and Georgeson Inc. may solicit proxies by personal interview, mail, telephone, facsimile, email or otherwise. RMCF will pay Georgeson Inc. approximately $10,000 for its proxy solicitation services, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the process of soliciting proxies. Solicitations also may be made by mail, email, personal interview, telephone or other electronic transmission by directors, officers and other employees of RMCF without additional compensation.
Additional information regarding the interests of potential participants in the proxy solicitation is included in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and will be included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents that RMCF and Newco have filed and intend to file with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting.
On November 10, 2014, RMCF issued a press release relating to the Reorganization. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description |
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2.1 |
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 10, 2014, among Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and RKB Merger Corp. |
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99.1 |
Press Release, dated November 10, 2014. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. | |
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Date: November 10, 2014 |
By: |
/s/ Bryan J. Merryman |
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Bryan J. Merryman, Chief Operating Officer, |
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Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit No. | Description |
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2.1 |
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 10, 2014, among Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and RKB Merger Corp. |
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99.1 |
Press Release, dated November 10, 2014. |
Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”), dated as of November 10, 2014, is among Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Colorado corporation (the “Company”), Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“HoldingCo”), and RKB Merger Corp., a Colorado corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of HoldingCo (“MergerCo”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.03 par value per share (“Company Common Stock”), of which approximately 6,118,027 shares are issued and outstanding, approximately 318,453 shares are reserved for issuance under the Company’s Plans (as defined below) and upon exercise of outstanding Company Awards (as hereinafter defined), and no shares are held in treasury, and (ii) 250,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.10 par value per share (“Company Preferred Stock”), of which 50,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock have been authorized, and no shares of preferred stock are outstanding;
WHEREAS, before the closing date of the transaction contemplated herein, the authorized capital stock of HoldingCo will consist of (i) 46,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“HoldingCo Common Stock”), of which 100 shares are issued and outstanding and no shares are held in treasury, and (ii) 250,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (“HoldingCo Preferred Stock”), of which 50,000 of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock have been authorized, and no shares of preferred stock are outstanding;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, all of the issued and outstanding common stock of MergerCo (“MergerCo Common Stock”) is held by HoldingCo;
WHEREAS, HoldingCo and MergerCo were organized for the purpose of participating in the transactions herein contemplated;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of each of the Company, HoldingCo and MergerCo have unanimously determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of their respective security holders to reorganize to create a new holding company structure by merging the Company with MergerCo, with the Company being the surviving entity (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “Surviving Company”), and converting each outstanding share of Company Common Stock (and the associated preferred stock purchase right) into one share of HoldingCo Common Stock (including a HoldingCo Preferred Stock Purchase Right (as defined below)), all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has unanimously determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of its shareholders to reorganize the Company’s operations, such that the public company owned by its shareholders is incorporated in the State of Delaware and, accordingly, HoldingCo has been incorporated in the State of Delaware;
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of each of HoldingCo, the Company and MergerCo and the sole shareholder of MergerCo have adopted or approved this Agreement and the merger of the Company with MergerCo upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (the “Merger”);
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of each of the Company and MergerCo have declared advisable this Agreement and the Merger upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Boards of Directors of each of the Company and MergerCo have unanimously determined to recommend to their respective shareholders the approval of this Agreement and the Merger, subject to the terms and conditions hereof and in accordance with the provisions of the Colorado Business Corporation Act (the “CBCA”); and
WHEREAS, the parties intend, by executing this Agreement, to adopt a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and to cause the Merger to constitute an exchange of Company Common Stock for HoldingCo Common Stock governed by Section 351 of the Code, as well as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company, HoldingCo and MergerCo hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE MERGER
1.1 The Merger. In accordance with Section 7-111-101 of the CBCA, and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall, at the Effective Time (as defined below), be merged with MergerCo, the separate corporate existence of MergerCo shall cease and the Company shall continue as the Surviving Company. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in Sections 7-90-204 and 7-111-106(1) of the CBCA.
1.2 Effective Time. The Merger shall become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of the State of the State of Colorado or a later date specified therein (the “Effective Time”). It is currently anticipated by the parties that the Effective Time will be on or about March 1, 2015, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.3 Organizational Documents of the Surviving Company.
1.3.1 From and after the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall continue in full force and effect as the articles of incorporation of the Surviving Company until thereafter amended as provided therein or by applicable law.
