As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2010
Registration No.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
VeriFone Systems, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 3578 | 04-3692546 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600
San Jose, California 95110
(408) 232-7800
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Albert Y. Liu
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
VeriFone Systems, Inc.
2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600
San Jose, California 95110
(408) 232-7800
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Scott D. Miller Sarah P. Payne Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 1870 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, California 94303 (650) 461-5600 |
Steven D. Pidgeon Richard S. Millard 2525 East Camelback Rd. Suite 1000 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 (480) 606-5100 |
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as possible after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. ¨
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨ | |||||
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) ¨
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) ¨
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount to be Registered(1) |
Proposed Maximum Offering Per Share |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2) |
Amount of Registration Fee(2) | ||||
Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
16,593,522 shares | Not applicable | $662,745,268.68 | $47,253.74 | ||||
(1) | This Registration Statement relates to the maximum number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (VeriFone Common Stock), of VeriFone Systems, Inc. (VeriFone) issuable to holders of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (Hypercom Common Stock), of Hypercom Corporation (Hypercom) in the proposed merger of Honey Acquisition Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone, with and into Hypercom. The amount of VeriFone Common Stock to be registered has been determined by multiplying the maximum number of shares of Hypercom Common Stock that may be outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the transaction by 0.23 (the number of shares of VeriFone Common Stock to be issued for each outstanding share of Hypercom Common Stock). |
(2) | Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and computed pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(f) based on (i) $39.94, the average of the high and low per share prices of VeriFone Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 20, 2010 and (ii) the maximum number of shares of VeriFone Common Stock to be received by holders of Hypercom Common Stock. |
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. VeriFone may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. DATED DECEMBER 21, 2010
MERGER PROPOSEDYOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Dear Stockholders:
We are writing to you today about the proposed merger of Hypercom Corporation (which we refer to as Hypercom) with a subsidiary of VeriFone Systems, Inc. (which we refer to as VeriFone).
If the merger is completed, Hypercom stockholders will receive 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock they own.
VeriFone common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol PAY. Based on the closing price of VeriFone common stock on , 2010 of $ , the record date for holders of Hypercom common stock to vote at the special meeting, the value of the per share consideration to be received by Hypercom stockholders would be $ per share of Hypercom common stock. The implied value of the merger consideration will fluctuate as the market price of the VeriFone common stock fluctuates.
Hypercom is holding a special meeting of stockholders (which we refer to as the special meeting) in order to obtain the approval necessary to complete the merger as more fully described in this proxy statement/prospectus. The merger cannot be completed unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger. At the special meeting, Hypercom stockholders will be asked to vote on the merger described in the attached proxy statement/prospectus. Under Delaware law, holders of Hypercom common stock are not entitled to statutory dissenters rights.
Only holders of record of Hypercom common stock at the close of business on , 2010 are entitled to attend and vote at the special meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Hypercom board of directors has (1) reviewed and considered the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, (2) unanimously determined that the merger is fair to, and in the best interests of, Hypercom and its stockholders, considering the fairness opinion of UBS Securities LLC and such other factors as the board of directors has deemed appropriate and (3) unanimously approved the merger agreement, the merger and all of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Hypercom board of directors unanimously recommends that Hypercom stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
The merger will not be completed unless the stockholders of Hypercom approve the proposal related to the merger. Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, please vote all proxy cards that you receive as soon as possible to ensure that your shares are represented at the special meeting.
The attached proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about VeriFone, Hypercom, the merger agreement and the merger. We encourage you to read the entire proxy statement/prospectus carefully, including the Risk Factors section beginning on page 26.
Yours sincerely, |
/s/ Norman Stout |
Norman Stout Chairman of the Board |
Hypercom Corporation |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This proxy statement/prospectus is dated , 2010, and is first being mailed to Hypercom stockholders on or about , 2010.
Sources of Additional Information
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about VeriFone and Hypercom from documents that are not included in or delivered with this proxy statement/prospectus. Documents relating to VeriFone incorporated by reference are available from VeriFone without charge, excluding all exhibits unless VeriFone has specifically incorporated by reference an exhibit in this proxy statement/prospectus. Documents relating to Hypercom incorporated by reference are available from Hypercom without charge, excluding all exhibits unless Hypercom has specifically incorporated by reference an exhibit in this proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone or e-mail from the applicable company at the following addresses and telephone numbers:
VeriFone Systems, Inc. Attention: Investor Relations 2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600 San Jose, California 95110 ir@verifone.com (408) 232-7979 |
Hypercom Corporation Attention: Investor Relations 8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300 Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260 stsujita@hypercom.com (480) 642-5000 |
If you would like to request documents from VeriFone or Hypercom, please do so by , in order to ensure that you receive them before the special meeting.
If you have any questions about the special meeting, the merger or this proxy statement/prospectus or need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, please send your request in writing or by telephone to Innisfree M&A Incorporated, Hypercoms information agent and proxy solicitor, at the following address and telephone numbers:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(888) 750-5834 (toll-free)
Banks & Brokers Call Collect:
(212) 750-5833
For a more detailed description of the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and how you may obtain it, see Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This document, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by VeriFone (File No. ), constitutes a prospectus of VeriFone under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act, with respect to the VeriFone common stock to be issued to Hypercom stockholders as required by the merger agreement. This document also constitutes a proxy statement of Hypercom under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act. It also constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the special meeting of Hypercom stockholders, at which Hypercoms stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
VeriFone has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relating to VeriFone and Hypercom has supplied all such information relating to Hypercom. VeriFone and Hypercom have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this proxy statement/prospectus.
HYPERCOM CORPORATION
8888 EAST RAINTREE DRIVE, SUITE 300
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, 85260
(480) 642-5000
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON , 2011
To all Hypercom stockholders:
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of stockholders of Hypercom Corporation, a Delaware corporation, will be held at the principal executive offices of Hypercom located at 8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 on , , 2011 at 9:00 a.m. Arizona time for the following purposes:
1. | To approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 17, 2010, by and among Hypercom, VeriFone Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Honey Acquisition Co., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone, and approve the merger contemplated by the merger agreement; |
2. | To approve the adjournment of the special meeting of stockholders of Hypercom, if necessary, for any purpose, including to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger at the time of the special meeting of stockholders of Hypercom; and |
3. | To conduct any other business that properly comes before the special meeting of stockholders of Hypercom or any adjournment or postponement of such special meeting. |
Only stockholders of record on the close of business on , 2010, the record date, are entitled to vote at the special meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the meeting. You are cordially invited to the meeting.
The presence of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders.
By order of the Board of Directors of |
Hypercom Corporation |
/s/ Norman Stout |
Norman Stout |
Chairman of the Board |
Scottsdale, Arizona
, 2010
REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF HYPERCOM COMMON STOCK YOU OWN OR WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AND VOTED. THE MERGER CANNOT BE COMPLETED UNLESS THERE IS A QUORUM PRESENT OR REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF HYPERCOM COMMON STOCK ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVE THE MERGER. THEREFORE, WE URGE YOU TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED PRE-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. RETURNING THE PROXY CARD DOES NOT DEPRIVE YOU OF YOUR RIGHT TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR HYPERCOM SHARE CERTIFICATES WITH YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY.
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Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data |
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Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Hypercom Concerning the Merger |
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Method of Voting; Record Date; Stock Entitled to Vote; Quorum |
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Share Ownership of Hypercom Directors and Executive Officers |
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Hypercoms Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Hypercom Board of Directors |
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Hypercom Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Hypercom Warrants |
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VeriFones and Honey Acquisition Co.s Representations and Warranties |
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Hypercoms Conduct of Business Before Completion of the Merger |
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Effect on Hypercom Stock Options and Hypercom Restricted Stock Awards |
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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information |
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Comparison of Rights of VeriFone Stockholders and Hypercom Stockholders |
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Annexes |
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B-1 | ||||
C-1 |
ii
Questions and Answers about the Merger
The following are some of the questions that you, as a stockholder of Hypercom, may have, and answers to those questions. These questions and answers, as well as the following summary, are not meant to be a substitute for the information contained in the remainder of this proxy statement/prospectus, and this information is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed descriptions and explanations contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. We urge you to read this proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety prior to making any decision.
Q: | Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus? |
A: | VeriFone and Hypercom have entered into a merger agreement. Upon completion of the merger, Hypercom will become a wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone. In order to complete the merger, Hypercom stockholders must approve the proposal relating to the merger at the special meeting. The Hypercom proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger must be approved by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. |
We have included in this proxy statement/prospectus important information about the merger, the merger agreement and the special meeting of Hypercom stockholders. You should read this information carefully and in its entirety. We have also attached a copy of the merger agreement as Annex A. The enclosed voting materials allow you to vote your shares without attending the applicable special meeting. Your vote is very important and we encourage you to vote your proxy as soon as possible.
Q: | What do I need to do now? |
A: | Read and consider the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus carefully, and then please vote your shares as soon as possible by returning your proxy so that your shares may be represented at the special meeting. Your proxy card or voting instruction card must be received, or you must vote using the telephone or Internet if available, no later than , Eastern time, on , 2011 in order for your shares to be voted at the special meeting, unless you attend and vote at the special meeting. |
Q: | What will Hypercom stockholders receive in the merger? |
A: | If the merger is completed, Hypercom stockholders will receive 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock they own. |
The exchange ratio will not change even if the market prices of Hypercom common stock or VeriFone common stock fluctuate. Therefore, the market value of the VeriFone common stock that Hypercom stockholders will receive if the merger is completed will fluctuate up or down with fluctuations in the market price of VeriFone common stock.
Q: | What is the aggregate consideration to be paid by VeriFone for all of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock? |
A: | Based on the number of shares of Hypercom common stock outstanding as of the record date, VeriFone will issue in the aggregate an estimated shares of VeriFone common stock. Assuming the exercise of all Hypercom options and warrants outstanding as of the record date, VeriFone would issue an additional shares of VeriFone common stock in the merger. |
Q: | When do you expect the merger to be completed? |
A: | We are working towards completing the merger as quickly as reasonably possible. Several conditions must be satisfied or waived before the merger is completed. We hope to complete the merger promptly after obtaining certain regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to the merger. We currently expect the merger to close in the second half of 2011. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled The Merger AgreementConditions to Completion of the Merger for a summary description of these conditions. |
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Q: | What happens if the merger is not completed? |
A: | If the merger agreement is not adopted by Hypercom stockholders or if the merger is not completed for any other reason, you will not receive any payment for your shares of Hypercom common stock in connection with the merger. Instead, Hypercom will remain an independent public company and Hypercom common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE. If the merger agreement is terminated under specified circumstances, Hypercom may be required to pay VeriFone a termination fee of $12.2 million, or VeriFone may be required to pay Hypercom a termination fee of $28.4 million or $30.4 million, as described under The Merger AgreementTermination Fee Payable by Hypercom and Termination Fee Payable by VeriFone. |
Q: | Are Hypercom stockholders entitled to dissenters or appraisal rights? |
A: | No. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, holders of Hypercom common stock are not entitled to statutory dissenters or appraisal rights in connection with the merger. |
Q: | Will Hypercom stockholders be able to trade any VeriFone common stock that they receive in the merger? |
A: | Yes. The VeriFone common stock that Hypercom stockholders will receive will be freely tradable, unless held by an affiliate of VeriFone. VeriFones common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PAY. |
Q: | What will happen to unexercised Hypercom stock options, restricted stock and Hypercom warrants? |
A: | Under the terms of the merger agreement, prior to the closing of the merger, Hypercom will take actions to fully vest all Hypercom stock options and restricted stock awards that were outstanding as of November 17, 2010. In addition, certain senior officers are entitled to vesting of any equity awards held upon termination of employment without cause or resignation for good cause occurring prior to the merger or within 12 months thereafter. See Interests of Certain Persons in the MergerChange of Control Plan. Following the merger, each outstanding stock option under Hypercoms stock option plans will be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger and (ii) 0.23, subject to certain adjustments that may be required to comply with U.S. tax law. The exercise price of each option will equal the exercise price prior to the merger, divided by 0.23. Each option will otherwise continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions as applicable under Hypercoms stock option plan. Holders of restricted stock will receive the same merger consideration as other holders of Hypercom common stock: 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock, with any unvested stock issued after November 17, 2010 and not subject to acceleration by the terms of the applicable award or under the Hypercom Change of Control Plan continuing to be subject to vesting restrictions. |
At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding warrant to purchase shares of Hypercom common stock will be converted into a warrant to acquire a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such warrant multiplied by 0.23. The exercise price of each warrant will equal the exercise price prior to the merger, divided by 0.23. Following the effective time of the merger, each Hypercom warrant will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such warrant immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.
Q: | Are there any risks related to the proposed transaction or any risks related to owning VeriFone common stock? |
A: | Yes. You should carefully review the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 26. |
Q: | Will the rights of Hypercom stockholders change as a result of the merger? |
A: | Yes. When the merger is complete, Hypercom stockholders will become VeriFone stockholders and their rights as stockholders will be governed by VeriFones certificate of incorporation and bylaws. There are numerous differences between the rights and responsibilities of a stockholder of Hypercom and the rights and responsibilities of a stockholder of VeriFone. Please see Comparison of Rights of VeriFone Stockholders and Hypercom Stockholders beginning on page 110 for a discussion of the different rights associated with VeriFone common stock. |
2
Questions and Answers about the Special Meeting
Q: | When and where will the special meeting be held? |
A: | The special meeting is scheduled to be held at 8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, at 9:00 a.m., Arizona time, on , , 2011. |
Q: | Who is entitled to vote at the special meeting? |
A: | Hypercom has fixed , 2010 as the record date for the special meeting. If you are a Hypercom stockholder at the close of business on the record date, you are entitled to vote on matters that come before the special meeting. However, a Hypercom stockholder may only vote his or her shares if he or she is present in person or is represented by proxy at the special meeting. |
Q: | What are the recommendations of the Hypercom board of directors? |
A: | The Hypercom board of directors has approved the merger agreement, the merger and the related transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and determined that these transactions are fair to and in the best interests of its stockholders. |
The Hypercom board of directors recommends that Hypercom stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and FOR the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, for any purpose, including to solicit additional proxies in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger. See The MergerHypercoms Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Hypercom Board of Directors on page 70.
Q: | How can I vote? |
A: | If you are entitled to vote at the special meeting, you can vote in person at the special meeting, or you can vote by proxy before the special meeting. Even if you plan to attend the special meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares by proxy as soon as possible. After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, please submit your proxy in accordance with the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card. For detailed information, please see Information about the Special MeetingHow to Vote beginning on page 55. |
The vote required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger at the special meeting is a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote.
Q: | What happens if a Hypercom stockholder does not indicate how to vote on the proxy card? |
A: | If Hypercom stockholders do not include instructions on how to vote their properly signed and dated proxy card, their shares will be voted FOR the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger. They would also be voted FOR the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, for any purpose, including to solicit additional proxies in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and in the discretion of the proxy holders, on any other business that may properly come before the special meeting. |
Q: | What happens if I do not vote? |
A: | Approval of the proposal to be presented at the special meeting requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. Stockholders who represent a majority of the shares of Hypercom entitled to vote must be present in person or represented by proxy in order to constitute a quorum to conduct business at a meeting of stockholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes count as present for establishing a quorum. |
3
If a quorum is present at the special meeting, your failure to return your proxy card or vote in person at the meeting or your abstention from voting will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger.
Q: | If my shares are held in street name by my broker, will my broker vote my shares for me? |
A: | If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial holder of the shares held for you in what is known as street name. If this is the case, this proxy statement/prospectus has been forwarded to you by your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, or their agent. As the beneficial holder, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee as to how to vote your shares. If you do not provide your broker, bank or other nominee with instructions on how to vote your street name shares, your broker, bank or other nominee will not be permitted to vote them on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger. You should therefore be sure to provide your broker, bank or other nominee with instructions on how to vote your shares. |
Q: | Have any Hypercom equityholders agreed to vote for the merger agreement and the merger? |
A: | In connection with the merger, VeriFone entered into a support agreement with FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P., pursuant to which FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. agreed to vote any shares of Hypercom common stock held by them in favor of the merger. As of December 17, 2010, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC holds a warrant to purchase 10,544,000 shares of Hypercom common stock but based on information received from Francisco Partners II, L.P. neither Francisco Partners II, L.P. nor FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC holds any shares of Hypercom common stock. Accordingly, assuming FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC does not exercise its warrant prior to the record date and neither Francisco Partners II, L.P. nor FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC acquires any shares of Hypercom common stock, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. will not be entitled to vote at the special meeting. The support agreement is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus. |
Q: | Can I change my vote after I have signed and returned my proxy card or voting instruction card? |
A: | Yes. You can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting. You can do this in one of three ways: |
| you can send a written notice stating that you would like to revoke your proxy, provided that the notice is received at least 24 hours prior to the time set for the special meeting or is presented at the special meeting to the chairman of the meeting; |
| you can complete and submit a new proxy card dated later than the first proxy card, provided that the new proxy card is received at least 24 hours prior to the time set for the special meeting or is presented at the special meeting to the chairman of the meeting; or |
| you can attend the special meeting, and file a written or make an oral notice of revocation of your proxy with the chairman of the meeting and then vote in person. |
Your attendance alone will not revoke your proxy. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow your brokers directions to change those instructions.
Q: | If a stockholder purchased Hypercom common stock after the record date, may the stockholder vote these shares at the special meeting? |
A: | A stockholder is not entitled to vote shares of Hypercom common stock purchased after the record date. |
Q: | Should Hypercom stockholders send in their Hypercom share certificates now? |
A: | No, please do not send Hypercom share certificates together with the proxy card. |
4
Q: | What should Hypercom stockholders do if they have questions? |
A: | If Hypercom stockholders have any questions about the special meeting, the merger or this proxy statement/prospectus, or if they need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, they should contact Hypercoms information and proxy solicitation agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated at: |
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(888) 750-5834 (toll-free)
Banks & Brokers Call Collect:
(212) 750-5833
In addition, if Hypercom stockholders have any questions about the merger or if they need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus, they may contact:
Hypercom Corporation
8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300
Attention: Investor Relations
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260
stsujita@hypercom.com
Telephone: (480) 642-5000
If their broker holds their shares, they may also call their broker for additional information.
VeriFone will also provide you with copies of the information relating to VeriFone, without charge, upon written or oral request to:
VeriFone Systems, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600
San Jose, California 95110
ir@verifone.com
(408) 232-7979
5
This summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the merger fully, you should read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus and the documents we refer to. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117. The merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. We encourage you to read it, as it is the most important legal document that governs the merger. We have included page references in parentheses to direct you to a more complete description contained elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus of the topics presented in this summary. In this proxy statement/prospectus, unless stated to the contrary or the context requires otherwise, the terms we, our, ours, and us refer to VeriFone and Hypercom.
The Companies
(Page 58)
VeriFone Systems, Inc.
2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600
San Jose, California 95110
(408) 232-7800
VeriFone Systems, Inc. is a global leader in secure electronic payment solutions. VeriFone provides expertise, solutions, and services that add value to the point of sale with merchant-operated, consumer-facing, and self-service payment systems for the financial, retail, hospitality, petroleum, transportation, government, and healthcare vertical markets. Since 1981, VeriFone has designed and marketed system solutions that facilitate the long-term shift toward electronic payment transactions and away from cash and checks. VeriFones net revenues were $1,001.5 million in the year ended October 31, 2010.
Hypercom Corporation
8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
(480) 642-5000
Hypercom Corporation is one of the largest global providers of complete electronic payment and transaction solutions and value-added services at the point of transaction. Hypercoms customers include domestic and international financial institutions, electronic payment processors, transaction network operators, retailers, system integrators, independent sales organizations and distributors. Hypercom also sells its products to companies in the hospitality, transportation, healthcare, prepaid card and restaurant industries. Hypercom products enable its customers to accept a wide range of payments and other transactions, including credit cards, signature and PIN (Personal Identification Number) based debit cards, contactless identification and near field communications, stored-value cards, and electronic benefits transfer. Hypercom delivers convenience and value to businesses that depend on reliable, secure, high-speed and high-volume electronic transactions.
Honey Acquisition Co.
2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600
San Jose, California 95110
(408) 232-7800
Honey Acquisition Co. is a newly-formed, wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone. VeriFone formed this subsidiary as a Delaware corporation solely to effect the merger, and this subsidiary has not conducted and will not conduct any business during any period of its existence.
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Special Meeting
(Page 54)
The special meeting will be held on , , 2011, at 8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, commencing at 9:00 a.m., Arizona time.
Stockholders Entitled to Vote at the Special Meeting; Required Vote
(Pages 54 and 55)
The close of business on , 2010 has been set as the record date for the special meeting. Only Hypercom stockholders on the record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting. Each share of Hypercom common stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon at the special meeting.
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting is required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
The Merger
(Page 59)
In the merger, Honey Acquisition Co. will be merged with and into Hypercom. Hypercom will be the surviving corporation and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone.
Consideration
(Page 59)
If the merger agreement is adopted and the merger is completed, each holder of shares of common stock of Hypercom will receive for each such share 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock.
Fractional Shares
(Page 59)
Hypercom stockholders will not receive fractional shares of VeriFone common stock. Instead, they will receive the cash value, without interest, of any fractional share of VeriFone common stock that they might otherwise have been entitled to receive.
Treatment of Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Warrants
(Page 90)
Under the terms of the merger agreement, prior to the closing of the merger, Hypercom will take actions to fully vest all Hypercom stock options and restricted stock awards that were outstanding as of November 17, 2010. In addition, certain senior officers are entitled to vesting of any equity awards held upon termination of employment without cause or resignation for good cause occurring prior to the merger or within 12 months thereafter. See Interests of Certain Persons in the MergerChange of Control Plan. Following the merger, each outstanding stock option under Hypercoms stock option plans will be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger and (ii) 0.23, subject to certain adjustments that may be required to comply with U.S. tax law. The exercise price of each option will equal the exercise price prior to the merger, divided by 0.23. Holders of restricted stock will receive the same merger consideration as other holders of Hypercom common stock: 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock, with any unvested stock issued after November 17, 2010 and not subject to acceleration by the terms of the applicable award or under the Hypercom Change of Control Plan continuing to be subject to vesting restrictions.
At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding warrant to purchase shares of Hypercom common stock will be converted into a warrant to acquire a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the
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product of (i) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such warrant and (ii) 0.23. The exercise price of each warrant will equal the exercise price prior to the merger, divided by 0.23.
The Merger Agreement
(Page 83)
The merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. You should read the merger agreement in its entirety. It is the most important legal document governing the merger.
Hypercoms Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Hypercom Board of Directors
(Page 70)
After careful consideration, the Hypercom board of directors approved the merger agreement. The Hypercom board of directors recommends that Hypercom stockholders vote FOR the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the approval of the merger.
In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and to recommend that Hypercom stockholders vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger, the Hypercom board of directors consulted with Hypercoms management and Hypercoms financial and legal advisors and considered a number of strategic, financial and other considerations referred to under The MergerHypercoms Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Hypercom Board of Directors beginning on page 70.
Opinion of Hypercoms Financial Advisor
(Page 72)
UBS Securities LLC delivered its opinion to the Hypercom board of directors that, as of November 16, 2010 and based upon and subject to various assumptions made, matters considered and limitations described in its opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Hypercoms common stock (other than FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and its affiliates). UBS Securities LLC provided its opinion for the benefit of Hypercoms board of directors in connection with, and for the purpose of, its evaluation of the exchange ratio from a financial point of view and did not address any other aspect of the merger. The UBS Securities LLC opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of Hypercom common stock should vote or act with respect to the merger. FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC maintains two designees on the board of directors of Hypercom.
The full text of the written opinion of UBS Securities LLC, dated November 16, 2010, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by UBS Securities LLC, is attached as Annex C and is incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. UBS Securities LLC is entitled to receive a transaction fee from Hypercom payable upon completion of the merger. We encourage you to read the opinion of UBS Securities LLC in its entirety.
Interests of Certain Persons/Share Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers of Hypercom
(Page 80)
When considering the recommendation by Hypercoms board of directors to vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger, you should be aware that some officers of Hypercom have interests in the merger that may be different from your interests. No executive officers of Hypercom have executed employment terms sheets or letters with VeriFone.
As of December 17, 2010, the directors and executive officers of Hypercom and their affiliates, as a group, held approximately 1.47% of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock, including restricted stock and
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excluding stock options. The vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting is required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
Ownership of VeriFone Following the Merger
Hypercom stockholders collectively will receive an estimated 12,878,363 shares of VeriFone common stock in the merger based on the number of shares of Hypercom common stock outstanding, excluding shares issuable upon exercise of options and warrants outstanding, on December 17, 2010.
Based on the number of shares of VeriFone and Hypercom common stock, including restricted stock, outstanding as of December 17, 2010 existing Hypercom stockholders will own 12.8% of the shares of VeriFone common stock outstanding immediately after the merger.
Stock Exchange Listings
(Page 79)
If the merger is completed, Hypercom stockholders will be able to trade the shares of VeriFone common stock they receive in the merger on the New York Stock Exchange.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
(Page 91)
Mutual Conditions. The obligations of VeriFone and Hypercom to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective time of the merger, of each of the following conditions, among others:
| the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders; |
| unless VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed after consultation with their respective outside counsel that no filing under the HSR Act is required, the waiting period applicable to the completion of the merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, or HSR Act, having expired or been terminated, and all governmental consents and any other notification, waiting period, or approval requirements under the comparable antitrust or competition laws of other applicable foreign jurisdictions in which either party has operations or from which either party derives revenues (which in either case are not de minimis) and which are legally required to be made or obtained at or prior to the effective time of the merger having been made or obtained without the imposition of any term, condition or consequence, subject to certain exceptions; |
| if one or more asset purchase agreements have been entered into for asset dispositions in connection with regulatory matters, then (i) all of the conditions to the closing under such asset purchase agreements having been satisfied or waived, and (ii) Hypercom and the applicable transferee having effectuated the applicable disposition; |
| the approval for listing on the NYSE of the VeriFone common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger; |
| the absence of any statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction or other order that restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits completion of the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; |
| the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part; |
| receipt by each of Hypercom and VeriFone of written opinions from their respective counsel to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code; |
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| the accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by the other party, subject to certain materiality thresholds; |
| performance in all material respects by the other party of the obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to the completion of the merger; and |
| the absence of a material adverse effect (as defined in the merger agreement) with respect to the other party. |
Additional VeriFone Conditions. VeriFones obligation to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by VeriFone at or prior to the effective time of the merger of the following condition, among others:
| no court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction having instituted any suit, action or proceeding seeking to (i) prohibit, limit, restrain or impair VeriFones ability to own or operate or to retain or change all or a material portion of the assets, licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interest of Hypercom or of VeriFone, other than with respect to the disposition of businesses or assets that, in the aggregate, would not exceed the threshold of $124 million of aggregate gross revenues during the 2009 fiscal year as set forth in the merger agreement, or (ii) prohibit or limit VeriFones ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to Hypercom. |
Regulatory Approvals and Reasonable Best Efforts
(Page 94)
VeriFone and Hypercom cannot complete the merger unless they receive certain regulatory approvals. Under the merger agreement and subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, VeriFone and Hypercom have each agreed to cooperate with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under the merger agreement and applicable laws to complete the merger.
VeriFone has agreed that reasonable best efforts includes a requirement by VeriFone to agree to sell or otherwise dispose of, and to sell or otherwise dispose of, businesses or assets that, subject to certain exceptions, in the aggregate, produced aggregate gross revenues in an amount not in excess of $124 million for VeriFone or Hypercom during the 2009 fiscal year, if such action should be reasonably necessary for certain closing conditions in the merger agreement to be met.
Termination
(Page 96)
VeriFone and Hypercom can agree to terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders. In addition, either VeriFone or Hypercom can terminate the merger agreement, if any of the following occurs:
| the merger is not completed by August 31, 2011 (subject to extension to November 30, 2011 by written notice of VeriFone if, as of that date, all conditions to the merger agreement have been satisfied or waived, other than certain conditions relating to regulatory consents or the absence of certain litigation proceedings); |
| Hypercoms stockholders do not approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote upon the merger agreement and merger was taken; or |
| any order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting completion of the merger becomes final and non-appealable. |
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In addition, Hypercom may terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercom stockholders, if
| at any time prior to the time of the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercom stockholders, (i) Hypercoms board of directors authorizes Hypercom, subject to complying with the terms of the merger agreement, to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal not obtained in violation of the merger agreement, and (ii) Hypercom prior to such termination pays to VeriFone the $12.2 million termination fee; or |
| there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by VeriFone in the merger agreement, or any such representation and warranty has become untrue after the date of the merger agreement, in each case such that certain conditions to Hypercoms obligation to complete the merger agreement would not be satisfied and such breach or failure to be true is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof is given by Hypercom to VeriFone. |
In addition, VeriFone may terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, if:
| Hypercoms board of directors has withheld, withdrawn or modified its recommendation to Hypercoms stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement or has, following a public announcement of opposition to the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement made by a person holding more than five percent of the Hypercom common stock, failed to reconfirm its recommendation to Hypercoms stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement within the period of time beginning upon Hypercoms receipt of a written request by VeriFone to do so and ending on the date that is ten business days after Hypercoms receipt of such request (unless VeriFone has already made two such requests and Hypercom has complied with such requests); |
| either (i) Hypercom has failed to convene and hold the meeting of stockholders prior to the later of the date that is 45 days after the date as of which the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, staff has confirmed that it has no additional comments on the proxy statement (subject to adjournment from time to time) or (ii) the minimum number of shares of Hypercom common stock necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business has been represented in person or by proxy at the Hypercom stockholders meeting and Hypercom has failed to take a vote of stockholders on the merger and the merger agreement at such meeting; |
| a tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock has been publicly disclosed (other than by VeriFone) and Hypercoms board of directors recommends that Hypercoms stockholders tender their shares in such tender or exchange offer or, within ten business days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, Hypercoms board of directors fails to recommend that Hypercoms stockholders not tender any shares into such tender or exchange offer; |
| Hypercoms board of directors has recommended to Hypercoms stockholders any alternative acquisition proposal; |
| Hypercom has entered into an acquisition agreement with respect to an alternative acquisition proposal; or |
| there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Hypercom in the merger agreement, or any representations and warranties become untrue after the date of the merger agreement, in each case such that certain conditions to closing of VeriFone would not be satisfied and such breach or condition is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof is given by VeriFone to Hypercom. |
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Termination Fee
(Page 97)
Hypercom Termination Fee. Hypercom has agreed to pay to VeriFone a termination fee equal to $12.2 million if (i) prior to the Hypercom stockholder vote, the Hypercom board of directors approves a superior proposal and authorizes Hypercom to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement or (ii) VeriFone terminates the merger agreement after:
| Hypercoms board of directors has withdrawn, adversely modified or failed to appropriately reconfirm its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement as described above; |
| Hypercom has failed to convene and hold the Hypercom stockholders meeting prior to the later of the date that is 45 days after the date as of which the SEC has confirmed that it has no additional comments on the proxy statement; |
| Hypercom has failed to take a vote of Hypercom stockholders on the merger agreement at a stockholders meeting where a quorum for the transaction of business was present; |
| Hypercoms board of directors has recommended that stockholders tender their shares into a tender or exchange offer of another person or failed to recommend that Hypercom stockholders not tender any shares into such a tender or exchange offer; |
| Hypercoms board of directors has recommended to its stockholders any alternative acquisition proposal; or |
| Hypercom has entered into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal. |
In addition, if there has been a bona fide acquisition proposal publicly disclosed, announced, commenced, submitted or made by a third-party, and the merger agreement is then terminated by either VeriFone or Hypercom under the provision allowing for termination following August 31, 2011 or November 30, 2011, as applicable, if the transaction has not yet been consummated, or under the provision allowing for termination if Hypercoms stockholders fail to approve the merger agreement in a stockholder meeting at which a vote upon the merger agreement was taken, and within 12 months of such termination, Hypercom enters into a definitive agreement with respect to any other acquisition proposal that is ultimately consummated, then Hypercom must pay VeriFone the $12.2 million termination fee.
