Blueprint
As filed with the SEC on February 14,
2018
Registration No. 333-222309
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
1ST CONSTITUTION BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey
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6022
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22-3665653
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
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2650 Route 130
P.O. Box 634
Cranbury, New Jersey 18512
(609) 655-4500
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
code, of registrant’s principal executive
offices)
Mr. Robert F. Mangano
President and Chief Executive Officer
1st Constitution Bancorp
2650 Route 130
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512
(609) 655-4500
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Frank E. Lawatsch, Jr., Esq.
Scott W. Goodman, Esq.
Day Pitney LLP
One Jefferson Road
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
(973) 966-6300
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William H. Placke
President and Chief Executive Officer
New Jersey Community Bank
3441 U.S. Highway 9
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
(732) 431-2265
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Robert A. Schwartz, Esq.
Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP
120 Albany Street Plaza
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
(732) 448-2548
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Approximate
date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as
practicable after the effectiveness of this registration
statement.
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, smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of
"large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting
company," and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2
of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
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☐
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Accelerated filer
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☒
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Non-accelerated
filer
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☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)
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Smaller reporting company
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☐
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Emerging
growth company
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☐
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If an
emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant
has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided
pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
☐
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)
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☐
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[ ]
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)
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☐
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of each
class of securities to be
registered
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Amount
to
be
registered
(1)
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Proposed
maximum
offering
price
per unit
(1,2)
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Proposed
maximum
aggregate
offering price
(2)
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Amount of
registration fee
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Common
stock, no par value per share
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316,588
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N/A
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$4,998,753
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$622.35
(3)
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(1)
Based on the
maximum number of shares of the registrant’s common stock
that may be issued in connection with the proposed merger of New
Jersey Community Bank with and into the registrant’s primary
subsidiary, 1st Constitution Bank, assuming that all stock options
and warrants granted by New Jersey Community Bank and outstanding
on the date hereof are exercised prior to the closing, which number
is calculated as the sum of (A)(i) the number of outstanding shares
of New Jersey Community Bank common stock multiplied by (ii) the
assumed maximum exchange ratio of 0.1425 of a share of the
registrant’s common stock to be issued in the merger for each
share of New Jersey Community Bank common stock plus (B)(i) the
number of shares of New Jersey Community Bank common stock subject
to currently outstanding stock options multiplied by (ii) the
assumed maximum exchange ratio of 0.1425 plus (C)(i) the number of
shares of New Jersey Community Bank common stock subject to
currently outstanding warrants multiplied by (ii) the assumed
maximum exchange ratio of 0.1425. In accordance with Rule 416, this
registration statement shall also register any additional shares of
the registrant’s common stock which may become issuable to
prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or
similar transactions and additional shares that may be issued to
permit the merger to be a tax-free reorganization under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, all as provided by the
merger agreement.
(2)
Estimated solely
for the purpose of calculating the registration fee required by
Section 6(b) of the Securities Act and calculated in accordance
with Rule 457(f)(1) and Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act as
follows: the product of (A) $3.85, which is the average of the high
and low prices per share of New Jersey Community Bank common stock
on December 21, 2017 as quoted on the OTC Pink marketplace,
multiplied by (B) 2,221,668, which is the sum of (i) the aggregate
number of shares of New Jersey Community Bank common stock
outstanding as of December 21, 2017, (ii) the aggregate number of
shares of New Jersey Community Bank common stock issuable upon the
exercise of New Jersey Community Bank stock options outstanding as of December 20, 2017
and (iii) the aggregate number of shares of New Jersey Community
Bank common stock issuable upon the exercise of New Jersey
Community Bank warrants outstanding as of December 21, 2017.
Pursuant to Rule 457(f)(3) under the Securities Act, the amount of
cash payable by the registrant in the merger has been deducted from
the proposed maximum aggregate offering price (computed by
multiplying (a) the cash consideration of $1.60 per share of New
Jersey Community Bank common stock that are (i) outstanding and
that are (ii) subject to outstanding stock options and
warrants).
(3)
Previously
paid in connection with the filing of the initial Registration
Statement on Form S-4.
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,
as amended, or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the SEC, acting pursuant to such
Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this proxy statement-prospectus is not complete
and may be changed. A registration statement relating to the shares
of 1st Constitution Bancorp common stock to be issued in the merger
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These
securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior
to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This
proxy statement-prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or
the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of
these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale in not permitted or would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such
jurisdiction.
PRELIMINARY-SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION
DATED
FEBRUARY 14, 2018
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Proxy
Statement of New Jersey Community Bank
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Prospectus of 1st
Constitution Bancorp
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MERGER PROPOSED – YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
To the
Shareholders of New Jersey Community Bank:
The
Board of Directors of New Jersey Community Bank (referred to as
NJCB) has approved an Agreement and Plan of Merger (referred to as
the merger agreement) with 1st Constitution Bancorp (referred to as
1st Constitution) and 1st Constitution Bank pursuant to which NJCB
will be merged with and into 1st Constitution Bank. If the merger
contemplated by the merger agreement is completed, you will be
entitled to receive, for each outstanding share of NJCB common
stock that you own at the effective time of the merger, a
combination of 1st Constitution common stock and cash as
follows:
(i) If
the exchange ratio average price (as defined below) is between
$17.10 and $18.90, then the stock exchange ratio will be 0.1333 of
a share of common stock of 1st Constitution, subject to adjustment
as described below and subject to the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares; and
(ii)
$1.60 in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in escrow in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger agreement to
cover costs and expenses that may be incurred by 1st Constitution
after the effective time of the merger as a result of specific
pending litigation against NJCB.
The
term “exchange ratio average price” means 1st
Constitution’s average closing common stock share price
during the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the first
date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if
applicable) necessary for consummation of the merger have been
received (disregarding any waiting period) and either 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank or NJCB has notified the others
in writing that all such approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
have been received.
Subject
to the termination rights set forth in the merger agreement, in the
event the exchange ratio average price is greater than $18.90, then
the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted downward to that
percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common stock determined
by taking the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing
such product by the exchange ratio average price, rounded to four
decimal places. Subject to the termination rights set forth in the
merger agreement, in the event the exchange ratio average price is
less than $17.10, then the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted
upward to that percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock determined by taking the product of $17.10 multiplied by
0.1333 and dividing such product by the exchange ratio average
price, rounded to four decimal places. However, in no event will
the stock exchange ratio be greater than 0.1425 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
exchange ratio average price is less than $7.00, 1st Constitution
will have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the
exchange ratio for the stock exchange ratio to the extent necessary
for the merger to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization.
Of the
$1.60 in cash that is part of the consideration for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock, $0.21 will not be paid at
the closing of the merger and will be placed in escrow to cover
costs and expenses, including settlement costs, if any, that 1st
Constitution may incur after the closing of the merger as a result
of a certain litigation matter captioned Robert O’Donnell v.
New Jersey Community Bank, Shelly LoCascio, Andrew Harris (Docket
No. MON-L-4711-15) (referred to as the O’Donnell litigation
matter). The total amount remaining in escrow, after deducting
these costs and expenses, if any, incurred by 1st Constitution as a
result of the O’Donnell litigation matter will be released
from escrow to the former shareholders of NJCB following final
non-appealable resolution of the O’Donnell litigation
matter.
1st
Constitution will not be registering any of the rights that former
NJCB shareholders have to the total escrow amount under any federal
or state securities laws. Accordingly, during the escrow period,
former NJCB shareholders will not be able to sell or transfer their
rights to the total escrow amount except (i) for transfers to an
entity’s members upon its liquidation, (ii) to relatives and
trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death or (iv) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
Assuming an
exchange ratio for the stock consideration of 0.1333 of a share of
1st Constitution common stock and none of the outstanding options
or warrants to purchase shares of NJCB common stock are exercised
prior to the completion of the merger, 1st Constitution expects to
issue approximately 254,396 shares of its common stock in the
merger.
1st
Constitution’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global
Market under the symbol “FCCY”. New Jersey Community
Bank’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink marketplace
under the symbol “NJCB”. On February 13,
2018, the last practicable full trading day prior to the printing
of this proxy statement-prospectus, the closing price of 1st
Constitution common stock was $19.25 per
share.
The
merger cannot be completed unless NJCB’s shareholders approve
the merger agreement. We have scheduled a special meeting of NJCB
shareholders so you can vote on the approval of the merger
agreement. You will also be asked to approve the authorization of
the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a
later date, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of
approval of the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters
properly presented at the special meeting. The NJCB Board of
Directors unanimously recommends that you vote to approve the
merger agreement and vote to authorize the Board of Directors (i)
to adjourn the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to
solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger
agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at
the special meeting.
The
date, time and place of the special meeting of NJCB shareholders
are as follows:
March
22, 2018
9:30
a.m. (EST)
American
Hotel
18-20 East
Main Street
Freehold,
New Jersey 07728
Only
NJCB shareholders of record as of February 5, 2018 are
entitled to attend and vote at the special meeting of NJCB
shareholders.
Your
vote is very important. Approval of the merger agreement by NJCB
shareholders requires the approval by holders of two-thirds of the
shares of NJCB common stock outstanding. Whether or not you plan to
attend the special meeting of NJCB shareholders, please take the
time to vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card to
us or voting by telephone or via the internet as described in the
proxy statement-prospectus. If you sign, date and mail your proxy
card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be
counted as a vote in favor of the merger agreement and in favor of
authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the special
meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit additional
proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and (ii) to
vote on other matters properly presented at the special meeting.
If you do not vote by submitting a
proxy card or do not vote by telephone or via the internet or do
not vote in person at the NJCB special meeting, it will have the
effect of a vote against the merger agreement, but will have no
effect on the vote to authorize the Board of Directors (i) to
adjourn the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to
solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger
agreement, or(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at
the special meeting.
The
proxy statement-prospectus describes the special meeting of NJCB
shareholders, the merger, the documents related to the merger and
other related matters. Please carefully read the entire proxy
statement-prospectus, including the “RISK FACTORS”
beginning on page 22 for a discussion of the risks
related to the proposed merger. You can also obtain information
about 1st Constitution from documents 1st Constitution has filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 1st
Constitution’s SEC filings are available over the internet at
the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read
and copy any document 1st Constitution files by visiting the
SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. The
SEC’s address in Washington, D.C. is 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information about the public reference room.
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Sincerely, |
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William H.
Placke
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President and Chief
Executive Officer
New
Jersey Community Bank
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Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor any bank regulatory
agency, nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is
truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The
shares of 1st Constitution common stock to be issued in the merger
are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of a bank
or depository institution and are not insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental
agency.
This
proxy statement-prospectus is dated [●], 2018, and is first
being mailed to NJCB shareholders on or about [●],
2018.
New Jersey Community Bank
3441 U.S. Highway 9
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be Held March
22, 2018
At the
direction of the Board of Directors of New Jersey Community Bank,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of shareholders of
New Jersey Community Bank will be held at the American Hotel,
18-20 East Main Street, Freehold, New Jersey
07728, on March 22, 2018, at 9:30
a.m. (EST) to consider and vote upon the
following matters:
(1)
Approval of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 6, 2017, by and
among 1st Constitution Bancorp, 1st Constitution Bank and New
Jersey Community Bank pursuant to which New Jersey Community Bank
will merge with and into 1st Constitution Bank; and
(2)
Authorization of
the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting, including, without limitation, on a motion to adjourn the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
The
Board of Directors has fixed February 5, 2018 as the
record date for the determination of New Jersey Community Bank
shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special
meeting of New Jersey Community Bank shareholders, and only New
Jersey Community Bank shareholders of record on said date will be
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at said special
meeting.
The New
Jersey Community Bank Board of Directors recommends that New Jersey
Community Bank shareholders vote:
(1)
“FOR”
approval of the merger agreement; and
(2)
“FOR”
approval of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
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By Order of the
Board of Directors, |
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Shelly I.
LoCascio
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Secretary
New
Jersey Community Bank
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Freehold,
New Jersey
[●],
2018
IMPORTANT—WHETHER
YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY BANK
SHAREHOLDERS IN PERSON OR NOT, PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY BY SUBMITTING
YOUR PROXY VIA THE INTERNET OR BY PHONE OR BY COMPLETING, SIGNING,
DATING AND RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
RETURNING THE PROXY CARD WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM VOTING IN PERSON
IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The
accompanying proxy statement-prospectus provides a detailed
description of the merger and the merger agreement. We urge you to
read the proxy statement-prospectus, including any documents
referenced in the proxy statement-prospectus, and its annexes
carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions
concerning the merger, the other special meeting matters or the
proxy statement-prospectus, or need assistance voting your shares,
please contact New Jersey Community Bank (referred to as NJCB) at
the address or telephone number listed below:
New
Jersey Community Bank
3441
U.S. Highway 9
Freehold,
New Jersey 07728
Attention:
William H. Placke
(732)
431-2265
Neither
NJCB nor 1st Constitution Bancorp (referred to as 1st Constitution)
has authorized anyone to provide you with any information other
than the information included in this document and the documents to
which you are referred in this document. If someone provides you
with other information, please do not rely on it as being
authorized by NJCB or 1st Constitution.
This
proxy statement-prospectus offers only the cash and shares of 1st
Constitution common stock offered in the merger, and offers such
shares only where it is legal to do so.
This
proxy statement-prospectus has been prepared as of [●], 2018.
Changes that may have occurred in the affairs of 1st Constitution
or NJCB or their respective subsidiaries since that date are not
reflected in this document.
The
information contained in this document with respect to 1st
Constitution was provided solely by 1st Constitution, and the
information contained in this document with respect to NJCB was
provided solely by NJCB.
Please
do not send your stock certificates at this time. You will be sent
separate instructions regarding the surrender of your stock
certificates.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL
MEETING
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1
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SUMMARY
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6
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MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
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13
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
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15
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
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18
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
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21
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RISK FACTORS
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22
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THE SPECIAL MEETING
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25
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When
and Where the Special Meeting will be Held
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25
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What
will be Voted on at the Shareholders’ Meeting
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25
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Shareholders
Entitled to Vote
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26
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Number
of Shares that Must be Represented for a Vote to be
Taken
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26
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Vote
Required; Voting Agreements
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26
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Voting
your Shares
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26
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Revoking
or Changing your Vote
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27
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Solicitation
of Proxies and Costs
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28
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Principal
Shareholders of NJCB
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28
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PROPOSAL 1: APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
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30
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Background
of the Merger
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31
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NJCB’s
Reasons for the Merger
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35
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Recommendation
of the NJCB Board of Directors
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36
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Opinion
of NJCB’s Financial Advisor
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36
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1st
Constitution’s Reasons for the Merger
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41
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Terms
of the Merger
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41
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Effect of the Merger
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41
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What NJCB Shareholders Will Receive in the
Merger
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41
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Stock Options and Warrants
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43
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1st Constitution Common Stock
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43
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Effective
Date
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43
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Representations
and Warranties
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43
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Conduct
of Business Pending the Merger
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45
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Conditions
to the Merger
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47
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Amendment;
Waiver
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49
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Termination
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49
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Termination
Fees
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50
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NASDAQ
Listing
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50
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Expenses
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51
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Exchange
of NJCB Stock Certificates and Payment of
Consideration
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51
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Regulatory
Approvals
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51
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Interests
of Management and Others in the Merger
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51
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Accounting
Treatment
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52
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Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
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53
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Rights
of Dissenting Shareholders
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56
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Voting
Agreements
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57
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INFORMATION ABOUT 1ST CONSTITUTION
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58
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INFORMATION ABOUT NJCB
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58
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DESCRIPTION OF 1ST CONSTITUTION CAPITAL STOCK
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59
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General
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59
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COMMON
STOCK
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59
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Dividend
Rights
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59
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Voting
Rights
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59
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Preemptive
Rights
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59
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Liquidation
Rights
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59
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Assessment
and Redemption
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60
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Transfer
Agent
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60
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Listing
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60
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Anti-Takeover
Provisions
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60
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SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
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60
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FIXED RATE CUMULATIVE PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES
B
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60
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BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK
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61
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COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS
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61
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PROPOSAL 2: ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTE ON OTHER
MATTERS
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65
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Recommendation
of the NJCB Board
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65
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INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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66
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LEGAL MATTERS
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67
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EXPERTS
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67
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OTHER BUSINESS
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67
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ANNEX A: AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
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A-1
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ANNEX B: OPINION OF BOENNING & SCATTERGOOD, INC.
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B-1
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ANNEX C: PROVISIONS OF NEW JERSEY BANKING ACT OF 1948 ON
DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS
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C-1
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL
MEETING
Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS
DOCUMENT?
A: This
document serves as both a proxy statement of NJCB and as a
prospectus of 1st Constitution. As a proxy statement/prospectus, it
is being provided to you by the NJCB Board of Directors in
connection with the Board’s solicitation of proxies for the
special meeting of NJCB shareholders at which NJCB shareholders
will be asked (1) to approve the merger agreement by and among 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank, and NJCB pursuant to which
NJCB will be merged with and into 1st Constitution Bank and (2) to
approve authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
As a
prospectus, this document is being provided to you because 1st
Constitution is offering to exchange shares of its common stock and
cash for shares of NJCB common stock upon completion of the
merger.
Q: WHY ARE NJCB,
1ST CONSTITUTION AND 1ST CONSTITUTION BANK PROPOSING THE
MERGER?
A: The
Boards of Directors of NJCB, 1st Constitution and 1st Constitution
Bank are proposing to merge NJCB with and into 1st Constitution
Bank because they believe that combining the strengths of these two
financial institutions is advisable for NJCB, 1st Constitution and
1st Constitution Bank, their respective shareholders and the
respective customers of NJCB and 1st Constitution Bank. Please see
“NJCB’s Reasons for the Merger” beginning
at page 35 and “Recommendation of the NJCB Board of
Directors” at page 36 for the various factors
considered by the NJCB Board of Directors in recommending that
NJCB’s shareholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the
merger agreement and FOR the proposal to approve authorization of
the NJCB Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a
later date, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of
approval of the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters
properly presented at the special meeting.
Q: WHAT WILL I
RECEIVE IN THE MERGER?
A: Upon
completion of the merger, you will receive, subject to the terms in
the merger agreement, for each outstanding share of NJCB common
stock that you own at the effective time of the merger, a
combination of 1st Constitution common stock and cash as
follows:
(i)
If the exchange ratio average price (as defined below) is between
$17.10 and $18.90, then the stock exchange ratio will be 0.1333 of
a share of common stock of 1st Constitution, subject to adjustment
as described below and subject to the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares; and
(ii) $1.60
in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in escrow in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the merger agreement to cover costs and
expenses that may be incurred by 1st Constitution after the
effective time of the merger as a result of specific pending
litigation against NJCB.
The
term “exchange ratio average price” means 1st
Constitution’s average closing common stock share price
during the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the first
date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if
applicable) necessary for consummation of the merger have been
received (disregarding any waiting period) and either 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank or NJCB has notified the others
in writing that all such approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
have been received.
Subject
to the termination rights set forth in the merger agreement, in the
event the exchange ratio average price is greater than $18.90, then
the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted downward to that
percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common stock determined
by taking the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing
such product by the exchange ratio average price, rounded to four
decimal places. Subject to the termination rights set forth in the
merger agreement, in the event the exchange ratio average price is
less than $17.10, then the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted
upward to that percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock determined by taking the product of $17.10 multiplied by
0.1333 and dividing such product by the exchange ratio average
price, rounded to four decimal places. However, in no event will
the stock exchange ratio be greater than 0.1425 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
exchange ratio average price is less than $7.00, 1st Constitution
will have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the
exchange ratio for the stock consideration to the extent necessary
for the merger to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization.
The
following table illustrates the effect of changes in the exchange
ratio average price on the exchange ratio:
Exchange Ratio
Average Price
|
|
Stock Exchange
Ratio (i.e., percentage of a share of 1st
Constitution
common stock to
be received for each share of NJCB common
stock)
|
$16.00
and below
|
|
0.1425
|
$17.00
|
|
0.1341
|
$17.10
– $18.90
|
|
0.1333
|
$19.00
|
|
0.1326
|
$20.00
|
|
0.1260
|
$21.00
|
|
0.1200
|
In
addition, each outstanding option, whether vested or unvested, to
acquire shares of NJCB common stock will be terminated and
converted on the effective date of the merger into the right to
receive cash equal to the product of (i) the aggregate number of
shares of NJCB common stock underlying such outstanding option
multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of $4.00 over the per share
exercise price of such outstanding option.
With
respect to each outstanding warrant to acquire shares of NJCB
common stock, such warrants will expire in accordance with their
terms prior to the effective time of the merger. Accordingly, 1st
Constitution will not pay any consideration to the holders of the
warrants because the warrants will not be outstanding at the
effective time of the merger.
See
“Terms of the Merger – What NJCB
Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger,” beginning at page
41.
Q: WHY IS SOME OF THE CASH CONSIDERATION BEING HELD IN
ESCROW?
A: Of
the $1.60 in cash that is part of the consideration for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock, $0.21 will not be paid at
the closing of the merger and will be placed in escrow to cover
costs and expenses, including settlement costs, if any, that 1st
Constitution may incur after the closing of the merger as a result
of a certain litigation matter captioned Robert O’Donnell v.
New Jersey Community Bank, Shelly LoCascio, Andrew Harris (Docket
No. MON-L-4711-15) (referred to as the O’Donnell litigation
matter). The total amount remaining in escrow, after deducting
these costs and expenses, if any, incurred by 1st Constitution as a
result of the O’Donnell litigation matter will be released
from escrow to the former shareholders of NJCB following final
non-appealable resolution of the O’Donnell litigation
matter.
1st
Constitution will not be registering any of the rights that former
NJCB shareholders have to the total escrow amount under any federal
or state securities laws. Accordingly, during the escrow period,
former NJCB shareholders will not be able to sell or transfer their
rights to the total escrow amount except (i) for transfers to an
entity’s members upon its liquidation, (ii) to relatives and
trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death or (iv) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
Q: WHAT ARE THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO NJCB’S
SHAREHOLDERS?
A: The
obligation of 1st Constitution and NJCB to complete the merger is
conditioned upon the receipt of a legal opinion from Day Pitney LLP
(referred to as Day Pitney), counsel to 1st Constitution, to the
effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Provided that the
merger qualifies as a reorganization for United States federal
income tax purposes, you may recognize gain, but you will not
recognize loss, upon the exchange of your shares of NJCB common
stock for shares of 1st Constitution common stock and cash. If the
sum of the fair market value of the 1st Constitution common stock
and the amount of cash you receive in exchange for your shares of
NJCB common stock exceeds the adjusted tax basis of your shares of
NJCB common stock, you will recognize taxable gain equal to the
lesser of the amount of such excess or the amount of cash you
receive in the exchange. Generally, any gain recognized upon the
exchange will be capital gain, and any such capital gain will be
long-term capital gain if you have established a holding period of
more than one year for your shares of NJCB common stock. Depending
on certain facts specific to you, any gain could instead be
characterized as ordinary dividend income.
Q: DO I HAVE
RIGHTS TO DISSENT FROM THE MERGER?
A: Yes.
Any holder of NJCB common stock who elects to dissent from the
merger will be entitled to payment for its shares only to the
extent permitted by and in accordance with the provisions of §
17:9A-140 through § 17:9A-146 of the New Jersey Banking Act of
1948, as amended. If you fail to
act pursuant to § 17:9A-140, § 17:9A-141 and §
17:9A-146 of the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended, you
will be forever barred from bringing any action (i) to enforce your
right to be paid the value of your shares or (ii) to enjoin, set
aside or otherwise affect the merger under these statutory
provisions. Consequently, if you wish to exercise your
dissenters’ rights, you are strongly urged to consult with
your legal advisor before attempting to do so. See
“Rights of Dissenting Shareholders,” beginning at page
56 and the text of § 17:9A-140 through §
17:9A-146 of the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended, which
is attached hereto as Annex C.
Q: ARE THERE ANY
REGULATORY OR OTHER CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
OCCURRING?
A: Yes.
The merger of NJCB with and into 1st Constitution Bank must be
approved by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (referred to
as the FDIC) and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
(referred to as the NJDOBI), and a waiver must be obtained from the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Applications were
filed with the FDIC and the NJDOBI on December 26, 2017.
Approvals for the applications to the FDIC and the NJDOBI
were granted on February 2, 2018 and February 13, 2018,
respectively. Following receipt of the FDIC and NJDOBI approvals,
a request for a waiver from the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System was submitted on February 14,
2018. In addition, the merger must be approved by the
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of NJCB
common stock.
Completion of the
merger is also subject to certain other conditions. See
“Conditions to the Merger,” beginning at page
47.
Q: WHAT DOES THE NJCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMEND?
A: The
NJCB Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger
agreement and the merger and believes that the merger is advisable
for NJCB and its shareholders. Accordingly, the NJCB Board of
Directors unanimously recommends that NJCB shareholders vote
FOR approval of the merger
agreement and FOR approval
of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
Q: ARE ANY NJCB SHAREHOLDERS ALREADY COMMITTED TO
VOTE IN FAVOR OF APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AT THE SPECIAL
MEETING OF NJCB SHAREHOLDERS?
A: Yes. Under voting agreements with
1st Constitution, each of the directors and executive officers of
NJCB and holders of 5% or more of the common stock of NJCB who are
not directors or executive officers of NJCB (referred to as 5%
shareholders), acting solely in his or her capacity as a
shareholder, has agreed to vote all of the shares of NJCB held by
them in favor of approval of the merger agreement. As of the record
date for the special meeting of NJCB shareholders, these
individuals who are parties to the voting agreements collectively
owned approximately 44.0% of the NJCB common stock
entitled to vote at the special meeting of NJCB
shareholders.
Q: ARE THERE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH 1ST
CONSTITUTION’S COMMON STOCK OR THE
MERGER?
A: Yes.
For a description of material risks, see “RISK
FACTORS,” beginning at page 22.
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO DO
NOW?
A:
After you have carefully read this proxy statement-prospectus, you
should indicate on your proxy card how you want your shares to be
voted, then sign, date and mail the proxy card in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope, or you should vote by telephone or via the
internet as soon as possible so that your shares may be represented
and voted at the special meeting of NJCB shareholders. In addition,
you may attend the special meeting of NJCB shareholders in person
and vote, whether or not you have signed and mailed your proxy card
or voted by telephone or via the internet.
If you
are an NJCB shareholder and you sign, date and mail your proxy card
without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be counted
as a vote FOR approval of
the merger agreement described in this proxy statement-prospectus
and FOR approval of
authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the special
meeting to a later date, if
necessary, to
solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger
agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at
the special meeting. If you fail to
return your proxy card or do not vote by telephone, via the
internet or in person or fail to instruct your broker or other
nominee to vote your shares, your shares will not be voted and this
will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the merger
agreement but will have no effect on the proposal regarding
approval of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
Q: MAY I CHANGE OR
REVOKE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE MAILED MY SIGNED PROXY CARD OR
SUBMITTED MY VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR VIA THE
INTERNET?
A: Yes.
There are three ways for you to revoke your proxy and change or
revoke your vote. First, you may send a later-dated, signed proxy
card before the special meeting. Second, you may revoke your proxy
by written notice (which you could personally deliver at the
special meeting) to the Secretary of NJCB at any time prior to the
vote being taken at the special meeting of NJCB shareholders.
Third, you may submit a new proxy by telephone or via the internet.
If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must
follow directions received from your broker to change or revoke
your vote. If you deliver such a notice or if you do not submit a
proxy, you may vote your shares at the special meeting of NJCB
shareholders. If you wish to vote in person at the special meeting
of NJCB shareholders, you may deliver your completed proxy card in
person or you may vote by completing a ballot, which will be
available at the special meeting. Attendance at the special meeting
of NJCB shareholders will not by itself constitute a revocation of
a proxy.
Q: SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES
NOW?
A: No.
1st Constitution will mail to you instructions for exchanging your
NJCB stock certificates promptly after the merger is
consummated.
Q: HOW MANY SHARES OF 1ST CONSTITUTION COMMON
STOCK ARE ISSUABLE PURSUANT TO THE
MERGER?
A:
If:
●
none of the
outstanding NJCB stock options are exercised prior to the
completion of the merger;
●
none of the
outstanding NJCB warrants are exercised prior to the completion of
the merger;
●
no adjustment is
made in the stock exchange ratio of 0.1333 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock as a result of the price adjustment
provisions described below under “Terms of the Merger –
What NJCB Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger” and
“Termination”; and
●
no adjustment is
made in the exchange ratio because of a stock split, stock dividend
or similar event affecting the stock price of 1st Constitution
common stock,
then
the maximum number of shares of 1st Constitution common stock
issuable pursuant to the merger agreement is approximately 254,396
shares.
Q: IS THERE OTHER INFORMATION I SHOULD
CONSIDER?
A: Yes.
Much of the business and financial information about 1st
Constitution that may be important to you is not included in this
document. Instead, that information is incorporated by reference to
documents separately filed by 1st Constitution with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (referred to as the SEC). This means that
1st Constitution may satisfy its disclosure obligations to you by
referring you to one or more documents separately filed by it with
the SEC. See “INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE” beginning at page 66 for a
list of documents that 1st Constitution has incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement-prospectus and for instructions
on how to obtain copies of those documents. The documents are
available to you without charge.
Q: WHAT IF THERE IS A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS AND DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC OR BETWEEN
DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC?
A: You
should rely on the LATER FILED DOCUMENT. Information in this proxy
statement-prospectus may update information contained in one or
more of the 1st Constitution documents incorporated by reference.
Similarly, information in documents that 1st Constitution may file
after the date of this proxy statement-prospectus may update
information contained in this proxy statement-prospectus or
information contained in previously filed documents. Later-dated
documents filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference update
and, in the event of a conflict, supersede earlier documents filed
with the SEC.
Q: WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TO
MERGE?
A: The
merger agreement provides that the merger will not be consummated
prior to March 1, 2018. Nonetheless, we are working toward
completing the merger as quickly as possible and currently
anticipate that the merger will be completed in April 2018. We
cannot close the merger until (a) after we receive all
necessary bank regulatory approvals and the 15 to 30 day period
following FDIC approval during which the Justice Department may
file objections to the merger relating to competitive factors has
passed and (b) after the NJCB shareholders have approved the
merger agreement at the special meeting of NJCB
shareholders.
Q: WHOM SHOULD I CALL WITH QUESTIONS OR TO OBTAIN
ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS?
A: If
you have questions about the NJCB special meeting or if you need
additional copies of this proxy statement-prospectus, you should
contact:
Mr.
William H. Placke
New
Jersey Community Bank
3441
U.S. Highway 9
Freehold,
New Jersey 07728
Telephone:
(732) 431-2265
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SUMMARY
This
summary highlights selected information from this proxy
statement-prospectus. Because this is a summary, it does not
contain all of the information that may be important to you. You
should carefully read this entire document and the other documents
we refer to in this document before you decide how to vote. These
references will give you a more complete description of the merger
agreement and the merger and the other matters to be considered at
the special meeting. We have included page references in this
summary to direct you to more complete descriptions of the topics
provided elsewhere in this proxy statement-prospectus.
The Companies (See page 58)
New
Jersey Community Bank
3441
U.S. Highway 9
Freehold,
New Jersey 07728
Telephone:
(732) 431-2265
NJCB is
an independent New Jersey state chartered full service community
bank that opened for business in 2008. The Bank conducts a general
commercial and retail banking business encompassing a wide range of
lending products including commercial and commercial real estate
loans, term loans and revolving credit arrangements for businesses
and consumer loans. It also offers a broad variety of deposit
accounts including consumer and commercial checking accounts and a
variety of time deposits.
1st
Constitution Bancorp
2650
Route 130
Cranbury,
New Jersey 08512
Telephone:
(609) 655-4500
1st
Constitution is a bank holding company registered under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. 1st Constitution was
organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey in February
1999 for the purpose of acquiring all of the issued and outstanding
stock of 1st Constitution Bank, a full service commercial bank that
began operations in August 1989, thereby enabling 1st Constitution
Bank to operate within a bank holding company structure. 1st
Constitution became an active bank holding company on July 1, 1999.
Other than its ownership interest in 1st Constitution Bank, 1st
Constitution currently conducts no other significant business
activities. 1st Constitution Bank operates 18 branches and manages
an investment portfolio through its subsidiary, 1st Constitution
Investment Company of New Jersey, Inc. FCB Assets Holdings, Inc., a
subsidiary of 1st Constitution Bank, is used by 1st Constitution
Bank to manage and dispose of repossessed real estate. 1st
Constitution Capital Trust II, a subsidiary of 1st Constitution,
was created in May 2006 to issue trust preferred securities to
assist 1st Constitution in raising additional regulatory
capital.
Terms of the Merger (See page
41)
Pursuant to the
merger agreement, NJCB will merge with and into 1st Constitution
Bank, with 1st Constitution Bank as the surviving bank in the
merger.
A copy
of the merger agreement between 1st Constitution, 1st Constitution
Bank and NJCB is attached to this proxy statement-prospectus as
Annex
A.
Upon
completion of the merger, NJCB shareholders will receive, subject
to the terms in the merger agreement, for each outstanding share of
NJCB common stock that they own at the effective time of the
merger, a combination of 1st Constitution common stock and cash as
follows:
(i) If
the exchange ratio average price (as defined below) is between
$17.10 and $18.90, then the stock exchange ratio will be 0.1333 of
a share of common stock of 1st Constitution, subject to adjustment
as described below and subject to the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares as described below; and
(ii) $1.60
in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in escrow in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the merger agreement to cover costs and
expenses that may be incurred by 1st Constitution after the
effective time of the merger as a result of specific pending
litigation against NJCB.
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The
term “exchange ratio average price” means 1st
Constitution’s average closing common stock share price
during the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the first
date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if
applicable) necessary for consummation of the merger have been
received (disregarding any waiting period) and either 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank or NJCB has notified the others
in writing that all such approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
have been received.
Subject
to the termination rights set forth in the merger agreement, in the
event the exchange ratio average price is greater than $18.90, then
the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted downward to that
percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common stock determined
by taking the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing
such product by the exchange ratio average price, rounded to four
decimal places. Subject to the termination rights set forth in the
merger agreement, in the event the exchange ratio average price is
less than $17.10, then the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted
upward to that percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock determined by taking the product of $17.10 multiplied by
0.1333 and dividing such product by the exchange ratio average
price, rounded to four decimal places. However, in no event will
the stock exchange ratio be greater than 0.1425 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
exchange ratio average price is less than $7.00, 1st Constitution
will have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the
exchange ratio for the stock consideration to the extent necessary
for the merger to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization.
The
exchange ratio will be adjusted proportionately if 1st Constitution
makes any stock splits, stock dividends or similar distributions
prior to the closing of the merger.
1st
Constitution will not issue any fractions of a share of common
stock. Rather, 1st Constitution will pay cash (without interest)
for any fractional share interest that any NJCB shareholder would
otherwise receive in the merger. All shares of NJCB common stock
held by a shareholder immediately prior to the effective time of
the merger will be aggregated before determining the need to pay
cash in lieu of fractional shares to such former
shareholder.
In
addition, each outstanding option, whether vested or unvested, to
acquire shares of NJCB common stock will be terminated and
converted on the effective date of the merger into the right to
receive cash equal to the product of (i) the aggregate number of
shares of NJCB common stock underlying such outstanding option
multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of $4.00 over the per share
exercise price of such outstanding option.
With
respect to each outstanding warrant to acquire shares of NJCB
common stock, such warrants will expire in accordance with their
terms prior to the effective time of the merger. Accordingly, 1st
Constitution will not pay any consideration to the holders of the
warrants because the warrants will not be outstanding at the
effective time of the merger.
See
“Terms of the Merger – What NJCB Shareholders Will
Receive in the Merger”, beginning at page
41.
Escrow Amount
Of the
$1.60 in cash that is part of the consideration for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock, $0.21 will not be paid at
the closing of the merger and will be placed in escrow to cover
costs and expenses, including settlement costs, if any, that 1st
Constitution may incur after the closing of the merger as a result
of the O’Donnell litigation matter. The total amount
remaining in escrow, after deducting these costs and expenses, if
any, incurred by 1st Constitution as a result of the
O’Donnell litigation matter will be released from escrow to
the former shareholders of NJCB following final non-appealable
resolution of the O’Donnell litigation matter.
1st
Constitution will not be registering any of the rights that former
NJCB shareholders have to the total escrow amount under any federal
or state securities laws. Accordingly, during the escrow period,
former NJCB shareholders will not be able to sell or transfer their
rights to the total escrow amount except (i) for transfers to an
entity’s members upon its liquidation, (ii) to relatives and
trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death or (iv) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
Tax Consequences (See pages 53 to
56)
The tax
consequences of the merger are dependent on whether the merger will
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code. The obligation of 1st Constitution and
NJCB to complete the merger is conditioned upon the receipt of a
legal opinion from Day Pitney, counsel to 1st Constitution, to the
effect that the merger
will qualify as a reorganization. Provided that the
merger qualifies as a reorganization for United
States
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federal
income tax purposes, you may recognize gain, but you will not
recognize loss, upon the exchange of your shares of NJCB common
stock for shares of 1st Constitution common stock and cash. If the
sum of the fair market value of the 1st Constitution common stock
and the amount of cash you receive in exchange for your shares of
NJCB common stock exceeds the adjusted tax basis of your shares of
NJCB common stock, you will recognize taxable gain equal to the
lesser of the amount of such excess or the amount of cash you
receive in the exchange. Generally, any gain recognized upon the
exchange will be capital gain, and any such capital gain will be
long-term capital gain if you have established a holding period of
more than one year for your shares of NJCB common stock. Depending
on certain facts specific to you, any gain could instead be
characterized as ordinary dividend income.
NJCB’s Reasons for the Merger (See pages
35 to 36)
The
NJCB Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger
agreement and the merger and believes that the merger is advisable
for NJCB and its shareholders. If the merger is consummated, NJCB
shareholders will receive cash and 1st Constitution common stock in
the merger and will become shareholders of a larger and more
diversified NASDAQ listed corporation.
In
unanimously approving the merger agreement, NJCB’s Board of
Directors considered, among other things, the terms of the merger
agreement, including the financial terms, the income tax
consequences of the transaction, the historical market prices and
liquidity of 1st Constitution common stock and NJCB common stock,
the competitive environment facing NJCB, the business and prospects
of 1st Constitution and such other reasons as set forth on pages
35 to 36.
NJCB Board Recommendation (See page
65)
The
NJCB Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger agreement
and the merger and unanimously recommends that NJCB shareholders
vote FOR approval of the
merger agreement and FOR
approval of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
1st Constitution’s Reasons for the Merger (See page
41)
The 1st
Constitution Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger
agreement and the merger and believes that the merger is advisable
for 1st Constitution and its shareholders. In unanimously approving
the merger agreement, the 1st Constitution Board of Directors
considered, among other things, the terms of the merger agreement,
including the financial terms, the expansion of 1st Constitution
Bank’s branch network in Monmouth County, New Jersey (an
attractive market in central New Jersey), the similar community
banking focus of 1st Constitution Bank and NJCB on small and
middle-market customers, the potential significant loan and deposit
growth opportunities resulting from the merger and anticipated cost
savings due to economies of scale.
NJCB’s financial advisor has concluded that the consideration
that NJCB shareholders will receive in the merger is fair.
(See pages 36 to 41)
Boenning &
Scattergood, Inc., financial advisor to NJCB, which we refer to as
Boenning, has provided a written fairness opinion, dated as of
November 6, 2017, to the NJCB Board of Directors to the effect
that, as of that date, the aggregate consideration to be paid in
the merger is fair to NJCB’s shareholders from a financial
point of view. A copy of the fairness opinion is attached to this
proxy statement-prospectus as Annex B.
You
should read the fairness opinion in its entirety.
Pursuant to the
Boenning engagement agreement, NJCB agreed to pay Boenning a cash
retainer fee of $25,000 on or about the time the engagement
agreement was executed, a cash fee of $75,000 at the time of the
signing of the merger agreement as well as a cash fee of $100,000
to be paid at the time of the closing of the merger. In addition,
NJCB also agreed to reimburse Boenning for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with its
engagement and to indemnify Boenning and related parties against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal
securities laws. During the two years preceding the date of its
opinion to NJCB, Boenning has not received compensation for
investment banking services from either NJCB or 1st
Constitution.
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Special Meeting of NJCB’s shareholders to be held on
March 22,
2018 (See page 25)
The
special meeting of NJCB’s shareholders will be held at
the American Hotel, 18-20 East Main Street, Freehold,
New Jersey 07728, at 9:30 a.m.
(EST) on March 22, 2018. At the special
meeting, NJCB will ask its shareholders to consider and vote upon
the following matters:
(1)
Approval of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 6, 2017, by and
among 1st Constitution Bancorp, 1st Constitution Bank and New
Jersey Community Bank pursuant to which New Jersey Community Bank
will merge with and into 1st Constitution Bank; and
(2)
Authorization of
the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting, including, without limitation, on a motion to adjourn the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
Who can vote (See page 26)
You are
entitled to vote at the NJCB special meeting if you owned shares of
NJCB common stock at the close of business on the record date of
February
5,
2018. You will have one vote for each share of NJCB common stock
that you owned on the record date. On the record date, there were
1,908,445
shares of NJCB common stock outstanding.
You may
vote either by attending the special meeting of NJCB shareholders
and voting your shares, or by completing the enclosed proxy card
and mailing it to NJCB in the enclosed white envelope or voting by
telephone or via the internet, as described in the enclosed
instructions for NJCB shareholders.
The
NJCB Board of Directors is seeking your proxy to use at the special
meeting of NJCB shareholders. NJCB and 1st Constitution have
prepared this proxy statement-prospectus to assist you in deciding
how to vote and whether or not to grant your proxy. If you intend
to vote by proxy card, please indicate on your proxy card how you
want to vote and then sign, date and mail the proxy card as soon as
possible so that your shares will be represented at the special
meeting of NJCB shareholders, or you may vote by telephone or via
the internet, as described in the enclosed instructions for NJCB
shareholders.
If you
are an NJCB shareholder and you sign, date and mail your proxy card
without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be counted
as a vote FOR approval of
the merger agreement and FOR
approval of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting. If you fail to return your
proxy card or vote by telephone, via the internet or in person, or
fail to instruct your broker or other nominee to vote your shares,
your shares will not be voted, which will have the same effect as a
vote against approval of the merger agreement but will have no
effect on the proposal regarding approval of authorization of the
Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a later
date, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of
approval of the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters
properly presented at the special meeting.
If you
sign a proxy, you may revoke it by written notice to the Secretary
of NJCB at any time before it is voted at the special
meeting.
You
cannot vote shares held by your broker in “street
name.” Only your broker can vote those shares, with your
instructions. If you do not provide your broker with instructions
on how to vote your shares, your broker will not be permitted to
vote them.
Voting matters (See page 25)
The
approval of the merger agreement will require the affirmative vote,
in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
shares of NJCB common stock outstanding on the record date. The
approval of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting, will require that the number of votes cast in person or by
proxy at the special meeting in favor of the proposal exceeds the
number of votes cast against the proposal. Each holder of shares of
NJCB common stock outstanding on the record date will be entitled
to one vote for each share held of record. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining
whether
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a
quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the
same effect as a vote against the merger agreement but will have no
effect on the vote to approve authorization of the Board of
Directors (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a later date, if
necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of
the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters properly
presented at the special meeting.
Voting Agreements (See page 26)
As of
November 6, 2017, the directors and executive officers of NJCB had
sole or shared voting power over 550,024 shares of NJCB common
stock, or approximately 28.8% of the shares of NJCB common stock
outstanding on November 6, 2017. NJCB’s directors and
executive officers have entered into agreements with 1st
Constitution in which they have agreed to not sell or transfer
their shares of NJCB common stock prior to the special meeting of
NJCB shareholders and to vote all shares of NJCB common stock that
they own on the record date in favor of the merger
agreement.
As of
November 6, 2017, the 5% shareholders had sole or shared voting
power over 289,370 shares of NJCB common stock, or approximately
15.2% of the shares of NJCB common stock outstanding on November 6,
2017. These 5% shareholders have entered into agreements with 1st
Constitution in which they have agreed to vote all shares of NJCB
common stock which they own on the record date in favor of the
merger agreement.
To the
best knowledge of 1st Constitution and NJCB:
●
As of
February 5, 2018, the record date for the special
meeting of NJCB shareholders, 1st Constitution did not hold any
shares of NJCB common stock other than shares held in a fiduciary
capacity for others.
●
As of
February 5, 2018, the record
date for the special meeting of NJCB shareholders,
NJCB’s directors and executive officers and the 5%
shareholders, together with their affiliates, did not beneficially
own any shares of 1st Constitution common stock.
Interests of NJCB directors and management in the merger
(See pages 51 to
52)
The
directors and executive officers of NJCB have interests in the
merger as directors and employees that are different from the
interests of the other NJCB shareholders. These interests include,
among others:
●
Naqi A. Naqvi,
NJCB’s Chief Financial Officer, is party to a change in
control agreement with NJCB under which he will be entitled to
receive a severance payment equal to two times his total 2017
compensation in the event his employment is terminated after the
merger;
●
William H. Placke,
NJCB’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Naqvi
hold options to purchase 15,000 and 7,500 shares of NJCB common
stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $3.55 per share. Upon
consummation of the merger, each of these options, whether vested
or unvested, will be converted into the right to receive $0.45 for
each share underlying the options, which amount is equal to the
difference between $4.00 and the exercise price of $3.55 per share
set forth in the options;
●
Under the terms of
the merger agreement, 1st Constitution is required to indemnify the
officers and directors of NJCB for a period of three years and
maintain insurance covering such officers and directors against
claims related to their service as directors or officers for a
period of four years; and
●
1st Constitution
will assume all of NJCB’s obligations under certain
indemnification agreements, as amended and restated, between NJCB
and each member of the NJCB Board of Directors.
NJCB’s Board
of Directors and 1st Constitution’s Board of Directors were
aware of these interests and considered them in approving and
recommending the merger. For additional information on the benefits
of the merger to NJCB’s management, see pages 51 to
52.
Merger expected to occur in April 2018 (See page
43)
The
merger of NJCB with and into 1st Constitution Bank will become
final when a merger agreement attaching certifications by 1st
Constitution Bank and NJCB as to the requisite shareholder approval
having been obtained, is filed with the New Jersey Commissioner of
Banking and Insurance. That certificate may not be filed until all
bank regulatory approvals have been received, the 15 to 30 day
period following FDIC approval during which the Justice Department
may file objections to the merger relating to competitive factors
has passed, and NJCB’s shareholders approve the merger
agreement and the merger. The merger agreement provides that the
merger will not be completed prior to March 1, 2018. We currently
anticipate that the merger will be completed in April 2018,
although delays could occur.
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We
cannot assure you that we can obtain the necessary regulatory or
shareholder approvals or that the other conditions precedent to the
merger can or will be satisfied.
Regulatory approval must be obtained and other conditions must be
satisfied before the merger will be completed (See pages
47 to 49 and page
51)
Our
obligation to complete the merger is subject to various conditions
that are usual and customary for this kind of transaction,
including obtaining approvals from the FDIC and the NJDOBI, and
obtaining a waiver from the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System. Applications were filed with the FDIC and the
NJDOBI on December 26, 2017. Approvals for the applications
to the FDIC and the NJDOBI were granted on February 2, 2018 and
February 13, 2018, respectively. Following receipt of the FDIC and
NJDOBI approvals, a request for a waiver from the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System was submitted on
February 14, 2018. In addition to the required
regulatory approvals and waiver, the merger will only be completed
if certain conditions, including the following, are met or, where
permissible, waived:
●
NJCB shareholders
must approve the merger agreement at the NJCB special
meeting.
●
NJCB and 1st
Constitution must each receive an opinion of 1st
Constitution’s counsel with respect to certain tax
matters.
●
NJCB and 1st
Constitution must not have breached any of their respective
representations or obligations under the merger agreement, subject
to certain materiality qualifications.
The
merger agreement attached to this proxy statement-prospectus as
Annex A describes
other conditions that must be met or waived before the merger may
be completed.
Amendment or termination of the merger agreement is possible
(See pages 49 to 50)
1st
Constitution and NJCB may agree to terminate the merger agreement
and not complete the merger at any time before the merger is
completed. Each entity can unilaterally terminate the merger in
certain circumstances. These include a failure to complete the
merger by November 6, 2018, unless the terminating party’s
breach is the reason that the merger is not completed.
NJCB
may also terminate the merger agreement if:
●
during a specified
10 trading day period, the average closing sale price of 1st
Constitution common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market is less than
$16.00; and
●
such average
closing sale price of 1st Constitution common stock underperforms
the average stock price of the NASDAQ Bank Index by more than 30
basis points, as measured in accordance with the merger
agreement.
NJCB
has agreed to pay a fee of $275,000 to 1st Constitution and has
agreed to reimburse 1st Constitution for up to $125,000 in
out-of-pocket expenses upon a termination of the merger agreement
under certain circumstances described in the merger
agreement.
See
“Termination” beginning at page 49 for
additional information regarding this and other bases for
terminating the merger agreement, including NJCB’s
“fiduciary out.”
Rights of 1st Constitution shareholders differ from those of NJCB
shareholders (See pages 61 to
64)
When
the merger is completed, each NJCB shareholder will automatically
become a 1st Constitution shareholder. The rights of 1st
Constitution shareholders differ from the rights of NJCB
shareholders in certain ways, primarily as a result of certain
provisions in 1st Constitution’s Certificate of Incorporation
and By-laws that differ from those of NJCB’s Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws. Some of these provisions are intended to
make a takeover of 1st Constitution harder if 1st
Constitution’s Board of Directors does not approve
it.
NJCB’s shareholders have dissenters’ appraisal
rights (See pages 56 to 57)
Dissenters’
rights are statutory rights that enable shareholders to dissent
from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand
that NJCB pay the fair value for their shares instead of receiving
the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the
merger.
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Shareholders of
NJCB are entitled to exercise their rights as dissenting
shareholders under § 17:9A-140 through § 17:9A-146 of the
New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended, but only if they comply
strictly with all of the procedural and other requirements of such
statutes. The text of § 17:9A-140 through § 17:9A-146 of
the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended, is attached to this
proxy statement-prospectus as Annex C. For a summary of
§ 17:9A-140 through § 17:9A-146, please see pages
56 to 57.
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MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
NJCB
The
shares of NJCB common stock are traded on the OTC Pink marketplace
under the trading symbol “NJCB”. The following table
sets forth the high and low bid quotations as reported on the OTC
Pink marketplace for shares of NJCB common stock for each quarter
during 2018 year-to-date, 2017
and
2016. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices,
without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not
represent actual transactions.
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2018
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First
Quarter
|
$4.02(1)
|
$3.95(1)
|
$4.80
|
$3.55
|
$5.50
|
$4.75
|
Second
Quarter
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$4.80
|
$3.75
|
$4.99
|
$4.05
|
Third
Quarter
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$4.45
|
$3.01
|
$4.05
|
$3.56
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$3.90
|
$3.01
|
$4.00
|
$3.45
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(1)
Through
February 5, 2018.
As of
February 5, 2018, there were approximately 270 record
holders of NJCB common stock.
NJCB
has never paid a cash dividend on its common stock and there are no
plans to pay a cash dividend on its common stock at this
time.
1st Constitution
The common stock of 1st Constitution trades on the NASDAQ
Global Market under the trading symbol
“FCCY”. The following are the high and low
sales prices per share for each quarter during 2017 year-to-date,
2016 and 2015, as reported on the NASDAQ Global
Market.
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2018
|
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First
Quarter
|
$ 20.05(1)
|
$ 16.15(1)
|
$20.80
|
$15.75
|
$13.30
|
$11.27
|
Second
Quarter
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$18.80
|
$16.75
|
$12.85
|
$11.71
|
Third
Quarter
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$18.55
|
$16.50
|
$13.78
|
$11.78
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$ 18.50
|
$ 17.10
|
$20.85
|
$13.25
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(1)
Through
February 5, 2018.
As
of February 5, 2018, there were approximately
277 record holders of 1st Constitution’s common
stock.
1st
Constitution declared a 5% common stock dividend on February 20,
2015 that was paid on April 7, 2015 and declared a 5% common stock
dividend on December 18, 2015 that was paid on February 1,
2016.
In
the past, in lieu of cash dividends to common shareholders, 1st
Constitution (and its predecessor, 1st Constitution Bank) paid
common stock dividends every year since 1993, except 2014 due to
the acquisition of Rumson-Fair Haven Bank and Trust Company, a New
Jersey state commercial bank (“Rumson”), in
2014.
On
September 15, 2016, the Board of Directors of 1st Constitution
declared a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share. The cash
dividend was paid on October 21, 2016 to all shareholders of record
as of the close of business on September 28, 2016. This action
represented the first cash dividend declared by 1st Constitution on
its common shares. 1st Constitution also paid a $0.05 per common
share dividend on January 24, 2017, April 25, 2017 and July 25,
2017. On October 26, 2017, 1st Constitution announced an increase
in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.06 per common share payable on
November 24, 2017 to shareholders of record on November 16, 2017.
On February 2, 2018, 1st Constitution announced a quarterly
cash dividend of $0.06 per common share payable on February 27,
2018 to shareholders of record on February 16, 2018. The
timing and the amount of the payment of future cash dividends, if
any, on 1st Constitution’s
common shares will be at the discretion of
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1st
Constitution’s Board of Directors and will be
determined after
consideration of various factors, including the level of earnings,
cash requirements, regulatory capital and financial
condition.
On
November 6, 2017, the last full trading day prior to announcement
of the execution of the merger agreement, the reported high and low
sales prices and the closing sale prices of 1st Constitution common
stock on the NASDAQ Global Market and NJCB common stock on the OTC
Pink marketplace were as follows:
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1st
Constitution
|
$18.06
|
$17.85
|
$17.85
|
NJCB
|
$3.25
|
$3.25
|
$3.25
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On February
13, 2018, the last practicable full trading day prior to the
printing of this proxy statement-prospectus, the reported high and
low sales prices and the closing sale prices of 1st Constitution
common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market and NJCB common stock on
the OTC Pink marketplace were as follows:
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1st
Constitution
|
$19.40
|
$19.00
|
$19.25
|
NJCB
|
$4.00
|
$4.00
|
$4.00
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Shareholders are
urged to obtain current market quotations for shares of 1st
Constitution common stock and NJCB common stock.
Equivalent value per share
The
following table shows the closing sale price of 1st Constitution
common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on November 6, 2017, the
last full trading day prior to announcement of the execution of the
merger agreement, and on February 13, 2018, the last
practicable full trading day prior to the printing of this proxy
statement-prospectus, the closing sale price of NJCB common stock
on the OTC Pink marketplace on the same two dates and the
equivalent value per share of NJCB common stock on the same two
dates. The equivalent value per share is calculated by multiplying
the per share price of 1st Constitution common stock by the assumed
exchange ratio (0.1333 of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock with respect to November 6, 2017 and 0.1309 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock (as adjusted due to 1st
Constitution's common stock price being greater than $18.90 per
share) with respect to February 13, 2018) and adding $1.60
in cash.