1.3.2 From and after the Effective Time, the amended and restated bylaws of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall continue in full force and effect as the bylaws of the Surviving Company (the “Surviving Company Bylaws”) until thereafter amended as provided therein or by applicable law.
1.4 Directors. The directors of the MergerCo immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial directors of the Surviving Company and will hold office from the Effective Time until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in the Surviving Company Bylaws or as otherwise provided by law.
1.5 Officers. The officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial officers of the Surviving Company and will hold office from the Effective Time until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in the Surviving Company Bylaws or as otherwise provided by law.
1.6 Directors and Officers of HoldingCo. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company in its capacity as the sole stockholder of HoldingCo, agrees to take or cause to be taken all such actions as are necessary to cause those persons serving as (i) the directors of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time to be elected or appointed as the directors of HoldingCo and (ii) the executive officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time to be elected or appointed as the executive officers of HoldingCo, each such person to have the same office(s) with HoldingCo (and the same committee memberships in the case of directors) as he or she held with the Company, with the directors serving until the earlier of the next meeting of the HoldingCo stockholders at which an election of directors of such class is held and until their successors are elected or appointed (or their earlier death, disability or retirement).
1.7 Additional Actions. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the parties hereto shall take all such reasonable and lawful action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the Merger and to comply with the requirements of the CBCA. If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Company shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Company its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of either of MergerCo or the Company acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Company as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger or otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers of the Surviving Company shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of each of MergerCo and the Company, all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of each of MergerCo and the Company or otherwise, all such other actions and things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in the Surviving Company or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.
1.8 Conversion of Securities. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of HoldingCo, MergerCo, the Company or the holder of any of the following securities:
1.8.1 Each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than any shares held in treasury, which shall be automatically cancelled and retired without the payment of any consideration therefor) shall be converted into one duly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of HoldingCo Common Stock, and each such share of HoldingCo Common Stock shall, subject to the prior execution and delivery of a Rights Agreement between HoldingCo and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. by the parties thereto and the terms and conditions set forth therein, be accompanied by the right to purchase shares of HoldingCo’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the “HoldingCo Preferred Stock Purchase Rights”), which rights shall be substantially identical to the existing preferred stock purchase rights of the Company (the “Merger Consideration”).
1.8.2 The MergerCo common stock held by HoldingCo will automatically be converted into, and thereafter represent, 100% of the common stock of the Surviving Company.
1.8.3 Each share of HoldingCo Common Stock owned by the Company immediately prior to the Merger shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist.
1.8.4 From and after the Effective Time, holders of certificates formerly evidencing Company Common Stock shall cease to have any rights as shareholders of the Company, except as provided by law; provided, however, that such holders shall have the rights set forth in Section 1.9 herein.
1.8.5 In accordance with Section 7-113-102 of the CBCA, no appraisal rights shall be available to holders of Company Common Stock in connection with the Merger.
1.9 No Surrender of Certificates; Direct Registration of HoldingCo Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of Company Common Stock (other than any shares of Company Common Stock to be cancelled in accordance with Section 1.8) shall automatically represent the same number of shares of HoldingCo Common Stock without any further act or deed by the shareholders of the Company and record of such ownership shall be kept in uncertificated, book entry form by HoldingCo’s transfer agent. Until thereafter surrendered for transfer or exchange in the ordinary course, each outstanding certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, evidenced Company Common Stock shall, from and after the Effective Time, be deemed and treated for all corporate purposes to evidence the ownership of the same number of shares of HoldingCo Common Stock.
1.10 Stock Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and thereafter shall be no further registration of transfers of shares of Company Common Stock theretofore outstanding on the records of the Company. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of certificates representing shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Company Common Stock except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by law. On or after the Effective Time, any certificates presented to the exchange agent or HoldingCo for any reason shall solely represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration issuable in respect of the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented by such certificates without any interest thereon.
1.11 Plan of Reorganization. This Agreement is intended to constitute a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g). Each party hereto shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Merger to constitute, and will not knowingly take any actions or cause any actions to be taken which could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from constituting, an exchange of Company Common Stock for HoldingCo Common Stock governed by Section 351of the Code, as well as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
1.12 Successor Issuer. It is the intent of the parties hereto that HoldingCo be deemed a “successor issuer” of the Company in accordance with Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 414 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At or after the Effective Time, HoldingCo shall file (i) an appropriate report on Form 8-K describing the Merger and (ii) appropriate pre-effective and/or post-effective amendments, as applicable, to any Registration Statements of the Company on Form S-8.