VeriFone Termination Fee. So long as Hypercom has not breached in any material respect its covenants under the merger agreement (to the extent such covenants relate to antitrust or competition law matters), if the merger agreement is terminated:
| based on the entry of any order relating to antitrust or competition law, or |
| based on the failure to consummate the merger by the termination date, and at the time of such termination all the conditions to the closing (other than the conditions relating to regulatory consents, the absence of any order restraining completion of the merger in connection with antitrust or competition law or certain related litigation proceedings, the accuracy of VeriFones representations and warranties, and VeriFones performance of its obligations under the merger agreement) have been satisfied or waived, |
then VeriFone must pay to Hypercom a fee equal to $28.4 million. However, if VeriFone elects to extend the termination date and such termination occurs after August 31, 2011, then VeriFone must pay to Hypercom a termination fee equal to $30.4 million. This termination fee will not be payable by VeriFone if (1) VeriFone has waived in writing any condition related to antitrust or competition matters and is prepared to consummate the merger notwithstanding the failure of such condition, and (2) the completion of the merger notwithstanding the failure of such condition would not reasonably be expected to subject any officer or director of Hypercom to personal liability.
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Additional Covenants
(Page 94)
VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed that through the earlier of the effective time of the merger (if the closing occurs) and the six-month period following termination of the merger agreement (if the closing does not occur), neither will solicit for hire certain specified officers or key employees of the other party, or, except where this restriction is prohibited by law, hire any such employee. However, nothing in the merger agreement prohibits solicitation and hiring by means of a general advertisement not directed at any particular individual or the employees of the other party generally, or responding to and hiring an employee of the other party who initiates contact with the applicable party provided that such contact is not solicited by the applicable party.
In addition, VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed that they will not seek to effect, announce or communicate, any potential reduction or elimination of the other partys products or services or change in the pricing thereof.
In the case of the first breach, if any, of either of the two covenants described above, the breaching party will have three days in which to cure the breach. If the initial breach is not cured within this three-day period, or if there is any subsequent breach, the breaching party must pay the other party, within three business days of notice of the breach, $1 million. However, these amounts must only be paid in the event of a breach caused by or at the instructions of or with the consent of or prior knowledge of (if the senior officer does not use reasonable efforts to prevent such breach and does not direct or re-direct) the applicable person to refrain from such activity after obtaining such knowledge) one or more senior officers of the breaching party.
In addition, VeriFone has agreed with Hypercom that following the closing of the merger, it would fulfill any Hypercom customer agreements or purchase orders entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with Hypercoms current business practices, unless the customer agrees otherwise, as well as provide certain hardware and software support for specified periods as described under The Merger AgreementAdditional Covenants.
Litigation Related to the Merger
(Page 79)
In connection with the announced merger, several purported class action lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Delaware state courts alleging variously, among other things, that the board of directors of Hypercom breached its fiduciary duties in not securing a higher price in the merger and that VeriFone, Hypercom, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. aided and abetted that alleged breach. The actions seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages.
No Dissenters or Appraisal Rights
(Page 79)
Under Delaware law, no dissenters or appraisal rights are available to Hypercom stockholders.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
(Page 76)
The merger is intended to constitute a reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes. If so treated, the exchange of your shares of Hypercom common stock for shares of VeriFone common stock generally will not cause you to recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, you will recognize income or gain with respect to cash received in lieu of any fractional shares of VeriFone common stock. It is a
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condition to the merger that VeriFone and Hypercom receive legal opinions as to the United States federal income tax treatment of the merger with respect to our companies and our stockholders. These opinions will not bind the Internal Revenue Service, which could take a different view.
The consequences of the merger to any particular stockholder will depend on that stockholders particular facts and circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your own tax advisor to determine your own tax consequences from the merger. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled The MergerMaterial U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences for a summary discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders.
You should consult your tax advisor about the particular tax consequences of the merger to you.
Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
(Pages 26 and 53)
Both companies have made forward-looking statements in this proxy statement/prospectus and have made forward-looking statements in the documents that are incorporated by reference. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of VeriFone, Hypercom or the combined company. When words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans and similar expressions are used, we are making forward-looking statements.
If you are a Hypercom stockholder, you should note that an investment in VeriFone common stock involves risks and uncertainties. You should consider these risk factors in evaluating how to vote your shares of Hypercom common stock at the special meeting.
Comparison of Rights of Hypercom Stockholders and VeriFone Stockholders
(Page 110)
Hypercoms charter and bylaws and Delaware corporate law govern the rights of Hypercom stockholders. VeriFones charter and bylaws and Delaware corporate law will govern your rights as a stockholder of VeriFone following the merger. Your rights under VeriFones charter and bylaws will differ in some respects from your rights under Hypercoms charter and bylaws.
Support Agreement
(Page 82)
In connection with the merger, VeriFone entered into a support agreement with FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P., pursuant to which FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. agreed to vote any shares of Hypercom common stock held by them in favor of the merger. As of December 17, 2010, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC holds a warrant to purchase 10,544,000 shares of Hypercom common stock but based on information received from Francisco Partners II, L.P. neither Francisco Partners II, L.P. nor FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC holds any shares of Hypercom common stock. Accordingly, assuming FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC does not exercise its warrant prior to the record date and neither Francisco Partners II, L.P. nor FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC acquires any shares of Hypercom common stock, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. will not be entitled to vote at the special meeting. The support agreement is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus.
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Summary of VeriFone Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial information of VeriFone is provided to aid your analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. When you read this summary historical financial data, it is important that you also read VeriFones historical consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as well as the sections entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in VeriFones annual and quarterly reports incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
The consolidated statements of operations data set forth below for the years ended October 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of October 31, 2010 and 2009 are derived from VeriFones audited consolidated financial statements that are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of October 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are derived from VeriFones audited consolidated financial statements not incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007(2)(3) | 2008(2)(4) | 2009(2)(5) | 2010(6)(7) | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 581,070 | $ | 902,892 | $ | 921,931 | $ | 844,714 | $ | 1,001,537 | ||||||||||
Cost of net revenues |
319,525 | 603,660 | 628,900 | 562,585 | 631,225 | |||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
261,545 | 299,232 | 293,031 | 282,129 | 370,312 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
47,353 | 65,430 | 75,622 | 65,148 | 74,227 | |||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
58,607 | 96,295 | 91,457 | 73,544 | 94,666 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
42,573 | 80,704 | 126,625 | 76,468 | 84,371 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets |
| | 289,119 | 175,512 | | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of purchased intangible assets |
4,703 | 21,571 | 26,033 | 20,423 | 14,624 | |||||||||||||||
In-process research and development |
| 6,752 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
153,236 | 270,752 | 608,856 | 411,095 | 267,888 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
108,309 | 28,480 | (315,825 | ) | (128,966 | ) | 102,424 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(13,617 | ) | (41,310 | ) | (42,209 | ) | (26,476 | ) | (28,344 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest income |
3,372 | 6,702 | 5,981 | 1,517 | 1,278 | |||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
(6,394 | ) | (7,882 | ) | (13,181 | ) | 5,716 | 2,887 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
91,670 | (14,010 | ) | (365,234 | ) | (148,209 | ) | 78,245 | ||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
32,159 | 22,915 | 45,838 | 9,246 | (20,582 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 59,511 | $ | (36,925 | ) | $ | (411,072 | ) | $ | (157,455 | ) | $ | 98,827 | |||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.90 | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | (4.88 | ) | $ | (1.86 | ) | $ | 1.16 | |||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.86 | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | (4.88 | ) | $ | (1.86 | ) | $ | 1.13 | |||||||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
66,217 | 82,194 | 84,220 | 84,473 | 85,203 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted |
68,894 | 82,194 | 84,220 | 84,473 | 87,785 | |||||||||||||||
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As of October 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007(1)(2)(3) | 2008(2)(4) | 2009(2)(5) | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 86,564 | $ | 215,001 | $ | 157,160 | $ | 324,996 | $ | 445,137 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
452,945 | 1,517,207 | 1,077,641 | 917,290 | 1,075,326 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt and capital leases, including current portion |
192,889 | 477,772 | 487,200 | 468,864 | 473,511 |
(1) | In November 2006, VeriFone increased its outstanding balance on its Term B Loan to $500.0 million. In June 2007, VeriFone sold $316.2 million of 1.375% Senior Convertible Notes due 2012. As a result of the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 470-20 (formerly APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)), which VeriFone adopted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, VeriFone allocated $236.0 million to the liability component and $80.2 million to the equity component as of the date of issuance. VeriFone repaid $263.8 million of VeriFones outstanding Term B Loan with the proceeds from the sale of the 1.375% Senior Convertible Notes. |
(2) | Amounts for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been adjusted from the historical consolidated financial data incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus to reflect the retroactive application of ASC 470-20. |
(3) | VeriFone acquired Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd. on November 1, 2006 and its results of operations are included from the date of acquisition. VeriFone also recognized an in-process research and development expense of $6.8 million in connection with VeriFones Lipman acquisition. |
(4) | VeriFones fiscal year 2008 results of operations include $41.8 million of general and administrative costs related to the restatement of interim financial information for the first three quarters of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 which VeriFone completed during fiscal year 2008. VeriFone recorded a $262.5 million impairment of VeriFones goodwill in VeriFones Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) reporting unit and a $26.6 million impairment of developed and core technology intangible assets due to lower revenue expectations in light of current operating performance and future operating expectations. VeriFone also recognized a $62.3 million income tax expense for recording a full valuation allowance against all beginning of the year balances for U.S. deferred tax assets. |
(5) | VeriFone recorded $175.5 million of goodwill impairment charges in fiscal year 2009 after VeriFone concluded that the carrying amount of the North America and Asia reporting units exceeded their implied fair values. VeriFone repurchased and extinguished $33.5 million par value of VeriFones outstanding 1.375% Convertible Notes for $19.8 million, excluding accrued interest paid. As a result, VeriFone realized a $13.1 million gain on these transactions, net of a $0.6 million write-off of related deferred debt issuance costs. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 470-20, VeriFone recorded a revised gain of approximately $7.5 million. VeriFone reduced VeriFones accrual for Brazilian customs penalties by $14.9 million (28.2 million Brazilian reais) as a result of the dismissal of one of the assessments. Of this amount, $9.8 million was reversed against general and administrative expenses and $5.1 million was reversed against interest expense. This reduction was partially offset by the accrual for legal fees related to a contingency legal representation agreement entered into between one of VeriFones Brazilian subsidiaries (prior to VeriFones acquisition of that subsidiary from Lipman) and Brazilian counsel pursuant to which VeriFones Brazilian subsidiary had agreed to pay to Brazilian counsel legal fees in the amount of $2.8 million (5.0 million Brazilian reais) for achieving the successful dismissal of the assessment. These legal fees are included in general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. |
(6) | VeriFone reduced its accrual related to claims against its Brazilian subsidiary (which was acquired as part of the Lipman acquisition in 2006) by $7.7 million (13.1 million Brazilian reais) as a result of a filed settlement of disputed payables and expiration of the statute of limitation on certain tax contingencies. Of this amount, $6.6 million was reversed against other income (expense), net, and $1.1 million (which consisted of accrued interest related to the claims) was reversed against interest expense. |
(7) | The income tax benefit for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 includes a tax benefit of $54.0 million attributable to a worthless stock deduction. VeriFone determined that one of its U.K. subsidiaries was insolvent on a fair market value basis and that it became worthless during the year resulting in a worthless stock deduction of $154.0 million for tax purposes. |
16
Summary of Hypercom Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial information of Hypercom is provided to aid your analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. When you read this summary historical financial data, it is important that you also read Hypercoms historical consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as well as the sections entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Hypercoms annual and quarterly reports incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
The table below presents summary selected historical consolidated financial data of Hypercom. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2010 and the selected consolidated statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 have been derived from unaudited financial statements incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which Hypercom considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for these periods. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2010.
The consolidated statements of operations data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are derived from Hypercoms audited consolidated financial statements that are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are derived from Hypercoms audited consolidated financial statements not incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Years Ended December 31, | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2005(1)(2) | 2006(3)(4) | 2007(5) | 2008(6) | 2009(7) | 2009(7) | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenue |
$ | 245,223 | $ | 248,565 | $ | 289,527 | $ | 434,242 | $ | 406,903 | $ | 289,530 | $ | 327,778 | ||||||||||||||
Costs of revenue |
172,091 | 159,540 | 214,848 | 310,433 | 278,469 | 197,857 | 220,801 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
73,132 | 89,025 | 74,679 | 123,809 | 128,434 | 91,673 | 106,977 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
27,555 | 27,706 | 28,753 | 45,901 | 44,486 | 32,139 | 33,902 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
72,649 | 60,105 | 59,964 | 81,144 | 74,681 | 54,820 | 57,068 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of purchased intangible assets |
| | 502 | 5,678 | 6,147 | 4,509 | 4,092 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill |
| | | 67,798 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
In-process research and development |
| 1,000 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of real property |
| (2,953 | ) | (3,796 | ) | | | | (1,515 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
100,204 | 85,858 | 85,423 | 200,521 | 125,314 | 91,468 | 93,547 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(27,072 | ) | 3,167 | (10,744 | ) | (76,712 | ) | 3,120 | 205 | 13,430 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest income |
2,679 | 4,758 | 3,954 | 1,466 | 296 | 190 | 287 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(787 | ) | (1,072 | ) | (122 | ) | (6,822 | ) | (10,990 | ) | (7,619 | ) | (8,962 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency income (loss) |
(1,297 | ) | (699 | ) | (1,685 | ) | (1,821 | ) | 411 | (198 | ) | (704 | ) |
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Years Ended December 31, | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2005(1)(2) | 2006(3)(4) | 2007(5) | 2008(6) | 2009(7) | 2009(7) | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
(240 | ) | (71 | ) | (25 | ) | 191 | 390 | 356 | 78 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations |
(26,717 | ) | 6,083 | (8,622 | ) | (83,698 | ) | (6,773 | ) | (7,066 | ) | 4,129 | ||||||||||||||||
Benefit (provision) for income taxes |
(3,526 | ) | (1,346 | ) | (478 | ) | (1,211 | ) | 829 | (24 | ) | (462 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before discontinued operations |
(30,243 | ) | 4,737 | (9,100 | ) | (84,909 | ) | (5,944 | ) | (7,090 | ) | 3,667 | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
(3,123 | ) | 2,233 | 1,623 | (494 | ) | (924 | ) | (402 | ) | (73 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (33,366 | ) | $ | 6,970 | $ | (7,477 | ) | $ | (85,403 | ) | $ | (6,868 | ) | $ | (7,492 | ) | $ | 3,594 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | (0.64 | ) | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (1.60 | ) | $ | (0.13 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | 0.07 | |||||||||
Diluted |
$ | (0.64 | ) | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (1.60 | ) | $ | (0.13 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | 0.07 | |||||||||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
52,395 | 53,248 | 52,927 | 53,321 | 53,526 | 53,498 | 53,845 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
52,395 | 53,966 | 52,927 | 53,321 | 53,526 | 53,498 | 54,919 | |||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, | As of September 30, 2010 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 35,940 | $ | 34,190 | $ | 76,925 | $ | 35,582 | $ | 55,041 | $ | 38,521 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
238,914 | 236,716 | 250,244 | 306,300 | 306,888 | 309,019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Short and long-term debt, net of discount |
8,377 | | | 48,769 | 56,076 | 61,691 |
(1) | In the fourth quarter of 2005, Hypercom sold its U.K. lease portfolio (the U.K. Lease Business) as this leasing business did not align with its core business. As of December 31, 2005, the U.K. Lease Business operating results have been classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations for all periods presented. Hypercom recognized a $6.6 million loss on the write-down of the U.K. Lease Business to its estimated fair value based on purchase offers received from potential buyers. |
(2) | In 2005, Hypercom performed a comprehensive review of its financial performance; market strategy; products; product development and life cycle management; and employee, customer and vendor relationships. The objective of the business review was to create a plan to improve profitability and customer relations, transition more rapidly to 32-bit technology products, rationalize operations and reorganize Hypercoms corporate structure. As a result of this business review, Hypercom recorded charges of $16.3 million to costs of revenue and $2.7 million to operating expenses during 2005. |
(3) | In December 2006, Hypercom acquired TPI Software, LLC and incurred a $1.0 million charge for the acquired in-process research and development. |
(4) | In September 2006, Hypercom completed the sale of its real property in Hong Kong for $5.2 million. Hypercom recorded a gain of approximately $3.0 million on the sale in the third quarter of 2006. |
(5) | In June 2007, Hypercom completed the sale of its former headquarters facilities, located in Phoenix, Arizona, for a sale price of $16.3 million. Hypercom recorded a gain of $3.8 million on the sale in the second quarter of 2007. During the second quarter of 2007, Hypercom initiated a reconfiguration of its |
18
global sales and marketing organizations and incurred charges of $2.9 million during the year. During the second quarter of 2007, Hypercom increased inventory reserves by $6.1 million primarily related to non-PCI (payment card industry) compliant products and components. |
(6) | Hypercom acquired Thales e-Transactions on April, 1, 2008 and its results of operations are included from the date of acquisition. Hypercom determined that certain of the assets acquired in the Thales e-Transactions transaction were impaired and in December 2008 Hypercom recognized asset impairment charges totaling $67.8 million for 2008, primarily related to the write-off of goodwill and intangible assets. |
(7) | For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009, Hypercom recorded a net loss of $7.5 million ($0.14) per share and a net loss $6.9 million ($0.13) per share, respectively. The net loss was principally due to its results during the first quarter in which Hypercom reported a net loss of $9.9 million. The first quarter was negatively impacted by the global economic downturn and the corresponding decrease in available credit to both businesses and consumers. |
19
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data
The following selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is based on the historical financial statements of VeriFone and Hypercom after giving effect to the proposed merger between VeriFone and Hypercom and the assumptions and adjustments described in the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, including general assumptions as to the scope of Hypercom businesses that may be included in asset dispositions to address potential competitive concerns as described in further detail in the footnotes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.
VeriFones fiscal year ends on October 31 while Hypercoms fiscal year ends on December 31. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet data as of October 31, 2010 is based on the historical balance sheet of VeriFone as of October 31, 2010 and of Hypercom as of September 30, 2010 and has been prepared to reflect the merger as if it had occurred on October 31, 2010. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations data for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 combines the results of operations of VeriFone for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 and of Hypercom for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010, as though the merger had occurred on November 1, 2009, the first day of VeriFones 2010 fiscal year.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that, at closing, (i) each outstanding share of Hypercom common stock will be converted into 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock, (ii) each restricted stock award (RSA) share will be vested and converted into 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock, (iii) each outstanding Hypercom warrant will be converted into a warrant to acquire a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such warrant and (y) the exchange ratio of 0.23, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to the exercise price per share of Hypercom common stock for such warrant immediately prior to the effective time of the merger divided by 0.23, and (iv) each Hypercom stock option will be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger and (ii) 0.23, at an exercise price equal to the exercise price for such option prior to the merger divided by 0.23.
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The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data is based on estimates and assumptions that are preliminary, presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the combined financial position or the results of operations would actually have been if the merger had occurred on those dates. Since VeriFone and Hypercom were not under common control or management for any period presented, the selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data may not be comparable to, or indicative of, future performance. See Risk Factors and Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.
Year Ended October 31, 2010 | ||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | ||||
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Data: |
||||
Net revenues |
$ | 1,385,172 | ||
Cost of net revenues |
902,023 | |||
Gross profit |
483,149 | |||
Total operating expenses |
394,134 | |||
Operating income |
89,015 | |||
Interest expense, net |
(27,197 | ) | ||
Other income, net |
2,904 | |||
Income before income taxes and discontinued operations |
64,722 | |||
Benefit from income taxes |
23,583 | |||
Net income from continuing operations |
$ | 88,305 | ||
Net income from continuing operations per common share: |
||||
Basic |
$ | 0.90 | ||
Diluted |
$ | 0.88 |
As of October 31, 2010 |
||||
(in thousands) | ||||
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet Data: |
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 413,142 | ||
Total assets |
1,769,156 | |||
Long-term debt and capital leases, including current portion |
473,511 | |||
Total stockholders equity |
678,586 |
21
Comparative Historical and Pro Forma Per Share Data
The following tables set forth certain historical per share data of VeriFone and Hypercom and combined per share data on an unaudited pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger using the acquisition method of accounting assuming that all Hypercom stockholders will receive the consideration of 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of common stock of Hypercom outstanding. The following data should be read in conjunction with the separate historical consolidated financial statements of VeriFone and the historical consolidated financial statements of Hypercom incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited pro forma combined per share data do not necessarily indicate the operating results that would have been achieved had the merger been completed as of the beginning of the earliest period presented and should not be taken as representative of future operations. Since becoming a public company, neither VeriFone nor Hypercom has declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock.
VeriFone |
Hypercom |
|||||||||
Net income from continuing operations per share (basic): |
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share (basic): |
|||||||||
Year ended October 31, 2010 |
$ | 1.16 | Year ended December 31, 2009 |
$ | (0.11 | ) | ||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2010 |
$ |
0.07 |
| |||||||
Net income from continuing operations per share (diluted): |
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share (diluted): |
|||||||||
Year ended October 31, 2010 |
$ | 1.13 | Year ended December 31, 2009 |
$ | (0.11 | ) | ||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2010 |
$ | 0.07 | ||||||||
Book value per share(1): |
Book value per share(1): |
|||||||||
October 31, 2010 |
$ | 2.37 | December 31, 2009 |
$ | 1.66 | |||||
September 30, 2010 |
$ | 1.64 |
VeriFone Pro Forma Combined Data(2) |
Hypercom Equivalent Pro Forma Combined Data(3) |
|||||||
Net income from continuing operations per share (basic): |
||||||||
Year ended October 31, 2010 |
$ | 0.90 | $ | 0.21 | ||||
Net income from continuing operations per share (diluted): |
||||||||
Year ended October 31, 2010 |
$ | 0.88 | $ | 0.20 | ||||
Book value per share: |
||||||||
October 31, 2010 |
$ | 6.82 | $ | 1.57 |
(1) | Historical book value per share is computed by dividing stockholders equity by the number of shares of VeriFone common stock or Hypercom common stock outstanding at the end of each period. |
(2) | Because of the different fiscal period ends, financial information for VeriFone as of or for the year ended October 31, 2010 has been combined with financial information relating to Hypercom as of or for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010. Pro forma book value per share is computed by dividing pro forma stockholders equity by the pro forma number of shares of VeriFone common stock outstanding at the end of each period. |
(3) | The Hypercom equivalent pro forma combined per share amounts are calculated by multiplying VeriFone pro forma per share amounts by the exchange ratio in the merger agreement of 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock. |
22
Comparative Per Share Market Price Data
Hypercom common stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HYC since November 14, 1997, the date of its initial public offering. VeriFone common stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PAY since April 29, 2005, the date of its initial public offering.
The following tables show, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share, adjusted for stock splits and the like, of Hypercom common stock and VeriFone common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
VeriFones fiscal year ends on October 31 and Hypercoms fiscal year ends on December 31.
VeriFone Common Stock | ||||||||
New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Fiscal Quarters |
High | Low | ||||||
2009: |
||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 12.23 | $ | 2.31 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 8.36 | $ | 3.65 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 9.28 | $ | 5.92 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 16.15 | $ | 8.75 | ||||
2010: |
||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 19.42 | $ | 12.70 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 23.75 | $ | 16.63 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 22.92 | $ | 15.62 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 34.06 | $ | 20.97 | ||||
2011: |
||||||||
First Quarter (through December 20, 2010) |
$ | 41.47 | $ | 31.39 | ||||
Hypercom Common Stock | ||||||||
New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Fiscal Quarters |
High | Low | ||||||
2009: |
||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 1.77 | $ | 0.81 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 1.75 | $ | 0.94 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 3.40 | $ | 1.32 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 3.53 | $ | 2.77 | ||||
2010: |
||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 4.07 | $ | 3.12 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 5.19 | $ | 3.75 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 6.51 | $ | 3.05 | ||||
Fourth Quarter (through December 20, 2010) |
$ | 9.00 | $ | 5.84 |
The following table shows the closing sale prices per share of VeriFone common stock and Hypercom common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on:
| September 30, 2010, the trading day of the New York Stock Exchange next preceding the announcement of VeriFones proposal to Hypercoms board of directors to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Hypercom Corporation; |
| November 16, 2010, the trading day of the New York Stock Exchange next preceding public announcement that VeriFone and Hypercom had entered into the merger agreement; and |
23
| , 2010, the last full trading day for which closing prices were available prior to printing this proxy statement/prospectus. |
VeriFone | Hypercom | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock New York Stock Exchange |
Common Stock New York Stock Exchange |
|||||||||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2010 |
$ | 31.39 | $ | 28.50 | $ | 6.51 | $ | 6.11 | ||||||||
November 16, 2010 |
32.53 | 31.39 | 6.32 | 6.08 | ||||||||||||
, 2010 |
The above table only shows historical comparisons. These comparisons may not provide meaningful information in determining whether to approve the merger agreement and the merger. VeriFone and Hypercom urge you to obtain current market quotations for VeriFone common stock and Hypercom common stock and to review carefully the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus in considering whether to approve the merger agreement and the merger. You should also review carefully the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.
As of December 17, 2010, there were approximately 111 holders of record of Hypercom common stock.
24
Since becoming a public company, VeriFone has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. Since becoming a public company, Hypercom has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. VeriFone and Hypercom currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the growth and development of their businesses and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future although their boards of directors may do so subject to applicable legal requirements and contractual restrictions, if any.
25
By voting in favor of the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger, Hypercom stockholders will be choosing to invest in VeriFone common stock. An investment in VeriFone common stock involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding whether to vote in favor of the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger. This summary of risks is not exhaustive. New risks may emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all risk factors, nor can Hypercom or VeriFone assess the impact of all factors on the merger and the combined company following the merger or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. For further discussion of risk factors relating to the business of VeriFone and Hypercom, please see the Risk Factors in VeriFones and Hypercoms current filings with the SEC. See Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 117.
Because the exchange ratio is fixed and the market price of VeriFone common stock may fluctuate, you cannot be sure of the value of the merger consideration you will receive.
Upon completion of the merger, each share of common stock of Hypercom will be exchanged for 0.23 of a share of VeriFone common stock. The merger consideration will not change even if the market price of either or both the Hypercom common stock and VeriFone common stock fluctuates. Neither Hypercom nor VeriFone may withdraw from the merger, and Hypercom may not resolicit the vote of its stockholders, solely because of changes in the market price of Hypercom shares of common stock or VeriFone common stock or because of changes in the operating and financial performance of either company that do not amount to a material adverse effect, as defined in the merger agreement. The specific dollar value of VeriFone common stock you will receive upon completion of the merger will depend on the market value of VeriFone common stock at the time of completion of the merger, which may be different from the closing price of VeriFone common stock on the last full trading day preceding public announcement of the merger agreement, the last full trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or the date of the special meeting. The merger is not expected to be completed immediately following the special meeting, and will not be completed until certain regulatory approvals have been obtained and other conditions have been satisfied or waived. You should obtain current market quotations for shares of VeriFone common stock and for shares of Hypercom common stock. VeriFone cannot assure you that the value of the VeriFone common stock that you will receive in the merger will not decline prior to or after the merger.
VeriFones stock price has been volatile in the past. VeriFone expects that the price of its common stock may continue to fluctuate substantially in the future and you could lose the value of your investment in VeriFone common stock.
VeriFones stock price has fluctuated substantially since its initial public offering in 2005 including due to the announcement of its restatement in December 2007 and during the recent turmoil in the worldwide financial markets. The market price of VeriFone common stock may fluctuate significantly and you could lose the value of your investment in VeriFone common stock. In addition to fluctuations related to VeriFone-specific factors, broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the market price of VeriFone common stock, regardless of VeriFones actual operating performance. Factors that could cause fluctuations in VeriFones stock price may include, among other things:
| actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results; |
| changes in financial estimates by VeriFone or by any securities analysts who might cover its stock, or VeriFones failure to meet the estimates made by securities analysts; |
26
| uncertainty about current global economic conditions; |
| changes in the market valuations of other companies operating in VeriFones industry; |
| announcements by VeriFone or its competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures; |
| additions or departures of key personnel; |
| sales or purchases of VeriFone common stock, including sales or purchases of its common stock by its directors and officers or by its principal stockholders; and |
| any issuance of VeriFone common stock in connection with any conversion of its 1.375% Senior Convertible Notes due 2012. |
Additionally, other future sales of substantial amounts of VeriFone common stock in the public market, or the availability of such shares for sale, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, could adversely affect the market price of VeriFone common stock. The stock market in general, and the market prices of stocks of other technology companies in particular, experience price volatility, which may adversely affect the market price of VeriFones common stock for reasons unrelated to VeriFones business or operating results.