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1st
Constitution
Common
Stock
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Equivalent Value
Per Share of NJCB
Common
Stock
|
November
6, 2017
|
$17.85
|
$3.25
|
$3.98
|
February 13, 2018
|
$19.25
|
$4.00
|
$4.12
|
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
1st Constitution Summary Historical Consolidated Financial
Information
The
following table sets forth summary consolidated financial data for
1st Constitution for each of the periods and as of the dates
indicated. The financial data as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016 are derived from 1st
Constitution's audited financial statements included on 1st
Constitution's Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed with the
SEC on December 27, 2017. The financial data as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2012 through 2014 are derived from
1st Constitution’s audited consolidated financial statements.
The financial data as of September 30, 2017 and for the nine months
ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are derived from 1st
Constitution’s unaudited consolidated financial
statements.
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Nine Months
Ended
September
30,
|
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|
|
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(In thousands, except per share data)
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Selected
Operating Data:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Total interest
income
|
$30,472
|
$29,180
|
$39,178
|
$39,445
|
$35,888
|
$27,979
|
$31,854
|
|
|
Total interest
expense
|
4,080
|
3,798
|
5,158
|
4,636
|
4,658
|
4,255
|
5,151
|
|
|
Net interest
income
|
26,392
|
25,382
|
34,020
|
34,809
|
31,230
|
23,724
|
26,703
|
|
|
Provision for loan
losses
|
450
|
(300)
|
(300)
|
1,100
|
5,750
|
1,077
|
2,150
|
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|
Net interest income
after provision for loan losses
|
25,942
|
25,682
|
34,320
|
33,709
|
25,480
|
22,647
|
24,553
|
|
|
Other
income
|
6,285
|
4,889
|
6,886
|
6,464
|
6,814
|
5,827
|
5,268
|
|
|
Other
expenses
|
22,954
|
19,725
|
27,298
|
27,447
|
26,865
|
20,409
|
22,788
|
|
|
Income before
income taxes
|
9,273
|
10,846
|
13,908
|
12,726
|
5,429
|
8,065
|
7,033
|
|
|
Income tax
expense
|
2,920
|
3,616
|
4,623
|
4,062
|
1,073
|
2,285
|
1,972
|
|
|
Net
income
|
6,353
|
7,230
|
9,285
|
8,664
|
4,356
|
5,780
|
5,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per
share(2)
|
$0.79
|
$0.91
|
$1.17
|
$1.10
|
$0.56
|
$0.88
|
$0.83
|
|
|
Diluted earnings
per share(2)
|
$0.76
|
$0.89
|
$1.14
|
$1.07
|
$0.55
|
$0.86
|
$0.82
|
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|
Notes:
(1)
For 1st
Constitution’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years
ended December 31, 2012 through 2014, the amortization of deferred
loan origination costs was incorrectly included in other expense
when it should have been included in loan interest income. As such,
for the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and
December 21, 2014, total interest income and other expenses were
reduced by $983, $1,013 and $1,473, respectively. There was no
effect on pre-tax income, after-tax income, basic and diluted
earnings per share, statements of cash flows, balance sheets, book
value, return on assets, return on equity, and regulatory capital
ratios in any of these periods. The data in this table reflects the
inclusion of the amortization of deferred loan origination costs in
loan interest income.
(2)
All per share data
has been restated to reflect two 5% stock dividends declared in
2015.
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|
(Unaudited)
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected
Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
$1,069,394
|
$1,038,213
|
$967,991
|
$956,779
|
$742,325
|
$840,968
|
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|
Total
Loans
|
771,982
|
724,808
|
682,121
|
654,297
|
373,336
|
521,814
|
|
|
Total
Deposits
|
869,813
|
834,516
|
786,757
|
817,761
|
638,552
|
707,689
|
|
|
Shareholders’
Equity
|
111,610
|
104,801
|
95,960
|
87,110
|
68,357
|
65,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected
Financial Ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return on Average
Assets
|
0.83%
|
0.93%
|
0.89%
|
0.46%
|
0.72%
|
0.65%
|
|
|
Return on Average
Equity
|
7.87%
|
9.21%
|
9.49%
|
5.34%
|
8.73%
|
8.63%
|
|
|
Tier 1 Capital to
Average Assets
|
11.33%
|
10.93%
|
10.80%
|
9.53%
|
10.89%
|
9.29%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NJCB Summary Historical Consolidated Financial
Information
The
following table sets forth summary consolidated financial data for
NJCB for each of the periods and as of
the dates indicated. The financial data as of and for the years
ended December 31, 2012 through 2016 are derived from
NJCB’s audited consolidated financial statements, which are
not included or incorporated by reference. The financial data as of
September 30, 2017 and for the nine months ended September 30,
2017 and 2016 are derived from NJCB’s unaudited consolidated
financial statements, which are not included or incorporated by
reference.
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
Nine Months
Ended
September
30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest
income
|
$2,887
|
$2,858
|
$3,795
|
$4,635
|
$5,296
|
$5,488
|
$5,921
|
|
|
Total interest
expense
|
661
|
525
|
712
|
829
|
932
|
961
|
1,291
|
|
|
Net interest
income
|
2,226
|
2,333
|
3,083
|
3,806
|
4,364
|
4,527
|
4,630
|
|
|
Provision for loan
losses
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
710
|
628
|
855
|
117
|
|
|
Net interest income
after provision for loan losses
|
2,226
|
2,333
|
3,083
|
3,096
|
3,736
|
3,672
|
4,513
|
|
|
Other
income
|
181
|
234
|
295
|
287
|
421
|
448
|
349
|
|
|
Other
expenses
|
3,294
|
3,828
|
4,998
|
4,623
|
4,260
|
6,200
|
4,218
|
|
|
Income (loss)
before income tax expense (benefit)
|
(887)
|
(1,261)
|
(1,620)
|
(1,240)
|
(103)
|
(2,080)
|
644
|
|
|
Income tax expense
(benefit)
|
–
|
–
|
2
|
1,542
|
(35)
|
(833)
|
283
|
|
|
Net income
(loss)
|
$(887)
|
$(1,261)
|
$(1,622)
|
$(2,782)
|
$(68)
|
$(1,247)
|
$361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings
(loss) per share
|
$(0.46)
|
$(0.66)
|
$(0.85)
|
$(1.46)
|
$(0.04)
|
$(0.65)
|
$0.19
|
|
|
Diluted earnings
(loss) per share
|
$(0.46)
|
$(0.66)
|
$(0.85)
|
$(1.46)
|
$(0.04)
|
$(0.65)
|
$0.19
|
|
|
Note: Per share
data has been restated to reflect stock dividends declared during
the years 2012 and 2013.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected
Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
$103,572
|
$105,163
|
$111,078
|
$122,018
|
$144,503
|
$138,678
|
|
|
Total
Loans
|
83,380
|
76,796
|
72,674
|
86,111
|
94,934
|
92,157
|
|
|
Total
Deposits
|
93,816
|
94,538
|
98,819
|
107,088
|
127,940
|
122,536
|
|
|
Shareholders’
Equity
|
9,263
|
10,115
|
11,770
|
14,495
|
14,193
|
15,712
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected
Financial Ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return on Average
Assets
|
(0.86)%
|
(1.56)%
|
(2.21)%
|
(0.05)%
|
(0.93)%
|
0.27%
|
|
|
Return on Average
Equity
|
(9.38)%
|
(14.67)%
|
(19.39)%
|
(0.47)%
|
(7.88)%
|
2.32%
|
|
|
Tier 1 Capital to
Average Assets
|
8.99%
|
10.16%
|
9.84%
|
10.54%
|
9.76%
|
11.61%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECENT
DEVELOPMENTS
1st
Constitution
On February 2,
2018, 1st Constitution issued a press release reporting its results
of operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 and
its declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per
share.
For the three
months ended December 31, 2017, 1st Constitution reported net
income of $574,000 and diluted earnings per share of $0.07, and for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 1st Constitution
reported net income of $6.9 million and diluted earnings per share
of $0.83.
Net income for the
fourth quarter of 2017 included additional estimated income tax
expense of $1.7 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, due to the
revaluation of 1st Constitution’s net deferred tax assets. As
a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (referred to
as the Tax Act) on December 22, 2017, which reduced the maximum
federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in
2018, 1st Constitution revalued its net deferred tax assets to
reflect the lower federal corporate income tax rate that would be
in effect in future years.
In addition,
merger-related expenses on an after-tax basis of $188,000, or $0.02
per diluted share, related to the pending merger of NJCB with and
into 1st Constitution Bank, were incurred during the fourth quarter
of 2017.
As a result of the
additional income tax expense and the merger-related expenses, net
income for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased $1.5 million, or
72.1%, compared to the corresponding period of
2016.
Net income
excluding the additional income tax expense and merger-related
expenses (referred to as Adjusted Net Income) was $2.5 million, or
$0.30 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31,
2017. Adjusted Net Income for the three months ended December 31,
2017 increased $417,000, or 20.3%, compared to net income for the
three months ended December 31, 2016 of $2.1 million, or $0.25 per
diluted share.
For the year ended
December 31, 2017, Adjusted Net Income was $8.8 million, or $1.06
per diluted share, compared to net income for the year ended
December 31, 2016 of $9.3 million, or $1.14 per diluted share. If
the lower federal corporate income tax rate had been in effect in
2017, the Company’s reported 2017 income tax expense of $5.9
million, excluding the $1.7 million of tax expense due to the
revaluation of the deferred taxes, would have been approximately
$2.9 million, or $1.3 million lower.
Adjusted Net Income
and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share are non-GAAP measures. A
reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the reported net
income and net income per diluted share is set forth
below.
Selected highlights
for the fourth quarter of 2017 includes:
●
Return
on average assets and return on average equity based on reported
net income were 0.21% and 2.03%, respectively. Adjusted return on
average assets and adjusted return on average equity based on
Adjusted Net Income were 0.92% and 8.76%,
respectively.
●
Commercial
business, commercial real estate and construction loans totaled
$538.2 million at December 31, 2017, and increased $100.2 million,
or 22.9%, compared to $438.1 million at December 31,
2016.
●
Net
interest income was $9.8 million.
●
1st
Constitution Bank recorded a provision for loan losses of $150,000
and net recoveries were $62,000.
●
Non-performing
assets were $7.1 million or 0.66% of assets at December 31,
2017.
●
1st
Constitution Bank sold other real estate owned (referred to as
OREO) properties totaling $356,000 in the fourth quarter of 2017
and owned no OREO properties at December 31,
2017.
●
Book
value per share and tangible book value per share were $13.81 and
$12.27, respectively, at December 31, 2017.
1st Constitution Bancorp
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (1)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net income
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
$ 574
|
$ 2,056
|
$ 6,928
|
$ 9,285
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
Revaluation of deferred tax assets
|
1,712
|
-
|
1,712
|
-
|
Merger-related expenses
|
265
|
-
|
265
|
-
|
Income tax effect of adjustments (2)
|
(77)
|
-
|
(77)
|
-
|
Adjusted
net income
|
$ 2,474
|
$ 2,056
|
$ 8,828
|
$ 9,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net income per diluted share
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net income
|
$ 2,474
|
$ 2,056
|
$ 8,828
|
$ 9,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
shares outstanding
|
8,340,318
|
8,228,741
|
8,312,784
|
8,177,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net income per diluted share
|
$ 0.30
|
$ 0.25
|
$ 1.06
|
$ 1.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted average return on average assets
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net income
|
$ 2,474
|
$ 2,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
assets
|
1,062,232
|
1,028,464
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
return on average assets
|
0.92%
|
0.80%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted average return on average equity
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net income
|
$ 2,474
|
$ 2,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
equity
|
112,054
|
103,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
return on average equity
|
8.76%
|
7.89%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
Company used the non-GAAP financial measures, Adjusted Net Income
and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share, because
the Company believes that it is useful for the users of the
financial information to understand the effect on
net income
of the revaluation of its deferred tax assets and of the
merger-related expenses incurred in connection with
the
merger
with New Jersey Community Bank. These non-GAAP financial measures
improve the comparability of the
current
period results with the results of prior periods. The Company
cautions that the non-GAAP financial measures
should
be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the
Company's GAAP results.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Tax effected at an income tax rate of 39.94%, less the impact of
non-deductible merger
expenses.
|
NJCB
On February 9,
2018, NJCB issued a press release reporting its operating results
for the fourth quarter of 2017 and the year ended December 31,
2017. Selected highlights of NJCB’s operating results are as
follows:
For the three
months ended December 31, 2017, NJCB reported a net loss of $320
thousand, or ($0.17) per share, compared with a net loss of $361
thousand, or ($0.19) per share, for the same period in 2016. For
the year ended December 31, 2017, NJCB reported a net loss of $1.2
million, or ($0.63) per common share, compared with a net loss of
$1.6 million, or ($0.85) per common share, for the year ended
December 31, 2016. The losses for the year ended December 31, 2017
were negatively impacted largely due to one-time expenses
associated with the anticipated merger with 1st Constitution Bank,
legal fees and certain other expenses.
The losses for the
fourth quarter of 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2017 were,
in part, further impacted by the increased cost of deposits as a
result of increases in both average volume and interest rates when
compared to the same periods in 2016. Total interest income for the
fourth quarter of 2017 increased primarily as a result of an
increase in interest income on loans due to increased loans
outstanding year over year, complemented by additional yield
related fee income on loans. Net interest margin for the fourth
quarter of 2017 increased 37 basis points year over year primarily
due to the improved net interest income during such
quarter.
At December 31,
2017, total assets were $103.1 million, a decrease of $2.0 million
from December 31, 2016. Due from banks-time deposits decreased $3.2
million, and total investment securities decreased $1.0 million.
These decreases were offset in part by an increase in loans. Loans
totaled $79.0 million, increasing $2.2 million compared to year end
2016. The growth in loans was funded utilizing the available
liquidity in due from banks-time deposits.
Total deposits
decreased $842 thousand compared to the levels at year end 2016.
Non-interest bearing deposits decreased $2.1 million and savings,
NOW and money market accounts decreased $3.5 million. These
decreases were substantially offset by a $4.8 million increase in
total time deposits. Time deposits increased as a result of deposit
promotions during the second half of 2017.
Shareholders’
equity totaled $8.9 million at December 31, 2017, decreasing
primarily due to the net losses reported during the year 2017. At
December 31, 2017, NJCB reported a leverage ratio of 8.67%; both
common equity tier 1 risk based capital and tier 1 risk-based
capital ratio of 11.19%; and a total risk based capital ratio of
12.45%. These ratios exceed those needed to be deemed a
well-capitalized financial institution.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Information set
forth in this proxy statement-prospectus, including financial
estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and
effects of the proposed merger between 1st Constitution Bank and
NJCB, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 and the rules, regulations and releases of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (referred to as the SEC). Such
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements about the benefits of the merger, including future
financial and operating results, and the combined company’s
plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that
are not statements of historical fact, including statements
containing such words as “will,” “could,”
“plans,” “intends,” “expect,”
“believe,” “view,”
“opportunity,” “allow,”
“continues,” “reflects,”
“typically,” “anticipate,”
“estimated,” or similar expressions, should also be
considered forward-looking statements, although not all
forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Readers
should not place undue influence on these forward-looking
statements, which are based upon the current beliefs and
expectations of the management of 1st Constitution and NJCB. These
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties,
and actual results might differ materially from those discussed in,
or implied by, the forward-looking statements.
Among
the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ from those described in the forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the occurrence
of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to
the termination of the merger agreement; (2) the risk that
NJCB’s shareholders may not adopt the merger agreement; (3)
the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals or
waivers may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to
conditions that are not anticipated; (4) delays in closing the
merger or other risks that any of the closing conditions to the
merger may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (5) the inability
to realize expected cost savings and synergies from the merger in
the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated; (6) the diversion of
management’s time from ongoing business operations due to
issues relating to the merger; (7) costs or difficulties relating
to integration matters might be greater than expected; (8) material
adverse changes in 1st Constitution’s or NJCB’s
operations or earnings; (9) potential litigation in connection with
the merger; (10) an increase or decrease in the common stock price
of 1st Constitution during the 10 day pricing period prior to the
closing of the merger, which could cause an adjustment to the
exchange ratio or give NJCB the right to terminate the merger
agreement under certain circumstances; (11) the inability to retain
NJCB’s customers and employees; and (12) the
recent change in Federal tax law may have
a negative impact on 1st Constitution’s tax benefits from the
merger. Although 1st Constitution’s management has taken
certain steps to mitigate any negative effect of the aforementioned
items, significant unfavorable changes could severely impact the
assumptions used and could have an adverse effect on
profitability.
Additional factors
that could cause 1st Constitution’s results to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking statements
can be found in 1st Constitution’s filings with the SEC,
including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC.
1st
Constitution undertakes no obligation to update, alter, or
otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or
oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise.
You are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy
statement-prospectus. All subsequent written and oral
forward-looking statements concerning the proposed merger or other
matters addressed in this proxy statement-prospectus and
attributable to 1st Constitution or NJCB or any person acting on
their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.
Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, 1st
Constitution and NJCB undertake no obligation to update, alter, or
otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or
oral, that may be made from time to time to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this proxy statement-prospectus or
to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
RISK FACTORS
By
approving the merger, NJCB shareholders will receive 1st
Constitution common stock and thus will be investing in 1st
Constitution common stock. An investment in 1st Constitution common
stock involves a degree of risk. In addition to the other
information included in this document, including the matters
addressed in “FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION” immediately
preceding this section, you should carefully consider the matters
described below in determining whether to approve the merger
agreement.
Risks pertaining to the proposed merger:
NJCB shareholders cannot be certain of the market value of the
merger consideration they will receive because the market price of
1st Constitution common stock may fluctuate and the exchange ratio
may be adjusted.
Upon
completion of the merger, NJCB common shareholders will be entitled
to receive, subject to the terms in the merger agreement, for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock that they own at the
effective time of the merger, a combination of 1st Constitution
common stock and cash as follows:
(i) If
the exchange ratio average price (as defined below) is between
$17.10 and $18.90, then the stock exchange ratio will be 0.1333 of
a share of common stock of 1st Constitution, subject to adjustment
as described below and subject to the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares as described below; and
(ii) $1.60
in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in escrow in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the merger agreement to cover costs and
expenses that may be incurred by 1st Constitution after the
effective time of the merger as a result of specific pending
litigation against NJCB.
The
term “exchange ratio average price” means 1st
Constitution’s average closing common stock share price
during the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the first
date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if
applicable) necessary for consummation of the merger have been
received (disregarding any waiting period) and either 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank or NJCB has notified the others
in writing that all such approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
have been received.
Subject
to the termination rights set forth in the merger agreement, in the
event the exchange ratio average price is greater than $18.90, then
the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted downward to that
percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common stock determined
by taking the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing
such product by the exchange ratio average price, rounded to four
decimal places. Subject to the termination rights set forth in the
merger agreement, in the event the exchange ratio average price is
less than $17.10, then the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted
upward to that percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock determined by taking the product of $17.10 multiplied by
0.1333 and dividing such product by the exchange ratio average
price, rounded to four decimal places. However, in no event will
the stock exchange ratio be greater than 0.1425 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
exchange ratio average price is less than $7.00, 1st Constitution
will have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the
exchange ratio for the stock exchange ratio to the extent necessary
for the merger to qualify as a tax-free reorganization. The
intent of the foregoing is that NJCB’s shareholders will
receive at the closing of the merger $1.60 in cash, subject to
$0.21 being placed in escrow, and 1st Constitution common stock
with a value (based on the exchange ratio average price) of between
$2.28 (unless the exchange ratio average price is $16.00 or less,
in which case the value of 1st Constitution common stock received
will be less than $2.28 since the stock exchange ratio will not
exceed 0.1425) and $2.52 for each share of NJCB common stock they
own.
The
market value of the stock consideration in the merger may vary from
the closing price of 1st Constitution common stock on the date we
announced the merger, on the date that this document is being
mailed to NJCB shareholders, on the date of the special meeting of
NJCB shareholders and on the date we complete the merger and
thereafter. Any change in the market price of 1st Constitution
common stock prior to completion of the merger will affect the
market value of the stock consideration in the merger that NJCB
shareholders will receive upon completion of the merger.
Accordingly, at the time of the NJCB special meeting, NJCB
shareholders will not know or be able to calculate the market value
of the merger consideration they would receive upon completion of
the merger except that they will receive $1.60 in cash, subject to
$0.21 being placed in escrow, and 1st Constitution common stock
with a value (based on the exchange ratio average price) of between
$2.28 (unless the exchange ratio average price is $16.00 or less,
in which case the value of 1st Constitution common stock received
will be less than $2.28 since the stock exchange ratio will not
exceed 0.1425) and $2.52 for each share of NJCB common stock they
own if the merger is completed.
Other
than the adjustment in the event the exchange ratio average price
falls below $17.10 or rises above $18.90 prior to the date when the
exchange ratio average price is determined, there will be no
adjustment to the merger consideration for changes in the market
price of either shares of 1st Constitution common stock or shares
of NJCB common stock. Stock price changes may result from a variety
of factors, including general market and economic conditions,
changes in 1st Constitution’s or NJCB’s respective
businesses, operations and prospects, and regulatory
considerations. Many of these factors are beyond 1st
Constitution’s or NJCB’s control. NJCB shareholders
should obtain current market quotations for shares of 1st
Constitution common stock and for shares of NJCB common stock
before they vote on the merger.
NJCB shareholders may not receive all of the cash consideration of
$1.60 in the merger for each outstanding share of NJCB common stock
that they own.
Of the
$1.60 in cash that is part of the merger consideration for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock, $0.21 will not be paid at
the closing of the merger and will be placed in escrow to cover
costs and expenses, including settlement costs, if any, that 1st
Constitution may incur after the closing of the merger as a result
of the O’Donnell litigation matter. The total amount
remaining in escrow, after deducting these costs and expenses, if
any, incurred by 1st Constitution as a result of the
O’Donnell litigation matter will be released from escrow to
the former shareholders of NJCB following final non-appealable
resolution of the O’Donnell litigation matter. If 1st
Constitution incurs any costs and expenses, including any amounts
paid to settle the matter, in connection with the O’Donnell
litigation matter, these costs and expenses will be deducted from
the amounts held in escrow and former NJCB shareholders will
receive less than $1.60 in cash as part of the merger consideration
for each outstanding share of NJCB common stock that they own. The
amount in cash that NJCB shareholders will eventually receive in
the merger will be unknown at the time that they vote on the merger
agreement except that they will know that the amount in cash will
be between $1.39 (if all of the escrowed amount is used to cover
1st Constitution’s costs and expenses related to the
O’Donnell litigation matter) and $1.60 (if 1st Constitution
incurs no costs and expenses related to the O’Donnell
litigation matter).
1st
Constitution will not be registering any of the rights that former
NJCB shareholders have to the total escrow amount under any federal
or state securities laws. Accordingly, during the escrow period,
former NJCB shareholders will not be able to sell or transfer their
rights to the total escrow amount except (i) for transfers to an
entity’s members upon its liquidation, (ii) to relatives and
trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death or (iv) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
The Internal Revenue Service could challenge the treatment of the
merger as a “reorganization” within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, which could result in
adverse tax consequences.
1st
Constitution and NJCB have structured the merger to qualify as a
“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code. In particular, 1st Constitution and
NJCB believe the terms of the cash and stock mix of merger
consideration to be received by NJCB common shareholders qualifies
as “fixed consideration” for purposes of the required
“continuity of interest” rule under Section 368(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code. However, no ruling is being sought from
the Internal Revenue Service (referred to as the IRS) on this
issue, and it is possible that the IRS may challenge this position.
If the IRS were to challenge successfully the treatment of the
merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code, there may be adverse tax consequences to
holders of NJCB common stock. In addition, NJCB may be subject to
additional tax, for which 1st Constitution will become liable as a
result of the merger. These tax consequences are described more
fully under “Material United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences – Tax Consequences if the Merger Fails to
Qualify as a Reorganization.”
NJCB’s shareholders will have less influence as a shareholder
of 1st Constitution than as a shareholder of NJCB.
The shareholders of NJCB currently have the right
to control NJCB through their ability to elect the Board of
Directors of NJCB and to vote on other matters affecting NJCB. The
merger will transfer control of NJCB to 1st Constitution. Assuming
none of the NJCB stock options and NJCB warrants are exercised
prior to completion of the merger and no adjustment is made in the
stock exchange ratio of 0.1333 of a share of 1st Constitution
common stock for each share of NJCB common stock, former NJCB
shareholders will own less than 3.1% of 1st Constitution’s
outstanding common stock (excluding stock options)
after completion of the merger.
Consequently, the former NJCB shareholders will exercise much less
influence over the management and policies of 1st Constitution than
they currently exercise over the management and policies of
NJCB.
If 1st Constitution Bank does not successfully integrate NJCB and
any other banks that 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank may
acquire in the future, the combined bank may be adversely
affected.
If the
merger of NJCB with and into 1st Constitution Bank is completed,
and if 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank makes additional
acquisitions in the future, 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution
Bank will need to integrate the acquired entities into its existing
business and systems. 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank may
experience difficulties in accomplishing this integration or in
effectively managing the combined bank after the merger with NJCB,
and after any future acquisition. Any actual cost savings or
revenue enhancements that 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank
may anticipate from a future acquisition will depend on future
expense levels and operating results, the timing of certain events
and general industry and regulatory and business conditions. Many
of these events will be beyond 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution
Bank’s control, and 1st Constitution and 1st Constitution
Bank cannot assure you that if the merger is consummated or if 1st
Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank makes any additional
acquisitions in the future, it will be successful in integrating
those businesses into its own.
1st Constitution may issue additional shares of common stock as a
result of the merger or otherwise, which may dilute the ownership
and voting power of its shareholders and the book value of its
common stock.
1st
Constitution is currently authorized to issue up to 30,000,000
shares of common stock, of which
8,082,903 shares were outstanding on December 31, 2017
and an additional 254,396 shares are estimated to be issued in the
merger (assuming an exchange ratio of 0.1333 for the stock
consideration in the merger and no NJCB options or warrants are
exercised prior to closing). Since approximately 40% of the merger
consideration will be paid in cash, 1st Constitution may decide to
issue additional shares of common stock to replenish its cash
position. In addition, 1st Constitution may decide to issue
additional shares of common stock for any other corporate purposes.
The Board of Directors of 1st Constitution has authority, without
action or vote of 1st Constitution shareholders, to issue all or
part of the authorized but unissued shares of common stock in
public offerings or up to 20% of its outstanding common stock in
non-public offerings. Any issuance of shares of 1st Constitution
common stock will dilute the percentage ownership interest of 1st
Constitution common shareholders, including NJCB common
shareholders who become 1st Constitution common shareholders, and
may dilute the book value of 1st Constitution common
stock.
1st Constitution’s future acquisitions could also dilute your
ownership of 1st Constitution and may cause 1st Constitution to
become more susceptible to adverse economic events.
1st
Constitution may acquire or make investments in banks and other
complementary businesses with its common stock in the future. 1st
Constitution may issue additional shares of common stock to pay for
those acquisitions, which would dilute your ownership interest in
1st Constitution. Future business acquisitions could be material to
1st Constitution, and the degree of success achieved in acquiring
and integrating these businesses into 1st Constitution could have a
material effect on the value of 1st Constitution common stock. In
addition, any such acquisition could require 1st Constitution to
use substantial cash or other liquid assets or to incur debt. In
those events, 1st Constitution could become more susceptible to
economic downturns and competitive pressures.
If the merger does not occur by November 6, 2018, each of 1st
Constitution and NJCB is generally free to choose not to proceed
with the merger.
Either
1st Constitution or NJCB may terminate the merger agreement if the
merger has not been completed by November 6, 2018, unless such
failure has resulted from the failure to perform by the party
seeking to terminate the merger agreement. Although 1st
Constitution and NJCB expect to close the merger in April 2018,
there can be no assurance that all conditions to the merger will be
satisfied or waived by November 6, 2018.
The expected benefits of the merger may not be realized if the
combined bank does not achieve certain cost savings and other
benefits.
1st
Constitution’s belief that cost savings and revenue
enhancements are achievable is a forward-looking statement that is
inherently uncertain. The combined bank’s actual cost savings
and revenue enhancements, if any, cannot be quantified at this
time. Any actual cost savings or revenue enhancements will depend
on future expense levels and operating results, the timing of
certain events and general industry, regulatory and business
conditions. Many of these events will be beyond the control of the
combined bank.
NJCB’s officers and directors may have conflicts of interest
and will receive benefits in the merger that other NJCB
shareholders will not receive.
NJCB’s
directors and executive officers may have conflicts of interest
with respect to the merger because they will receive benefits from
the merger that other NJCB shareholders will not receive. See
“Interests of Management and Others in the Merger”
beginning on page 51. Both Boards of Directors
considered these interests, together with other relevant factors,
in deciding whether to approve the merger.
Risks pertaining to 1st Constitution’s business:
We could be adversely affected by the recent adoption of U.S.
federal income tax reform
On
December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted, effective
for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Among other
things, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate tax rate to
21 percent, eliminating current brackets that have a maximum tax
rate of 35 percent. As a result of the reduction of the corporate
tax rate to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017,
companies will have to re-measure their deferred tax
assets and liabilities as of the date of enactment, and any
resulting tax effects will need to be accounted for in the
reporting period of enactment. 1st Constitution has undertaken an
initial re-measurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities,
and its preliminary estimate is that its deferred tax assets will
be written down by approximately $1.7 million in the
fourth quarter of 2017. This estimate is based upon
management’s review and analysis of 1st Constitution’s
deferred tax assets as of the date of enactment of the Tax
Cuts and Jobs Act. The actual write-down may be different
because of a number of factors, including the completion of 1st
Constitution’s consolidated federal income tax
return for the year ended December 31, 2017.
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, 1st Constitution
should benefit from the lower corporate tax rate of 21 percent
promulgated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
For a
discussion of other risk factors pertaining to 1st
Constitution’s business, please refer to 1st
Constitution’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which was filed
with the SEC on March 20, 2017 and is incorporated by reference in
this proxy statement-prospectus.
THE SPECIAL MEETING
When and Where the Special Meeting will be Held
NJCB
will hold its special meeting of shareholders at the American
Hotel, 18-20 East Main Street, Freehold, New Jersey
07728, commencing at 9:30 a.m.,
EST, on March 22, 2018.
What will be Voted on at the Shareholders’
Meeting
At the
NJCB special meeting, NJCB shareholders will consider and vote upon
the following matters:
(1)
Approval of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 6, 2017, by and
among 1st Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank and NJCB pursuant to
which NJCB will merge with and into 1st Constitution Bank;
and
(2)
Authorization of
the NJCB Board of Directors (i) to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting, including, without limitation, on a motion to adjourn the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
If a
quorum is not present, or if fewer shares of NJCB common stock are
voted in favor of the merger agreement than the number required for
approval, it is expected that the special meeting will be adjourned
to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies. In that
event, proxies will be voted to approve an adjournment, except for
proxies as to which instructions have been given to vote against
the merger agreement. Assuming a quorum is present, the holders of
a majority of the shares present at the special meeting would be
required to approve any adjournment of the special
meeting.
Shareholders Entitled to Vote
NJCB
has set February 5, 2018 as the record date to
determine which NJCB shareholders will be entitled to vote at the
special meeting. Only NJCB shareholders at the close of business on
this record date will be entitled to vote at the special meeting.
As of the record date, there were 1,908,445 shares of
NJCB common stock outstanding and entitled to be voted at the
special meeting, held by approximately 270
shareholders of record. Each holder of shares of NJCB common stock
outstanding on the record date will be entitled to one vote for
each share held of record.
Number of Shares that Must be Represented for a Vote to be
Taken
In
order to have a quorum at the special meeting, a majority of the
total outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the
special meeting must be represented at the special meeting in
person or by proxy.
NJCB
will count as present at the special meeting, for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum:
●
shares of common
stock held by persons attending the special meeting, whether or not
they are voting, and
●
shares of common
stock for which NJCB has received proxies, including proxies with
respect to which holders of those shares have abstained from
voting.
Vote Required; Voting Agreements
The
approval of the merger agreement will require the affirmative vote,
in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
shares of NJCB’s common stock outstanding on the record date.
The authorization of the NJCB Board (i) to adjourn or postpone the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting will require that the number of votes cast in person or by
proxy at the special meeting in favor of the proposal exceeds the
number of votes cast against the proposal. Each holder of shares of
NJCB common stock outstanding on the record date will be entitled
to one vote for each share held of record. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be
counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and
will have the same effect as a vote against the merger and merger
agreement. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no
effect on the authorization of the Board (i) to adjourn or postpone
the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
The
directors, executive officers and 5% shareholders of NJCB have
agreed with 1st Constitution to vote all shares of NJCB common
stock for which they have voting power on the record date in favor
of the approval of the merger agreement. As of the record date of
February 5, 2018, such directors, executive officers
and 5% shareholders had sole or shared voting power over
839,394 shares of NJCB common stock, or approximately
44.0% of the shares of NJCB common stock outstanding
on February 5, 2018.
Voting your Shares
The
NJCB Board is soliciting proxies from the NJCB shareholders. This
will give you an opportunity to vote at the special meeting. When
you deliver a valid proxy, the shares represented by that proxy
will be voted by a named agent in accordance with your
instructions.
If you
are an NJCB shareholder and you sign, date and mail your proxy card
without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be counted
as a vote FOR approval of
the merger agreement and FOR
approval of authorization of the Board (i) to adjourn the special
meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit additional
proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and (ii) to
vote on other matters properly presented at the special meeting.
If you fail to return your proxy
card or vote by telephone, via the internet or in person or fail to
instruct your broker or other nominee to vote your shares, your
shares will not be voted and this will have the same effect as a
vote against approval of the merger agreement but will have no
effect on the proposal regarding approval of authorization of the
Board (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a later date, if
necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of
the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters properly
presented at the special meeting.
If you
sign a proxy, you may revoke it by written notice to the Secretary
of NJCB at any time before it is voted at the applicable special
meeting.
You
cannot vote shares held by your broker or other nominee in
“street name.” Only your broker can vote those shares,
with your instructions. If you do not provide your broker or other
nominee with instructions on how to vote your shares, your broker
or other nominee will not be permitted to vote those
shares.
NJCB
shareholders will have four alternative ways to vote:
●
by traditional
paper proxy card;
●
in person at the
special meeting.
Please
take a moment to read the instructions for voting at the NJCB
special meeting of shareholders, choose the way to vote that you
find most convenient and cast your vote as soon as
possible.
Voting by Proxy Card. If proxy cards in
the accompanying form are properly executed and returned, the
shares represented thereby will be voted in the manner specified
therein. As stated above, if you are an NJCB shareholder and you
sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you wish
to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote FOR approval of the merger agreement and
the merger and FOR approval
of authorization of the Board of Directors (i) to adjourn the
special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to solicit
additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger agreement and
(ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the special
meeting.
Voting by Telephone. If you wish to
vote by telephone and you are a shareholder of record of NJCB, use
a touch-tone telephone to call toll-free 1-800-652-VOTE
(8683) and follow the instructions. If you vote by
telephone, you must have your control number and the proxy card
available when you call.
Voting via the Internet. If you wish to
vote via the internet and you are a shareholder of record of NJCB,
you can access the web page at
www.investorvote.com/NJCB and follow the on-screen
instructions. If you vote via the internet, you must have your
control number and the proxy card available when you access the web
page.
If your
shares are registered in the name of a broker or other nominee, the
voting form your broker or other nominee sent you will provide
telephone and internet voting instructions.
The
deadline for voting by telephone or via the internet as a
shareholder of record of NJCB is 1:00
a.m., EST, on March 22,
2018. For shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of a
broker or other nominee, please consult the voting instructions
provided by your broker or other nominee for information about the
deadline for voting by telephone or via the internet.
Voting in Person. If you attend the
NJCB special meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in
person or you may vote by completing a ballot, which will be
available at the special meeting.
If you fail to return your proxy card or vote
by telephone, via the internet or in person or fail to instruct
your broker or other nominee to vote your shares, your shares will
not be voted and this will have the same effect as a vote against
approval of the merger agreement but will have no effect on the
proposal regarding approval of authorization of the Board (i) to
adjourn the special meeting to a later date, if necessary, to
solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of the merger
agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at
the special meeting.
Revoking or Changing your Vote
As an
NJCB shareholder, you will be able to revoke or change your vote as
many times as you wish, and the last vote received chronologically
by any means will supersede your prior vote(s) or
revocations(s).
Any
NJCB shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time before or at the
NJCB special meeting in one or more of the following
ways:
●
Delivering a
written notice of revocation, bearing a later date than the proxy,
at any time prior to the vote at the special meeting to Shelly I.
LoCascio, Corporate Secretary; or
●
Submitting a
later-dated proxy card; or
●
Submitting a new
proxy by telephone or via the internet.
An NJCB shareholder
should send any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy to
New Jersey Community Bank, Attention: Shelly I. LoCascio, Corporate
Secretary, 3441 U.S. Highway 9, Freehold, New Jersey 07728, or hand
deliver the notice of revocation or subsequent proxy to Shelly I.
LoCascio before the taking of the vote at the NJCB special meeting.
Attendance at the NJCB special meeting will not by itself
constitute a revocation of a proxy.
Solicitation of Proxies and Costs
The
solicitation of proxies for the NJCB special meeting of
shareholders is made on behalf of the NJCB Board. NJCB will pay the
costs of soliciting proxies with respect to its special meeting. In
addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and employees
acting on behalf of NJCB may solicit proxies for the special
meeting in person or by telephone, telegraph, facsimile or other
means of communication. NJCB will not pay any additional
compensation to these directors, officers or employees for these
activities, but may reimburse them for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses.
NJCB
will each make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of proxy solicitation
materials to beneficial owners of shares held of record by these
brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, and NJCB
will reimburse these brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection
with the solicitation.
NJCB
has retained Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC, at an estimated cost
of $6,000 plus reimbursement of out of pocket expenses, including
per call fees for each call made, to assist in the solicitation of
proxies. NJCB also has agreed to indemnify Laurel Hill Advisory
Group, LLC against certain liabilities in connection with this
proxy solicitation.
Principal Shareholders of NJCB
The
tables below provide certain information about beneficial ownership
of NJCB common stock as of February 5, 2018. The
tables show information for:
●
Each of
NJCB’s directors;
●
Each of
NJCB’s executive officers;
●
All of NJCB’s
directors and executive officers as a group; and
●
Each person, or
group of affiliated persons, who is known to NJCB to
beneficially own more than 5% of NJCB’s common
stock.
Except
as otherwise noted, the persons or entities in the below tables
have sole voting and investing power with respect to all shares of
common stock beneficially owned by them, subject to community
property laws, where applicable. In addition, except as otherwise
noted, the address of each person or entity in the below tables is
c/o New Jersey Community Bank, 3441 U.S. Highway 9, Freehold, New
Jersey 07728.
|
|
Common Stock
Subject to Options and Warrants (2)
|
|
|
William H. Placke
(3) (4)
|
100
|
3,000
|
3,100
|
0.2%
|
Andrew C. Harris
(3) (5)
|
35,033
|
11,411
|
46,444
|
2.4%
|
Shelly I. LoCascio
(3) (6)
|
16,275
|
7,996
|
24,271
|
1.3%
|
Edward M. Brock (3)
(7)
|
20,556
|
14,293
|
34,849
|
1.8%
|
Kenneth W. Faistl,
M.D. (3) (8)
|
11,563
|
8,690
|
20,253
|
1.1%
|
Neeraj Gupta, Esq.
(3)
|
4,563
|
1,050
|
5,613
|
0.3%
|
Steven A. Kaye
(3)
|
12,553
|
7,996
|
20,549
|
1.1%
|
Steven T. Meyer
(3)
|
446,955
|
–
|
446,955
|
23.4%
|
James M. Burns,
Esq. (3)
|
125
|
–
|
125
|
0.0%
|
Naqi A. Naqvi (9)
(10)
|
2,301
|
12,525
|
14,826
|
0.8%
|
All Directors and
Executive Officers (10 persons)
|
550,024
|
66,961
|
616,985
|
31.2%
|
Beneficial Owner
of more than 5% of the Common Stock
|
|
Common Stock
Subject to Options and Warrants
|
|
|
Christopher
Stanziale, Jr. (11)
|
184,370
|
–
|
184,370
|
9.7%
|
Antonio Romeo
DiSantillo (12)
|
105,000
|
–
|
105,000
|
5.5%
|
Steven T. Myer
(3)
|
446,955
|
–
|
446,955
|
23.4%
|
(1)
In accordance with
Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a
person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, for purposes of this
table, of any shares of common stock if he or she has voting or
investment power with respect to such security. This includes
shares owned by spouses, other immediate family members in trust,
shares held in retirement accounts or funds for the benefit of the
named individuals, and other forms of ownership, over which shares
the person named in the table may possess voting and/or investment
power. Except as otherwise noted, all shares are owned of record or
beneficially by the named person. The information provided in the
above tables and in the footnotes below were provided by the
individuals and entities referred to in the tables, and while such
information is believed to be correct by 1st Constitution, it
cannot independently verify such information.
(2)
Includes, for
purposes of this table, the number of shares of common stock
subject to currently exercisable options, options exercisable
within sixty (60) days of February 5, 2018 and
currently exercisable warrants.
(3)
As of
February 5, 2018, such individual was
serving as a member of NJCB’s Board of
Directors.
(4)
Mr. Placke
currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of
NJCB.
(5)
Includes 29,131
shares held by Liberty Holding Company, a company owned by Mr.
Harris, and 5,787 shares that Mr. Harris holds jointly with his
spouse.
(6)
Includes 8,913
shares that Ms. LoCascio holds jointly with her spouse and 5,787
shares held by Irwin Family, LLC, a company in which Ms. LoCascio
serves as a partner.
(7)
Includes 20,325
shares that Mr. Brock holds jointly with his spouse.
(8)
Includes 11,063
shares that Dr. Faistl holds jointly with his spouse.
(9)
Mr. Naqvi currently
serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
NJCB.
(10)
Includes 1,451
shares that Mr. Naqvi holds jointly with his spouse and 850 shares
held in a 401(k) Plan for the benefit of Mr. Naqvi.
(11)
Mr. Stanziale, Jr.
maintains a mailing address at 3 Fiore Court, Oceanport, NJ
07757.
(12)
Mr. DiSantillo
maintains a mailing address at 1 Sandy Lane, Howell, NJ
07731.
PROPOSAL 1:
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The
following information describes the material terms and provisions
of the merger. This description is not complete. We qualify this
discussion in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement
which we incorporate by reference in this proxy
statement-prospectus. A copy of the merger agreement is attached
hereto as Annex A.
We urge you to read the full text of the merger agreement
carefully.
The
merger agreement provides that NJCB will merge with and into 1st
Constitution Bank, with 1st Constitution Bank as the surviving bank
in the merger. Upon completion of the merger, NJCB shareholders
will receive, subject to the terms in the merger agreement, for
each outstanding share of NJCB common stock that they own at the
effective time of the merger, a combination of 1st Constitution
common stock and cash as follows:
(i) If
the exchange ratio average price (as defined below) is between
$17.10 and $18.90, then the stock exchange ratio will be 0.1333 of
a share of common stock of 1st Constitution, subject to adjustment
as described below and subject to the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares; and
(ii)
$1.60 in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in escrow in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger agreement to
cover costs and expenses that may be incurred by 1st Constitution
after the effective time of the merger as a result of specific
pending litigation against NJCB.
The
term “exchange ratio average price” means 1st
Constitution’s average closing common stock share price
during the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the first
date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if
applicable) necessary for consummation of the merger have been
received (disregarding any waiting period) and either 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank or NJCB has notified the others
in writing that all such approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
have been received.
Subject
to the termination rights set forth in the merger agreement, in the
event the exchange ratio average price is greater than $18.90, then
the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted downward to that
percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common stock determined
by taking the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing
such product by the exchange ratio average price, rounded to four
decimal places. Subject to the termination rights set forth in the
merger agreement, in the event the exchange ratio average price is
less than $17.10, then the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted
upward to that percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock determined by taking the product of $17.10 multiplied by
0.1333 and dividing such product by the exchange ratio average
price, rounded to four decimal places. However, in no event will
the stock exchange ratio be greater than 0.1425 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
exchange ratio average price is less than $7.00, 1st Constitution
will have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the
exchange ratio for the stock consideration to the extent necessary
for the merger to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization.
The
following table illustrates the effect of changes in the exchange
ratio average price on the exchange ratio:
Exchange Ratio
Average Price
|
|
Stock Exchange
Ratio (i.e., percentage of a share of 1st
Constitution
common stock to
be received for each share of NJCB common
stock)
|
$16.00
and below
|
|
0.1425
|
$17.00
|
|
0.1341
|
$17.10
– $18.90
|
|
0.1333
|
$19.00
|
|
0.1326
|
$20.00
|
|
0.1260
|
$21.00
|
|
0.1200
|
Of the
$1.60 in cash that is part of the consideration for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock, $0.21 will not be paid at
the closing of the merger and will be placed in escrow to cover
costs and expenses, including settlement costs, if any, that 1st
Constitution may incur after the closing of the merger as a result
of the O’Donnell litigation matter. The total amount
remaining in escrow, after deducting these costs and expenses, if
any, incurred by 1st Constitution as a result of the
O’Donnell litigation matter will be released from escrow to
the former shareholders of NJCB following final non-appealable
resolution of the O’Donnell litigation matter.
1st
Constitution will not be registering any of the rights that former
NJCB shareholders have to the total escrow amount under any federal
or state securities laws. Accordingly, during the escrow period,
former NJCB shareholders will not be able to sell or transfer their
rights to the total escrow amount except (i) for transfers to an
entity’s members upon its liquidation, (ii) to relatives and
trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death or (iv) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
See
“Terms of the Merger –What NJCB Shareholders Will
Receive in the Merger,” beginning at page
41.
The
exchange ratio will be adjusted proportionately if 1st Constitution
makes any stock splits, stock dividends or similar distributions
prior to the closing of the merger.
1st
Constitution will not issue any fractions of a share of common
stock. Rather, 1st Constitution will pay cash (without interest)
for any fractional share interest any NJCB shareholder would
otherwise receive in the merger. All shares of NJCB common stock
held by a shareholder immediately prior to the effective time of
the merger will be aggregated before determining the need to pay
cash in lieu of fractional shares to such former NJCB
shareholder.
The
Boards of Directors of NJCB, 1st Constitution, and 1st Constitution
Bank have unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and
believe that the merger is advisable for their respective
shareholders. The NJCB Board unanimously recommends that NJCB
shareholders vote FOR
approval of the merger agreement and FOR approval of authorization of the
Board (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a later date, if
necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of approval of
the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters properly
presented at the special meeting.
Each
outstanding NJCB stock option, whether vested or unvested, to
acquire shares of common stock of NJCB will be terminated at the
effective time of the merger and converted on the effective date of
the merger into the right to receive cash equal to the product of
(i) the aggregate number of shares of NJCB common stock underlying
such outstanding option multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of
$4.00 over the per share exercise price of such outstanding
option.
With
respect to each outstanding warrant to acquire shares of NJCB
common stock, such warrants will expire in accordance with their
terms prior to the effective time of the merger. Accordingly, 1st
Constitution will not pay any consideration to the holders of the
warrants because the warrants will not be outstanding at the
effective time of the merger.
The
directors and executive officers of NJCB have interests in the
merger as directors or executive officers that are different from
the interests of NJCB’s shareholders in general. See
“Interests of Management and Others in the Merger”
beginning on page 51. These interests were considered
by NJCB’s Board and 1st Constitution’s Board before
approving the merger agreement and in the case of NJCB’s
Board, recommending approval of the merger agreement to
NJCB’s shareholders.
Background of the Merger
NJCB
was formed and opened for business in 2008 to serve as a strong,
independent community bank servicing Monmouth County. However,
beginning in 2013, due to, among other issues, certain asset
quality issues requiring additional write-downs and provisions,
NJCB began incurring substantial losses and has reported a loss for
each year from 2013 through 2016 and for the nine months ended
September 30, 2017. In addition, as a result of regulatory concerns
which arose during NJCB’s 2013 regulatory examination,
effective March 24, 2014, NJCB entered into a Consent Order
(referred to as the 2014 Order) with the FDIC and NJDOBI. Further,
as a result of concerns which arose during a compliance exam, on
July 29, 2015, NJCB entered into a second Consent Order (referred
to as the 2015 Order) focused primarily on compliance, Bank Secrecy
Act and anti-money laundering issues. During the first half of
2015, several financial institutions had informally expressed a
potential interest in holding discussions with NJCB regarding
strategic transactions. As a result of NJCB’s losses and
regulatory constraints imposed by both the 2014 Order and the 2015
Order, in July of 2015, the NJCB Board of Directors began a
strategic planning process designed to determine whether NJCB
should remain as an independent financial institution or seek a
strategic partner. The NJCB Board of Directors met in July and
August of 2015 with representatives of Sandler O’Neill &
Partners, L.P. (referred to as Sandler) who advised the NJCB Board
of Directors with regard to the general banking environment,
strategic alternatives available to NJCB, including
recapitalization considerations, the current state of the merger
and acquisition market and potential transaction partners. This
strategic planning process continued into the Fall of 2015, at
which time the NJCB Board of Directors determined that it was
unlikely that NJCB could continue in its current form as an
independent, stand-alone community financial institution without a
significant influx of new capital, and that the shareholders of
NJCB would be best served by finding a strategic partner. In
November, 2015, Sandler was formally engaged by NJCB to serve as
NJCB’s financial advisor and to solicit indications of
interests from parties potentially interested in undertaking a
strategic transaction with NJCB.
In late
December of 2015 and early January of 2016, Sandler contacted 14
parties to gauge their interest in a potential strategic
transaction with NJCB. Eleven of the parties executed
non-disclosure agreements and were given access to preliminary
diligence material. Indications of interest were due on January 11,
2016. NJCB received five indications of interest with initial
indicated pricing ranging from a low of $3.95 per share of common
stock to a high of $7.00 per share of common stock, with the
highest indicated price for a proposed recapitalization transaction
in which NJCB shareholders would not be bought out, but would
retain their minority interest in NJCB. In late January and early
February of 2016, NJCB invited the three parties that had submitted
the indications of interest with the highest prices, two financial
institutions and the investor proposing the recapitalization, to
undertake onsite diligence and provide updated pricing indications.
In mid-February of 2016, all three parties provided updated pricing
indications, ranging from a low of $5.50 per share of common stock
to a high of $6.50 per share of common stock. Again, the investor
proposing the recapitalization transaction provided the highest
indicated price.
Ultimately, the
investor proposing the recapitalization transaction determined that
it was unlikely the transaction would gain regulatory approval and
withdrew his indication. After considering the indications of
interest, the NJCB Board of Directors picked the indication which
it believed produced the best transaction for shareholders of NJCB,
and from March through May of 2016, NJCB and its counsel and
financial advisor negotiated with this party in an attempt to reach
final agreement on a definitive merger agreement. Under the
proposed terms of this agreement, each NJCB shareholder would
receive $5.45 in cash for each share of NJCB common stock, subject
to downward adjustment based upon the closing equity of
NJCB.
However, prior to
execution of this merger agreement by NJCB and the proposed buyer,
a dispute arose between NJCB and its landlord (an entity controlled
by two individuals who were then directors of NJCB) regarding
NJCB’s main office location in Freehold, New Jersey and the
landlord’s right and obligation to consent to an assignment
of the lease as part of the merger. When agreement with the
landlord could not be reached, the proposed buyer terminated the
negotiations for the definitive merger agreement and the proposed
transaction collapsed. This also led to litigation by NJCB against
the landlord, which was ultimately settled in September of
2017.
Despite
the collapse of the proposed sale of NJCB and management
terminating its engagement with Sandler in June 2016, management of
NJCB continued to work on strengthening NJCB and addressing the
concerns noted in the 2014 Order and the 2015 Order. In August of
2016, both the 2014 Order and the 2015 Order were lifted by the
FDIC and the NJDOBI.
During
the Fall of 2016 and early 2017, the NJCB Board of Directors
resumed its strategic planning process. The NJCB Board of Directors
believed that until the litigation with NJCB’s landlord was
resolved, any potential sale of NJCB would be very difficult. The
NJCB Board of Directors therefore began planning a potential
capital raise to be undertaken in the first quarter of 2017. An
existing shareholder of NJCB had indicated a willingness to make a
substantial investment in NJCB and based on that investment,
members of the NJCB Board of Directors had agreed to invest an
additional approximately $525,000. The offering would then be
opened to all existing shareholders of NJCB, allowing NJCB
shareholders to invest at the same price as the lead investor and
members of the NJCB Board of Directors. However, the lead investor
was notified that due to concerns over concentration of ownership,
the NJDOBI would not approve the proposed investment by the lead
investor. Without the lead investor’s substantial investment,
the NJCB Board of Directors did not believe that the capital
offering was likely to be successful, and the NJCB Board of
Directors cancelled the proposed capital offering in the Spring of
2017.
At
about the same time, NJCB was approached by the financial advisor
for a group of third party investors expressing potential interest
in recapitalizing NJCB (referred to as the Recapitalization Group).
This transaction would involve an investment by the
Recapitalization Group in NJCB, with current NJCB shareholders
retaining a minority interest and not being bought out. The
Recapitalization Group was in a very preliminary state and had not
sourced all of the capital which would be required for a
recapitalization of NJCB, nor had they approached any regulatory
agencies to judge the approvability of any effort that they might
make to acquire control of an insured depository
institution.
In late
May of 2017, Robert Mangano, President and Chief Executive Officer
of 1st Constitution, informally approached William H. Placke,
President and Chief Executive Officer of NJCB, to judge
NJCB’s receptiveness to a potential strategic transaction.
Mr. Mangano made it clear that 1st Constitution was interested in
negotiating a transaction with NJCB and not in participating in a
bidding process. Messrs. Mangano and Placke were known to each
other, as both had previously worked at Midlantic National Bank
prior to its sale to PNC Bank. The NJCB Board of Directors
determined that NJCB should engage in discussions with both the
Recapitalization Group and 1st Constitution. In May and June of
2017, NJCB entered into
non-disclosure agreements with each of the Recapitalization Group
and 1st Constitution and began providing preliminary diligence
materials to both of them. As part of the diligence, Messrs. Placke
and Naqi Naqvi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of NJCB, met with members of the Recapitalization Group and
its financial advisor and with members of management of 1st
Constitution to provide further information and answer
questions.
As a
result of the continued interest of the Recapitalization Group and
1st Constitution, the NJCB Board of Directors determined that it
was appropriate to retain a financial advisor to assist the NJCB
Board of Directors in evaluating any proposals which might be
presented by the Recapitalization Group and/or 1st Constitution.
NJCB obtained proposals from two financial advisors and after
reviewing and evaluating both, in July of 2017, elected to retain
Boenning. In early July of 2017, 1st Constitution provided an
initial indication of interest letter to NJCB providing for a stock
for stock exchange, valuing NJCB at $4.00 per share of common
stock. In early July of 2017, the Recapitalization Group verbally
discussed a transaction in which they would invest $15 million in
new capital in NJCB at a price of $3.50 per share of common stock.