ARTICLE 2
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER
2.1 Assumption of Company Awards. At the Effective Time, all unexercised and unexpired options to purchase Company Common Stock (“Company Options”), shares of restricted stock (“Company RSAs”) or restricted stock units (collectively with Company Options and Company RSAs, “Company Awards”) then outstanding under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated), the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan, or the other rights to acquire Company Common Stock under the Company’s 401(k) Plan (collectively, the “Company Plans”), whether or not then exercisable, will be assumed by HoldingCo. Each Company Award so assumed by HoldingCo under this Agreement will continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions as set forth in the applicable Company Plan and any agreements thereunder immediately prior to the Effective Time (including, without limitation, the vesting schedule (without acceleration thereof by virtue of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby) and per share exercise price), except that each Company Award will be exercisable (or will become exercisable in accordance with its terms) for, or shall be denominated with reference to, that number of shares of HoldingCo Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Company Common Stock that were subject to such Company Award immediately prior to the Effective Time. The conversion of any Company Options that are “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, into options to purchase HoldingCo Common Stock shall be made in a manner consistent with Section 424(a) of the Code so as not to constitute a “modification” of such Company Options within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code.
2.2 Assignment and Assumption of Agreements. Effective as of the Effective Time, the Company hereby assigns to HoldingCo, and HoldingCo hereby assumes and agrees to perform, all obligations of the Company pursuant to the Company Plans, each stock option agreement and restricted stock agreement entered into pursuant to the Company Plans, and each outstanding Company Award granted thereunder.
2.3 Reservation of Shares. On or prior to the Effective Time, HoldingCo will reserve sufficient shares of HoldingCo Common Stock to provide for the issuance of HoldingCo Common Stock upon exercise of the Company Awards outstanding under the Company Plans.
2.4 Registration Statement; Proxy/Prospectus.
2.4.1 As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, the Company shall prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a proxy statement in preliminary form relating to the Shareholders’ Meeting (as hereinafter defined) (together with any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, the “Proxy Statement”) and HoldingCo shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement” and the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement together with the Proxy Statement, the “Proxy/Prospectus”), in which the Proxy Statement shall be included, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) of the shares of HoldingCo Common Stock to be issued to the shareholders of the Company as the Merger Consideration. Each of HoldingCo and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective and the Proxy Statement to be cleared by the SEC as promptly as practicable, and, prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement, HoldingCo shall take all actions reasonably required under any applicable federal securities laws or state blue sky laws in connection with the issuance of shares of HoldingCo Common Stock pursuant to the Merger. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement shall have become effective and the Proxy Statement shall have been cleared by the SEC, the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed or otherwise make available in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Proxy/Prospectus to its shareholders; provided, however, that the parties shall consult and cooperate with each other in determining the appropriate time for mailing or otherwise making available to the Company’s shareholders the Proxy/Prospectus in light of the date set for the Shareholders’ Meeting.
2.5 Meeting of Company Shareholders; Board Recommendation.
2.5.1 Meeting of Company Shareholders. The Company shall take all action necessary in accordance with the CBCA and its articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws to call, hold and convene a meeting of its shareholders to consider the adoption of this Agreement (the “Shareholders’ Meeting”) to be held no less than 10 nor more than 60 days following the distribution of the definitive Proxy/Prospectus to its shareholders. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from its shareholders proxies in favor of the approval of this Agreement and the Merger. The Company may adjourn or postpone the Shareholders’ Meeting to the extent necessary to ensure that any necessary supplement or amendment to the Proxy/Prospectus is provided to its shareholders in advance of any vote on this Agreement and the Merger or, if as of the time for which the Shareholders’ Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Proxy/Prospectus) there are insufficient shares of Company Common Stock voting in favor of the approval of this Agreement and the Merger or represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such Shareholders’ Meeting.