The merger agreement restricts Hypercoms ability to pursue alternatives to the merger.
The merger agreement contains no shop provisions that, subject to limited exceptions, restrict Hypercoms ability to initiate, solicit, knowingly facilitate, encourage or commit to competing third-party proposals to acquire all or a significant part of Hypercom. Further, there are only limited exceptions to Hypercoms agreement that the Hypercom board of directors will not withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify in a manner adverse to VeriFone its recommendation of the merger agreement, and VeriFone generally has a right to match any competing acquisition proposals that may be made. Although the Hypercom board of directors is permitted to take actions in response to a superior proposal if it determines that doing so is necessary to comply with its fiduciary duties, doing so in specified situations could entitle VeriFone to terminate the merger agreement and to be paid a termination fee of $12.2 million. Also, if the merger agreement is terminated because the merger is not consummated by August 31, 2011 (or if extended by VeriFone, November 30, 2011) or is not approved at the special meeting and prior to such termination there was publicly announced an acquisition proposal and Hypercom enters into a definitive agreement with respect to any acquisition proposal within 12 months following the termination, then Hypercom would be required to pay VeriFone a termination fee of $12.2 million.
These provisions could discourage a potential competing acquiror that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of Hypercom from considering or proposing that acquisition, even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share cash or market value than that proposed to be paid in the merger, or might result in a potential competing acquiror proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire Hypercom than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of the added expense of the termination fee that may become payable to Hypercom in certain circumstances.
Regulatory agencies must approve the merger and could impose conditions on, delay or refuse to approve the merger.
VeriFone and Hypercom are subject to the securities and antitrust laws of the United States and the antitrust laws of any other jurisdiction in which the merger is subject to review. VeriFone and Hypercom may be unable to obtain in the anticipated timeframe, or at all, the regulatory approvals required to complete the merger. Governmental entities with which filings are made may seek regulatory concessions, including compliance with material restrictions or conditions, including the divestiture of portions of VeriFones or Hypercoms business, as conditions for granting approval of the merger. These actions may have a material adverse effect on VeriFone or
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Hypercom or a material adverse effect on the combined business. Under the merger agreement, VeriFone and Hypercom have both agreed to use reasonable best efforts to complete the merger, including to gain clearance from antitrust and competition authorities and to obtain other required regulatory approvals. Under the merger agreement, VeriFones reasonable best efforts includes a requirement by VeriFone to dispose of businesses or assets that produced up to $124 million in revenues for VeriFone, Hypercom and their respective subsidiaries during the 2009 fiscal year if such disposition is reasonably necessary to gain clearance from antitrust and competition authorities. VeriFone and Hypercom anticipate that Hypercoms U.S. business will be divested in connection with the merger. These actions or any other actions that may be required to obtain regulatory approval for the transaction may have a material adverse effect on VeriFone or Hypercom or a material adverse effect on the combined businesses.
Any delay in completing the merger may reduce or eliminate the benefits expected.
In addition to the required regulatory approvals, the merger is subject to a number of other conditions beyond either companys control that may prevent, delay or otherwise materially adversely affect its completion. Neither VeriFone nor Hypercom can predict whether and when these other conditions will be satisfied. Further, the requirements for obtaining the required clearances and approvals could delay the completion of the merger for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring. Any delay in completing the merger could cause the combined company not to realize some or all of the synergies that are expected to be achieved if the merger is successfully completed within its expected timeframe.
Although VeriFone and Hypercom expect that the merger will result in benefits to the combined company, those benefits may not occur because of integration and other challenges.
VeriFone and Hypercom have operated and, until the merger is completed, will continue to operate, independently. Achieving the expected benefits of the merger will depend in part on the integration of VeriFones and Hypercoms technology, operations and personnel in a timely and efficient manner. VeriFone and Hypercom cannot assure you, however, that the integration will be completed as quickly as expected or that the merger will achieve the expected benefits. The challenges involved in this integration include:
| incorporating Hypercoms technology and products into VeriFones next generation of products; |
| integrating Hypercoms products into VeriFones business because VeriFone does not currently sell Hypercom products and VeriFones sales personnel have no experience selling Hypercoms products; |
| coordinating research and development activities to enhance introduction of new products, services and technologies; |
| inability to migrate both companies to a common enterprise resource planning information system to integrate all operations, sales and administrative activities for the combined company in a timely and cost effective way; |
| integrating Hypercoms international operations with those of VeriFone; |
| coordinating the efforts of the Hypercom sales organization with VeriFones sales organization; |
| demonstrating to Hypercom customers that the merger will not result in adverse changes in client service standards or product support; |
| integrating Hypercoms information technology systems and resources with those of VeriFone; |
| integrating the supply chain of both companies while ensuring that products continue to be manufactured and delivered on a timely basis and with superior quality to customers; |
| persuading the employees in various jurisdictions that the business cultures of VeriFone and Hypercom are compatible, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees; |
| any unforeseen expenses or delays associated with the transaction; and |
| timely release of products to market. |
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The integration of VeriFone and Hypercom will be international in scope, complex, time-consuming and expensive, and may disrupt VeriFones and Hypercoms businesses or result in the loss of customers or key employees or the diversion of the attention of management. Some of Hypercoms suppliers, distributors, customers and licensors are VeriFones competitors or work with VeriFones competitors and may terminate their business relationships with Hypercom as a result of the merger. In addition, the integration process may strain the combined companys financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures. This may result in the diversion of management and financial resources from the combined companys core business objectives. There can be no assurance that VeriFone and Hypercom will successfully integrate their businesses or that the combined company will realize any of the anticipated benefits of the merger.
If VeriFone is unable to integrate Hypercom personnel successfully or retain key Hypercom or VeriFone personnel after the merger is completed, the combined company business may suffer.
VeriFones ability to obtain and successfully execute its business depends upon the personal reputation, judgment, business generation capabilities and project execution skills of VeriFones and Hypercoms senior professionals. Any management disruption or difficulties in integrating VeriFones and Hypercoms professionals could result in a loss of clients and customers or revenues from clients and customers and could significantly affect the combined companys business and results of operations.
The success of the merger will depend in part on VeriFones ability to retain the talents and dedication of the professionals currently employed by VeriFone and Hypercom. It is possible that these employees might decide not to remain with VeriFone or Hypercom while VeriFone and Hypercom work to complete the merger or with the combined company after the merger is completed. If key employees terminate their employment, or insufficient numbers of employees are retained to maintain effective operations, the combined companys business activities might be adversely affected, managements attention might be diverted from successfully integrating Hypercoms operations to hiring suitable replacements, and the combined companys business might suffer. In addition, VeriFone and Hypercom might not be able to locate suitable replacements for any key employees that leave either company or offer employment to potential replacements on reasonable terms.
The combination of VeriFone and Hypercom may result in a loss of common customers.
VeriFone and Hypercom operate in a highly competitive market, and the future performance will be affected by the combined companys ability to retain the customers of both VeriFone and Hypercom before the merger. VeriFone and Hypercom currently sell to several of the same large customers to which each company provides products and services. The combined companys ability to maintain the current level of sales by VeriFone and Hypercom to these common customers may be limited by the desire of these customers to minimize their dependence on a single supplier. If, following the merger, common customers seek alternative suppliers for at least a portion of the products and services currently provided by both VeriFone and Hypercom, the business of the combined company may be materially and adversely impacted.
Third parties may terminate or alter existing contracts or relationships with Hypercom or VeriFone.
Hypercom has contracts with some of its suppliers, distributors, customers, licensors and other business partners. Some of these contracts require Hypercom to obtain consent from these other parties in connection with the merger. If these consents cannot be obtained, Hypercom may suffer a loss of potential future revenue and may lose rights that are material to Hypercoms business and the business of the combined company. In addition, third parties with whom Hypercom or VeriFone currently have relationships may terminate or otherwise reduce the scope of their relationship with Hypercom or VeriFone in anticipation of the merger.
General uncertainty related to the merger could harm the combined company.
VeriFones or Hypercoms customers may, in response to the announcement of the proposed merger, delay or defer purchasing decisions. If VeriFones or Hypercoms customers delay or defer purchasing decisions, the
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combined companys revenues following the merger could materially decline or any increases in revenue could be lower than expected. Similarly, VeriFone and Hypercom employees may experience or perceive uncertainty about their future roles with the combined company following the merger. This may harm VeriFones and Hypercoms ability to attract and retain key management, marketing, sales and technical personnel. Also, speculation regarding the likelihood of the completion of the merger could increase the volatility of VeriFones and Hypercoms share prices prior to the closing.
The pro forma financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an indication of the combined companys financial condition or results of operations following the merger.
The pro forma financial statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an indication of the combined companys financial condition or results of operations following the merger for several reasons. For example, the pro forma financial statements have been derived from the historical financial statements of VeriFone and Hypercom and certain adjustments and assumptions have been made regarding the combined company after giving effect to the merger. The information upon which these adjustments and assumptions have been made is preliminary, and these kinds of adjustments and assumptions are difficult to make with complete accuracy. Moreover, the pro forma financial statements do not reflect all costs that are expected to be incurred by the combined company in connection with the transaction. For example, the impact of any incremental costs incurred in integrating the two companies is not reflected in the pro forma financial statements. As a result, the actual financial condition and results of operations of the combined company following the transaction may not be consistent with, or evident from, these pro forma financial statements.
In addition, the assumptions used in preparing the pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate, and other factors may affect the combined companys financial condition or results of operations following the transaction. Any potential decline in the combined companys financial condition or results of operations may cause significant variations in the stock price of the combined company. See the section entitled Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information beginning on page 100.
VeriFone and Hypercom expect to incur significant costs associated with the merger.
VeriFone estimates that it will incur significant direct transaction costs associated with the merger. In addition, Hypercom estimates that it will incur significant direct transaction costs, which will be recognized as expenses as incurred. VeriFone and Hypercom believe the combined entity may incur charges to operations, which are not currently reasonably estimable, in the quarter in which the merger is completed or the following quarters, to reflect costs associated with integrating the two companies. There can be no assurance that the combined company will not incur additional material charges in subsequent quarters to reflect additional costs associated with the merger and the integration of the two companies. Although VeriFone expects that the elimination of duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, should allow VeriFone to offset incremental transaction and merger-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.
Certain officers of Hypercom have a personal interest that could have affected their decision to support the merger.
The personal interest of officers of Hypercom in the merger and their participation in arrangements that are different from, or are in addition to, those of Hypercom stockholders generally could have affected those officers decision to support the merger. These interests include the following:
| the conversion of options to acquire Hypercom common stock into options to acquire VeriFone common stock and the acceleration of all options and restricted stock awards that were outstanding as of November 17, 2010; and |
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| in certain instances, retention payments payable at closing and severance benefits if the individuals employment is terminated by VeriFone without cause or by the individual for good reason. See The MergerInterests of Certain Persons in the Merger. |
As a result of these interests, these officers may be more likely to support the merger than they might be if they did not have these interests.
A delay in closing the planned merger could have an adverse effect on Hypercoms revenues in the near term.
To the extent a prolonged delay in completing the planned merger creates uncertainty among users of Hypercoms products, there could be an adverse effect on Hypercoms results of operations, and quarterly revenues could be substantially below the expectations of market analysts which could cause a reduction in the stock price of Hypercom common stock, which effects are likely to be exacerbated the longer the time period between the signing and any termination of the merger agreement.
If the merger is not completed, Hypercoms future business and operations could be harmed.
If the merger is not completed, Hypercom may be subject to the following material risks, among others:
| if the merger is terminated and Hypercoms board of directors determines to seek another merger or business combination, Hypercom may not be able to find a partner willing to pay an equivalent or more attractive price than that which would be paid in the merger; |
| Hypercom may be required to pay VeriFone a termination fee of $12.2 million; |
| under the merger agreement, Hypercom is subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of its business which may affect its ability to execute certain of its business strategies or pursue opportunities that may arise during the pendency of the merger; |
| Hypercoms costs related to the merger, such as legal fees, accounting fees and expenses of its financial advisor must be paid by Hypercom even if the merger is not completed; |
| Hypercom may be required to record as expenses in its statement of operations items related to the proposed merger that would otherwise be reflected on its balance sheets; |
| Hypercom would not realize the benefits it expects by being part of the combined company; |
| the diversion of management attention from Hypercoms day-to-day business and the unavoidable disruption to its employees and its relationships with users and partners as a result of efforts and uncertainties relating to Hypercoms anticipated merger with VeriFone may detract from Hypercoms ability to grow revenues and minimize costs, which, in turn may lead to a loss of market position that Hypercom could be unable to regain if the merger does not occur; |
| Hypercom may not be able to continue its present level of operations, may need to scale back its business and may not be able to take advantage of future opportunities or effectively respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations; and |
| the price of Hypercom shares of common stock may decline to the extent that the current market price of Hypercom shares of common stock reflects an assumption that the merger will be completed. |
The rights of Hypercom stockholders will change when they become stockholders of VeriFone upon completion of the merger.
When the merger is complete, Hypercom stockholders will become VeriFone stockholders and their rights as stockholders will be governed by VeriFones certificate of incorporation and bylaws. There are numerous
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differences between the rights and responsibilities of a stockholder of Hypercom and the rights and responsibilities of a stockholder of VeriFone. Please see Comparison of Rights of VeriFone Stockholders and Hypercom Stockholders beginning on page 110 for a discussion of the different rights associated with VeriFone common stock.
Stockholders may sell substantial amounts of Hypercom common stock on the public market, which is likely to depress the price of Hypercom common stock.
Any substantial sales of Hypercom common stock on the public market by current stockholders may cause the market price of Hypercom common stock to decline.
If Hypercoms current stockholders sell Hypercom common stock in the public market prior to the merger, it is likely that arbitrageurs will acquire those shares. These arbitrageurs will likely sell all those shares on the public market immediately following any announcement, or anticipated announcement, that the merger with VeriFone failed, or will likely fail, to close for regulatory or other reasons, which, in turn will likely cause the market price of Hypercom common stock to decline.
In addition to the other negative effects on Hypercom, those sales of Hypercom common stock might make it more difficult for Hypercom to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future if the merger with VeriFone is not completed.
Hypercom stockholders will have a significantly reduced ownership and voting interest after the merger and will exercise less influence over management.
Immediately after the completion of the merger, it is expected that former Hypercom stockholders, who collectively own 100% of Hypercom, will own approximately 12.8% of VeriFone, based on the number of shares of Hypercom and VeriFone common stock, including restricted stock, outstanding as of December 17, 2010. Consequently, Hypercom stockholders will have less influence over the management and policies of VeriFone than they currently have over the management and policies of Hypercom.
Risks Related to the Combined Company after the Merger
The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the combined company following the merger. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to VeriFone or Hypercom or that VeriFone and Hypercom currently deem immaterial also may impair the business operations of the combined company. If any of the following risks or such other risks actually occurs, the business of the combined company could be harmed. When we use the term the combined company in this section or in the section entitled Risks Related to the Industry of this proxy statement/prospectus, we mean the combination of VeriFone and Hypercom after giving effect to the completion of the merger.
Both VeriFone and Hypercom have experienced rapid growth in their operations, and if VeriFone cannot adequately manage the combined companys growth, its results of operations will suffer.
Both VeriFone and Hypercom have experienced rapid growth in their operations in certain periods, both internally and from acquisitions. VeriFone cannot be sure that the combined company will make adequate allowances for the costs and risks associated with its expansion, or that its systems, procedures, and managerial controls will be adequate to support the rapid expansion in its operations. Any delay in implementing, or transitioning to, new or enhanced systems, procedures, or controls to accommodate the requirements of its business and operations and to effectively integrate acquired operations may adversely affect its ability to meet customer requirements, manage its product inventory, and record and report financial and management information on a timely and accurate basis. If the combined company is unable to successfully manage expansion, its results of operations will be adversely affected.
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VeriFones internal processes and control over financial reporting were, until recently, deemed inadequate.
As described under Item 9A. Controls and Procedures in VeriFones Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, as of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, VeriFone has remedied the material weakness in control activities related to income taxes. This material weakness and other material weaknesses in VeriFones internal control over financial reporting contributed to its need to restate previously reported interim financial information for each of the first three quarters of its fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, and to the delays in the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2007. VeriFone also was unable to file its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for its fiscal quarters ended January 31, 2008 and April 30, 2008 on a timely basis. VeriFone has implemented a number of additional and enhanced processes and controls to improve its internal control over financial reporting.
Although VeriFone has implemented improved controls that have remedied these material weaknesses, these controls may not be sufficient to detect or prevent errors in financial reporting in future periods. VeriFone has devoted additional resources to its financial control and reporting requirements, including hiring additional qualified employees in these areas. VeriFone may hire additional employees and may also engage additional consultants in these areas. Competition for qualified financial control and accounting professionals in the geographic areas in which VeriFone operates is keen and there can be no assurance that VeriFone will be able to hire and retain these individuals.
A majority of VeriFones net revenues is generated outside of the United States and VeriFone intends to continue to expand its operations internationally including through acquisitions and strategic partnerships, such as the Hypercom acquisition. The combined companys results of operations could suffer if it is unable to manage its international expansion and operations effectively.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, approximately 60.0% and 63.6%, respectively, of VeriFones net revenues were generated outside of the United States. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, approximately 69.6% and 78.7%, respectively, of Hypercoms net revenues were generated outside of the United States. VeriFone expects its percentage of net revenues generated outside of the United States. to increase over time. In particular VeriFone expects that its recently announced strategic partnership with Gemalto and planned acquisition of Hypercom will significantly increase its business in Africa, Europe and Asia. Part of VeriFones strategy is to expand its penetration in existing foreign markets and to enter new foreign markets and in particular to enter new emerging markets where VeriFone expects to see growth in electronic payments. VeriFones ability to penetrate some international markets may be limited due to different technical standards, protocols or product requirements. Expansion of the combined companys international business will require significant management attention and financial resources. The combined companys international net revenues will depend on its success in the following areas:
| securing commercial relationships to help establish or increase its presence in new and existing international markets; |
| hiring and training personnel capable of marketing, installing and integrating its solutions, supporting customers, and effectively managing operations in foreign countries; |
| localizing its solutions to meet local requirements and to target the specific needs and preferences of foreign customers, which may differ from its traditional customer base in the markets VeriFone and Hypercom currently serve; |
| building the combined companys brand name and awareness of its services among foreign customers in new and existing international markets; and |
| implementing new systems, procedures, and controls to monitor its operations in new international markets. |
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In addition, the combined company is subject to risks and costs associated with operating in foreign countries, including:
| multiple, changing, and often inconsistent enforcement of laws and regulations; |
| satisfying local regulatory or industry-imposed requirements, including security or other certification requirements; |
| competition from existing market participants, including strong local competitors, that may have a longer history in and greater familiarity with the international markets it enters; |
| tariffs and trade barriers; |
| laws and business practices that may favor local competitors; |
| restrictions on the repatriation of funds, foreign currency exchange restrictions, and currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
| extended payment terms and the ability to collect accounts receivable; |
| different and/or more stringent labor laws and practices such as the use of workers councils and labor unions; |
| different and more stringent data protection, privacy and other laws; |
| economic and political instability in certain foreign countries; |
| imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars or remittance of dividends and other payments by foreign subsidiaries; |
| changes in a specific countrys or regions political or economic conditions; and |
| greater difficulty in safeguarding intellectual property in areas such as China, Russia, and Latin America. |
Many of these factors typically become more prevalent during periods of economic stress; therefore, the persistence or occurrence of weakened global economic conditions in one or more regions where the combined company does business may exacerbate certain of these risks. For example, the combined company will be subject to foreign currency risk and economic and political instability which can lead to significant and unpredictable volatility in currency rates, including significant currency devaluations, which may negatively impact its revenues, gross margins, results of operations and financial position. Although VeriFone engages in some hedging of its foreign currency exposures, it does not hedge all such exposures and its hedging arrangements may not always be effective. In addition, compliance with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable to the combined companys international operations is complex and may increase the combined companys cost of doing business in international jurisdictions. The combined companys international operations could expose it to fines and penalties if it fails to comply with these regulations. These laws and regulations include import and export requirements, exchange control regulations, U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials. Although VeriFone has implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that its employees, contractors, and agents will not take actions in violation of its policies, particularly as the combined company expands its operations through organic growth and acquisitions. For example, two of VeriFones Brazilian subsidiaries that were acquired as a part of the acquisition of Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd., or Lipman, have been notified of a number of assessments regarding Brazilian customs penalties that relate to alleged infractions in the importation of goods as well as certain tax assessments and penalties. Hypercom also has certain pending tax assessments and labor matters in Brazil. Defending such assessments can be costly and divert management time. Any such violations could subject the combined company to civil or criminal penalties, including the imposition of substantial fines and interest or prohibitions on its ability to offer its products and services to one or more countries, and could also materially damage its
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reputation, brand, international expansion efforts and business, and negatively impact its operating results. In addition, if the combined company fails to address the challenges and risks associated with its international expansion and acquisition strategy, it may encounter difficulties implementing its strategy, which could impede its growth or harm its operating results.
Macroeconomic conditions and economic volatility could materially adversely affect the combined companys business and results of operations.
The combined companys operations and performance will depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions. The significant slowdown and volatility in the U.S. and international economy and financial markets which began in the latter half of 2008 resulted in reduced demand for VeriFones products, which in turn adversely impacted its revenues, business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, the slowdown and volatility in the global markets resulted in softer demand in the financial and retail sectors, pricing pressures and more conservative purchasing decisions by customers, including a tendency toward lower-priced products and lower volume of purchases. In some countries where VeriFone does business, the weakened economy resulted in economic instability which had negative impacts, among them a decrease in purchasing power due to currency devaluations.
While a number of markets have shown signs of improvement, certain markets such as parts of southern Europe continue to experience weakened or uncertain economic conditions and some customers, suppliers and partners may continue to be negatively impacted by the global slowdown. VeriFone cannot predict whether such improvements or growth will continue and any future decline or volatility in global conditions could negatively impact its business, operating results and financial condition. Continued volatility in market conditions makes it difficult to forecast earnings, and if the combined company fails to meet its financial guidance or the expectations of investment analysts or investors in any period, the market price of VeriFones common stock could decline.
Both VeriFone and Hypercom depend on a limited number of customers, including distributors and resellers, for a large percentage of their sales. If the combined company does not effectively manage its relationships with them, its net revenues and operating results will suffer.
A significant percentage of VeriFones and Hypercoms net revenues are attributable to a limited number of customers, including distributors and independent sales organizations, or ISOs. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, VeriFones ten largest customers accounted for approximately 27% of its net revenues. Although no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of net revenues in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, three customers accounted for approximately 15% of VeriFones net revenues in that period. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, Hypercoms largest customer accounted for 5.2% of its net revenues, and its five largest customers accounted for 19.0% of its net revenues. If any of the combined companys large customers significantly reduces or delays purchases from the combined company or if the combined company is required to sell products to any large customers at reduced prices or on other less favorable terms, the combined companys revenues and income could be materially adversely affected.
VeriFone and Hypercom sell a significant portion of their solutions through third-party resellers such as independent distributors, ISOs, value-added resellers and payment processors. The combined company will depend on their active marketing and sales efforts. These resellers also provide after-sales support and related services to end user customers. When the combined company introduces new applications and solutions, these resellers will provide critical support for developing and supporting the custom software applications to run on its various electronic payment systems and, internationally, in obtaining requisite certifications in the markets in which they are active. Accordingly, the pace at which the combined company is able to introduce new solutions in markets in which these resellers are active depends on the resources such resellers dedicate to these tasks. Moreover, VeriFones and Hypercoms arrangements with these resellers typically do not prevent them from selling products of other companies, including those of competitors, and they may elect to market competitors products and services in preference to the combined companys system solutions. If one or more of the combined
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companys major resellers terminates or otherwise adversely changes its relationship with the combined company, the combined company may be unsuccessful in replacing such relationship. The loss of a major reseller could impair the combined companys ability to sell its solutions and result in lower revenues and income. It could also be time-consuming and expensive to replicate, either directly or through other resellers, the certifications and the custom applications owned by these resellers.
In addition, orders from distributors and resellers depend on their sales volumes and inventory management decisions. In response to the global economic downturn a number of distributors and resellers experienced weakened demand and slower sales, which in turn resulted in declines in order volume and deferrals of orders for VeriFones and Hypercoms products. Declines or deferral of orders could materially adversely affect the combined companys revenues, operating results and cash flows.
The combined companys solutions may have defects or experience field failures that could delay sales, harm the combined companys brand, increase costs and result in product recalls and additional warranty expenses.
The portfolio of products offered by the combined company will include complex solutions that are susceptible to undetected hardware and software errors or failures. Solutions may experience failures when first introduced, as new versions are released, or at any time during their lifecycle. Field failure may result from usage with third-party issued payment cards, for example, if such usage generates excess electrostatic discharge. Defects may also arise from third-party components that the combined company incorporates into its products, such as hardware modules, chipsets or battery cells. Any product recalls as a result of errors or failures could result in the loss of or delays in market acceptance of the combined companys solutions, adversely affect the combined companys business and reputation and increase its product costs, any of which could negatively impact its margins, profitability and results of operations. Any significant returns or warranty claims for any of the combined companys products could result in significant additional costs to the combined company and could adversely affect its results of operations. Customers may also run third-party software applications on the combined companys electronic payment systems. Errors in third-party applications could adversely affect the performance of the combined companys solutions.
The existence of defects and delays in correcting them could result in negative consequences, including the following:
| harm to the combined companys brand; |
| delays in shipping system solutions; |
| loss of market acceptance for the combined companys system solutions; |
| additional warranty expenses; |
| diversion of resources from product development; and |
| loss of credibility with distributors, customers and partners. |
Identifying and correcting defects can be time-consuming, costly and in some circumstances extremely difficult. Software errors may take several months to correct, and hardware defects may take even longer to correct.
Security will be vital to the combined companys customers and end users and therefore breaches in the security of the combined companys solutions could adversely affect the combined companys reputation and results of operations.
Protection against fraud will be of key importance to the purchasers and end users of the combined companys solutions. The combined company will incorporate security features, such as encryption software and
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secure hardware, into its solutions to protect against fraud in electronic payment transactions and to ensure the privacy and integrity of consumer data. The combined companys solutions may be vulnerable to breaches in security due to defects in the security mechanisms, the operating system and applications, or the hardware platform. Security vulnerabilities could jeopardize the security of information transmitted or stored using the combined companys solutions. The combined company will also provide its customers with repair, encryption key loading and helpdesk services, and may experience security breaches or fraudulent activities related to unauthorized access to sensitive customer information. If the security of the combined companys solutions is compromised, the combined companys reputation and marketplace acceptance of its solutions will be adversely affected, which would cause its business to suffer, and would subject it to damages claims.
VeriFone intends to pursue additional acquisitions and strategic investments, which will involve numerous risks. VeriFone may not be able to address these risks without substantial expense, delay or other operational or financial problems for the combined company.
VeriFone expects to seek to acquire or make investments in related businesses, technologies, or products in the future. Acquisitions or investments, including the acquisition of Hypercom, involve various risks, such as:
| the difficulty of integrating the technologies, operations, and personnel of the acquired business, technology or product; |
| the potential disruption of VeriFones ongoing business, including the diversion of management attention to issues related to integration and administration, particularly given the number, size and varying scope of VeriFones recent acquisitions; |
| in the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political, and regulatory risks associated with specific countries; |
| the possible inability to obtain the desired financial and strategic benefits from the acquisition or investment; |
| the loss of all or part of VeriFones investment; |
| loss of customers; |
| the need to integrate each companys accounting, management, information, human resource and other administrative systems to permit effective management, and the lack of control if such integration is delayed or not implemented; |
| the need to implement controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a larger public company at companies that prior to acquisition had lacked such controls, procedures and policies; |
| the risk that increasing complexity inherent in operating a larger business may impact the effectiveness of VeriFones internal controls and adversely affect its financial reporting processes; |
| assumption of unanticipated liabilities and the incurrence of unforeseen expenditures; |
| the loss of key employees of an acquired business; and |
| the possibility of VeriFone entering markets in which it has limited prior experience. |
Future acquisitions and investments could also result in substantial cash expenditures, potentially dilutive issuances of VeriFones equity securities and incurrence of additional debt, contingent liabilities and amortization expenses related to other intangible assets, which could adversely affect its business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, VeriFone may not realize the anticipated benefits of any or all of its acquisitions, or may not realize them in the timeframe expected. VeriFone will depend on the retention and performance of existing management and employees of acquired businesses for the day-to-day management and future operating results of these businesses.
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Both VeriFone and Hypercom are parties to a number of lawsuits and the combined company may be named in additional litigation. Such litigation is likely to require significant management time and attention and expenses and may result in unfavorable outcomes that could have a material adverse effect on the combined companys business, financial condition and results of operations.
VeriFone and Hypercom are currently parties in several litigation proceedings. For example, in connection with the restatement of VeriFones historical interim financial statements for fiscal year 2007, a number of securities class action complaints were filed against VeriFone and certain of its officers, and purported derivative actions have also been filed against certain of its current and former directors and officers.
The amount of time and resources required to resolve these lawsuits is unpredictable, and defending the combined company is likely to divert managements attention from the day-to-day operations of its business, which could adversely affect the combined companys business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation or a decision by the combined company to settle such lawsuits to avoid the distraction and expense of continued litigation (even if the combined company deems the claims to be without merit) could have a material adverse effect on the combined companys business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The combined companys insurance may not be sufficient to cover the costs of defending these actions or paying any damages in the event of an unfavorable outcome. In addition, VeriFone may be obligated to indemnify (and advance legal expenses to) both current and former officers, employees and directors in connection with the securities class action and derivative action matters. VeriFone currently holds insurance policies for the benefit of its directors and officers, although its insurance coverage may not be sufficient in some or all of these matters. Furthermore, the combined companys insurance carriers may seek to deny coverage in some or all of these matters, in which case the combined company may have to fund the indemnification amounts owed to such directors and officers itself.