On July 19, 2017, the NJCB Board of Directors met with the
representatives of Boenning and representatives of Windels Marx
Lane & Mittendorf, NJCB’s counsel (referred to as
Windels), to consider the pricing indications supplied by both 1st
Constitution and the Recapitalization Group. The NJCB Board of
Directors discussed the proposed terms of each proposed
transaction, including the regulatory risks to approval of each
transaction. The NJCB Board of Directors noted that in the
recapitalization transaction, NJCB shareholders would not be bought
out. The NJCB Board of Directors also discussed the preference by
1st Constitution for engaging in a negotiated transaction, and the
indication by 1st Constitution that it would not participate in a
bidding process. After discussing the issues further, the NJCB
Board of Directors directed management and representatives of
Boenning and Windels to continue discussion with both 1st
Constitution and the Recapitalization Group in an effort to enhance
their proposals, but determined that NJCB should not solicit other
indications of interest because (i) NJCB had gone through a broad
based bid process less than eighteen months before and (ii) 1st
Constitution had expressed an intent not to engage in a bidding
process, and the NJCB Board of Directors did not want to lose 1st
Constitution as a potentially interested party.
Over
the next several weeks of July 2017, representatives of Boenning
and management of NJCB held discussions with both 1st Constitution
and the Recapitalization Group. On July 21, 2017, the financial
advisor for the Recapitalization Group met with Mr. Placke to
discuss their financial plan for NJCB and a proposed transaction
term sheet. On August 4, certain members of the NJCB Board of
Directors, Messrs. Burns, Harris, Kaye, Meyer and Placke and Ms.
LoCascio, met with the Recapitalization Group to discuss the
background of members of the Recapitalization Group and their plan
for NJCB. On August 9, 2017, members of NJCB management, with
representatives of Boenning and Windels, met with management of 1st
Constitution to discuss diligence matters and a potential timetable
for a transaction.
On
August 14, 2017, 1st Constitution and its counsel, Day Pitney, were
provided with access to an electronic data room with NJCB diligence
materials. Thereafter, 1st Constitution and Day Pitney commenced
their due diligence review of NJCB.
On
August 16, 2017, the Recapitalization Group provided NJCB with an
indication of interest letter providing for an investment in NJCB
of approximately $15,000,000 at a price of $3.50 per share of
common stock. All new capital would go directly to NJCB, and NJCB
shareholders would not be bought out.
The
NJCB Board of Directors considered the indication of interest from
the Recapitalization Group at a Board meeting on August 16, 2017.
Representatives of Boenning and Windels participated in this Board
meeting by phone. Representatives of Boenning reviewed the steps
taken with each interested party since the last NJCB Board meeting
and the indication with the NJCB Board of Directors and answered
questions. Representatives of Windels discussed with the NJCB Board
of Directors the regulatory approval process for each of the
proposed transactions. After further discussion, the NJCB Board of
Directors authorized management, working with Boenning, to continue
discussions with both the Recapitalization Group and 1st
Constitution.
On
August 18, 2017, 1st Constitution provided NJCB with an updated
indication of interest letter providing for a transaction value of
$4.29 per share of NJCB common stock to be paid in a mix of cash
and 1st Constitution common stock. At this point, 1st Constitution
also requested, as a condition to its willingness to undertake
detailed onsite due diligence, that NJCB enter into an exclusivity
agreement with 1st Constitution requiring NJCB to cease any other
negotiations and to refrain from soliciting indications from any
third party or beginning negotiations with any third party for a
period of 30 days, subject to extension.
At a
telephonic meeting of the NJCB Board of Directors on August 21,
2017, representatives of Boenning reviewed the updated 1st
Constitution indication of interest letter with members of the NJCB
Board of Directors, and the NJCB Board of Directors discussed 1st
Constitution’s requirement that NJCB enter into an
exclusivity agreement before 1st Constitution would agree to
undertake onsite diligence. The NJCB Board of Directors authorized
Mr. Placke to execute the exclusivity agreement and to continue
negotiations, and to permit 1st Constitution to undertake detailed
onsite diligence, on the basis of the terms in the updated 1st
Constitution indication of interest letter.
On
August 22, 2017, 1st Constitution conducted onsite diligence on
NJCB, and on August 23, 2017, 1st Constitution and Day Pitney
conducted further onsite diligence on NJCB. During these onsite
diligence sessions, Mr. Mangano and other officers of 1st
Constitution and representatives of Day Pitney held discussions
with Messrs. Placke and Naqvi regarding the diligence materials and
other matters related to the proposed transaction.
On
September 19, 2017, management of NJCB, along with representatives
of Boenning and Windels, met with representatives of 1st
Constitution and Day Pitney to discuss the results of 1st
Constitution’s onsite diligence. As a result of certain
concerns which had arisen through diligence, 1st Constitution
proposed revising certain of the terms of the transaction,
including a reduction of the per share price to $4.00 per share of
NJCB common stock to be paid in a mix of 1st Constitution common
stock and cash, and requiring a portion of the merger consideration
to be held in escrow pending resolution of certain litigation
brought against NJCB by its former Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, to be used to offset any cost or losses incurred by 1st
Constitution in the litigation. In addition, 1st Constitution
requested that NJCB agree to an extension of the exclusivity
agreement.
The
NJCB Board of Directors met on September 20, 2017 to review the
results of the previous day’s meeting between management of
NJCB and 1st Constitution. Representatives of Boenning and Windels
participated in the NJCB Board meeting. After discussing 1st
Constitution’s position with representatives of Boenning and
Windels and reviewing NJCB’s alternatives, the NJCB Board of
Directors agreed to accept the proposed revised price from 1st
Constitution and directed management, Boenning and Windels to begin
negotiating a definitive merger agreement providing for the merger
of NJCB with and into 1st Constitution Bank, as well as other final
terms of the transaction.
On
September 29, 2017, senior management of NJCB, along with
representatives of Boenning and Windels, met with representatives
of 1st Constitution and Day Pitney to discuss certain additional
concerns regarding the outstanding litigation against NJCB. The
parties discussed the amount of the escrow holdback, but did not
agree on the amount.
Between
early October and early November of 2017, management of NJCB and
1st Constitution and counsel for both entities negotiated the final
terms of the merger agreement, including the final amount of the
escrow holdback.
At an
NJCB Board meeting on October 18, 2017, representatives of Windels
and Boenning updated the NJCB Board of Directors on the current
status of negotiations with 1st Constitution.
On
October 24, 2017, 1st Constitution engaged Sandler for the purpose
of providing financial and market information to 1st Constitution
in connection with the merger. At the time Sandler was engaged by
1st Constitution, Sandler was not providing any financial advisory
services to NJCB.
On the
afternoon of November 6, 2017, the NJCB Board of Directors met to
review the proposed definitive merger agreement and other ancillary
documents, including the form of escrow agreement. Representatives
of Boenning and Windels participated in the NJCB Board meeting.
Counsel discussed with the members of the NJCB Board of Directors
their fiduciary duties in considering the proposed merger
agreement. The NJCB Board of Directors received an oral update from
Boenning with regard to reverse diligence on 1st Constitution, and
representatives of Boenning provided an analysis of the proposed
transaction and rendered its oral opinion (which was subsequently
confirmed in writing) that the merger consideration was fair to
holders of NJCB common stock from a financial point of view. A copy
of Boenning’s fairness opinion is attached to this proxy
statement/prospectus as Annex B. Representatives of
Windels reviewed the terms of the merger agreement and related
documents with the NJCB Board of Directors and answered questions.
The NJCB Board of Directors then discussed the proposed transaction
and its effect on NJCB shareholders. After further discussion, the
NJCB Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the
transaction with 1st Constitution and the merger
agreement.
Later
in the afternoon of November 6, 2017, the Boards of Directors of
1st Constitution and 1st Constitution Bank met to review the
proposed merger agreement and related documents. Representatives of
Sandler and Day Pitney attended the joint meeting of the Boards of
Directors of 1st Constitution and 1st Constitution Bank.
Representatives of Sandler made a presentation
to the Boards of Directors of 1st Constitution and 1st Constitution
Bank on the financial aspects of the transaction and advised on the
financial implications of the transaction on both 1st Constitution
and 1st Constitution Bank. Representatives of Day Pitney reviewed
the terms of the merger agreement and the related documents with
the Boards of Directors of 1st Constitution and 1st Constitution
Bank. Following a discussion by the Boards of Directors of 1st
Constitution and 1st Constitution Bank on the proposed transaction,
each of the Boards of Directors of 1st Constitution and 1st
Constitution Bank unanimously approved the merger agreement and all
related documents.
At the
conclusion of the joint meeting of the Boards of Directors of 1st
Constitution and 1st Constitution Bank, and after the trading
markets had closed, the parties executed the merger agreement, each
NJCB director executed a voting agreement, and the parties issued a
joint press release announcing the proposed
transaction.
NJCB’s Reasons for the Merger
In
determining that the merger and the merger agreement were fair to
and advisable for NJCB and its shareholders, in authorizing and
approving the merger, in adopting the merger agreement and in
recommending that NJCB shareholders vote for approval of the merger
agreement, the NJCB Board of Directors consulted with members of
NJCB’s management and with Boenning, and also considered a
number of factors that the NJCB Board of Directors viewed as
relevant to its decisions. The following discussion of the
information and factors considered by the NJCB Board of Directors
is not intended to be exhaustive; however, it does include all
material factors considered by the NJCB Board of
Directors.
In
reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the NJCB
Board of Directors considered the following:
●
the understanding
of the NJCB Board of Directors of the strategic options available
to NJCB and the NJCB Board of Directors’ assessment of those
options, including the difficulty of raising capital to remain as
an independent institution and the determination that none of those
options were more likely to create greater present value for
NJCB’s shareholders than the value to be paid by 1st
Constitution;
●
1st
Constitution’s strong capital base;
●
the ability to
become part of a larger institution with a higher lending limit and
the infrastructure for growth in small and middle-market lending,
helping to further service NJCB’s customer base;
●
the geographic fit
and increased customer convenience of the expanded branch network
of 1st Constitution Bank;
●
the enhanced
liquidity of the 1st Constitution common stock since NJCB
shareholders will receive 1st Constitution common
stock;
●
1st
Constitution’s recent history of paying cash dividends and
NJCB’s inability to pay cash dividends while it is losing
money;
●
the significant
cash component in the offer by 1st Constitution to the NJCB
shareholders, allowing those shareholders needing liquidity to
receive cash;
●
the terms of the
merger agreement;
●
the compatibility
of the business cultures of the two organizations and their shared
focus on small and middle-market customers;
●
the financial
condition, results of operations, prospects and stock performance
of the two entities;
●
the ability of 1st
Constitution to execute a merger transaction from a financial and
regulatory perspective and its ability to successfully integrate
NJCB into its existing franchise;
●
the opinion of
Boenning, based upon various analysis described below, including a
review of comparable transactions, that the consideration to be
received by the NJCB shareholders is fair to the shareholders of
NJCB from a financial point of view; and
●
the NJCB Board of
Directors’ view, based on, among other things, the opinion of
Boenning, that the merger consideration is fair to the shareholders
of NJCB from a financial point of view.
All
business combinations, including the merger, also include certain
risks and disadvantages. The material potential risks and
disadvantages to NJCB’s shareholders identified by the NJCB
Board of Directors and management include the following material
matters, the order of which does not necessarily reflect their
relative significance:
●
the risks of
attaining the type of revenue enhancements and cost savings
necessary to cause the trading markets to consider the transaction
a success;
●
the fact that the
termination fee provided for in the merger agreement and certain
other provisions of the merger agreement might discourage third
parties from seeking to acquire NJCB, in light of the fact that 1st
Constitution was unwilling to enter into the merger agreement
absent such provisions; and
●
the risk of
potential employee attrition and/or adverse effects on business and
customer relationships as a result of the pending
merger.
This
discussion of the information and factors considered by the NJCB
Board of Directors in reaching its conclusions and recommendation
includes the factors identified above, but is not intended to be
exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the
NJCB Board of Directors. In view of the wide variety of factors
considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger and the
other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the
complexity of these matters, the NJCB Board of Directors did not
find it useful and did not attempt to quantify, rank or assign any
relative or specific weights to the various factors that it
considered in reaching its determination to approve the merger and
the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to
make its recommendation to NJCB shareholders. Rather, the NJCB
Board of Directors viewed its decisions as being based on the
totality of the information presented to it and the factors it
considered, including its discussions with and questioning of
members of NJCB’s management and outside legal and financial
advisors. In addition, individual members of the NJCB Board of
Directors may have assigned different weights to different
factors.
Certain
of NJCB’s directors and executive officers have financial
interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to,
those of NJCB’s shareholders generally. The NJCB Board of
Directors was aware of and considered these potential interests,
among other matters, in evaluating the merger and in making its
recommendation to NJCB shareholders. For a discussion of these
interests, see “Interests of Management and Others in the
Merger” beginning on page 51.
Recommendation of the NJCB Board of Directors
The
NJCB Board has unanimously approved the merger agreement, and
believes that the proposed merger is advisable for NJCB and its
shareholders. Accordingly, the NJCB Board unanimously recommends
that NJCB shareholders vote FOR approval of the merger
agreement.
Opinion of NJCB’s Financial Advisor
Boenning is acting
as financial advisor to NJCB in connection with the merger.
Boenning is a registered broker-dealer providing investment banking
services and has substantial expertise in transactions similar to
the merger. As part of its investment banking activities, Boenning
is regularly engaged in the independent valuation of businesses and
securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings,
private placements and valuations for corporate and other
purposes.
On
November 6, 2017, Boenning rendered its oral opinion, which was
subsequently confirmed in writing, to the NJCB Board of Directors
that, as of such date, the merger consideration to be payable to
the holders of NJCB’s common stock pursuant to the merger
agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such
holders.
The
full text of Boenning’s written opinion dated November 6,
2017, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations of the review undertaken, is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement
and is incorporated herein by reference. You are urged to, and
should, read this opinion carefully and in its entirety in
connection with this proxy statement-prospectus. The summary of
Boenning’s opinion set forth in this proxy statement is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the
opinion. Boenning’s opinion does not reflect any developments
that may occur or may have occurred after the date of its opinion
and prior to the completion of the merger.
No
limitations were imposed by NJCB on the scope of Boenning’s
investigation or the procedures to be followed by Boenning in
rendering its opinion. Boenning was not asked to, and did not,
solicit indications of interest in connection with the proposed
merger. Boenning was not requested to, and did not, make any
recommendation to the NJCB Board of Directors as to the form or
amount of the consideration to be paid to the NJCB shareholders,
which was determined through arm’s length negotiations
between the parties. In arriving at its opinion, Boenning did not
ascribe a specific range of values to NJCB. Its opinion is based on
the financial and comparative analyses described
below.
In
connection with its opinion, Boenning, among other
things:
(i)
reviewed
the historical financial performances, current financial positions
and general prospects of 1st Constitution and NJCB and reviewed
certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the
management of NJCB;
(ii)
reviewed
the merger agreement, dated November 6, 2017;
(iii)
reviewed
and analyzed the stock market performance of 1st Constitution and
NJCB;
(iv)
studied
and analyzed the consolidated financial and operating data of 1st
Constitution and NJCB;
(v)
reviewed
the pro forma financial impact of the merger on 1st Constitution,
based on assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase
accounting adjustments, cost savings and other synergies determined
by senior management of 1st Constitution and NJCB;
(vi)
considered
the financial terms of the merger between 1st Constitution and NJCB
as compared with the financial terms of comparable bank and bank
holding company mergers and acquisitions;
(vii)
met
and/or communicated with certain members of 1st Constitution and
NJCB’s senior management to discuss their respective
operations, historical financial statements and future prospects;
and
(viii)
conducted such other financial analyses, studies
and investigations as Boenning deemed appropriate.
Boenning’s
opinion was given in reliance on information and representations
made or given by 1st
Constitution and NJCB, and their respective officers,
directors, auditors, counsel and other agents, and on filings,
releases and other information issued by 1st Constitution and NJCB including
financial statements, financial projections, and stock price data
as well as certain information from recognized independent sources.
Boenning did not independently verify the information concerning
1st Constitution and NJCB nor
other data which Boenning considered in its review and, for
purposes of its opinion, Boenning assumed and relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of all such information and data.
Boenning assumed that all forecasts and projections provided to it
had been reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently
available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of
1st Constitution and NJCB as to
their most likely future financial performance. Boenning expressed
no opinion as to any financial projections or the assumptions on
which they were based. Boenning did not conduct any valuation or
appraisal of any assets or liabilities of 1st Constitution or NJCB, nor have any such
valuations or appraisals been provided to Boenning. Additionally,
Boenning assumed that the merger is, in all respects, lawful under
applicable law.
With
respect to anticipated transaction costs, purchase accounting
adjustments, expected cost savings and other synergies and
financial and other information relating to the general prospects
of 1st Constitution and NJCB,
Boenning assumed that such information had been reasonably prepared
and reflected the best currently available estimates and good faith
judgment of the management of 1st
Constitution and NJCB as to their most likely future
performance. Boenning further relied on the assurances of
management of 1st Constitution
and NJCB that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances
that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading.
Boenning was not asked to and did not undertake an independent
verification of any of such information and Boenning did not assume
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness
thereof. Boenning assumed that the allowance for loan losses
indicated on the balance sheets of 1st
Constitution and NJCB was adequate to cover such losses;
Boenning did not review individual loans or credit files of
1st Constitution and NJCB.
Boenning assumed that all of the representations and warranties
contained in the merger agreement and all related agreements were
true and correct, that each party under the agreements will perform
all of the covenants required to be performed by such party under
the agreements, and that the conditions precedent in the agreements
were not waived. Boenning assumed that the merger will qualify as a
tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Also, in
rendering its opinion, Boenning assumed that in the course of
obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the consummation
of the merger no conditions will be imposed that will have a
material adverse effect on the combined entity or contemplated
benefits of the merger, including the cost savings and related
expenses expected to result from the merger.
Boenning’s
opinion is based upon information provided to it by the management
of 1st Constitution and NJCB,
as well as market, economic, financial and other conditions as they
existed and could be evaluated only as of the date of its opinion
and accordingly, it speaks to no other period. Boenning did not
undertake to reaffirm or revise its opinion or otherwise comment on
events occurring after the date of its opinion and did not have an
obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
Boenning’s opinion does not address the relative merits of
the merger and the other business strategies that NJCB’s
Board of Directors has considered or may be considering, nor does
it address the underlying business decision of NJCB’s
Board of Directors to proceed with the merger. Boenning expressed
no opinion as to the value of the shares of 1st Constitution common stock when issued
to holders of outstanding NJCB common stock pursuant to the merger
agreement or the prices at which the shares may trade at any time.
Boenning’s opinion is for the information of NJCB’s
Board of Directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger
and does not constitute a recommendation to the Board of Directors
of NJCB in connection with the merger or a recommendation to any
shareholder of NJCB as to how such shareholder should vote or act
with respect to the merger.
In
connection with rendering its opinion, Boenning performed a variety
of financial analyses that are summarized below. This summary does
not purport to be a complete description of such analyses. Boenning
believes that its analyses and the summary set forth herein must be
considered as a whole and that selecting portions of such analyses
and the factors considered therein, without considering all factors
and analyses, could create an incomplete view of the analyses and
processes underlying its opinion. The preparation of a fairness
opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments and is
not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. In arriving at its opinion, Boenning considered the
results of all of its analyses as a whole and did not attribute any
particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it. The
range of valuations resulting from any particular analysis
described below should not be taken to be Boenning’s view of
the actual value of NJCB.
In its
analyses, Boenning made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performance, business and economic conditions, and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of NJCB or
1st Constitution. Any estimates
contained in Boenning’s analyses are not necessarily
indicative of actual future values or results, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such
estimates. Estimates of values of companies do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the actual prices at which
companies or their securities actually may be sold. No company or
transaction utilized in Boenning’s analyses was identical to
NJCB or 1st Constitution or the
merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the results described below is
not mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the companies and other facts that could affect
the public trading value of the companies to which they are being
compared. None of the analyses performed by Boenning was
necessarily assigned a greater significance by Boenning than any
other, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative
importance or weight given to those analyses by Boenning. The
analyses described below do not purport to be indicative of actual
future results, or to reflect the prices at which NJCB’s
common stock or 1st
Constitution’s common stock may trade in the public
markets, which may vary depending upon various factors, including
changes in interest rates, dividend rates, market conditions,
economic conditions and other factors that influence the price of
securities.
In
accordance with customary investment banking practice, Boenning
employed generally accepted valuation methods in reaching its
opinion. The following is a summary of the material financial
analyses that Boenning used in providing its opinion on November 6,
2017. Some of the summaries of financial analyses are presented in
tabular format. In order to understand the financial analyses used
by Boenning more fully, you should read the tables together with
the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a
complete description of Boenning’s financial analyses,
including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the
analyses, and if viewed in isolation could create a misleading or
incomplete view of the financial analyses performed by Boenning.
The summary data set forth below do not represent and should not be
viewed by anyone as constituting conclusions reached by Boenning
with respect to any of the analyses performed by it in connection
with its opinion. Rather, Boenning made its determination as to the
fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of shares
of issued and outstanding common stock, $2.00 par value, of NJCB,
of the merger consideration on the basis of its experience and
professional judgment after considering the results of all of the
analyses performed. Accordingly, the data included in the summary
tables and the corresponding imputed ranges of value for NJCB
should be considered as a whole and in the context of the full
narrative description of all of the financial analyses set forth in
the following pages, including the assumptions underlying these
analyses. Considering the data included in the summary tables
without considering the full narrative description of all of the
financial analyses, including the assumptions underlying these
analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the
financial analyses performed by Boenning.
In
connection with rendering its opinion and based upon the terms of
the merger agreement, Boenning assumed the effective per share
merger consideration to be $4.01 based on (i) the fixed exchange
ratio of 0.1333 shares of 1st
Constitution common stock for each share of NJCB common
stock, (ii) 1st
Constitution’s 10-day average common stock price of
$18.09 as of November 3, 2017, (iii) the cash consideration price
of $1.39 per share, and (iv) the contingent cash consideration of
up to $0.21 per share. Based on an effective per share price of
$4.01, the aggregate indicated merger consideration including $0.21
per share of contingent cash consideration, was $7.7 million. The
effective merger consideration of $4.01 per NJCB share amounted to
82.6% NJCB’s tangible book value per share as of September
30, 2017. Based on the fixed exchange ratio of 0.1333 shares of
1st Constitution common stock
for each share of NJCB common stock, the annual cash dividend to
NJCB shareholders on a relative basis would have been $0.03 per
share for the twelve months ended September 30, 2017. These per
share annual cash dividends compare to NJCB’s current
annualized cash dividend that it expects to pay over the next
twelve months of $0.00 per share.
Comparison
of Selected Companies to NJCB. Boenning reviewed and
compared the multiples and ratios of the current trading price of
NJCB’s common stock to NJCB’s book value and tangible
book value, such multiples referred to
herein
as the pricing multiples, with the median pricing multiples for the
current trading prices of the common stock of a peer group of 7
selected publicly traded U.S. banks and thrifts with assets under
$300 million, Negative LTM ROAA and NPAs/ assets greater than .75%,
excluding merger targets. Boenning applied the resulting range of
pricing multiples for the peer group specified above to the
appropriate financial results without the application of any
control premium, referred to as the unadjusted trading
price.
Table
1
|
|
Median
Statistics
for
Peer Group
(1)
|
|
Price/Book
Value
|
70.0%
|
71.4%
|
82.6%
|
Price/Tangible Book
Value
|
70.0%
|
71.4%
|
82.6%
|
(1)
|
|
Peer
metrics are based on prices as of market close on November 3,
2017.
|
(2)
|
|
Based
on the effective merger consideration of $4.01, as a result of
1st Constitution’s 10-day
average closing stock price of $18.09 on November 3, 2017,
including the contingent cash consideration of up to $0.21 per
share.
|
Comparison of Selected Companies to
1st
Constitution.
Boenning reviewed and compared the multiples and ratios of the
current trading price of 1st
Constitution’s common stock to 1st Constitution’s book value,
tangible book value, latest twelve months earnings per share, and
price to estimated 2017 EPS, such multiples referred to herein as
the pricing multiples, with the median pricing multiples for the
current trading prices of the common stock of a peer group. The
peer group consisted of 19 selected publicly traded Mid Atlantic
banks and thrifts with assets between $1.0 billion and $1.2
billion, excluding merger targets and mutual holding
companies.
Table 2
|
|
Median
Statistics
for Peer Group
(1)
|
Price/Book
Value
|
130.1%
|
140.1%
|
Price/Tangible Book
Value
|
146.7%
|
142.0%
|
Price/Latest Twelve
Months Earnings Per Share
|
17.8x
|
14.6x
|
Dividend
Yield
|
1.17%
|
1.75%
|
Price / 2017
Estimated EPS
|
17.2x
|
18.6x
|
(1)
|
|
Metrics
are based on prices as of market close on November 3,
2017.
|
Analysis of Bank Merger Transactions.
Boenning analyzed certain information relating to recent
transactions in the banking industry (excluding recapitalizations
and those involving mutual holding companies), consisting of
(i) 10 selected nationwide bank and thrift transactions
announced since January 1, 2016 with targets having assets under
$300 million, negative ROAA for LTM and 2 years prior, and NPAs/
assets greater than 1%, referred to below as Group A; (ii) 6
selected nationwide bank and thrift transactions announced since
January 1, 2016 with targets having assets under $500 million,
negative LTM ROAA, TCE/ TA greater than 3% and having faced recent
regulatory action, referred to below as Group B; (iii) 7 selected
nationwide publicly traded bank and thrifts with assets under $300
million, Negative LTM ROAA and NPAs/ assets greater than .75%,
excluding merger targets, with an added implied deal premium of
28.7%, referred to below as Group C. Boenning then reviewed and
compared the pricing multiples of the merger consideration and the
pricing multiples of the median transaction values for Group A,
Group B, and Group C.
Table 3
|
|
Median
Transaction Multiples
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price/Book
Value
|
82.6%
|
100.2%
|
61.0%
|
91.9%
|
Price/Tangible Book
Value
|
82.6%
|
100.2%
|
61.0%
|
91.9%
|
Core Deposit
Premium
|
(1.9)%
|
0.0%
|
(2.8)%
|
0.4%
|
(1)
|
|
Based
on the effective merger consideration of $4.01, as a result of
1st Constitution’s 10-day
average closing stock price of $18.09 on November 3, 2017,
including the contingent cash consideration of up to $0.21 per
share.
|
Present Value Analysis. Applying
present value analysis to NJCB’s theoretical future losses
and tangible book value, Boenning compared the merger consideration
for one share of NJCB’s common stock to the present value of
one share of NJCB’s common stock on a stand-alone basis. The
analysis was based upon management’s projected losses, a
range of assumed price/tangible book value ratios and a 12.0%
discount rate. Boenning derived the terminal price/tangible book
value multiple of 70.0% from the approximate median in the NJCB
peer group analysis. Sensitivity analyses for terminal
price/tangible book ranged from 50.0% to 90.0%, respectively. The
present value of NJCB’s common stock calculated on a
stand-alone basis ranged from $0.76 to $1.56 per share with a
midpoint of $1.14 based on price/tangible book value multiples,
compared to the effective merger consideration price of $4.01 per
share. This analysis does not purport to be indicative of actual
future results and does not purport to reflect the prices at which
shares of NJCB’s common stock may trade in the public
markets. A present value analysis was included because it is a
widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such
methodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that
must be made, including future losses, dividend payout rates and
discount rates.
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Boenning
analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the merger,
assuming the following: (i) the merger is completed in the first
quarter of 2018; (ii) each share of NJCB’s common stock will
be eligible to receive consideration of $4.01 in cash or 0.1333
shares of 1st Constitution
common stock, including the cash consideration price of $1.39 per
share and the contingent cash consideration of $0.21 per share, or
an effective $4.01 per NJCB share as of November 3, 2017; (iii)
estimated pre-tax cost savings equal to $2.7 million of
NJCB’s last twelve months non-interest expense ended
September 30, 2017; (iv) estimated one-time transaction related
costs of $1.9 million pre-tax are expensed prior to closing; (v)
NJCB performance was calculated in accordance with NJCB
management’s earnings forecasts; (vi) 1st Constitution performance was calculated
in accordance with 1st
Constitution management’s earnings forecasts; and
(vii) certain other assumptions pertaining to costs and expenses
associated with the transaction, intangible amortization,
opportunity cost of cash and other items. The analyses indicated
that, for the full years 2019 and 2020, the merger would be
accretive to the combined company’s projected TBV and
earnings per share and accretive to NJCB’s equivalent
earnings per share and cash dividends per share. The actual results
achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results
and the variations may be material.
As
described above, Boenning’s opinion was just one of the many
factors taken into consideration by the NJCB Board of Directors in
making its determination to approve the merger.
Boenning, as part
of its investment banking business, regularly is engaged in the
valuation of assets, securities and companies in connection with
various types of asset and security transactions, including
mergers, acquisitions, private placements, public offerings and
valuations for various other purposes, and in the determination of
adequate consideration in such transactions. In the ordinary course
of Boenning’s business as a broker-dealer, it may, from time
to time, purchase securities from, and sell securities to,
1st Constitution and NJCB or
their respective affiliates. In the ordinary course of business,
Boenning may also actively trade the securities of 1st Constitution and NJCB for its own
account and for the accounts of customers and accordingly may at
any time hold a long or short position in such
securities.
Upon
completion of the merger with 1st
Constitution, Boenning will receive a fee from NJCB equal to
$100,000, in addition to $75,000 payable upon the rendering of its
Fairness Opinion and the execution of the definitive merger
agreement. Boenning’s fee for rendering the fairness opinion
was not contingent upon any conclusion that Boenning reached or
upon completion of the merger. The Company also paid Boenning an
initial engagement fee of $25,000 and has also agreed to reimburse
Boenning for any customary reimbursable expenses it incurs during
its engagement and to indemnify Boenning against certain
liabilities that may arise out of Boenning’s
engagement.
Boenning has not
had any material relationship with 1st
Constitution during the past two years in which compensation
was received or was intended to be received. Although Boenning
provided investment banking services during 2016 to a third party
that had expressed interest in potentially acquiring NJCB, Boenning
has provided no investment banking services to NJCB during the past
two years (other than in regards to the proposed merger) in which
compensation was received or was intended to be received. Boenning
may provide services to 1st Constitution in the future (and/or to
NCJB if the proposed merger is not consummated), although as of the
date of this opinion, there is no agreement to do so nor any mutual
understanding that such services are contemplated.
The
opinion was approved by Boenning’s Fairness Opinion
Committee. Boenning did not express any opinion as to the fairness
of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the
merger by any of the officers, directors, or employees of any party
to the merger agreement or any related agreements, or any class of
such persons, relative to the compensation to be received by the
holders of NJCB common stock in the merger.
1st Constitution’s Reasons for the Merger
The 1st
Constitution Board of Directors determined that the merger
agreement and the merger are advisable to 1st Constitution and its
shareholders and unanimously approved the merger agreement. In
reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the 1st
Constitution Board of Directors considered a number of factors that
the 1st Constitution Board of Directors viewed as relevant to its
decisions. The following discussion of the information and factors
considered by the 1st Constitution Board of Directors is not
intended to be exhaustive; however, it does include all material
factors considered by the NJCB Board of Directors.
Material factors
considered by the 1st Constitution Board of Directors include the
following:
●
the terms of the
merger agreement, including the financial terms;
●
the expansion of
1st Constitution Bank’s branch network in Monmouth County,
New Jersey, which is an attractive market in central New Jersey
because of its demographics and growth
characteristics;
●
the similar focus
of 1st Constitution Bank and NJCB as community banks serving the
financial needs of small and middle-market customers;
●
the potential
significant loan and deposit growth opportunities resulting from
the addition of a highly attractive branch location in a commercial
and business area in Freehold, New Jersey and a branch location in
Neptune City, New Jersey that complements 1st Constitution
Bank’s existing franchise in Monmouth County, New Jersey;
and
●
the anticipated
cost savings resulting from economies of scale following
consummation of the merger.
Terms of the Merger
Effect of the Merger
Upon
completion of the merger, the separate legal existence of NJCB will
cease. All property, rights, powers, duties, obligations, debts and
liabilities of NJCB will automatically be deemed transferred to 1st
Constitution Bank, as the surviving bank in the merger. The
directors and officers of 1st Constitution Bank immediately prior
to the effective time of the merger will be the directors and
officers of 1st Constitution Bank, as the surviving bank in the
merger. No directors or officers of NJCB immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger will become directors or officers of
1st Constitution Bank, as the surviving bank in the
merger.
What NJCB Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger What NJCB
Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger
Upon
completion of the merger, NJCB shareholders will receive, subject
to the terms in the merger agreement, for each outstanding share of
NJCB common stock that they own at the effective time of the
merger, a combination of 1st Constitution common stock and cash as
follows:
(i) If
the exchange ratio average price (as defined below) is between
$17.10 and $18.90, then the stock exchange ratio will be 0.1333 of
a share of common stock of 1st Constitution, subject to adjustment
as described below and subject to the payment of cash in lieu of
fractional shares; and
(ii)
$1.60 in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in escrow in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger agreement to
cover costs and expenses that may be incurred by 1st Constitution
after the effective time of the merger as a result of specific
pending litigation against NJCB.
The
term “exchange ratio average price” means 1st
Constitution’s average closing common stock share price
during the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the first
date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if
applicable) necessary for consummation of the merger have been
received (disregarding any waiting period) and either 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank or NJCB has notified the others
in writing that all such approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
have been received.
Subject
to the termination rights set forth in the merger agreement, in the
event the exchange ratio average price is greater than $18.90, then
the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted downward to that
percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common stock determined
by taking the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing
such product by the exchange ratio average price, rounded to four
decimal places. Subject to the termination rights set forth in the
merger agreement, in the event the exchange ratio average price is
less than $17.10, then the stock exchange ratio will be adjusted
upward to that percentage of a share of 1st Constitution common
stock determined by taking the product of $17.10 multiplied by
0.1333 and dividing such product by the exchange ratio average
price, rounded to four decimal places. However, in no event will
the stock exchange ratio be greater than 0.1425 of a share of 1st
Constitution common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
exchange ratio average price is less than $7.00, 1st Constitution
will have the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the
exchange ratio for the stock consideration to the extent necessary
for the merger to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization.
The
following table illustrates the effect of changes in the exchange
ratio average price on the exchange ratio:
Exchange Ratio
Average Price
|
|
Stock Exchange
Ratio (i.e., percentage of a share of 1st
Constitution
common stock to
be received for each share of NJCB common
stock)
|
$16.00
and below
|
|
0.1425
|
$17.00
|
|
0.1341
|
$17.10
– $18.90
|
|
0.1333
|
$19.00
|
|
0.1326
|
$20.00
|
|
0.1260
|
$21.00
|
|
0.1200
|
Of the
$1.60 in cash that is part of the consideration for each
outstanding share of NJCB common stock, $0.21 will not be paid at
the closing of the merger and will be placed in escrow to cover
costs and expenses, including settlement costs, if any, that 1st
Constitution may incur after the closing of the merger as a result
of the O’Donnell litigation matter. The total amount
remaining in escrow, after deducting these costs and expenses, if
any, incurred by 1st Constitution as a result of the
O’Donnell litigation matter will be released from escrow to
the former shareholders of NJCB following final non-appealable
resolution of the O’Donnell litigation matter.
1st
Constitution will not be registering any of the rights that former
NJCB shareholders have to the total escrow amount under any federal
or state securities laws. Accordingly, during the escrow period,
former NJCB shareholders will not be able to sell or transfer their
rights to the total escrow amount except (i) for transfers to an
entity’s members upon its liquidation, (ii) to relatives and
trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death or (iv) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
The
exchange ratio will be adjusted proportionately if 1st Constitution
makes any stock splits, stock dividends or similar distributions
prior to the closing of the merger.
Certain
shares of NJCB common stock, if any, held by NJCB or by 1st
Constitution or its subsidiaries will be canceled in the merger and
will not be converted into 1st Constitution common
stock.
For
your shares of NJCB common stock, you will not receive any
fractional shares of 1st Constitution common stock. Instead, you
will receive, without interest, cash equal to the fractional share
interest you otherwise would have received, multiplied by the
average (rounded to four decimal places) of the daily closing sales
prices of 1st Constitution common stock as
reported on the NASDAQ Global Market for the 10 consecutive trading
days ending on the date that all regulatory approvals are received.
All shares of NJCB common stock held by an NJCB shareholder
immediately prior to the effective time will be aggregated before
determining the need to pay cash in lieu of fractional shares to
such holder.
The
price of 1st Constitution common stock at the time the merger takes
effect may be higher or lower than the price: (1) when the merger
agreement was signed; (2) when this proxy statement-prospectus was
mailed; (3) when the NJCB shareholders meet to vote on the merger;
or (4) when NJCB shareholders receive 1st Constitution stock
certificates from the Exchange Agent following the merger. We urge
you to obtain current market quotations for the 1st Constitution
common stock and the NJCB common stock.
After
NJCB shareholders surrender their NJCB stock certificates to the
Exchange Agent following the effective time of the merger, former
NJCB shareholders will receive cash and a certificate representing
their shares of 1st Constitution common stock. At the time any new
stock certificate is issued, former NJCB shareholders will also
receive a check for any fractional shares. All shares of NJCB
common stock held by a shareholder immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger will be aggregated before determining
the need to pay cash in lieu of fractional shares to such former
shareholder. No interest will be paid with respect to any cash
payable in the merger.
Stock Options and Warrants
As of
the record date for the NJCB special meeting of shareholders,
various directors, officers and employees of NJCB held options to
purchase a total of 47,525 shares of NJCB common stock, all granted
under NJCB’s equity compensation plans. At the effective time
of the merger, all such options, whether vested or unvested, will
be terminated and converted, without any action on the part of 1st
Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank, NJCB or the holders of the
options, into the right to receive cash equal to the product of (i)
the aggregate number of shares of common stock of NJCB underlying
such outstanding option multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of
$4.00 over the per share exercise price of such outstanding option.
Holders of stock options with an exercise price of $4.00 or above
will receive no consideration in the merger and these options will
terminate as of the effective date of the merger. Of the
outstanding options, options to purchase 30,200 shares had exercise
prices of less than $4.00 per share.
As of
the record date for the NJCB special meeting of shareholders, there
were outstanding warrants to purchase a total of 265,698 shares of
NJCB common stock that will expire in accordance with their terms
on February 28, 2018, which will be prior to the effective time of
the merger. Accordingly, 1st Constitution will not pay any
consideration to the holders of the warrants because the warrants
will not be outstanding at the effective time of the
merger.
1st Constitution Common Stock
Each
share of 1st Constitution common stock outstanding immediately
prior to completion of the merger will remain outstanding and
unchanged by the merger.
Effective Date
The
merger will take effect when all conditions to the merger,
including obtaining shareholder and regulatory approval, have been
fulfilled or waived or as soon as practicable thereafter as 1st
Constitution and NJCB mutually select. Neither regulatory approval
nor the required approvals of NJCB’s shareholders can be
waived. The merger agreement provides that the merger will not be
consummated prior to March 1, 2018. 1st Constitution and NJCB
presently expect to close the merger in April 2018. See
“Conditions to the Merger” beginning on
page 47 and “Regulatory Approvals” at page
51.
Representations and Warranties
The
merger agreement contains customary representations and warranties
relating to, among other things:
NJCB
●
Organization of
NJCB and its subsidiaries.
●
Capital structure
of NJCB.
●
Due authorization,
execution, delivery, performance and enforceability of the merger
agreement and interrelationship with other agreements.
●
Consents or
approvals of regulatory authorities or third parties necessary to
complete the merger.
●
Accuracy of
reports filed with regulatory authorities.
●
Consistency of
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles
and existence of suitable internal controls.
●
Liabilities
incurred since December 31, 2016.
●
Brokers’ and
other fees.
●
NJCB’s
receipt of an opinion from Boenning that the consideration paid to
NJCB’s shareholders is fair.
●
Absence of
material adverse changes, since December 31, 2016, in NJCB’s
consolidated business, results of operations or financial
condition.
●
Absence of
undisclosed material pending or threatened legal
proceedings.
●
Filing of tax
returns and payment of taxes.
●
Retirement and
other employee plans and matters relating to the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
●
Accuracy of
information supplied by NJCB for inclusion in the registration
statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with
the issuance of 1st Constitution common stock in the merger, this
proxy statement and prospectus, and all applications filed with
regulatory authorities for approval of the merger.
●
Compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
●
Disclosure of
material contracts.
●
Disclosure of
transactions with management.
●
Absence of
undisclosed regulatory orders.
●
Quality of title
to assets and properties.
●
Maintenance of
adequate insurance.
●
Absence of
material environmental violations, actions or
liabilities.
●
Indemnification
obligations of NJCB and its subsidiaries.
●
Validity and
binding nature of loans reflected as assets in NJCB’s
financial statements.
●
Investment
securities, deposits and other borrowings on NJCB’s statement
of condition.
●
Approval by
two-thirds of the holders of NJCB’s common stock is
sufficient to approve the merger.
●
Intellectual
property matters.
●
Absence of prior
regulatory applications.
●
Conduct of the
mortgage banking business.
1st Constitution
●
Organization of
1st Constitution and its subsidiaries.
●
Capital structure
of 1st Constitution.
●
Due authorization,
execution, delivery, performance and enforceability of the merger
agreement and interrelationship with other agreements.
●
Consents or
approvals of regulatory authorities or third parties necessary to
complete the merger.
●
Accuracy of
reports filed with regulatory authorities.
●
Consistency of
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles
and existence of suitable internal controls.
●
Accuracy of
reports filed by 1st Constitution with the SEC.
●
Absence of
material adverse changes, since December 31, 2016, in 1st
Constitution’s consolidated business, results of operations
or financial condition.
●
Accuracy of
information supplied by 1st Constitution for inclusion in the
registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933 in
connection with the issuance of 1st Constitution common stock in
the merger, this proxy statement and prospectus, and all
applications filed with regulatory authorities for approval of the
merger.
●
Compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
●
No ownership of
NJCB capital stock.
●
Absence of
regulatory orders.
●
Adequacy of loan
loss provision and reserve for OREO properties.
●
Subsidiaries
having a Community Reinvestment Act rating of at least
“satisfactory.”
●
Absence of prior
regulatory applications.
●
1st Constitution
Bank having access to funds to pay cash portion of the merger
consideration.
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger
In the
merger agreement, 1st Constitution and NJCB each agreed to use
commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its
respective business organizations, properties, leases, employees
and advantageous business relationships. 1st Constitution and NJCB
each also agreed to not take any action that would adversely affect
or delay their respective ability to perform their covenants and
agreements set forth in the merger agreement on a timely basis or
that would adversely affect or delay their respective ability to
obtain any necessary approvals, waivers or consents of any
governmental entity or third party to consummate the
merger.
In
addition, NJCB agreed to conduct its business and to engage in
transactions only in the ordinary and usual course consistent with
past practices and prudent banking practice, except as otherwise
required by the merger agreement or consented to by 1st
Constitution. Subject to certain exceptions referred to in the
merger agreement, NJCB also agreed in the merger agreement that
NJCB will not, without the written consent of 1st Constitution
except as otherwise specifically provided in the merger
agreement:
●
repurchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire any of its capital stock;
●
issue any shares
of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or
exercisable for, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any
such shares, except for the issuance of up to a total of 47,525
shares of NJCB common stock upon the exercise of stock options
outstanding on the date of the merger agreement and the issuance of
up to a total of 265,698 shares of NJCB common stock upon the
exercise of warrants outstanding on the date of the merger
agreement;
●
amend its
Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws;
●
make any capital
expenditures in excess of $25,000 in the aggregate;
●
enter into any new
line of business or offer any new products or
services;
●
acquire any
business or any assets outside of the ordinary course of
business;
●
take any action
that is intended or may reasonably be expected to result in any of
the conditions to closing the merger set forth in the merger
agreement not being satisfied or not being satisfied prior to
November 6, 2018;
●
change its methods
of accounting, except as required by changes in generally accepted
accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles as
concurred with in writing by NJCB’s independent
auditors;
●
adopt, amend, or
terminate any employee benefit plan;
●
increase the
compensation or fringe benefits of any director, officer or
employee, pay any benefit not required by any plan or agreement,
pay any bonus or grant any stock options, stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance
units or shares;
●
other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, dispose
of its material assets, properties or other rights or
agreements;
●
other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur
any indebtedness for borrowed money;
●
file any
application to relocate or terminate the operations of any of its
banking offices;
●
create, renew,
amend or terminate any material contract;
●
except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and in
amounts less than $200,000, and other than investments for
NJCB’s portfolio that are permissible under the merger
agreement, make any investment in any other individual, corporation
or other entity;
●
except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, make
any investment in any debt security other than U.S. government and
U.S. government agency securities with final maturities of five
years or less or mortgage-backed or mortgage related securities
that would not be considered “high risk’
securities;
●
settle any claim
in excess of $10,000 or involving any material restrictions on
NJCB’s operations;
●
except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and in
amounts less than $100,000, waive or release any material
right;
●
make loans that
fall outside of parameters set forth in the merger
agreement;
●
make any
investment or commitment to invest in real estate or in any real
estate development project, other than real estate acquired in
satisfaction of defaulted mortgage loans;
●
except pursuant to
commitments existing on the date of the merger agreement and
disclosed to 1st Constitution, make any construction loans outside
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices,
make any real estate loans secured by undeveloped land or make any
real estate loans secured by land located outside the State of New
Jersey;
●
establish any new
branch or other office facilities;
●
elect to the Board
any person who is not a current member of NJCB’s
Board;
●
change any method
of tax accounting, make and change any tax election, file any
amended tax return, settle any tax liability or surrender any right
to claim a tax refund;
●
after an
acquisition proposal (other than the proposed merger) has been (i)
directly made to NJCB’s shareholders, (ii) publicly disclosed
or (iii) made known to senior management or the NJCB’s Board,
except to the extent permitted under the merger agreement, take any
intentional act, or intentionally omit to take any act, that causes
NJCB’s representations in the merger agreement to be
inaccurate in any material respect;
●
take any other
action outside of the ordinary course of business; or
●
agree to do any of
the foregoing.
NJCB
also agreed in the merger agreement, among other
things:
●
to submit the
proposed merger to its shareholders for approval at a
shareholders’ meeting to be held as soon as is reasonably
practicable after the date on which the registration statement, of
which this proxy statement and prospectus is a part, is declared
effective by the SEC;
●
through
NJCB’s Board, subject to applicable fiduciary obligations, to
recommend that NJCB’s shareholders approve the merger
agreement, and such other matters as are submitted to NJCB’s
shareholders in connection with the merger agreement;
●
to provide 1st
Constitution with certain financial statements as reasonably
requested by 1st Constitution in order to enable 1st Constitution
to comply with its reporting obligations under the Exchange
Act;
●
to cooperate with
1st Constitution to conform certain policies and procedures to the
policies and procedures followed by 1st Constitution;
and
●
to provide 1st
Constitution with any information about NJCB reasonably requested
by 1st Constitution for use in any subsequent filings that 1st
Constitution may be required to make in transactions unrelated to
the merger.
NJCB
has also agreed not to solicit any proposal from a third party with
respect to a merger, consolidation or similar transaction
involving, or any purchase of, all or more than 25% of the assets
or voting power of NJCB or any of its subsidiaries. The parties
refer to any such proposal as an acquisition proposal.
Similarly, NJCB has
agreed not to participate in any negotiations concerning, or to
provide any confidential information with respect to, an
acquisition proposal. These obligations are subject to certain
exceptions in the merger agreement designed to assure that
NJCB’s Board may exercise its fiduciary responsibilities in
the event that a third party,
acting
on an unsolicited basis, makes an acquisition proposal prior to the
consummation of the merger. In the event that NJCB receives any
such proposal, NJCB is required to promptly (and in any event
within 48 hours of receipt) disclose to 1st Constitution the
identity of the person making the proposal and the substance of
such proposal.
1st
Constitution and NJCB jointly agreed, among other
things:
●
to cooperate in
preparing all regulatory and other filings to be made in connection
with the merger;
●
to provide access
to each other and to each other’s
representatives;
●
subject to
applicable provisions of the merger agreement, to use our
reasonable best efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement and to obtain any consent of any
governmental entity or other third party that is required in
connection with the merger;
●
to deliver to each
other monthly, quarterly and, if applicable, annual financial
statements; and
●
to agree upon the
form and substance of any press release or public disclosure
related to the proposed merger.
1st
Constitution has agreed:
●
to use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the 1st Constitution common stock
to be issued in the merger to be approved for listing on the NASDAQ
Global Market;
●
to permit the NJCB
employees who remain in 1st Constitution’s employ after the
merger is consummated to participate in 1st Constitution’s
employee benefit plans to the same extent as similarly situated
employees of 1st Constitution and generally to credit such
employees with the years of service earned as employees of
NJCB;
●
to indemnify any
current or former director or officer of NJCB against any claim,
including any claim which relates in any way to the merger, this
proxy statement and prospectus, the merger agreement, any of the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, such
person’s service as a member of the NJCB’s Board, the
events leading up to the execution of the merger agreement, any
statement, recommendation or solicitation made in connection with
the merger and any breach of any duty in connection with any of the
foregoing, in each case to the extent that indemnification would
have been permitted under any applicable law and NJCB’s
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws had the merger not
occurred;
●
to cause the
persons serving as officers and directors of NJCB immediately prior
to the consummation of the merger to be covered by directors and
officers liability insurance for a period of four years after the
closing, subject to a limitation on the amount that 1st
Constitution must spend for such insurance;
●
to assume
NJCB’s obligations under certain indemnification agreements,
as amended and restated, in place between NJCB and each member of
the NJCB Board of Directors; and
●
to provide
severance to any NJCB employee who is terminated by 1st
Constitution Bank without cause following the effective time of the
merger in accordance with the severance policy agreed upon between
1st Constitution and NJCB.
Conditions to the Merger
Our
obligations to effect the merger are subject to various conditions,
including the following:
Conditions Applicable to NJCB and to 1st Constitution
●
NJCB’s
shareholders shall have approved the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by that agreement;
●
the registration
statement of which this proxy statement and prospectus is a part
shall not be subject to an order – typically referred to as a
stop order – demanding that we cease using these
documents;
●
the parties shall
have received all necessary approvals of governmental entities,
such approvals shall not be subject to any material conditions, any
conditions relating to such approvals shall have been satisfied and
all statutory waiting periods shall have expired;
●
no order, judgment
or decree shall be outstanding that would have the effect of
preventing completion of the merger;
●
no suit, action or
other proceeding shall be pending or threatened by any governmental
entity seeking to restrain or prohibit the merger;
●
no suit, action or
other proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental
entity seeking to restrain or prohibit the merger or obtain other
substantial monetary or other relief against one or more of the
parties which 1st Constitution or NJCB determines in good faith,
based upon the advice of their respective counsel, makes it
inadvisable to proceed;
●
NJCB and 1st
Constitution shall have received from 1st Constitution’s
counsel the tax opinion described under “Material United
States Federal Income Tax Consequences”; and
●
the shares of 1st
Constitution common stock issuable in the merger shall have been
authorized for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to
official notice of issuance.
Additional Conditions Applicable to 1st Constitution
In
addition to the foregoing, 1st Constitution’s obligations to
close the merger are also conditioned, among other things, on the
following:
●
except for
representations made as of a particular date, NJCB’s
representations shall be true and correct in all material respects
(or in all respects for representations which are qualified as to
materiality) at closing;
●
NJCB’s
representations made as of a particular date shall be true and
correct in all material respects (or in all respects for
representations which are qualified as to materiality) as of such
date;
●
NJCB shall have
performed in all material respects the covenants that it is
required to perform under the merger agreement;
●
all consents of
third parties, other than governmental entities, which are
necessary to permit the consummation of the merger, except for
those that would not materially adversely affect NJCB or 1st
Constitution if not obtained, shall have been
obtained;
●
none of such
consents shall contain any term or condition which would materially
adversely affect 1st Constitution;
●
no governmental
entity has imposed a condition or requirement on 1st Constitution
or 1st Constitution Bank (either before or after the effective time
of the merger) that the Board of 1st Constitution reasonably
determines (i) is onerous, (ii) reasonably likely to have a
material imposition on their operations, business or prospects or
(iii) will require 1st Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank to
raise capital within one year of the effective time of the
merger;
●
NJCB shall have
satisfied, or be in the process of satisfying in a manner and under
a timetable reasonably satisfactory to 1st Constitution, the
regulatory matters previously disclosed to 1st Constitution;
and
●
the
indemnification agreements with existing directors of NJCB shall
have been amended and restated in substantially the form attached
as Exhibit F to the merger agreement.
Additional Conditions Applicable to NJCB
In
addition to the foregoing, NJCB’s obligations to close the
merger are also conditioned, among other things, on the
following:
●
except for
representations made as of a particular date, 1st
Constitution’s representations shall be true and correct in
all material respects (or in all respects for representations which
are qualified as to materiality) at closing;
●
1st
Constitution’s representations made as of a particular date
shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all
respects for representations which are qualified as to materiality)
as of such date;
●
1st Constitution
shall have performed in all material respects the covenants which
it is required to perform under the merger agreement;
●
1st Constitution
Bank shall have acknowledged and assumed the amended and restated
indemnification agreements with existing directors of
NJCB.
Except
for the requirements of NJCB shareholder approval, regulatory
approvals and the absence of any order, decree, or injunction
preventing the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement,
either party may waive each of the conditions described above in
the manner and to the extent described in “Amendment;
Waiver” below. However, neither of the parties anticipates
waiving the condition that a tax opinion be delivered by 1st
Constitution’s counsel.
Amendment; Waiver
Subject
to applicable law, at any time prior to completion of the merger,
the parties may:
●
amend the merger
agreement.
●
extend the time
for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the
other party required in the merger agreement.
●
waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other
party contained in the merger agreement.
●
waive compliance
by the other party with any of the agreements or conditions
contained in the merger agreement, except for the requirements of
NJCB shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and the absence of
any order, decree, or injunction preventing the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement.
Termination
Subject
to certain qualifications described in the merger agreement, the
merger agreement may be terminated under the following
circumstances:
●
by agreement of
1st Constitution and NJCB;
●
by either 1st
Constitution or NJCB:
●
if a required
regulatory approval shall have been denied by final, non-appealable
action, provided that the right to terminate will not be available
to any party whose failure to comply with the merger agreement has
been the cause of, or materially contributed to, such
action;
●
if the merger is
not consummated on or before November 6, 2018;
●
if NJCB’s
shareholders fail to approve the merger;
●
if there is a
breach of the other party’s representations in the merger
agreement, and such breach is not cured within thirty days
following written notice to the party committing such breach;
provided, however, that neither party can terminate the merger
agreement unless the breach, together with all other such breaches,
would constitute a failure to satisfy a condition of
closing;
●
if the other party
materially breaches any covenant in the merger agreement;
or
●
if the conditions
to such party’s obligations to close are not capable of being
satisfied on or before November 6, 2018.
●
by NJCB, if it
approves an acquisition proposal, but only if:
●
at least four
business days prior to entering into a definitive agreement
relating to the acquisition proposal, NJCB provides 1st
Constitution with a copy of that agreement;
●
NJCB’s Board
determines in good faith that approving that definitive agreement
is legally necessary for the proper discharge of its fiduciary
duties; and
●
after considering
any response that 1st Constitution may have after reviewing that
definitive agreement, the NJCB Board determines in good faith that
the transactions contemplated by that definitive agreement are
reasonably likely to be consummated and would, if consummated, be
more favorable to NJCB’s shareholders than the merger
agreement and any transaction then being proposed by 1st
Constitution.
We
refer to this termination right as NJCB’s “fiduciary
out.”