2.6 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of the Company or an appropriate committee of non-employee directors thereof (as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) shall adopt a resolution consistent with the interpretive guidance of the SEC so that the receipt by any officer or director of the Company who is a covered person for purposes of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act of shares of HoldingCo Common Stock in exchange for shares of Company Common Stock or Company Options pursuant to this Agreement and the Merger is intended to be an exempt transaction pursuant to Section 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. Prior to the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of HoldingCo or an appropriate committee of non-employee directors (as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) shall adopt a resolution consistent with the interpretive guidance of the SEC so that the receipt by any officer or director of the Company or HoldingCo who is a covered person for purposes of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act of shares of HoldingCo Common Stock or options in exchange for shares of Company Common Stock or Company Options pursuant to this Agreement and the Merger is intended to be an exempt transaction for purposes of Section 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
ARTICLE 3
CONDITIONS OF MERGER
3.1 Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the parties to this Agreement to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to fulfillment by the parties hereto at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions:
3.1.1 The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of HoldingCo or the Company, threatened by the SEC and not concluded or withdrawn. No similar proceeding with respect to the Proxy Statement shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of HoldingCo or the Company, threatened by the SEC and not concluded or withdrawn.
3.1.2 This Agreement and the Merger shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the Company in accordance with the CBCA.
3.1.3 The HoldingCo Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger shall have been approved for listing by The NASDAQ Global Market (“NASDAQ”).
3.1.4 No order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, injunction, stay, decree, judgment or restraining order that is in effect shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or governmental or regulatory authority or instrumentality that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.1.5 The Boards of Directors of the Company and HoldingCo shall have received a legal opinion of Perkins Coie LLP in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to them to the effect that the Merger will constitute an exchange of Company Common Stock for HoldingCo Common Stock governed by Section 351 of the Code, as well as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code (it being understood that in rendering such opinion, Perkins Coie LLP may rely upon the tax representation letter in the form agreed to by the Company, HoldingCo and Perkins Coie LLP, which shall be executed and delivered by the Company and HoldingCo as a condition to rendering its opinion).
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
4.1 Listing of HoldingCo Common Stock. HoldingCo will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain, at or before the Effective Time, confirmation of listing on the NASDAQ of the HoldingCo Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger.
4.2 The Plans. The Company and HoldingCo will take or cause to be taken all actions necessary or desirable in order to implement the assumption by HoldingCo pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Company Plans, each stock option agreement or restricted stock agreement entered into pursuant thereto, and each Company Award granted thereunder, all to the extent deemed appropriate by the Company and HoldingCo and permitted under applicable law.
4.3 Insurance. HoldingCo shall procure insurance or cause the execution, amendment or endorsement of the insurance policies of the Company such that, upon consummation of the Merger, HoldingCo shall have insurance coverage that is substantially identical to the insurance coverage held by the Company immediately prior to the Merger.
ARTICLE 5
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
5.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by action of the Board of Directors of the Company if such Board of Directors should determine that for any reason the completion of the transactions provided for herein would be inadvisable or not in the best interest of the Company or its shareholders. In the event of such termination and abandonment, this Agreement shall become void and none of the Company, HoldingCo or MergerCo or their respective security holders, directors or officers shall have any liability with respect to such termination and abandonment.
5.2 Amendment. At any time prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement may, to the extent permitted by the CBCA, be supplemented, amended or modified by the mutual consent of the parties to this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
6.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced under the laws of the State of Colorado.
6.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.
6.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
6.4 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and in the event any provision hereof is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof.
6.5 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended by the parties hereto to expand the rights and remedies of any person or entity not party hereto against any party hereto as compared to the rights and remedies which such person or entity would have had against any party hereto had the parties hereto not consummated the transactions contemplated hereby.
6.6 Tax Matters. Each of the Company and HoldingCo will comply with the recordkeeping and information reporting requirements of the Code that are imposed as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby, and will provide information reporting statements to holders of Company Common Stock at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC., |
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By: |
/s/ Bryan J. Merryman |
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Name: Bryan J. Merryman |
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Title: Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer | ||
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC., |
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By: |
/s/ Bryan J. Merryman |
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Name: Bryan J. Merryman |
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| RKB MERGER CORP. | |||
| By: | /s/ Bryan J. Merryman | ||
| Name: Bryan J. Merryman | |||
| Title: Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |||
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Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger
Exhibit 99.1
For Immediate Release
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. ANNOUNCES ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS
MEETING AND PROPOSED HOLDING COMPANY REORGANIZATION
DURANGO, Colorado (November 10, 2014) – Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (Nasdaq Global Market: RMCF) (the “Company”) today announced that it will host its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. local time (MST). The meeting will be held at The Doubletree Hotel, which is located at 501 Camino Del Rio in Durango Colorado.