VeriFone is subject to the risk of additional litigation and regulatory proceedings or actions in connection with the restatement of its financial statements. VeriFone has responded to inquiries and provided information and documents related to the restatement to the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. VeriFone was the subject of a Wells Notice from the SEC stating that the staff of the SECs Division of Enforcement (the Staff) intends to recommend that the SEC bring a civil injunctive action against it, alleging violations of the federal securities laws arising from the restatement. Although VeriFone settled this matter with the SEC in November 2009, additional regulatory inquiries may also be commenced by other U.S. federal, state or foreign regulatory agencies. In addition, VeriFone may in the future be subject to additional litigation or other proceedings or actions arising in relation to the restatement of its historical interim financial statements. Litigation and any potential regulatory proceeding or action may be time-consuming, expensive and distracting from the conduct of the combined companys business. The adverse resolution of any specific lawsuit or any potential regulatory proceeding or action could have a material adverse effect on the combined companys business, financial condition, and results of operations.
These litigation proceedings could result in substantial additional costs and expenses and adversely affect the combined companys cash flows, and may adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations. VeriFone has already incurred substantial expenses for legal, accounting, tax and other professional services in connection with the investigation by the audit committee of VeriFones board of directors, VeriFones internal review of its historical financial statements, the preparation of the restated financial statements, inquiries from government agencies, the related litigation, the amendments to its credit agreement as a result of its failure to timely file its Exchange Act reports with the SEC and other current litigation matters. VeriFone expects to continue to incur significant expenses in connection with these matters. Many members of VeriFones senior management team and its board of directors have been and will be required to devote a significant amount of time to the litigation related to the restatement. In addition, certain of these individuals are named defendants in the litigation related to the restatement. If the combined companys senior management is unable to devote
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sufficient time in the future to developing and pursuing its strategic business initiatives and running ongoing business operations, there may be a material adverse effect on the combined companys business, financial condition and results of operations.
In connection with the announced merger, several purported class action lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Delaware state courts alleging variously, among other things, that the board of directors of Hypercom breached its fiduciary duties in not securing a higher price in the merger and that VeriFone, Hypercom, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. aided and abetted that alleged breach. The actions seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages.
VeriFones North American and international operations are not equally profitable, which may promote volatility in the combined companys earnings and adversely impact future growth in its earnings.
VeriFones International sales of System Solutions have tended to carry lower average selling prices and therefore have lower gross margins than its sales in North America. As a result, if the combined company successfully executes plans to expand its international sales, any improvement in the combined companys results of operations will likely not be as favorable as an expansion of similar magnitude in the United States and Canada. In addition, the combined company will be unable to predict for any future period its proportion of revenues that will result from International sales versus sales in North America. Variations in this proportion from period to period may lead to volatility in its results of operations which, in turn, may depress the trading price of VeriFones common stock.
Both VeriFone and Hypercom have experienced some fiscal quarters in which a significant percentage of the business for the quarter is executed towards the end of the fiscal quarter. This could negatively impact the combined companys business and results of operations.
Revenues recognized in VeriFones and Hypercoms fiscal quarters can be back-end loaded, meaning that during a particular fiscal quarter, the timing of orders could be such that a substantial portion of sales orders are received, product is shipped, and revenue is recognized towards the end of the fiscal quarter. The occurrence of such back-end loading could adversely affect the combined companys business and results of operations due to a number of factors, including the following:
| the manufacturing processes at third-party contract manufacturers could become concentrated in a shorter time period. This concentration of manufacturing could increase manufacturing costs, such as costs associated with the expediting of orders, and negatively impact gross margins. The risk of higher levels of obsolete or excess inventory write-offs would also increase if the combined company were to hold higher inventory levels to counteract this effect; |
| the higher concentration of orders may make it difficult to accurately forecast component requirements and, as a result, the combined company could experience a shortage of the components needed for production, possibly delaying shipments and causing lost orders; |
| if the combined company is unable to fill orders at the end of a quarter, shipments may be delayed. This could cause the combined company to fail to meet its revenue and operating profit expectations for a particular quarter and could increase the fluctuation of quarterly results if shipments are delayed from one fiscal quarter to the next or orders are cancelled by customers; and |
| in order to fulfill orders at the end of a quarter, the combined company may be forced to deliver its products using air freight which results in increased distribution costs. |
The combined company will be exposed to credit risk with some of its customers and to credit exposures and currency controls in certain markets, which could result in material losses.
A significant portion of the combined companys sales is expected to be on an open credit basis, with typical payment terms of up to 60 days in the United States and, because of local customs or conditions, longer in some international markets. In the past, there have been bankruptcies among VeriFones and Hypercoms customer
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base. Although credit losses have not been material to date, future losses, if incurred, could harm the combined companys business and have a materially adverse effect on its operating results and financial condition. Also, certain customers who are invoiced in U.S. dollars, such as those based in Venezuela, have experienced and may continue to experience difficulties in obtaining U.S. dollar currency due to local currency controls, and therefore may not be able to remit timely payment to the combined company. Additionally, to the degree that the recent turmoil in the credit markets continues to make it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing or access U.S. dollar currency, the combined companys customers ability to pay could be adversely impacted, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on the combined companys business, cash flows, operating results and financial condition.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may adversely affect the combined companys results of operations.
A substantial portion of the combined companys business is expected to consist of sales made to customers outside the United States. A portion of the net revenues the combined company receives from such sales will be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Additionally, portions of the combined companys cost of net revenues and its other operating expenses will be incurred by international operations and denominated in local currencies. Fluctuations in the value of these net revenues, costs and expenses as measured in U.S. dollars have historically affected VeriFones and Hypercoms results of operations, and adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations may have a material impact in the future. Further, changes in exchange rates that strengthen the U.S. dollar could increase the price of the combined companys products in the local currencies of the foreign markets it serves. This would result in making the combined companys products relatively more expensive than products that are denominated in local currencies, leading to a reduction in sales and profitability in those foreign markets. In addition, the combined companys balance sheet will include monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, such as cash, intercompany balances, trade receivables and payables, and fluctuations in the exchange rates for these currencies could adversely affect the combined companys results of operations. VeriFone has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts intended to hedge its balance sheet exposure to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates. VeriFone has also effectively priced its System Solutions in U.S. dollars in certain countries. Nevertheless, these hedging arrangements may not always be effective, particularly in the event of imprecise forecasts of non-U.S. denominated assets and liabilities. Additionally, VeriFones efforts to effectively price products in U.S. dollars may have disadvantages, as they may affect demand for the combined companys products if the local currency strengthens relative to the U.S. dollar. The combined company could also be adversely affected when the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to the local currency between the time of a sale and the time the combined company receives payment, which would be collected in the devalued local currency. Accordingly, if there is an adverse movement in one or more exchange rates, the combined company might suffer significant losses and its results of operations may otherwise be adversely affected. Uncertainty in the global market conditions has resulted in and may continue to cause significant volatility in foreign currency exchange rates which could increase these risks. As the combined companys international operations expand, its exposure to these risks also increases. Additionally, hedging programs will expose the combined company to risks that could adversely affect its operating results, including the following:
| the combined company may be unable to hedge currency risk for some transactions because of a high level of uncertainty or the inability to reasonably estimate its foreign exchange exposures; and |
| the combined company may be unable to acquire foreign exchange hedging instruments in some of the geographic areas where it does business, or, where these derivatives are available, the combined company may choose not to hedge because of the high cost of the derivatives. |
The combined company will depend upon third parties to manufacture its systems and to supply the components necessary to manufacture its products.
VeriFone and Hypercom utilize a limited number of third parties to manufacture their hardware products pursuant to specifications and rely upon these contract manufacturers to produce and deliver products to their
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customers on a timely basis and at an acceptable cost. In the case of VeriFone, a majority of these third-party manufacturing activities are concentrated in China. Disruptions to the business or operations of these contract manufacturers, or to their ability to produce the products the combined company requires in accordance with its and its customers requirements, and particularly disruptions to the manufacturing operations in China, could significantly affect the combined companys ability to fulfill customer demand on a timely basis which could materially harm the combined companys revenues and results of operations. During the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010, VeriFone shifted additional manufacturing activity to its contract manufacturers facility in Israel, which will increase the combined companys dependency on its third-party contract manufacturers and could exacerbate these risks.
Components such as application specific integrated circuits, or ASICs, microprocessors, wireless modules, modems and printer mechanisms that are necessary to manufacture and assemble the combined companys systems will be sourced either directly by the combined company or on its behalf by its contract manufacturers from a variety of component suppliers selected by it. Certain of the components will be specifically customized for use in the combined companys products and are expected to be obtained from sole source suppliers on a purchase order basis. In recent periods, VeriFone and Hypercom each have experienced a tightening in availability of certain semiconductor commodities that are necessary for the manufacture of their products. If the combined companys suppliers are unable or unwilling to deliver the quantities that the combined company requires, the combined company would be faced with a shortage of critical components. VeriFone and Hypercom also experience from time to time an increase in the lead time for delivery of some of their key components. The combined company may not be able to find alternative sources in a timely manner if suppliers of its key components become unwilling or unable to provide it with adequate supplies of these key components when the combined company needs them or if they increase their prices. If the combined company is unable to obtain sufficient key required components, or to develop alternative sources if and as required in the future, or to replace its component and factory tooling for its products in a timely manner if they are damaged or destroyed, the combined company could experience delays or reductions in product shipments. This could harm the combined companys relationships with its customers and cause its revenues to decline. Even if the combined company is able to secure alternative sources or replace its tooling in a timely manner, its costs could increase. Any of these events could adversely affect the combined companys results of operations.
The government tax benefits that VeriFones subsidiaries have previously received or currently receive require them to meet several conditions and may be terminated or reduced in the future, which could require the combined company to pay increased taxes or refund tax benefits received in the past.
Israel
VeriFones principal subsidiary in Israel (formerly Lipman) previously received tax benefits under Israeli law for capital investments that are designated as Approved Enterprises. VeriFone received such tax benefits of approximately $0.4 million in 2009. Due to VeriFones restructuring and contract manufacturing arrangements entered into in fiscal 2010, VeriFone no longer meets the requirements necessary to maintain the tax benefit status in Israel. Effective as of November 1, 2009, VeriFone has been taxed at the full statutory rate in Israel and no future tax benefit has been recorded. VeriFones principal subsidiary in Israel has undistributed earnings of approximately $181 million, the vast majority of which are attributable to Lipmans historic Approved Enterprise programs. As such, these earnings were not subject to Israeli statutory corporate tax at the time they were generated. Distribution or use of these funds outside Israel will subject VeriFone to payment of corporate and withholding taxes. For example, to the extent that these earnings are distributed to the United States in the future, VeriFones Israeli subsidiary will be required to pay corporate tax at the rate ordinarily applicable to such earnings, currently between 12.5% and 36.25%, which includes the withholding tax between the United States and Israel. VeriFone has accrued approximately $50 million for taxes associated with potential future distributions of VeriFones Israeli subsidiarys approximately $181 million in earnings.
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Singapore
VeriFones principal subsidiary in Singapore has received tax benefits under the Singapore Pioneer Tax Holiday provision. VeriFone received tax benefits of approximately $8.3 million in 2010 and $4.1 million in 2009. To maintain its eligibility for these benefits, VeriFone must meet certain agreed conditions, including maintaining agreed levels of Singapore employees and incurring and documenting total local business spend levels as agreed with the Singapore Economic Development Board. VeriFone recently renegotiated the terms and conditions of the Tax Holiday, including revision of certain of these conditions. Although VeriFone expects to be able to meet the terms and conditions to maintain its Tax Holiday, if VeriFone is not able to achieve or maintain the required conditions, VeriFone may lose its eligibility for such benefits which could result in its income in Singapore being taxed at the statutory rate of 17% instead of the agreed Pioneer Tax Holiday rate of 0%. A loss of all or part of these tax benefits would adversely affect the combined companys results of operations and cash flows.
Changes in VeriFones effective tax rate could adversely affect results of operations.
VeriFones effective tax rate could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including shifts in the mix of pretax profits and losses by tax jurisdiction, VeriFones ability to use tax credits, changes in tax laws or related interpretations in the jurisdictions in which VeriFone operates, and tax assessments and related interest and penalties resulting from income tax audits. VeriFone is subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions. Although VeriFone regularly assesses the likely outcomes of such audits in order to determine the appropriateness of its tax provision, there can be no assurance that VeriFone will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits, and the actual outcomes of these audits could have a material impact on VeriFones net income or financial condition. VeriFone has not provided for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes that may result from future remittances of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Recently, there have been proposals to reform U.S. tax rules including proposals which may result in a reduction or elimination of the deferral of U.S. income tax on VeriFones foreign earnings, in which case VeriFones effective tax rate could be adversely affected. Any of these changes could have an adverse effect on the combined companys results of operations.
The combined companys quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of factors outside of its control, which could cause the market price of VeriFones common stock to decline.
VeriFone expects the combined companys revenues and operating results to vary from quarter to quarter. As a consequence, its operating results in any single quarter may not meet the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause the price of VeriFones common stock to decline. Factors that may affect the combined companys operating results include:
| the type, timing and size of orders and shipments; |
| demand for and acceptance of the combined companys new product offerings; |
| customers willingness to maintain inventories and/or increased overall channel inventories held by customers in a particular quarter; |
| delays in the implementation and delivery of its products and services, which may impact the timing of the combined companys recognition of revenues; |
| variations in product mix and cost during any period; |
| development of new relationships, penetration of new markets and maintenance and enhancement of existing relationships with customers and strategic partners; |
| component supply, manufacturing, or distribution difficulties; |
| deferral of customer contracts in anticipation of product or service enhancements; |
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| timing of commencement, implementation, or completion of major implementation projects; |
| timing of governmental, statutory and industry association requirements; |
| the relative geographic mix of net revenues; |
| fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
| the fixed nature of many of the combined companys expenses; and |
| industry and economic conditions, including competitive pressures and inventory obsolescence. |
In particular, differences in relative growth rates between the combined companys businesses in North America and internationally may have a significant effect on its operating results, particularly its reported gross profit percentage, in any individual quarter, with international sales carrying lower margins.
In addition, the combined company may experience periodic variations in sales to its key vertical and international markets. These periodic variations would occur throughout the year and may lead to fluctuations in the combined companys quarterly operating results depending on the impact of any given market during that quarter and could lead to volatility in VeriFones stock price.
The combined company may accumulate excess or obsolete inventory that could result in unanticipated price reductions and write-downs and adversely affect the combined companys financial condition.
The combined company expects to focus its efforts on providing customers with solutions that have high levels of functionality, which will require the combined company to develop and incorporate cutting edge and evolving technologies. This approach tends to increase the risk of obsolescence for products and components the combined company holds in inventory and may compound the difficulties posed by other factors that affect the combined companys inventory levels, including the following:
| the need to maintain significant inventory of components that are in limited supply; |
| buying components in bulk for the best pricing; |
| responding to the unpredictable demand for products; |
| cancellation of customer orders; |
| responding to customer requests for quick delivery schedules; and |
| timing of end-of-life decisions regarding products. |
The accumulation of excess or obsolete inventory has in the past resulted in, and may in future periods result in, price reductions and inventory write-downs and scrap, which could adversely affect the combined companys business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, VeriFone incurred costs for obsolete inventory, scrap, and purchase commitments for excess components at contract manufacturers of $23.0 million due to changing demand VeriFone experienced in fiscal year 2009 as a result of the severe deterioration in the macroeconomic environment.
If the combined company does not accurately forecast customer demand and effectively manage its product mix and inventory levels, the combined company may lose sales from having too few or the wrong mix of products or incur costs associated with excess inventory.
If the combined company improperly forecasts demand for its products it could end up with too many products and be unable to sell the excess inventory in a timely manner, if at all, or, alternatively it could end up with too few products and not be able to satisfy demand. This problem is exacerbated because the combined companys attempt to closely match inventory levels with product demand will leave limited margin for error,
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and VeriFone and Hypercom generally receive a significant volume of customer orders towards the end of each fiscal quarter which will leave the combined company little room to adjust inventory mix to match demand. Also, during the transition from an existing product to a new replacement product, the combined company must accurately predict the demand for the existing and the new product. The combined companys inability to properly manage its inventory levels could cause it to incur increased expenses associated with writing off excessive or obsolete inventory, or lose sales, or have to ship products by air freight to meet immediate demand incurring incremental freight costs above sea freight costs, a preferred method, and suffering a corresponding decline in gross margins. If the combined company does not accurately predict demand, it could also incur increased expenses associated with binding commitments to certain third-party contract manufacturers which would negatively impact the combined companys gross margins and operating results. During times of economic uncertainty, such as that of the current global economic environment, it becomes more difficult to accurately forecast demand and manage the combined companys inventory levels. Deteriorating market conditions have in the past and can in future periods cause the combined company to incur additional costs associated with excess and obsolete inventory, scrap and excess inventory held by the combined companys contract manufacturers.
The combined company may be subject to additional impairment charges due to potential declines in the fair value of its assets.
As a result of VeriFones acquisitions, particularly that of Lipman in November 2006, VeriFone has recorded significant goodwill and intangible assets on its balance sheet, and following the acquisition of Hypercom, VeriFone expects that these amounts will increase. VeriFone tests goodwill and intangible assets for impairment on a periodic basis as required, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The events or changes that could require VeriFone to test its goodwill and intangible assets for impairment include a reduction in VeriFones stock price and market capitalization and changes in VeriFones estimated future cash flows, as well as changes in rates of growth in VeriFones industry or in any of its reporting units. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, VeriFone recorded an impairment charge of $289.1 million for goodwill and developed technology intangible assets due to lower revenue expectations in light of current operating performance and future operating expectations. During the first fiscal quarter of 2009, VeriFone concluded that the carrying amount of the North America and Asia reporting units exceeded their implied fair values and recorded an estimated impairment charge of $178.2 million. VeriFone finalized the goodwill evaluation process and recorded a $2.7 million reduction of impairment charge during the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. The final goodwill impairment charge was $175.5 million as of April 30, 2009. VeriFone has not recorded any further impairment charges since the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2009.
VeriFone will continue to evaluate the carrying value of its remaining goodwill and intangible assets and if it determines in the future that there is a potential further impairment in any of its reporting units, it may be required to record additional charges to earnings which could materially adversely affect the combined companys financial results and could also materially adversely affect its business. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis and includes estimates of future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit or asset over its estimated remaining useful life. Any changes in VeriFones estimates, such as its estimates of the future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit or asset, or a longer or more significant decline in its market capitalization or the macroeconomic environment, could require the combined company to record additional impairment charges which could materially adversely affect its financial results.
The combined companys proprietary technology will be difficult to protect and unauthorized use of its proprietary technology by third parties may impair its ability to compete effectively.
The combined company may not be able to protect its proprietary technology, which could enable competitors to develop services that compete with its own. The combined company will rely on patent, copyright,
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trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality, licensing and other contractual arrangements, to establish and protect the proprietary aspects of its solutions. Institution of legal proceedings to enforce its intellectual property rights could be costly and divert the efforts and attention of its management and technical personnel from other business operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that such proceedings would be determined in its favor. The combined company is not expected to have patent protection for certain important aspects of its solutions. The laws of some countries in which the combined company will sell its solutions and services may not protect software and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws in the United States. If the combined company is unable to prevent misappropriation of its technology, competitors may be able to use and adapt its technology. The combined companys failure to protect its technology could diminish its competitive advantage and cause it to lose customers to competitors.
The combined companys business may suffer if it is sued for infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties, or if it is unable to obtain rights to third-party intellectual property on which it depends.
Third parties have in the past asserted and may in the future assert claims that VeriFones and Hypercoms system solutions infringe their proprietary rights. Such infringement claims, even if meritless, may cause the combined company to incur significant costs in defending those claims. The combined company may be required to discontinue using and selling any infringing technology and services, to expend resources to develop non-infringing technology or to purchase licenses or pay royalties for other technology. Similarly, the combined company will depend on its ability to license intellectual property from third parties. These third parties may become unwilling to license to the combined company on acceptable terms intellectual property that is necessary to its business. The combined company may be unable to acquire licenses for other technology on reasonable commercial terms or at all. As a result, the combined company may find that it is unable to continue to offer the solutions and services upon which its business depends.
Both VeriFone and Hypercom have received, and have currently pending, third-party infringement claims and may receive additional notices of claims of infringement in the future. Infringement claims may cause the combined company to incur significant costs in defending such claims or to settle claims to avoid costly or protracted litigation, even if the combined company deems the claims to be without merit. For example, in March 2008, Cardsoft, Inc. and Cardsoft (Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors), LLC commenced an infringement action against both VeriFone and Hypercom, as well as other companies, for which a trial is set for November 2011. Infringement claims are expensive and time-consuming to defend, regardless of the merits or ultimate outcome. Similar claims may result in additional protracted and costly litigation. There can be no assurance that the combined company will prevail in any such actions or that any license required under any such patent or other intellectual property would be made available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.
The combined company will face litigation and tax assessment risks that could force it to incur substantial defense costs and could result in damages awards against it that would negatively impact its business.
As described in VeriFones and Hypercoms quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC, there are a number of pending litigation and tax assessment matters faced by the companies, each of which may be time-consuming to resolve, expensive to defend, and disruptive to normal business operations. The outcome of litigation and tax assessments is inherently difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution of any specific lawsuit or tax assessment could have a material adverse effect on the combined companys business, results of operations and financial condition.
VeriFone has significant operations in Israel and therefore the combined companys results of operations may be adversely affected by political or economic instability or military operations in or around Israel.
VeriFone has offices and personnel in Israel. In addition, a number of VeriFones products are manufactured by VeriFones contract manufacturer in facilities located in Israel and many of VeriFones suppliers are located in Israel. Therefore, political, economic, and military conditions in Israel directly affect the combined companys
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operations. The future of peace efforts between Israel and its Arab neighbors remains uncertain. Any armed conflicts or further political instability in the region is likely to negatively affect business conditions and materially harm the combined companys results of operations. Furthermore, several countries continue to restrict or ban business with Israel and Israeli companies. These restrictive laws and policies may seriously limit the combined companys ability to make sales in those countries.
In addition, many employees in Israel are obligated to perform at least 30 days and up to 40 days, depending on rank and position, of military reserve duty annually and are subject to being called for active duty under emergency circumstances. If a military conflict or war arises, these individuals could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. VeriFones operations in Israel could be disrupted by the absence for a significant period of one or more key employees or a significant number of other employees due to military service. Any disruption in VeriFones operations in Israel could materially adversely affect the combined companys business.
In early 2010, VeriFone completed the transfer of the manufacture of its NURIT products from an in-house facility to a contract manufacturer with operations in Israel, which manufactures products and warehouses components and finished goods inventories. Disruption of the manufacturing process of VeriFones contract manufacturer or damage to its facility, whether as a result of fire, natural disaster, act of war, terrorist attack, or otherwise, could materially affect the combined companys ability to deliver products on a timely basis and could materially adversely affect the combined companys results of operations.
The combined company may not be able to attract, integrate, manage and retain qualified personnel.
The combined companys success will depend to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of its key senior management, engineering, sales and marketing, and manufacturing personnel, many of whom would be difficult to replace. In addition, the combined companys success will also depend on its ability to attract, integrate, manage, and retain highly skilled employees throughout its business. Competition for some of these personnel is intense, and in the past, VeriFone has had difficulty hiring employees in its desired timeframe, particularly qualified finance and accounting professionals. The combined company may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining personnel. The loss of the services of any of the combined companys key personnel, the inability to attract or retain qualified personnel in the future, or delays in hiring required personnel, particularly engineers and sales personnel, could make it difficult for the combined company to manage its business and meet key objectives, such as timely product introductions.
During the last several fiscal years, both VeriFone and Hypercom have implemented work force reduction plans reducing the number of employees and contractors in certain areas due to redundancies and shifting business needs. These reductions have also required both companies to reassign certain employee duties. Workforce reductions and job reassignments could negatively affect employee morale, and make it difficult to motivate and retain the combined companys remaining employees and contractors, which would affect the combined companys ability to deliver its products in a timely fashion and otherwise negatively affect its business.
Shipments of electronic payment systems may be delayed by factors outside of the combined companys control, which could harm its reputation and its relationships with its customers.
The shipment of payment systems will require the combined company or its manufacturers, distributors, or other agents to obtain customs or other government certifications and approvals, and, on occasion, to submit to physical inspection of systems in transit. Failure to satisfy these requirements, and the very process of trying to satisfy them, can lead to lengthy delays in the delivery of the combined companys solutions to its direct or indirect customers. Because the combined company will depend upon third-party carriers for the timely delivery of its products, the combined company may face delays in delivery due to reasons outside its control. Delays and unreliable delivery by the combined company may harm its reputation in the industry and its relationships with its customers.
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Force majeure events, such as terrorist attacks, other acts of violence or war and political instability may adversely affect the combined company.
Terrorist attacks, war and international political instability may disrupt the combined companys ability to generate revenues. Such events may negatively affect the combined companys ability to maintain sales revenues and to develop new business relationships. Because it is expected that a substantial and growing part of the combined companys revenues will be derived from sales and services to customers outside of the United States and VeriFone and Hypercom have their electronic payment systems manufactured outside the United States, terrorist attacks, war and international political instability anywhere may decrease international demand for the combined companys products and inhibit customer development opportunities abroad, disrupt the combined companys supply chain and impair its ability to deliver its electronic payment systems, which could materially adversely affect the combined companys net revenues or results of operations. Any of these events may also disrupt global financial markets and precipitate a decline in the price of VeriFones common stock.
Natural or man-made disasters, business interruptions and health epidemics could delay the combined companys ability to receive or ship its products, or otherwise disrupt its business.
The combined companys worldwide operations could be subject to earthquakes, power shortages, telecommunications failures, water shortages, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, fires, extreme weather conditions, health epidemics and other natural or man-made disasters or business interruptions. The occurrence of any of these business disruptions could seriously harm the combined companys revenue and financial condition and increase its costs and expenses. If the combined companys manufacturers or warehousing facilities are damaged or destroyed, the combined company would be unable to distribute its products on a timely basis, which could harm its business. VeriFones corporate headquarters, and a portion of its research and development activities, are located in California, and other critical business operations and some of its suppliers are located in California and Asia, near major earthquake faults. Certain key servers and information systems are located in Florida, which has in the past experienced major hurricanes and similar extreme weather. Although VeriFones office facilities have not been impacted by the flooding, power outages or other effects of such storm systems, any disruption of VeriFones Florida operations could materially affect the combined companys operations and harm its business. Moreover, if the combined companys computer information systems or communication systems, or those of its vendors or customers, are subject to hacker attacks or other disruptions, the combined companys business could suffer. VeriFone has not established a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. The combined companys back-up operations may be inadequate and its business interruption insurance may not be enough to compensate it for any losses that may occur. A significant business interruption could result in losses or damages and harm the combined companys business since much of VeriFones order fulfillment process is automated and the order information is stored on VeriFones servers. If its computer systems and servers go down even for a short period at the end of a fiscal quarter, VeriFones ability to recognize revenue would be delayed until it is again able to process and ship its orders, which could harm the combined companys revenues for that quarter and cause VeriFones stock price to decline significantly.
VeriFone and Hypercom are exposed to potential risks associated with environmental laws and regulations.
VeriFone and Hypercom are subject to other legal and regulatory requirements, including a European Union directive that places restrictions on the use of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electronic equipment, a European Union directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and the environmental regulations promulgated by Chinas Ministry of Information Industry (China RoHS). RoHS sets a framework for producers obligations in relation to manufacturing (including the amounts of named hazardous substances contained in products sold) and WEEE sets a framework for treatment, labeling, recovery, and recycling of electronic products in the European Union, which may require the combined company to alter the manufacturing of the physical devices that include its solutions and/or require active steps to promote recycling of materials and components. In addition, similar legislation could be enacted in other jurisdictions, including in the United States. Many states in the United States have enacted state-level programs and requirements for recycling
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of certain electronic goods. In addition, climate change legislation in the United States is a significant topic of discussion and may generate federal or other regulatory responses in the near future. If the combined company does not comply with environmental law and regulations, it may suffer a loss of revenue, be unable to sell in certain markets or countries, be subject to penalties and enforced fees, and/or suffer a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, the costs to comply with RoHS, WEEE and China RoHS, or with current and future environmental and worker health and safety laws, may have a material adverse effect on the combined companys business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to the Combined Companys Industry
The combined companys markets are highly competitive and subject to price erosion.
The markets for the combined companys system solutions and services will be highly competitive, and VeriFone and Hypercom have been subject to price pressures. Competition from manufacturers, distributors, or providers of products similar to or competitive with the combined companys system solutions or services could result in price reductions, reduced margins, and a loss of market share or could render its solutions obsolete. For example, First Data Corporation, a leading provider of payments processing services, and VeriFones largest customer, has developed and continues to develop a series of proprietary electronic payment systems for the U.S. market.
The combined company expects to continue to experience significant and increasing levels of competition in the future. The combined company will compete with suppliers of cash registers that provide built-in electronic payment capabilities and producers of software that facilitates electronic payment over the internet, as well as other manufacturers or distributors of electronic payment systems. The combined company will also compete with smaller companies that have been able to develop strong local or regional customer bases. In certain foreign countries, some competitors are more established, benefit from greater name recognition and have greater resources within those countries than the combined company will. Further, in certain international markets, such as Brazil, the combined company may face competition from refurbished units which could result in reduced demand and pricing pressures.
The combined company must adhere to industry and government regulations and standards and therefore sales will suffer if the combined company cannot comply with them.
The combined companys system solutions must meet industry standards imposed by payment systems standards setting organizations such as EMVCo LLC, credit card associations such as Visa, MasterCard, and other credit card associations and standard-setting organizations such as PCI SSC, Intermec and the UK Cards Association. New standards are continually being adopted or proposed as a result of worldwide anti-fraud initiatives, the increasing need for system compatibility and technology developments such as wireless and wireline IP communication. The combined companys solutions will also have to comply with government regulations, including those imposed by telecommunications authorities and independent standards groups worldwide, regarding emissions, radiation, and connections with telecommunications and radio networks. VeriFone cannot be sure that the combined company will be able to design its solutions to comply with future standards or regulations on a timely basis, if at all. Compliance with these standards could increase the cost of developing or producing the combined companys solutions. New products designed to meet any new standards need to be introduced to the market and ordinarily need to be certified by the credit card associations and the combined companys customers before being purchased. The certification process is costly and time-consuming and increases the amount of time it will take to sell the combined companys products. Moreover, certain uses of the combined companys products may subject it to additional regulations and licensing requirements. For example, use of VeriFones products in taxis requires additional licensing and may subject VeriFone to certain taxi business regulations.