In
addition, NJCB will have the right to terminate the merger
agreement in the event that both of the following events occur at
any time during the five day period commencing on the date
(referred to as the determination date) on which all bank
regulatory approvals for the merger have been
received:
●
the average closing
sales price of 1st Constitution common stock on the NASDAQ Global
Market – an average price which we refer to as the “1st
Constitution average closing price” – is less than
$16.00; and
●
the number obtained
by dividing the 1st Constitution average closing price on the
determination date by $18.00 shall be less than the number obtained
by dividing the average of the daily closing prices of the NASDAQ
Bank Index for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately
preceding the determination date by $3,935.30 and subtracting 0.30
(this number is referred to as the index
ratio”).
The
effect of this provision is to enable NJCB to terminate the merger
agreement if the market price of 1st Constitution common stock
falls substantially, both in absolute terms (that is, below $16.00)
and by comparison to the list of banking institutions that comprise
the NASDAQ Bank Index.
Termination Fees
NJCB
has agreed to pay a fee of $275,000 to 1st Constitution and has
agreed to reimburse 1st Constitution for up to $125,000 in
out-of-pocket expenses if:
(i) NJCB
exercises its fiduciary out;
(ii)
1st Constitution terminates the merger agreement under
circumstances where, prior to NJCB shareholder approval, NJCB
refuses to recommend that its shareholders approve the merger or
adopts an alternative acquisition proposal, breaches its
non-solicitation obligations with respect to alternative
acquisition proposals in any material respect adverse to 1st
Constitution or recommends that NJCB shareholders tender their
shares (or fail to reject) a tender offer or exchange offer for 25%
or more of the NJCB common stock; or
(iii)
NJCB or any of its subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement
with respect to, or consummates a transaction contemplated by a
tender or exchange offer to acquire 50% or more of the voting power
in NJCB or any of its subsidiaries, a proposal for a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving NJCB or any
of its subsidiaries or any other proposal or offer to acquire in
any manner 50% or more of the voting power in, or 50% or more of
the business, assets or deposits of, NJCB or any of its
subsidiaries (referred to as a termination fee acquisition
proposal) within 12 months after any of the terminations referred
to in subclause (B)(x), (y) or (z) of the paragraph immediately
following this clause (iii).
In
addition, in the event that (A) a termination fee acquisition
proposal shall have been made directly to NJCB shareholders or
otherwise publicly disclosed or communicated or made known to any
member of NJCB’s senior management or Board of Directors and
(B) the merger agreement is thereafter terminated (x) by 1st
Constitution or NJCB if the merger has not been consummated by
November 6, 2018, unless the failure to consummate the merger is
due to the failure of the terminating party to perform its
covenants and agreements under the merger agreement, or if the
approval of NJCB shareholders has not been obtained by reason of
the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly held meeting
following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which
this proxy statement-prospectus is a part, (y) by 1st Constitution
as a result of its termination right in connection with a breach of
any of the representations or warranties on the part of NJCB, which
breach, if curable prior to November 6, 2018, is not cured within
30 days following written notice, or (z) by 1st Constitution as a
result of its termination right in connection with a material
breach of any of the covenants or agreements on the part of NJCB,
which breach, if curable prior to November 6, 2018, is not cured
within 30 days following written notice, and NJCB or any of its
subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or
consummates a transaction contemplated by, any termination fee
acquisition proposal within 18 months after such termination, then
NJCB has agreed to pay 1st Constitution a fee of
$400,000.
NASDAQ Listing
NJCB’s
obligation to complete the merger is subject to the condition that
the 1st Constitution common stock issuable in the merger be
authorized for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market.
Expenses
Subject
to expense reimbursement in connection with certain types of
termination, 1st Constitution and NJCB will each pay their own
costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, including fees and expenses
of financial consultants, accountants and legal
counsel.
Exchange of NJCB Stock Certificates and Payment of
Consideration
The
conversion of NJCB common stock into the right to receive 1st
Constitution common stock and cash will occur automatically on the
merger’s effective date. As soon as possible after the
effective date of the merger, the Exchange Agent designated by 1st
Constitution will send a transmittal form to NJCB shareholders,
along with instructions, to use in exchanging NJCB stock
certificates for 1st Constitution stock certificates and the cash
portion of the merger consideration, as well as for cash in lieu of
fractional shares. The Exchange Agent will mail certificates
representing shares of 1st Constitution common stock, checks for
the cash consideration and checks for cash in lieu of fractional
share interests to former shareholders of NJCB as soon as
reasonably possible following the closing and its receipt of
certificates representing former shares of NJCB common stock and
other related documentation required by the Exchange
Agent.
NJCB
shareholders should not return their NJCB stock certificates with
the enclosed proxy card. They should not send their NJCB stock
certificates to the Exchange Agent until they receive the
transmittal form after the closing.
Until
the merger has been consummated and the certificates representing
shares of NJCB common stock are surrendered for exchange, holders
of such certificates will not receive the merger consideration or
dividends or distributions on the 1st Constitution common stock
into which such shares have been converted. When such certificates
are surrendered, any unpaid dividends or other distributions will
be paid without interest. For all other purposes, however, each
certificate representing shares of NJCB common stock outstanding at
the merger’s effective date will be deemed to evidence
ownership of and the right to receive the shares of 1st
Constitution common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares)
and cash into which such shares have been converted.
None of
the parties will be liable to any NJCB shareholder for any amount
paid in good faith to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
No
fractional shares of 1st Constitution common stock will be issued
to any shareholder of NJCB upon completion of the merger. For each
fractional share that would otherwise be issued, 1st Constitution
will pay by check an amount equal to the fractional share interest
to which such holder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the
average (rounded to four decimal places) of the daily closing sales
prices of 1st Constitution common stock as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Market for the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the
date that all regulatory approvals are received. All shares of NJCB
common stock held by an NJCB shareholder immediately prior to the
effective time will be aggregated before determining the need to
pay cash in lieu of fractional shares to such holder.
Regulatory Approvals
Completion of the
merger and the bank merger requires approval by the FDIC and the
NJDOBI and may be subject to review and approval by the Federal
Reserve Board. Approval by any of these bank regulators does not
constitute an endorsement of the merger or a determination that the
terms of the merger are fair to NJCB’s shareholders.
Applications were filed with the FDIC and the NJDOBI on December
26, 2017. Approvals for the
applications to the FDIC and the NJDOBI were granted on February 2,
2018 and February 13, 2018, respectively. Following receipt of the
FDIC and NJDOBI approvals, a request for a waiver
from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System was
submitted on February 14, 2018. We cannot assure you that
the necessary Federal Reserve Board waiver will be
granted, or that it will be granted on a timely basis
without conditions unacceptable to 1st Constitution.
Interests of Management and Others in the
Merger
In
considering the recommendation of the NJCB Board regarding the
merger, NJCB shareholders should know that certain directors and
officers of NJCB have interests in the merger in addition to their
interests as shareholders of NJCB. All those additional interests
are described below, to the extent they are material and are known
to NJCB. The NJCB Board and the 1st Constitution and 1st
Constitution Bank Boards were aware of these interests and
considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger
agreement.
The
directors and officers of NJCB have interests in the merger as
directors and employees that are different from the interests of
the other NJCB shareholders. These interests include, among
others:
●
Naqi
A. Naqvi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
NJCB, has an existing change in control agreement with NJCB dated
November 16, 2011. The merger constitutes a change in control and
if as a result of the merger or within twelve months of the merger,
(i) Mr. Naqvi is terminated without just cause (as defined in
the change in
control agreement) or (ii) Mr. Naqvi voluntarily terminates his
employment upon the occurrence, or within six months of such
occurrence, of any one of the following events: (a) he is required
to perform his duties more than 35 miles from his primary office
location at the time the change in control agreement was executed,
(b) 1st Constitution Bank fails to maintain his base compensation
and retirement plans in effect when the merger occurs, (c) he is
assigned duties and responsibilities other than those normally
associated with his current position or (d) his responsibilities or
authority are materially diminished or reduced, Mr. Naqvi will then
be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to two times his
aggregate annual compensation and be eligible to continue coverage
for himself and his dependents under 1st Constitution Bank’s
medical and dental insurance plans at his election and expense for
a period of twelve months. The estimated severance payment to Mr.
Naqvi is $375,000.
●
In addition to Mr.
Naqvi’s change in control, three other NJCB officers have
change in control agreements with NJCB that are dated between May
26, 2017 and June 6, 2017. The merger constitutes a change in
control and (i) if as a result of the merger or within twelve
months of the merger, these officers are terminated without just
cause (as defined in the change in control agreements), including
as a result of death, or (ii) if within 6 months of the merger,
they voluntarily terminate their employment upon the
occurrence of any one of
the following events: (a) they are required to perform their duties
more than 35 miles from their primary office location at the time
the change in control agreements were executed, (b) 1st
Constitution Bank reduces their base compensation in effect when
the merger occurs or (c) their responsibilities or authority are
materially diminished or reduced, these NJCB officers will then be
entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one times their
respective aggregate annual compensation. The aggregate estimated
severance payments to these three NJCB officers is
$315,250.
●
Three NJCB
officers, who do not have employment agreements or change in
control agreements, will enter into retention bonus agreements with
1st Constitution, 1st Constitution Bank and NJCB. If any of these
NJCB officers remains an employee of NJCB through the date after
the effective time of the merger when his or her job function has
been converted or transitioned and does not accept employment with
1st Constitution or 1st Constitution Bank for any period subsequent
to the effective time of the merger, he or she will be entitled to
receive a retention bonus payment. The aggregate estimated
retention bonus payments to these three NJCB officers is
$45,000.
●
William H. Placke,
President and Chief Executive Officer of NJCB, and Mr. Naqvi hold
options to purchase 15,000 and 7,500 shares of NJCB common stock,
respectively, at an exercise price of $3.55 per share. In addition,
other NJCB employees hold options to purchase an aggregate of 7,700
shares of NJCB common stock at an exercise price of $3.55 per
share. Upon consummation of the merger, each of these options,
whether vested or unvested, will be converted into the right to
receive $0.45 for each share underlying the options, which amount
is equal to the difference between $4.00 and the exercise price of
$3.55 per share set forth in the options.
●
The merger
agreement provides that 1st Constitution will indemnify the
directors and officers of NJCB against certain liabilities for a
three-year period following completion of the merger. In addition,
1st Constitution has agreed to cause the persons serving as
officers and directors of NJCB immediately prior to the merger to
be covered by directors and officers liability insurance for a
period of four years after the closing, subject to a limitation on
the amount which 1st Constitution must spend for this insurance.
Finally, 1st Constitution has agreed to assume the obligations of
NJCB under indemnification agreements, as amended and restated,
between NJCB and each member of the NJCB Board of
Directors.
Accounting Treatment
The
assets and liabilities of NJCB as of the effective date of the
merger will be recorded at their respective estimated fair values
and added to those of 1st Constitution. Any excess of purchase
price over the net estimated fair values of the acquired assets and
liabilities of NJCB will be allocated to all identifiable
intangible assets. Any remaining excess will then be allocated
to goodwill, the goodwill resulting from the merger will not be
amortized to expense, but instead will be reviewed for impairment
at least annually. To the extent goodwill is impaired, its carrying
value would be written down to its implied fair value and a charge
would be made to earnings. Core deposit intangibles and other
intangibles with definite useful lives will be amortized to expense
over their estimated useful lives. 1st Constitution will include in
its results of operations the results of NJCB’s operations
after completion of the merger.
Material United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences
This
section describes the anticipated material United States federal
income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders of NJCB
common stock, who will exchange their shares of NJCB common stock
for a combination of shares of 1st Constitution common stock and
cash pursuant to the merger.
For
purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial
owner of NJCB common stock who for United States federal income tax
purposes is:
●
An individual who
is a citizen or resident of the United States;
●
a corporation, or
other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of
the United States or any state or political subdivision
thereof;
●
a trust that (1)
is subject to (A) the primary supervision of a court within the
United States and (B) the authority of one or more United
States persons to control all substantial decisions of the trust or
(2) has a valid election in effect under applicable 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 (including for this purpose any entity treated as a
partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds
NJCB common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will
depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partner and the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership
holding NJCB common stock, you should consult your tax
advisor.
This
discussion addresses only those NJCB shareholders that hold their
NJCB common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of
section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”; any section of the Code, a
“Section”), and does not address all the United States
federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular
NJCB shareholders in light of their individual circumstances or to
NJCB shareholders that are subject to special rules, such
as:
●
financial
institutions;
●
investors in
pass-through entities;
●
tax-exempt
organizations;
●
traders in
securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of
accounting;
●
persons that hold
NJCB common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale
or conversion transaction;
●
certain
expatriates or persons that have a functional currency other than
the U.S. dollar;
●
persons who are
not U.S. holders; and
●
shareholders who
acquired their shares of NJCB common stock through the exercise of
an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation or through a
tax-qualified retirement plan.
In
addition, the discussion does not address any alternative minimum
tax or any state, local or foreign tax consequences of the merger,
nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the unearned
income Medicare contribution tax enacted pursuant to the Health
Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
The
following discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its
legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder
and published rulings and decisions, all as currently in effect as
of the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change,
possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the
continuing validity of this discussion.
To the
extent this section consists of statements as to matters of U.S.
tax law, this section is the opinion of Day
Pitney.
1st
Constitution and NJCB have structured the merger to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Assuming that the merger is completed
according to the terms of the merger agreement and based upon
facts, factual representations and assumptions contained in
representation letters provided by 1st Constitution and NJCB, all
of which must continue to be true and accurate in all material
respects through the effective time of the merger, and subject to
the assumptions and qualifications to be contained in the opinion
of Day Pitney to be delivered at closing and the assumptions and
qualifications contained in this “Material United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences” section of this proxy
statement and prospectus, it is the opinion of Day Pitney, counsel
to 1st Constitution, that the merger will qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
The
obligation of 1st Constitution and NJCB to complete the merger is
conditioned upon the receipt at closing of an opinion from Day
Pitney, counsel to 1st Constitution, to the effect that the merger
will for federal income tax purposes qualify as a reorganization
based upon customary representations made by 1st Constitution and
NJCB. This opinion will not be binding on the Internal Revenue
Service or the courts. 1st Constitution and NJCB have not requested
and do not intend to request any ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service as to the United States federal income tax consequences of
the merger. Accordingly, each NJCB shareholder should consult its
tax advisor with respect to the particular tax consequences of the
merger to such holder.
Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally to
Holders of NJCB Common Stock if the Merger Qualifies as a
Reorganization Under Section 368(a) of the Code. If the
merger is treated as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, the tax
consequences to holders of NJCB common stock will be as follows
(holders of NJCB common stock also should consult the
“Treatment of Cash Placed in Escrow” section
below):
●
gain (but not
loss) will be recognized in an amount equal to the lesser of (1)
the amount by which the sum of the fair market value of the 1st
Constitution common stock and cash received by a holder of NJCB
common stock exceeds such holder’s adjusted tax basis in its
NJCB common stock, and (2) the amount of cash received by such
holder of NJCB common stock (except with respect to any cash
received instead of fractional share interests in 1st Constitution
common stock, as discussed in the section entitled “Cash
Received Instead of a Fractional Share of 1st Constitution Common
Stock” below);
●
the aggregate
basis of the 1st Constitution common stock received in the merger
will be the same as the aggregate basis of the NJCB common stock
for which it is exchanged, decreased by the amount of cash received
in the merger (except with respect to any cash received instead of
fractional share interests in 1st Constitution common stock),
decreased by any basis attributable to fractional share interests
in 1st Constitution common stock for which cash is received, and
increased by the amount of gain recognized on the exchange
(regardless of whether such gain is classified as capital gain, or
as ordinary dividend income, as discussed below, but excluding any
gain or loss recognized with respect to fractional share interests
in 1st Constitution common stock for which cash is received);
and
●
the holding period
of 1st Constitution common stock received in exchange for shares of
NJCB common stock will include the holding period of the NJCB
common stock for which it is exchanged.
If
holders of NJCB common stock have acquired different blocks of NJCB
common stock at different times or at different prices, any gain or
loss will be determined separately with respect to each block of
NJCB common stock and such holders’ basis and holding period
in their shares of 1st Constitution common stock may be determined
with reference to each block of NJCB common stock. Any such holders
should consult their tax advisors regarding the manner in which
cash and 1st Constitution common stock received in the exchange
should be allocated among different blocks of NJCB common stock and
with respect to identifying the bases or holding periods of the
particular shares of 1st Constitution common stock received in the
merger.
Gain
that holders of NJCB common stock recognize in connection with the
merger generally will constitute capital gain and will constitute
long-term capital gain if such holders have held (or are treated as
having held) their NJCB common stock for more than one year as of
the date of the merger. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate
holders of NJCB common stock is generally taxed at preferential
rates. In some cases, if a holder actually or constructively owns
1st Constitution stock other
than
1st Constitution stock received pursuant to the merger, the
recognized gain could be treated as having the effect of a
distribution of a dividend under the tests set forth in
Section 302, in which case such gain would be treated as
dividend income. Because the possibility of dividend treatment
depends primarily upon each holder’s particular
circumstances, including the application of the constructive
ownership rules, holders of NJCB common stock should consult their
tax advisors regarding the application of the foregoing rules to
their particular circumstances.
Cash Received Instead of a Fractional Share of
1st Constitution Common Stock. A holder of NJCB common stock
who receives cash instead of a fractional share of 1st Constitution
common stock will generally be treated as having
received
the
fractional share pursuant to the merger and then as having sold
that fractional share of 1st Constitution common stock for cash. As
a result, a holder of NJCB common stock will generally recognize
gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash
received and the basis in his or her fractional share interest as
set forth above. Except as described above, this gain or loss will
generally be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital
gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, the
holding period for such shares is greater than one year. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to
limitations.
Backup Withholding and Information
Reporting. Payments of cash to a holder of NJCB common stock
may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information
reporting and backup withholding, unless the holder provides proof
of an applicable exemption satisfactory to 1st Constitution and the
exchange agent or furnishes its taxpayer identification number, and
otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup
withholding rules. Any amounts withheld from payments to a holder
under the backup withholding rules are not additional tax and will
be allowed as a refund or credit against the holder’s United
States federal income tax liability, provided the required
information is furnished to the Internal Revenue
Service.
Tax Treatment of the Entities. No gain
or loss will be recognized by 1st Constitution or NJCB as a result
of the merger. The tax basis of the assets of NJCB in the hands of
1st Constitution will be the same as the tax basis of the assets in
the hands of NJCB immediately prior to the merger.
Tax Consequences if the Merger Fails to
Qualify as a Reorganization. If the merger does not qualify
as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, then each U.S. holder of NJCB
common stock will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the
difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the
shares of 1st Constitution common stock, as of the effective date
of the merger, received by such U.S. holder pursuant to the merger
and the amount of any cash received by such U.S. holder pursuant to
the merger and (b) its adjusted tax basis in the shares of
NJCB common stock surrendered in exchange therefor. Gain or loss
will be computed separately with respect to each identified block
of NJCB common stock exchanged in the merger.
Further, if the
merger is not treated as a “reorganization” within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, NJCB will
be subject to tax on the deemed sale of its assets to 1st
Constitution, with gain or loss for this purpose measured by the
difference between NJCB’s tax basis in its assets and the
fair market value of the consideration deemed to be received
therefor or, in other words, the cash and shares of 1st
Constitution common stock plus liabilities assumed in the merger,
and 1st Constitution will become liable for any tax liability of
NJCB resulting from the merger.
Reporting Requirements. An NJCB
shareholder who receives 1st Constitution common stock as a result
of the merger will be required to retain records pertaining to the
merger. Certain NJCB shareholders are subject to certain reporting
requirements with respect to the merger. In particular, such
shareholders will be required to attach a statement to their tax
returns for the year of the merger that contains the information
listed in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(b). The statement
must include the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its NJCB
common stock and other information regarding the reorganization.
NJCB’s shareholders are urged to consult with their tax
advisers with respect to these and other reporting requirements
applicable to the merger.
Treatment of Cash Placed in Escrow
If the
merger is completed, a current holder of NJCB stock will receive,
in addition to an amount of 1st Constitution stock determined as
explained above, $1.60 in cash, subject to $0.21 being placed in
escrow in accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger
agreement to cover costs and expenses that may be incurred by 1st
Constitution after the effective time of the merger as a result of
specific pending litigation against NJCB. An NJCB shareholder who
receives a pro rata interest in the escrow fund should not report
the merger as an installment sale because the 1st Constitution
common stock received is considered to be traded on an
“established securities market” under Section
453(k)(2)(A) of the Code and is thus not eligible for the
installment method.
Instead, the
shareholder may report the receipt of its share of the escrow fund,
for the taxable year encompassing the Effective Time, either by
using (1) the Fair Market Value Method or (2) the Open Transaction
Method, each as described below. If the shareholder uses the
“Fair Market Value Method,” it will determine the fair
market value of its pro rata share of the expected escrow fund
distributions and report this amount along with the cash
consideration actually received (i.e., the fair market value of
such pro rata share will be treated as cash consideration that is
received). If the shareholder uses the “Open Transaction
Method,” it will determine that the escrow fund distributions
are so contingent and speculative so as to make it impossible to
value them and report its pro rata share of the escrow fund
accordingly. The ability to use the Open Transaction Method is
generally limited to rare and extraordinary
cases.
If a
shareholder reports its pro rata share of the escrow fund under the
Fair Market Value Method, then to the extent that actual
distributions from the escrow fund differ from their estimated
value, the shareholder (1) will be required report a gain in future
years if the actual amounts received are in excess of the original
estimated value and (2) may be able either (A) to report a capital
loss or (B) to increase the basis in its 1st Constitution
common stock received in the merger if the actual amounts received
are less than the original estimated value. If a U.S. holder
reports its pro rata shares of the Escrow Fund under the Open
Transaction Method, then subsequent distributions from the Escrow
Fund are reportable when received. It is possible that the IRS may
not agree that the Open Transaction Method is available and assess
penalties and interest plus additional taxes for the year that
includes the Effective Time.
Shareholders should
be considered the owners of their pro rata share of the escrowed
funds and should be taxed on their pro rata share of the periodic
earnings (including, but not limited to, interest income) on the
escrowed funds on an annual basis. A portion of any escrowed cash
and/or earnings thereon may be characterized as ordinary interest
income for United States federal income tax purposes under the
imputed interest rules of the Code. As a result, a portion of any
payments made to the U.S. holders from the escrow at a date later
than the merger may be re-characterized as interest income;
applicable tax law may allocate payments between interest and sales
proceeds, whether or not the parties have done so. Generally, the
amount of imputed interest income, if any, on the escrowed cash
should be determined by comparing the actual interest earned by the
U.S. holders with respect to the escrowed cash to the applicable
federal rate in effect for the month in which the Effective Time of
the merger occurs.
The
taxation of cash escrow arrangements and the interest thereon (both
actual and imputed) is complex and uncertain. Each holder of NJCB
common stock is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the tax
consequences of the escrow fund.
Tax legislation
On
December 22, 2017, President Trump signed legislation that makes
significant changes to the Code. These changes to the tax law, many
of which will be effective on January 1, 2018, should not impact
the tax consequences of the merger described above. However, it is
possible that further legislation affecting the tax laws will be
enacted, and that such legislation may have an effective date
before the merger has taken place. You should consult with your own
tax advisor regarding the impact of any new tax
legislation.
The
preceding discussion is intended only as a summary of material
United States federal income tax consequences of the merger to
holders of NJCB common stock. It is not a complete analysis or
discussion of all potential tax effects that may be important to
you. Thus, you are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the
specific tax consequences resulting from the merger, including tax
return reporting requirements, the applicability and effect of
federal, state, local, and other tax laws and the effect of any
proposed changes in the tax laws.
Rights of Dissenting Shareholders
The
rights of dissenting shareholders are governed by § 17:9A-140
through § 17:9A-146 of the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as
amended.
Under
these statutes, shareholders of NJCB (i) who are entitled to vote
at the special meeting of NJCB shareholders, (ii) who serve a
written notice of dissent from the merger agreement to NJCB at its
principal office, which may be made by registered mail or
personally by the dissenting shareholder or his, her or its agent,
no later than the third day prior to the date of the special
meeting of NJCB shareholders and (iii) who do not vote to approve
the merger agreement at the special meeting of NJCB shareholders,
may, within 30 days after the filing of the merger agreement with
the NJDOBI, serve a demand notice upon the surviving bank at its
principal office, which
may be made by registered mail or personally by the
dissenting
shareholder or its agent, for payment to the dissenting shareholder
of the value of its shares of stock. The surviving bank may, within
ten days after receipt of such demand notice, offer to pay the
dissenting shareholder an amount which, in the opinion of the Board
of the surviving bank, does not exceed the amount which would be
paid for the shares of stock if the business and assets of NJCB
were liquidated on the day of the filing of the merger agreement with
the NJDOBI.
If
the dissenting shareholder does not accept the amount offered by
the surviving bank or if no offer is made by the surviving bank, it
may institute an action in the Superior Court of New Jersey for the
appointment of a board of three appraisers to determine the value
of its stock as of the date of the filing of the merger agreement
with the NJDOBI. The action must be instituted in the Superior
Court of New Jersey within three weeks of the date on which the
shareholder received the
surviving
bank’s offer or, if no offer was made, within three weeks of
the date on which the shareholder served a demand
notice
upon the surviving bank. Any other shareholder who has the right to
institute a similar action may intervene and the Superior Court of
New Jersey will appoint a single board of three appraisers to
determine the value of the shares of all shareholders who are
parties to the action. Compensation of the three appraisers will be
determined by the Superior Court and paid by the surviving
bank.
The
board of three appraisers will give notice of their meetings and
the surviving bank and shareholders who are party to the action may
be represented by attorneys at the meetings and present evidence to
the appraisers. The determination of any two of the appraisers will
control and upon conclusion of the appraisers’ deliberations,
they will file a report and appraisal of the value of the shares of
stock in the Superior Court and mail copies of the report and
appraisal to the surviving bank and each shareholder who is party
to the action. The surviving bank and the shareholders party to the
action will have ten days after the filing of the report and
appraisal in the Superior Court to object to the findings of the
appraisers. If there are no objections, the report and appraisal
will be binding upon the bank and the shareholders party to the
action and the surviving bank will pay such shareholders the value
of their shares as reported by the appraisers with interest from
the date of the filing of the merger agreement with the NJDOBI
calculated at an interest rate to be determined by the appraisers,
which will not be in excess of the legal rate. If objections are
made, the Superior Court will make a ruling on the
objections.
An
offer by the surviving bank and acceptance of such offer by a
dissenting shareholder or a determination of the value of the
shares of stock pursuant to the institution of an action will
constitute a debt of the surviving bank for which an action can be
brought for the recovery of such amount.
In
addition to the above described process, a shareholder may
institute an action in the Superior Court of New Jersey not later
than five days prior to the date of the special meeting of NJCB
shareholders to enjoin the merger on the grounds that the merger
agreement is unfair, inequitable or contrary to law. The Superior
Court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or
otherwise.
The
text of § 17:9A-140 through § 17:9A-146 of the New Jersey
Banking Act of 1948, as amended, is attached to this proxy
statement-prospectus as Annex C.
A
shareholder who fails to act pursuant to § 17:9A-140, §
17:9A-141 and § 17:9A-146 of the New Jersey Banking Act of
1948, as amended, will be forever barred from bringing any action
(i) to enforce its right to be paid the value of its shares or (ii)
to enjoin, set aside or otherwise affect the merger under these
statutory provisions. Consequently, if you wish to exercise your
dissenters’ rights, you are strongly urged to consult with
your legal advisor before attempting to do so.
Voting Agreements
As a
condition to 1st Constitution’s execution of the merger
agreement, the directors, executive officers and 5% shareholders of
NJCB have entered into voting agreements with 1st Constitution.
Under the voting agreements, the directors, executive officers and
5% shareholders who are parties to such agreements have agreed to
vote in favor of the merger and against any competing proposal. The
commitment of directors and executive officers, however, is subject
to the “fiduciary out” provision of the merger
agreement described above. As of the record date of February
5, 2018, such directors and executive officers had sole or
shared voting power over 550,024 shares of NJCB common
stock, or approximately 28.8% of the shares of NJCB
common stock outstanding on the record date. In addition, as of the
record date of February 5, 2018, the 5% shareholders
had sole or shared voting power over 289,370 shares of
NJCB common stock, or approximately 15.2% of the
shares of NJCB common stock outstanding on the record
date.
INFORMATION ABOUT 1ST CONSTITUTION
General
1st
Constitution is a bank holding company registered under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. 1st Constitution was
organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey in February
1999 for the purpose of acquiring all of the issued and outstanding
stock of 1st Constitution Bank, a full service commercial bank that
began operations in August 1989, thereby enabling 1st Constitution
Bank to operate within a bank holding company structure. 1st
Constitution became an active bank holding company on July 1, 1999.
Other than its ownership interest in 1st Constitution Bank, 1st
Constitution currently conducts no other significant business
activities. 1st Constitution Bank operates 18 branches and manages
an investment portfolio through its subsidiary, 1st Constitution
Investment Company of New Jersey, Inc. FCB Assets Holdings, Inc., a
subsidiary of 1st Constitution Bank, is used by 1st Constitution
Bank to manage and dispose of repossessed real estate. 1st
Constitution Capital Trust II, a subsidiary of 1st Constitution,
was created in May 2006 to issue trust preferred securities to
assist 1st Constitution in raising additional regulatory
capital.
As of
September 30, 2017, 1st Constitution had:
●
consolidated total
assets of $1.069 billion;
●
total deposits of
$870 million;
●
total loans of $772
million; and
●
total
shareholders’ equity of $112 million.
1st
Constitution’s principal executive offices and telephone
number are:
2650
Route 130
P.O.
Box 634
Cranbury, New
Jersey 08512
(609)
655-4500
INFORMATION ABOUT NJCB
General
NJCB is
an independent New Jersey state chartered full service community
bank that opened for business in 2008. The Bank conducts a general
commercial and retail banking business encompassing a wide range of
lending products including commercial and commercial real estate
loans, term loans and revolving credit arrangements for businesses
and consumer loans. It also offers a broad variety of deposit
accounts including consumer and commercial checking accounts and a
variety of time deposits.
As of
September 30, 2017, NJCB had:
●
consolidated total
assets of $104 million;
●
total deposits of
$94 million;
●
total loans of $83
million; and
●
total
shareholders’ equity of $9 million.
NJCB’s
principal executive offices and telephone number are:
3441
U.S. Highway 9
Freehold, New
Jersey 07728
(732)
431-2265
DESCRIPTION OF 1ST CONSTITUTION CAPITAL STOCK
The
authorized capital stock of 1st Constitution
presently consists of 30,000,000 shares of common stock and
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, 40,000 of which have been
designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and 12,000
of which have been designated Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual
Preferred Stock, Series B. As of February 5, 2018,
8,085,761 shares of 1st Constitution’s common
stock and no shares of preferred stock were
outstanding.
The
following is merely a summary of the terms of 1st Constitution’s
capital stock. The full terms of 1st Constitution’s
capital stock are set forth in 1st Constitution’s Certificate
of Incorporation. A conformed copy of 1st Constitution’s
Certificate of Incorporation is attached as Exhibit 3(i)(A) to 1st
Constitution’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 27,
2009.
General
1st Constitution is
a New Jersey general business corporation governed by the New
Jersey Business Corporation Act and a registered bank holding
company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended.
COMMON STOCK
The
following description contains certain general terms of the
1st Constitution’s
common stock.
Dividend Rights
The
holders of 1st Constitution’s
common stock are entitled to dividends when, as, and if declared by
the 1st Constitution
Board out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends.
Generally, New Jersey law prohibits corporations from paying
dividends if, after giving effect to the distribution, the
corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in
the usual course of its business or the corporation’s total
assets would be less than its total liabilities.
The
primary source of dividends paid to the 1st Constitution’s
shareholders is dividends paid to 1st Constitution by
1st Constitution Bank. Thus, as a practical matter, any
restrictions on the ability of 1st Constitution Bank to pay
dividends will act as restrictions on the amount of funds available
for payment of dividends by 1st Constitution. Dividend payments by
1st Constitution Bank to 1st Constitution are
subject to the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948 and the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act, under which 1st Constitution Bank may not
pay any dividends if, after paying the dividend, it would be
undercapitalized under applicable capital requirements. In addition
to these explicit limitations, the federal regulatory agencies are
authorized to prohibit a banking subsidiary or bank holding company
from engaging in an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Depending
upon the circumstances, the agencies could take the position that
paying a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking
practice.
The
dividend rights of holders of 1st Constitution’s
common stock are qualified and subject to the dividend rights of
holders of 1st Constitution’s
preferred stock that may be issued in the future as described below
in the section titled “BLANK CHECK PREFERRED
STOCK”.
Voting Rights
Each
holder of 1st Constitution’s
common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held on all
matters voted upon by the shareholders, including the election of
directors. There is no cumulative voting in the election of
directors.
Preemptive Rights
Holders
of shares of 1st Constitution’s
common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights with respect to
any shares of the common stock that may be issued.
Liquidation Rights
In the
event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of 1st Constitution, or
upon any distribution of its capital assets, after the payment of
debts and liabilities and subject to the prior rights of the
holders of preferred stock, holders of 1st Constitution’s
common stock are entitled to receive, on a pro rata per share
basis, all remaining assets of 1st Constitution.
Assessment and Redemption
All
outstanding shares of 1st Constitution’s
common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. 1st Constitution’s
common stock is not redeemable at the option of the issuer or the
holders thereof.
Transfer Agent
American Stock
Transfer and Trust Company is presently the transfer agent for
1st Constitution’s
common stock.
Listing
1st Constitution’s
common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol
“FCCY”.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Certificate of Incorporation
Provisions of
1st Constitution’s
Certificate of Incorporation may have anti-takeover effects. These
provisions may discourage attempts by others to acquire control of
1st Constitution
without negotiation with 1st Constitution’s Board. The effect
of these provisions is discussed briefly below.
The
shares of 1st Constitution’s
common stock authorized by its Certificate of Incorporation but not
issued provide 1st Constitution’s
Board with the flexibility to effect financings, acquisitions,
stock dividends, stock splits and stock-based grants without the
need for a shareholder vote. 1st Constitution’s
Board, consistent with its fiduciary duties, could also authorize
the issuance of shares of preferred stock, and could establish
voting conversion, liquidation and other rights for 1st Constitution’s
preferred stock being issued, in an effort to deter attempts to
gain control of 1st Constitution. For a further discussion, see
“Anti-Takeover Provisions – Blank Check Preferred
Stock” below.
2.
Classification of
Board
1st Constitution’s
Certificate of Incorporation currently provides that its Board is
divided into three classes of as nearly equal size as possible,
with one class elected annually to serve for a term of three years.
This classification of 1st Constitution’s
Board has the effect of making it more difficult for shareholders
to change the composition of the Board, whether or not a change in
the Board would be beneficial to 1st Constitution. It
may discourage a takeover of 1st Constitution
because a shareholder with a majority interest in 1st Constitution
would have to wait for at least two consecutive annual meetings of
shareholders to elect a majority of the members of 1st Constitution’s
Board.
SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
1st
Constitution previously authorized forty thousand shares of Series
A Junior Participating Preferred Stock in connection with 1st
Constitution’s dividend distribution of one right for each
outstanding share of its common stock to 1st Constitution
shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 29,
2004. Each right entitled the registered holder to purchase from
1st Constitution one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock at a price of $142.00 per one
one-hundredth of a share, subject to adjustment, under certain
circumstances if the rights become exercisable. The rights expired
on March 29, 2014 without ever becoming exercisable and no shares
of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock were ever issued.
Accordingly, there are no shares of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock presently outstanding, and 1st Constitution does
not intend to issue any shares of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock in the future.
FIXED RATE CUMULATIVE PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES
B
1st
Constitution previously authorized twelve thousand shares of Fixed
Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, in connection
with its participation in the United States Department of the
Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase
Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The
twelve thousand shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred
Stock, Series B, were issued to the United States Department of the
Treasury on December 23, 2008 and subsequently repurchased by 1st
Constitution on October 27, 2010. Accordingly, there are no shares
of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B,
presently outstanding, and 1st Constitution does not intend to not
re-issue any shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred
Stock, Series B, in the future.
BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK
The
remaining 4,948,000 undesignated shares of preferred stock are
typically referred to as “blank check” preferred stock.
This term refers to stock for which the rights and restrictions are
determined by the board of directors of a corporation.
1st Constitution’s
Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 1st Constitution’s
Board to issue new shares of 1st Constitution’s
preferred stock without further shareholder action.
1st Constitution’s
Certificate of Incorporation gives the Board authority at any time
to:
●
divide any or all
of the remaining authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock
into classes and to divide such classes into series;
●
determine the
designation, number of shares, relative rights, preferences and
limitations of any class or series of preferred stock;
●
increase the number
of shares of any class or series of preferred stock;
●
decrease the number
of shares in a class or series, but not to a number less than the
number of shares of such class or series then
outstanding;
●
change the
designation, number of shares, relative rights, preferences and
limitations of any class or series; and
●
determine the
relative rights and preferences which are subordinate to, or equal
with, the shares of any other class or series.
With
respect to any class or series of preferred stock, 1st Constitution’s
Certificate of Incorporation further gives the Board at any time to
determine:
●
the dividend rate
on shares of such class or series and any restrictions, limitations
or conditions upon the payment of such dividends, and whether
dividends are cumulative, and the dates on which dividends, if
declared, would be payable;
●
whether the shares
of such class or series would be redeemable and, if so, the terms
of redemption;
●
the rights of
holders of shares of such class or series in the event of the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of 1st Constitution,
whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of its
assets;
●
whether the shares
of such class or series would be subject to the operation of a
purchase, retirement or sinking fund and, if so, the terms and
conditions thereof;
●
whether the shares
of such class or series would be convertible into shares of any
other class or series of the same or any other class, and if so,
the terms of such conversion; and
●
the extent of
voting powers, if any, of the shares of such class or
series.
The
issuance of additional common or preferred stock may be viewed as
having adverse effects upon the holders of common stock. Holders of
1st Constitution’s
common stock will not have preemptive rights with respect to any
newly issued stock. 1st Constitution’s
Board could adversely affect the voting power of holders of
1st Constitution’s
common stock by issuing shares of preferred stock with certain
voting, conversion and/or redemption rights. In the event of a
proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of
1st Constitution
that the Board does not believe to be in the best interests of its
shareholders, the Board could issue additional preferred stock
which could make any such takeover attempt more difficult to
complete. Blank check preferred stock may also be used in
connection with the issuance of a shareholder rights plan,
sometimes called a poison pill.
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS
The
rights of 1st Constitution shareholders are governed by New Jersey
corporate law and 1st Constitution’s Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws. The rights of NJCB shareholders are
governed by New Jersey banking law and its Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws. There are differences between 1st
Constitution and NJCB that will affect the relative rights of 1st
Constitution shareholders and NJCB shareholders.
The
following discussion describes and summarizes the material
differences between the rights of 1st Constitution common
shareholders and NJCB common shareholders. With respect to each
issue described below, the information set forth
in the
left column describes the rights NJCB common shareholders currently
enjoy, while the information set forth in the right column
describes the rights enjoyed by 1st Constitution common
shareholders. If the merger is completed, any NJCB common
shareholder who becomes a common shareholder of 1st Constitution
will be entitled to and become subject to all of the rights
described in the right column. The following discussion is not a
complete discussion of all of the differences. For a complete
understanding of all of the differences, you should review the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of 1st Constitution, the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of NJCB and the New Jersey
statutes. Copies of the respective Certificates of Incorporation
and By-laws of both 1st Constitution and NJCB may be obtained from
the secretary of each entity.
NJCB
|
|
1ST CONSTITUTION
|
Voting
Rights
|
Holders of shares
of NJCB common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of
common stock held.
|
|
Holders of shares
of 1st Constitution common stock are entitled to one vote for each
share of common stock held.
|
Rights on Liquidation
|
In the
event of liquidation, after payment of indebtedness, NJCB common
shareholders are entitled to receive pro-rata any assets
distributable to common shareholders with respect to the shares of
NJCB common stock held by them.
|
|
In the
event of liquidation, after payment of indebtedness and subject to
the prior rights of the holders of preferred stock, 1st
Constitution common shareholders are entitled to receive pro-rata
any assets distributable to common shareholders with respect to the
shares of 1st Constitution common stock held by them.
|
|
|
|
Rights
of Preemption
|
Holders of shares
of NJCB common stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to
or to acquire additional shares of NJCB common stock that may be
issued. NJCB has the right to issue and to sell shares of NJCB
common stock or any option, warrant or right to acquire NJCB common
stock, or any securities having conversion or option rights,
without first offering such shares, rights or securities to any
holder of NJCB common stock. An increase in the authorized amount
of capital stock would require an amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation. The shares of newly authorized stock may be issued
without offering them first to existing common
shareholders.
|
|
Holders of shares
of 1st Constitution common stock do not have preemptive rights to
subscribe to or to acquire additional shares of 1st Constitution
common stock that may be issued. 1st Constitution has the right to
issue and to sell shares of 1st Constitution common stock or any
option, warrant or right to acquire 1st Constitution common stock,
or any securities having conversion or option rights, without first
offering such shares, rights or securities to any holder of 1st
Constitution common stock. An increase in the authorized amount of
capital stock would require an amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation. The shares of newly authorized stock may be issued
without offering them first to existing common
shareholders.
|
Rights to Call a Special
Meeting of the Shareholders
|
Special meetings
of NJCB’s shareholders may be called by the President or the
Board upon the written demand to the President by the holder(s) of
not less than 10% of all outstanding shares entitled to vote at the
meeting.
|
|
Special meetings
of 1st Constitution’s shareholders may be called by the
President or Secretary upon the written demand of the holders of
not less than 25% of all outstanding shares entitled to vote at the
meeting.
|
Shareholders’ Rights
to Amend Corporate Governing Documents
|
An
amendment to NJCB’s Certificate of Incorporation may be made
if it is adopted by the Board and approved by the holders of at
least two-thirds of NJCB’s capital stock entitled to vote at
any meeting of the shareholders.
The
Board has the power to make, alter and repeal the By-laws of NJCB,
subject to alteration or repeal by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at
any meeting of shareholders.
|
|
An
amendment to 1st Constitution’s Certificate of Incorporation
may be made if it is approved by the holders of a majority of 1st
Constitution’s capital stock entitled to vote at any meeting
of shareholders.
The
Board has the power to make, alter and repeal the By-laws of 1st
Constitution, subject to alteration or repeal by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders.
|
Election and
Classification of the Board of Directors
|
The
NJCB Board is not classified and all directors stand for election
annually. Holders of shares of NJCB common stock do not have the
right to cumulate their votes in the election of
directors.
|
|
The
1st Constitution Board is divided into three classes that serve for
terms of three years, with each class consisting as nearly as
possible of one-third of the authorized number of directors. At
each annual meeting, one class of directors will be elected for a
term of three years to succeed those directors in the class whose
terms then expire. Holders of shares of 1st Constitution common
stock do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election
of directors.
|
Nomination
of Directors by Shareholders
|
In
addition to the right of the Board to make nominations for the
election of directors, any voting shareholder may nominate a person
to stand for election at an annual meeting of the shareholders of
NJCB, provided that the shareholder complies with advance notice
requirements specified in the By-laws. Notice of nominations must
be given not less than 90 days prior to any meeting of the
shareholders called for the election of directors.
|
|
In
addition to the right of the Board to make nominations for the
election of directors, any voting shareholder may nominate a person
to stand for election at an annual meeting of the shareholders of
1st Constitution, provided that the shareholder complies with
advance notice requirements specified in the By-laws. Notice of
nominations must be given not less than 90 days prior to the
anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting.
|
|
|
|
Rights to Remove a
Director
|
A
director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
common stock entitled to vote for the election of
directors.
|
|
A
director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of common stock entitled to vote at any meeting of
shareholders and voting separately as a class.
|
Shareholders’ Rights to Reports
|
Shares
of NJCB common stock are not registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. However, upon the written request
of any shareholder, NJCB will mail to such shareholder the balance
sheet of NJCB as of the end of the preceding fiscal year, as well
as NJCB’s statement of income and loss and NJCB’s
statement of shareholders equity for such fiscal year. Further, any
shareholder of record for at least 6 months immediately preceding a
demand, or any person holding at least 5% of the outstanding shares
of common stock, upon at least 5 days’ written demand, has
the right for any proper purpose to examine NJCB’s minutes of
the meetings of its shareholders and list of record shareholders
during normal business hours.
|
|
Shares
of 1st Constitution common stock are registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, 1st
Constitution is required to provide annual reports containing
audited consolidated financial statements to its shareholders. 1st
Constitution also files reports on a quarterly basis that contain
unaudited financial information and makes copies of such reports
available on its website.
|
|
|
Preferred
Stock
|
NJCB
does not currently have any shares of preferred stock outstanding,
but the Board is permitted under New Jersey banking law to issue
preferred stock if an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
authorizing the issuance of preferred stock is approved by the
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common
stock.
|
|
1st
Constitution does not currently have any shares of preferred stock
outstanding, but the Board is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock and to determine the class and rights to
be attached to any share of preferred stock without obtaining
common shareholder approval.
|
PROPOSAL 2:
ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTE ON OTHER
MATTERS
NJCB is
also submitting a proposal for consideration at the special meeting
to authorize the named proxies (i) to approve one or more
adjournments of the special meeting if there are not sufficient
votes to approve the merger agreement at the time of the special
meeting and (ii) to vote on other matters properly presented at the
special meeting. Even though a quorum may be present at the special
meeting, it is possible that NJCB may not have received the
favorable vote of at least two-thirds of the shares of NJCB’s
common stock outstanding on the record date that are necessary to
approve the merger agreement by the time of the special meeting. In
that event, a majority of the Board may determine to seek one or
more adjournments of the special meeting in order to solicit
additional proxies. In addition, there may be other matters that
may be properly presented at the special meeting for a vote. This
proposal relates only to (i) an adjournment of the special meeting
for purposes of soliciting additional proxies to obtain the
requisite shareholder approval to approve the merger agreement and
(ii) the authorization of the Board to vote on other matters
properly presented at the special meeting. Any other adjournment of
the special meeting (e.g., an adjournment required because of the
absence of a quorum) would be voted upon pursuant to the
discretionary authority granted by the proxy card in such manner as
determined by a majority of the Board. If the special meeting is
adjourned for 30 days or less and the time and place of the
adjourned special meeting is announced at the special meeting, NJCB
is not required to give notice of the time and place of the
adjourned special meeting unless the Board fixes a new record date
for the special meeting.
The
proposal (i) to approve one or more adjournments of the special
meeting and (ii) to grant authority to the Board to vote on other
matters properly presented at the special meeting requires that the
votes cast in person or by proxy at the special meeting in favor of
the proposal exceeds the votes cast against the proposal. The NJCB
Board retains full authority to the extent set forth in
NJCB’s By-laws and New Jersey banking law to adjourn the
special meeting for any other purpose, or to postpone the special
meeting before it is convened, without the consent of any NJCB
shareholder.
Recommendation of the NJCB Board
The
NJCB Board unanimously recommends that NJCB shareholders vote
FOR approval of
authorization of the Board (i) to adjourn the special meeting to a
later date, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of
approval of the merger agreement and (ii) to vote on other matters
properly presented at the special meeting.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1st
Constitution filed a registration statement on Form S-4 to register
with the SEC the 1st Constitution common stock to be issued to NJCB
shareholders in the merger. This proxy statement-prospectus is a
part of that registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of
1st Constitution in addition to being a proxy statement of NJCB for
NJCB’s special meeting of shareholders. As allowed by SEC
rules, this proxy statement-prospectus does not contain all of the
information you can find in the registration statement or the
exhibits to the registration statement. The rules and regulations
of the SEC allow 1st Constitution to omit certain information
included in the registration statement from this
document.
The
following documents filed by 1st Constitution (Commission File No.
000-32891) with the SEC are hereby incorporated in this proxy
statement-prospectus:
●
Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31,
2016;
●
Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2017, June
30, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively;
●
Current
Reports filed on Form 8-K on February 2, 2017, February 21, 2017,
March 17, 2017, March 20, 2017, April 12, 2017, April 24, 2017, May
26, 2017, June 23, 2017, July 21, 2017, October 26, 2017, November
6, 2017, November 7, 2017, December 27, 2017 and
February 5, 2018 (unless stated otherwise in the applicable
report, information furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of 1st
Constitution’s Current Reports on Form 8-K is not
incorporated herein by reference);
●
The
definitive proxy statement for the 2017 annual meeting of
shareholders;
All
documents filed by 1st Constitution pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
document but before the earlier of (1) the date of the NJCB
special meeting of shareholders, or (2) the termination of the
merger agreement, are hereby incorporated by reference into this
document and will be deemed a part of this document from the date
they are filed (other than the portions of those documents or
information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in
accordance with SEC rules).
Any
statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein
will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
proxy statement-prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any subsequently filed document which is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this proxy statement-prospectus.
1st
Constitution files reports, proxy statements and other information
with the SEC. 1st Constitution’s SEC filings are also
available over the internet at the SEC’s website at
http://www.sec.gov. The SEC website contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding issuers that
file electronically with the SEC. You may also read and copy any
document 1st Constitution files by visiting the SEC’s Public
Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
In
addition, you can obtain, without charge, any of the documents,
excluding any exhibits to those documents, that 1st Constitution
files with the SEC by requesting them in writing or by telephone at
the following addresses:
1st
Constitution Bancorp
2650
Route 130
Cranbury,
New Jersey 08512
(609)
655-4500
Attention:
Stephen J. Gilhooly,
Senior
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
IF YOU
WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST DOCUMENTS, PLEASE DO SO BY MARCH
8, 2018 TO RECEIVE THEM BEFORE THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NJCB
SHAREHOLDERS. If you request any documents, 1st Constitution will
mail them to you by first class mail, or another equally prompt
means, within two business days after it receives your
request.
1ST
CONSTITUTION AND NJCB HAVE AUTHORIZED NO ONE TO GIVE YOU ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION ABOUT THE MERGER OR 1ST
CONSTITUTION AND NJCB THAT DIFFERS FROM OR ADDS TO THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR IN THE DOCUMENTS 1ST
CONSTITUTION HAS PUBLICLY FILED WITH THE SEC. THEREFORE, IF ANYONE
SHOULD GIVE YOU ANY DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD
NOT RELY ON IT.
IF YOU
LIVE IN A JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OFFER TO EXCHANGE OR
SELL, OR TO ASK FOR OFFERS TO EXCHANGE OR BUY, THE SECURITIES
OFFERED BY THIS DOCUMENT, OR TO ASK FOR PROXIES, OR IF YOU ARE A
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DIRECT THESE ACTIVITIES, THEN THE
OFFER PRESENTED BY THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT EXTEND TO
YOU.
THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT SPEAKS ONLY AS OF THE DATE
INDICATED ON THE COVER OF THIS DOCUMENT, UNLESS THE INFORMATION
SPECIFICALLY INDICATES THAT ANOTHER DATE APPLIES.
LEGAL MATTERS
The
validity of the shares of 1st Constitution common stock to be
issued in the merger has been passed upon for 1st Constitution by
Day Pitney, counsel to 1st Constitution. Day Pitney will also
render the opinion referred to under “Material United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
EXPERTS
The
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
and for the years then ended and management's assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2016 incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement-prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the
reports of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm (the report on the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting expresses an adverse opinion on
the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2016), incorporated by reference,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of
the date of this proxy statement-prospectus, NJCB does not know of
any other matter that will be presented for consideration at its
special meeting of shareholders other than as described in this
proxy statement-prospectus. However, if any other matter is to be
voted upon, the form of proxies submitted to shareholders of NJCB
will be deemed to confer authority to the individuals named as
proxies to vote the shares represented by such proxies as to any
such matters according to their best judgment; provided, however,
that no proxy that is voted against the merger will be voted in
favor of any adjournment or postponement of the NJCB special
meeting.
ANNEX A
Execution Version
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER (the
“Agreement”), dated as of November 6, 2017, is by and
among 1st Constitution Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation and
registered bank holding company (“1st
Constitution”), 1st
Constitution Bank, a New Jersey state commercial bank and the
wholly- owned banking subsidiary of 1st Constitution (the
“Bank”), and New Jersey Community Bank, a New
Jersey state commercial bank (“NJCB”). 1st Constitution, the Bank and NJCB are
sometimes collectively referred to as the
“Parties”
or individually referred to as a “Party”. Defined terms are described in Section
9.11 of this Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, 1st Constitution and the Bank desire to acquire
NJCB, and NJCB’s Board of Directors has determined, based
upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, that the
acquisition is advisable to NJCB and its shareholders. The
acquisition will be accomplished by (i) merging NJCB with and into
the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity (sometimes
hereinafter referred to as the “Surviving
Entity”) (the
“Merger”) and (ii) NJCB’s shareholders
receiving the Aggregate Merger Consideration hereinafter set forth.
The Boards of Directors of each of NJCB, 1st Constitution and the
Bank have duly adopted and approved this Agreement and the Board of
Directors of NJCB has directed that the Agreement be submitted to
the NJCB shareholders for approval;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to make certain
representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the
Merger and also to prescribe certain conditions to the
Merger;
WHEREAS, as an inducement and condition to 1st
Constitution’s entering into this Agreement, each of the
directors and executive officers of NJCB, in their individual
capacity, have entered into a voting agreement in the form annexed
hereto as Exhibit
A with 1st Constitution pursuant to which they have
agreed to take certain actions in support and cooperation of the
Merger, 1st Constitution and the Surviving Entity and to release
any and all claims that they may have against NJCB, 1st
Constitution and the Surviving Entity (the
“D&O Voting
Agreement”);
WHEREAS, as an inducement and condition to 1st
Constitution’s entering into this Agreement, each person set
forth on Exhibit
B (the “Supporting
Shareholders”) has
entered into a voting agreement in the form annexed hereto
as Exhibit
C with 1st Constitution pursuant to which they have
agreed to take certain actions in support and cooperation of the
Merger, 1st Constitution and the Surviving Entity (the
“Shareholder Voting
Agreement”).
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of
the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and agreements
contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.1 The
Merger. Subject to the
provisions hereof, in the Merger, NJCB shall be merged with and
into the Bank pursuant to the Bank Merger Act, as amended (the
“Bank
Merger Act”), the New
Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended (the
“New
Jersey Banking Act”), as
well as the applicable regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (the “FDIC”), the New Jersey Department of Banking and
Insurance (the “New Jersey
Department”) and the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the
“Federal Reserve
Board”), and the Bank
shall be the surviving entity and shall continue to be known as
“1st Constitution Bank.”
1.2 Closing,
Closing Date, Determination Date and Effective
Time. Unless a different date,
time and/or place are agreed to by the Parties, the closing of the
Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place at 10:00 a.m., at the
offices of Day Pitney LLP, 1 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New
Jersey, on a date determined by 1st Constitution and reasonably and
promptly agreed by NJCB on at least five Business Days prior notice
(the “Closing
Notice”) given by 1st
Constitution to NJCB, which date (the “Closing Date”) shall be the later to occur of (i) March
1, 2018 or (ii) a Business Day that is not more than twenty (20)
Business Days following the receipt of all necessary regulatory,
governmental and shareholder approvals and consents and the
expiration of all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof and
the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the
consummation of the Merger specified in Article VII of this
Agreement (other than the delivery of certificates, opinions and
other instruments and documents to be delivered at the Closing). In
the Closing Notice, 1st Constitution shall specify the
“Determination
Date”, which date shall
be the first date on which all bank regulatory approvals (and
waivers, if applicable) necessary for consummation of the Merger
have been received (disregarding any waiting period) and either
Party has notified the other in writing that all such approvals
(and waivers, if applicable) have been received. The Merger shall
become effective on the date specified in the certificate to be
issued by the FDIC approving the Merger, which date the Parties
currently anticipate will be the close of business on the Closing
Date (such date is hereinafter referred to as the
“Effective
Time”).