At the meeting, the Company’s shareholders will be asked, among other things, to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the reorganization (the “Reorganization”) of the company pursuant to which the present company will become a subsidiary of a newly formed Delaware corporation with the same name, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (the “Holding Company”). Pending approval of the Reorganization at the Annual Meeting and effectiveness of the Reorganization, the Company’s shareholders will become stockholders of the new Holding Company. Each share of the Company’s common stock outstanding at the time of the Reorganization would be converted automatically into one share of common stock in the Holding Company. The Reorganization is intended to be tax-free for the Company and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes..
Upon completion of the Reorganization, the Holding Company will replace the present company as the publicly held corporation. The Holding Company, through its subsidiaries, will continue to conduct all of the operations currently conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries, and the directors and executive officers of the Company prior to the Reorganization will be the same as the directors and executive officers of the Holding Company following the Reorganization.
“We expect the shares of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. common stock to continue to trade under the ticker symbol ‘RMCF’ on the NASDAQ Global Market,” commented Franklin Crail, Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. “Our Board of Directors and management team believe that implementing the holding company structure will provide the Company with strategic, operational and financing flexibility, and incorporating the new Holding Company in Delaware should allow the Company to take advantage of the flexibility, predictability and responsiveness that Delaware corporate law provides.”
“We believe the proposed change in structure more accurately reflects the scope of our current operations and our future direction,” added Bryan Merryman, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “We are no longer solely in the business of franchising and operating retail chocolate stores and manufacturing premium chocolates and other confections. In recent years, we have become a company that extends beyond the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory concept and brand. In particular, our acquisition of a majority interest in U-Swirl, Inc. (OTCQB: SWRL) in January 2013, along with subsequent acquisitions by U-Swirl, has positioned our Company as majority owner of the fourth largest franchisor of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés in the world. We expect the holding company structure to enable us to leverage our infrastructure, while allowing each brand to focus intently on delivering a great experience to its customers.”
If approved at the Annual Meeting, the Company expects that the Reorganization will become effective on or about March 1, 2015. At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s shareholders will also be asked to elect six directors and ratify the Company’s auditors.
About Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., headquartered in Durango, Colorado, is an international franchisor of gourmet chocolate, confection and self-serve frozen yogurt stores and a manufacturer of an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. As of November 10, 2014 the Company, its U-Swirl, Inc. subsidiary and franchisees operated 639 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and self-serve frozen yogurt stores in 42 states, Canada, Japan, South Korea, The United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The Company’s common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “RMCF.” The common stock of U-Swirl, Inc. trades on the OTCQB market under the symbol “SWRL.”
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause cash flows to decrease or actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, seasonality, consumer interest in the Company’s products, general economic conditions, consumer and retail trends, costs and availability of raw materials, competition, the success of the Company’s co-branding agreement with Cold Stone Creamery Brands, the success of international expansion efforts, including but not limited to new store openings, the success of U-Swirl, Inc. and other risks. Readers are referred to the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The information contained in this press release is a statement of the Company’s present intentions, beliefs or expectations and is based upon, among other things, the existing business environment, industry conditions, market conditions and prices, the economy in general and the Company’s assumptions. The Company may change its intentions, beliefs or expectations at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in its assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this press release should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company or persons acting on its behalf may issue.
Additional Information
The Company and the Holding Company have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents in connection with the proposed Delaware holding company reorganization. THE COMPANY’S SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THESE DOCUMENTS AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT / PROSPECTUS, WHEN FILED AND MAILED, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN AND WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED DELAWARE HOLDING COMPANY REORGANIZATION. Investors may obtain a free copy of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other filings containing information about the Company, the Holding Company and the proposed Reorganization from the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and other filings containing information about the Company, the Holding Company and the proposed reorganization can be obtained without charge by directing a request to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., 265 Turner Drive, Durango, Colorado 81303, Attention: Tracy Wojcik (telephone 970-375-5678) or accessing them on the Company’s corporate website at www.rmcf.com.
The Company, its directors, executive officers, certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Company in favor of the proposed holding company reorganization. Additional information regarding the interests of potential participants in the proxy solicitation is included in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and will be included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents that the Company and the Holding Company have filed and intend to file with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company.
This press release is being made pursuant to and in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offer of the securities will be made solely by means of a prospectus included in the registration statement and any prospectus supplement that may be issued in connection with such offering.
For Further Information, Contact Bryan J. Merryman COO/CFO (970) 375-5678