The combined companys business, revenues and financial condition could be adversely affected if it cannot comply with new or existing industry standards, or obtain or retain necessary regulatory approval or certifications
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in a timely fashion, or if compliance results in increasing the cost of the combined companys products. Selling products that are non-compliant may result in fines against the combined company or its customers, which the combined company may be liable to pay. In addition, even if the combined companys products are designed to be compliant, compliance with certain security standards is determined based on the merchants or service providers network environment in which the combined companys systems are installed and, therefore, is dependent upon a number of additional factors, such as proper installation of the components of the environment including the combined companys systems, compliance of software and system components provided by other vendors, implementation of compliant security processes and business practices and adherence to such processes and practices. The combined companys business and financial condition could be adversely affected if the combined company does not comply with new or existing industry standards, or obtain or retain necessary regulatory approval or certifications in a timely fashion, or if compliance results in increasing the cost of the combined companys products.
If the combined company does not continually enhance its existing solutions and develop and market new solutions and enhancements, its net revenues and income will be adversely affected.
The market for electronic payment systems is characterized by:
| rapid technological change; |
| frequent product introductions and enhancements; |
| evolving industry and government performance and security standards; and |
| changes in customer and end-user preferences or requirements. |
Because of these factors, the combined company must continually enhance its solutions and develop and market new solutions. These efforts will require significant investment in research and development as well as increased costs of manufacturing and distributing the combined companys system solutions, and the combined company may not necessarily be able to increase or maintain prices to account for these costs.
VeriFone cannot be sure that the combined company will successfully complete the development and introduction of new solutions or enhancements or that its new solutions will be accepted in the marketplace. The combined company may also fail to develop and deploy new solutions and enhancements on a timely basis. In either case, the combined company may lose market share to its competitors, and its net revenues and results of operations could suffer.
Risks Related to VeriFones Capital Structure
VeriFone, Inc.s secured credit facility contains restrictive and financial covenants and, if VeriFone, Inc. is unable to comply with these covenants, it will be in default. A default could result in the acceleration of VeriFones outstanding indebtedness, which would have an adverse effect on the combined companys business and stock price.
On October 31, 2006, VeriFone Systems, Inc.s principal subsidiary, VeriFone, Inc., entered into a secured credit agreement consisting of a Term B Loan facility of $500.0 million and a revolving credit facility permitting borrowings of up to $40.0 million (the Credit Facility). The proceeds from the Term B loan were used to repay all outstanding amounts relating to an existing senior secured credit agreement, pay certain transaction costs, and partially fund the cash consideration in connection with the acquisition of Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd. on November 1, 2006. Through October 31, 2010, VeriFone, Inc. had repaid an aggregate of $278.7 million, leaving a Term B Loan balance of $221.3 million at October 31, 2010.
The Credit Facility contains customary covenants that require VeriFone, Inc.s subsidiaries to maintain certain specified financial ratios and restrict their ability to make certain distributions with respect to their capital
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stock, prepay other debt, encumber their assets, incur additional indebtedness, make capital expenditures above specified levels, engage in certain business combinations, or undertake various other corporate activities. Therefore, as a practical matter, these covenants restrict VeriFones ability to engage in or benefit from such activities. In addition, VeriFone, Inc. has, in order to secure repayment of its Credit Facility, pledged substantially all of its assets and properties. This pledge may reduce VeriFones operating flexibility because it restricts VeriFones ability to dispose of these assets or engage in other transactions that may be beneficial to VeriFone.
If VeriFone, Inc. is unable to comply with the covenants in the Credit Facility, it will be in default, which could result in the acceleration of VeriFones outstanding indebtedness. In addition, if VeriFone, Inc.s leverage exceeds a certain level set out in its Credit Facility, a portion of its excess cash flows must be used to pay down its outstanding debt. If acceleration occurs, VeriFone may not be able to repay its debt and it may not be able to borrow sufficient additional funds to refinance its debt. The U.S. credit markets have contracted significantly and as a result, VeriFone, Inc. may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, or at all. If VeriFone, Inc. were to default in performance under the Credit Facility, it may pursue an amendment or waiver of the Credit Facility with its existing lenders, but there can be no assurance that the lenders would grant such an amendment or waiver and, in light of current credit market conditions, any such amendment or waiver requested is likely to be on terms, including additional fees, as well as increased interest rates and other more stringent terms and conditions, that would be materially disadvantageous to VeriFone, Inc. For example, as a result of the delay in VeriFones financial reports for the 2007 fiscal year and the first two fiscal quarters of 2008, VeriFone, Inc. was required to obtain amendments to the Credit Facility that resulted in an increase in the interest rate payable on its term loan and revolving commitments, as well as increases in the commitment fee for unused revolving commitments and letter of credit fees. VeriFone, Inc. also paid the consenting lenders amendment fees in connection with the amendments. VeriFone expects that in light of recent market conditions any lenders fees or other terms and conditions for a covenant waiver or amendment would be substantially more costly to VeriFone, Inc. today than the cost it incurred for credit agreement amendments in 2008.
The conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets may adversely affect VeriFone, Inc.s ability to draw on the Credit Facility as well as have an adverse effect on other financial transactions.
Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. (Lehman CP) was a lender under the Credit Facility with a commitment of $15 million out of the $40 million facility. As a result of Lehman CPs filing of a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in October 2008, VeriFone, Inc. reduced the revolving credit facility by Lehman CPs commitment.
In addition, the filing by Lehman Brothers of a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in September 2008 constituted an event of default under the note hedge transaction with Lehman Derivatives (which has also filed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition) and the related guaranty by Lehman Brothers, giving VeriFone the immediate right to terminate the note hedge transaction and entitling it to claim reimbursement for the loss incurred in terminating and closing out the transaction. To date, VeriFone has not recovered any amounts or reimbursement related to the note hedge transactions with Lehman Derivatives and there can be no assurance VeriFone will ever receive any amounts, reimbursement or recovery related to the obligations of Lehman Derivatives and Lehman Brothers with respect to this note hedge transaction. Lehman Derivatives and Lehman Brothers ability to perform their obligations under the note hedge transactions is unclear. Because VeriFone has not replaced this hedge transaction, VeriFone is subject to potential dilution on the portion of its convertible notes that is intended to be covered by the hedge transaction with Lehman Derivatives upon conversion if, on the date of conversion, the per share market price of VeriFones common stock exceeds the conversion price of approximately $44.02 per share. Further, if VeriFone decided to replace the hedge it could incur significant costs to do so.
If other financial institutions that have extended credit commitments to VeriFone or have entered into hedge, insurance or similar transactions with VeriFone are adversely affected by the conditions of the U.S. and
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international capital markets, they may become unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments to VeriFone or otherwise fulfill their obligations under the relevant transactions, which could have a material and adverse impact on the combined companys financial condition and its ability to borrow additional funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate purposes.
VeriFone, Inc.s indebtedness and debt service obligations under the Credit Facility may adversely affect the combined companys cash flow, cash position, and stock price.
Principal payments on VeriFone, Inc.s Term B Loan are due in quarterly installments of $1.25 million over the term of the loan with the remaining principal balance due October 31, 2013. VeriFone, Inc. intends to fulfill its debt service obligations under the Credit Facility from existing cash, investments and operations. A substantial portion of VeriFone, Incs cash balances and cash generated from operations are held by its foreign subsidiaries. If VeriFone, Inc. decides to distribute or use such cash and cash equivalents outside those foreign jurisdictions, including a distribution to the United States, it may be subject to additional taxes or costs. In the future, if VeriFone, Inc. is unable to generate or raise additional cash sufficient to meet its debt service obligations and needs to use more of its existing cash than planned or to liquidate investments in order to fund these obligations, VeriFone may have to delay or curtail the development and/or the sales and marketing of new payment systems. The Term B Loan bears interest at 2.75% over the applicable LIBOR rate. As a result of the recent global recession and downturn in financial markets, LIBOR has declined significantly, which has resulted in a lower effective interest rate on the Term B Loan. LIBOR fluctuates based on economic and market factors that are beyond VeriFones control. Any significant increase in LIBOR would result in a significant increase in interest expense on the Term B Loan, which could negatively impact the combined companys net income and cash flows.
VeriFone, Inc.s indebtedness could have significant additional negative consequences, including, without limitation:
| requiring the dedication of a significant portion of the combined companys expected cash flow to service the indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of expected cash flow available for other purposes, including capital expenditures; |
| increasing the combined companys vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions; |
| limiting the combined companys ability to obtain additional financing; and |
| placing the combined company at a possible competitive disadvantage to less leveraged competitors and competitors that have better access to capital resources. |
Additionally, if the combined company is required to refinance or raise additional cash to settle its existing indebtedness on or prior to its maturity, its ability to successfully achieve such objective will be dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to its business outlook, projected financial performance, general availability of corporate credit and market demand for its securities offerings. VeriFone believes that in the event additional funding is required, the combined company will be able to access the capital markets on terms and in amounts adequate to meet its objectives. However, given the possibility of changes in market conditions or other occurrences, VeriFone cannot assure that such funding will be available on terms favorable to the combined company or at all.
Some provisions of VeriFones certificate of incorporation and bylaws may delay or prevent transactions that many stockholders may favor.
Some provisions of VeriFones certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying, discouraging or preventing a merger or acquisition that VeriFones stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might receive a premium for their shares. These provisions include:
| authorization of the issuance of blank check preferred stock without the need for action by stockholders; |
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| the amendment of its organizational documents only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the shares of its capital stock entitled to vote; |
| provision that any vacancy on the board of directors, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of the board, may only be filled by vote of the directors then in office; |
| inability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders, although stockholders are permitted to act by written consent; and |
| advance notice requirements for board nominations and proposing matters to be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings. |
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Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This proxy statement/prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements relate to future events or the future financial performance of VeriFone, Hypercom or the combined company. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, should, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, potential, or continue, the negative of such terms, or comparable terminology.
Actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks discussed under the caption entitled Risk Factors on page 26 and the other cautionary statements made in this proxy statement/prospectus. These factors may cause VeriFones, Hypercoms and the combined companys actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.
Although VeriFone and Hypercom believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, VeriFone and Hypercom cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Moreover, none of VeriFone, Hypercom or any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements.
These statements relate to future events or the future financial performance of VeriFone, Hypercom or the combined company, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include those listed under the caption entitled Risk Factors on page 26, and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. VeriFone and Hypercom are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in expectations.
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Information about the Special Meeting
This proxy statement/prospectus is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Hypercoms board of directors for use at the special meeting. The meeting will be held at 9:00, a.m. Arizona time on , , 2011, at 8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, unless it is postponed or adjourned.
Purpose of the Special Meeting
At the special meeting, Hypercom stockholders of record will be asked to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
Holders of record of Hypercom common stock also will consider any other business that may properly come before the special meeting of stockholders or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting of stockholders. Hypercom currently does not contemplate that any other matters will be considered at the special meeting.
The proxy statement/prospectus and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed beginning on or about , 2010, to holders of record of Hypercoms common stock at the close of business on , 2010. Each share of Hypercom common stock entitles the registered holder thereof to one vote. As of December 17, 2010, there were 55,992,883 shares of Hypercom common stock outstanding, including restricted stock. As of December 17, 2010, approximately 1.47% of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock, including restricted stock and excluding stock options, were held by directors and executive officers of Hypercom and their respective affiliates.
You are entitled to vote if you are a holder of record of Hypercom common stock as of the close of business on , 2010. Your shares may be voted at the meeting only if you are present or represented by a valid proxy.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Hypercom Concerning the Merger
After careful consideration, the board of directors of Hypercom determined that the merger is fair to and in the best interests of Hypercom and its stockholders and approved the merger agreement, the merger and all of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Accordingly, the board of directors of Hypercom recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger. For a discussion of the merger and the merger agreement, see The Merger beginning on page 59 and The Merger Agreement beginning on page 83.
Method of Voting; Record Date; Stock Entitled to Vote; Quorum
Hypercom stockholders are being asked to vote both shares held directly in their name as stockholders of record and any shares they hold in street name as beneficial owners. Shares held in street name are shares held in a stock brokerage account or shares held by a bank or other nominee.
The method of voting differs for shares held as a record holder and shares held in street name. Record holders will receive proxy cards. Holders of shares in street name will receive voting instruction cards in order to instruct their brokers or nominees how to vote.
Proxy cards and voting instruction cards are being solicited on behalf of the board of directors of Hypercom from Hypercom stockholders in favor of the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve
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the merger. In addition, Hypercom has retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated of 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10022, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of approximately $30,000, including disbursements based on out-of-pocket expenses, telecommunicators, directory assistance and related telephone expenses.
Stockholders may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, stockholders who hold shares in more than one brokerage account will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which shares are held. Stockholders of record whose shares are registered in more than one name will receive more than one proxy card. Hypercom stockholders should complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card they receive.
Only stockholders of record of Hypercom at the close of business on , 2010, the record date for the special meeting of stockholders, are entitled to receive notice of, and have the right to vote at, the special meeting of stockholders. Stockholders of record of Hypercom on the record date are entitled to one vote per share of Hypercom common stock on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
In accordance with Hypercoms corporate bylaws, stockholders who represent a majority of the shares of Hypercom entitled to vote must be present in person or represented by proxy in order to constitute a quorum to conduct business at a meeting of stockholders.
Abstentions and broker non-votes count as present for establishing a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs on an item when a broker is not permitted to vote on that item without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and no instructions are given. Shares held by Hypercom in its treasury do not count toward establishing a quorum.
Hypercom stockholders may be asked to vote upon a proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting.
Adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. A proxy card of a record stockholder that is signed and returned that does not indicate a vote for or against a proposal will be counted as a vote FOR that proposal.
A broker or nominee who holds shares for customers, who are the beneficial owners of those shares, are prohibited from giving a proxy to vote those customers shares with respect to the proposals to be voted on at the special meeting of stockholders without instructions from the customer. Shares held by a broker or nominee that are not voted because the customer has not provided instructions to the broker or nominee will have the same effect as a vote against the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger.
Share Ownership of Hypercom Directors and Executive Officers
As of December 17, 2010, directors and executive officers of Hypercom and their affiliates held and were entitled to vote 1.47% of Hypercom common stock, including restricted stock and excluding stock options, outstanding on that date.
Submitting Proxies or Voting Instructions
Hypercom stockholders of record may vote their shares by attending the special meeting of stockholders and voting their shares in person at the special meeting of stockholders or by completing their proxy cards and
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signing, dating and mailing them in the enclosed self-addressed envelopes. If a proxy card is signed by a stockholder of record of Hypercom and returned without voting instructions, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and FOR the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, for any purpose, including to solicit additional proxies in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and in the discretion of the proxy holders, on any other business that may properly come before the special meeting of stockholders or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting.
Hypercom stockholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee must either direct the record holder of their shares as to how to vote their shares of Hypercom common stock or obtain a proxy from the record holder to vote at the special meeting of stockholders. Beneficial holders of Hypercom common stock should check the voting instruction cards used by their brokers or nominees to see if they may vote by using the telephone or the Internet.
Revoking Proxies or Voting Instructions
Hypercom stockholders of record may revoke their proxies at any time prior to the time their proxies are voted at the special meeting of stockholders. Proxies may be revoked by written notice to the corporate secretary of Hypercom, by a later-dated proxy signed and returned by mail, or by attending the special meeting of stockholders and voting in person.
Hypercom stockholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee may change their votes by submitting new voting instructions to their brokers or nominees. Those Hypercom stockholders may not vote their shares in person at the special meeting of stockholders unless they obtain a signed proxy from the record holder giving them the right to vote those shares.
Solicitation of Proxies
In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and employees of Hypercom may solicit proxies for the special meeting from Hypercom stockholders personally or by telephone, facsimile and other electronic means without compensation other than reimbursement for their actual expenses. Also, Hypercom has retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated of 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10022, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of approximately $30,000, including disbursements based on out-of-pocket expenses, telecommunicators, directory assistance and related telephone expenses.
Arrangements will also be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the beneficial owners of Hypercom common stock held of record by those persons, and Hypercom will, if requested, reimburse the record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in so doing.
Please do not send in any Hypercom share certificates with your proxy cards or voting instruction cards.
Only Hypercom stockholders, including joint holders, who hold shares of record as of the close of business on , 2010 and other persons holding valid proxies for the special meeting of stockholders are entitled to attend the special meeting of stockholders. All stockholders and their proxies should be prepared to present photo identification. In addition, if you are a record holder, your name is subject to verification against the list of record holders on the record date prior to being admitted to the meeting. Hypercom stockholders who are not record holders but hold shares through a broker or nominee (i.e., in street name) should be prepared to provide
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proof of beneficial ownership on the record date, such as a recent account statement prior to , 2010, or similar evidence of ownership. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the other procedures outlined above upon request, you will not be admitted to the special meeting of stockholders.
Contact for Questions and Assistance in Voting
Any Hypercom stockholder who has a question about the merger or how to vote or revoke a proxy should contact:
Hypercom Corporation
8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300
Attention: Investor Relations
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260
stsujita@hypercom.com
Telephone: (480) 642-5000
Any Hypercom stockholder who needs additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or voting materials should contact Investor Relations as described above.
Any Hypercom stockholder who has a question about the merger or how to vote or revoke a proxy or who needs additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or voting should contact Hypercoms information agent and proxy solicitor for the merger, at the following address and telephone numbers:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(888) 750-5834 (toll-free)
Banks & Brokers Call Collect:
(212) 750-5833
Hypercom is not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the special meeting. If, however, other matters are properly brought before the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, the persons named as proxy holders will each have discretion to act on those matters, or to adjourn or postpone the special meeting.
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VeriFone is a global leader in secure electronic payment solutions. VeriFone provides expertise, solutions, and services that add value to the point of sale with merchant-operated, consumer-facing, and self-service payment systems for the financial, retail, hospitality, petroleum, transportation, government, and healthcare vertical markets. Since 1981, VeriFone has designed and marketed system solutions that facilitate the long-term shift toward electronic payment transactions and away from cash and checks. VeriFones net revenues were $1,001.5 million in the year ended October 31, 2010. VeriFones principal executive offices are located at 2099 Gateway Place, Suite 600, San Jose, California 95110, and its telephone number is (408) 232-7800.
Additional information concerning VeriFone is included in VeriFones reports filed under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
Hypercom Corporation is one of the largest global providers of complete electronic payment and transaction solutions and value-added services at the point of transaction. Hypercoms customers include domestic and international financial institutions, electronic payment processors, transaction network operators, retailers, system integrators, independent sales organizations and distributors. Hypercom also sells its products to companies in the hospitality, transportation, healthcare, prepaid card and restaurant industries. Hypercom products enable its customers to accept a wide range of payments and other transactions, including credit cards, signature and PIN (Personal Identification Number) based debit cards, contactless identification and near field communications, stored-value cards, and electronic benefits transfer. Hypercom delivers convenience and value to businesses that depend on reliable, secure, high-speed and high-volume electronic transactions. Hypercoms principal executive offices are located at 8888 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 and its telephone number is (480) 642-5000.
Additional information concerning Hypercom is included in Hypercoms reports filed under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
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If the merger agreement is adopted by the holders of a majority of all the issued and outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock at the special meeting, and the other conditions to closing are satisfied or waived, Honey Acquisition Co., a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone, will be merged with and into Hypercom. Hypercom will be the surviving corporation and will become a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone.
At the effective time and as a result of the merger, Hypercom stockholders will receive, for each share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Hypercom issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock.
Based on the number of shares outstanding as of the record date, VeriFone currently estimates that the total number of shares of VeriFone common stock to be issued at the closing of the merger will be shares. Assuming the exercise of all Hypercom options and warrants outstanding as of the record date, VeriFone would issue an additional shares of VeriFone common stock in the merger.
Hypercom stockholders will not receive fractional shares of VeriFone common stock. Instead, they will receive the cash value, without interest, of any fractional share of VeriFone common stock that they might otherwise have been entitled to receive, determined by the per share closing price of VeriFone common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite transactions reporting system on the last trading day prior to the closing date of the merger.
The following schedule shows important dates and events in connection with the special meeting.
Dates |
Events | |
, 2010 |
Record date for special meeting | |
, 2011 |
Special meeting |
The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2011. We cannot predict the exact timing because the merger remains subject to governmental and regulatory approvals and other conditions.
VeriFone and Hypercom regularly consider a variety of strategic transactions as part of their ongoing evaluation of their respective businesses. VeriFone and Hypercom have been familiar with each others businesses for several years and from time to time have discussed potential strategic alliances. Over the years, these contacts have been initiated by both parties.
During the second quarter of 2009, Hypercoms board of directors became concerned with Hypercoms cash balance and global economic and market conditions and their potential impact on Hypercoms operations. The board requested an evaluation of Hypercoms strategic alternatives and, based on this evaluation, elected to solicit interest from three companies that participate in the same or a similar sector, including VeriFone, to discuss whether a combination or other strategic alliance might be appropriate.
On June 10, 2009, VeriFone sent Hypercom a letter setting forth proposed terms for combining the two companies. The proposal contemplated that Hypercom stockholders would receive a 40% premium to the average closing price of Hypercoms stock price for each of the 30 consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the signing of a definitive transaction agreement, which at the time corresponded to a value of $1.73 per share. The letter indicated that VeriFone was open to allowing the Hypercom stockholders to elect to receive the merger consideration in the form of stock, cash or a combination of both.
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On June 12, 2009, Messrs. Daniel Diethelm, Johann Dreyer, Ian Marsh and Phillip Riese, the independent directors of the Hypercom board, held a meeting to evaluate VeriFones proposal and compare it to the expected stockholder value that Hypercom could deliver as a stand-alone company, or as a company in combination with other participants in the market. The independent directors discussions focused on Hypercoms improving financial and operational results since initial cash concerns were raised and the resulting expectations for Hypercoms performance as a stand-alone company, the potential availability and value of combinations with other partners, and the potential value of the proposal by VeriFone. The independent directors instructed Hypercoms management to advise VeriFone that it would respond to its indication of interest in due course following further evaluation.
The full board of directors of Hypercom held a meeting on June 18, 2009. Also present at the meeting were UBS, which was engaged as Hypercoms financial advisor as of June 15, 2009, and Hypercoms legal advisor, DLA. The board discussed the proposal received from VeriFone, as well as non-binding proposals submitted by the two other industry participants, UBSs preliminary analysis of such proposals, and (with the assistance of counsel) their fiduciary responsibilities in light of the proposals. Taking into account UBSs preliminary analysis and a financial update by management, the board determined that VeriFones proposal and the other proposals were inadequate and directed UBS to conduct further analysis, including regarding the synergies that could be achieved in a combination.
During this period, Hypercom and VeriFone negotiated the terms of a confidentiality agreement and, on June 25, 2009, executed an agreement which provided for the exchange of confidential information and the use of such information only for the purpose of evaluating a negotiated transaction. The confidentiality agreement also included limits on each partys ability to solicit certain key employees of the other party, and a standstill provision which prohibited VeriFone, without the consent of Hypercoms board of directors, from acquiring common stock of Hypercom; effecting a tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination; or soliciting proxies or consents to vote any securities of Hypercom. The standstill and employee solicitation provisions expired June 25, 2010 and the remaining terms generally remain in effect until June 25, 2011 (with the merger agreement providing for a further extension of those remaining terms until June 25, 2012). Hypercom also entered into confidentiality agreements with the other two parties around this time period.
On June 30, 2009, the Hypercom board of directors held another meeting to review Hypercoms business plan for 2009 through 2011 and further discuss VeriFones June 10, 2009 proposal with DLA and UBS, which had completed its analysis of synergies that could be achieved in a combination. Given the prospects for value creation through the successful execution of Hypercoms business plan, the board requested that UBS solicit significantly improved proposals from VeriFone and the other companies that had submitted proposals, for review at the boards next scheduled meeting on July 29, 2009.
No revised proposals were received prior to July 29, 2009. At its July 29, 2009 meeting, the Hypercom board of directors received and extensively discussed a presentation by UBS regarding the proposal received from VeriFone on June 10, 2009. The board also discussed how to proceed in discussions with VeriFone and unanimously determined that VeriFones proposal so significantly undervalued Hypercom that Hypercom would not deliver a written response. Hypercom orally confirmed to VeriFone, and UBS orally confirmed to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (J.P. Morgan), that the June 10, 2009 proposal was inadequate.
On August 2, 2009, August 7, 2009 and August 13, 2009, representatives of J.P. Morgan, financial advisor to VeriFone, and representatives of UBS, financial advisor to Hypercom, conducted discussions regarding VeriFones June 10, 2009 proposal.
On August 17, 2009, VeriFone sent Hypercom a revised proposal reflecting a price of $3.00 per share in a stock-for-stock transaction, with up to 50% of the purchase price paid in cash at the stockholders election. VeriFone offered to divest Hypercoms U.S. operations if necessary for antitrust approvals. VeriFone also requested a 40-day exclusivity period. The other companies did not submit revised proposals.
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Following receipt of the August 17, 2009 letter and without Hypercom accepting any of the terms set forth in the August 17, 2009 letter, Hypercom and VeriFone undertook limited due diligence, primarily with respect to regulatory and antitrust matters and pending litigation. At various times throughout August and September 2009, representatives of J.P. Morgan and UBS held discussions in which UBS conveyed Hypercoms concern regarding the adequacy of the price set forth in VeriFones August 17 letter. During this period, on August 25 and August 31, 2009, the Hypercom board of directors held meetings at which it discussed VeriFones August 17, 2009 proposal and UBSs analysis of the proposal, valuation considerations and perspectives, and a pro forma analysis of the proposed combined company.
On September 23, 2009, VeriFone sent Hypercom a revised indication of interest pursuant to which it proposed to acquire the outstanding shares of Hypercom stock based on an all-stock transaction with an exchange ratio of 0.24 shares of VeriFone common stock per share of Hypercom common stock, which at that date corresponded to a value of $3.76 per share of Hypercom common stock, representing a 39% premium to the 30-day average trading price of Hypercom common stock.
On September 30, 2009, representatives of J.P. Morgan and UBS discussed VeriFones September 23, 2009 proposal.
At meetings held on October 6 and October 20, 2009, the Hypercom board of directors met with its financial and legal advisors to review the September 23, 2009 proposal from VeriFone. DLA discussed the boards fiduciary duties. Representatives of UBS reviewed the terms of the offer and financial analyses relating to the offer, which included a detailed review of VeriFones historical and expected future performance. The board also discussed the possibility of accepting VeriFones stock as currency, and the need to conduct diligence on VeriFones future financial prospects. Following extensive discussion, the board directed Messrs. Diethelm and Tartavull to work with UBS to prepare a draft response to the September 23, 2009 proposal, which would include a proposal having both cash and stock components.
On October 21, 2009, Hypercom sent its response rejecting VeriFones September 23, 2009 proposal and indicating that it would be willing to discuss an all-stock merger at an exchange ratio of 0.30, with the right of stockholders to elect to receive part of the consideration in cash, which at that date corresponded to a value of $4.57 per share of Hypercom common stock, representing a 50% premium to the 30-day average trading price of Hypercom common stock.
On October 28, 2009, VeriFone sent Hypercom a further revised indication of interest pursuant to which it proposed a revised exchange ratio of 0.28 shares of VeriFone common stock per share of Hypercom common stock, provided that Francisco Partners II, L.P. reduce by 25%, or 2,636,000 shares, the shares subject to its warrant. In addition, VeriFone reserved the right to offer a portion of the consideration in cash to the extent necessary in order that VeriFone would not be required to seek stockholder approval of the transaction. At the time, the proposal corresponded to a value of $3.91 per share of Hypercom common stock, representing a 27% premium to the 30-day average trading price of Hypercom common stock.
The Hypercom board of directors held meetings on October 28 and November 5, 2009 at which it discussed the revised proposal from VeriFone. Representatives of UBS presented an analysis of the revised proposal. The board considered the key economic terms of VeriFones proposal, Hypercoms improving business and prospects, including an updated financial forecast, recent relative movements in the prices of Hypercoms stock and VeriFones stock, VeriFones proposal to address antitrust concerns, VeriFones proposal for a combination of stock and cash consideration, certain ongoing regulatory and litigation proceedings to which VeriFone was a party, and alternatives to the proposed transaction, including continuing as a stand-alone entity. The board did not consider other strategic buyers, as the two industry participants that had submitted proposals in June 2009, other than VeriFone, had declined to submit improved proposals. Following such discussions, the Hypercom board of directors concluded that VeriFones revised proposal was unacceptable, Hypercoms October 21 counterproposal should be withdrawn, and that for the foreseeable future Hypercom should pursue its business strategy and discontinue discussions about a potential business combination with VeriFone. These conclusions were conveyed to VeriFone in a letter dated November 6, 2009.
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On November 20, 2009, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting at which it discussed a proposed acquisition of POS assets of another industry participant, the risks and challenges of the proposed transaction, due diligence matters, the potential acquisition price, and projected financial results. The board authorized management to submit a non-binding term sheet with respect to the transaction. There were several calls between Hypercom and the potential seller in February 2010, followed by meetings on March 19 and 20, 2010. The term sheet was rejected by the seller and a counterproposal was made by the seller at a significantly greater price than offered by Hypercom. On April 10, 2010, the parties determined not to pursue the transaction.
In May 2010, VeriFone re-initiated discussions with Hypercom and, from May 6 to May 12, 2010, Philippe Tartavull, Chief Executive Officer and President of Hypercom, and Douglas Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer of VeriFone, exchanged emails and had telephone communications in which the possibility of a business combination was discussed.
On May 13, 2010, Mr. Bergeron called Keith Geeslin, a member of the board of directors of Hypercom, to discuss a potential business combination between the two companies. VeriFone requested a meeting with the Hypercom board to continue discussions.
Following a meeting of the Hypercom board on May 17, 2010, in response to VeriFones overture, Mr. Tartavull submitted a letter to Mr. Bergeron which noted that since the prior discussions ended in November 2009, Hypercoms operations and financial results had continued to improve and that, while Hypercom was not soliciting acquisition offers, it believed that a potential business combination between the two companies could provide value to Hypercoms stockholders, provided that VeriFone presented a credible proposal commensurate with Hypercoms improved results. Mr. Tartavulls letter indicated that the Hypercom board would evaluate any credible proposal from VeriFone, consistent with its boards fiduciary duties.
On June 14, 2010, Mr. Bergeron met with Messrs. Tartavull, Diethelm and Norman Stout to discuss a potential business combination between VeriFone and Hypercom.