1.3 Effect
of the Merger. At the Effective
Time, NJCB shall be merged with and into the Bank and the separate
existence of NJCB shall cease. At the Effective Time, the Surviving
Entity shall be considered the same business and corporate entity
as each of the Bank and NJCB and, thereupon and thereafter, all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of each of the
Bank and NJCB shall vest in the Surviving Entity and the Surviving
Entity shall be subject to and be deemed to have assumed all of the
debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of each of the Bank and
NJCB and shall have succeeded to all of each of their
relationships, as fully and to the same extent as if such property,
rights, privileges, powers, franchises, debts, liabilities,
obligations, duties and relationships had been originally acquired,
incurred or entered into by the Surviving Entity. In addition, any
reference to either of the Bank or NJCB in any contract or
document, whether executed or taking effect before or after the
Effective Time, shall be considered a reference to the Surviving
Entity if not inconsistent with the other provisions of the
contract or document; and any pending action or other judicial
proceeding to which either of the Bank or NJCB is a party shall not
be deemed to have been abated or to have been discontinued by
reason of the Merger, but may be prosecuted to final judgment,
order or decree in the same manner as if the Merger had not been
made; or the Surviving Entity may be substituted as a party to such
action or proceeding, and any judgment, order or decree may be
rendered for or against it that might have been rendered for or
against either of the Bank or NJCB if the Merger had not
occurred.
1.4 Conversion
of NJCB Common Stock.
(a) At the Effective Time, subject to the other
provisions of this Section 1.4 and Sections 1.14, 1.17 and 2.2(e)
of this Agreement, each share of NJCB’s common stock, $2.00
par value per share (“NJCB Common
Stock”), issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other
than (i)
shares of NJCB Common Stock held in NJCB’s
treasury and (ii) shares of NJCB Common Stock held directly or
indirectly by 1st Constitution or NJCB or any of their respective
Subsidiaries (except for Trust Account Shares and DPC Shares)),
shall, by virtue of this Agreement and without any action on the
part of NJCB, 1st Constitution or the holder thereof, cease to be
outstanding and shall be converted into and become the right to
receive a combination of common stock, no par value per share, of
1st Constitution (“1st Constitution Common
Stock”) and cash as
follows:
(i)
that percentage of a share of 1st
Constitution Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (as
hereinafter defined) (such percentage of a share of 1st
Constitution Common Stock, the “Per Share Stock
Consideration”);
and
(ii)
One and 60/100 Dollars ($1.60), in cash, subject
to Twenty One Cents ($0.21) being placed in escrow in accordance
with Section 1.17 hereof (the “Escrowed
Amount”) to cover all
costs and expenses that 1st Constitution may incur after the
Effective Time as a result of that certain litigation matter
captioned Robert O’Donnell v. New Jersey Community Bank,
Shelly LoCascio, Andrew Harris (Docket No. MON-L-4711-15) or the
settlement thereof (the “Litigation
Matter”), which Escrowed
Amount, after deducting such costs and expenses, if any, incurred
by 1st Constitution as a result of the Litigation Matter, shall be
released from escrow to the former shareholders of NJCB following
final non-appealable resolution of the Litigation Matter (the
“Per
Share Cash Consideration”). The aggregate Escrowed Amount on all
shares of NJCB Common Stock is Four Hundred Thousand Seven Hundred
Seventy Three and 45/100 Dollars ($400,773.45) and is referred to
herein as the “Aggregate Escrowed
Amount”.
For
purposes of this Section 1.4(a), the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
A. “Exchange
Ratio” shall mean the
following:
(1)
if
the 1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price is between
$17.10
and $18.90, the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 0.1333;
or
(2)
if
the 1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price is greater
than $18.90,
the Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted downward to that percentage
determined by taking (a) the product of $18.90 multiplied by 0.1333
and dividing such product by (b) the 1st Constitution Exchange
Ratio Average Price, rounded to four decimal places;
or
(3)
if
the 1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price is less
than $17.10, the Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted
upward to that percentage determined by taking (a) the product of
$17.10 multiplied by 0.1333 and dividing such product by (b) the
1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price, rounded to four
decimal places; provided,
however,
that in no event shall the Exchange Ratio be greater than
0.1425.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing and subject to Section 8.1(l) hereof, if the 1st
Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price is less than $7.00, 1st
Constitution shall have the right in its sole discretion to
increase the Exchange Ratio to the extent necessary for 1st
Constitution to not pay an aggregate amount in cash (including cash
in lieu of fractional shares paid pursuant to Section 2.2(e)
hereof) that would result in the Merger failing to satisfy the
continuity of interest requirement applicable to reorganizations
under Treas. Reg. Section 1.368-1(e) (using 40% as the minimum
value of the proprietary interest in 1st Constitution that must be
preserved in the reorganization).
B. “1st Constitution Exchange Ratio
Average Price” means the
average (rounded to four decimals) of the daily closing sales
prices of 1st Constitution Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Market (as reported in an authoritative source chosen by 1st
Constitution) for the 10 consecutive full trading days in which
such shares are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market ending at the
close of trading on the Determination Date.
If
1st Constitution declares or effects a stock dividend,
reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange
of shares or similar transaction between the date of this Agreement
and the Closing Date, the 1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average
Price shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying
this Section 1.4(a).
(b) At the Effective Time, (i) all shares of NJCB
Common Stock that are owned by NJCB as treasury stock and (ii) all
shares of NJCB Common Stock that are owned directly or indirectly
by 1st Constitution or NJCB or any of their respective Subsidiaries
(other than shares of NJCB Common Stock (x) held directly or
indirectly in trust accounts, managed accounts and the like or
otherwise held in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of third
parties (any such shares, and shares of 1st Constitution Common
Stock which are similarly held, whether held directly or indirectly
by 1st Constitution or NJCB, as the case may be, being referred to
herein as “Trust Account
Shares”) or (y) held by
1st Constitution or NJCB or any of their respective Subsidiaries in
respect of a debt previously contracted (any such shares of NJCB
Common Stock, and shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock which are
similarly held, being referred to herein as
“DPC
Shares”)), shall be
canceled and shall cease to exist and no stock of 1st Constitution,
cash or other consideration shall be delivered in exchange
therefor. All shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock that are
owned by NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Trust Account
Shares and DPC Shares) shall become treasury stock of 1st
Constitution.
(c) On and after the Effective Time, holders of
certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented outstanding shares of NJCB Common Stock (the
“Certificates”) shall cease to have any rights as
shareholders of NJCB, except the right to receive the Per Share
Stock Consideration and the Per Share Cash Consideration for each
such share held by them, and except as provided in
Section 1.14 with respect to Dissenting Shares. The
consideration which any holder of NJCB Common Stock is entitled to
receive pursuant to this Article I is referred to herein as the
“Merger
Consideration”. The
consideration which all of NJCB shareholders are entitled to
receive pursuant to this Article I is referred to herein as the
“Aggregate Merger
Consideration”.
(d) Notwithstanding
any provision herein to the contrary, if, between the date of this
Agreement and the Effective Time, the shares of 1st Constitution
Common Stock shall be changed into a different number or class of
shares by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization,
split-up, combination, exchange of shares or readjustment, or a
stock dividend declared thereon with a record date within said
period, appropriate adjustments shall be made to the Exchange
Ratio.
1.5 Exchange
Agent. NJCB and 1st
Constitution hereby appoint American Stock Transfer and Trust
Company, with offices in Brooklyn, New York (or such other transfer
agent as 1st Constitution shall designate in good faith and shall
be reasonably acceptable to NJCB) as the exchange agent (the
“Exchange
Agent”) for purposes of
effecting the conversion of NJCB Common Stock
hereunder.
1.6 Stock
Options.
(a) All outstanding options that may be exercised for
shares of NJCB Common Stock (whether or not vested) (each, a
“Stock
Option” and collectively
the “Stock
Options”) are described
in Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule (as
such term is defined in Article III of this Agreement) and are
presently governed by NJCB’s stock option plans as set forth
in Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule
(collectively, the “NJCB Stock Compensation
Plans”) and the
agreements pursuant to which such Stock Options were granted (each,
an “Option Grant
Agreement”). NJCB shall
take all requisite action so that, at the Effective Time, each
Stock Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time, whether or not then vested or exercisable, shall be, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of 1st
Constitution, the Bank, NJCB, the holder of that Stock Option or
any other Person, cancelled and converted into the right to receive
from 1st Constitution, the Bank and/or NJCB (and 1st Constitution,
the Bank and/or NJCB shall pay to such holder), at the Effective
Time, an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of
(x) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subject to such
Stock Option, multiplied by (y) the excess, if any, of $4.00 over
the per share exercise price under such Stock Option, less any
Taxes required to be withheld. Stock Options with a per share
exercise price greater than $4.00 shall be cancelled as of the
Closing by NJCB in accordance with the terms of the relevant NJCB
Stock Compensation Plan and the holders thereof shall be entitled
to no consideration from 1st Constitution, the Bank or
NJCB.
(b) At
or prior to the Effective Time, NJCB, the NJCB Board and the
compensation committee of such board, as applicable, shall adopt
any resolutions and take any actions (including obtaining any
employee consents) that may be necessary to effectuate the
provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 1.6.
1.7 Warrants.
All outstanding warrants that may be exercised for shares of NJCB
Common Stock (whether or not vested) (each, a
“Warrant” and collectively the
“Warrants”) are described in Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule (as
such term is defined in Article III of this Agreement) and are
presently governed by the agreements pursuant to which such
Warrants were granted (each, a “Warrant
Agreement”). All such
unexercised Warrants shall expire in accordance with their terms at
5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on February 28, 2018, which date
is prior to the Closing Date.
1.8 1st
Constitution and the Bank Common Stock. Except for shares of 1st Constitution Common
Stock owned by NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Trust
Account Shares and DPC Shares), which shall be converted into
treasury stock of 1st Constitution as contemplated by Section 1.4
of this Agreement, the shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and
the shares of the Bank’s common stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be unaffected by the
Merger and such shares shall remain issued and
outstanding.
1.9 Certificate
of Incorporation. At the
Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of the Bank, as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the
certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Entity until
thereafter amended in accordance with applicable
Law.
1.10 By-Laws.
At the Effective Time, the by-laws of the Bank, as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the by-laws of
the Surviving Entity until thereafter amended in accordance with
applicable Law.
1.11 Directors
and Officers of the Surviving Entity. The directors of the Bank immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Entity,
each to hold office in accordance with the certificate of
incorporation and by-laws of the Surviving Entity until their
respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
The officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be the officers of the Surviving Entity, each to hold office
in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of
the Surviving Entity until their respective successors are duly
elected or appointed and qualified.
1.12 Capital
Stock. As of September 30,
2017, the Bank had capital of $126,947,000 divided into 1,212,104
issued and outstanding shares of $5.00 par value common stock (no
treasury shares) (“Bank Common
Stock”), including
$74,942,480 of surplus, and undivided profits of $45,944,000
(includes Other Comprehensive Loss of $230,000 as of September 30,
2017). As of September 30, 2017, NJCB had capital of $9,263,755,
divided into 1,908,445 issued and outstanding shares of $2.00 par
value common stock (no treasury shares), including $13,875,712 of
surplus, and undivided loss of $8,428,847 (includes Other
Comprehensive Income of $36,798 as of September 30, 2017). At the
Effective Time, the amount of capital of the Bank shall be
$131,526,411, divided into 1,212,104 shares of $5.00 par value
common stock, including surplus of approximately $79,521,891 and
undivided profits of $45,944,000, including capital reserves,
adjusted however, for earnings and dividends declared and paid by
the Bank between September 30, 2017 and the Effective Time and
purchase accounting adjustments.
1.13 Withholding
Rights. 1st Constitution shall
be entitled to deduct and withhold, or cause the Exchange Agent to
deduct and withhold, from funds provided by the holder or from the
consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any
holder of NJCB Common Stock, the minimum amounts (if any) that 1st
Constitution is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the
making of such payment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”) or any other provision of Tax law. To the
extent that amounts are so withheld by 1st Constitution, such
withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of NJCB Common Stock in
respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by 1st
Constitution.
1.14 Dissenters’
Rights.
(a) Any holder of NJCB Common Stock who elects to
dissent from the Merger shall be entitled to payment for such
shares (“Dissenting
Shares”) only to the
extent permitted by and in accordance with the provisions of
N.J.S.A. 17:9A-140; provided, however, that if, in accordance
with N.J.S.A.
17:9A-140, any holder of Dissenting Shares shall forfeit such right
to payment of the fair value of such shares, such shares shall
thereupon be deemed to have been converted into and to have become
exchangeable for, as of the Effective Time, the right to receive
the Per Share Cash Consideration without interest from the Bank.
Dissenting Shares shall not, after the Effective Time, be entitled
to vote for any purpose or receive any dividends or other
distributions and shall be entitled only to such rights as are
afforded in respect of Dissenting Shares pursuant to N.J.S.A.
17:9A-140.
(b) NJCB
shall give 1st Constitution and the Bank (i) prompt notice of any
written objections to the Merger and any written demands for the
payment of the fair value of any shares,
withdrawals
of such demands, and any other instruments served pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 17:9A-140 received by NJCB and (ii) the opportunity to
participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to
such demands under N.J.S.A. 17:9A-140. NJCB shall not voluntarily
make any payment with respect to any demands for payment of fair
value and shall not, except with the prior written consent of 1st
Constitution, settle or offer to settle any such
demands.
1.15 Tax
Consequences. It is intended
that the Merger shall constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that this Agreement shall
constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of
Section 368 of the Code.
1.16 Offices.
The (i) principal office and branch office of NJCB, (ii) the
principal office and branch offices of the Bank, and (iii) the
principal office and branch offices of the Surviving Entity are as
set forth on Exhibit
D attached hereto. The principal office of the
Surviving Entity on and after Effective Date shall be the principal
office of the Bank set forth on Exhibit
D and the principal office of NJCB and its branch
shall become branches of the Surviving Entity on and after the
Effective Date.
1.17 Escrow.
Immediately prior to the Closing, 1st Constitution, the
shareholders of NJCB, acting through a shareholder representative
(the “Shareholder
Representative”), and an
escrow agent, who shall be mutually agreed upon between 1st
Constitution and the Shareholder Representative (the
“Escrow Agent”), shall execute an escrow agreement,
substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit
E, with such changes thereto
that are mutually agreed upon by among the Escrow Agent, 1st
Constitution and the Shareholder Representative (the
“Escrow
Agreement”), pursuant to
which 1st Constitution shall deliver the Aggregate Escrowed Amount
to the Escrow Agent to be held in escrow and released from escrow
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Escrow
Agreement.
ARTICLE II
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
2.1 1st
Constitution to Make Shares and Cash Available. At or prior to the Effective Time, 1st
Constitution shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with
the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Certificates
(other than those representing Dissenting Shares), for exchange in
accordance with this Article II, certificates representing shares
of 1st Constitution Common Stock in an amount sufficient to cover
the Per Share Stock Consideration and the Bank shall deposit, or
shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, for the
benefit of the holders of Certificates (other than those
representing Dissenting Shares), for exchange in accordance with
this Article II, cash in an amount sufficient to cover the Per
Share Cash Consideration and the payment of any cash in lieu of
fractional shares (such cash and certificates for shares of 1st
Constitution Common Stock, together with any dividends or
distributions with respect thereto, being hereinafter referred to
as the “Exchange
Fund”) to be issued
pursuant to Section 1.4 of this Agreement and paid pursuant to
Section 2.2(a) of this Agreement in exchange for outstanding shares
of NJCB Common Stock.
2.2 Exchange
of Shares.
(a) As
soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent
shall mail to each holder of record of a Certificate or
Certificates (other than those representing Dissenting Shares) a
letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be
effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall
pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent)
and instructions for
use
in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for the
Merger Consideration into which the shares of NJCB Common Stock
represented by such Certificate or Certificates shall have been
converted pursuant to this Agreement. NJCB shall have the right to
review both the letter of transmittal and the instructions prior to
the Effective Time and provide reasonable comments thereon. After
the Effective Time, upon surrender of a Certificate for exchange
and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with such letter
of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Merger
Consideration to which such holder of NJCB Common Stock shall have
become entitled pursuant to the provisions of Article I, and the
Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. No interest
will be paid or accrued on any cash constituting Merger
Consideration (including cash to be paid in lieu of fractional
shares) or on any unpaid dividends or distributions, if any,
payable to holders of Certificates.
(b) No
dividends or other distributions declared after the Effective Time
with respect to 1st Constitution Common Stock and payable to the
holders of record thereof shall be paid to the holder of any
unsurrendered Certificate until the holder thereof shall surrender
such Certificate in accordance with this Article II. After the
surrender of a Certificate in accordance with this Article II, the
record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive any such
dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon,
which theretofore had become payable with respect to shares of 1st
Constitution Common Stock, if any, represented by such
Certificate.
(c) If
any certificate representing shares of 1st Constitution Common
Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the
Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it
shall be a condition of the issuance thereof that the Certificate
so surrendered shall be properly endorsed (or accompanied by an
appropriate instrument of transfer) and otherwise in proper form
for transfer, and that the person requesting such exchange shall
pay to the Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other Taxes
required by reason of the issuance of a certificate representing
shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock in any name other than that
of the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered, or
required for any other reason, or shall establish to the
satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such Tax has been paid or
is not payable.
(d) After
the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock
transfer books of NJCB of the shares of NJCB Common Stock which
were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates representing such
shares are presented for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall
be canceled and exchanged for Merger Consideration as determined in
accordance with Article I of this Agreement and this Article
II.
(e) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, no certificates or scrip
representing fractional shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock
shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates, no
dividend or distribution with respect to 1st Constitution Common
Stock shall be payable on or with respect to any fractional share,
and such fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner
thereof to vote or to receive any other rights of a shareholder of
1st Constitution. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional
share, 1st Constitution shall pay to each former shareholder of
NJCB who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share
of 1st Constitution Common Stock an amount in cash determined by
multiplying such fractional interest by the 1st Constitution Common
Stock Average Price. All shares of NJCB Common Stock held by any
such former shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be aggregated before determining the need to pay cash in lieu
of fractional shares to such former shareholder.
(f) Any
portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the
shareholders of NJCB for six months after the Effective Time shall
be paid to 1st Constitution. Any shareholders of NJCB who have not
theretofore complied with this Article II shall thereafter look
only to 1st Constitution for payment of the cash, shares of 1st
Constitution Common Stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares and
unpaid dividends and distributions on the 1st Constitution Common
Stock deliverable in respect of each share of NJCB Common Stock
such shareholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in
each case, without any interest thereon.
(g) If
any of the consideration due or other payments to be paid or
delivered to the holders of NJCB Common Stock is not paid or
delivered within the time period specified by any applicable laws
concerning abandoned property, escheat or similar laws, and if such
failure to pay or deliver such consideration occurs or arises out
of the fact that such property is not claimed by the proper owner
thereof, 1st Constitution or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled
to dispose of any such consideration or other payments in
accordance with applicable laws concerning abandoned property,
escheat or similar laws. Any other provision of this Agreement
notwithstanding, none of NJCB, 1st Constitution, the Bank, the
Exchange Agent, nor any other Person acting on behalf of any of
them shall be liable to a holder of NJCB Common Stock for any
amount paid or property delivered in good faith to a public
official pursuant to and in accordance with any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(h) In
the event any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed
and, if required by 1st Constitution, the posting by such person of
a bond in such amount as 1st Constitution may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such
Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue, in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate, the cash and/ or shares of
1st Constitution Common Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares
deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this
Agreement.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NJCB
References herein to the
“NJCB
Disclosure Schedule”
shall mean all of the disclosure schedules required by this Article
III and Articles V and VI, dated as of the date hereof and
referenced to the applicable specific sections and subsections of
Articles III, V and VI of this Agreement, which have been delivered
on the date hereof by NJCB to 1st Constitution. Except as set forth
in the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, NJCB hereby represents and
warrants to 1st Constitution as follows:
3.1 Corporate
Organization.
(a) NJCB
is a state-chartered commercial bank duly organized and validly
existing under the Laws of the State of New Jersey. The deposit
accounts of NJCB are insured by the FDIC through the FDIC’s
Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and
all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection
therewith have been paid when due. Each of NJCB’s
Subsidiaries is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization. NJCB and each of its Subsidiaries has the power
and authority (corporate or other) to own or lease all of its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in
each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by
it or the character or the location of the properties and assets
owned or
leased
by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where
the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on NJCB. Copies of the certificate of
incorporation, by-laws, certificate of formation, operating
agreement, as applicable, and any other governing documents of NJCB
and each Subsidiary of NJCB have previously been delivered to 1st
Constitution’s counsel (with a designation that such copies
have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(a) of this Agreement);
such copies are true and complete copies of such documents as in
effect as of the date of this Agreement.
(b) The
minute books of NJCB and each of its Subsidiaries contain true and
complete records of all meetings and other actions held or taken
since December 31, 2013 (or since the date of formation with
respect to any such entity formed on or after December 31, 2013) by
their respective shareholders, members, managers and Boards of
Directors (including committees of their respective Boards of
Directors or managers). Copies of such minute books have been made
available to 1st Constitution’s counsel.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.1(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, NJCB
and its Subsidiaries do not own or control, directly or indirectly,
any equity interest in any corporation, company, limited liability
company, association, partnership, joint venture or other entity
except for shares held by NJCB in a fiduciary or custodial capacity
in the Ordinary Course of Business (which, except as disclosed
in Section 3.1(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, do
not in the aggregate constitute more than 5% of the voting shares
or interests in any such corporation, company, limited liability
company, association, partnership, joint ventures or other entity)
and except that which NJCB holds pursuant to satisfaction of
obligations due to NJCB and which are disclosed in
Section
3.1(c) of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule.
3.2 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of NJCB consists, and
at Closing will consist, solely of 10,000,000 shares of NJCB Common
Stock. As of the date hereof, there were 1,908,445 shares of NJCB
Common Stock outstanding and no shares of NJCB Common Stock held by
NJCB as treasury stock. As of the date hereof, there were no shares
of NJCB Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
outstanding stock options, warrants or otherwise except for 47,525
shares of NJCB Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to NJCB
Stock Compensation Plans and 265,698 shares of NJCB Common Stock
reserved for issuance pursuant to Warrants, each as described
in Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule. True
and complete copies of (i) the NJCB Stock Compensation Plans and
all Option Grant Agreements relating to outstanding Stock Options
and (ii) the Warrant Agreements relating to outstanding Warrants
have been delivered to 1st Constitution’s counsel (with a
designation that such copies have been delivered pursuant to
Section 3.2(a) of this Agreement). Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth with respect to each outstanding Stock Option and Warrant (as
appropriate): the name of the holder, the number of shares of NJCB
Common Stock covered thereby, the date of grant or issuance, the
exercise price, the vesting schedule, the expiration date and
whether a Stock Option constitutes an incentive stock option under
the Code. All of the issued and outstanding shares of NJCB Common
Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully
paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal
liability attaching to the ownership thereof. Except as referred to
above or reflected in Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, NJCB
does not have and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions,
options, warrants, rights, calls, commitments or agreements of any
character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of
NJCB Common Stock or any other equity security of NJCB or any
securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive
any shares of NJCB Common Stock or any other equity security of
NJCB.
(b) Section 3.2(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a true and complete list of all of the Subsidiaries of NJCB.
Except as otherwise set forth in Section 3.2(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, NJCB
owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding
shares of the capital stock or all of the other equity interests of
each of such Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens, and all of
such shares or other equity interests are duly authorized and
validly issued, are (if applicable) fully paid and nonassessable
and are free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability
attaching to the ownership thereof. No Subsidiary of NJCB has or is
bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, rights,
calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the
purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other
equity interest of such Subsidiary or any securities representing
the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital
stock or any other equity interest of such Subsidiary. Except as
otherwise set forth in Section 3.2(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, at
the Effective Time, there will not be any outstanding
subscriptions, options, warrants, rights, calls, commitments or
agreements of any character by which NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries will be bound calling for the purchase or issuance of
any shares of the capital stock or other equity interests of NJCB
or any of its Subsidiaries and there will be no agreements or
understandings with respect to the voting of any such shares or
other equity interests binding on NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries.
(c) The
NJCB Stock Compensation Plans have been duly authorized, approved
and adopted by the Board of Directors of NJCB and NJCB’s
shareholders. With respect to each grant of Stock Options, (i) each
such grant was duly authorized no later than the date on which the
grant was by its terms to be effective by all necessary action,
including, as applicable, approval by the Board of Directors of
NJCB (or a duly constituted and authorized committee thereof) or a
duly authorized delegate thereof, and any required shareholder
approval by the necessary number of votes or written consents, (ii)
the award agreement governing such grant (if any) was duly executed
and delivered by each party thereto, (iii) each such grant was made
in accordance with the terms of the applicable NJCB Stock
Compensation Plan and with all applicable Laws, and (iv) each such
grant was properly accounted for in all material respects in
accordance with GAAP in the NJCB Financial Statements. NJCB has not
granted, and there is no and has been no NJCB policy or practice to
grant, any Stock Options prior to, or otherwise coordinated the
grant of Stock Options with, the release or other public
announcement of material information regarding NJCB or its
financial results or prospects. There are no outstanding or
authorized stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation,
restricted stock or other similar rights with respect to NJCB or
any of its Subsidiaries.
(d) No
bonds, debentures, trust-preferred securities or other similar
indebtedness of NJCB are issued or outstanding.
3.3 Authority;
No Violation.
(a) NJCB
has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and, subject to (x) the Parties’ obtaining (i) all
bank regulatory approvals required to effectuate the Merger and
(ii) the other approvals listed in Section 3.4 of this Agreement
and (y) the approval of NJCB’s shareholders as contemplated
herein, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. On or
prior to the date of this Agreement, NJCB’s Board of
Directors has (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are
fair to and in the best interests of NJCB and its shareholders and
declared the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby
to be advisable, (ii) approved this Agreement, the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) directed that this
Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby be submitted to NJCB’s
shareholders for approval at the NJCB Shareholders’ Meeting
and (iv) resolved to recommend that NJCB’s shareholders
approve the Merger and this Agreement at the NJCB
Shareholders’ Meeting (the “NJCB Board
Recommendation”). The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
approved by the Board of Directors of NJCB. Except for the adoption
of this Agreement by the requisite vote of NJCB’s
shareholders, no other corporate proceedings on the part of NJCB
are necessary to approve this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by NJCB and (assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery by 1st Constitution and the
Bank) this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
NJCB, enforceable against NJCB in accordance with its terms, except
as enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity,
whether applied in a court of law or a court of equity, and by
bankruptcy, insolvency and similar Laws affecting creditors’
rights and remedies generally.
(b) Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by NJCB nor the
consummation by NJCB of the transactions contemplated hereby in
accordance with the terms hereof, or compliance by NJCB with any of
the terms or provisions hereof, will (i) violate any provision of
the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of NJCB or the
certificate of incorporation, by-laws or similar governing
documents of any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) assuming that the
consents and approvals referred to in Section 3.4
of this Agreement are duly obtained and except as
set forth in Section 3.3(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, (x)
violate any Law or Order applicable to NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties or assets, or
(y) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of
or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event
which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a
default) under, result in the termination of or a right of
termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance
required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the
respective properties or assets of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries
under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement
or other instrument or obligation to which NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, except,
with respect to (ii) above, such as individually or in the
aggregate will not have a Material Adverse Effect on
NJCB.
3.4 Consents
and Approvals. Except for (a)
the filing of applications and notices, as applicable, with the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(“FRB”) and approval of such applications and
notices, (b) the filing of applications and notices, as applicable,
with the FDIC and approval of such applications and notices, (c)
the filing of applications and notices, as applicable, with the New
Jersey Department and approval of such applications and notices,
(d) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) and declaration of effectiveness of the
registration statement on Form S-4 (the “S-4”) in which a proxy statement in definitive
form relating to the meeting of NJCB’s shareholders to be
held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby (the “Proxy
Statement”) and a
prospectus with respect to the issuance of the 1st Constitution
Common Stock will be included, (e) the approval of this Agreement
and the Merger by the requisite vote of the shareholders of NJCB,
(f) approval of the listing of the 1st Constitution Common Stock to
be issued in the Merger on the NASDAQ Global Market, (g) such
filings as shall be required to be made with any applicable state
securities bureaus or commissions, (h) such consents,
authorizations or approvals as shall be required under the
Environmental Laws and (i) such other filings, authorizations or
approvals as may be set forth in Section 3.4
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, no
consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any
court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental
authority or instrumentality (each
a “Governmental
Entity”) or with any
third party are necessary on behalf of NJCB in connection with (1)
the execution and delivery by NJCB of this Agreement and (2) the
consummation by NJCB of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby.
3.5 Reports.
(a) NJCB has timely filed all reports, registrations
and statements, together with any amendments required to be made
with respect thereto, that they were required to file since
December 31, 2013 with (i) the New Jersey Department, and (ii) the
FDIC (collectively with the New Jersey Department and the FDIC, the
“NJCB
Regulatory Agencies”),
and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in
connection therewith. Except for normal examinations conducted by
the NJCB Regulatory Agencies in the regular course of the business
of NJCB and its Subsidiaries, and except as set forth in
Section
3.5 of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule, no NJCB Regulatory Agency has initiated any proceeding
or, to the Knowledge of NJCB, investigation into the business or
operations of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries since December 31,
2013, the effect of which is reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect on NJCB or to delay approval of the Merger by any
Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the Merger, 1st
Constitution, NJCB or their respective Subsidiaries or which is
reasonably likely to result in such Governmental Entity’s
objecting to the Merger. There is no unresolved violation,
criticism, or exception by any NJCB Regulatory Agency with respect
to any report or statement relating to any examinations of NJCB or
any of its Subsidiaries the effect of which is reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect on NJCB or to delay approval of the
Merger by any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the
Merger, 1st Constitution, NJCB or their respective Subsidiaries or
which is reasonably likely to result in such Governmental
Entity’s objecting to the Merger.
(b)
The
records, systems, controls, data and information of NJCB and its
Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under
means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic
process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive
ownership and direct control of NJCB or its Subsidiaries or
accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom),
except for any non-exclusive ownership and non-direct control that
would not reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse
effect on the system of internal accounting controls described in
the following sentence. NJCB and its Subsidiaries have devised and
maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to
provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes. NJCB has designed disclosure controls and
procedures sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that
material information relating to NJCB and its Subsidiaries is made
known to the management of NJCB by others within those entities as
appropriate. Management of NJCB has disclosed, based on its most
recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to NJCB’s
auditors and the audit committee of NJCB’s Board of Directors
(1) any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect in any material
respect NJCB’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data and have identified for NJCB’s auditors
any material weaknesses in internal controls and (2) any fraud,
whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in NJCB’s internal
controls.
(c)
Except as set forth in Section 3.5(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, since
January 1, 2014, neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to
the Knowledge of NJCB, any member of NJCB’s Board of
Directors or executive officer of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries,
has received any material written complaint, allegation, assertion
or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices,
procedures, methodologies or methods of NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting
controls.
3.6 Financial
Statements.
(a) NJCB has previously made available to 1st
Constitution copies of (a) the consolidated statements of financial
condition of NJCB and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and
2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders’ equity and cash flows and consolidated
statements of comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, in each case accompanied by the
audit report of BDO USA, LLP (the “Accounting
Firm”), independent
public accountants with respect to NJCB, (b) the notes related
thereto and (c) the unaudited consolidated statement of financial
condition of NJCB and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2017 and the
related unaudited consolidated statements of income for the six
months ended June 30, 2016 and 2017 (collectively, the
“NJCB
Financial Statements”).
The consolidated statements of financial condition of NJCB
(including the related notes, where applicable) included within the
NJCB Financial Statements fairly present the consolidated financial
position of NJCB and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof, and
the consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders’ equity and cash flows and consolidated
statements of comprehensive income of NJCB and its Subsidiaries
(including the related notes, where applicable) included within the
NJCB Financial Statements fairly present the consolidated results
of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows
and consolidated statements of comprehensive income of NJCB and its
Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods therein set forth;
and each of the NJCB Financial Statements (including the related
notes, where applicable) has been prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied during the periods involved, except, in the
case of unaudited statements, as permitted by GAAP. The books and
records of NJCB and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being,
maintained in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal
and accounting requirements, and reflect only actual
transactions.
(b) Except
as and to the extent reflected, disclosed or reserved against in
the NJCB Financial Statements (including the notes thereto), as of
June 30, 2017, neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries had any
liabilities, whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise,
material to the financial condition of NJCB and its Subsidiaries on
a consolidated basis which were required to be so disclosed under
GAAP. Since December 31, 2016, neither NJCB nor any of its
Subsidiaries have incurred any material liabilities except in the
Ordinary Course of Business, except as specifically contemplated by
this Agreement.
(c) Since
December 31, 2016, there has not been any material change in the
internal controls utilized by NJCB to assure that its consolidated
financial statements conform with GAAP. NJCB is not aware of any
significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or
operation of such internal controls that are reasonably likely to
adversely affect NJCB’s ability to record, process, summarize
and report financial information and is not aware of any fraud,
whether or not material, that involves NJCB’s management or
other employees who have a significant role in such internal
controls.
(d) The Accounting Firm is and has been throughout the
periods covered by the NJCB Financial Statements (x) a registered
public accounting firm and (y) “independent” with
respect to NJCB within the meaning of the rules of applicable bank
regulatory authorities and the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board. Section 3.6(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule lists
all non-audit services performed by the Accounting Firm (or any
other of its then independent public accountants) for NJCB and its
Subsidiaries since January 1, 2014.
3.7 Broker’s
and Other Fees.
(a) Neither NJCB nor any Subsidiary of NJCB nor any of
their respective officers or directors has employed any broker or
finder or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees,
commissions or finder’s fees in connection with any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that NJCB has
engaged, and will pay a fee or commission to, Boenning &
Scattergood, Inc. (the “Advisory
Firm”) in accordance with
the terms of a letter agreement between the Advisory Firm and NJCB,
a true and complete copy of which has previously been delivered by
NJCB to 1st Constitution’s counsel (with a designation that
such copy has been delivered pursuant to Section 3.7 of this
Agreement). Other than fees payable to its attorneys and
accountants (the names and terms of retention of which are set
forth in Section 3.7 of
the NJCB Disclosure Schedule) and the fees payable to the Advisory
Firm (as set forth in the above-mentioned letter agreement), there
are no fees payable by NJCB or its Subsidiaries to its financial
advisors, attorneys or accountants, in connection with this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or which would be
triggered by consummation of the Merger or the termination of the
services of such advisors, attorneys or accountants by NJCB or any
of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Neither
NJCB nor any Subsidiary of NJCB is liable for, or has paid since
December 31, 2016 any termination fee, break-up fee, expenses or
other similar fees to any Person in connection with the potential
acquisition of NJCB or the termination of any acquisition
agreement, letter of intent or other agreement regarding the
potential acquisition of NJCB.
3.8
Fairness
Opinion. Prior to the execution
of this Agreement, NJCB has received an opinion from the Advisory
Firm to the effect that as of the date thereof and based upon and
subject to the matters set forth therein, the Aggregate Merger
Consideration is fair to the shareholders of NJCB from a financial
point of view. A copy of such opinion has been delivered to 1st
Constitution’s counsel (with a designation that such copy has
been delivered pursuant to Section 3.8 of this Agreement) and the
Advisory Firm will consent to the inclusion of such opinion as an
exhibit to the S-4.
3.9
Absence
of Certain Changes or Events.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.9(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, since
December 31, 2016, NJCB and its Subsidiaries have carried on their
respective businesses in the Ordinary Course of
Business.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.9(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, since
December 31, 2016, neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i)
increased the wages, salaries, compensation, pension, or other
benefits or perquisites payable to any current or former officer,
employee, or director from the amount thereof in effect as of
December 31, 2016 (which amounts have been previously disclosed to
1st Constitution), granted any severance or termination pay,
entered into any contract to make or grant any severance or
termination pay, or paid any bonus, (ii) suffered any strike, work
stoppage, slow-down, or other labor disturbance, (iii) been a party
to a collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement
or understanding with a labor union or organization, (iv) been
subject to any action, suit, claim, demand, labor dispute or
grievance relating to any labor or employment matter involving NJCB
or any of the Subsidiaries, including charges of wrongful dismissal
or discharge, discrimination, wage and hour violations, or other
unlawful labor and/or employment practices or actions, or (v)
entered into, or amended, any employment, deferred compensation,
change in control, retention, consulting, severance, termination or
indemnification agreement with any such current or former officer,
employee or director or any NJCB Benefit Plan or other employee
benefit plan, program or arrangement.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.9(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule or as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement, neither NJCB nor any of
its Subsidiaries has taken or permitted any of the actions set
forth in Section 5.1 of this Agreement between December 31, 2016
and the date hereof and, during that period, NJCB and its
Subsidiaries have conducted their business only in the Ordinary
Course of Business.
(d) Except for liabilities incurred in connection with
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and except
as set forth in Section 3.9(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, since
December 31, 2016, there has not been:
(i)
any
change or development or combination of changes or developments
which, individually or in the aggregate, has had a Material Adverse
Effect on NJCB,
(ii) any
grant, award or issuance of Stock Options or restricted stock (in
any event, identifying in Section 3.9(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule the
issue date, exercise price and vesting schedule, as applicable, for
issuances since December 31, 2016) or amendment or modification to
the terms of any Stock Options or NJCB Stock
Awards,
(iii)
any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other
distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to
any of NJCB’s capital stock,
(iv)
any
split, combination or reclassification of any of NJCB’s
capital stock,
(v)
any
issuance or the authorization of any issuance of any shares of
NJCB’s capital stock, except for issuances of NJCB Common
Stock upon the exercise of Stock Options awarded prior to the date
hereof in accordance with their original terms,
(vi)
except
insofar as may have been required by a change in GAAP or regulatory
accounting principles, any change in accounting methods, principles
or practices by NJCB or its Subsidiaries affecting their assets,
liabilities or business, including, without limitation, any
reserving, renewal or residual method, or estimate of practice or
policy,
(vii)
any
Tax election or change in any Tax election, amendment to any Tax
Return, closing agreement with respect to Taxes, or settlement or
compromise of any Tax liability by NJCB or its
Subsidiaries,
(viii)
any
material change in the investment policies or practices of NJCB or
any of
its Subsidiaries, or
(ix) any agreement or commitment (contingent or
otherwise) to do any of the foregoing.
3.10
Legal
Proceedings.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any directors or
officers of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries, in their capacities as
such directors or officers, is a party to any, and there are no
pending or, to NJCB’s Knowledge, threatened, legal,
administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or
governmental
or
regulatory investigations of any material nature against NJCB or
any of its Subsidiaries or any directors or officers of NJCB or any
of its Subsidiaries, in their capacities as such directors or
officers, challenging the validity or propriety of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, there
is no outstanding Order imposed upon NJCB, any of its Subsidiaries
or the assets of NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries.
3.11
Taxes.
(a) Except where a failure to file Tax Returns, a
failure of any such Tax Return to be complete and accurate in any
respect or the failure to pay any Tax, individually or in the
aggregate, would not be material to the results of operations or
financial condition of NJCB and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis, (i) NJCB and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed
(taking into account all available extensions) (and until the
Effective Time will so file) all Tax Returns required to be filed
by any of them in all jurisdictions, (ii) all such Tax Returns are
(or, in the case of Tax Returns to be filed prior to the Effective
Time, will be) true and complete in all respects, and (iii) NJCB
and each of its Subsidiaries have duly and timely paid (and until
the Effective Time will so pay) all Taxes that are required to be
paid by any of them, except with respect to matters contested in
good faith in appropriate proceedings and adequately reserved in
NJCB Financial Statements. The unpaid Taxes of NJCB and its
Subsidiaries (x) did not, as of the date of each consolidated
statement of condition included in NJCB Financial Statements,
exceed the accruals and reserves for Tax liabilities (rather than
any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing
differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of
NJCB Financial Statements (rather than in any notes thereto), and
(y) will not exceed that reserve as adjusted for the passage of
time through the Effective Time in accordance with the past custom
and practice of NJCB and its Subsidiaries in filing their Tax
Returns. Neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived any
statute of limitations with respect to any material Taxes or, to
the extent related to such Taxes, agreed to any extension of time
with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency, in each case to the
extent such waiver or agreement is currently in effect. Except as
set forth in Section 3.11(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, the
Tax Returns of NJCB and its Subsidiaries which have been examined
by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or the appropriate state, local or
foreign Tax authority have been resolved and either no deficiencies
were asserted as a result of such examinations or any asserted
deficiencies have been paid in full and reflected in NJCB Financial
Statements. Except as set forth in Section 3.11(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, there
are no current, pending or, to the Knowledge of NJCB, threatened
actions, audits, or examinations by any Governmental Entity
responsible for the collection or imposition of Taxes with respect
to NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries, or any pending judicial Tax
proceedings or any other Tax disputes, assessments or claims.
Except as set forth in Section 3.11(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, as of
the date of this Agreement, neither NJCB nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received (i) a request for information related to
Tax matters, or (ii) a notice of deficiency or proposed adjustment
for any amount of Tax proposed, asserted or assessed by any
Governmental Entity responsible for the collection or imposition of
Taxes with respect to NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries. NJCB has
made available to 1st Constitution true and complete copies of the
United States federal, state, local and foreign income Tax Returns
filed by NJCB or its Subsidiaries and all examination reports and
statements of deficiency assessed against or agreed to by NJCB or
any of its Subsidiaries since December 31, 2013. There are no
material Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any of NJCB’s
or its Subsidiaries’ assets, other than Permitted Liens. No
claim has ever been made by any Governmental Entity in a
jurisdiction where NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries does not file
Tax Returns that NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be
subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has requested any
extension of time within which to file any Tax Return which Tax
Return has not since been filed, (ii) is a party to any agreement
providing for the allocation or sharing of Taxes or otherwise has
any liability for Taxes of any person other than NJCB and its
Subsidiaries, (iii) has issued or assumed any obligation under
Section 279 of the Code, any high yield discount obligation as
described in Section 163(i)(1) of the Code or any
registration-required obligation within the meaning of Section
163(f)(2) of the Code that is not in registered form, (iv) is or
has been a United States real property holding corporation within
the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code, (v) is or has been a
member of an affiliated group (within the meaning of Section
1504(a) of the Code) filing consolidated United States federal
income Tax Returns (other than such a group the common parent of
which is or was NJCB), (vi) has been a party to any distribution
occurring during the last three years in which the parties to such
distribution treated the distribution as one to which Section 355
of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign
Law) applied, or (vii) has participated in or otherwise engaged in
any “Reportable Transaction” as defined in Section
6707A(c)(1) of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section
1.6011-4(b).
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, no
officer, director, employee or contractor (or former officer,
director, employee or contractor) of NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries is entitled to now, or will or may be entitled to as a
consequence of this Agreement or the Merger (either alone or in
conjunction with any other event), any payment or benefit from NJCB
or any of its Subsidiaries or from 1st Constitution or any of its
Subsidiaries which if paid or provided would constitute an
“excess parachute payment”, as defined in Section 280G
of the Code or regulations promulgated
thereunder.
(d) Each plan, program, arrangement or contract that
constitutes in any part a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code is identified as
such in Section 3.11(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule. The
terms of each of NJCB’s and its Subsidiaries’
“nonqualified deferred compensation plans” subject to
Code Section 409A (and associated U.S. Treasury Department
guidance) comply with Code Section 409A (and associated U.S.
Treasury Department guidance) and each such “nonqualified
deferred compensation plan” has been operated in compliance
with Code Section 409A (and associated U.S. Treasury Department
guidance) and no such nonqualified deferred compensation plan has
been materially modified within the meaning of Code Section 409A
(and associated U.S. Treasury Department guidance). Each Stock
Option has an exercise price that equals or exceeds the fair market
value of a share of NJCB Common Stock as of the date of grant of
such Stock Option (and as of any later modification thereof within
the meaning of Section 409A of the Code).
(e) Neither
NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is required to pay, gross up, or
otherwise indemnify any officer, director, employee or contractor
for any Taxes, including potential Taxes imposed under Section 409A
or Section 4999 of the Code. Neither NJCB nor any of its
Subsidiaries have made any payments to employees that are not
deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code and consummation of the
Merger will not cause any payments to employees to not be
deductible thereunder.
(f) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(f)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to
include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction
from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof)
ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) change in
method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the
Closing
Date;
(ii) “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121
of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state,
local or non-U.S. Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing
Date; (iii) intercompany transaction or any excess loss account
described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code
(or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or
foreign Tax law); (iv) installment sale or open transaction
disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; (v) prepaid
amount received on or prior to the Closing Date; (vi) election
under Section 108(i) of the Code; or (vii) income that accrued in a
prior taxable period but that was not included in taxable income
for that or another prior taxable period.
(g) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(g)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule (i)
NJCB and its Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable laws,
rules and regulations relating to the payment and withholding of
Taxes and has, within the time and in the manner provided by law,
withheld and paid over to the proper Governmental Entities all
amounts required to be so withheld and paid over under applicable
laws; and (ii) NJCB and its Subsidiaries has maintained such
records in respect to each transaction, event and item (including
as required to support otherwise allowable deductions and losses)
as are required under applicable Tax law, except where the failure
to comply or maintain records under (i) or
(ii)
would not be material to the results of operations or financial
condition of NJCB and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis.
(h) For the purposes of this Agreement, (i) the term
“Taxes” shall mean, with respect to any person,
all federal, state, local, foreign and other taxes, customs,
tariffs, imposts, levies, duties, government fees or other like
assessments or charges of any kind imposed by any jurisdiction,
including all income, gross receipts, franchise, profits,
withholding, sales, use, ad valorem, goods and services, transfer,
registration, license, recording, payroll, social security,
employer health, unemployment, disability, employment (including
federal and state income tax withholding, backup withholding,
employment insurance, workers’ compensation or other payroll
taxes, contributions, payments or premiums, as the case may be),
environmental (including taxes under Code Section 59A), capital
stock, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall
profits, prohibited transaction, property, value-added, alternative
or add on minimum, net worth, estimated or any other taxes, and any
transfer pricing penalties, any amounts payable pursuant to
agreements providing for payments in lieu of tax payments, any
interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such
amounts, whether disputed or not, and any liability for tax
payments as a result of being a member of an affiliated,
consolidated, combined, unitary, or similar group or as a result of
transferor or successor liability, and (ii) the term
“Tax
Return” shall mean any
return, declaration, report, claim for refund, information return
or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or
attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof, to be
filed (whether on a mandatory or elective basis) with any
Governmental Entity responsible for the collection or imposition of
Taxes.
3.12
Employee
Benefits; Labor and Employment Matters.
(a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.12(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, none
of NJCB, its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate sponsor, maintain,
administer, contribute to or has an obligation to contribute to or
liability under (i) any “employee pension benefit
plan”, within the meaning of Section 3(2) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(“ERISA”) (the “NJCB Pension
Plans”), (ii) any
“employee welfare benefit plan”, within the meaning of
Section 3(l) of ERISA (the “NJCB Welfare
Plans”), or (iii) any
other employee benefit plan, program, policy, agreement or
arrangement, including any deferred compensation, retirement,
profit sharing, incentive, bonus, commission, stock option or other
equity based, phantom, change in control, retention,
employment,
consulting, severance, dependent care, sick leave,
vacation, flex, cafeteria, retiree health or welfare, supplemental
income, fringe benefit or other similar plan, program, policy,
agreement or arrangement, whether written or unwritten
(collectively with the NJCB Pension Plans and the NJCB Welfare
Plans, the “NJCB Benefit
Plans”). Neither NJCB nor
any of its ERISA Affiliates (i) has ever established, maintained,
sponsored, participated in or contributed to any plan subject to
Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or (ii)
has ever contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to any
“multiemployer plan”, within the meaning of Sections
3(37) and 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. No NJCB Benefit Plan is a multiple
employer plan as defined in Section 210 of ERISA. As used herein,
“ERISA
Affiliate” means any
entity required to be aggregated with NJCB under Section 414(b),
(c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001 of
ERISA.
(b) NJCB has delivered to 1st Constitution’s
counsel true and complete copies of each of the following with
respect to each of the NJCB Benefit Plans (with a designation that
such copies have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.12(b) of this
Agreement): (i) each NJCB Benefit Plan (together with any and all
amendments thereto), summary plan description, summary of material
modifications, employee handbooks or manuals or, where a NJCB
Benefit Plan has not been reduced to writing, a summary of all
material terms of such NJCB Benefit Plan; (ii) trust agreement,
insurance contract, annuity contract or other funding instruments
if any; (iii) the three most recent actuarial reports, if any; (iv)
the three most recent financial statements, if any; (v) the three
most recent annual reports on Form 5500, including any schedules
and attachments thereto to the extent such forms, schedules and
attachments are required to be filed under ERISA; (vi) all
determination, opinion, notification and advisory letters and
rulings, compliance statements, closing agreements, or similar
materials specific to each NJCB Benefit Plan from the IRS or any
Governmental Entity and copies of all pending applications and
correspondence regarding actual or potential audits or
investigations to or from the IRS, the Department of Labor (the
“DOL”) or any other Governmental Entity with
respect to any NJCB Benefit Plan; (vii) all material written
contracts relating to each NJCB Benefit Plan, including fidelity or
ERISA bonds and administrative service agreements;
and (viii)
all communications material to any employee or group of employees
relating to any NJCB Benefit Plan and any proposed NJCB Benefit
Plans.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.12(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, at
December 31, 2016, the fair value of plan assets of each NJCB
Pension Plan equals or exceeds the present value of the projected
benefit obligations of each such plan based upon the actuarial
assumptions used for purposes of the preparation of NJCB Financial
Statements for the year ended December 31,
2016.
(d) All
contributions (including all employer contributions and employee
salary reduction contributions) and premium payments required to be
made to or with respect to each NJCB Benefit Plan under the terms
thereof, ERISA or other applicable Law have been timely made, and
all amounts properly accrued to date as liabilities of NJCB and its
Subsidiaries which have not been paid have been properly recorded
on the books of NJCB and its Subsidiaries.
(e) To
the Knowledge of NJCB, no event has occurred and no condition
exists with respect to any NJCB Benefit Plan that has subjected or
could subject NJCB, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate
to any tax, fine, penalty or other liability under the Code or
ERISA.
(f) Except as set forth on Section 3.12(f)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, each
of the NJCB Benefit Plans has been operated in all material
respects in accordance with its terms and in
compliance
with
the provisions of ERISA, the Code, all regulations, rulings and
announcements promulgated or issued thereunder, and all other
applicable governmental laws and regulations. Furthermore, the IRS
has issued a favorable determination letter, if applicable, with
respect to each NJCB Pension Plan that is intended to be qualified
under Section 401(a) of the Code to the effect that the NJCB
Pension Plan satisfies the requirements of Section 401(a) of the
Code (taking into account all changes in qualification requirements
under Section 401(a) for which the applicable “remedial
amendment period” under Section 401(b) of the Code has
expired) and no condition or circumstance exists which could
disqualify any such plan. Each NJCB Pension Plan subject to the
provisions of Section 401(k) or 401(m) of the Code, or both, has
been tested for and has satisfied the requirements of Section
401(k)(3), Section 401(m)(2) and Section 416 of the Code, as
applicable, for each of the last three plan years. There has not
been, nor is there likely to be, a partial termination of any NJCB
Pension Plan within the meaning of Section 411(d)(3) of the Code.
None of the assets of any NJCB Pension Plan are invested in or
consist of NJCB Common Stock.
(g) No
non-exempt prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section
4975 of the Code or Sections 406 or 407 of ERISA, has occurred with
respect to any of the NJCB Benefit Plans. None of NJCB, any of its
Subsidiaries, or any plan fiduciary of any NJCB Benefit Plan has
engaged in, or has any liability in respect of, any transaction in
violation of Section 404 of ERISA.
(h) There
are no pending, or, to the Knowledge of NJCB, threatened or
anticipated claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on
behalf of or against any of the NJCB Benefit Plans or any trusts
related thereto. None of the NJCB Benefit Plans is the subject of
any pending or, to the Knowledge of NJCB, any threatened
investigation, audit or administrative proceeding, including any
voluntary compliance submission through the IRS’s Employee
Plans Compliance Resolution System or the DOL’s Voluntary
Fiduciary Correction Program, by or with the IRS, the DOL or any
other Governmental Entity.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 3.12(i)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, no
NJCB Benefit Plan provides medical benefits, death benefits or
other non-pension benefits (whether or not insured) beyond an
employee’s retirement or other termination of service, other
than (i) coverage mandated by continuation coverage laws, or (ii)
death benefits under any NJCB Pension Plan. There are no unfunded
benefit obligations which are not accounted for by full reserves
shown in the NJCB Financial Statements, or otherwise noted on the
NJCB Financial Statements.
(j) There
are no welfare benefit funds (within the meaning of Section 419 of
the Code) related to a NJCB Welfare Plan, and any NJCB Welfare Plan
that is a group health plan (within the meaning of Section
4980B(g)(2) of the Code) complies with all of the applicable
material requirements of Section 4980B of the Code.
(k) With
respect to each NJCB Benefit Plan that is funded wholly or
partially through an insurance policy, there will be no liability
of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time under
any such insurance policy or ancillary agreement with respect to
such insurance policy in the nature of a retroactive rate
adjustment, loss sharing arrangement or other actual or contingent
liability arising wholly or partially out of events occurring prior
to the Effective Time.
(l) Except as set forth in Section 3.12(l)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in
conjunction with any other event, such as a termination of
employment) (i) entitle any current or
former
officer, employee, director or consultant of NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries to severance pay, bonus, unemployment compensation
(other than as required by law) or any similar payment, or (ii)
accelerate the time of payment, funding, vesting, or increase the
amount, of any bonus or any compensation due to, or result in the
forgiveness of any indebtedness of, any current or former officer,
employee, director or consultant of NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries.
(m) Neither
NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has announced
an intention to create, or has otherwise created, a legally binding
commitment to adopt any additional NJCB Benefit Plans or to amend
or modify any existing NJCB Benefit Plan.
(n) With
respect to NJCB Benefit Plans, no event has occurred and, to the
Knowledge of NJCB, there exists no condition or set of
circumstances in connection with which NJCB, any Subsidiary of NJCB
or any ERISA Affiliate would be subject to any liability (other
than a liability to pay benefits thereunder) under the terms of
such NJCB Benefit Plans, ERISA, the Code or any other applicable
law which has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a
Material Adverse Effect on NJCB.
(o) Neither
NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is, nor at any time has been, a
party to any collective bargaining agreement or other labor
agreement, nor is any such agreement being negotiated and, to the
Knowledge of NJCB, no activities or proceedings are underway by any
labor union, organization, association or other employee
representation group to organize any employees of NJCB or any of
its Subsidiaries. No work stoppage, slowdown or labor strike
against NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or, to the
Knowledge of NJCB, threatened. NJCB and its Subsidiaries (i) do not
have direct or indirect liability with respect to any
misclassification of any Person as an independent contractor or
temporary worker hired through a temporary worker agency rather
than as an employee, (ii) are in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment, employment
practices, labor relations, employment discrimination, health and
safety, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours and
(iii) have not received any written remedial order or notice of
offense under applicable occupational health and safety Laws.
Neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred, nor do they
expect to incur, any liability or obligation under the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the regulations
promulgated thereunder or any similar state or local
Law.
(p) There
is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint against NJCB or any
of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the Knowledge of NJCB,
threatened, before the National Labor Relations Board, any court or
any Governmental Entity.
(q) With
respect to NJCB and its Subsidiaries, there are no pending or, to
the Knowledge of NJCB, threatened actions, charges, citations or
Orders concerning: (i) wages, compensation or violations of
employment Laws prohibiting discrimination, (ii) representation
petitions or unfair labor practices, (iii) violations of
occupational safety and health Laws, (iv) workers’
compensation, (v) wrongful termination, negligent hiring, invasion
of privacy or defamation or (vi) immigration and naturalization or
any other claims under state or federal labor Law.
(r) Section 3.12(r)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and correct list of (i) the names, job titles,
current annual compensation, two (2) most recent annual bonuses,
overtime exemption status and active or inactive status (and, if
inactive, the reason therefor) of each current employee of NJCB and
its Subsidiaries whose annual salary and bonus for the year ended
December 31, 2016 was in excess of $50,000 (calculated on a
per
annum basis with respect to any
such employee who
was not employed by NJCB and its Subsidiaries for
the entire year), (ii) the names of each director of NJCB or any
Subsidiary, and (iii) the name of each Person who currently
provides, or who has within the prior twelve (12) month period
provided, services to NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries as an
independent contractor and the amount paid to such independent
contractor by NJCB and its Subsidiaries during each of the years
ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016. To the Knowledge of
NJCB, no employee named in Section 3.12(r)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule has
any current plans to terminate employment or service with NJCB or
any Subsidiary. Other than as set forth in Section 3.12(r)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, all
employees of NJCB and its Subsidiaries are employed at
will.
(s) Section 3.12(s)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule
accurately sets forth the amounts payable upon consummation of the
Merger under the agreements described therein.
3.13
NJCB
Information.
(a) The
information relating to NJCB and its Subsidiaries to be contained
in the Proxy Statement, as of the date the Proxy Statement is
mailed to shareholders of NJCB, and up to and including the date of
the meeting of shareholders of NJCB to which such Proxy Statement
relates, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.
(b) The
information relating to NJCB and its Subsidiaries to be contained
in the Parties’ regulatory applications with respect to the
Merger, including without limitation its applications to the FDIC,
the New Jersey Department, and the FRB will be accurate in all
material respects.
3.14
Compliance
with Applicable Law.
(a) General.
Except as set forth in Section 3.14(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, each
of NJCB and its Subsidiaries hold all material licenses,
franchises, permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful
conduct of its business, and each of NJCB and its Subsidiaries has
complied with, and is not in default in any respect under any,
applicable Law, including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act, or any rules or regulations of any federal, state or
local Governmental Entity relating to NJCB or its Subsidiaries
(other than where such defaults or non-compliance will not, alone
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on NJCB).
Except as disclosed in Section 3.14(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, NJCB
and its Subsidiaries have not received notice of violation of, and
do not know of any such violations of, any of the above which have
or are likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on
NJCB.
(b) CRA.
Without limiting the foregoing, NJCB has complied in all material
respects with the Community Reinvestment Act
(“CRA”) and NJCB has no reason to believe that
any person or group would object successfully to the consummation
of the Merger due to the CRA performance of or rating of NJCB. NJCB
has a CRA rating of at least “satisfactory”. Except as
listed in Section 3.14(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, since
January 1, 2014, no person or group has adversely commented in
writing to NJCB in a manner requiring recording in a file of CRA
communications upon the CRA performance of
NJCB.
3.15
Certain
Contracts.
(a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.15(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by
any contract or understanding (whether written or oral) with
respect to the employment or termination of any present or former
officers, employees, directors or consultants. NJCB has delivered
to 1st Constitution’s counsel true and complete copies of all
written employment agreements, severance, change of control and
other termination agreements with officers, employees, directors,
or consultants to which NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or is bound (with a designation that such copies have been
delivered pursuant to Section 3.15(a) of this
Agreement).
(b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.15(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, (i)
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by
any commitment, agreement or other instrument that is material to
the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of
NJCB and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, (ii) no
commitment, agreement or other instrument to which NJCB or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound limits
the freedom of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries to compete in any
line of business, in any geographic area or with any person, and
(iii) neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to (A)
any collective bargaining agreement or (B) any other agreement or
instrument that (I) grants any right of first refusal, right of
first offer or similar right with respect to any material assets or
properties of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries, (II) provides for
material payments to be made by NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries
upon a change in control thereof, (III) requires referrals of
business or requires NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries to make
available investment opportunities to any person on a priority or
exclusive basis or (IV) requires NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries to
use any product or service of another person on an exclusive basis.
For purposes of clause (i) above, any contract with a remaining
term of greater than ninety days or involving the payment of more
than $25,000
(other than contracts relating to banking transactions in the
Ordinary Course of Business) shall be deemed material.
(c) Except as disclosed in Section 3.15(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of
NJCB, any other party thereto, is in default in any material
respect under any material lease, contract, mortgage, promissory
note, deed of trust, loan or other commitment (except those under
which NJCB will be the creditor) or arrangement to which NJCB is a
party.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 3.15(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither the entering into of this Agreement nor the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereunder will cause NJCB, the Bank
or 1st Constitution to become obligated to make any payment of any
kind to any party, including but not limited to, any termination
fee, breakup fee or reimbursement fee, pursuant to any agreement or
understanding between NJCB or its Subsidiaries and such party,
other than the payments contemplated by this
Agreement.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 3.15(e)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by
any contract (whether written or oral) with respect to the services
of any directors, consultants or other independent contractors
that, upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, will (either alone or upon the occurrence of any
additional acts or events) result in any payment or benefits
(whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming
due,
or
the acceleration or vesting of any rights to any payment or
benefits, from 1st Constitution, the Bank, NJCB, the Surviving
Entity or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any director,
officer, consultant or independent contractor thereof.
(f) Except as set forth in Section 3.15(f)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by
any contract (whether written or oral) which (i) is a licensing,
service or other agreement relating to any IT Assets, or is any
other consulting agreement or licensing agreement not terminable on
ninety days or less notice involving the payment of more
than $25,000
per annum, or (ii) that materially restricts the conduct of any
line of business by NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries.
(g) Section 3.15(g)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule
contains a schedule showing the good faith estimated present value
as of June 30, 2017 of the monetary amounts payable (including any
Tax indemnification payments in respect of income and/or excise
Taxes) and identifying the in-kind benefits due under any plan
other than a Tax-qualified plan for each director of NJCB and each
officer of NJCB with the position of vice president or higher,
specifying the assumptions in such schedule.
(h) Each contract, arrangement, commitment or
understanding of the type described in this Section 3.15, whether
or not set forth in Section 3.15
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, is
referred to herein as a “NJCB
Contract”. NJCB has
previously delivered to 1st Constitution’s counsel true and
complete copies of each NJCB Contract (with a designation that such
copies have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.15 of this
Agreement).
3.16
Transactions
with Management. Except for (a)
deposits, all of which are on terms and conditions comparable to
those made available to other customers of NJCB at the time such
deposits were entered into, (b) the Loans listed in
Section
3.21(d) of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule or arm’s length loans to employees entered into in
the ordinary course of business, (c) compensation arrangements or
obligations under employee benefit plans of NJCB or an NJCB
Subsidiary set forth in Sections
3.12(a), 3.12(r),
3.15(a)
and 3.15(e)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, (d)
any loans or deposit agreements entered into in the ordinary course
with customers of NJCB, and (e) items set forth on
Section
3.16 of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule, there are no contracts with or commitments to directors,
officers or employees involving the expenditure of more than $5,000
as to any one individual, including, with respect to any business
directly or indirectly controlled by any such person, or $5,000 for
all such contracts for commitments in the aggregate for any such
individuals. No Loan or credit accommodation to any Affiliate of
NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB is presently in default or, during
the three-year period prior to the date of this Agreement, has been
in default or has been restructured, modified or extended (with
respect to extensions, not in the ordinary course of business)
except for rate modifications pursuant to its loan modification
policy that is applicable to all Persons. NJCB has not been
notified that principal and interest with respect to any such Loan
or other credit accommodation will not be paid when due or that the
loan grade classification accorded such Loan or credit
accommodation by NJCB is inappropriate.
3.17
Agreements
with Regulatory Agencies.
Except as set forth in Section 3.17
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any
cease-and-desist or other order issued by, or is a party to any
written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding
with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking
to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or is a recipient
of any extraordinary supervisory letter from, or has adopted
any
board resolutions at the request of (each, whether
or not set forth on Section 3.17
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, a
“Regulatory
Agreement”), any
Governmental Entity, nor has NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries been
advised by any Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing
or requesting any Regulatory Agreement. With respect to any such
Regulatory Agreement, NJCB is in full compliance with the terms and
conditions set forth in any such Regulatory Agreement and has taken
any and all actions required by any such Regulatory Agreement.
Neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is required by Section 32
of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to give prior notice to a
Federal banking agency of the proposed addition of an individual to
its board of directors or the employment of an individual as a
senior executive officer.
3.18 Properties
and Insurance.
(a) Section 3.18(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a true and complete list of (i) all material real property
and interests in real property owned by NJCB and/or any of its
Subsidiaries (individually, an “Owned
Property” and
collectively, the “Owned
Properties”), and (ii)
all leases, licenses, agreements or other instruments conveying a
leasehold interest in real property by NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries as lessee or lessor (or licensee or licensor, as
applicable) (individually, a “Real Property
Lease” and collectively,
the “Real Property
Leases” and, together
with the Owned Properties, being referred to herein individually as
a “NJCB
Property” and
collectively as the “NJCB
Properties”).
(b) Section 3.18(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a correct legal description, street address and Tax parcel
identification number of all Owned Properties. NJCB has furnished
to 1st Constitution’s counsel copies of all deeds, surveys
and title policies relating to the Owned Properties and copies of
all instruments, agreements and other documents evidencing,
creating or constituting Liens on such Owned Properties (with a
designation that such copies have been delivered pursuant to
Section 3.18(b) of this Agreement) to the extent in the possession
of NJCB or its Subsidiaries.
(c) Section 3.18(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a correct legal description, street address and Tax parcel
identification number of all real property leased by NJCB or any of
its Subsidiaries under the Real Property Leases. NJCB has furnished
to 1st Constitution’s counsel true and complete copies of all
Real Property Leases and any and all amendments, modifications,
restatements and supplements thereto (with a designation that such
copies have been delivered pursuant to Section 3.18(c) of this
Agreement). None of the Real Property Leases have been modified in
any material respect, except to the extent that such modification
is disclosed by the copy made available to 1st Constitution’s
counsel. The Real Property Leases are valid and enforceable in
accordance with their respective terms and neither NJCB nor any of
its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of NJCB, any other party
thereto, is in default thereunder in any material respect nor does
any condition exist that with the giving of notice or passage of
time, or both, would constitute a material default by NJCB or any
of its Subsidiaries, other than defaults that have been cured by
NJCB or its Subsidiaries or waived in writing. Except as set forth
in Section 3.18(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, NJCB
and its Subsidiaries have not leased or sub- leased any NJCB
Property to any third parties. NJCB has furnished to 1st
Constitution’s counsel true and complete copies of all leases
and subleases where NJCB and/or its Subsidiaries have leased or
subleased any NJCB Property to any third
parties.
(d) NJCB or its Subsidiaries have good and marketable
title to all Owned Property, and a valid and existing leasehold
interest under each of the Real Property Leases, in each case, free
and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever except (A) Liens
set forth on Section 3.18(d)
of the NJCB
Disclosure
Schedule
and (B) Permitted Liens. NJCB or one of its Subsidiaries enjoys
peaceful, undisturbed and exclusive possession of each NJCB
Property. All NJCB Property is in a good state of maintenance and
repair, reasonable wear and tear excepted, does not require
material repair or replacement in order to serve their intended
purposes, including use and operation consistent with their present
use and operation, except for scheduled maintenance, repairs and
replacements conducted or required in the Ordinary Course of
Business, conforms in all material respects with all applicable
Laws and NJCB Properties are considered by NJCB to be adequate for
the current business of NJCB and its Subsidiaries. There are no
pending, or to the Knowledge of NJCB, threatened condemnation or
eminent domain proceedings that affect any NJCB Property or any
portion thereof. There is no option or other agreement (written or
otherwise) or right in favor of others to purchase any interest in
Owned Properties. With respect to any NJCB Property subject to the
Real Property Leases, except as expressly provided in the Real
Property Leases, neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries owns or
holds, or is obligated under or a party to, any option, right of
first refusal or other contractual right to purchase or acquire any
real property or any portion thereof or interest therein. All real
estate Taxes and assessments which are due and payable as of the
date hereof with respect to NJCB Property have been paid (or will,
prior to the imposition of any penalty or assessment, be paid).
Neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of
any special Tax or assessment affecting any NJCB Property, and no
such Taxes or assessments are pending or, to the Knowledge of NJCB,
threatened. Neither NJCB Property nor the use or occupancy thereof
violates in any material way any applicable Laws, covenants,
conditions or restrictions. NJCB and its Subsidiaries have made all
material repairs and replacements to NJCB Property that, to
NJCB’s Knowledge, are required to be made by NJCB and its
Subsidiaries under the Real Property Leases or as required under
applicable Laws. NJCB has delivered to 1st Constitution’s
counsel true and complete copies of all agreements that pertain to
the ownership, management or operation of NJCB Property (with a
designation that such copies have been delivered pursuant to
Section 3.18(d) of this Agreement).
(e) The tangible assets and other personal property
owned or leased by NJCB and/ or any of its Subsidiaries are in good
condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and are fit
for use in the Ordinary Course of Business. Section
3.18(e)(i) of the NJCB
Disclosure Schedule sets forth all leases of tangible assets and
other personal property by NJCB or its Subsidiaries
(“Personal Property
Leases”) involving annual
payments in excess of $25,000. Except as set forth on
Section
3.18(e)(ii) of the NJCB
Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries
is in default under any material provision of any Personal Property
Lease and, to the Knowledge of NJCB, none of the other
counterparties thereto is in default under any material provision
of any Personal Property Lease, (ii)
no written or, to the Knowledge of NJCB, oral notice has been
received by NJCB or by any of its Subsidiaries from any lessor
under any Personal Property Lease that NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries is in material default thereunder, (iii) with respect
to clauses (i) and (ii) above, to the Knowledge of NJCB, no event
has occurred or circumstance exists which, with the delivery of
notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach
or default, or permit the termination, modification or acceleration
of any payments due under such Personal Property Leases, (iv) each
of the Personal Property Leases is valid and in full force and
effect, (v) neither NJCB’s nor any Subsidiary’s
possession and quiet enjoyment of the personal property leased
under such Personal Property Leases has been disturbed in any
material respect and, to the Knowledge of NJCB, there are no
disputes with respect to such Personal Property Leases, (vi)
neither NJCB nor any Subsidiary has subleased, licensed or
otherwise granted any Person the right to use the personal property
leased under such Personal Property Leases and (vii) neither NJCB
nor any of its Subsidiaries have collaterally assigned or granted
any other security interest in and there are no Liens on the
leasehold interest created by such Personal Property Leases. NJCB
has delivered to 1st Constitution’s
counsel
true and complete copies of each written Personal Property Lease,
and in the case of any oral Personal Property Lease, a written
summary of the material terms of such Personal Property Lease (with
a designation that such copies have been delivered pursuant to
Section 3.18(e) of this Agreement).
(f) The business operations and all insurable
properties and assets of NJCB and its Subsidiaries are insured for
their benefit against all risks which, in the reasonable judgment
of the management of NJCB, should be insured against, in each case
under policies or bonds issued by insurers of recognized
responsibility, in such amounts with such deductibles and against
such risks and losses as are in the reasonable judgment of the
management of NJCB adequate for the business engaged in by NJCB and
its Subsidiaries. NJCB and its Subsidiaries have not received any
notice of cancellation or notice of a material amendment of any
such insurance policy or bond and are not in default under any such
policy or bond, no coverage thereunder is being disputed and all
material claims thereunder have been filed in a timely
fashion. Section 3.18(f)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a complete and accurate list of all primary and excess
insurance coverage held by NJCB and/or its Subsidiaries currently
or at any time during the past three years. Copies of all insurance
policies reflected on such list have been provided to 1st
Constitution. Except as set forth in Section 3.18(f)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written
notice, or to the Knowledge of NJCB, any oral notice, that there
are any pending actions or claims against NJCB Property, NJCB or
any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not such claims or actions are
covered by insurance. None of the insurance policies maintained by
NJCB or its Subsidiaries constitute self-insured fronting policies
or are subject to retrospective premium adjustments. Any pending
claims that NJCB or its Subsidiaries have made for insurance have
been acknowledged for coverage by the applicable
insurer.
(g) NJCB has purchased in 2012 and 2013, for an
aggregate premium of $3.5 million received by the insurance
carriers, with approximately $8.2 million of bank owned life
insurance (“BOLI”) coverage covering the lives of 18
officers and directors of NJCB (the “BOLI Covered
Individuals”). NJCB has
entered into an agreement with each BOLI Covered Individual (an
“Insurance
Agreement”) entitling
such BOLI Covered Individual to receive a death benefit.
Section
3.18(g) of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule sets forth the names and current ages of each of the BOLI
Covered Individuals, and the formula for determining the death
benefit that each such individual will be entitled to receive.
Except as set forth in Section 3.18(g)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, in no
event will any BOLI Covered Individual be entitled to receive more
than $25,000 upon his or her death pursuant to the Insurance
Agreements and any other plan or arrangement entered into in
connection with NJCB’s BOLI, all of which shall be funded by
NJCB’s BOLI without the payment of any further premium. Other
than the BOLI for the BOLI Covered Individuals, NJCB and its
Subsidiaries do not sponsor, maintain or otherwise provide BOLI
coverage or any other type of insurance coverage providing, or
shall be obligated to pay, any death benefits with respect to any
current or former employee, officer or director of NJCB or its
Subsidiaries. NJCB has delivered to 1st Constitution’s
counsel true and complete copies of the agreements and other
documents providing for the BOLI, the Insurance Agreements and of
any plan documents that afford to the BOLI Covered Individuals any
rights to receive payments from NJCB’s BOLI (with a
designation that such copies have been delivered pursuant to
Section 3.18(g) of this Agreement). Such Insurance Agreements and
plan documents will entitle the BOLI Covered Individuals to the
payments set forth herein, but no other
payments.
3.19 Environmental
Matters. Except as set forth
in Section 3.19
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule:
(a) Neither
NJCB nor its Subsidiaries have received notice that any of the
Participation Facilities or, to the Knowledge of NJCB, the Loan
Properties, are not in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable Environmental Laws, including common law, regulations
and ordinances, and with all applicable Orders and contractual
obligations relating to any Environmental Matters, pollution or the
discharge of, or exposure to, Regulated Substances in the
environment or workplace.
(b) There
is no suit, claim, action or proceeding, pending or, to the
Knowledge of NJCB, threatened, before any Governmental Entity or
other forum in which NJCB, any of its Subsidiaries, any
Participation Facility or to the Knowledge of NJCB, any Loan
Property, has been or, with respect to threatened proceedings, may
be, named as a potentially responsible party (x) for alleged
noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with any Environmental
Laws, or (y) relating to the release of, threatened release of or
exposure to any Regulated Substances whether or not occurring at or
on a site owned, leased or operated by NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries, any Participation Facility or any Loan
Property;
(c) To
the Knowledge of NJCB, during the period of (x) NJCB’s or any
of its Subsidiaries’ ownership or operation of any of their
respective current or former properties, (y) NJCB’s or any of
its Subsidiaries’ participation in the management of any
Participation Facility, or (z) NJCB’s or any of its
Subsidiaries’ interest in a Loan Property, there has been no
release of Regulated Substances in, on, under, from or affecting
any such property. To the Knowledge of NJCB, prior to the period of
(x) NJCB’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ ownership or
operation of any of their respective current or former
properties, (y)
NJCB’s
or any of its Subsidiaries’ participation in the management
of any Participation Facility, or (z)
NJCB’s
or any of its Subsidiaries’ interest in a Loan Property,
there was no release of Regulated Substances in, on, under, from or
affecting any such property, Participation Facility or Loan
Property.
(d) The following definitions apply for purposes
of this Section 3.19: (v) “Regulated
Substances” means any
chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances,
petroleum or other substances or materials regulated under any
Environmental Law, (w) “Loan
Property” means any
property in which NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries holds a security
interest, and, where required by the context, said term means the
owner or operator of such property; (x) “Participation
Facility” means any
facility in which NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries participates in
the management and, where required by the context, said term means
the owner or operator of such property; (y)
“Environmental
Laws” means any and all
applicable common law, statutes and regulations, of the United
States and New Jersey dealing with Environmental Matters, including
without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq.,
(“CERCLA”), the Hazardous Material Transportation
Act, 49 U.S.C. §1801 et seq., the Solid Waste Disposal Act
including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42
U.S.C. §6901 et seq. (“RCRA”), the Clean Water Act, 33
U.S.C.
§1251 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. §7401 et
seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §2601 et seq., the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. §136 et
seq., the Emergency Planning and Right-To-Know Act of 1986, 42
U.S.C. §11001 et seq., the New Jersey Spill Compensation and
Control Act, N.J.S.A. 58:10A-23.11, et seq.
(“Spill Act”); the New Jersey Industrial Site
Remediation Act, N.J.S.A. 13:1K-6, et seq.
(“ISRA”); the New Jersey Brownfield and
Contaminated Site Remediation Act, N.J.S.A. 58:10B-1, et
seq.(“BCSRA”); the New Jersey Site Remediation Reform
Act, N.J.S.A. 58:10C-1, et seq. (“SRRA”); the New Jersey Water Pollution Control
Act, N.J.S.A. 58:
10A-1 et seq.; the New Jersey Air Pollution
Control Act, N.J.S.A. 26:2C-1, et seq., the New Jersey Solid Waste
Management Act, N.J.S.A. 13:1E-1, et seq.; as in effect and
amended, and all other applicable Laws, and any applicable
provisions of common law and civil law relating to the protection
of human health and safety, and the environment, the protection of
natural resources or providing for any remedy or right of recovery
or right of injunctive relief with respect to Environmental
Matters, as these Laws were in the past or are in effect; and (z)
“Environmental
Matters” means all
matters, conditions, liabilities, obligations, damages, losses,
claims, requirements, prohibitions, and restrictions arising out of
or relating to the environment, natural resources, safety, or
sanitation, or the production, storage, handling, use, emission,
release, discharge, dispersal, or disposal of any substance,
product or waste which is hazardous or toxic or which is regulated
by any Environmental Law whatsoever.
3.20 Indemnification.
Except as provided in NJCB Contracts or the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of NJCB or the governing documents of any
NJCB Subsidiary as in effect on the date hereof (which provisions
are accurately summarized in Section 3.20
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule), and
except as set forth in Section 3.20
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any
indemnification agreement with any of its present or former
directors, officers, employees, agents or with any other persons
who serve or served in any other capacity with any other enterprise
at the request of NJCB (a “Covered
Person”), and, to the
Knowledge of NJCB, there are no claims for which any Covered Person
would be entitled to indemnification under the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB,
applicable Law or any indemnification
agreement.
3.21
Loan
Portfolio.
(a) With respect to each loan owned by NJCB or its
Subsidiaries in whole or in part (each, a
“Loan”),
to the Knowledge of NJCB:
(i)
the
note and the related security documents are each legal, valid and
binding obligations of the maker or obligor thereof, enforceable
against such maker or obligor in accordance with their terms,
except as enforcement may be limited by general principles of
equity whether applied in a court of law or a court of equity and
by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar Laws affecting
creditors’ rights and remedies generally;
(ii) neither
NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any prior holder of a Loan has
modified the note or any of the related security documents in any
material respect or satisfied, canceled or subordinated the note or
any of the related security documents except as otherwise disclosed
by documents in the applicable Loan file;
(iii) NJCB
or a Subsidiary is the sole holder of legal and beneficial title to
each Loan (or NJCB’s applicable participation interest, as
applicable), except as otherwise referenced on the books and
records of NJCB;
(iv) the
note and the related security documents, copies of which are
included in the Loan files, are true and complete copies of the
documents they purport to be and have not been suspended, amended,
modified, canceled or otherwise changed except as otherwise
disclosed by documents in the applicable Loan file;
(v)
there
is no pending or threatened condemnation proceeding or similar
proceeding affecting the property that serves as security for a
Loan, except as otherwise referenced on the books and records of
NJCB;
(vi) except
as set forth in Section 3.21(a)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, there
is no pending or threatened litigation or proceeding relating to
the property that serves as security for a Loan;
and
(vii) with
respect to a Loan held in the form of a participation, the
participation documentation is legal, valid, binding and
enforceable, except as enforcement may be limited by general
principles of equity whether applied in a court of law or a court
of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar Laws affecting
creditors’ rights and remedies generally.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.21(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any written
or oral loan agreement, note or borrowing arrangement (including,
without limitation, leases, credit enhancements, commitments,
guarantees and interest- bearing assets), under the terms of which
the obligor was, as of June 30, 2017, over 90 days delinquent in
payment of principal or interest. Section 3.21(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule sets
forth (a) all of the Loans of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries that
as of the date of NJCB’s most recent bank examination, were
classified by NJCB, any of its Subsidiaries or any bank examiner
(whether regulatory or internal) as “Special Mention”,
“Substandard”, “Doubtful”,
“Loss”, “Classified”,
“Criticized”, “Credit Risk Assets”,
“Concerned Loans”, “Watch List” or words of
similar import, together with the principal amount of and accrued
and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity of the
borrower thereunder, (b)
each Loan that was classified as of June 30, 2017
as impaired in accordance with ASC 310, (c) by category of Loan
(i.e., commercial, consumer, etc.), all of the other Loans of NJCB
and its Subsidiaries that as of June 30, 2017, were categorized as
such, together with the aggregate principal amount of and accrued
and unpaid interest on such Loans by category and (d) each asset of
NJCB that as of June 30, 2017, was classified as “Other Real
Estate Owned” (“OREO”) and the book value thereof as of such
date.
(c) As
of June 30, 2017, the allowance for loan losses in the NJCB
Financial Statements was adequate pursuant to GAAP, and the
methodology used to compute such allowance complies in all material
respects with GAAP and all applicable policies of NJCB Regulatory
Agencies. As of June 30, 2017, the reserve for OREO properties (or
if no reserve, the carrying value of OREO properties) in the NJCB
Financial Statements was adequate pursuant to GAAP, and the
methodology used to compute the reserve for OREO properties (or if
no reserve, the carrying value of OREO properties) complies in all
material respects with GAAP and all applicable policies of NJCB
Regulatory Agencies.
(d) NJCB has previously delivered to 1st Constitution
a schedule setting forth a list of all Loans as of June 30, 2017 by
NJCB and its Subsidiaries to any directors, executive officers and
principal shareholders (as such terms are defined in Regulation O
promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board (12 CFR Part 215)) of NJCB
or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in
Section
3.21(d) of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule, (i) there are no employee, officer, director or other
Affiliate Loans on which the borrower is paying a rate other than
that reflected in the note or the relevant credit agreement or on
which the borrower is paying a rate which was below market at the
time the Loan was made; and (ii) all such loans are and were made
in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
Laws.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 3.21(e)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, none
of the agreements pursuant to which NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries
has sold Loans or pools of Loans or participations in Loans or
pools of Loans is subject to any obligation to repurchase such
Loans or interests therein solely on account of a payment default
by the obligor on any such Loan.
(f) Except as set forth in Section 3.21(f)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, since
December 31, 2012, neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has
originated or serviced or currently holds, directly or indirectly,
any Loans that would be commonly referred to as
“subprime”, “Alt-A” or “negative
amortization” Loans, or home equity Loans or lines of credit
with a loan to value ratio at origination of over ninety percent
(collectively, “High Risk
Loans”).
(g) Except as set forth in Section 3.21(g)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any investment
securities that are secured by High Risk Loans.
3.22
Investment
Securities; Borrowings; Deposits.
(a) Except
for investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, Atlantic Community
Bankers Bank stock and pledges to secure Federal Home Loan Bank
borrowings, Atlantic Community Bankers Bank borrowings and reverse
repurchase agreements entered into in arms-length transactions
pursuant to normal commercial terms and conditions and entered into
in the Ordinary Course of Business and restrictions that exist for
securities to be classified as “held to maturity,” none
of the investment securities held by NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to any restriction (contractual or
statutory) that would materially impair the ability of the entity
holding such investment freely to dispose of such investment at any
time.
(b) Neither NJCB nor any Subsidiary is a party to or
has agreed to enter into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter
equity, interest rate, foreign exchange or other swap, forward,
future, option, cap, floor or collar or any other contract that is
not included on the face of the NJCB Financial Statements and is a
derivative contract (including various combinations thereof) (each,
a “Derivatives
Contract”) or owns
securities that (A) are referred to generically as
“structured notes,” “high risk mortgage
derivatives,” “capped floating rate notes” or
“capped floating rate mortgage derivatives” or (B) are
likely to have changes in value as a result of interest or exchange
rate changes that significantly exceed normal changes in value
attributable to interest or exchange rate changes, except for those
Derivatives Contracts and other instruments legally purchased or
entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business, consistent with
regulatory requirements and listed (as of the date hereof)
in Section 3.22(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule.
(c) Set forth in Section 3.22(c)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule is a
true and complete list of the borrowed funds (excluding deposit
accounts) of NJCB and its Subsidiaries as of the date
hereof.
(d) None of the deposits of NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries is a “brokered” deposit, except as set
forth in Section 3.22(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule.
3.23
Vote
Required. Approval by holders
of a two-thirds of the shares of NJCB Common Stock entitled to vote
at the NJCB Shareholders’ Meeting shall be sufficient to
constitute approval by NJCB’s shareholders of this Agreement
and the Merger. A majority of the outstanding shares of NJCB Common
Stock constitutes a quorum for purposes of the NJCB
Shareholders’ Meeting.
3.24
Intellectual
Property. Except as set forth
in Section 3.24
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule:
(a) Each
of NJCB and its Subsidiaries: (i) solely owns (beneficially, and of
record where applicable), free and clear of all Liens, other than
non-exclusive licenses entered into in the
Ordinary
Course
of Business, all right, title and interest in and to its respective
Owned Intellectual Property and (ii)
has valid and sufficient rights and licenses to all of the Licensed
Intellectual Property. The Owned Intellectual Property is
subsisting, and to the Knowledge of NJCB, the Owned Intellectual
Property that is Registered is valid and enforceable.
(b) The
Owned Intellectual Property and the Licensed Intellectual Property
constitute all Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the
operation of the respective businesses of NJCB and each of its
Subsidiaries as presently conducted. Each of NJCB and its
Subsidiaries has sufficient rights to use all Intellectual Property
used in its respective business as presently
conducted.
(c) To
NJCB’s Knowledge, the operation of NJCB and each of its
Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as presently conducted
does not infringe, dilute, misappropriate or otherwise violate the
Intellectual Property rights of any Person.
(d) Other than as set forth in Section 3.24(d)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule,
neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written
notice (including, but not limited to, any invitation to license or
request or demand to refrain from using intellectual property
rights) from any Person during the two years prior to the date
hereof, asserting that NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries, or the
operation of any of their respective businesses, infringes,
dilutes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any Person’s
Intellectual Property rights.
(e) To
NJCB’s Knowledge, no Person has infringed, diluted,
misappropriated or otherwise violated any of NJCB’s or any of
its Subsidiaries’ rights in the Owned Intellectual
Property.
(f) NJCB
and each of its Subsidiaries has taken reasonable measures to
protect: (i) their rights in their respective Owned Intellectual
Property and (ii) the confidentiality of all Trade Secrets that are
owned, used or held by NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries, and to
NJCB’s Knowledge, such Trade Secrets have not been used,
disclosed to or discovered by any Person except pursuant to
appropriate non-disclosure agreements which have not been breached.
To NJCB’s Knowledge, no Person has gained unauthorized access
to NJCB’s or its Subsidiaries’ IT Assets.
(g) NJCB’s
and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective IT Assets: (i)
operate and perform in all material respects as required by NJCB
and each of its Subsidiaries in connection with their respective
businesses and (ii) to NJCB’s Knowledge, have not materially
malfunctioned or failed within the past two years. NJCB and each of
its Subsidiaries has implemented reasonable backup, security and
disaster recovery technology and procedures consistent with
industry practices.
(h) NJCB
and each of its Subsidiaries: (i) is, and at all times prior to the
date hereof have been, compliant in all material respects with all
applicable Laws, and their own privacy policies and commitments to
their respective customers, consumers and employees, concerning
data protection and the privacy and security of personal data and
the nonpublic personal information of their respective customers,
consumers and employees and (ii) at no time during the two years
prior to the date hereof have received any written notice and, to
the Knowledge of NJCB, received any oral notices, in either case
asserting any violations of any of the foregoing. The transfer of
all such personal data and nonpublic personal information to the
Bank’s control in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby shall not violate any such Laws,
privacy policies or commitments.
(i) For
purposes of this Agreement:
(1) “Intellectual
Property” means any and
all: (i) trademarks, service marks, brand names, collective marks,
Internet domain names, logos, symbols, trade dress, trade names,
business names, corporate names, slogans, designs and other indicia
of origin, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations
and combinations thereof, all applications, registrations and
renewals for the foregoing, and all goodwill associated therewith
and symbolized thereby (“Trademarks”); (ii) patents and patentable inventions
(whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and
all invention disclosures and applications therefor, together with
all divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions,
renewals, extensions, reexaminations and reissues thereof
(“Patents”); (iii) confidential proprietary business
information, trade secrets and know-how, including processes,
schematics, business and other methods, technologies, techniques,
protocols, formulae, drawings, prototypes, models, algorithms,
processes, designs, discoveries and inventions (whether or not
patentable) (“Trade
Secrets”);
(iv) copyrights
in published and unpublished works of authorship (including
databases and other compilations of information), and all
registrations and applications therefor, and all renewals,
extensions, restorations and reversions thereof; and (v) other
intellectual property rights.
(2) “IT Assets” means, with respect to any Person, the
computers, computer software, firmware, middleware, servers,
workstations, routers, hubs, switches, data, data communications
lines, and all other information technology equipment, and all
associated documentation owned by such Person or such
Person’s Subsidiaries.
(3) “Licensed Intellectual
Property” means, with
respect to any Person, the Intellectual Property owned by third
persons that is used in or necessary for the operation of the
respective businesses of such Person and each of its Subsidiaries
as presently conducted.
(4) “Owned Intellectual
Property” means, with
respect to any Person, Intellectual Property owned or purported to
be owned by such Person or any of its
Subsidiaries.
(5) “Registered” or “Registration” means issued by, registered with, renewed
by or the subject of a pending application before any Governmental
Entity or Internet domain name registrar.
3.25 Prior
Regulatory Applications. Except
as disclosed in Section 3.25
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, from
January 1, 2014 through the date hereof, no regulatory agency has
objected to, denied, or advised NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB to
withdraw, and to NJCB’s Knowledge, no third party has
submitted an objection to a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction
over NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB regarding, any application,
notice, or other request filed by NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB
with any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over NJCB or such
Subsidiary.
3.26
Mortgage
Banking Activities.
(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.26
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule, all
Mortgage Loans have been originated, processed, underwritten,
closed, funded, insured, sold or acquired, serviced and subserviced
(including all loss mitigation, loan modification, foreclosure and
real property administration activities) in accordance with
Applicable Requirements. To the Knowledge of NJCB and its
Subsidiaries, no fraud, error, omission, misrepresentation, mistake
or similar occurrence has occurred in connection with the
origination or servicing of any of the Mortgage
Loans.
(b) None
of the Mortgage Loans have ever been classified as (a) “high
cost” loans under the Home Ownership and Equity Protection
Act of 1994 or (b) “high cost,”
“threshold,” “covered,” or
“predatory” loans under any other Applicable
Requirement.
3.27 Reorganization.
Neither NJCB nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to
take any action, has failed to take any action, or knows of any
fact, agreement, plan or other circumstances that could prevent the
Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
3.28 Disclosure.
No representation or warranty contained in Article III of this
Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements in
Article III not misleading.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF 1ST CONSTITUTION AND THE
BANK
References herein to the
“1st
Constitution Disclosure Schedule” shall mean all of the disclosure schedules
required by this Article IV, dated as of the date hereof and
referenced to the specific sections and subsections of Article IV
of this Agreement, which have been delivered on the date hereof by
1st Constitution to NJCB. Except as set forth in the 1st
Constitution Disclosure Schedule, 1st Constitution and the Bank
hereby represent and warrant to NJCB as
follows:
4.1 Corporate
Organization.
(a) 1st
Constitution is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the Laws of the State of New Jersey. 1st
Constitution has the corporate power and authority to own or lease
all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it
is now being conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do
business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business
conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and
assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification
necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified
would not have a Material Adverse Effect on 1st Constitution. 1st
Constitution is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Copies of the certificate
of incorporation and by-laws of 1st Constitution have previously
been delivered to NJCB’s counsel (with a designation that
such copies have been delivered pursuant to Section 4.1(a) of this
Agreement); such copies are true and complete copies of such
documents as in effect as of the date of this
Agreement.
(b) The
Bank is a state-chartered commercial banking corporation duly
organized and validly existing under the Laws of the State of New
Jersey. The deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the FDIC
through the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest
extent permitted by Law, and all premiums and assessments required
to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due. Each of
1st Constitution’s other Subsidiaries is a business entity
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization. Each of
their Subsidiaries has the corporate power and authority to own or
lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business
as it is now being conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to
do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the
business conducted by it or the character or the location of the
properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed
or qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on 1st
Constitution.
4.2 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of 1st Constitution
consists solely of 30,000,000 shares of 1st Constitution Common
Stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of June 30, 2017,
there were 8,046,197 shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock
outstanding, and 33,298 shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock
held by 1st Constitution as treasury stock and no shares of
preferred stock of 1st Constitution outstanding or held as treasury
stock. As of June 30, 2017, there were no shares of 1st
Constitution Common Stock reserved for issuance except for 148,462
shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock reserved for issuance
pursuant to 1st Constitution’s stock incentive plans (the
“1st
Constitution Stock Incentive Plans”) and 285,176 shares of 1st Constitution
Common Stock reserved for issuance under two outstanding warrants
(the “1st Constitution
Warrants”). All of the
issued and outstanding shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock have
been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal
liability attaching to the ownership thereof. Except for (i) shares
of capital stock issuable pursuant to the 1st Constitution Stock
Incentive Plans and the 1st Constitution Warrants and (ii) shares
of capital stock issuable as a result of increases in the number of
shares of capital stock underlying the 1st Constitution Warrants,
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 1st Constitution
Warrants, resulting from the payment of cash dividends by 1st
Constitution, as of the date hereof, 1st Constitution does not have
and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options,
warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling
for the purchase or issuance of any shares of 1st Constitution
Common Stock or any other equity security of 1st Constitution or
any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise
receive any shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock or any other
equity security of 1st Constitution. The shares of 1st Constitution
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will be duly
authorized and validly issued and, at the Effective Time, all such
shares will be fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive
rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership
thereof.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.2(b)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, 1st Constitution owns, directly or indirectly, all of the
issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock or all of the
other equity interests of each of its Subsidiaries, free and clear
of all Liens, and all of such shares or other equity interests are
duly authorized and validly issued, are (if applicable) fully paid
and nonassessable and are free of preemptive rights, with no
personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. As of the
date of this Agreement, no Subsidiary of 1st Constitution has or is
bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls,
commitments or agreements of any character with any party that is
not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of 1st Constitution calling for
the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any
other equity interest of such Subsidiary or any securities
representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares
of capital stock or any other equity interests of such
Subsidiary.
4.3 Authority;
No Violation.
(a) 1st
Constitution has full corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and, subject to the Parties’ obtaining
(i) all bank regulatory approvals required to effectuate the Merger
and (ii) the other approvals listed in Section 4.4 of this
Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby in
accordance with the terms hereof. On or prior to the date of this
Agreement, 1st Constitution’s Board of Directors and the
Bank’s Board of Directors have (i) declared the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated hereby to be advisable and (ii)
approved this Agreement, the Merger
and
the other transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly approved (i) by the
Boards of Directors of 1st Constitution and the Bank and (ii) by
1st Constitution as the sole shareholder of the Bank. No other
corporate proceedings on the part of 1st Constitution or the Bank
(including no approval by 1st Constitution’s shareholders)
are necessary to approve this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by 1st Constitution and the Bank and
(assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by NJCB) this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of 1st
Constitution and the Bank, enforceable against 1st Constitution and
the Bank in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be
limited by general principles of equity, whether applied in a court
of law or a court of equity, and by bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies
generally.
(b) Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by 1st Constitution or
the Bank, nor the consummation by 1st Constitution or the Bank of
the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms
hereof, or compliance by 1st Constitution or the Bank with any of
the terms or provisions hereof, will (i) violate any provision of
the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of 1st Constitution or
the certificate of incorporation, by-laws or similar governing
documents of the Bank or any of their Subsidiaries, or (ii)
assuming that the consents and approvals referred to in
Section 4.4
of this Agreement are duly obtained and except as
set forth in Section 4.3(b)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, (x) violate any Law or Order applicable to 1st
Constitution, the Bank or any of their Subsidiaries, or any of
their respective properties or assets, or (y) violate, conflict
with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any
benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under,
result in the termination of or a right of termination or
cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or
result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective
properties or assets of 1st Constitution, the Bank or any of their
Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of
any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease,
agreement or other instrument or obligation to which 1st
Constitution, the Bank or any of their Subsidiaries is a party, or
by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may
be bound or affected, except, with respect to (ii) above, such as
individually or in the aggregate will not have a Material Adverse
Effect on 1st Constitution.
4.4 Consents
and Approvals. Except for (a)
the filing of applications and notices, as applicable, with the
Board of Governors of the FRB and approval of such applications and
notices, (b) the filing of applications and notices, as applicable,
with the FDIC and approval of such applications and notices, (c)
the filing of applications and notices, as applicable, with the New
Jersey Department and approval of such applications and notices,
(d) the filing with the SEC and declaration of effectiveness of the
S-4, (e) the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the
requisite vote of the shareholders of NJCB, (f) approval of the
listing of the 1st Constitution Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger on the NASDAQ Global Market, (g) such filings as shall be
required to be made with any applicable state securities bureaus or
commissions, (h) such consents, authorizations or approvals as
shall be required under the Environmental Laws and (i) such other
filings, authorizations or approvals as may be set forth in
Section
4.4 of the 1st Constitution
Disclosure Schedule, no consents or approvals of or filings or
registrations with any Governmental Entity or with any third party
are necessary on behalf of 1st Constitution or the Bank in
connection with (1) the execution and delivery by 1st Constitution
and the Bank of this Agreement and (2) the consummation by 1st
Constitution and the Bank of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby.
4.5 Reports.
1st Constitution, the Bank and each of their Subsidiaries have
timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together
with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that
they were required to file since December 31, 2013 with (i) the
FRB, (ii) the New Jersey Department, (iii) the FDIC and (iv) any
other Governmental Entity that regulates 1st Constitution, the Bank
or any of their Subsidiaries (collectively with the FRB, the New
Jersey Department and the FDIC, the “1st Constitution Regulatory
Agencies”), and have paid
all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith.
Except for normal examinations conducted by the 1st Constitution
Regulatory Agencies in the regular course of the business of 1st
Constitution, the Bank and their Subsidiaries, and except as set
forth in Section 4.5
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, no 1st Constitution Regulatory Agency has initiated any
proceeding or, to the Knowledge of 1st Constitution, investigation
into the business or operations of 1st Constitution, the Bank or
any of their Subsidiaries since December 31, 2013 the effect of
which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on 1st
Constitution, the Bank or to delay approval of the Merger by any
Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the Merger, 1st
Constitution, the Bank, NJCB or their respective Subsidiaries or
which is reasonably likely to result in such Governmental
Entity’s objecting to the Merger. There is no unresolved
violation, criticism, or exception by any 1st Constitution
Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating
to any examinations of 1st Constitution, the Bank or any of their
Subsidiaries the effect of which is reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect on 1st Constitution or to delay approval of
the Merger by any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the
Merger, the 1st Constitution, the Bank, NJCB or their respective
Subsidiaries or which is reasonably likely to result in such
Governmental Entity’s objecting to the
Merger.
4.6 Financial
Statements. 1st Constitution
has previously made available to NJCB copies of (a) the
consolidated statements of financial condition of 1st Constitution
and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, and the
related consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders’ equity and cash flows and consolidated
statements of comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, in each case accompanied by the
audit report of BDO USA, LLP, independent public accountants with
respect to 1st Constitution, (b) the notes related thereto, (c) the
unaudited consolidated statement of financial condition of 1st
Constitution and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2017 and the
related unaudited consolidated statements of income and cash flows
for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2017 and (d)
the notes related thereto (the “1st Constitution Financial
Statements”). BDO USA,
LLP, 1st Constitution’s current independent public
accountants, is independent with respect to 1st Constitution and
its Subsidiaries to the extent required by Regulation S-X of the
SEC. The consolidated statements of financial condition of 1st
Constitution (including the related notes, where applicable)
included within the 1st Constitution Financial Statements fairly
present, and the consolidated statements of financial condition of
1st Constitution (including the related notes, where applicable) to
be included or incorporated by reference in the S-4 will fairly
present the consolidated financial position of 1st Constitution and
its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof, and the consolidated
statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and
cash flows and consolidated statements of comprehensive income
(including the related notes, where applicable) included within the
1st Constitution Financial Statements fairly present, and the
consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’
equity and cash flows and consolidated statements of comprehensive
income of 1st Constitution (including the related notes, where
applicable) to be included or incorporated by reference in the S-4
will fairly present, the results of the consolidated operations and
consolidated financial position of 1st Constitution and its
Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods therein set forth;
each of the 1st Constitution Financial Statements (including the
related notes, where applicable) complies, and each of such
consolidated financial statements
(including
the related notes, where applicable) to be included or incorporated
by reference in the S-4 will comply, with accounting requirements
applicable to financial statements to be included or incorporated
by reference in the S-4 and with the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, including without
limitation Regulation S-X; and each of the 1st Constitution
Financial Statements (including the related notes, where
applicable) has been, and each of such consolidated financial
statements (including the related notes, where applicable) to be
included or incorporated by reference in the S-4 will be, prepared
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods
involved, except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted
by the SEC with respect to financial statements included on Form
10-Q. The books and records of 1st Constitution and its
Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in accordance
with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting
requirements, and reflect only actual transactions.
4.7 SEC
Reports.
(a) 1st Constitution has filed all reports, schedules,
registration statements, prospectuses and other documents, together
with amendments thereto, required to be filed with the SEC since
December 31, 2013 (the “1st Constitution
Reports”). Except as set
forth in Section 4.7(a)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC (or,
if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing prior to the date
hereof, as of the date of such subsequent filing), the 1st
Constitution Reports complied, and each 1st Constitution Report
filed subsequent to the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time
will comply, in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities
Act”) the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the
“Sarbanes-Oxley
Act”) and the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and did not or will
not, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. There are
no outstanding comments from, or unresolved issues raised by, the
SEC with respect to any of the 1st Constitution Reports. None of
1st Constitution’s Subsidiaries is required to file periodic
reports with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act. No executive officer of 1st Constitution has failed
in any respect to make the certifications required of him or her
under Sections 302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and to the
Knowledge of 1st Constitution, no enforcement action has been
initiated against 1st Constitution or its officers or directors by
the SEC relating to disclosures contained in any 1st Constitution
Report.
(b) The records, systems, controls, data and
information of 1st Constitution and its Subsidiaries are recorded,
stored, maintained and operated under means (including any
electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether
computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and
direct control of 1st Constitution or its Subsidiaries or
accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom),
except for any non-exclusive ownership and non-direct control that
would not reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse
effect on the system of internal accounting controls described in
the following sentence. Except as set forth in Section 4.7(b)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, 1st Constitution and its Subsidiaries have devised and
maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to
provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Except as set forth
in Section 4.7(b)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, 1st Constitution has designed disclosure controls and
procedures (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
promulgated under the
Exchange
Act) to ensure that material information relating to 1st
Constitution and its Subsidiaries is made known to the management
of 1st Constitution by others within those entities as appropriate
to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make
the certifications required by the Exchange Act with respect to the
1st Constitution Reports. Management of 1st Constitution has
disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date
hereof, to 1st Constitution’s auditors and the audit
committee of 1st Constitution’s Board of Directors (1) any
significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect in any material respect 1st
Constitution’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data and have identified for 1st
Constitution’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal
controls, with any such significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses having previously been disclosed in the 1st Constitution
Reports, and (2) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant role in 1st
Constitution’s internal controls.
4.8 Absence
of Certain Changes or Events.
Except as disclosed in any 1st Constitution Report filed with the
SEC prior to the date of this Agreement, since December 31, 2016,
there has been no change or development or combination of changes
or developments which, individually or in the aggregate, has had a
Material Adverse Effect on 1st Constitution or the
Bank.
4.9 Legal
Proceedings.
(a) Except as disclosed in any 1st Constitution Report
filed with the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement or as may be
set forth in Section 4.9(a)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, neither 1st Constitution nor any of its Subsidiaries is a
party to any, and there are no pending or, to 1st
Constitution’s Knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative,
arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or
regulatory investigations of any material nature against 1st
Constitution or any of its Subsidiaries or challenging the validity
or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.9(b)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, there is no outstanding Order imposed upon 1st
Constitution, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of 1st
Constitution or any of its Subsidiaries.
4.10 1st
Constitution Information.
(a) The
information relating to 1st Constitution and the Bank to be
contained in the Proxy Statement, as of the date the Proxy
Statement is mailed to shareholders of NJCB, and up to and
including the date of the meeting of shareholders of NJCB to which
such Proxy Statement relates, will not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. The Proxy Statement (except
for such portions thereof that relate only to NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects with the
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder and the S-4 will comply in all material respects with
all provisions of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
(b) The
information relating to 1st Constitution and its Subsidiaries to be
contained in 1st Constitution’s applications to the FRB, the
FDIC and the New Jersey Department will be accurate in all material
respects.
4.11 Compliance
with Applicable Law. Except as
set forth in Section 4.11
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, each of 1st Constitution and each of its Subsidiaries
hold all material licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations
necessary for the lawful conduct of its business, and each of 1st
Constitution and each of its Subsidiaries has complied with, and is
not in default in any respect under any, applicable Law of any
federal, state or local Governmental Entity relating to 1st
Constitution or its Subsidiaries (other than where such defaults or
non-compliance will not, alone or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on 1st Constitution). Except as disclosed in
Section
4.11 of the 1st Constitution
Disclosure Schedule, 1st Constitution and its Subsidiaries have not
received notice of violation of, and do not know of any such
violations of, any of the above which have or are likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect on 1st Constitution.
4.12 Ownership
of NJCB Common Stock; Affiliates and Associates. Except as set forth on Section 4.12
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule and other than as contemplated by this Agreement, neither
1st Constitution nor any of its “affiliates” or
“associates” (as such terms are defined under the
Exchange Act) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or is a
party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the
purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, any shares
of capital stock of NJCB (other than Trust Account Shares and DPC
Shares).
4.13 Agreements
with Regulatory Agencies.
Neither 1st Constitution nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to
any Regulatory Agreement with any Governmental Entity that
restricts the conduct of its business or that in any manner relates
to its capital adequacy, its credit policies, its management or its
business, nor has 1st Constitution or any of its Subsidiaries been
advised by any Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing
or requesting any Regulatory Agreement. Neither 1st Constitution
nor any of its Subsidiaries is required by Section 32 of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act to give prior notice to a Federal
banking agency of the proposed addition of an individual to its
board of directors or the employment of an individual as a senior
executive officer.
4.14 Loan
Loss Provision. As of June 30,
2017, the allowance for loan losses in the 1st Constitution
Financial Statements was adequate pursuant to GAAP, and the
methodology used to compute such allowance complies in all material
respects with GAAP and all applicable policies of the 1st
Constitution Regulatory Agencies. As of June 30, 2017, the reserve
for OREO properties (or if no reserve, the carrying value of OREO
properties) in the 1st Constitution Financial Statements was
adequate pursuant to GAAP, and the methodology used to compute the
reserve for OREO properties (or if no reserve, the carrying value
of OREO properties) complies in all material respects with GAAP and
all applicable policies of all 1st Constitution Regulatory
Agencies.
4.15 Community
Reinvestment Act. All
Subsidiaries of 1st Constitution that are subject to the CRA have a
CRA rating of at least “satisfactory”. Except as listed
on Section 4.15
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, from January 1, 2014 through the date hereof, no person
or group has adversely commented in writing to 1st Constitution or
any of its Subsidiaries subject to the CRA in a manner requiring
recording in a file of CRA communications upon such entity’s
CRA performance.
4.16 Prior
Regulatory Applications. Except
as disclosed in Section 4.16
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule, from January 1, 2014 through the date hereof, no
regulatory agency has objected to, denied, or advised 1st
Constitution or any Subsidiary of 1st Constitution to withdraw, and
to 1st Constitution’s Knowledge, no third party has submitted
an objection to a Governmental Entity
having
jurisdiction
over the 1st Constitution or any Subsidiary of 1st Constitution
regarding, any application, notice, or other request filed by 1st
Constitution or any Subsidiary of 1st Constitution with any
Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over 1st Constitution or
such Subsidiary.
4.17 Regulatory
Capital. Upon consummation of
the Merger, and after taking effect of the Merger and 1st
Constitution’s ownership of NJCB, as calculated on a pro
forma basis as of June 30, 2017, 1st Constitution will be deemed
“well capitalized” under the applicable capital
standards and policies of the FRB as in effect on the date of this
Agreement (it being understood that this representation shall not
be updated as of the Closing Date).
4.18 Access
to Funds. The Bank has, and on
the Closing Date, will have, access to all funds necessary to
consummate the Merger and pay the entire cash portion of the
Aggregate Merger Consideration and the aggregate amount of cash
payable to the holders of Stock Options and Warrants pursuant to
Sections 1.6 and 1.7 hereof.
4.19 Reorganization.
Neither 1st Constitution, the Bank nor any of their respective
Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action, has failed to
take any action, or knows of any fact, agreement, plan or other
circumstances that could prevent the Merger from qualifying as a
“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code.