On June 23, 2010, VeriFone sent Hypercom a proposal to acquire Hypercom in a merger with consideration fixed at $6.00 per share in cash, with up to 50% of the purchase price paid in stock at Hypercoms stockholders election, subject to restrictions to eliminate the contingency of the approval of VeriFones stockholders. The other provisions were substantially similar to proposals made in 2009.
On June 30, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting at which it discussed VeriFones revised proposal and recent meetings and telephone conversations between Hypercom directors and Mr. Bergeron. The board also discussed a presentation of UBSs preliminary analysis of the revised proposal. Following such discussion, the board authorized management to meet with VeriFones management to discuss a potential business combination.
On July 1, 2010, Hypercom submitted a letter to VeriFone accepting VeriFones offer to hold a meeting of senior executives of the companies to further discuss the potential merits of a business combination. Hypercom noted that it was disappointed with VeriFones latest revised offer, however, and conveyed the boards belief that the value of Hypercom should be captured in a fixed exchange ratio, rather than a per share price. Hypercom suggested an exchange ratio of 0.32 to 0.34 (representing a value of from $6.64 to $7.05 per share of Hypercom common stock based on VeriFones closing stock price on June 25, 2010), either all in VeriFone common stock or the maximum amount of VeriFone common stock that could be issued without VeriFone stockholder approval, with the remainder in cash. Hypercom also suggested an extension of the standstill provision in the confidentiality agreement (which expired on June 25, 2010) through November 9, 2010. The request for an extended standstill was rejected by VeriFone on July 15, 2010.
On July 22, 2010, Mr. Bergeron, Robert Dykes, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of VeriFone, and Albert Liu, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of VeriFone, met with Mr. Tartavull, Thomas Sabol, Chief Financial Officer of Hypercom, and Douglas Reich, Senior Vice President and General
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Counsel of Hypercom, in Los Angeles to discuss further the merits of a business combination. Hypercom presented its forecast for calendar 2010 through 2012, and VeriFone presented its forecast for fiscal 2010 and 2011.
On July 28, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting at which the board discussed communications with VeriFone officers since the June 30 board meeting. The board discussed the history of the exchanges with VeriFone over the previous year and noted that they had not resulted in an acceptable offer.
On August 3, 2010, Hypercom sent VeriFone a letter reiterating its previously suggested exchange ratio of 0.32 to 0.34 and its preference for an all-stock merger and indicating the desire of Hypercoms board of directors to bring negotiations to a prompt and successful conclusion or, alternatively, if a deal could not be reached, to disengage so the parties could focus on their respective businesses. In addition, Mr. Tartavull expressed concern over leaks to Hypercom employees and business partners of the ongoing discussions and the potential adverse impact on Hypercoms business.
On August 26, 2010, Mr. Bergeron met with Mr. Tartavull to further discuss the parameters of a potential business combination.
On August 26, 2010, VeriFone sent Hypercom a letter in which it proposed an all stock merger at a fixed exchange ratio equal to 0.19 of a VeriFone share per Hypercom share, representing a 43% premium to the trading price of Hypercom common stock at the time. The letter included a preliminary financial analysis of the combined companies. VeriFone also informed Hypercom that if the parties were not able to agree on terms, VeriFone intended to present an all-cash offer directly to Hypercoms stockholders in the next couple of weeks.
From August 30, 2010 to September 3, 2010, Messrs. Geeslin, Tartavull and Sabol held meetings and telephone conversations with Messrs. Bergeron and Dykes, and representatives of J.P. Morgan discussed VeriFones August 26, 2010 proposal with representatives of UBS.
On September 1, 2010, the Hypercom board held a meeting at which it discussed the August 26, 2010 proposal from VeriFone. UBS and management discussed the financial analysis provided by VeriFone, management provided updated financial information, and UBS presented its financial analysis of the offer. The board also discussed the possible adoption of a stockholder rights plan and the legal standards regarding its response to VeriFones proposal and adoption of a rights plan. Further, the board discussed the terms and conditions upon which it would consider engaging in diligence and further negotiations with VeriFone regarding a potential combination.
On September 7, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Dykes and Liu and Douglas Reed, Vice President and Treasurer of VeriFone, and representatives of J.P. Morgan met with Messrs. Tartavull, Sabol, Reich, Geeslin and Diethelm and representatives of UBS in San Francisco to have further discussions regarding a potential combination. At the meeting, Hypercom representatives expressed the view that the August 26, 2010 proposal was inadequate.
On September 10, 2010, Mr. Bergeron initiated a call with Mr. Geeslin to discuss VeriFones August 26, 2010 proposal. Also on September 10, 2010, Hypercom submitted a letter to VeriFone reaffirming Hypercoms view that the revised proposal failed to provide reasonable value to Hypercoms stockholders. On the same day, VeriFone sent a response letter to Hypercom discussing VeriFones justifications for its August 26, 2010 proposal.
On September 11, 2010, representatives of J.P. Morgan and UBS discussed VeriFones August 26, 2010 proposal and Hypercoms September 10, 2010 response letter. On that same date, Mr. Geeslin received a call from Mr. Bergeron to discuss VeriFones August 26 proposal.
Also on September 11, 2010, Mr. Dykes talked telephonically with Mr. Sabol regarding VeriFones August 26, 2010 proposal.
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On September 12, 2010, the board of Hypercom held a meeting to discuss the status of discussions among the various participants, including the discussions Mr. Geeslin and Mr. Sabol had with Mr. Bergeron and Mr. Dykes, and those among representatives of UBS and J.P. Morgan. Messrs. Tartavull and Diethelm reported on recent contacts by Hypercom stockholders (confirming no confidential information was provided). The board requested that Messrs. Stout and Riese contact certain directors of VeriFone to discuss the August 26 proposal and Hypercoms position with respect to it.
On September 14, 2010, Messrs. Dykes and Liu had a further call with Messrs. Sabol and Reich regarding the August 26, 2010 proposal, during which VeriFone again indicated its intention to go public with an all-cash offer to Hypercoms stockholders.
On September 17, 2010, Mr. Stout called Charles Rinehart, Chairman of the Board of VeriFone, to discuss VeriFones proposal, the involvement of the respective boards of directors with respect to a potential transaction between the two companies, the merits of a potential combination from a business standpoint, and the positive and negative factors regarding a friendly rather than a hostile transaction, and to establish another line of communication between the two companies.
Also on September 17, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting, at which representatives of UBS, DLA and Hypercoms public relations advisors were present, and at which the directors discussed the communications with VeriFone since the last meeting. The board further discussed VeriFones August 26, 2010 proposal in light of Hypercoms expected third quarter 2010 results, updated financial forecast, and continued improved performance and the recent relative movement in the prices of Hypercoms and VeriFones stock. The board unanimously concluded that the economic terms of the August 26, 2010 proposal were opportunistic and unacceptable under the circumstances. Following the meeting, with the authorization of the board, Mr. Riese called Alex (Pete) Hart, a member of VeriFones board of directors, to discuss VeriFones proposal and open an additional line of communication between the boards.
On September 20, 2010, VeriFone sent Hypercom a letter proposing to acquire all of the outstanding Hypercom shares for $5.70 per share, either in cash or shares of VeriFone common stock. VeriFone informed Hypercom that if the proposal was not accepted by September 22, 2010, VeriFones board of directors would approve an all-cash tender offer directly to Hypercoms stockholders on September 27, 2010.
On September 22, 2010, Mr. Dykes had a telephone call with Mr. Tartavull regarding VeriFones latest proposal.
Also on September 22, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting at which it discussed recent communications between Hypercom and VeriFone regarding VeriFones September 20, 2010 offer and intent to make a public offer if the Hypercom board did not accept its terms. Management provided an overview of these discussions as well as a financial update. The board discussed the provisions of the confidentiality agreement and its fiduciary duties with Hypercoms legal advisors. UBS presented a financial analysis of the latest VeriFone proposal. Following such discussions and presentation, the board determined that the proposal failed to provide adequate consideration to Hypercoms stockholders and was unacceptable.
On September 23, 2010, Hypercom sent VeriFone a letter rejecting VeriFones September 20, 2010 offer as inadequate. Hypercom stated that it would be willing to consider a bona fide offer representing an exchange ratio of 0.24.
Also on September 23, 2010, Hypercom filed a complaint under seal against VeriFone in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware along with a motion for a temporary restraining order and motion for a preliminary injunction, seeking to enjoin VeriFone from making public disclosures regarding its proposed offer in light of the parties confidentiality agreement.
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On September 24, 2010, the Delaware Chancery Court held a teleconference with counsel for the parties during which the Court scheduled a hearing for October 14, 2010. VeriFone voluntarily agreed to refrain from making public disclosures until the hearing; however, the Court left open the possibility that VeriFone could make an application to determine whether it could publicly announce a new offer to the Hypercom board of directors without violating the restrictions in the confidentiality agreement.
On September 24, 2010, VeriFone sent Hypercom a letter proposing a best and final offer of an exchange ratio of 0.21, in stock or the equivalent value in cash, which based on the closing price as of September 23, 2010 corresponded to a value of $5.82 per share of Hypercom common stock, a 52% premium over Hypercoms closing share price on September 23, 2010 and a 69% premium over Hypercoms average closing share price for the past 30 trading days prior to the proposal. VeriFone informed Hypercom that if the offer were not accepted, VeriFone would move the Delaware Chancery Court to make public a different proposal on September 27, 2010, which proposal would be an all-cash offer at a materially reduced per share price to appropriately reflect the additional costs associated with a hostile bid.
On September 26, 2010, Mr. Tartavull polled each Hypercom director, and then confirmed with VeriFone that the views set forth in Hypercoms September 23, 2010 letter remained unchanged. Hypercom followed up with a letter to VeriFone rejecting its revised offer as inadequate. In addition, Hypercom affirmed its belief that a friendly transaction was in the best interests of all stakeholders.
On September 27, 2010, VeriFone sent a letter to the Hypercom board of directors proposing an all-cash offer to Hypercom of $5.25, and also indicated that because VeriFone had not received a positive response to its September 24 proposal, it intended to make public the new offer letter.
On September 28, 2010, the Delaware Chancery Court granted VeriFones request to make the September 27, 2010 letter public. Also on September 28, 2010, Mr. Dykes and Mr. Tartavull discussed telephonically VeriFones most recent proposal.
On September 28, 2010, the Hypercom board approved the appointment of Thomas Ludwig as a Class I Director, to serve until the 2012 annual meeting of Hypercoms stockholders. The appointment was made pursuant the contractual right of Francisco Partners II, L.P. to maintain two designees on Hypercoms board of directors. Mr. Ludwig was added to the class of directors up for election in 2012.
On September 29, 2010, the Hypercom board held a meeting at which it discussed VeriFones recent proposals. In addition, the board revisited the adoption of a stockholders rights plan, in conjunction with reports of legal counsel and UBS. Following such discussion, the board approved a stockholder rights plan in response to VeriFones public offer.
On September 29, 2010, VeriFone publicized its September 27, 2010 letter to Hypercom.
On September 30, 2010, Hypercom issued a press release announcing that its board had received and unanimously rejected VeriFones non-binding proposal to acquire Hypercom for $5.25 per share in an all-cash deal, because the proposal significantly undervalued Hypercom and its future prospects and was not in the best interests of stockholders. Hypercom also announced that it expected to significantly exceed Wall Street securities analysts consensus estimate of $112 million in net revenues for the third quarter of 2010, that the board had adopted the stockholder rights plan, and that Mr. Ludwig, a representative of Francisco Partners II, L.P., had been appointed as a director.
On October 1, 2010, a purported holder of common stock of Hypercom filed a putative class action and derivative lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery alleging, among other things, that the Hypercom directors had breached their fiduciary duties in failing to fairly consider the offer from VeriFone.
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On October 2, 2010, representatives from J.P. Morgan contacted representatives from UBS to determine whether in light of the recent announcements by both parties, there might be an opportunity to reach a mutually agreeable transaction.
On October 4, 2010, in light of the recently filed stockholder lawsuit as well as other statements and inquiries following VeriFones public announcement of its September 27 letter to the Hypercom board, representatives from Morris, Nichols, Arsht, & Tunnell LLP, Delaware counsel for Hypercom, contacted representatives from Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware counsel for VeriFone, indicating that Hypercom was willing to agree that public disclosures could be made for purposes of VeriFones publicly announced offer and possible public tender offer under the parties confidentiality agreement without either party admitting or denying that such restrictions would have been applicable to any proposal made by VeriFone. Thereafter, pursuant to a waiver agreement dated October 7, 2010, the parties agreed to waive certain confidentiality and use restrictions contained in the confidentiality agreement, to the extent, if at all, they would apply, for purposes of any proposal by VeriFone to purchase common stock of Hypercom. On October 7, 2010, Hypercom filed a voluntary notice of dismissal dismissing its Delaware lawsuit against VeriFone.
Between October 8, 2010 and October 18, 2010, representatives of J.P. Morgan and UBS conducted further discussions regarding a potential transaction.
On October 12, 2010, the Hypercom board held a meeting at which it discussed an updated report regarding Hypercoms expected third quarter results and fourth quarter forecast. The board also discussed a presentation by UBS of its recent communications with J.P. Morgan regarding a possible revised proposal from VeriFone.
On October 14, 2010, the Compensation Committee of Hypercoms board of directors adopted a Change of Control Plan to incentivize employees to remain with Hypercom despite the publicly announced desire of VeriFone to acquire Hypercom, the willingness of VeriFone to sell off Hypercoms U.S. operations if needed to address potential competitive concerns, and concerns that in light of the ongoing events, key employees may be solicited by competitors.
On October 18, 2010, Mr. Bergeron called Mr. Diethelm to express his disappointment with the inability of the two companies to come to a friendly agreement in a timely manner. Mr. Bergeron informed Mr. Diethelm that VeriFone was prepared to move forward with a tender offer at $6.00 if the parties could not come to agreement quickly. Mr. Bergeron communicated the same message to Mr. Tartavull. On October 18, 2010 and October 19, 2010, Mr. Bergeron and Mr. Tartavull corresponded regarding the work that would need to be done to complete an agreement, including due diligence and discussions regarding required antitrust approvals.
Representatives of J.P. Morgan and UBS continued to have conversations from October 19 through October 22, 2010. On October 22, 2010, Mr. Dykes and Mr. Sabol discussed diligence matters. Also on October 22, 2010, representatives of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, counsel to VeriFone, sent a draft merger agreement to a representative of DLA, counsel to Hypercom.
Between October 23, 2010 and October 29, 2010, representatives of J.P. Morgan and UBS held further discussions to determine whether the parties could reach agreement on the economic terms of a transaction. Representatives of UBS discussed whether a transaction based on an exchange ratio of 0.24 with a cash component would be acceptable to VeriFone. VeriFone offered an exchange ratio of .207 plus a cash component equal to 0.033 per share of VeriFone stock, but VeriFone later withdrew this proposal.
On October 27, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting at which it discussed an update of Hypercoms expected third quarter results and fourth quarter forecast. The board also discussed a presentation by UBS regarding its recent communications with J.P. Morgan and possible strategies for negotiating improved economic terms of the proposed transaction with VeriFone. Mr. Tartavull reported on a contact by a large private equity firm and Mr. Riese reported on a contact by the purported representative of another industry participant, regarding their potential interest in a transaction with Hypercom. The board authorized Mr. Tartavull to conduct discussions with these parties. The board also discussed the draft merger agreement received from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
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Between October 29, 2010 and November 1, 2010, representatives of VeriFone, Hypercom, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and DLA exchanged drafts of the merger agreement, began negotiation of the terms of the merger agreement, and conducted financial, legal and business due diligence on Hypercom and VeriFone.
On October 30, 2010, representatives of Hypercom and UBS met with representatives of VeriFone and J.P. Morgan at VeriFones offices in San Jose to conduct financial diligence on Hypercom and VeriFone.
On October 30 and October 31, 2010, Mr. Stout had discussions with Mr. Bergeron regarding VeriFones proposal, the valuation of Hypercom, the merits of a potential combination from a business standpoint, and the positive and negative factors regarding a friendly rather than a hostile transaction and the timing of a potential transaction.
On November 1, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Dykes, Liu, Tartavull and Stout conducted a telephone conversation regarding the potential economic terms of the transaction. Hypercom and VeriFone discussed a range of valuation between $7.00 and $7.50 per Hypercom share in stock or stock and cash. Representatives of Hypercom expressed a desire for deal certainty in regard to antitrust issues. VeriFone proposed an antitrust termination fee of 3%, and also agreed to undertake certain divestitures in the event required to obtain regulatory approvals. On November 4, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Dykes and Liu had further discussions with Messrs. Tartavull, Sabol, Stout and Reich in which Hypercom proposed an antitrust termination fee equal to $50 million.
Between November 1, 2010 and November 11, 2010, representatives of VeriFone, Hypercom, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and DLA exchanged additional drafts of the merger agreement and held telephone calls to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement. Key issues included the ability of Hypercom to accept a superior proposal upon payment of a termination fee, the size of which was the subject of ongoing discussion, with VeriFone requesting 4% and Hypercom proposing 3%; antitrust matters, including Hypercoms request of a significant termination fee if the parties were unable to close due to regulatory barriers, as well as its request that VeriFone be required to dispose of certain business operations (of either party) in order to obtain regulatory approvals; provisions regarding certain communications by the parties between signing and closing; and provisions relating to VeriFones required post-closing support of Hypercom products and services. The parties also conducted additional financial, legal and business due diligence on one another.
On November 3, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a telephonic meeting during which it discussed an updated report regarding Hypercoms fourth quarter forecast. The board also discussed the terms and conditions of the draft merger agreement with VeriFone, including the proposed consideration, provisions dealing with anticipated antitrust matters, and the parties operation of their respective businesses pending closing. Mr. Tartavull updated the board on his discussions with the representative of another industry participant.
On November 7, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a telephonic meeting during which it discussed the terms and conditions of the draft merger agreement with VeriFone, including proposed provisions dealing with the resolution of anticipated antitrust issues and the allocation of the attendant risks.
On November 10, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a telephonic meeting during which it discussed a report by UBS regarding its recent communications with J.P. Morgan about the proposed terms of the proposed merger transaction with VeriFone. The board also discussed the antitrust issues involved in a potential merger with VeriFone, as well as methods to allocate the antitrust risk between the parties. The board also discussed the consideration proposed to be received by Hypercom stockholders in the merger transaction.
On November 11, 2010, representatives of VeriFone, Hypercom, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and DLA had further discussions regarding the size of the VeriFone antitrust-related reverse termination fee. During those discussions, VeriFone agreed to a 7% termination fee, which would increase to 7.5% if VeriFone exercised its right to extend the drop-dead date in the merger agreement from August 31, 2011 to November 30, 2011, and the
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obligation of VeriFone to dispose of certain operations if necessary to secure regulatory approvals. Between November 11, 2010 and November 14, 2010, representatives of VeriFone, Hypercom, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and DLA continued to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement and conduct financial, legal and business due diligence.
During the first two weeks of November 2010, Hypercom met separately with representatives of the potential strategic partner and large private equity firm that had approached Messrs. Tartavull and Riese in October 2010. Neither of these discussions led to a proposal for a transaction. Except for these inquiries, from VeriFones publication on September 29, 2010 of its offer of $5.25 in cash, until the execution of the merger agreement on November 17, 2010, no other potential buyer, including industry participants that had previously expressed interest in 2009, contacted Hypercom or UBS regarding a potential bid.
On November 13, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Dykes and Liu had further discussions with Messrs. Tartavull, Sabol, Stout and Reich regarding the consideration for the transaction. Mr. Tartavull indicated that Hypercom would be willing to accept an exchange ratio equal to 0.24, and Mr. Bergeron responded that VeriFone would not agree to such a ratio. On November 14, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Dykes and Liu had further discussions with Messrs. Tartavull, Sabol, Stout and Reich, with Mr. Bergeron proposing that the parties discuss an exchange ratio between 0.225 and 0.23, with a portion of the consideration to be paid in cash.
On November 15, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Dykes and Liu had further discussions with Messrs. Tartavull, Stout, Sabol and Reich regarding the terms of a potential transaction, including the purchase price. Representatives of VeriFone, Hypercom, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and DLA continued to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement and undertake financial, legal and business due diligence.
On November 15, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a special telephonic meeting to discuss the status of the negotiations with VeriFone and the open issues in the draft merger agreement. DLA provided an updated summary of the merger agreement, and discussed open issues and the boards fiduciary duties, UBS presented analysis of the relative merits of the proposed economic terms of the merger, and the board received reports from its public relations and proxy advisors. The board discussed in extensive detail the factors weighing in favor of and against the proposed merger. No specific resolutions were passed with respect to the merger at that time.
Also on such date, the Compensation Committee of the Hypercom board met to discuss Hypercoms Change of Control Plan and other severance/change in control arrangements, and determined to make modifications to the Change of Control Plan designed to assure its effectiveness in the VeriFone transaction and to incentivize key employees to stay with Hypercom during any transition period or beyond.
On November 16, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron and Tartavull had further discussions regarding a proposed purchase price and exchange ratio for purposes of the merger agreement. After further discussions, including whether a portion of the merger consideration would be paid in cash as proposed by Mr. Bergeron, Messrs. Bergeron and Tartavull agreed on an exchange ratio of 0.23, payable in all stock, which represented a valuation of $7.32 per Hypercom share based on VeriFones November 16, 2010 closing price of $31.84 per share. Also on November 16, 2010, Messrs. Bergeron, Tartavull and Stout further discussed the size of Hypercoms termination fee. In a discussion the same day between Messrs. Dykes and Tartavull, VeriFone ultimately agreed to a termination fee of 3%, which, in the view of Hypercoms board, was consistent with fees payable in comparable transactions and not likely to preclude another party from making a competing superior proposal. On November 16, 2010, representatives of VeriFone, Hypercom, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and DLA continued to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement, as well as conclude each partys financial, legal and business due diligence.
On November 16, 2010, the VeriFone board of directors met to formally consider the transaction, at which meeting members of VeriFones management and its legal and financial advisors made various presentations about, and the VeriFone board of directors discussed, the potential merger. Representatives from Sullivan &
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Cromwell LLP reviewed the boards fiduciary duties in connection with the consideration of the proposed transaction and presented summaries of the terms of the merger agreement. J.P. Morgan reviewed the financial terms of the proposed merger and delivered advice relating to financial matters involving the transaction. Following deliberation, the board of directors of VeriFone unanimously approved the merger agreement.
On November 16, 2010, the Hypercom board of directors held a meeting to formally consider the merger with VeriFone and the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. Management presented an overview of the transaction and expressed its support for it. Representatives from DLA reviewed the boards fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed transaction, updated the status of open issues, and, with Ian Marsh, the Chair of the Compensation Committee, discussed revisions to Hypercoms severance/Change of Control Plan to ensure effectiveness in connection with the proposed transaction. Representatives from UBS made a presentation and delivered its oral opinion that, as of November 16, 2010 and based upon and subject to various assumptions made, matters considered and limitations described in its opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Hypercoms common stock (other than FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and its affiliates, as to which no opinion was rendered). The board of directors asked clarifying questions of representatives of DLA and UBS and the representatives responded to such questions. The board of directors considered the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. After discussing the terms of the proposed transactions, including the personal interests of certain of Hypercoms officers and directors in the proposed transactions, the directors in attendance unanimously approved the merger agreement (with Mr. Tartavull abstaining from compensation matters), the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and recommended that these matters be submitted to Hypercoms stockholders for approval at the special meeting. Johan Dreyer, who was unable to attend the meeting, later ratified all actions taken and resolutions adopted.
On November 17, 2010, representatives of VeriFone and Hypercom executed the merger agreement on the same terms as presented to each partys board of directors, and the relevant parties executed the support agreement contemplated by the merger agreement. VeriFone and Hypercom issued a joint press release announcing that they had entered into the merger agreement.
VeriFones Reasons for the Merger
VeriFone believes that there are several potential benefits of the merger that will contribute to the success of the combined company, including:
| enhancing VeriFones ability to expand its business in continental Europe, an area where it historically has had lower market penetration as compared to many other parts of the world; |
| enabling VeriFone to utilize its distribution channels, international presence, customer base, and brand recognition to accelerate Hypercoms market penetration and growth; |
| the potential to realize operating synergies from overlapping sales regions and efficiencies in administrative and engineering costs; |
| the potential to enhance the combined companies extensive research and development efforts and expertise in payment systems to offer more innovative products and services to customers and distributors; |
| the potential to deliver better quality and more widely available services to customers and distributors as a result of expanded reach; and |
| the potential to realize supply chain efficiencies as a result of increases in joint product volumes. |
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Hypercoms Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Hypercom Board of Directors
Hypercoms Reasons for the Merger
In the course of reaching its decision to approve the merger and the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Hypercom board of directors consulted Hypercoms legal and financial advisors and considered a number of factors that it believed supports its decision, including the following:
| the opinion of UBS that the exchange ratio provided for in the merger was, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and subject to factors and assumptions set forth herein, fair from a financial point of view to Hypercoms common stockholders (other than FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and its affiliates); |
| the premium to Hypercoms average closing prices of 105.0%, 87.5% and 75.5%, respectively, for the 30, 60 and 90 trading days prior to VeriFones first public offer of $5.25 made on September 29, 2010; |
| the 39% premium that the merger consideration payable to the Hypercom common stockholders represents over VeriFones first public offer of $5.25; |
| the fact that the merger consideration will be paid in stock, giving common stockholders an opportunity to participate in any future earnings or growth of the combined company and future appreciation in the value of the VeriFone shares following the merger; |
| the benefits to the combined company that could result from the merger, including an enhanced competitive and financial position, increased diversity in its product line, additional scale in specific geographic areas, and potential cost and other synergies; |
| the likelihood that the merger will be consummated, in light of VeriFones commitment to sell or otherwise dispose of businesses or assets that, subject to certain exceptions, in the aggregate, produced aggregate gross revenues in an amount not in excess of $124 million for VeriFone or Hypercom during the 2009 fiscal year, if such action would be reasonably necessary for the closing conditions in the merger agreement to be met; |
| the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including: |
| the scope of the representations, warranties and covenants being made by VeriFone; |
| the conditions to the consummation of the merger, including the requirement that the merger agreement be approved by Hypercoms stockholders; |
| the ability of the Hypercom board of directors, if the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duty, to provide information to and engage in negotiations with another party in connection with an unsolicited, bona fide written proposal that the Hypercom board determines in good faith and after consultation with outside legal counsel is reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal and, subject to paying a $12.2 million termination fee to VeriFone, accept a superior proposal; |
| the Boards belief that the termination fee payable to VeriFone is consistent with fees payable in comparable transactions and would not be likely to preclude another party from making a competing proposal; |
| the fact that the merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| the fact that the merger agreement provides for specific enforcement, and that Hypercom may pursue damages reflecting the economic benefits of the transaction to its stockholders if VeriFone fails to close in breach of the merger agreement; |
| the fact that VeriFone will be obligated to pay Hypercom a termination fee of $28.4 million (or $30.4 million if VeriFone elects to extend the termination date to November 30, 2011 and such termination occurs after August 31, 2011), if, subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement is terminated based on (i) the entry of any order relating to antitrust or competition law, or (ii) the |
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failure to consummate the merger by the termination date, and at the time of such termination all the closing conditions (other than regulatory conditions and the accuracy of VeriFones representations and warranties, and VeriFones performance of its obligations under the merger agreement) have been satisfied or waived; and |
| the fact that the merger agreement provides that VeriFone must (i) through closing or for six months following termination of the merger agreement, not solicit certain of Hypercoms employees, (ii) through closing or termination of the merger agreement, not announce any discontinuance of any product line of Hypercom (or pricing changes), and (iii) after closing, continue to support Hypercoms hardware and software for fixed periods, with the breach of (i) and (ii) giving to Hypercom the right to $1 million in liquidated damages per occurrence, in addition to other remedies Hypercom may have under the merger agreement; and |
| the business, financial, market and execution risks associated with remaining independent and the challenges of successfully executing Hypercoms current business strategies, with the resulting uncertainty as to the future value of Hypercoms common stock. |
The Hypercom board of directors also considered a number of potentially countervailing factors in its deliberations concerning the merger, including the following:
| the fact that, because the merger consideration is a fixed exchange ratio of shares of VeriFone common stock to Hypercom common stock, Hypercoms common stockholders could be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of VeriFone common stock during the pendency of the merger (that is, there is no price-based termination right or other similar protection); |
| the risk that the potential benefits and synergies sought in the merger will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period, and other risks generally associated with the integration by VeriFone of Hypercom; |
| the possibility that the merger might not be completed as a result of, among other matters, the failure of Hypercoms stockholders to adopt the merger agreement or failure to secure regulatory approvals or consents, and the effect the termination of the transaction may have on the trading price of Hypercoms common stock, its business, operating results and prospects, which effect is likely to be exacerbated the longer the time period between the signing and any termination of the merger agreement; |
| the possible effects of the pendency (or termination) of the merger agreement on Hypercoms business, operating results, prospects, employees, customers, distributors and suppliers, which effects are likely to be exacerbated the longer the time period between the signing and any termination of the merger agreement; |
| that, under the terms of the merger agreement, Hypercom cannot solicit other acquisition proposals and must pay VeriFone a termination fee of $12.2 million in cash if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including if the Hypercom board exercises its right to terminate the merger agreement and enter into a superior transaction, which may deter others from proposing an alternative transaction that may be more advantageous to Hypercoms stockholders; |
| the fact that upon the closing of the merger, stockholders will be required to surrender their shares involuntarily in exchange for a price determined by the Hypercom board and approved by a majority of the stockholders; |
| the fact that if VeriFone fails to complete the merger as a result of a breach of the merger agreement, it may be expensive and difficult to pursue rights and remedies, the success of any action would be uncertain, and, depending upon the reason for not closing, Hypercoms remedies may be limited to the termination fee payable by VeriFone, which is likely to be inadequate to compensate Hypercom for the damage caused; |
| the fact that Hypercom is subject to various remedies should it fail to complete the merger or breach the merger agreement; and |
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| that the restrictions imposed by the merger agreement on the conduct of Hypercoms business prior to completion of the merger, requiring Hypercom to conduct its business only in the ordinary course and imposing additional specific restrictions, may delay, limit or prevent Hypercom from undertaking business opportunities that may arise during that period. |
Recommendation of Hypercoms Board of Directors
The Hypercom board of directors concluded that, on balance, the potential benefits to Hypercom and its stockholders of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement outweighed the potential disadvantages and risks associated with those transactions. The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Hypercom board is not intended to be exhaustive. In view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluations, the Hypercom board did not find it practicable to, and did not quantify or otherwise assign relative weight to, the specific factors considered in reaching its determination. Instead, the Hypercom board conducted an overall analysis of the factors described above, including summaries of discussions of Hypercoms management with Hypercoms legal, financial, accounting, tax, and other advisors and made its determination based on the totality of the information provided. In considering the factors described above, individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. Hypercoms board of directors believes that the merger is advisable, and is fair and in the best interests of Hypercom and its stockholders and unanimously recommends that Hypercoms stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger.