4.20 Disclosure.
No representation or warranty contained in Article IV of this
Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements in
Article IV not misleading.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
5.1 Covenants
of NJCB. Except as expressly
provided in this Agreement, during the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, NJCB shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to
use commercially reasonable efforts to, (i) conduct its business in
the ordinary and usual course consistent with past practices and
prudent banking practice; (ii) maintain and preserve intact its
business organization, properties, leases, employees and
advantageous business relationships and retain the services of its
officers and key employees, (iii) take no action that would
adversely affect or delay the ability of NJCB or 1st Constitution
to perform its covenants and agreements on a timely basis under
this Agreement, and (iv) take no action that would adversely affect
or delay the ability of NJCB or 1st Constitution to obtain any
necessary approvals, consents or waivers of any Governmental Entity
or third party required for the transactions contemplated hereby or
that would reasonably be expected to result in any such approvals,
consents or waivers containing any material condition or
restriction. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and
except as set forth in Section 5.1
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule or as
otherwise specifically provided by this Agreement or as consented
to in writing by 1st Constitution, NJCB shall not, and shall not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to:
(a)
declare or pay any dividends on, or make other distributions in
respect of, any of its
capital stock;
(b)
(i) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire (except for the
acquisition of Trust
Account
Shares and DPC Shares) any shares of the capital stock of NJCB or
any Subsidiary of NJCB, or any securities convertible into or
exercisable for any shares of the capital stock of NJCB or any
Subsidiary of NJCB, (ii) split, combine or reclassify any shares of
its capital stock or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of
any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for shares of its capital stock, (iii) issue, deliver or sell, or
authorize or propose the issuance, delivery or sale of, any shares
of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or
exercisable for, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any
such shares, (iv) accelerate the exercisability or vesting of any
Stock Options or (v) enter into any agreement with respect to any
of the foregoing, except, (A) in the case of clauses (ii) and
(iii), for the issuance of up to a total of 47,525 shares of NJCB
Common Stock upon the exercise of NJCB Stock Options granted under
NJCB Stock Compensation Plans and the issuance of up to a total of
265,698 shares of NJCB Common Stock upon the exercise of Warrants
outstanding prior to the date hereof, any such exercise to be in
accordance with the original terms of such options and Warrants,
and (Y) in the case of clause (iv), the acceleration of vesting of
Stock Options covering up to 47,525 shares of NJCB Common Stock
granted pursuant to NJCB Stock Compensation Plans and outstanding
on the date hereof;
(c)
amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other similar
governing documents;
(d) make
any capital expenditures other than those that (i) are made in the
Ordinary Course of Business or are necessary to maintain existing
assets in good repair and (ii) in any event are in an amount of no
more than $25,000 in the aggregate;
(e)
enter into any new line of business or offer any new products or
services;
(f) acquire
or agree to acquire, by merging or consolidating with, or by
purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a substantial
portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or
any corporation, partnership, association or other business
organization or division thereof or otherwise acquire any assets,
other than in connection with foreclosures, settlements in lieu of
foreclosure or troubled loan or debt restructurings in the Ordinary
Course of Business;
(g) take
any action that is intended or may reasonably be expected to result
in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VII of
this Agreement not being satisfied or not being satisfied prior to
the Cut-off Date (as such term is defined in Section 8.1(c) of this
Agreement);
(h) change
its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 2016, except as
required by changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting principles as
concurred with in writing by NJCB’s independent
auditors;
(i) except
as contemplated by this Agreement, (1) enter into, establish,
adopt, amend, modify or terminate any NJCB Benefit Plan or any
agreement, arrangement, plan, trust, other funding arrangement or
policy between NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB and one or more of
its current or former directors, officers, employees or independent
contractors, change any trustee or custodian of the assets of any
plan or transfer plan assets among trustees or custodians, (2)
increase or accelerate payment of in any manner the compensation or
fringe benefits of any director, officer or employee or pay any
bonus or benefit not required by any NJCB Benefit Plan or agreement
as in effect as of the date hereof or (3) grant, award, amend,
modify or accelerate any stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units or
shares or any other awards under NJCB Stock Compensation Plans or
otherwise, other than any acceleration provided for under the terms
of NJCB Stock Compensation Plans in effect on the date hereof or
under any grant agreement issued thereunder as such grant agreement
exists on the date hereof;
(j) other
than activities in the Ordinary Course of Business, sell, lease,
encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell, lease,
encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, any of its material
assets, properties (including, without limitation, any NJCB
Property) or other rights or agreements except as otherwise
specifically contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise take or
permit any action that otherwise would impair the condition of
title to NJCB Property or any part thereof;
(k) other
than in the Ordinary Course of Business, incur any indebtedness for
borrowed money or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an
accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other
individual, corporation or other entity;
(l) file
any application to relocate or terminate the operations of any
banking office of it or any of its Subsidiaries;
(m)
create,
renew, amend or terminate or give notice of a proposed renewal,
amendment or termination of, any material contract, agreement or
lease for goods, services or office space (including, without
limitation, any Real Property Lease) to which NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries
or their respective properties is bound;
(n)
other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, in individual
amounts not to exceed $200,000,
and other than investments for NJCB’s portfolio made in
accordance with Section 5.1(o) of this Agreement, make any
investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions
to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or
assets of any other individual, corporation or other
entity;
(o) make
any investment in any debt security, including mortgage-backed and
mortgage related securities, other than U.S. government and U.S.
government agency securities with final maturities not greater than
five years or mortgage-backed or mortgage related securities that
would not be considered “high risk” securities and
which are purchased in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
(p) settle
any claim, action or proceeding involving any liability of NJCB or
any of its Subsidiaries for money damages in excess of $10,000 (net
of insurance proceeds) or involving any material restrictions upon
the operations of NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries;
(q) except
in the Ordinary Course of Business and in amounts less than
$100,000, waive or release any material right or collateral or
cancel or compromise any extension of credit or other debt or
claim;
(r) (x) make, renegotiate, renew, increase, extend,
modify or purchase any loan, lease (credit equivalent), advance,
credit enhancement or other extension of credit, if (A) such
transaction is not made in accordance with NJCB’s
Board-approved loan policy manual in effect on the date hereof (the
“Lending
Manual”), (B) the
collateral involved in such transaction is located outside of the
State of New Jersey, (C) the transaction involves a an extension or
renewal of an existing loan, lease (credit equivalent), advance,
credit enhancement or other extension of credit with an aggregate
principal amount in excess of $750,000, (D) the transaction
involves a new loan, lease (credit equivalent), advance, credit
enhancement or other extension of credit involving an aggregate
principal amount in excess of $750,000, (E)
the transaction involves a restructuring of a prior extension of
credit with an aggregate principal amount (prior to the
restructuring) in excess of $250,000, (F) the underlying extension
of credit is underwritten based on either no or limited
verification of income or otherwise without full documentation
customary for
such
an extension of credit; (G) the transaction involves a loan or
commitment to an employee, director, officer or other Affiliate of
NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries; (H) the transaction arises outside
of the Ordinary Course of Business of NJCB and its Subsidiaries; or
(I) the transaction involves an “interest rate swap” or
(y) make any commitment in respect of any of the foregoing. For any
proposed extension of credit for which NJCB shall seek the prior
consent of 1st Constitution, NJCB shall send the credit write-up
for the proposed credit to the Bank’s Chief Lending Officer,
Mr. John Andreacio (email address: jandreacio@1stconstitution.com);
and if 1st Constitution has not (i) objected in writing to the
proposed credit or (ii) requested reasonable additional information
on the proposed credit, within two (2) business days of receipt of
the credit write-up, 1st Constitution shall be deemed to have
consented to the origination of such credit. If NJCB sends
additional information on the proposed credit to 1st Constitution,
and 1st Constitution does not (i) request any further additional
information on the proposed credit or (ii) object in writing to the
proposed credit, within two (2) business days of receipt of the
initial additional information, 1st Constitution shall be deemed to
have consented to the origination of such credit. Any objection or
request for additional information shall be sent by e-mail to
NJCB’s Interim Chief Credit Officer, Mark Megee (e-mail
address: mmegee@njcbk.com), with a copy to NJCB’s Chief
Executive Officer, Mr. William H. Placke (e-mail address:
bplacke@njcbk.com);
(s) incur any additional borrowings beyond those set
forth in Section 5.1(s)
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule other
than short-term (with a final maturity of two years or less)
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements
in the Ordinary Course of Business, or pledge any of its assets to
secure any borrowings other than as required pursuant to the terms
of borrowings of NJCB or any Subsidiary in effect at the date
hereof or in connection with borrowings or reverse repurchase
agreements permitted hereunder (it being understood that deposits
shall not be deemed to be borrowings within the meaning of this
sub-section);
(t) make
any investment or commitment to invest in real estate, other than
investments related to maintenance of owned or leased real estate
used by NJCB as of the date hereof, or in any real estate
development project, other than real estate acquired in
satisfaction of defaulted mortgage loans;
(u) except
pursuant to commitments existing at the date hereof which have
previously been disclosed in writing to 1st Constitution, make any
construction loans outside the Ordinary Course of Business, make
any real estate loans secured by undeveloped land or make any real
estate loans secured by land located outside the State of New
Jersey;
(v) establish,
or make any commitment relating to the establishment of, any new
branch or other office facilities;
(w) elect
to the Board of Directors of NJCB any person who is not a member of
the Board of Directors of NJCB as of the date hereof;
(x) change
any method of Tax accounting, make or change any Tax election, file
any amended Tax Return, settle or compromise any Tax liability,
agree to an extension or waiver of the statute of limitations with
respect to the assessment or determination of Taxes, enter into any
closing agreement with respect to any Tax or surrender any right to
claim a Tax refund;
(y) after
an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not conditional) or intention
to make an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not conditional) shall
have been made directly to NJCB’s
shareholders
or
otherwise publicly disclosed or otherwise communicated or made
known to any member of senior management of NJCB or any member of
NJCB’s Board of Directors, except to the extent permitted by
Section 5.3 hereof, take any intentional act, or intentionally omit
to take any act, that causes any one or more of NJCB’s
representations in this Agreement to be inaccurate in any material
respect as of the date of such act or omission;
(z) take any other action outside of the Ordinary
Course of Business; or
(aa) agree to do any of the
foregoing.
5.2
Covenants
of 1st Constitution. Except as
expressly provided in this Agreement, during the period from the
date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, 1st Constitution
shall use commercially reasonably efforts to, and shall cause the
Bank and their Subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts
to, (i) maintain and preserve intact its business organization,
properties, leases, employees and advantageous business
relationships and retain the services of its officers and key
employees, (ii) take no action which would adversely affect or
delay the ability of NJCB, 1st Constitution or the Bank to perform
it covenants and agreements on a timely basis under this Agreement,
and (iii) take no action which would adversely affect or delay the
ability of NJCB, 1st Constitution or the Bank to obtain any
necessary approvals, consents or waivers of any Governmental Entity
or third party required for the transactions contemplated hereby or
which would reasonably be expected to result in any such approvals,
consents or waivers containing any material condition or
restriction. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and
except as set forth in Section 5.2
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule or as otherwise specifically provided by this Agreement or
consented to in writing by NJCB (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld), 1st Constitution shall not, and shall not
permit the Bank nor any of their Subsidiaries
to:
(a) take
any action that is intended or may reasonably be expected to result
in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VII of
this Agreement not being satisfied or not being satisfied prior to
the Cut-Off Date;
(b) change
its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 2016, except in
accordance with changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting principles
as concurred with by 1st Constitution’s independent
auditors;
(c) amend
its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or similar governing
documents other than (i) to enable 1st Constitution and the Bank to
comply with the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) to establish one
or more series of 1st Constitution Preferred Stock or (iii) to
adopt provisions or authorize actions that do not materially and
adversely affect the holders of NJCB Common Stock; or
(d) agree
to do any of the foregoing.
5.3 No
Solicitation.
(a) Except
as expressly permitted by this Section 5.3, NJCB and its
Subsidiaries shall not, and NJCB and its Subsidiaries shall use
their best efforts to cause their respective representatives not
to, initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate
inquiries or proposals with respect to, or engage in any
negotiations concerning, or provide any confidential or nonpublic
information or data to, or have
any discussions with, any person relating to, any
Acquisition Proposal; provided that in the event that, prior to the
time that NJCB’s shareholders’ approval of the Merger
(the “NJCB Shareholder
Approval”) is obtained
but not after, (1) NJCB receives, after the execution of this
Agreement, an unsolicited bona fide Acquisition Proposal from a
person other than 1st Constitution, and (2) NJCB’s Board of
Directors concludes in good faith (A) that, after consulting with
its financial advisor, such Acquisition Proposal constitutes a
Superior Proposal or would reasonably be likely to result in a
Superior Proposal and (B) that, after considering the advice of
outside counsel, failure to take such actions would be inconsistent
with its fiduciary duties to NJCB’s shareholders under
applicable Law, NJCB may, and may permit its Subsidiaries and its
and its Subsidiaries’ representatives to, furnish or cause to
be furnished nonpublic information or data and participate in
negotiations or discussions with respect to such Acquisition
Proposal; provided that prior to providing any nonpublic
information permitted to be provided pursuant to the foregoing
proviso, it shall have entered into an agreement with such third
party on terms substantially similar to and no more favorable to
such third party than those contained in the Confidentiality
Agreement between 1st Constitution and NJCB dated June 7, 2017 (the
“Confidentiality
Agreement”) and any
non-public information provided to any person given access to
nonpublic information shall have previously been provided to 1st
Constitution or shall be provided to 1st Constitution prior to or
concurrently with the time it is provided to such person. NJCB will
(A) immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities,
discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of this
Agreement with any persons other than 1st Constitution with respect
to any Acquisition Proposal, (B) not terminate, waive, amend,
release or modify any provision of any confidentiality or
standstill agreement relating to any Acquisition Proposal to which
it or any of its Affiliates or representatives is a party and (C)
use its commercially reasonable efforts to enforce any
confidentiality or similar agreement relating to any Acquisition
Proposal.
(b) Neither NJCB’s Board of Directors nor any
committee thereof shall (i) (A) withdraw (or modify or qualify in
any manner adverse to 1st Constitution) or refuse to make the NJCB
Board Recommendation or (B) adopt, approve, recommend, endorse or
otherwise declare advisable the adoption of any Acquisition
Proposal, or (ii) cause or permit NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries
to enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding,
agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement,
option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or
other agreement constituting or related to, or which is intended to
or is reasonably likely to lead to, any Acquisition Proposal (other
than a confidentiality agreement permitted by the terms of Section
5.3(a) of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to
the date of the NJCB Shareholders Meeting, NJCB’s Board of
Directors may take any of the actions specified in items (i) and
(ii) of the preceding sentence (a “NJCB Subsequent
Determination”) after the
fourth (4th) Business Day following 1st Constitution’s
receipt of a written notice (the “Notice of Superior
Proposal”) from NJCB (A)
advising that NJCB’s Board of Directors has decided that a
bona fide unsolicited written Acquisition Proposal that it received
(that did not result from a breach of this Section 5.3 or from an
action by a representative of NJCB or its Subsidiaries that would
have been such a breach if committed by NJCB or its Subsidiaries)
constitutes a Superior Proposal (it being understood that NJCB
shall be required to deliver a new Notice of Superior Proposal in
respect of any revised Superior Proposal from such third party or
its Affiliates that NJCB proposes to accept),
(B)
specifying the material terms and conditions of, and the identity
of the party making, such Superior Proposal, and (C) containing an
unredacted copy of the relevant transaction agreements with the
party making such Superior Proposal, if, but only if, NJCB’s
Board of Directors has reasonably determined in good faith, after
consultation with and having considered the advice of outside legal
counsel and its financial advisor, that the failure to take such
actions would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to
NJCB’s shareholders under applicable Law and that such
Acquisition Proposal is a Superior Proposal
and
such Superior Proposal has been made and has not been withdrawn and
continues to be a Superior Proposal after taking into account all
adjustments to the terms of this Agreement that are committed to in
writing by 1st Constitution pursuant to this Section
5.3(b).
(c) In
addition to the obligations of NJCB set forth in Sections 5.3(a)
and (b) of this Agreement, in the event that NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries or any representative of NJCB or its Subsidiaries
receives (i) any Acquisition Proposal or (ii) any request for
non-public information or to engage in negotiations that
NJCB’s Board of Directors believe is reasonably likely to
lead to or that contemplates an Acquisition Proposal, NJCB promptly
(and in any event within 48 hours of receipt) shall advise 1st
Constitution in writing of the existence of the matters described
in clause (i) or (ii), together with the material terms and
conditions of such Acquisition Proposal or request and the identity
of the person making any such Acquisition Proposal or request. NJCB
shall keep 1st Constitution reasonably well informed in all
material respects of the status (including after the occurrence of
any material amendment or modification) of any such Acquisition
Proposal or request. Without limiting any of the foregoing, NJCB
shall promptly (and in any event within 48 hours) notify 1st
Constitution in writing if it determines to begin providing
non-public information or to engage in negotiations concerning an
Acquisition Proposal pursuant to Sections 5.3(a) or (b) of this
Agreement and shall in no event begin providing such information or
engaging in such discussions or negotiations prior to providing
such notice.
(d) For
purposes of this Agreement:
(i) “Acquisition
Proposal” means, other
than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, a tender or
exchange offer to acquire 25% or more of the voting power in NJCB
or any of its Subsidiaries, a proposal for a merger, consolidation
or other business combination involving NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries or any other proposal or offer to acquire in any
manner 25% or more of the voting power in, or 25% or more of the
business, assets or deposits of, NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries.
(ii) “Superior
Proposal” means an
unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal (with the
percentages set forth in the definition of such term changed from
25% to 50%) that NJCB’s Board of Directors concludes in good
faith to be more favorable from a financial point of view to its
shareholders than the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby (including taking into account any adjustment
to the terms and conditions proposed by 1st Constitution in
response to such proposal pursuant to Section 5.3(b) of this
Agreement or otherwise), after (1) receiving the advice of its
financial advisor (which shall be a nationally recognized
investment banking firm), (2) taking into account the likelihood of
consummation of such transaction on the terms set forth therein (as
compared to, and with due regard for, the terms herein) and (3)
taking into account all legal (with the advice of outside counsel),
financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal),
regulatory and other aspects of such proposal and any other
relevant factors permitted under applicable
Law.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
6.1 Regulatory
Matters.
(a) 1st
Constitution shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC the S-4,
in which the Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus. 1st
Constitution shall prepare the Proxy Statement and NJCB shall
cooperate with 1st Constitution in the preparation of such Proxy
Statement. Each of
NJCB
and 1st Constitution shall use its reasonable best efforts to have
the S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as
practicable after such filing, and NJCB shall thereafter mail the
Proxy Statement to its shareholders. With NJCB’s cooperation,
1st Constitution shall also use its reasonable best efforts to
obtain all necessary state securities Law or “Blue Sky”
permits and approvals required to carry out the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, if any.
(b) The
Parties shall cooperate with each other and use their reasonable
best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary
documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and
filings, and to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits,
consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and
Governmental Entities that are necessary or advisable to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including without
limitation the Merger). NJCB and 1st Constitution shall have the
right to review in advance, and to the extent practicable each will
consult the other on, in each case subject to applicable Laws
relating to the exchange of information, all of the information
relating to NJCB or 1st Constitution, as the case may be, and any
of their respective Subsidiaries, which appears in any filing made
with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any
Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing right,
each of the Parties shall act reasonably and as promptly as
practicable. The Parties agree that they will consult with each
other with respect to the obtaining of all permits, consents,
approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental
Entities necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and each Party will keep the other
apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the
transactions contemplated herein.
(c) 1st Constitution and NJCB shall, upon request,
furnish each other with all information concerning themselves,
their Subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and such
other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in
connection with the Proxy Statement, the S-4, any filing pursuant
to Rule 165 or Rule 425 under the Securities Act or Rule 14a-12
under the Exchange Act and any other statement, filing, notice or
application made by or on behalf of 1st Constitution, NJCB or any
of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Entity in
connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
by this Agreement (collectively, the “Filing
Documents”). 1st
Constitution agrees promptly to advise NJCB if, at any time prior
to the NJCB Shareholders’ Meeting, any information provided
by 1st Constitution for the Filing Documents becomes incorrect or
incomplete in any material respect and promptly to provide NJCB
with the information needed to correct such inaccuracy or omission.
1st Constitution shall promptly furnish NJCB with such supplemental
information as may be necessary in order to cause the Filing
Documents, insofar as they relate to 1st Constitution and its
Subsidiaries, to comply with all applicable legal requirements.
NJCB agrees promptly to advise 1st Constitution if, at any time
prior to the NJCB Shareholders’ Meeting, any information
provided by NJCB for the Filing Documents becomes incorrect or
incomplete in any material respect and promptly to provide 1st
Constitution with the information needed to correct such inaccuracy
or omission. NJCB shall promptly furnish 1st Constitution with such
supplemental information as may be necessary in order to cause the
Filing Documents, insofar as they relate to NJCB and the NJCB
Subsidiaries, to comply with all applicable legal
requirements.
(d) 1st
Constitution and NJCB shall promptly furnish each other with copies
of written communications received by 1st Constitution or NJCB, as
the case may be, or any of their respective Subsidiaries,
affiliates or associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2
under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date of this Agreement)
from, or delivered by any of the foregoing to, any Governmental
Entity in respect of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
(e) NJCB
shall engage a proxy solicitor reasonably acceptable to 1st
Constitution to assist NJCB in obtaining the approval of
NJCB’s shareholders of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
6.2 Access
to Information.
(a) NJCB
shall permit, and shall cause each of NJCB’s Subsidiaries to
permit, 1st Constitution and its representatives, and 1st
Constitution shall permit, and shall cause each of their
Subsidiaries to permit, NJCB and its representatives, reasonable
access to their respective properties, and shall disclose and make
available to 1st Constitution and its representatives, or NJCB and
its representatives, as the case may be, all books, papers and
records relating to its and its Subsidiaries’ assets, stock
ownership, properties, operations, obligations and liabilities,
including, but not limited to, all books of account (including the
general ledger), Tax records, minute books of directors’ and
shareholders’ meetings (excluding information related to the
Merger), organizational documents, by-laws, material contracts and
agreements, filings with any regulatory authority,
accountants’ work papers, litigation files, plans affecting
employees, and any other business activities or prospects in which
1st Constitution and its representatives or NJCB and its
representatives may have a reasonable interest, all to the extent
reasonably requested by the Party seeking such access. However,
neither Party shall be required to provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure would violate or
prejudice the rights of any customer, would contravene any Law or
Order or would waive any privilege. The Parties will use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain waivers of any such
restriction (other than waivers of the attorney-client privilege)
and in any event make appropriate substitute disclosure
arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the
preceding sentence apply. Notwithstanding the foregoing, NJCB
acknowledges that 1st Constitution may be involved in discussions
from time to time concerning other potential acquisitions and 1st
Constitution shall not be obligated to disclose information
regarding such discussions to NJCB except as such information is
disclosed to 1st Constitution’s shareholders
generally.
(b)
During
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time,
each of NJCB and 1st Constitution will cause one or more of its
designated representatives to confer with representatives of the
other Party on a monthly or more frequent basis regarding its
consolidated business, operations, properties, assets and financial
condition and matters relating to the completion of the
transactions contemplated herein. NJCB will promptly notify 1st
Constitution of any material change in the normal course of
business or the operations or the properties of NJCB, any
governmental complaints, investigations or hearings (or
communications indicating that the same may be contemplated)
affecting NJCB or any Subsidiary of NJCB or the threat of
litigation, claims, threats or causes of action involving NJCB, and
will keep 1st Constitution fully informed of such events. On a
monthly basis, NJCB agrees to provide 1st Constitution with
internally prepared consolidated profit and loss statements no
later than 20 days after the close of each calendar month. As soon
as reasonably available, but in no event more than 45 days after
the end of each fiscal quarter (other than the last fiscal quarter
of each fiscal year), NJCB will deliver to 1st Constitution and 1st
Constitution will deliver to NJCB their respective consolidated
quarterly financial statements. As soon as reasonably available,
but in no event more than 90 days after the end of each calendar
year (commencing with the year ending December 31, 2017), NJCB will
deliver to 1st Constitution and 1st Constitution will deliver to
NJCB their respective consolidated annual financial
statements.
(c) All
information furnished pursuant to Sections 6.2(a) and 6.2(b) of
this Agreement shall be subject to, and each of NJCB and 1st
Constitution shall hold all such information in confidence in
accordance with, the provisions of the Confidentiality
Agreement.
(d) No
investigation by either of the Parties or their respective
representatives shall affect the representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements of the other set forth herein.
(e) As
soon as reasonably available, but in no event more than forty-five
(45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter ending after the
date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, NJCB will
deliver to 1st Constitution NJCB’s call reports filed with
the New Jersey Department and the FDIC.
6.3 NJCB
Shareholders’ Meeting.
NJCB shall take all steps necessary to duly call, give notice of,
convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders to be held as soon
as is reasonably practicable after the date on which the S-4
becomes effective for the purpose of voting upon the approval and
adoption of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby (the “NJCB Shareholders’
Meeting”). NJCB will,
through its Board of Directors, unless legally required to do
otherwise for the discharge by NJCB’s Board of Directors of
its fiduciary duties as advised by such Board’s legal counsel
and the provisions of Section 5.3 of this Agreement, recommend to
its shareholders approval of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby and such other matters as may be submitted to
its shareholders in connection with this
Agreement.
6.4 Legal
Conditions to Merger. Each of
1st Constitution and NJCB shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries
to, use their reasonable best efforts (a) to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply
promptly with all legal requirements which may be imposed on such
Party or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Merger and, subject
to the conditions set forth in Article VII of this Agreement, to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (b)
to obtain (and to cooperate with the other Party to obtain) any
consent, authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by,
any Governmental Entity and any other third party that is required
to be obtained by NJCB or 1st Constitution or any of their
respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to comply with the
terms and conditions of such consent, authorization, order or
approval.
6.5 D&O
Voting Agreements and Shareholder Voting
Agreements.
(a) Contemporaneous
with the execution of this Agreement, NJCB shall deliver to 1st
Constitution copies of the D&O Voting Agreements signed by each
member of the Board of Directors of NJCB, the President and Chief
Executive Officer of NJCB and the Chief Financial Officer of NJCB.
In addition to the D&O Voting Agreements delivered on or prior
to the date of the Agreement by each director, the President and
Chief Executive Officer of NJCB and the Chief Financial Officer of
NJCB, NJCB shall deliver to 1st Constitution a D&O Voting
Agreement executed by each person who becomes a director, the
President and Chief Executive Officer of NJCB or the Chief
Financial Officer of NJCB prior to the Closing.
(b) Contemporaneous
with the execution of this Agreement, NJCB shall deliver to 1st
Constitution copies of the Shareholder Voting Agreements signed by
each Supporting Shareholder. In addition to the Shareholder Voting
Agreements delivered on or prior to the date of the Agreement by
Supporting Shareholder, NJCB shall deliver to 1st Constitution a
Shareholder Voting Agreement executed by each Person who becomes a
Supporting Shareholder prior to the Closing.
6.6 NASDAQ
Global Market Listing. 1st
Constitution shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the
shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock to be issued in the Merger
to be approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to
official notice of issuance, as of the Effective
Time.
6.7 Employee
Benefit Plans; Existing Agreements.
(a) As of or as soon as practicable following the
Effective Time, the employees of NJCB and its Subsidiaries who
remain in the employ of 1st Constitution or its Subsidiaries
subsequent to the Effective Time (the “NJCB
Employees”) shall be
eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans of 1st
Constitution and its Subsidiaries (the “1st Constitution
Plans”) in which
similarly situated employees of 1st Constitution and its
Subsidiaries participate, to the same extent as similarly situated
employees of 1st Constitution or its Subsidiaries (it being
understood that inclusion of NJCB Employees in such 1st
Constitution Plans may occur at different times with respect to
different plans). NJCB agrees to take any necessary actions to
cease benefit accruals under any NJCB plan that is a Tax-qualified
defined benefit plan as of the Effective Time.
(b) With
respect to each 1st Constitution Plan, other than an employee
pension plan as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, for
purposes of determining eligibility to participate, service with
NJCB (or predecessor employers to the extent that NJCB provides
past service credit) shall be treated as service with 1st
Constitution. 1st Constitution shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause each 1st Constitution Plan that is a group health
plan to waive pre-existing condition limitations applicable to NJCB
Employees (to the same extent such limitations were satisfied
immediately prior to the Closing).
(c) Unless instructed otherwise by 1st Constitution,
effective as of no later than the day immediately preceding the
Effective Time, NJCB shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to,
terminate any and all NJCB Benefit Plans that are intended to
include a Code Section 401(k) arrangement (each, a
“401(k) Plan”), unless 1st Constitution provides written
notice to NJCB that any such 401(k) Plans shall not be terminated.
NJCB shall provide 1st Constitution with evidence that any such
401(k) Plan has been terminated pursuant to resolutions of the
board of directors (or similar body) of NJCB or its Subsidiaries,
as the case may be. Such resolutions shall be subject to review by,
and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to, 1st
Constitution. NJCB shall also take such other actions in
furtherance of terminating any such 401(k) Plan as 1st Constitution
may reasonably request.
(d) The
Board of Directors of NJCB, or the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors of NJCB, shall take all required actions (i) to
terminate all Stock Options as of the Effective Time or (ii) to
cause the holders of Stock Options to surrender their Stock Options
in exchange for the payment, if any, set forth in Section
1.6.
6.8 Indemnification.
(a) For a period commencing as of the Effective Time
and ending three years after the Effective Time, to the extent
permitted by Law, 1st Constitution shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless each person who is now, or has been at any time prior to
the date hereof or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a
director or officer of NJCB or who serves or has served at the
request of NJCB as a director or officer with any other person
(collectively, the “Indemnitees”) against any and all claims, damages,
liabilities, losses, costs, charges, expenses (including, subject
to the provisions of this Section 6.8, reasonable costs of
investigation and the reasonable fees and disbursements of legal
counsel and other advisers and experts as incurred), judgments,
fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement, asserted against,
incurred by or imposed upon any Indemnitee by reason of the fact
that he or she is or was a director or officer of NJCB or serves or
has served at the request of NJCB as a director or officer with any
other person, in connection with, arising out of or relating to (i)
any threatened, pending or completed
claim,
action, suit or proceeding (whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative), including, without
limitation, any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
investigations by or on behalf of or in the right of or against
NJCB or any of its Affiliates, or by any former or present
shareholder of NJCB (each a “Claim” and collectively,
“Claims”), including, without limitation, any Claim
that is based upon, arises out of or in any way relates to the
Merger, the Proxy Statement, this Agreement, any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Indemnitee’s
service as a member of the Board of Directors of NJCB or its
Subsidiaries or of any committee thereof, the events leading up to
the execution of this Agreement, any statement, recommendation or
solicitation made in connection therewith or related thereto and
any breach of any duty in connection with any of the foregoing, or
(ii) the enforcement of the obligations of 1st Constitution set
forth in this Section 6.8, in each case to the fullest extent that
NJCB would have been permitted under its certificate of
incorporation and by-laws in effect as of the date hereof (and 1st
Constitution shall also advance expenses as incurred due to clauses
(i) or (ii) above to the fullest extent so
permitted).
(b) Any
Indemnitee wishing to claim indemnification under this Section 6.8
shall promptly notify 1st Constitution in writing upon learning of
any Claim, but the failure to so notify shall not relieve 1st
Constitution of any liability it may have to such Indemnitee except
to the extent that such failure prejudices 1st Constitution. In the
event of any Claim as to which indemnification under this Section
6.8 is applicable, (x) 1st Constitution shall have the right to
assume the defense thereof and 1st Constitution shall not be liable
to the applicable Indemnitee for any legal expenses of other
counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by such
Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof, except that if
1st Constitution elects not to assume such defense, or counsel for
such Indemnitee advises that there are issues that raise conflicts
of interest between 1st Constitution and such Indemnitee, such
Indemnitee may retain counsel satisfactory to such Indemnitee, and
1st Constitution shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such
counsel for such Indemnitee as statements therefor are received;
provided, however, that 1st Constitution shall be obligated
pursuant to this Section 6.8 to pay for only one firm of counsel
for all Indemnitees in any jurisdiction with respect to a matter
unless the use of one counsel for multiple Indemnitees would
present such counsel with a conflict of interest that is not
waived, and (y)
the
Indemnitees will cooperate in the defense of any such matter. 1st
Constitution shall not be liable for the settlement of any claim,
action or proceeding hereunder unless such settlement is effected
with its prior written consent. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Section 6.8, 1st Constitution shall not have any
obligation hereunder to any Indemnitee when and if a court of
competent jurisdiction shall ultimately determine, and such
determination shall have become final and nonappealable, that the
indemnification of such Indemnitee in the manner contemplated
hereby is prohibited by applicable Law or public
policy.
(c) 1st Constitution shall cause the persons serving
as officers and directors of NJCB immediately prior to the
Effective Time to be covered for a period of four years from the
Effective Time by the directors’ and officers’
liability insurance policy maintained by NJCB (provided that 1st
Constitution may substitute therefor policies of at least the same
coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions that are not
materially less advantageous than such policy or single premium
tail coverage with policy limits equal to NJCB’s existing
annual coverage limits) with respect to acts or omissions occurring
prior to the Effective Time that were committed by such officers
and directors in their capacity as such; provided, however, that
(A) in no event shall 1st Constitution be required to expend an
aggregate annual premium in excess of 175% of the annual premium of
the base directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
policy most recently paid by NJCB prior to the date hereof (the
“Insurance
Amount”) to maintain or
procure
insurance
coverage, (B) if 1st Constitution is unable to maintain or obtain
the insurance called for by this Section 6.8, 1st Constitution
shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain as much comparable
insurance as is available for the Insurance Amount and (C)
notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, 1st
Constitution shall be deemed to have satisfied all of its
obligations pursuant to this Section 6.8 in the event that it
acquires, or directs NJCB to acquire at an aggregate premium cost
not to exceed 175% of the annual premium most recently paid by NJCB
prior to the date hereof, single premium tail insurance. NJCB shall
use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with 1st
Constitution in the event that 1st Constitution determines to
acquire, or directs NJCB to acquire, such tail insurance with
respect to NJCB’s existing base directors’ and
officers’ liability insurance policy. NJCB represents and
warrants that the annual premium for its base directors’ and
officers’ liability insurance policy most recently paid with
respect to the period covering October 1, 2017 to October 1, 2018
is $37,000.
(d) The
provisions of this Section 6.8 are intended to be for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnitee and his or her
heirs and representatives.
6.9 Additional
Arrangements. If, at any time
after the Effective Time, the Surviving Entity considers or is
advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or
any other actions or things are necessary or desirable to vest,
perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Entity
its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
properties or assets of either of the Bank or NJCB (the
“Constituent
Entities”) acquired or to
be acquired by the Surviving Entity as a result of, or in
connection with, the Merger or otherwise to carry out the purposes
of this Agreement, the officers and directors of the Surviving
Entity shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and
on behalf of each of the Constituent Entities or otherwise, all
such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take
and do, in the name and on behalf of each of the Constituent
Entities or otherwise, all such other actions and things as may be
necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all
right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties
or assets in the Surviving Entity or otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement.
6.10 Employee
Severance and other Employment Matters.
(a) To the extent that any NJCB employees (other than
those NJCB employees with agreements as set forth on
Section
3.15(a) of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule) are terminated by the Bank without cause following the
Effective Time, the Bank shall pay severance to such employees
pursuant to the severance policy set forth on Section 6.10(a)
of the 1st Constitution Disclosure
Schedule. The Bank will grant credit to such employees for years of
prior service with NJCB.
(b) 1st Constitution and the Bank shall honor the
agreements set forth on Section 6.10(b)
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule.
6.11 Notification
of Certain Matters. Each Party
shall give prompt notice to the other Party of (a) any event,
condition, change, occurrence, act or omission that causes any of
its representations hereunder to cease to be true in all material
respects (or, with respect to any such representation that is
qualified as to materiality, causes such representation to cease to
be true in all respects); and (b) any event, condition, change,
occurrence, act or omission that individually or in the aggregate
has, or that, so far as reasonably can be foreseen at the time of
its occurrence, is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse
Effect on such Party. Each of NJCB and 1st Constitution shall give
prompt notice to the other Party of any notice or other
communication from any third party alleging that the consent of
such third party is or may be required in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
6.12 Certain
Matters, Certain Revaluations, Changes and
Adjustments. Notwithstanding
that NJCB believes that it and its Subsidiaries have established
all reserves and taken all provisions for possible loan losses
required by GAAP and applicable Laws, NJCB recognizes that 1st
Constitution may have adopted different loan, accrual and reserve
policies (including loan classifications and levels of reserves for
possible loan losses). At or before the Effective Time, upon the
request of 1st Constitution and in order to formulate the plan of
integration for the Merger, NJCB shall, consistent with GAAP,
modify and change its loan, litigation and real estate valuation
policies and practices (including loan classifications and levels
of reserves) so as to be applied consistently on a mutually
satisfactory basis with those of 1st Constitution and establish
such accruals and reserves as shall be necessary to reflect
Merger-related expenses and costs incurred by NJCB and its
Subsidiaries, provided, however, that NJCB shall not be required to
take such action (A) more than five days prior to the Effective
Time; and (B) unless 1st Constitution agrees in writing that all
conditions to closing set forth in Article VII of this Agreement
have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions relating
to delivery of documents on the Closing Date); and provided
further, however, that no accrual or reserve made by NJCB or any
NJCB Subsidiary pursuant to this Section 6.12 or any litigation or
regulatory proceeding arising out of any such accrual or reserve,
shall constitute or be deemed to be a breach, violation of or
failure to satisfy any representation, warranty, covenant,
condition or other provision of this Agreement or otherwise be
considered in determining whether any such breach, violation or
failure to satisfy shall have occurred.
6.13 Other
Policies. At or before the
Effective Time, upon the request of 1st Constitution NJCB shall
cooperate with 1st Constitution to reasonably conform the policies
and procedures of NJCB and its Subsidiaries regarding applicable
regulatory matters to those of 1st Constitution and its
Subsidiaries, as 1st Constitution may reasonably identify to NJCB
from time to time, provided, however, that NJCB shall not be
required to take such actions (A) more than five days prior to the
Effective Time; and (B) unless 1st Constitution agrees in writing
that all conditions to closing set forth in Article VII of this
Agreement have been satisfied or waived (other than those
conditions relating to delivery of documents on the Closing
Date).
6.14 Other
Transactions. NJCB acknowledges
that 1st Constitution may be in the process of acquiring other
banks and financial institutions or in offering securities to the
public and that in connection with such transactions, information
concerning NJCB and its Subsidiaries may be required to be included
in the registration statements, if any, for the sale of securities
of 1st Constitution or in SEC reports in connection with such
transactions. 1st Constitution shall provide NJCB and its counsel
with copies of such registration statements at the time of filing.
NJCB agrees to provide 1st Constitution with any information,
certificates, documents or other materials about NJCB and its
Subsidiaries as are reasonably necessary to be included in such SEC
reports or registration statements, including registration
statements that may be filed by 1st Constitution prior to the
Effective Time. NJCB shall use its reasonable efforts to cause its
attorneys, accountants and the Advisory Firm to provide 1st
Constitution and any underwriters for 1st Constitution with any
consents, comfort letters, opinion letters, reports or information
that are necessary to complete the registration statements and
applications for any such acquisition or issuance of securities.
1st Constitution shall reimburse NJCB for reasonable expenses thus
incurred by NJCB should this Agreement be terminated for any
reason. 1st Constitution shall not file with the SEC any such
registration statement or amendment thereto or supplement thereof
containing information regarding NJCB unless NJCB shall have
consented in writing to such filing, which consent shall not be
unreasonably delayed or withheld.
6.15 Failure
to Fulfill Conditions. In the
event that 1st Constitution or NJCB determines that a material
condition to its obligation to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby cannot be fulfilled on or prior to the Cut-off
Date and that it will not waive that condition, it will promptly
notify the other Party. NJCB and 1st Constitution will promptly
inform the other of any facts applicable to NJCB or 1st
Constitution, respectively, or their respective directors, officers
or Subsidiaries, that would be reasonably likely to prevent or
materially delay approval of the Merger by any Governmental Entity
or that would otherwise prevent or materially delay completion of
the Merger. Any information so provided shall be retained by the
receiving Party in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality
Agreement.
6.16 Transaction
Expenses of NJCB.
(a) NJCB
shall cause its and its Subsidiaries’ professionals to render
monthly invoices within 30 days after the end of each month. NJCB
shall advise 1st Constitution monthly of all out-of-pocket expenses
that NJCB and its Subsidiaries have incurred in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby. NJCB shall not, and shall cause
each of its Subsidiaries not to, pay fees and expenses to its
accountants or attorneys on any basis different than the basis on
which such professionals would be paid in the absence of any
business combination.
(b) NJCB
shall make all arrangements with respect to the printing and
mailing of the Proxy Statement.
6.17 Pre-Closing
Delivery of Financial Statements. Prior to the Closing, NJCB shall deliver to 1st
Constitution such consolidated financial statements of NJCB as 1st
Constitution shall reasonably request in order to enable 1st
Constitution to comply with its reporting obligations under the
Exchange Act, together with an executed report of NJCB’s
outside auditors with respect to all such financial statements that
have been audited. Such report shall be in form and substance
satisfactory to 1st Constitution. The financial statements delivered pursuant to
this Section 6.17 shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and
shall conform to all provisions of the SEC’s Regulation S-X
(to the extent applicable), such that such financial statements are
suitable for filing by 1st Constitution with the SEC in response to
Items 2.01 and 9.01 of the SEC’s Current Report on Form
8-K.
Immediately prior to the Closing, NJCB
shall cause its outside auditors to deliver to 1st Constitution an
executed consent, in form and substance satisfactory to the 1st
Constitution and suitable for filing by 1st Constitution with the
SEC, which consent shall authorize 1st Constitution to file with
the SEC the report referred to in this Section 6.17 and all other
reports delivered by NJCB hereunder.
6.18 ISRA.
NJCB shall provide a certification identifying the North American
Industrial Classification System (“NAICS”) code number(s) that is appropriate and
accurate for each property in New Jersey that NJCB or any of its
Subsidiaries owns or operates. For each property that has an NAICS
number that is within the definition of an “industrial
establishment” as set forth at N.J.S.A. 13:K-8 (collectively,
the “ISRA
Properties”), NJCB, at
its sole cost and expense, shall within five (5) days of the date
hereof prepare and submit a general information notice to the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
(“NJDEP”). In addition, NJCB shall retain a
Licensed Site Remediation Professional (as defined in ISRA) who
shall prepare and submit to NJDEP, prior to the Effective Time, a
Response Action Outcome or Remediation Certification (in each case
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to 1st Constitution)
and NJCB will simultaneously create and maintain a
“Remediation Funding Source,” as such term is defined
under the applicable Environmental Laws, or other financial
assurance.
6.19 Maintenance
of Properties; Certain Remediation and Capital
Improvements.
NJCB
and the Subsidiaries of NJCB will maintain their properties and
assets in satisfactory condition and repair for the purposes for
which they are intended, ordinary wear and tear
excepted.
6.20 Environmental
Audits. Upon the written
request of 1st Constitution, which request shall occur within sixty
(60) days after the date hereof, NJCB will permit 1st Constitution,
at 1st Constitution’s expense, with respect to each parcel of
real property owned by NJCB, to procure an environmental audit,
preliminary assessment, property condition assessment and/or such
other environmental evaluations of such real property as 1st
Constitution deems necessary or appropriate.
6.21 Title
Insurance. Upon the written
request of 1st Constitution, which request shall occur within
thirty (30) days after the date hereof, NJCB will permit 1st
Constitution, at 1st Constitution’s expense, with respect to
each parcel of real property owned by NJCB, to obtain a commitment
to issue owner’s title insurance in such amounts and by such
insurance company reasonably acceptable to 1st
Constitution.
6.22 Surveys.
Upon the written request of 1st Constitution, which request shall
occur within forty five (45) days after the date hereof, with
respect to each parcel of real property as to which a title
insurance policy is to be procured pursuant to Section 6.21, NJCB
will permit 1st Constitution, at 1st Constitution’s expense,
to obtain a survey of such real property, which survey shall be
reasonably acceptable to and shall be prepared by a licensed
surveyor reasonably acceptable to 1st Constitution, disclosing the
locations of all improvements, easements, sidewalks, roadways,
utility lines and other matters customarily shown on such surveys
and showing access affirmatively to public streets and roads and
providing the legal description of the property in a form suitable
for recording and insuring the title thereof (the
“Survey”).
6.23 Consents
to Assign and Use Leased Premises. With respect to the Real Property Leases
disclosed in Schedule
3.18(a) of the NJCB Disclosure
schedule, NJCB will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all
Consents necessary or appropriate to transfer and assign all right,
title and interest of NJCB to the Bank and to permit the use and
operation of the leased premises by the Bank as of the
Closing.
6.24 Section
16 Matters. Prior to the
Effective Time, to the extent permitted by Law without expense to
the Parties, the Parties will use commercially reasonable efforts
to take such steps as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to
cause any disposition of shares of NJCB Common Stock or conversion
of any derivative securities in respect of shares of NJCB Common
Stock or purchase of shares of 1st Constitution Common Stock in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under
the Exchange Act.
6.25 Disclosure
Controls. Between the date of
this Agreement and the Effective Time of the Merger, NJCB shall,
upon reasonable notice during normal business hours, permit 1st
Constitution (i) to meet with the officers of NJCB responsible for
the Financial Statements of NJCB and the internal control over
financial reporting of NJCB to discuss such matters as 1st
Constitution may deem reasonably necessary or appropriate
concerning 1st Constitution’s obligations under Section 302
and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and (ii) to meet with officers
of NJCB to discuss the integration of appropriate disclosure
controls and procedures and internal control over financial
reporting relating to NJCB’s operations with the controls and
procedures and internal control over financial reporting of 1st
Constitution for purposes of assisting 1st Constitution in
compliance with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
following the
Effective
Time of the Merger. NJCB shall, and shall cause its and
NJCB’s respective employees and accountants to, fully
cooperate with 1st Constitution in the preparation, documentation,
review, testing and all other actions 1st Constitution deems
reasonably necessary to satisfy the internal control certification
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
6.26 Tax
Treatment. Neither 1st
Constitution, the Bank nor NJCB shall, or shall cause any of their
respective Subsidiaries to, take any action inconsistent with the
treatment of the Merger as a “reorganization” under
Section 368(a) of the Code.
6.27 Payment
of Retention Bonuses. Provided
that a person listed on Section 6.27
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule (i)
remains an employee of NJCB from the date hereof through the date
after the Effective Time when that person’s job function has
been converted or transitioned and (ii) does not accept employment
with 1st Constitution, the Bank or another Subsidiary of 1st
Constitution for any period subsequent to the Effective Time, 1st
Constitution shall pay to such person the bonus compensation
provided for such employee in Section 6.27
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule.
6.28 Shareholder
Litigation. NJCB shall give 1st
Constitution the opportunity to participate at its own expense in
the defense or settlement of any shareholder litigation against
NJCB and/or its directors or other Affiliates relating to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and no such settlement
shall be agreed to without 1st Constitution’s prior written
consent.
6.29 No
Control Over Other Party’s Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give
1st Constitution, directly or indirectly, the right to control or
direct the operations of NJCB or its Subsidiaries prior to the
Effective Time, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall give
NJCB, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the
operations of 1st Constitution or its Subsidiaries prior to the
Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of NJCB and 1st
Constitution shall exercise, consistent with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over
its and its Subsidiaries’ respective
operations.
6.30 Press
Releases. 1st Constitution and
NJCB agree that they will not issue any press release or other
public disclosure related to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby without first consulting with the other party
as to the form and substance of such disclosures that may relate to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided, however,
that nothing contained herein shall prohibit either party,
following notification to the other party, from making any
disclosure that is required by law or
regulation.
6.31 Prior
Notice and Approval Before Payments To Be Made. Without the express prior written consent of 1st
Constitution, no payments shall be made by NJCB to any director,
officer or employee in accordance with any agreement, contract,
plan or arrangement (including, but not limited to any employment
agreement, change in control agreement, severance arrangement,
stock option, non- compete agreements, deferred compensation plan,
bonus, vacation or leave plan or other compensation or benefits
program), which payments arise upon the termination of such
agreement, contract, plan or arrangement or upon the termination of
employment or service of such recipient with NJCB, except to the
extent that (i) such intended payments have been set forth in the
NJCB Disclosure Schedule furnished to 1st Constitution at the date
of this Agreement, (ii) prior written notice has been provided to
1st Constitution of such intended payment, and (iii) a written
acknowledgement and release, executed by the recipient and NJCB,
reasonably satisfactory to 1st Constitution in form and substance,
has been
delivered
to 1st Constitution. Prior to NJCB making any such payments to any
officer or director, NJCB, with the assistance of its tax
accountants, shall determine that no such payments, if made, shall
constitute an “excess parachute payment” in accordance
with Section 280G of the Code, and NJCB shall furnish 1st
Constitution with a detailed schedule related to such determination
prior to making any such payments.
6.32 Liquidation
of Holding Company. The Board of Directors of NJCB shall take all
corporate action to liquidate and dissolve New Jersey Community
Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, which was incorporated to
become the holding company for NJCB but such holding company
structure was never implemented.
6.33 Further
Assurances. Subject to the
terms and conditions herein provided, each of the Parties agrees to
use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and
regulations to satisfy the conditions to the Parties’
obligations hereunder and to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without
limitation, using reasonable efforts to lift or rescind any
injunction or restraining order or other Order adversely affecting
the ability of the Parties to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and using its commercially
reasonable efforts to prevent the breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement of such Party contained or referred
to in this Agreement and to promptly remedy the same. Nothing in
this Section 6.33
shall be construed to require any Party to participate in any
threatened or actual legal, administrative or other proceedings
(other than proceedings, actions or investigations to which it is
otherwise a party or subject or threatened to be made a party or
subject) in connection with consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement unless such Party shall consent in
advance and in writing to such participation and the other Party
agrees to reimburse and indemnify such Party for and against any
and all costs and damages related thereto.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
7.1 Conditions
to Each Party’s Obligations Under this
Agreement. The respective
obligations of each Party under this Agreement to consummate the
Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction or, where permissible
under applicable Law, waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of
the following conditions:
(a) Approval
of Shareholders; SEC Registration; Blue Sky Laws. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the
shareholders of NJCB. The S-4 shall have been declared effective by
the SEC and shall not be subject to a stop order or any threatened
stop order, and the issuance of the 1st Constitution Common Stock
shall have been qualified in every state where such qualification
is required under the applicable state securities
Laws.
(b) Regulatory
Filings. Subject to Section
7.2(g) hereof, all necessary approvals and consents (including
without limitation any required approval (or in the case of the
FRB, any required approval or waiver) of the FDIC, the New Jersey
Department, the FRB, the SEC and (if necessary) the NJDEP) of
Governmental Entities required to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been obtained. All conditions
required to be satisfied prior to the Effective Time by the terms
of such approvals and consents shall have been satisfied; and all
statutory waiting periods in respect thereof (including the waiting
period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, if applicable) shall have expired.
(c) Suits
and Proceedings. No Order shall
be outstanding against a Party or its Subsidiaries or a third party
that would have the effect of preventing completion of the Merger;
no suit, action or other proceeding shall be pending or threatened
by any Governmental Entity seeking to restrain or prohibit the
Merger; and no suit, action or other proceeding shall be pending
before any court or Governmental Entity seeking to restrain or
prohibit the Merger or obtain other substantial monetary or other
relief against one or more Parties, NJCB or the Bank in connection
with this Agreement and which 1st Constitution or NJCB determines
in good faith, based upon the advice of their respective counsel,
makes it inadvisable to proceed with the Merger because any such
suit, action or proceeding has a significant potential to be
resolved in such a way as to deprive the Party electing not to
proceed of any of the material benefits to it of the
Merger.
(d) Tax
Opinion. 1st Constitution and
NJCB shall each have received an opinion, dated as of the Effective
Time, of Day Pitney LLP, reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to NJCB and its counsel and to 1st Constitution, based
upon representation letters reasonably required by such counsel,
dated on or about the date of such opinion, and such other facts,
representations and customary limitations as such counsel may
reasonably deem relevant, to the effect that the Merger will be
treated for federal income Tax purposes as a reorganization
qualifying under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code. In
connection therewith, each of 1st Constitution, the Bank and NJCB
shall deliver to Day Pitney LLP representation letters, in each
case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Day Pitney
LLP and dated the date of such opinion, on which Day Pitney LLP
shall be entitled to rely.
(e) Listing
of Shares. The shares of 1st
Constitution Common Stock which shall be issuable to the
shareholders of NJCB upon consummation of the Merger shall have
been authorized for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to
official notice of issuance.
7.2 Conditions
to the Obligations of 1st Constitution and the Bank Under this
Agreement. The obligations of
1st Constitution and the Bank under this Agreement shall be further
subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the Effective
Time, of the following conditions:
(a) Representations
and Warranties; Performance of Obligations of
NJCB. Except for those
representations and warranties that are made as of a particular
date, the representations and warranties of NJCB contained in this
Agreement shall be true and complete in all material respects
(except with respect to those representations and warranties that
are qualified as to materiality, which shall be true in all
respects) on the Closing Date as though made on and as of the
Closing Date. The representations and warranties of NJCB contained
in this Agreement that are made as of a particular date shall be
true and complete in all material respects (except with respect to
those representations and warranties that are qualified as to
materiality, which shall be true in all respects) as of such date.
NJCB shall have performed in all material respects the agreements,
covenants and obligations to be performed by it prior to the
Closing Date.
(b) Certificates.
NJCB shall have furnished 1st Constitution with such certificates
of its officers or other documents to evidence fulfillment of the
conditions set forth in this Section 7.2 as 1st Constitution may
reasonably request.
(c) Intentionally
Omitted.
(d) Third
Party Consents. All consents,
waivers and approvals of any third parties (other than the
consents, waivers and approvals referred to in Section 7.1(b) of
this Agreement) that are necessary to permit the consummation of
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall
have been obtained or made, except for those as to which the
failure to obtain would not be material (i) on NJCB and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) on the 1st Constitution and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. None of the consents, approvals
or waivers referred to in this Section 7.2(d) shall contain any
term or condition which would have a material adverse impact on the
Surviving Entity and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after
giving effect to the Merger.
(e) FIRPTA.
NJCB shall have delivered to 1st Constitution a certificate dated
as of the Closing Date, in form and substance required under the
Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 1445 of the
Code, certifying such facts as to establish that the transactions
contemplated hereby are exempt from withholding pursuant to Section
1445 of the Code.
(f) Dissenting
Shares. No more than 10% of the
issued and outstanding shares of NJCB Common Stock shall be
Dissenting Shares.
(g) Regulatory
Conditions. A Governmental
Entity (including, without limitation, the FRB, FDIC or New Jersey
Department), has not imposed a condition or requirement on 1st
Constitution, the Bank or the Surviving Entity that (A) the Board
of Directors of 1st Constitution reasonably determines is (i)
onerous to 1st Constitution, the Bank or the Surviving Entity, or
(ii) reasonably likely to have a material imposition on the
operations, business or prospects of 1st Constitution, the Bank or
the Surviving Entity, or (B) requires 1st Constitution, the Bank or
the Surviving Entity to raise capital through the sale of
securities within one year of the Closing Date.
(h) Regulatory
Matters. NJCB shall have
satisfied, or is in the process of satisfying in a manner and under
a timetable reasonably satisfactory to 1st Constitution, the
regulatory matters set forth in Section 7.2(h)
of the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule.