Opinion of Hypercoms Financial Advisor
On November 16, 2010, at a meeting of Hypercoms board of directors held to evaluate the proposed merger, UBS delivered to Hypercoms board of directors an oral opinion, which opinion was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion, dated November 16, 2010 to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered and limitations described in its opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of Hypercom common stock (other than FP Hypercom Holdco LLC and its affiliates, as to which UBS expressed no opinion). The opinion addressed the exchange ratio on a per share basis, without taking into consideration any individual holders percentage ownership of Hypercom common stock.
The following summary of UBSs opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of UBSs opinion. The full text of UBSs opinion describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by UBS. This opinion is attached as Annex C and is incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. Holders of Hypercom common stock are encouraged to read UBSs opinion carefully in its entirety. UBSs opinion was provided for the benefit of Hypercoms board of directors in connection with, and for the purpose of, its evaluation of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger and did not address any other aspect of the merger. The opinion does not address the relative merits of the merger as compared to other business strategies or transactions that might be available with respect to Hypercom or Hypercoms underlying business decision to effect the merger. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how to vote or act with respect to the merger.
In arriving at its opinion, UBS, among other things:
| reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information relating to Hypercom and VeriFone; |
| reviewed certain internal financial information and other data relating to Hypercoms business and financial prospects that were not publicly available, including financial forecasts and estimates prepared by Hypercoms management that Hypercoms board of directors directed UBS to utilize for purposes of its analysis; |
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| reviewed certain internal financial information and other data relating to VeriFones business and financial prospects that were not publicly available, including financial forecasts and estimates prepared by VeriFones management, as modified by Hypercoms management, that Hypercoms board of directors directed UBS to utilize for purposes of its analysis; |
| reviewed certain estimates of synergies prepared by Hypercoms management that were not publicly available that Hypercoms board of directors directed UBS to utilize for purposes of its analysis; |
| conducted discussions with members of the senior managements of Hypercom and VeriFone concerning the business and financial prospects of Hypercom and VeriFone; |
| reviewed publicly available financial and stock market data with respect to certain other companies UBS believed to be generally relevant; |
| reviewed current and historical market prices of Hypercom common stock and VeriFone common stock; |
| reviewed a draft, dated November 13, 2010, of the merger agreement; and |
| conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations, and considered such other information, as UBS deemed necessary or appropriate. |
In connection with its review, with the consent of Hypercoms board of directors, UBS assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness in all material respects of the information provided to or reviewed by UBS for the purpose of its opinion. In addition, with the consent of Hypercoms board of directors, UBS did not make any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Hypercom or VeriFone, and was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. With respect to the financial forecasts, estimates and synergies referred to above, UBS assumed, at the direction of Hypercoms board of directors, that such forecasts, estimates and synergies had been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of Hypercoms management as to the future financial performance of Hypercom, VeriFone and such synergies. In addition, UBS assumed, with the approval of Hypercoms board of directors, that such financial forecasts and estimates, including synergies, would be achieved at the times and in the amounts projected. UBS also assumed, with the consent of Hypercoms board of directors, that the merger would qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. UBSs opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information available to UBS as of, the date of its opinion.
In addition, at the direction of Hypercoms board of directors, UBS was not asked to, and it did not, offer any opinion as to the terms, other than the exchange ratio to the extent expressly specified in UBSs opinion, of the merger agreement or the form of the merger. In addition, UBS expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be received by any officers, directors or employees of any parties to the merger, or any class of such persons, relative to the exchange ratio. UBS expressed no opinion as to what the value of VeriFone common stock would be when issued pursuant to the merger or the price at which VeriFone common stock or Hypercom common stock would trade at any time. In rendering its opinion, UBS assumed, with the consent of Hypercoms board of directors, that (i) the final executed form of the merger agreement would not differ in any material respect from the draft that UBS reviewed, (ii) the parties to the merger agreement would comply with all material terms of the merger agreement and (iii) the merger would be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement without any adverse waiver or amendment of any material term or condition of the merger agreement. UBS also assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger would be obtained without any material adverse effect on Hypercom, VeriFone or the merger. Except as described above, Hypercom imposed no other instructions or limitations on UBS with respect to the investigations made or the procedures followed by UBS in rendering its opinion. The issuance of UBSs opinion was approved by an authorized committee of UBS.
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In connection with rendering its opinion to Hypercoms board of directors, UBS performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses which are summarized below. The following summary is not a complete description of all analyses performed and factors considered by UBS in connection with its opinion. The preparation of a financial opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. With respect to the selected companies analysis, no company used as a comparison was identical to Hypercom. These analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the public trading values of the companies concerned.
UBS believes that its analyses and the summary below must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on information presented in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the narrative description of the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying UBSs analyses and opinion. UBS did not draw, in isolation, conclusions from or with regard to any one factor or method of analysis for purposes of its opinion, but rather arrived at its ultimate opinion based on the results of all analyses undertaken by it and assessed as a whole.
The estimates of the future performance of Hypercom and VeriFone provided by Hypercom and VeriFone in or underlying UBSs analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those estimates. In performing its analyses, UBS considered industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other matters, many of which were beyond the control of Hypercom and VeriFone. Estimates of the financial value of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold or acquired.
The exchange ratio was determined through negotiation between Hypercom and VeriFone and the decision by Hypercom to enter into the merger was solely that of Hypercoms board of directors. UBSs opinion and financial analyses were only one of many factors considered by Hypercoms board of directors in its evaluation of the merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of Hypercoms board of directors or management with respect to the merger or the exchange ratio.
The following is a brief summary of the material financial analyses performed by UBS and reviewed with Hypercoms board of directors on November 16, 2010, in connection with its opinion relating to the proposed merger. The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. In order for UBSs financial analyses to be fully understood, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Considering the data below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of UBSs financial analyses. For purposes of the financial analyses described below, the term implied per share value of the merger consideration refers to the $7.32 implied per share value of the merger consideration based on the merger exchange ratio of 0.23 and the closing price of VeriFone common stock on November 16, 2010 of $31.84.
Selected Public Companies Analysis
UBS compared selected financial and stock market data of Hypercom with corresponding data of the following two publicly traded point-of-sale terminal companies:
| Ingenico |
| VeriFone Systems, Inc. |
UBS reviewed, among other things, the enterprise values of the selected companies, calculated as diluted equity market value based on closing share prices on November 16, 2010, plus face value of total debt and book value of minority interests, less cash and cash equivalents, as multiples of estimated revenue and estimated
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earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for calendar years 2010 and 2011. UBS also reviewed closing share prices of the selected companies on November 16, 2010 as a multiple of calendar years 2010 and 2011 estimated earnings per share. UBS then compared these multiples derived for the selected companies with corresponding multiples implied for Hypercom based on the closing price of Hypercom common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on September 29, 2010, the last trading day prior to the initial publicly disclosed VeriFone proposal, and on November 16, 2010, and based on the implied per share value of the merger consideration. Estimated financial data for Hypercom were based on estimates provided by the Institutional Brokerage Estimate System (IBES) and referred to as Street in the table below, and on estimates provided by the management of Hypercom and referred to as Management in the table below. Estimated financial data for the selected public companies were based on publicly available information and estimates provided by IBES and, in the case of VeriFone, additionally based on estimates provided by the management of VeriFone as modified by Hypercoms management.
This analysis indicated the following implied revenue, EBITDA and price to earnings multiples for the selected point-of-sale terminal companies as compared to the corresponding implied multiples for Hypercom based on the closing share prices of Hypercom common stock on September 29, 2010 and November 16, 2010, and based on the implied per share value of the merger consideration:
Enterprise Value / | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | EBITDA | P/E | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2010E | 2011E | 2010E | 2011E | 2010E | 2011E | |||||||||||||||||||
Point-of-Sale Terminal Companies |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ingenico (Street) |
1.5x | 1.4x | 9.4x | 8.4x | 17.6x | 15.5x | ||||||||||||||||||
VeriFone (Street) |
3.0x | 2.7x | 15.8x | 14.1x | 24.0x | 19.3x | ||||||||||||||||||
VeriFone (Management) |
2.9x | 2.4x | 16.5x | 11.5x | 22.0x | 14.9x | ||||||||||||||||||
Hypercom (Street) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of 9/29/10 |
0.6x | 0.5x | 6.0x | 4.9x | 10.2x | 8.2x | ||||||||||||||||||
As of 11/16/2010 |
0.8x | 0.8x | 9.0x | 7.2x | 14.7x | 11.8x | ||||||||||||||||||
At $7.32 Offer |
1.0x | 0.9x | 11.0x | 8.8x | 17.6x | 14.1x | ||||||||||||||||||
Hypercom (Management) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of 9/29/10 |
0.6x | 0.5x | 5.9x | 4.4x | 9.2x | 6.3x | ||||||||||||||||||
As of 11/16/2010 |
0.8x | 0.8x | 8.8x | 6.6x | 13.3x | 9.2x | ||||||||||||||||||
At $7.32 Offer |
1.0x | 0.9x | 10.8x | 8.1x | 15.9x | 11.0x |
Hypercom Stand-alone Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
UBS performed a discounted cash flow analysis of Hypercom stand-alone using financial forecasts and estimates relating to Hypercom prepared by Hypercoms management. UBS calculated a range of implied present values (as of December 31, 2010) of the stand-alone unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that Hypercom was forecasted to generate from January 1, 2011 through calendar year 2015 using discount rates ranging from 14% to 16%. Implied terminal values were derived by applying to Hypercoms calendar year 2015 estimated EBITDA a range of EBITDA terminal value multiples of 6x to 8x. Present values of cash flows and terminal values were calculated using discount rates ranging from 14% to 16%. The discounted cash flow analysis resulted in a range of implied present values of equity of approximately $8.70 to $11.00 per share of Hypercom common stock.
VeriFone Stand-alone Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
UBS performed a discounted cash flow analysis of VeriFone stand-alone using financial forecasts and estimates relating to VeriFone prepared by VeriFones management, as modified by Hypercoms management. UBS calculated a range of implied present values (as of January 31, 2011) of the stand-alone unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that VeriFone was forecasted to generate from February 1, 2011 through fiscal year 2015 and of
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terminal values for VeriFone based on VeriFones fiscal year 2015 estimated EBITDA. Implied terminal values were derived by applying to VeriFones fiscal year 2015 estimated EBITDA a range of EBITDA terminal value multiples of 13x to 15x. Present values of cash flows and terminal values were calculated using discount rates ranging from 12.5% to 14.5%. The discounted cash flow analysis resulted in a range of implied present values of approximately $48.25 to $58.50 per share of VeriFone common stock.
Pro Forma Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
UBS performed a discounted cash flow analysis of VeriFone pro forma for the merger with Hypercom, using financial forecasts and estimates relating to VeriFone prepared by VeriFones management, as adjusted by Hypercoms management, and financial forecasts and estimates relating to Hypercom and estimated synergies prepared by Hypercoms management. UBS calculated a range of implied present values (as of January 31, 2011) of the stand-alone unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that VeriFone pro forma for the merger with Hypercom was forecasted to generate from February 1, 2011 through fiscal year 2015 and of terminal values for VeriFone pro forma for the merger with Hypercom based on the fiscal year 2015 estimated EBITDA for VeriFone pro forma for the merger with Hypercom. Implied terminal values were derived by applying to fiscal year 2015 estimated EBITDA for VeriFone pro forma for the merger with Hypercom a range of EBITDA terminal value multiples of 11.75x to 13.75x. Present values of cash flows and terminal values were calculated using discount rates ranging from 12.5% to 14.5%. The pro forma discounted cash flow analysis resulted in a range of implied present values of approximately $50.50 to $61.75 per share of common stock of VeriFone pro forma for the merger with Hypercom and, based on the exchange ratio provided in the merger, a range of implied present values of equity of approximately $11.60 to $14.20 per share of Hypercom common stock, as compared to the range of implied present values of equity of approximately $8.70 to $11.00 per share of Hypercom common stock on a stand-alone basis.
Miscellaneous
Under the terms of UBSs engagement, Hypercom agreed to pay UBS for its financial advisory services in connection with the merger an aggregate fee currently estimated to be approximately $6,500,000, a portion of which was payable in connection with UBSs opinion and a significant portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the merger. In addition, Hypercom agreed to reimburse UBS for its reasonable expenses, including fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel, and to indemnify UBS and related parties against liabilities, including liabilities under federal securities laws, relating to, or arising out of, its engagement. In the past, UBS and its affiliates have provided investment banking services to Hypercom unrelated to the proposed merger, for which UBS and its affiliates have received compensation, including having acted as financial advisor to Hypercom in 2007 and 2008 in its acquisition of the e-Transaction business line of Thales SA. In the ordinary course of business, UBS and its affiliates may hold or trade, for their own accounts and the accounts of their customers, securities of Hypercom and VeriFone, and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. Hypercom selected UBS as its financial advisor in connection with the merger because UBS is an internationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experience in similar transactions and because of UBSs familiarity with Hypercom. UBS is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings, competitive bids, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities and private placements.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
In the opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and in the opinion of DLA Piper LLP (US), the following section describes the anticipated material United States federal income tax consequences of the merger generally applicable to Hypercom stockholders. These opinions and the following discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is referred to as the Code, Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions in effect as of the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus, all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.
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For purposes of this discussion, the term U.S. holder means:
| a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any of its political subdivisions; |
| a trust if it (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person; or |
| an estate that is subject to United States federal income tax on its income regardless of its source. |
If a partnership holds Hypercom common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partners and the activities of the partnership. If a U.S. holder is a partner in a partnership holding Hypercom common stock, such holder should consult its tax advisor.
This discussion only addresses United States federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders of Hypercom common stock that hold their Hypercom common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. Further, this summary does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be relevant to a U.S. holder of Hypercom common stock in light of such holders particular circumstances or that may be applicable to holders subject to special treatment under United States federal income tax law (including, for example, non-United States persons, financial institutions, dealers in securities, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, holders who acquired Hypercom common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options or otherwise as compensation or through exercise of warrants, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code and holders who hold Hypercom common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale or conversion transaction). In addition, no information is provided herein with respect to the tax consequences of the merger under applicable state, local or foreign laws.
HOLDERS OF HYPERCOM COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO THEM, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
The Merger. The merger has been structured to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code for United States federal income tax purposes. It is a condition to the closing of the merger that each of VeriFone and Hypercom receive opinions from its respective counsel that the merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code. These opinions will be based on assumptions, representations, warranties and covenants, including those contained in the merger agreement and in tax representation letters to be provided by VeriFone and Hypercom. Although the merger agreement allows each of VeriFone and Hypercom to waive its tax opinion closing condition, neither VeriFone nor Hypercom currently anticipates it will waive this closing condition. If either VeriFone or Hypercom waives this condition, Hypercom will inform you of the decision to waive this condition and will ask you to vote on the merger taking such waiver into consideration.
Assuming that the merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, the material United States federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders of Hypercom common stock are as follows:
| a U.S. holder will not recognize any gain or loss upon receipt of VeriFone common stock solely in exchange for Hypercom common stock in the merger, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of VeriFone common stock (as discussed below); |
| a U.S. holders aggregate tax basis in the VeriFone common stock received in the merger (including any fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described below) will be equal to the U.S. holders aggregate tax basis in the Hypercom common stock surrendered; and |
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| a U.S. holders holding period of the VeriFone common stock received in the merger (including any fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described below) will include the U.S. holders holding period of the Hypercom common stock surrendered. |
Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares. A U.S. holder of Hypercom common stock who receives cash in lieu of a fractional VeriFone common share in the merger generally will be treated as having received such fractional share in the merger and then as having received cash in redemption of such fractional share. Gain or loss generally will be recognized based on the difference between the amount of cash received in lieu of the fractional share and the portion of the U.S. holders aggregate tax basis in the Hypercom common stock surrendered which is allocable to the fractional share. This gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for the Hypercom common stock is more than one year at the effective time of the merger. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Ruling. No ruling has been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service as to the United States federal income tax consequences of the merger, and the opinions of counsel described above are not binding upon the Internal Revenue Service or any court. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that the Internal Revenue Service will not disagree with or challenge any of the conclusions described herein.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. Payments of cash made to a U.S. holder of Hypercom common stock in lieu of fractional shares of VeriFone common stock may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless the U.S. holder of Hypercom common stock: (i) provides a correct taxpayer identification number and any other required information to the exchange agent; or (ii) is a corporation or comes within certain exempt categories and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.
All non-corporate U.S. holders of Hypercom common stock should complete and sign the Substitute Form W-9 that will be included as part of the letter of transmittal to be delivered following completion of the merger. Backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax, but is merely an advance payment of tax, which may be refunded to the extent it results in an overpayment of tax if the required information is supplied to the Internal Revenue Service.
Accounting Treatment of the Merger
In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, VeriFone will account for the merger using the acquisition method of accounting.
U.S. Antitrust Approvals
The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or the HSR Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, provide that certain merger transactions may not be consummated until required information and materials have been furnished to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and certain waiting periods have expired or been terminated.
The conditions to the merger agreement include the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act, unless VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed after consultation with their respective outside counsel that no filing under the HSR Act is required, including as a result of divestitures by Hypercom prior to the closing of the merger. VeriFone and Hypercom anticipate that Hypercoms U.S. business will be divested in connection with the merger.
At any time before or after the merger, the DOJ or FTC could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the merger or seeking changes or restrictions in the operations of any of the assets or businesses of VeriFone, Hypercom or their affiliates. Private
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parties and state attorneys general may also bring an action under federal or state antitrust laws under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if such a challenge is made, that it would not be successful.
Non-U.S. Antitrust Approvals
VeriFone and Hypercom own property or conduct business in various foreign countries and jurisdictions. In connection with the merger, the laws and regulations of certain of those foreign countries and jurisdictions likely will require the filing of information with, or the obtaining of the approval of, governmental authorities in such countries and jurisdictions. The regulatory authorities in such countries and jurisdictions might attempt to impose additional conditions on VeriFones or Hypercoms operations conducted in such countries and jurisdictions as a result of the merger.
As of December 20, 2010, the parties anticipate submitting international merger filings in Portugal and Spain and are continuing to evaluate the applicability of other jurisdictions. The competition regimes of Portugal and Spain include processes analogous to those applicable in the United States, requiring an initial filing with the applicable authorities of information about the merger, Hypercom, Honey Acquisition Co. and VeriFone, mandatory review/waiting periods and prohibitions on proceeding without the affirmative approval from the appropriate authority or the lapsing of the applicable mandatory waiting period.
VeriFone and Hypercom have filed a notification with respect to the merger to the Brazilian competition authorities, which include the Secretariat for Economic Monitoring of the Ministry of Finance (SEAE), the Secretariat of Economic Law of the Ministry of Justice (SDE) and the Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE), under the applicable Brazilian antitrust merger control law. The review of the merger by the Brazilian competition authorities usually does not prevent the parties from completing the merger. In complex merger cases the Brazilian antitrust authorities may prevent the parties from closing a transaction before CADEs approval, by way of an injunction or an APRO (Agreement designed to Preserve the Reversibility of the Transaction).
Federal Securities Laws Consequences
Shares of VeriFone common stock issued in the merger will not be subject to any restrictions on transfer arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except for shares of VeriFone common stock issued to any Hypercom stockholder who may be deemed to be an affiliate of VeriFone after the completion of the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus does not cover resales of VeriFone common stock received by any person upon the completion of the merger, and no person is authorized to make any use of this proxy statement/prospectus in connection with any resale.
New York Stock Exchange Listing
The shares of VeriFone common stock to be issued in the merger will be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. If the merger is complete, Hypercom common stock will no longer be registered under the Exchange Act or listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Litigation Related to the Merger
In connection with the announced merger, several purported class action lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Delaware state courts alleging variously, among other things, that the board of directors of Hypercom breached its fiduciary duties in not securing a higher price in the merger and that VeriFone, Hypercom, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. aided and abetted that alleged breach. The actions seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages.
No Dissenters or Appraisal Rights
No dissenters or appraisal rights are available to Hypercom stockholders in connection with the merger.
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Executives; Executive Compensation; Stock Ownership of Directors, Executive Officers and Five Percent Stockholders
Information concerning current directors and officers of VeriFone, executive compensation and ownership of VeriFone common stock by VeriFones management and principal stockholders is set forth in VeriFones Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on December 21, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
Information concerning current directors and executive officers of Hypercom, aggregate executive compensation, certain relationships and related transactions and ownership of Hypercom common stock by Hypercoms management and principal is set forth in Hypercoms Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2010 and December 1, 2010, respectively, and the proxy statement for Hypercoms 2010 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the SEC on April 26, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference. See Where You Can Find More Information on page 117.
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
In considering the recommendations of Hypercoms board of directors with respect to the merger, Hypercom stockholders should be aware that certain officers of Hypercom have agreements or arrangements that provide them interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of the other stockholders of Hypercom. Hypercoms board of directors was aware of these agreements during its deliberations of the merits of the merger and in determining to recommend to Hypercom stockholders that they vote for the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the agreements.
As of December 17, 2010, the executive officers and directors of Hypercom and their respective affiliates held an aggregate of approximately 1.47% of outstanding Hypercom common stock, including restricted stock and excluding stock options, which will be treated in the merger in the same manner as shares of Hypercom common stock held by other stockholders of Hypercom.
Hypercom Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Hypercom Warrants
As of December 17, 2010, the total number of shares of Hypercom common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by the executive officers and directors of Hypercom as a group (12 persons) was 2,633,922. These options have exercise prices ranging from $0.96 to $13.38 per share and a weighted average exercise price of $4.46 per share. These options and all other Hypercom stock options outstanding at the time of the merger will be assumed by VeriFone and solely exercisable for VeriFone common stock following the merger. Prior to the completion of the merger, all Hypercom stock options and restricted stock that were outstanding on November 17, 2010, the date that the merger agreement was entered into, will be fully vested. Holders of restricted stock will receive the same merger consideration as other holders of Hypercom common stock: 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock, with any unvested stock issued after November 17, 2010 and not subject to acceleration by the terms of the applicable award or under the Hypercom Change of Control Plan continuing to be subject to vesting restrictions.
As of December 17, 2010, there is an outstanding warrant to purchase 10,544,000 shares of Hypercom common stock held by FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC, whose affiliate, Francisco Partners II, L.P., has the right to nominate two candidates for election to Hypercoms board of directors if certain conditions are met. Francisco Partners II, L.P. has used its right to appoint two directors, Keith Geeslin and Thomas Ludwig.
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Under the Hypercom Change of Control Plan, as amended November 15, 2010 by the compensation committee of Hypercoms board of directors and ratified by the board, approximately 92 employees are entitled to severance benefits if they are terminated following a change of control (as defined). The Change of Control Plan was initially implemented to incentivize key employees to remain with Hypercom despite the publicly announced desire of VeriFone to acquire Hypercom, the willingness of Verifone to sell off Hypercoms U.S. operations if needed to address potential competitive concerns and concerns that in light of the ongoing events, key employees may be solicited by competitors. The Change of Control Plan was amended on November 15, 2010 to assure its effectiveness in the merger transaction and to incentivize key employees to remain with Hypercom through any transition period or beyond.
The Change of Control Plan also covers certain senior officers and generally codifies benefits that they had in pre-existing arrangements. With respect to Philippe Tartavull, Thomas Sabol, Scott Tsujita, Douglas Reich and Shawn Rathje, the Change of Control Plan provides for payment of a retention bonus to each of these individuals upon the closing of the merger or their earlier termination of employment without cause or resignation for good reason. Further, each individual will be entitled to company-paid continuing healthcare coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) for a specified period and accelerated vesting of any equity awards held upon any such termination occurring prior to the merger or within 12 months thereafter. The estimated cash value of benefits available to such named executive officers under the amended Change of Control Plan are summarized in the table below.
Name(1) |
Title |
Retention Bonus |
COBRA Premiums |
Relocation Expenses |
Equity Awards(4) |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Philippe Tartavull |
Chief Executive Officer and President | $ | 675,000 | (2) | $ | 32,400 | $ | 75,000 | (3) | $ | 4,274,550 | $ | 5,056,950 | |||||||||
Thomas Sabol |
Chief Financial Officer | $ | 450,000 | $ | 32,400 | | $ | 1,871,650 | $ | 2,354,050 | ||||||||||||
Scott Tsujita |
Senior Vice President, Finance, Treasury and Investor Relations | $ | 192,077 | $ | 7,200 | | $ | 208,200 | $ | 407,477 | ||||||||||||
Douglas Reich |
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary | $ | 223,000 | $ | 18,000 | | $ | 375,400 | $ | 616,400 | ||||||||||||
Shawn Rathje |
Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller | $ | 182,000 | $ | 21,600 | | $ | 421,100 | $ | 624,700 |
(1) | Henry Gaillard resigned on December 13, 2010 and is not entitled to benefits under the Change of Control Plan. See Hypercoms Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2010 for more information. |
(2) | Upon completion of the merger Mr. Tartavull will be entitled to a cash retention bonus equal to his base salary for the greater of 18 months or the period remaining until December 30, 2012, the termination date of his employment agreement with Hypercom. Because the amount set forth in the table above represents 18 months of Mr. Tartavulls base salary, this amount will increase if the merger is completed before June 30, 2011. The pre-existing change of control arrangements for Messrs. Sabol and Rathje were set to expire by their terms in April 2011 and February 2011, respectively, but such terms have been replaced and superseded by the Change of Control Plan. |
(3) | In addition to the benefits provided by the Change of Control Plan, Mr. Tartavull will be entitled under his employment agreement with Hypercom to reimbursement of reasonable moving expenses to relocate his primary residence during a period of six months following his termination of employment without cause or resignation for good reason within 12 months following the merger. |
(4) | The amounts listed in this column represent the intrinsic value of all outstanding equity awards for each executive officer, including vested and unvested awards or portions thereof, as of the date of signing of the merger agreement and as if the closing of the merger had occurred as of such date (based on the closing market price of $31.84 for VeriFone common stock on November 16, 2010). The board of directors of |
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Hypercom has approved accelerated vesting in full of all Hypercom equity awards outstanding on November 17, 2010, including those held by the executive officers, effective ten days prior to the expected closing date of the merger (without regard to whether a qualifying termination has occurred). |
Please refer to The Merger AgreementEmployee Benefits on page 90 for a discussion of the employee benefits to be provided to Hypercom employees, including any executive officers, who remain at the combined company following the merger.
In connection with the merger, VeriFone has entered into a support agreement with FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. pursuant to which, among other things, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. agreed to vote any shares of Hypercom common stock owned by them (including any shares of Hypercom common stock that may be issued to FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC upon exercise of the Hypercom warrant held by it) in favor of the merger and against competing acquisition proposals, in each case subject to and on the conditions set forth in the support agreement. As of December 17, 2010, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC holds a warrant to purchase 10,544,000 shares of Hypercom common stock but based on information received from Francisco Partners II, L.P. neither Francisco Partners II, L.P. nor FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC holds any shares of Hypercom common stock. Accordingly, assuming FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC does not exercise its warrant prior to the record date and neither Francisco Partners II, L.P. nor FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC acquires any shares of Hypercom common stock, FP Hypercom Holdco, LLC and Francisco Partners II, L.P. will not be entitled to vote at the special meeting. For a discussion of this support agreement, see Other Material Agreements Relating to the MergerSupport Agreement on page 99.
Pursuant to the merger agreement, VeriFone has agreed that, after the effective time of the merger, it will provide certain indemnification and liability insurance benefits to present and former directors and officers of Hypercom. See The Merger AgreementIndemnification and Insurance on page 98.
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This section of the proxy statement/prospectus describes the material provisions of the merger agreement. Because the description of the merger agreement contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should carefully read the entire copy of the merger agreement attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus, which is hereby incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference, before you decide how to vote.
The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the merger agreement and described in this proxy statement/prospectus:
| were made only for purposes of the merger agreement and as of specific dates and may be subject to more recent developments; |
| were made solely for the benefit of the parties to the merger agreement and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being qualified by reference to confidential disclosures, for the purposes of allocating risk between parties to the merger agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts; and |
| may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material by you or by other investors. |
Accordingly, these representations and warranties alone may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. The representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement do not survive the effective time of the merger. Investors should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of VeriFone, Hypercom, Honey Acquisition Co. or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the merger agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by VeriFone and Hypercom.
The merger agreement provides for the merger of Honey Acquisition Co., a newly formed and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone, into Hypercom. After the merger, Hypercom will become a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of VeriFone.
Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger
We will complete the merger as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than the third business day after the last of the conditions to completion are satisfied or waived, or at such other time or date as the parties to the merger agreement may mutually agree.
The merger will become effective at the time when the certificate of merger has been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Conversion of Hypercom Common Stock in the Merger
Each share of Hypercom common stock issued and outstanding at the effective time of the merger, other than shares owned by VeriFone, Honey Acquisition Co. or any other direct or indirect subsidiary of VeriFone or shares that are owned by Hypercom or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that in each case are not held on behalf of third parties, will convert into the right to receive 0.23 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of VeriFone.
VeriFone will not issue any fractional shares. Instead, Hypercom stockholders will receive a cash payment in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, as described below in Fractional Shares.
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You should not send stock certificates with your proxy card and should not surrender stock certificates prior to the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger by Hypercom stockholders and the receipt of a transmittal form.
Each Hypercom stockholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of VeriFone common stock will receive cash, without interest and rounded to the nearest whole cent, an amount determined by multiplying such fraction by the per share closing price of VeriFone common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day immediately prior to the closing date.
All shares of VeriFone common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger shall be deemed issued and outstanding as of the effective time of the merger. Whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by VeriFone in respect of VeriFone common stock, and the record date for the dividend or distribution is on or after the date of the effective time of the merger, the declaration will include those dividends or other distributions in respect of all VeriFone common stock issued or issuable pursuant to the merger agreement. No dividends or other distributions with respect to VeriFone common stock will be paid unless a Hypercom share certificate is surrendered.