(i) Environmental
Audit Results. The results of
any environmental audit, assessment, or study conducted by 1st
Constitution pursuant to Section 6.20 hereof shall not indicate
circumstances or conditions that would reasonably be expected to
require remediation or could reasonably be expected to impose
liability with an aggregate estimated cost or liability in excess
of $250,000 for all such properties.
(j) Intentionally
Omitted.
(k)
Amended
and Restated Indemnification Agreements. The indemnification agreements with existing
directors of NJCB as set forth in Section 3.20
of the NJCB Disclosure Schedule shall
be amended and restated in substantially the form of
Exhibit
F hereto (the “Indemnification
Agreements”).
(l) First
Amendment to Freehold Lease.
The First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement by
and between Poppy Lane Holdings, LLC, as Landlord, and NJCB, as
Tenant, relating to the premises located at 3441 U.S. Highway 9,
Freehold, New Jersey, is in full force and effect as of the Closing
Date.
7.3
Conditions
to the Obligations of NJCB Under this Agreement. The obligation of NJCB to effect the Merger is
also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by NJCB at or prior to
the Effective Time of the following conditions:
(a) Representations
and Warranties; Performance of Obligations of 1st Constitution and
the Bank. Except for those
representations and warranties that are made as of a particular
date, the representations and warranties of 1st Constitution and
the Bank contained in this Agreement shall be true and complete in
all material respects (except with respect to those representations
and warranties that are qualified as to materiality, which shall be
true in all respects) on the Closing Date as though made on and as
of the Closing Date. The representations and warranties of 1st
Constitution and the Bank contained in this Agreement that are made
as of a particular date shall be true and complete in all material
respects (except with respect to those representations and
warranties that are qualified as to materiality, which shall be
true in all respects) as of such date. Each of 1st Constitution and
the Bank shall have performed in all material respects the
agreements, covenants and obligations to be performed by it prior
to the Closing Date.
(b) Certificates.
1st Constitution shall have furnished NJCB with such certificates
of its officers or other documents to evidence fulfillment of the
conditions set forth in this Section 7.3 as NJCB may reasonably
request.
(c) Escrow
Agreement. 1st Constitution,
the Shareholder Representative and the Escrow Agent shall have
executed the Escrow Agreement and 1st Constitution shall have made
arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Shareholder
Representative to deliver the Escrowed Amount to the Escrow Agent
immediately upon consummation of the Merger.
(d) Acknowledgement
of the Indemnification Agreements. 1st Constitution shall have acknowledged and
assumed the Indemnification Agreements.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
8.1 Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective
Time, whether before or after approval by the shareholders of NJCB
of the matters presented in connection with the
Merger:
(a)
by mutual consent of NJCB, on one
hand, and 1st Constitution and the Bank, on the other
hand;
(b)
by either 1st Constitution and the
Bank, on one hand, or NJCB, on the other hand,
upon written notice to the other Party if the approval of any
Governmental Entity required for consummation of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement is denied by
final, non-appealable action of such Governmental Entity; provided,
however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
this Section 8.1(b) shall not be available to any Party whose
failure to comply with any provision of this Agreement has been the
cause of, or materially contributed to, such action;
(c) by either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one
hand, or NJCB, on the other hand, if the Merger shall not have been
consummated on or before the one year anniversary of the date
hereof (the “Cut-off Date”) or such later date as shall have been
agreed to in writing by 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand,
and NJCB, on the other hand, unless the failure of the Closing to
occur by such date shall be due to the failure of the Party seeking
to terminate this Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and
agreements of such Party set forth
herein;
(d) by
either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand, or NJCB, on the
other hand, if the approval of the shareholders of NJCB required
for the consummation of the Merger shall not have been obtained by
reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly held
meeting of such shareholders or at any adjournment or postponement
thereof;
(e) by
either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand, or NJCB, on the
other hand (provided that the terminating Party is not then in
material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
agreement contained herein), if there shall have been a breach of
any of the representations or warranties set forth in this
Agreement on the part of the other Party (determined as of the date
hereof or, in the case of representations and warranties made as of
a particular date, as of the date as of which such representation
or warranty is made), which breach is not cured within thirty days
following written notice to the Party committing such breach, or
which breach, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the Cut-Off
Date; provided, however, that neither Party shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(e) unless the
breach of representation or warranty, together with all other such
breaches, (i)
would entitle the Party receiving such representation not to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby under Section
7.2(a) of this Agreement (in the case of a breach of a
representation or warranty by NJCB) or Section 7.3(a) of this
Agreement (in the case of a breach of a representation or warranty
by 1st Constitution) or (ii) would constitute a Material Adverse
Effect with respect to the Party committing such breach or
breaches;
(f) by
either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand, or NJCB, on the
other hand (provided that the terminating Party is not then in
material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
agreement contained herein), if there shall have been a material
breach of any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement on the part of the other Party hereto, which breach shall
not have been cured within thirty days following receipt by the
breaching Party of written notice of such breach from the other
Party, or which breach, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the
Cut-Off Date;
(g) by
NJCB if, prior to receipt of NJCB Shareholder Approval, NJCB has
received a Superior Proposal, and in accordance with Section 5.3 of
this Agreement, has entered into an acquisition agreement with
respect to the Superior Proposal, but only if immediately upon
terminating this Agreement, NJCB (A) pays to 1st Constitution the
Termination Fee and Termination Expenses, and (B) delivers to 1st
Constitution a release signed by the parties to such acquisition
agreement and any entity that controls such parties, which release
shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to 1st
Constitution and shall irrevocably waive any right the releasing
parties may have to challenge the payment to 1st Constitution of
the Termination Fee and the payment to 1st Constitution of the
Termination Expenses;
(h) by
1st Constitution and the Bank if prior to receipt of NJCB
Shareholder Approval, NJCB or NJCB’s Board of Directors (or
any committee thereof) has (A) effected a NJCB Subsequent
Determination or approved, adopted, endorsed or recommended any
Acquisition Proposal, (B) failed to make the NJCB Board
Recommendation, withdrawn the NJCB Board Recommendation or failed
to publicly re-affirm the NJCB Board Recommendation within five
days after receipt from 1st Constitution of a written request to do
so, (C) breached the terms of Section 5.3 of this Agreement in any
material respect adverse to 1st Constitution, or (D) in response to
the commencement (other than by 1st Constitution or a Subsidiary
thereof) of a tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the
outstanding shares of NJCB’s Common Stock, recommended that
the shareholders of NJCB tender their shares in such tender or
exchange offer or otherwise failed to recommend that such
shareholders reject such tender offer or exchange offer within the
ten business day period specified in Rule 14e-2(a) under the
Exchange Act;
(i) by
1st Constitution and the Bank if the conditions set forth in
Sections 7.1 and 7.2 of this Agreement are not satisfied and are
not capable of being satisfied by the Cut-off Date;
(j) by
NJCB if the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.3 of this
Agreement are not satisfied and are not capable of being satisfied
by the Cut-off Date.
(k) by
NJCB if its Board of Directors so determines by a vote of a
majority of the members of its entire board, at any time during the
five day period commencing on the day after the Determination Date,
if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) the 1st Constitution Common Stock Average Price on
the Determination Date shall be less than $16.00 (the
“Base
Amount”);
and
(2) (i) the number (rounded to four decimals) obtained
by dividing the 1st Constitution Common Stock Average Price on the
Determination Date by the 1st Constitution Initial Price (the
“1st
Constitution Ratio”)
shall be less than (ii) the number (rounded to four decimals)
obtained by dividing the Final Index Price on the Determination
Date by the Initial Index Price and subtracting 0.30 from the
quotient in this clause (2)(ii) (such number being referred to
herein as the “Index Ratio”);
For purposes of this subsection (k), the following
terms shall have the following meanings:
“Final Index
Price” means the average
(rounded to four decimals) of the daily closing prices
of the
NASDAQ Bank Index for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately
preceding the Determination Date.
“Initial Index
Price” means
$3,935.30.
“1st Constitution Common Stock
Average Price” means the
average (rounded to four decimals) of the daily closing sales
prices of 1st Constitution Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Market (as reported in an authoritative source chosen by 1st
Constitution) for the 10 consecutive full trading days in which
such shares are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market ending at the
close of trading on the Determination Date.
“1st Constitution Initial
Price” means
$18.00.
If
1st Constitution declares or effects a stock dividend,
reclassification, recapitalization, split- up, combination,
exchange of shares or similar transaction between the date of this
Agreement and the Determination Date, the 1st Constitution Common
Stock Average Price shall be appropriately adjusted for the
purposes of applying this Section 8.1(k).
(l) by
either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand, or NJCB, on the
other hand, if the 1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price is
less than $7.00 and 1st Constitution determines in its sole
discretion to not increase the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the last
paragraph of Section 1.4(a)(A) hereof.
8.2 Effect
of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement by
either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand, or NJCB, on the
other hand, as provided in Section 8.1 of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect except
that (i) Sections 8.1,
8.2,
8.5 and Article IX of this Agreement shall survive any termination
of this Agreement and (ii) in the event that such termination is
effected pursuant to Sections 8.1(e) or 8.1(f) of this Agreement,
the non- defaulting Party may pursue any remedy available at law or
in equity to enforce its rights and shall be paid by the defaulting
Party for all damages, costs and expenses, including without
limitation legal, accounting, investment banking and printing
expenses, incurred or suffered by the non-defaulting Party in
connection herewith or in the enforcement of its rights
hereunder.
8.3 Amendment.
Subject to compliance with applicable Law, this Agreement may be
amended by the Parties at any time before or after approval of the
matters presented in connection with the Merger by the shareholders
of NJCB; provided, however, that after any approval of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement by NJCB’s
shareholders, there may not be, without further approval of such
shareholders, any amendment of this Agreement which reduces the
amount or changes the form of the consideration to be delivered to
NJCB’s shareholders hereunder other than as contemplated by
this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the
Parties.
8.4 Extension;
Waiver. At any time prior to
the Effective Time, each of the Parties may, to the extent legally
allowed, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other Party, (b) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other
Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto
and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions
of the other Party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a
Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set
forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such Party, but
such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance
with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not
operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent
or other failure.
8.5
Termination
Fee; Expenses. In the event
that:
(i) this Agreement is terminated by NJCB pursuant to
Section 8.1(g) of this Agreement or by 1st Constitution and the
Bank pursuant to Section 8.1(h) of this Agreement, then NJCB shall
pay to 1st Constitution, immediately upon such termination, by wire
transfer of immediately available funds, the sum of (x) $275,000
(the “Termination
Fee”) and (y) the dollar
amount of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by 1st Constitution and
the Bank in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (as certified by 1st Constitution upon receipt of
NJCB’s notice of termination or delivery of 1st
Constitution’s and the Bank’s notice of termination,
whichever is applicable), up to $125,000 in such expenses (the
“Termination
Expenses”), provided,
however that the sum of the Termination Fee and the Termination
Expenses shall not exceed $400,000 (the “Maximum
Amount”);
(ii) (A)
a bona fide Acquisition Proposal (whether or not conditional) shall
have been made directly to NJCB’s shareholders or otherwise
publicly disclosed or otherwise communicated or made known to any
member of senior management of NJCB or any member of NJCB’s
Board of Directors, and (B)
this Agreement is thereafter terminated (x) by NJCB or 1st
Constitution pursuant to Sections 8.1(c) or 8.1(d) of this
Agreement (if NJCB Shareholder Approval has not theretofore been
obtained after the S-4 shall have been declared effective), or (y)
by 1st Constitution and the Bank pursuant to Sections 8.1(e) or
8.1(f) of this Agreement, then if within 18 months after such
termination, NJCB or any of its Subsidiaries enters into a
definitive agreement with respect to, or consummates a transaction
contemplated by, any Acquisition Proposal (which, in each case,
need not be the same Acquisition Proposal that shall
have
been
made, publicly disclosed or communicated prior to termination
hereof), then NJCB shall pay 1st Constitution, on the earlier of
the date of such execution or consummation, a fee equal to the
Maximum Amount; and
(iii) (A)
a bona fide Acquisition Proposal (whether or not conditional) shall
have been made directly to NJCB’s shareholders or otherwise
publicly disclosed or otherwise communicated or made known to any
member of senior management of NJCB or any member of NJCB’s
Board of Directors, and (B) this Agreement is thereafter terminated
(x) by either 1st Constitution and the Bank, on one hand, or NJCB,
on the other hand, pursuant to 8.1(d) of this Agreement (if NJCB
Shareholder Approval has not theretofore been obtained after the
S-4 shall have been declared effective), or (y) by 1st Constitution
and the Bank pursuant to Sections 8.1(e) or 8.1(f) of this
Agreement, then, if within 12 months after such termination, NJCB
or any of its Subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement with
respect to, or consummates a transaction contemplated by, any
Acquisition Proposal (which, in each case, need not be the same
Acquisition Proposal that shall have been made, publicly disclosed
or communicated prior to termination hereof), then NJCB shall pay
1st Constitution, on the earlier of the date of such execution or
consummation, a fee equal to the Maximum Amount less any
Termination Expenses paid to 1st Constitution pursuant to clause
(ii) of this Section 8.5. For purposes of clauses (ii) and (iii) of
this Section 8.5, the term “Acquisition
Proposal” shall have the
meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.3(d)(i) of this Agreement
except that references in Section 5.3(d)(i) to “25%”
shall be replaced by “50%”.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Interpretation.
(a) The
headings and captions contained in this Agreement and in any table
of contents are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in
any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
(b) Whenever
the words “include”, “includes” or
“including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words “without
limitation”.
(c) The
words “hereof”, “herein” and
“herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless
expressly otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement
as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement,
and article, section, paragraph, exhibit, appendix and schedule
references are to the articles, sections, paragraphs, exhibits,
appendices and schedules of this Agreement unless expressly
otherwise specified.
(d) The
meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be equally
applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such term,
and words denoting any gender shall include all genders. Where a
word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical
forms shall have a corresponding meaning.
(e) A
reference to any Party to this Agreement or any other agreement or
document shall include such Party’s successors and permitted
assigns.
(f) A
reference to any legislation or to any provision of any legislation
shall include any amendment thereto, and any modification or
re-enactment thereof, any legislative provision substituted
therefor and all regulations and statutory instruments issued
thereunder or pursuant thereto.
(g) The
Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting
of this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of
intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumption or burden
of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of
the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.
(h) All
references to “dollars” or “$” in this
Agreement refer to United States dollars, which is the currency
used for all purposes in this Agreement.
(i) The
terms of this Section 9.1 shall apply to the NJCB Disclosure
Schedule and the 1st Constitution Disclosure Schedule delivered
herewith and to each document included in the exhibits annexed
hereto unless expressly otherwise stated therein.
9.2 Nonsurvival
of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. None of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective
Time, except for those covenants and agreements contained herein
and therein which by their terms apply in whole or in part after
the Effective Time. The provisions of Section 6.2(c), Article VIII
and Article IX of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement
shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
9.3 Expenses.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.5 of this Agreement, all
costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party
incurring such costs and expenses.
9.4 Notices.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (with
confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return
receipt requested) or delivered by an express courier (with
confirmation) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such
other address for a Party as shall be specified by like
notice):
(a)
if to 1st Constitution and the Bank,
to:
2650
Route 130
P.O.
Box 634
Cranbury,
New Jersey 08512 Attn: Robert F. Mangano
with
a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Day
Pitney LLP
1
Jefferson Road
Parsippany,
New Jersey 07054
Attn:
Frank E. Lawatsch, Jr., Esq. and Scott W. Goodman,
Esq.
and
New
Jersey Community Bank
3441
U.S. Highway 9
Freehold,
New Jersey 07728
Attn:
William H. Placke
with
a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Windels
Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP
120
Albany Street Plaza
6th
Floor
New
Brunswick, NJ 08901
Attn:
Robert A. Schwartz, Esq.
9.5 Counterparts;
Facsimile. This Agreement may
be executed in counterparts, all of which shall be considered one
and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts
have been signed by all of the Parties and delivered to all of the
Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the
same counterpart. Execution and delivery of this Agreement or any
agreement contemplated hereby by facsimile or pdf transmission
shall constitute execution and delivery of this Agreement or such
agreement for all purposes, with the same force and effect as
execution and delivery of an original manually signed copy
hereof.
9.6 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement
(including the documents, the disclosure schedules and the
instruments referred to herein), together with the Confidentiality
Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among
the Parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
9.7 Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be
governed and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of
New Jersey, without regard to any applicable conflicts of
law.
9.8 Severability.
Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability
without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and
provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement
in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is so
broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to
be only so broad as is enforceable.
9.9 Publicity.
Except as otherwise required by Law or the rules of the NASDAQ
Global Market, so long as this Agreement is in effect, neither 1st
Constitution nor NJCB shall, or shall permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, issue or cause the publication of any press
release or other public announcement with respect to, or otherwise
make any public statement concerning, the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement without the consent of the other Party, which
consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
9.10 Assignment;
Parties in Interest; No Third Party
Beneficiaries. Neither this
Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder
shall be assigned by any Party hereto (whether by operation of law
or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other Party.
Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and
their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as
otherwise expressly provided in Section 6.8 of this Agreement, this
Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to
herein) is not intended to confer upon any person other than the
Parties any rights or remedies hereunder. Except as otherwise
expressly provided in Section 6.8 of this Agreement, nothing in
this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer
upon any person other than 1st Constitution, the Bank and NJCB any
legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature under or
by reason of this Agreement. The representations and warranties in
this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the Parties
and are for the sole benefit of the Parties. In certain instances,
the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent
an allocation between the Parties of risks associated with
particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the
Parties. Consequently, persons other than the Parties may not rely
upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as
characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date
of this Agreement or as of any other date.
9.11 Definitions.
(a)
For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
“Affiliate” of a Person means a Person that directly
or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the first mentioned
Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of an entity, whether through the ownership
of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Agency” means each of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and
Ginnie Mae.
“Applicable
Law” means collectively,
any federal, state or local constitution, Law or similar legal
requirement, or any directive, policy or order that is made or
given at any time or from time to time by any Governmental Entity,
to which NJCB and/or any of its Subsidiaries is subject or which is
otherwise applicable to the origination, processing, underwriting,
closing, funding, insuring, selling, purchasing, servicing or
subservicing of Mortgage Loans, and any applicable and valid order,
verdict, judgment or consent decree.
“Applicable
Requirements” means
collectively, (i) the terms of a Mortgage Loan (including, without
limitation, the related mortgage note and mortgage or other
security interest), (ii) all Applicable Laws, (iii) all
obligations, under any Contract, (iv) all other applicable
requirements and guidelines of any Agency, Investor or Governmental
Entity having jurisdiction; and (v) the reasonable and customary
practices of prudent mortgage lending, underwriting, processing,
origination, insuring, closing, funding, servicing, subservicing,
loss mitigation, foreclosure, and real property administration
firms and institutions.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday or
Sunday or any day that banks in the State of New Jersey are
authorized or required to be closed.
“Contract” means any contract, agreement, indenture,
note, bond, mortgage, loan, instrument, lease, license, commitment
or other arrangement, understanding, undertaking, commitment or
obligation, whether written or oral.
“GAAP” means, for any Person, accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States, as consistently
applied by such Person.
“Investor” means (i) each Agency, (ii) any Person who
has acquired an interest in any Mortgage Loans or with respect to
which NJCB has a Contract for the future sale of mortgage loans,
(iii) any Person that insures or guarantees the risk of loss upon
borrower default on any Mortgage Loan, including without
limitation, private mortgage insurers, the Federal Housing
Administration and the Veterans Administration and (iv) any Person
that provides life, hazard, disability, title or other insurance
with respect to any Mortgage Loan or related real
property.
“Knowledge” means, with respect to NJCB, the actual
knowledge of William H. Placke or Naqi A.
Naqvi and with respect to 1st Constitution, the actual knowledge of
Robert F. Mangano or Stephen J. Gilhooly.
“Law” means, unless the context expressly
indicates otherwise, any foreign, federal, state or local statute,
law, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, enactment or other
statutory or legislative provision.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any
mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance,
charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the
interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale
agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement relating to
such asset and (c)
in
the case of securities, any purchase option, call or preemptive
right, right of first refusal or similar right of a third party
with respect to such securities.
“Material Adverse
Effect” means, with
respect to any Person, any event, effect, condition, change,
occurrence, development or state of circumstances that has a
material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or
results of operations of such Person and its Subsidiaries
considered as a single enterprise or has a material adverse effect
on the ability of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries to
consummate the Merger; provided, however, that “Material
Adverse Effect” shall not include the following, either alone
or in combination, nor shall any of the following be taken into
account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse
Effect: (a) effects, changes, events, developments, circumstances
or conditions that generally affect the banking business; (b)
general business, financial or economic conditions; (c) national or
international political or social conditions, including the
engagement in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the
declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of
any actual or threatened military or terrorist attack, (d) changes
or developments resulting or caused by natural disasters, (e) the
conditions of any financial, banking, or securities markets
(including any disruption thereof and any decline in the price of
any security or any market index), (f) changes in GAAP or
regulatory accounting requirements or in the interpretation or
enforcement thereof, (g) changes in Law or other binding directives
issued by any Governmental Entity; (h) failure by such Person to
meet internal or third party projections or forecasts or any
published revenue or earnings projections for any period; provided,
that this exception shall not prevent or otherwise affect any
determination that any event, condition, change, occurrence,
development or state of facts underlying such failure has or
resulted in, or contributed to, a Material Adverse Effect;
or (i)
acts
or omissions of such Person or its Subsidiaries carried out (or
omitted to be carried out) pursuant to this Agreement; provided,
however, that the foregoing clauses (a) through (g) shall not apply
if such
effect,
change, event, development or circumstance disproportionately
adversely affects NJCB and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
1st Constitution and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as the
case may be, compared to other Persons that operate in the banking
industry.
“Mortgage
Loans” means any all
loans secured by one to four family residential properties, mixed
use properties (but only to the extent subject to HUD’s
203(k) program), loans secured by interests in cooperatives,
condominium units and units in planned unit developments owned,
originated (or in the process of origination), serviced or
subserviced by NJCB at any time, including any real property
acquired in connection with the default of any mortgage
loan.
“Most Recent Balance
Sheet” means the most
recent balance sheet included within NJCB Financial
Statements.
“Order” means any judicial or administrative
judgment, decision, decree, order, settlement, injunction, writ,
stipulation, determination or award, in each case to the extent
legally binding and finally determined.
“Ordinary Course of
Business” means, with
respect to a Person, the ordinary course of business of such Person
and its corporate Affiliates consistent with past custom and
practice.
“Permitted
Liens” means any (a)
mechanic’s, materialmen’s, laborer’s,
workmen’s, repairmen’s, carrier’s and similar
Liens, including all statutory Liens, arising or incurred in the
Ordinary Course of Business for amounts that are not delinquent,
for which appropriate reserves have been established on the Most
Recent Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP and that are not,
individually or in the aggregate, material and do not detract
materially from the value thereof, (b) Liens for current state and
local property Taxes, assessments and other governmental charges
not yet due and payable or, if due, (i) not
delinquent, (ii)
being
contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings and (iii)
for which appropriate reserves have been established on the Most
Recent Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP, (c) purchase money
Liens and Liens securing rental payments under capital lease
arrangements, (d) pledges to secure deposits and other Liens
incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business and (e) in the case of
Owned Properties held by NJCB or its Subsidiaries, easements,
covenants, rights-of-way, conditions and other restrictions or
similar matters of record affecting title to such property that are
shown on surveys or other title records delivered to 1st
Constitution’s counsel (with a designation that such surveys
or title records have been delivered pursuant to Section 9.11(a) of
this Agreement).
“Person” or “person”, except where the context clearly
indicates a reference solely to an individual, means an individual,
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust,
association, Governmental Entity or other
entity.
“Response Action
Outcome” means a document
defined as such pursuant to the Administrative Requirements for
Remediation of Contaminated Sites rules at N.J.A.C.
7:26C-1.3.
“Subsidiary”, when used with respect to any Person,
means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or
other entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, which is
consolidated with such Person for financial reporting purposes. For
the avoidance of doubt the Bank and each of its Subsidiaries
constitute Subsidiaries of 1st
Constitution.
(b)
The
following terms are defined in the following sections of this
Agreement:
1st Constitution
|
Preamble
|
1st Constitution Common Stock
|
1.4(a)
|
1st Constitution Common Stock Average Price
|
8.1(k)
|
1st Constitution Disclosure Schedule
|
Article IV Lead-in
|
1st Constitution Exchange Ratio Average Price
|
1.4(a)(B)
|
1st Constitution Financial Statements
|
4.6
|
1st Constitution Initial Price
|
1.4(a)(C); 8.1(k)
|
1st Constitution Plans
|
6.7(a)
|
1st Constitution Ratio
|
8.1(k)(2)
|
1st Constitution Regulatory Agencies
|
4.5
|
1st Constitution Reports
|
4.7
|
1st Constitution Stock Incentive Plans
|
4.2(a)
|
1st Constitution Warrants
|
4.2(a)
|
401(k) Plan
|
6.7(c)
|
Accounting Firm
|
3.6(a)
|
Acquisition Proposal
|
5.3(d)(i); 8.5(iii)
|
Advisory Firm
|
3.7(a)
|
Aggregate Escrowed Amount
|
1.4(a)(ii)
|
Aggregate Merger Consideration
|
1.4(c)
|
Agreement
|
Preamble
|
Bank
|
Preamble
|
Bank Common Stock
|
1.12
|
Bank Merger Act
|
1.1
|
Base Amount
|
8.1(k)(1)
|
BCSRA
|
3.19(d)
|
BOLI
|
3.18(g)
|
BOLI Covered Individuals
|
3.18(g)
|
CERCLA
|
3.19(d)
|
Certificates
|
1.4(c)
|
Claim
|
6.8(a)
|
Claims
|
6.8(a)
|
Closing
|
1.2
|
Closing Date
|
1.2
|
Closing Notice
|
1.2
|
Code
|
1.13
|
Confidentiality Agreement
|
5.3(a)
|
Constituent Entities
|
6.9
|
control
|
Definition of
|
|
“Affiliate”
|
Covered Person
|
3.20
|
CRA
|
3.14(b)
|
Cut-off Date
|
8.1(c)
|
D&O Voting Agreement
|
Recitals
|
Derivatives Contract
|
3.22(b)
|
Determination Date
|
1.2
|
Dissenting Shares
|
1.14(a)
|
DOL
|
3.12(b)
|
DPC Shares
|
1.4(b)
|
Effective Time
|
1.2
|
Environmental Laws
|
3.19(d)
|
Environmental Matters
|
3.19(d)
|
Escrow Agent
|
1.17
|
Escrow Agreement
|
1.17
|
Escrowed Amount
|
1.4(a)(ii)
|
ERISA
|
3.12(a)
|
ERISA Affiliate
|
3.12(a)
|
Exchange Act
|
4.7(a)
|
Exchange Agent
|
1.5
|
Exchange Fund
|
2.1
|
Exchange Ratio
|
1.4(a)(A)
|
FDIC
|
1.1
|
Federal Reserve Board
|
1.1
|
Filing Documents
|
6.1(c)
|
Final Index Price
|
8.1(k)
|
FRB
|
3.4
|
Governmental Entity
|
3.4
|
High Risk Loans
|
3.21(f)
|
Indemnification Agreements
|
7.2(k)
|
Indemnitees
|
6.8(a)
|
Index Ratio
|
8.1(k)(2)
|
Initial Index Price
|
8.1(k)
|
Insurance Agreement
|
3.18(g)
|
Insurance Amount
|
6.8
|
Intellectual Property
|
3.24(i)(1)
|
IRS
|
3.11(a)
|
ISRA
|
3.19(d)
|
ISRA Properties
|
6.18
|
IT Assets
|
3.24(i)(2)
|
Lending Manual
|
5.1(r)
|
Licensed Intellectual Property
|
3.24(i)(3)
|
Litigation Matter
|
1.4(a)(ii)
|
Loan
|
3.21(a)
|
Loan Property
|
3.19(d)
|
Maximum Amount
|
8.5(i)
|
Merger
|
Recitals
|
Merger Consideration
|
1.4(c)
|
NAICS
|
6.18
|
New Jersey Banking Act
|
1.1
|
New Jersey Department
|
1.1
|
NJCB
|
Preamble
|
NJCB Benefit Plans
|
3.12(a)
|
NJCB Board Recommendation
|
3.3(a)
|
NJCB Common Stock
|
1.4(a)
|
NJCB Contract
|
3.15(h)
|
NJCB Disclosure Schedule
|
Article III Lead-in
|
NJCB Employees
|
6.7(a)
|
NJCB Financial Statements
|
3.6(a)
|
NJCB Pension Plans
|
3.12(a)
|
NJCB Properties
|
3.18(a)
|
NJCB Property
|
3.18(a)
|
NJCB Regulatory Agencies
|
3.5(a)
|
NJCB Shareholder Approval
|
5.3(a)
|
NJCB Shareholders’ Meeting
|
6.3
|
NJCB Stock Award
|
1.7(b)
|
NJCB Stock Compensation Plans
|
1.6(a)
|
NJCB Subsequent Determination
|
5.3(b)
|
NJCB Welfare Plans
|
3.12(a)
|
NJDEP
|
6.18
|
Notice of Superior Proposal
|
5.3(b)
|
Option Grant Agreement
|
1.6(a)
|
OREO
|
3.21(b)
|
Owned Intellectual Property
|
3.24(i)(4)
|
Owned Properties
|
3.18(a)
|
Owned Property
|
3.18(a)
|
Participation Facility
|
3.19(d)
|
Parties
|
Preamble
|
Party
|
Preamble
|
Patents
|
3.24(i)(1)
|
Per Share Cash Consideration
|
1.4(a)(ii)
|
Per Share Stock Consideration
|
1.4(a)(i)
|
Personal Property Leases
|
3.18(e)
|
Proxy Statement
|
3.4
|
RCRA
|
3.19(d)
|
Real Property Lease
|
3.18(a)
|
Real Property Leases
|
3.18(a)
|
Registered
|
3.24(i)(5)
|
Registration
|
3.24(i)(5)
|
Regulated Substances
|
3.19(d)
|
Regulatory Agreement
|
3.17
|
S-4
|
3.4
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
|
4.7(a)
|
SEC
|
3.4
|
Securities Act
|
4.7(a)
|
Shareholder Representative
|
1.17
|
Shareholder Voting Agreement
|
Recitals
|
Spill Act
|
3.19(d)
|
SRRA
|
3.19(d)
|
Stock Option
|
1.6(a)
|
Stock Options
|
1.6(a)
|
Superior Proposal
|
5.3(d)(ii)
|
Supporting Shareholders
|
Recitals
|
Survey
|
6.22
|
Surviving Entity
|
Recitals
|
Tax Return
|
3.11(h)
|
Taxes
|
3.11(h)
|
Termination Expenses
|
8.5(i)
|
Termination Fee
|
8.5(i)
|
Trade Secrets
|
3.24(i)(1)
|
Trademarks
|
3.24(i)(1)
|
Trust Account Shares
|
1.4(b)
|
Warrant
|
1.7(a)
|
Warrant Agreement
|
1.7(a)
|
Warrants
|
1.7(a)
|
9.12 Legal
Proceedings; Specific Performance; No Jury Trial.
(a) The
Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts
of the State of New Jersey and the Federal courts of the United
States of America located in the State of New Jersey solely in
respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of
this Agreement and of the documents referred to in this Agreement,
and in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, and hereby
waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or
proceeding for the interpretation or enforcement hereof or of any
such document, that it is not subject thereto or that such action,
suit or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in
said courts or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate or
that this Agreement or any such document may not be enforced in or
by such courts, and the Parties irrevocably agree that all claims
with respect to such action or proceeding shall be heard and
determined in such a New Jersey State or Federal court. The Parties
hereby consent to and grant any such court jurisdiction over the
person of the Parties and over the subject matter of such dispute
and agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection
with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided in
Section 9.4 of this Agreement or in such other manner as may be
permitted by applicable Law, shall be valid and sufficient service
thereof.
(b) The
Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur and that the
Parties would not have any adequate remedy at law in the event that
any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It
is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and
to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement
in any Federal court located in the State of New Jersey or in New
Jersey state court, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at law or in equity.
(c) EACH
PARTYACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THATANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT
ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
AND
UNCONDITIONALLY
WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT
OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING
TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS
AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO
REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS
REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD
NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING
WAIVER, (ii) EACH SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE
IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) EACH SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS
WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) EACH SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO
ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND
CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.12.
Signature Page Follows
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, 1st Constitution, the Bank and NJCB have caused
this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers
thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above
written.
ATTEST:
|
1ST CONSTITUTION
BANCORP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Stephen J.
Gilhooly
|
By:
|
/s/ Robert F.
Mangano
|
|
Stephen
J. Gilhooly
|
|
Robert
F. Mangano
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
|
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Financial
Officer
|
|
|
ATTEST:
|
1ST CONSTITUTION BANK
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Stephen J.
Gilhooly
|
By:
|
/s/ Robert F. Mangano
|
|
Stephen
J. Gilhooly
|
|
Robert
F. Mangano
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Treasurer
|
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
and
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
ATTEST:
|
1ST CONSTITUTION BANCORP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Naqi A.
Naqvi
|
By:
|
/s/ William H.
Placke
|
|
Naqi
A. Naqvi
|
|
William
H. Placke
|
|
Executive
Vice President and
|
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
On this 6th day of November, 2017, before me, a
Notary Public for this state and county, personally came Robert F.
Mangano, as President and Chief Executive Officer of 1st
Constitution Bancorp, and Stephen J. Gilhooly, as Senior Vice
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of
1st
Constitution Bancorp, and each in his
capacity acknowledged this instrument to be the act and deed of
1st
Constitution Bancorp and the seal
affixed to it to be its seal.
WITNESS
my official seal and signature this day and year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Ana Paula Pereira
|
|
|
|
Ana Paula Pereira
|
|
|
|
Notary
Public of New Jersey
Commission
Expires 2/11/2018
|
|
(Seal
of Notary)
On this 6th day of November, 2017, before me, a
Notary Public for this state and county, personally came Robert F.
Mangano, as President and Chief Executive Officer of 1st
Constitution Bank, and Stephen J. Gilhooly, as Senior Vice
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of
1st
Constitution Bank, and each in his
capacity acknowledged this instrument to be the act and deed of
1st
Constitution Bank and the seal affixed
to it to be its seal.
WITNESS
my official seal and signature this day and year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/
Ana Paula Pereira
|
|
|
|
Ana Paula
Pereira
|
|
|
|
Notary
Public of New Jersey
Commission
Expires 2/11/2018
|
|
(Seal
of Notary)
On
this 6th day of November, 2017, before me, a Notary Public for this
state and county, personally came William H. Placke, as President
and Chief Executive Officer of New Jersey Community Bank, and Naqi
A. Naqvi, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of New Jersey Community Bank, and each in his capacity acknowledged
this instrument to be the act and deed of New Jersey Community Bank
and the seal affixed to it to be its seal.
WITNESS
my official seal and signature this day and year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/
Robert A.
Schwartz
|
|
|
|
Robert A.
Schwartz
|
|
(Seal
of Notary)
ANNEX B
November 6,
2017
Board
of Directors
New
Jersey Community Bank
3441 US
Highway 9
Freehold, New
Jersey 07728
Members
of the Board:
You
have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of shares of issued and outstanding
common stock, $1.00 par value
(the “Company Common Shares”), of New Jersey Community
Bank (“NJCB”), of the Merger Consideration (as defined
below) to be received by such holders in the proposed merger (the
“Proposed Merger”) of NJCB with and into 1st Constitution Bank, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of 1st Constitution
Bancorp (“FCCY”), as set forth in the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated November 6, 2017 (the “Merger
Agreement”). As detailed in the Merger Agreement, pursuant to
the Proposed Merger, each Company Common Share issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Proposed
Merger will be converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration, as such term is defined in Section 1.4 of the Merger
Agreement.
Boenning &
Scattergood, Inc., as part of its investment banking business,
regularly is engaged in the valuation of assets, securities and
companies in connection with various types of transactions,
including mergers, acquisitions, private placements, public
offerings and valuations for various other purposes, and in the
determination of adequate consideration in such transactions. In
the ordinary course of our business as a broker-dealer, we may,
from time to time, purchase securities from, and sell securities
to, FCCY, NJCB, and/or their respective affiliates. In the ordinary
course of business, we may also actively trade the securities of
FCCY for our own account and/or for the accounts of customers and
accordingly may at any time hold a long or short position in such
securities.
In
arriving at our opinion, we have, among other things: (i) reviewed
the historical financial performance, current financial position
and general prospects of each of NJCB and FCCY and reviewed certain
internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the
respective management teams of NJCB and FCCY, (ii) reviewed the
November 6, 2017 version of the Merger Agreement, (iii) reviewed
and analyzed the stock performance and trading history of NJCB and
FCCY, (iv) studied and analyzed the consolidated financial and
operating data of NJCB and FCCY, (v) reviewed the pro forma
financial impact of the Proposed Merger on FCCY, based on
assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting
adjustments, cost savings and other synergies determined by the
respective management teams of NJCB and FCCY, (vi) considered the
financial terms of the Proposed Merger as compared with the
financial terms of comparable bank and bank holding company mergers
and acquisitions, (vii) met and/or communicated with certain
members of each of NJCB’s and FCCY’s senior management
to discuss their respective operations, historical financial
statements and future prospects, and (viii) conducted such other
financial analyses, studies and investigations as we deemed
appropriate.
4
Tower Bridge ● 200 Barr Harbor Drive ● West
Conshohocken ● PA 19428-2979
phone (610) 832-1212 ● fax (610) 832-5301 ● www.boenninginc.com
● Member
FINRA/SIPC
Board
of Directors
New
Jersey Community Bank
November
6, 2017
Page
2
Our
opinion is given in reliance on information and representations
made or given by NJCB and FCCY, and their respective officers,
directors, auditors, counsel and other agents, and on filings,
releases and other information issued by each of NJCB and FCCY,
including financial statements, financial projections and stock
price data, as well as certain other information from recognized
independent sources. We have not independently verified (i) the
information or data concerning NJCB and FCCY, or (ii) any other
data we considered in our review and, for purposes of the opinion
set forth below, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and
completeness of all such information and data. We have assumed that
all forecasts and projections provided to us have been reasonably
prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and
good faith judgments of the respective management teams of NJCB and
FCCY as to their most likely future financial performance. We
express no opinion as to any financial projections or the
assumptions on which they are based. We have not conducted any
valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities (contingent or
otherwise) of either NJCB or FCCY, nor have any such valuations or
appraisals been provided to us. Additionally, we assume that the
Proposed Merger is, in all respects, lawful under applicable
law.
With
respect to anticipated transaction costs, purchase accounting
adjustments, expected cost savings and other synergies and
financial and other information relating to the general prospects
of NJCB and FCCY, we have assumed that such information has been
reasonably prepared and reflects the best currently available
estimates and good faith judgments of the respective management
teams of NJCB and FCCY as to their most likely future performance.
We have further relied on the assurances of the respective
management teams of NJCB and FCCY that they are not aware of any
facts or circumstances that would make any of such information
inaccurate or misleading. We have not been asked to and have not
undertaken an independent verification of any of such information
and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the
accuracy or completeness thereof. We have assumed that the
allowance for loan losses indicated on the balance sheet of each of
NJCB or FCCY is adequate to cover such losses; we have not reviewed
loans or credit files of NJCB and FCCY. We have assumed that all of
the representations and warranties contained in the Merger
Agreement and all related agreements are true and correct, that
each party under all such agreements will perform all of the
covenants required to be performed by such party under the
agreements, and that the conditions precedent in the agreements
will not be waived. We have assumed that the Proposed Merger will
qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax
purposes. Also, in rendering our opinion, we have assumed that, in
the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the
consummation of the Proposed Merger, no conditions or restrictions
will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the
combined entity or contemplated benefits of the Proposed Merger,
including the cost savings and related expenses expected to result
from the Proposed Merger.
Our
opinion is based upon information provided to us by the respective
management teams of NJCB and FCCY, as well as market, economic,
financial and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated
only as of the date hereof and accordingly, it speaks to no other
period. We have not undertaken to reaffirm or revise this opinion
or otherwise comment on events occurring after the date hereof and
do not have an
Board
of Directors
New
Jersey Community Bank
November
6, 2017
Page
3
obligation
to update, revise or reaffirm our opinion. Our opinion does not
address the relative merits of the Proposed Merger or the other
business strategies or transactions that NJCB’s Board of
Directors has considered or may be considering, nor does it address
the underlying business decision of NJCB’s Board of Directors
to proceed with the Proposed Merger. We are expressing no opinion
as to the prices at which FCCY’s securities may trade at any
time. Nothing in our opinion is to be construed as constituting tax
advice or a recommendation to take any particular tax position, nor
does our opinion address any legal, tax, regulatory or accounting
matters, as to which we understand that NJCB and FCCY have obtained
such advice as deemed necessary from qualified professionals. Our
opinion is for the information of NJCB’s Board of Directors
in connection with its evaluation of the Proposed Merger and does
not constitute a recommendation to the Board of Directors of NJCB
in connection with the Proposed Merger or a recommendation to any
shareholder of NJCB as to how such shareholder should vote or act
with respect to the Proposed Merger. This opinion should not be
construed as creating any fiduciary duty on Boenning &
Scattergood, Inc.’s part to any party or person. Our opinion
is not to be quoted or referred to, in whole or in part, in a
registration statement, prospectus, proxy statement or in any other
document, nor shall this opinion be used for any other purpose,
without our express prior written consent, except that this opinion
may be referenced and included in its entirety in any filing made
by FCCY in respect to the Proposed Merger with the Securities and
Exchange Commission; provided, however, any description of or
reference to our opinion or to Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.
shall only be in a form reasonably acceptable to us and our
counsel. We shall have no responsibility for the form or content of
any such disclosure, other than the opinion itself.
We are
acting as NJCB’s financial advisor in connection with the
Proposed Merger and will receive a fee for our services, a
significant portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the
Proposed Merger. Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. was not asked to,
nor did we, solicit indications of interest in connection with the
Proposed Merger. We will also receive a fee for rendering this
opinion. Our fee for rendering this opinion is not contingent upon
any conclusion that we may reach or upon completion of the Proposed
Merger. NJCB has also agreed to indemnify us against certain
liabilities that may arise out of our engagement.
Boenning &
Scattergood, Inc. has not had any material relationship with FCCY
during the past two years in which compensation was received or was
intended to be received. Although Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.
provided investment banking services during 2016 to a third party
that had expressed interest in potentially acquiring NJCB, Boenning
& Scattergood, Inc. has provided no investment banking services
to NJCB during the past two years (other than in regards to the
Proposed Merger) in which compensation was received or was intended
to be received. Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. may provide
services to FCCY in the future (and/or to NCJB if the Proposed
Merger is not consummated), although as of the date of this
opinion, there is no agreement to do so nor any mutual
understanding that such services are
contemplated.
Board
of Directors
New
Jersey Community Bank
November
6, 2017
Page
4
This
opinion has been approved by Boenning & Scattergood,
Inc.’s Fairness Opinion Committee. We do not express any
opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the
compensation to be received in the Proposed Merger by any of the
officers, directors, or employees of any party to the Merger
Agreement or any related agreements, or any class of such persons,
relative to the compensation to be received by the holders of
Company Common Shares in the Proposed Merger.
Based
on and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the
date hereof, the Merger Consideration payable to the holders of
Company Common Shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair,
from a financial point of view, to such holders of Company Common
Shares.
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Sincerely,
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Boenning &
Scattergood, Inc.
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ANNEX C
§ 17:9A-140 through § 17:9A-146 of the New Jersey Banking
Act of 1948, as amended – Dissenters’
Rights
§ 17:9A-140. Rights of dissenting stockholders; settlement by
agreement
A. A
stockholder who
(1)
is
entitled to vote at the meeting of stockholders prescribed by
section 137; and who
(2)
serves
a written notice of dissent from the merger agreement, in the
manner, at the place, and within the time prescribed in subsections
B and C of this section; and who
(3)
does
not vote to approve the merger agreement at the meeting prescribed
by section 137, or at any adjournment thereof, may,
within thirty days after the filing of the agreement in the
department as provided by section 137, serve a demand upon the
receiving bank at its principal office, for the payment to him of
the value of his shares of stock. The receiving bank may, within
ten days after the receipt of such demand, offer to pay the
stockholder a sum for his shares, which, in the opinion of the
board of directors of the receiving bank, does not exceed the
amount which would be paid upon such shares if the business and
assets of the bank whose stock such stockholder holds were
liquidated on the day of the filing of the agreement pursuant to
section 137.
B. Service
of the notice of dissent prescribed by paragraph (2) of subsection
A of this section shall be made at the principal office of the bank
whose stock is held by the dissenting stockholder, and shall be
made not later than the third day prior to the day fixed for the
meeting of the stockholders of such bank pursuant to section
137.
C.
Service
of the notice of dissent and of the demand for payment prescribed
by this section may be made by registered mail or personally by the
dissenting stockholder or his agent.
§ 17:9A-141. Appointment of appraisers
If
a stockholder fails to accept the sum offered for his shares
pursuant to section one hundred forty, he may, within three weeks
after the receipt by him of the bank’s offer of payment, or,
if no offer is made by the bank, within three weeks after the date
upon which his demand was served upon the bank as specified in
section one hundred forty, institute an action in the Superior
Court for the appointment of a board of three appraisers to
determine the value of his shares of stock as of the day of the
filing of the merger agreement pursuant to section one hundred
thirty-seven. The court may proceed in the action in a summary
manner or otherwise. Any other stockholder who has the right to
institute a similar action may intervene. The court shall, in
respect to any one bank, appoint a single board of three appraisers
to determine the value of the shares of all stockholders of such
bank who are parties to such action.
§ 17:9A-142. Duties of appraisers; report; objections;
compensation; vacancies
A. The
appraisers shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of their
duties. They shall meet at such place or places, and shall give
such notice of their meetings as the court may prescribe. The bank
and each stockholder who is a party to the action instituted
pursuant to section one hundred forty-one, may
be
represented
by attorneys in the proceedings before such appraisers, and may
present such evidence to them as shall be material to the issue.
The determination of any two of the appraisers shall control. Upon
the conclusion of their deliberations, the appraisers shall file in
the Superior Court a report and appraisal of the value of the
shares of stock, and shall mail a copy thereof to the bank and to
each stockholder who is a party to said action.
B. The
bank and each stockholder who is a party to said action shall have
ten days after the filing of the report and appraisal within which
to object thereto in the Superior Court. In the absence of any
objections, the report and appraisal shall be binding upon the bank
and upon such stockholders, and the bank
shall pay each such stockholder the value of his shares, as
reported by the appraisers, with interest from the date of the
filing of the merger agreement pursuant to section one hundred
thirty-seven, at such rate, not in excess of the legal rate, as
shall be fixed by the appraisers. If objections are made, the court
shall make such order or judgment thereon as shall be
just.
C. The
Superior Court shall fix the compensation of the appraisers, which
shall be paid by the bank, and shall be vested with full
jurisdiction over all matters arising out of an action instituted
pursuant to section one hundred forty-one. In the case of a vacancy
in the board of appraisers, the Superior Court shall, on its own
motion, or upon motion of a stockholder, or of the receiving bank,
fill such vacancy.
§ 17:9A-143. Assignment of stock to bank
Upon
payment by the bank of the value of shares of stock pursuant to
this article, the holder thereof shall assign such shares to the
bank.
§ 17:9A-144. Effect of stockholder›s failure to
act
A
stockholder who fails to act pursuant to sections 140 or 141 shall
be forever barred from bringing any action to enforce his right to
be paid the value of his shares in lieu of continuing his status as
a stockholder in the receiving bank.
§ 17:9A-145. Obligation of bank to pay
stockholder
An
offer by the bank and an acceptance thereof by the stockholder
pursuant to section 140 and the de- termination of value upon
proceedings brought pursuant to sections 141 and 142 shall
constitute a debt of the receiving bank for the recovery of which
an action will lie.
§ 17:9A-146. Action to enjoin merger
A. A
stockholder may, not later than five days prior to the date of the
meeting called pursuant to section one hundred thirty-seven
institute an action in the Superior Court to enjoin the merger on
the ground that the agreement is unfair or inequitable, or contrary
to law. The court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or
otherwise.
B. A
stockholder who fails to institute an action as specified in
subsection A of this section shall there- after be forever barred
from bringing any action to enjoin, set aside, or otherwise affect
such merger.
PART
II
INFORMATION
NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
Item 20.
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Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
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Limitation of Liability of Directors
and Officers. The Registrant’s certificate of
incorporation contains provisions that may limit the liability of
any director or officer of the Registrant to the Registrant or its
shareholders for damages for an alleged breach of any duty owed to
the Registrant or its shareholders. This limitation will not
relieve an officer or director from liability based on any act or
omission (i) in breach of such person’s duty of loyalty to
the Registrant or its shareholders; (ii) not in good faith or
involving a knowing violation of law; or (iii) resulting in receipt
by such officer or director of an improper personal benefit. These
provisions are explicitly permitted by Section 14A:2-7(3) of the
New Jersey Business Corporation Act.
Indemnification of Directors,
Officers, Employees and Agents. The Registrant’s
certificate of incorporation provides that the Registrant will
indemnify to the full extent from time to time permitted by law,
any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to, or a witness
or other participant in, any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
administrative, arbitrative, legislative, investigative or of any
other kind, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or other agent of the Registrant or any
subsidiary of the Registrant or serves or served any other
enterprise at the request of the Registrant against expenses,
judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually
and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therein. The Federal
Deposit Insurance Act generally prohibits indemnification of a
holding company’s directors and officers for any penalty or
judgment resulting from any administrative or civil action
instituted by a federal banking agency.
Section 14A:3-5 of
the New Jersey Business Corporation Act empowers a corporation to
indemnify a corporate agent against its expenses and liabilities
incurred in connection with any proceeding (other than a derivative
lawsuit) involving the corporate agent by reason of his being or
having been a corporate agent if (a) the agent acted in good faith
and in a manner that the agent reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and (b) with
respect to any criminal proceeding, the corporate agent had no
reasonable cause to believe its conduct was unlawful. For purposes
of the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, the term
“corporate agent” includes any present or former
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, and a
person serving as a “corporate agent” for any other
enterprise at the request of the corporation.
With respect to any
derivative action, the Registrant is empowered to indemnify a
corporate agent against its expenses (but not its liabilities)
incurred in connection with any proceeding involving the corporate
agent by reason of the agent being or having been a corporate agent
if the agent acted in good faith and in a manner that the agent
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the Registrant. However, only the court in which the proceeding
was brought can empower a corporation to indemnify a corporate
agent against expenses with respect to any claim, issue or matter
as to which the agent was adjudged liable to the
corporation.
The Registrant may
indemnify a corporate agent in a specific case if a determination
is made by any of the following that the applicable standard of
conduct was met: (i) the board of directors, or a committee
thereof, acting by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
disinterested directors; (ii) by independent legal counsel if there
is not a quorum of disinterested directors or if the disinterested
quorum empowers counsel to make the determination; or (iii) by the
shareholders.
A corporate agent
is entitled to mandatory indemnification to the extent that the
agent is successful on the merits or otherwise in any proceeding,
or in defense of any claim, issue or matter in the proceeding. If a
corporation fails or refuses to indemnify a corporate agent,
whether the indemnification is permissive or mandatory, the agent
may apply to a court to grant the agent the requested
indemnification. In advance of the final disposition of a
proceeding, the corporation may pay an agent’s expenses if
the agent agrees to repay the expenses if it is ultimately
determined that the agent is not entitled to
indemnification.
Insurance. The Registrant
maintains insurance policies insuring the Registrant’s
directors and officers against liability for wrongful acts or
omissions arising out of their positions as directors and officers,
subject to certain limitations.
Item 21.
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Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules.
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(a) Exhibits.
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Exhibit
No.
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Description
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2.1
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Agreement and Plan
of Merger, dated as of November 6, 2017, by and among 1st
Constitution Bancorp, 1st Constitution Bank and New Jersey
Community Bank. See Annex A of the proxy statement-prospectus
included in this registration statement.
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Opinion of Day
Pitney LLP (previously filed).
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Opinion of Day
Pitney LLP, concerning tax matters (previously
filed).
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Form of Voting
Agreement for Directors and Officers of New Jersey Community Bank
(previously
filed).
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Form of Voting
Agreement for Certain Shareholders of New Jersey Community Bank
(previously
filed).
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Form of Escrow
Agreement by and among 1st Constitution Bancorp, the Shareholder
Representative and the Escrow Agent (previously
filed).
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Form of Amended and
Restated Indemnification Agreement between New Jersey Community
Bank and its Directors (previously
filed).
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Consent of BDO USA,
LLP (filed
herewith).
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Consent of Day
Pitney LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1 and Exhibit 8.1)
(previously filed).
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Power of Attorney
(previously
filed).
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Consent of Boenning
& Scattergood, Inc (filed herewith).
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Form of NJCB Proxy
Card (filed herewith).
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(b)
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Financial Statement
Schedules.
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All financial
statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or
because the required information is contained in the financial
statements or notes thereto or incorporated by reference
therein.
(c)
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Report, Opinion or
Appraisal.
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The Fairness
Opinion of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. is included as
Annex B of the
proxy statement-prospectus included in this registration
statement.
(a) Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant
of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
(b) The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder
through use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration
Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer
undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with
respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters,
in addition to the information called for by the other items of the
applicable form.
(c) The
Registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (c) immediately preceding, or (ii) that
purports to meet the requirements of Section l0(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection with an offering
of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until
such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d) The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus
pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form S-4, within one
business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt
means. This includes information contained in documents filed
subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement
through the date of responding to the request.
(e) The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction,
and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the
subject of and included in the Registration Statement when it
became effective.
(f) The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
1. To
file during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement:
(i) To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form
of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if,
in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more
than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth
in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the
effective registration statement.
(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
or any material change to such information in the Registration
Statement.
2. That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3. To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly
caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of
Cranbury, State of New Jersey, on February 14,
2018.
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1ST CONSTITUTION
BANCORP
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By:
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/s/
Robert
F. Mangano
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Robert F.
Mangano
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President and Chief
Executive Officer
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Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration
statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
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Title
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Date
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/s/ Robert F.
Mangano
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(Principal
Executive Officer)
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February 14,
2018
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Robert F.
Mangano
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/s/
Stephen
J. Gilhooly
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(Principal
Financial
Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)
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February 14,
2018
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Stephen J.
Gilhooly
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/s/
Charles
S. Crow, III*
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Chairman of the
Board
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February 14,
2018
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Charles S. Crow,
III
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/s/
William
M. Rue*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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William M.
Rue
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/s/
Edwin
J. Pisani*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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Edwin J.
Pisani
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/s/
Antonio
L. Cruz*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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Antonio L.
Cruz
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/s/
Roy D.
Tartaglia*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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Roy D.
Tartaglia
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/s/
J.
Lynne Cannon*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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J. Lynne
Cannon
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Director
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James G.
Aaron
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/s/
Carmen
M. Penta*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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Carmen M.
Penta
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/s/
William
J. Barrett*
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Director
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February 14,
2018
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William J.
Barrett
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*By:
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/s/ Robert F.
Mangano
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Robert F. Mangano,
Attorney-in-fact |
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II-4