Transfer of Ownership and Lost Stock Certificates
If a Hypercom share certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Hypercom stockholder may need to deliver an affidavit or bond prior to receiving a VeriFone stock certificate.
Hypercoms Representations and Warranties
Hypercom made a number of representations and warranties to VeriFone in the merger agreement. These representations and warranties include representations as to:
| corporate organization, good standing and qualification to do business of Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| the governing documents of Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| Hypercoms capital structure; |
| authorization of the merger agreement by Hypercom; |
| enforceability of the merger agreement; |
| the fairness opinion received by Hypercom from UBS; |
| governmental consents, filings and regulatory approvals necessary to complete the merger; |
| the merger not conflicting with the organizational documents or material contracts of Hypercom or its subsidiaries or applicable laws; |
| contracts that limit the type of business in which Hypercom or its subsidiaries may engage or the manner or locations in which any of them may so engage in any business; |
| Hypercoms filings with the SEC, including financial statements, and the accuracy of the information contained therein; |
| absence of certain changes, events or material adverse effects involving Hypercom or its subsidiaries since the most recent audited balance sheet; |
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| litigation and liabilities involving Hypercom or its subsidiaries; |
| employee benefit plans of Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| compliance with laws and regulatory matters by Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| the inapplicability of takeover statutes and any anti-takeover provisions in Hypercoms certificate of incorporation or bylaws; |
| environmental matters relating to Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| taxes and tax matters relating to Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| Hypercoms and its subsidiaries labor relations; |
| intellectual property matters involving Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| transactions between Hypercom and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Hypercoms affiliates, on the other hand; |
| Hypercoms and its subsidiaries insurance; |
| Hypercoms material contracts and governmental contracts; |
| Hypercoms good and marketable title to property; |
| lease agreements of Hypercom and its subsidiaries; |
| Hypercoms warranties and product liability; |
| product certifications given or granted; |
| Hypercoms inventories; |
| possession of and compliance with all licenses necessary to conduct Hypercoms business; |
| absence of any violation to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practice Act of 1977; |
| absence of any sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control; |
| brokers and finders; |
| neither Hypercom nor its subsidiaries is an investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940; |
| the inapplicability of Hypercoms rights agreement; and |
| reorganization treatment of the merger. |
VeriFones and Honey Acquisition Co.s Representations and Warranties
VeriFone and Honey Acquisition Co. made a number of representations and warranties to Hypercom in the merger agreement. These representations and warranties include representations as to:
| corporate organization, good standing and qualification to do business of VeriFone, Honey Acquisition Co. and VeriFones subsidiaries; |
| the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of VeriFone and its subsidiaries; |
| capitalization of Honey Acquisition Co.; |
| VeriFones capital structure; |
| authorization of the merger agreement by VeriFone; |
| enforceability of the merger agreement; |
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| VeriFone common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger; |
| governmental consents, filings and regulatory approvals necessary to complete the merger; |
| the merger not conflicting with the organizational documents or material contracts of VeriFone or its significant subsidiaries or applicable laws; |
| VeriFones filings with the SEC, including financial statements, and the accuracy of the information contained therein; |
| absence of certain changes, events or material adverse effects involving VeriFone or its subsidiaries since the most recent audited balance sheet; |
| litigation and liabilities involving VeriFone or its subsidiaries; |
| brokers and finders; |
| none of VeriFone, Honey Acquisition Co., or any of their affiliates being an interested stockholder of Hypercom for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; |
| compliance with laws and regulatory matters by VeriFone and VeriFones significant subsidiaries; and |
| reorganization treatment of the merger. |
The representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement are complicated and not easily summarized. You are urged to read carefully Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the merger agreement entitled Representations and Warranties of the Company and Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub. The representations and warranties of Hypercom and VeriFone are qualified by disclosure schedules and as to materiality and material adverse effect.
Hypercoms Conduct of Business Before Completion of the Merger
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Hypercom has agreed that until the effective time of the merger, or unless VeriFone approves in writing, Hypercom and its subsidiaries business will be conducted in the ordinary and usual course and Hypercom and its subsidiaries will use reasonable best efforts to:
| preserve their business organizations intact; and |
| maintain existing relations and goodwill with governmental entities, customers, suppliers, distributors, creditors, lessors, employees and business associates and keep available the services of its and its subsidiaries present employees and agents. |
In addition, Hypercom has also agreed that until the effective time of the merger, subject to specified exceptions, unless VeriFone approves in writing, it will not, and none of its subsidiaries will:
| amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other applicable governing instruments; |
| split, combine, subdivide or reclassify its outstanding shares of capital stock; |
| declare, set aside or pay any dividend or distribution payable in cash, stock or property in respect of any capital stock; |
| repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock; |
| merge or consolidate itself or any of its subsidiaries with any other person or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or otherwise enter into any agreements or arrangements imposing material changes or restrictions on its assets, operations or businesses; |
| spend in excess of $6,500,000 individually or $10,000,000 in the aggregate to acquire any business, subject to certain conditions, including that any such acquisition not prevent, delay or impair Hypercoms ability to consummate the transaction; |
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| incur any indebtedness, except for (A) drawings under and refinancings or replacements of Hypercoms or any of its subsidiaries current credit agreements in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding, (B) other indebtedness for borrowed money incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate, or (C) interest rate or currency swaps on customary commercial terms consistent with past practice and in compliance with its risk management policies in effect on the date of the merger agreement and not to exceed $5,000,000 of notional debt in the aggregate; |
| make or commit to any capital expenditures other than in the ordinary course of business and in any event not in excess of the aggregate amount reflected in Hypercoms capital expenditure budget for the year in which such capital expenditures are made; |
| transfer, sell, lease, license, mortgage, pledge, surrender, encumber, divest, cancel, abandon or allow to lapse or expire or otherwise dispose of any of Hypercoms assets, product lines or businesses or of its subsidiaries, except for dispositions of assets with a fair market value not in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate, other than pursuant to contracts in effect as of the date of the merger agreement; |
| issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant, transfer, encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant, transfer, lease, license, guarantee or encumbrance of any shares of, or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for, or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of, its capital stock or of any its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, including the issuance of shares pursuant to existing options, warrants and awards; |
| make any change with respect to accounting policies or procedures, except as required by changes in GAAP or by law; |
| except as required by law: |
| make any material tax election or take any position on any tax return filed on or after the date of the merger agreement or adopt any method that is inconsistent with elections made, positions taken or methods used in preparing or filing similar tax returns in prior periods; |
| settle or resolve any material tax controversy, claim or assessment; |
| enter into any material closing agreement; |
| waive or extend any statute of limitations with respect to taxes; or |
| surrender any right to claim a refund for taxes; waive or extend any statute of limitations with respect to taxes or surrender any right to claim a refund for taxes; |
| make any loans, advances or capital contributions to or investments in any person in excess of $1,000,000 individually or $2,000,000 in the aggregate; |
| enter into any non-competition contract or any other contract that (i) purports to limit in any material respect either the type of business in which Hypercom or its subsidiaries (or, after the effective time of the merger, VeriFone or its affiliates) may engage or the manner or locations in which any of them may so engage in any business or (ii) could require the disposition of any material assets or line of business of Hypercom or its subsidiaries or, after the effective time of the merger, VeriFone or its affiliates; |
| grant or provide any severance or termination payments or benefits, increase the compensation, bonus or pension, welfare, severance or other benefits of, pay any bonus to, or make any new equity awards to any of its directors, officers or employees, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; |
| establish, adopt, amend or terminate any of its benefit plans or amend the terms of any outstanding equity-based awards; |
| subject to certain exceptions, take any action to accelerate the vesting or payment, or fund or in any other way secure the payment, of compensation or benefits under any of its benefit plans, to the extent not already provided in those benefit plans; |
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| change any actuarial or other assumptions used to calculate funding obligations with respect to any benefit plan or change the manner in which contributions to those plans are made or the basis on which contributions are determined, except as may be required by GAAP; |
| forgive any loans to any of its or of any of its subsidiaries directors, officers or employees; |
| amend, modify or terminate any material contract or cancel, modify or waive any debts or claims held by it or waive any rights other than in the ordinary course of business having a value in excess of $1,000,000; |
| settle any litigation if the settlements would exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate; and |
| take any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of the conditions to its obligations to consummate the merger not to be satisfied. |
In addition, VeriFone has also agreed that, until the effective time of the merger, it will not and will not permit its subsidiaries to take any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of the conditions to its obligations to consummate the merger not to be satisfied.
No Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals by Hypercom
The merger agreement provides that neither Hypercom nor any of its subsidiaries nor any of the officers and directors of Hypercom or its subsidiaries will, and that Hypercom will instruct and cause its and its subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and other advisors or representatives not to, directly or indirectly:
| initiate, solicit, or knowingly facilitate or encourage any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal; |
| engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or provide any non-public information or data to any person relating to, any acquisition proposal; or |
| otherwise knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make an acquisition proposal. |
Under the merger agreement, an acquisition proposal is:
| any proposal or offer with respect to a merger, joint venture, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, recapitalization, reorganization, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving Hypercom; or |
| any acquisition by any person resulting in (or any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner which if consummated would result in) any person becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of Hypercom or any of its subsidiaries, or 15% or more of the consolidated total assets of Hypercom and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case other than the merger with VeriFone. |
The merger agreement does not prevent Hypercom from doing the following prior to, but not after, the receipt of the vote of a majority of the holders of the outstanding shares of Hypercom common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting:
| providing information in response to a request by a person who has made an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal if the board of directors receives from the person requesting such information an executed confidentiality agreement on terms not less restrictive to such person than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between Hypercom and VeriFone; |
| engaging or participating in any discussions or negotiations with any person who has made an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal; or |
| approving, recommending, or otherwise declaring advisable such an acquisition proposal to Hypercom stockholders; |
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if and only to the extent that, in each case, Hypercoms board of directors determines in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors fiduciary duties under applicable law, and Hypercoms board of directors has determined in good faith based on the information then available and after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor that such acquisition proposal constitutes a superior proposal (or in the case of the first two bullet points above, is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal). In addition, during the two-business-day period prior to taking any action described in the third bullet point above, Hypercom must negotiate in good faith with VeriFone, if requested by VeriFone, any revisions to the terms of the merger agreement.
Under the merger agreement, a superior proposal is an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal involving 80% or more of the assets (on a consolidated basis) or the total voting power of the equity securities of Hypercom that Hypercoms board of directors has determined in its good faith judgment is reasonably capable of being consummated in accordance with its terms, and that, taking into account all legal, financial and regulatory aspects of the proposal and the person making the proposal, if consummated, would result in a transaction more favorable to Hypercoms stockholders than the transaction contemplated by the merger agreement.
In addition, Hypercom has agreed, pursuant to the merger agreement, that it will promptly disclose to VeriFone any non-public information provided to any third-party pursuant to a request by a third-party who has made an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal and executed a confidentiality agreement on terms not less restrictive than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between Hypercom and VeriFone.
Changes in Hypercoms Board of Directors Recommendation
Under the merger agreement, Hypercom has also agreed that subject to certain exceptions, the board of directors of Hypercom may not:
| withdraw, qualify or modify (or publicly propose or resolve to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify), in a manner adverse to VeriFone, its recommendation to Hypercom stockholders with respect to the merger; or |
| cause or permit Hypercom to enter into any alternative acquisition agreement relating to any acquisition proposal. |
The Hypercom board of directors may make an adverse recommendation change or recommend a superior proposal if the board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside counsel and financial advisors, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors fiduciary obligations under applicable law, either in connection with:
| a superior proposal; or |
| as a result of a fact, event, circumstance, development or a change in circumstances or facts that was not known (or if known, the magnitude and material consequences of which were not known) by the board of directors as of the date of the merger agreement. |
Hypercom must provide VeriFone with two-business-days notice prior to taking any such action, and during the two-business-day period, it must negotiate in good faith with VeriFone revisions to the merger agreement, if requested by VeriFone. Following the two-business-day period, Hypercom may take action with respect to a superior proposal only if the proposal continues to be a superior proposal in light of any revisions to the merger agreement proposed by VeriFone.
The merger agreement provides that Hypercom will take, in accordance with applicable law and its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, all action necessary to convene a meeting of holders of Hypercom common stock as promptly as practicable after the registration statement of which this proxy statement/
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prospectus forms a part is declared effective to consider and vote upon the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and to cause such vote to be taken. Except on the determination of the occurrence of a superior proposal and during such time as there remains a superior proposal or as Hypercoms board of directors may determine in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, in order to comply with its fiduciary duties under applicable law, Hypercoms board of directors will recommend such adoption and approval and will take all lawful action to solicit such adoption. Hypercoms obligation to call, give notice of, convene and hold the stockholders meeting will not be limited to or otherwise affected by the commencement, disclosure, announcement or submission of any acquisition proposal to Hypercom.
Effect on Hypercom Stock Options and Hypercom Restricted Stock Awards
Prior to the effective time of the merger, Hypercom will take actions to fully vest all Hypercom stock options and restricted stock awards that were outstanding on November 17, 2010, the date that VeriFone and Hypercom entered into the merger agreement. In addition, certain senior officers are entitled to vesting of any equity awards held upon termination of employment without cause or resignation for good cause occurring prior to the merger or within 12 months thereafter. See Interests of Certain Persons in the MergerChange of Control Plan. At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding option to purchase Hypercom common stock, whether vested or unvested, will be converted into an option to acquire a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to an option and (y) the exchange ratio of 0.23, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of Hypercom common stock of such outstanding option immediately prior to the effective time divided by (B) 0.23. Holders of restricted stock will receive the same merger consideration as other holders of Hypercom common stock: 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each share of Hypercom common stock, with any unvested stock issued after November 17, 2010 and not subject to acceleration by the terms of the applicable award or under the Hypercom Change of Control Plan continuing to be subject to vesting restrictions.
As soon as reasonably practicable (but not more than five days) after the effective time of the merger, VeriFone will file a registration statement on Form S-8 and use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for so long as the relevant Hypercom stock plans or other benefit plans remain in effect and such registration continues to be required.
At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding warrant to purchase shares of Hypercom common stock will be converted into a warrant to acquire a number of shares of VeriFone common stock equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Hypercom common stock subject to such warrant and (y) the exchange ratio of 0.23, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of Hypercom common stock for such warrant immediately prior to the effective time divided by (B) 0.23. Following the effective time of the merger, each Hypercom warrant will continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such warrant immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.
For a period ending not earlier than 12 months following the closing of the merger, employees of Hypercom and its subsidiaries who continue their employment after the effective time of the merger will be provided with employee benefits under either:
| the employee benefit programs applicable to similarly situated employees of VeriFone; or |
| the employee benefit programs applicable to affected employees immediately prior to the effective time, as determined in the sole discretion of VeriFone. |
VeriFone will, and will cause Hypercom to, honor and pay from and after the effective time any bonus payment obligations of Hypercom and each subsidiary of Hypercom properly accrued on Hypercoms financial statements in accordance with GAAP for Hypercoms fiscal year (or any portion thereof) ending with or before
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the effective time under bonus plans of Hypercom and its subsidiaries in accordance with their terms as in effect immediately prior to the effective time. With respect to any benefit plan, program or arrangement, VeriFone will recognize the service of employees of Hypercom and its subsidiaries (and any of their predecessors) prior to the effective time of the merger for purposes of eligibility, vesting, level of benefits and benefit accruals, except with respect to any defined benefit pension plan and to the extent such recognition would result in a duplication of benefits.
With respect to any welfare plan in which employees of Hypercom and its subsidiaries and their covered dependents are eligible to participate after the effective time, VeriFone will, and will cause Hypercom to use reasonable best efforts to, waive all limitations as to preexisting conditions, exclusions and waiting periods with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to such employees and covered dependents to the extent such conditions were satisfied, inapplicable or waived under the welfare plans of Hypercom and its subsidiaries prior to the effective time, and (ii) provide each such employee and covered dependent with credit for any co-payments, deductibles and maximum out-of pocket requirements paid or incurred prior to the effective time in satisfying any analogous deductible or maximum out-of-pocket requirements to the extent applicable under any such plan.
VeriFone will also cause Hypercom to honor all of its obligations under its compensation and benefit plans, and compensation and severance arrangements and agreements, in accordance with their terms as in effect immediately prior to the effective time; VeriFone and Hypercom may, however, amend or terminate any particular compensation and benefit plan to the extent permitted by its terms or applicable laws. VeriFone will cause Hypercom to provide affected employees whose employment terminates during the 12-month period following the effective time of the merger with severance benefits at levels no less than and pursuant to the terms of either Hypercoms severance policy as in effect on the date of the merger agreement or under VeriFones severance policy, as determined in the sole discretion of VeriFone. VeriFone will not be obligated to provide these benefits to individuals who are parties to individual agreements providing severance or termination benefits or entitled to severance or termination benefits under Hypercoms Change of Control Plan.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
Mutual Conditions. The obligations of VeriFone and Hypercom to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective time of the merger, of each of the following conditions, among others:
| the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders; |
| unless VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed after consultation with their respective outside counsel that no filing under the HSR Act is required, the expiration or the termination of the waiting period applicable to the completion of the merger under the HSR Act and all governmental consents and any other notification, waiting period, or approval requirements under the comparable antitrust or competition laws of other applicable foreign jurisdictions in which either party has operations or from which either party derives revenues (which in either case are not de minimis) and which are legally required to be made or obtained at or prior to the effective time of the merger must have been made or obtained without the imposition of any term, condition or consequence the acceptance of which would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Hypercom or VeriFone or the requirement to divest, hold separate or license assets or businesses (other than divestitures of businesses or assets that produced aggregate gross revenues in an amount not in excess of $124 million (or a higher amount, if agreed to by VeriFone) during the 2009 fiscal year); |
| the approval for listing on the NYSE of the VeriFone common stock issuable to Hypercom stockholders; |
| no court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction having enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction or other order that is in effect and restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits completion of the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; |
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| the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part having become effective under the Securities Act, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement having been issued, and no proceeding for that purpose having been initiated or threatened, by the SEC; |
| VeriFone having received all state securities and blue sky permits and approvals necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement; |
| if one or more asset purchase agreements have been entered into for asset dispositions in connection with regulatory matters, then (i) all of the conditions to the closing under such asset purchase agreements having been satisfied or waived, and (ii) Hypercom and the applicable transferee having effectuated the applicable disposition and unless VeriFone otherwise consents (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), without deviation from the terms set forth in each such asset purchase agreement; |
| each of Hypercom and VeriFone having received a written opinion from its respective counsel to the effect that the merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| the representations and warranties of the other party set forth in the merger agreement (i) which are qualified by a material adverse effect qualification, must be true and correct in all respects as so qualified and (ii) which are not so qualified, must be true and correct, in each case at and as of the closing date as if made on the closing date, except that this condition will be deemed to have been satisfied even if the representations or warranties are not so true and correct unless the failure of the representations or warranties to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the other party; |
| the other party having performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the closing date; and |
| there not having occurred any event, occurrence, discovery or development that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted, or would reasonably be likely to result, in a material adverse effect on the other party. |
Additional VeriFone Conditions. VeriFones obligation to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by VeriFone at or prior to the effective time of the merger of the following conditions, among others:
| the representations and warranties of Hypercom relating to the fully-diluted capitalization of Hypercom must be true and correct on the date of the merger agreement and at the effective time as though made on and as of the effective time, other than: |
| changes in capitalization due to any permitted capitalization change; and |
| other deviations in Hypercoms actual fully-diluted capitalization by an amount that does not exceed one percent of such fully-diluted capitalization; |
| no court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction having instituted any suit, action or proceeding seeking to: |
| prohibit completion of the merger or prohibit, limit, restrain or impair VeriFones ability to own or operate or to retain or change all or a material portion of the assets, licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interest therein of Hypercom or of VeriFone, other than with respect to the disposition of businesses or assets that, in the aggregate, exceed the threshold of $124 million of aggregate gross revenues during the 2009 fiscal year as set forth in the merger agreement; or |
| prohibit or limit VeriFones ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to Hypercom; |
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| the receipt of payoff letters under Hypercoms credit facilities; and |
| the resignation of each director of Hypercom effective as of the closing. |
Determination of Material Adverse Effect
Under the terms of the merger agreement, a VeriFone material adverse effect is defined to mean a material adverse effect on the financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or results of operations of VeriFone and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or a material adverse effect on the ability of VeriFone or Honey Acquisition Co. to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except that the following are excluded from the definition of VeriFone material adverse effect and from the determination of whether such a VeriFone material adverse effect has occurred:
| changes in general political, economic or market (including currency) conditions, or in the industry in which VeriFone and its subsidiaries operate, except to the extent such changes or conditions disproportionately affect in any material respect VeriFone and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other persons engaged in similar businesses; |
| acts of terrorism or war (whether or not declared) or natural disasters occurring after the date of the merger agreement, except to the extent such changes or conditions disproportionately affect in any material respect VeriFone and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other persons engaged in similar businesses; |
| the merger agreement, the merger and other transactions contemplated thereby, or the announcement or performance thereof, including any negative impact on or disruption in relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, employees or similar relationships; |
| the taking of any action required by the merger agreement or expressly approved or permitted in writing by Hypercom or reasonably required to obtain the approval of any governmental entity or the failure to take any action prohibited by the merger agreement; |
| changes in the price or trading volume of VeriFones stock (provided that the occurrence which caused or contributed to such change in market price or trading volume shall not be excluded); |
| any failure by VeriFone to meet public or internal revenue, earnings or other projections, in and of itself; and |
| changes in law or any applicable accounting regulations or principles or the interpretations thereof. |
Under the terms of the merger agreement, a Hypercom material adverse effect is defined to mean a material adverse effect on the financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or results of operations of Hypercom and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or a material adverse effect on the ability of Hypercom to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except that the following are excluded from the definition of Hypercom material adverse effect and from the determination of whether such a Hypercom material adverse effect has occurred:
| changes in general political, economic or market (including currency) conditions, or in the industry in which Hypercom and its subsidiaries operate, except to the extent such changes or conditions disproportionately affect in any material respect Hypercom and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other persons engaged in similar businesses; |
| acts of terrorism or war (whether or not declared) or natural disasters occurring after the date of the merger agreement, except to the extent such changes or conditions disproportionately affect in any material respect Hypercom and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other persons engaged in similar businesses; |
| the merger agreement, the merger and other transactions contemplated thereby, or the announcement or performance thereof, including any negative impact on or disruption in relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, employees or similar relationships; |
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| changes in the price or trading volume of Hypercoms stock (provided that the occurrence which caused or contributed to such change in market price or trading volume shall not be excluded); |
| any failure by Hypercom to meet public or internal revenue, earnings or other projections, in and of itself; |
| changes in law or any applicable accounting regulations or principles or the interpretations thereof; |
| the taking of any action required by the merger agreement or expressly approved or permitted in writing by VeriFone or reasonably required to obtain the approval of any governmental entity or the failure to take any action prohibited by the merger agreement; and |
| any legal proceedings commenced or threatened by any of the current or former stockholders of Hypercom (on their own behalf or on behalf of Hypercom) against Hypercom that assert allegations of a breach of fiduciary duty or violations of securities laws relating to the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. |
The conditions to each of the parties obligations to consummate the merger are for the sole benefit of such party and may be waived by such party in whole or in part to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Reasonable Best Efforts Covenant
Under the merger agreement and subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, VeriFone and Hypercom have each agreed to cooperate with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under the merger agreement and applicable laws to complete the merger.
VeriFone has agreed that reasonable best efforts includes a requirement by VeriFone to agree to sell or otherwise dispose of, and to sell or otherwise dispose of, businesses or assets that, subject to certain exceptions, in the aggregate, produced aggregate gross revenues in an amount not in excess of $124 million for VeriFone or Hypercom during the 2009 fiscal year, if such action should be reasonably necessary to cause the closing conditions to be met in the merger agreement. Except with respect to this covenant, the merger agreement provides that VeriFone will not be required to proffer to, or agree to, sell, divest, lease, license, transfer, dispose of or otherwise encumber or hold separate and agree to sell, divest, lease, license, transfer, dispose of or otherwise encumber before or after the effective time of the merger, any assets, licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interest therein of VeriFone or Hypercom (or to consent to any sale, divestiture, lease, license, transfer, disposition or other encumbrance by Hypercom of any of its assets, licenses, operations, rights, product lines, businesses or interest therein, loss of ability to set off for tax purposes in the future any and all losses accumulated by Hypercom or to any agreement by Hypercom to take any of the foregoing actions) or to agree to any material changes (including through a licensing arrangement) or restriction on, or other impairment of VeriFones ability to own or operate, of any such assets, licenses, product lines, businesses or interests therein or VeriFones ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to the stock of Hypercom.
In addition, so long as VeriFone requests, and subject to certain limitations, Hypercom has agreed to use reasonable best efforts as promptly as practicable to effectuate the disposition of portions of its business identified by VeriFone as reasonably necessary to satisfy the conditions to closing in the merger agreement.
Non-Solicitation of Employees. VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed that through the earlier of the effective time of the merger (if the closing occurs) and the six-month period following termination of the merger agreement (if the closing does not occur), neither will solicit for hire certain specified officers or key employees of the other party, or, except where this restriction is prohibited by law, hire any such employee. However,
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nothing in the merger agreement prohibits solicitation and hiring by means of a general advertisement not directed at any particular individual or the employees of the other party generally, or responding to and hiring an employee of the other party who initiates contact with the applicable party, provided that such contact is not solicited by the applicable party.
Certain Communications. In addition, VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed that they will not seek to effect, announce or communicate any potential reduction or elimination of the other partys products or services or change in the pricing thereof.
Damages. In the case of the first breach, if any, of either of the two covenants described above, the breaching party will have three days in which to cure the breach. If the initial breach is not cured within this three-day period, or if there is any subsequent breach, the breaching party must pay the other party, within three business days of notice of the breach, $1 million. However, these amounts must only be paid in the event of a breach caused by or at the instructions of or with the consent of or prior knowledge of (if the senior officer does not use reasonable efforts to prevent such breach and does not direct or re-direct the applicable person to refrain from such activity after obtaining such knowledge) one or more senior officers of the breaching party.
Customer Commitments. In addition, if the closing occurs, VeriFone has agreed with Hypercom to do the following (and not to announce, communicate or take any action to the contrary during the period through the closing):
| fulfill any Hypercom customer agreements or purchase orders entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with Hypercoms current business practices, unless the customer agrees otherwise; |
| to the extent requested by the applicable customer, provide warranty service on Hypercom products required by contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with Hypercoms current business practices, as well as repair and maintenance for the longer of three years from closing or as required by law, at service levels consistent with Hypercoms current business practices; and |
| to the extent requested by the applicable customer, continue to support software applications, including the provision of bug fixes and updates, for the longer of 12 months from closing or as required by law, at service levels consistent with Hypercoms current business practices. |
Rights Agreement. Prior to the effective time of the merger, the Hypercom board of directors will take any action necessary to prevent the merger and the merger agreement from causing the rights granted under Hypercoms stockholder rights agreement from becoming exercisable.
Reorganization. VeriFone and Hypercom have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the merger to be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and to not knowingly take any action, or fail to take any action, that would prevent, or reasonably be expected to prevent, the merger from qualifying as a reorganization under Section 368(a).
Waiver and Amendment of the Merger Agreement
Subject to the provisions of applicable law, at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, the parties to the merger agreement may modify or amend the merger agreement, by written agreement executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of the respective parties. After adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercom stockholders, the parties may not amend or waive any provision of the merger agreement if such amendment or waiver would require further approval of Hypercom stockholders under Delaware law, unless such approval has first been obtained.
Any provision of the merger agreement may be waived prior to the effective time of the merger if, and only if, such waiver is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
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Termination of the Merger Agreement
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders, by mutual written consent of Hypercom and VeriFone.
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after approval by stockholders of Hypercom by action of either VeriFone or Hypercom if:
| the merger has not occurred by August 31, 2011, provided that if all other conditions have been satisfied or waived except for the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act or the obtaining of required governmental consents or certain other conditions relating to regulatory matters, then VeriFone may, upon written notice to Hypercom, extend the termination date to November 30, 2011; |
| the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders required by the merger agreement has not been obtained at a special meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, at which a vote upon the merger agreement was taken; or |
| any order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting completion of the merger becomes final and non-appealable. |
However, the right to terminate in the above circumstances of VeriFone or Hypercom will not be available to any party that breached in any material respect its obligations under the merger agreement in any manner that shall have been a principal cause of or resulted in the occurrence of the failure of the merger to be consummated on or before the termination date.
The merger agreement may be terminated by VeriFone or Hypercom at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after approval by Hypercoms stockholders, if there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the other party in the merger agreement, or any such representation and warranty becomes untrue after the date of the merger agreement, so that certain conditions to closing of the terminating party would not be satisfied and such breach or condition is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof is given.
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the approval of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders if Hypercoms board of directors authorizes Hypercom, subject to compliance with the terms of the merger agreement, to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal that has been obtained without violation of Hypercoms covenant not to solicit or negotiate other acquisition proposals, provided that Hypercom first pays to VeriFone the $12.2 million termination fee.
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, by action of the board of directors of VeriFone, if:
| at any time prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by Hypercoms stockholders, the board of directors of Hypercom has withdrawn, adversely modified, or has, following a public announcement of opposition to the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement made by a person holding more than five percent of the Hypercom common stock, failed to reconfirm within ten business days from the receipt of a written request from VeriFone to do so, its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement (unless VeriFone has previously made two such requests and Hypercom has complied with those requests); |
| either (i) Hypercom failed to convene and hold the Hypercom stockholders meeting prior to the later of the date that is 45 days after the date as of which the SEC has confirmed that it has no additional comments on the proxy statement (subject to adjournment from time to time as permitted under the |
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merger agreement), or (ii) the minimum number of shares of Hypercom common stock necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business has been represented in person or by proxy at the Hypercom stockholders meeting and Hypercom failed to take a vote of the stockholders on the merger and the merger agreement at such meeting; |
| a tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Hypercom common stock has been publicly disclosed, other than by Hypercom or one of its affiliates, and the board of directors of Hypercom recommends that the stockholders of Hypercom tender their shares in such tender or exchange offer, or within ten business days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, Hypercoms board of directors fails to recommend that the stockholders of Hypercom not tender any shares into such tender or exchange offer; |
| the board of directors of Hypercom recommends to the stockholders of Hypercom an acquisition proposal other than the proposed merger with VeriFone; or |