As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2018
Registration No. 333-227767
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ENBRIDGE INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Canada | 4923 | None | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
200, 425 - 1st Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada
Telephone: 1-403-231-3900
(Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Kelly L. Gray
Enbridge (U.S.) Inc.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
(713) 627-5400
(Name, Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
With copies to:
Robert E. Buckholz George J. Sampas Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 125 Broad Street New York, New York 10004 Telephone Number: (212) 558-4000 |
Tyler W. Robinson Vice President & Corporate Secretary Enbridge Inc. 200, 425 - 1st Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada Telephone Number: 1-403-231-3900 |
William S. Anderson Bracewell LLP 711 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone Number: (713) 221-2300 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement is declared effective and upon consummation of the merger described in the enclosed proxy statement/prospectus.
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, please 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 of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
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) ☐
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) ☐
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
| ||||||||
Title of Each Class of Securities to Be Registered |
Amount to be Registered(1) |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2) |
Amount of Registration Fee(3)(4) | ||||
Common Shares |
72,256,181 | N/A | $2,424,917,434.36 | $293,899.99 | ||||
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|
(1) | Represents the estimated maximum number of common shares of Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge) to be issuable upon completion of the merger with Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (EEP) described herein, at an exchange ratio of 0.335 of an Enbridge common share per common unit of EEP, the consideration for the merger, based upon 215,690,092 outstanding common units of EEP not already owned by Enbridge or entities it controls as of October 2, 2018. |
(2) | Pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(f)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act and solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, the proposed aggregate maximum offering price is the product of (x) $33.56 (the average of the high and low prices of the Enbridge common shares, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on October 3, 2018, rounded to the nearest cent) multiplied by (y) the estimated number of Enbridge common shares to be registered. |
(3) | Computed in accordance with Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act to be $293,899.99, which is equal to 0.0001212 multiplied by the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of $2,424,917,434.36. |
(4) | Previously paid in connection with the initial filing of the Registration Statement on October 10, 2018. |
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 Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this document is not complete and may be changed. The securities described herein may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This document is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED
NOVEMBER 7, 2018
ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
MERGER PROPOSALYOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
[ ]
To the Unitholders of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.:
On September 17, 2018, Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., which is referred to as EEP, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (which, as may be amended from time to time, is referred to as the Merger Agreement) with the general partner of EEP, which is Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. (the General Partner), Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., which is the delegate of the General Partner (the GP Delegate or EEQ), Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge), Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC (Merger Sub) and, solely for the purposes of Article I, Article II and Article XI therein, Enbridge US Holdings Inc. The Merger Agreement provides that Merger Sub will be merged with and into EEP, with EEP being the surviving entity and becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge (the Merger). As a result of the Merger, Enbridge will acquire indirectly all of the outstanding Class A common units representing limited partner interests in EEP (the Class A common units) that Enbridge and its subsidiaries do not already own.
A special committee composed of independent members of the board of directors of the GP Delegate, which is referred to as the Special Committee, the board of directors of the GP Delegate, which is referred to as the GP Delegate Board, and the board of directors of the General Partner, which is referred to as the GP Board, each have determined that the Merger is fair and reasonable to EEP, including the holders of the outstanding units of EEP (other than Enbridge and its affiliates), and have approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger. The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote of (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the outstanding EEP units (excluding the Class F units of EEP), and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than any Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
If the Merger is successfully completed, each outstanding Class A common unit not owned by Enbridge or any of its subsidiaries will be converted into the right to receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share, which common shares are referred to as Enbridge common shares and such exchange ratio is referred to as the Exchange Ratio. Based on the number of Enbridge common shares and Class A common units that are outstanding as of November 5, 2018 (other than any Class A common units owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries), the number of Enbridge common shares issued in exchange for Class A units as a result of the proposed Merger would represent approximately 4.0% of the Enbridge common shares outstanding (or approximately 3.6% if the proposed Merger and the Other Merger Transactions were successfully completed, based on the number of Enbridge common shares expected to be issued in the proposed Merger and the Other Merger Transactions (as defined and described below) in accordance with the respective transaction agreements, and the number of outstanding Enbridge common shares and outstanding shares or units, as the case may be, of each of EEP, EEQ, SEP and ENF (each of SEP and ENF, as defined below), as of November 5, 2018). The actual number of Enbridge common shares issued in the Merger will be determined by multiplying the Exchange Ratio by the number of issued and outstanding Class A common units held by Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders as of the closing date of the Merger. The actual number of Enbridge common shares issued in each of the Other Merger Transactions will be determined by multiplying the applicable exchange ratio by the number of publicly held shares or units of the acquired entity as of the closing date of each such transaction.
Enbridge has also entered into definitive agreements to acquire, in separate combination transactions, all of the outstanding equity securities that Enbridge does not already own of (1) the GP Delegate, (2) Spectra Energy Partners, LP (SEP), and (3) Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF), which transactions are referred to separately as the EEQ merger, the SEP merger and the ENF plan of arrangement, respectively, and collectively as the Other Merger Transactions.
EEQ will hold a special meeting of its shareholders to obtain their approval of the applicable merger agreement. Completion of the EEQ merger is contingent on the completion of the Merger, while none of the Merger, the SEP merger or the ENF plan of arrangement are conditioned on the completion of any of the Other Merger Transactions. SEP will solicit consents in order to obtain the requisite approval of the SEP unitholders. The consents of Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than SEP) to the SEP merger are sufficient to approve the SEP merger and the related merger agreement. The requisite approval of the ENF plan of arrangement by the ENF shareholders was obtained at a special meeting of ENF shareholders held on November 6, 2018.
We are holding a special meeting of EEP unitholders on December 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056, to obtain your vote to approve the Merger Agreement. Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of EEP units that you own. The Merger cannot be completed unless two-thirds of the outstanding EEP units (excluding the Class F units of EEP) and a majority of the outstanding Class A common units and i-units (other than Class A common units held by or i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates, and voting as a single class) are voted for the approval of the Merger Agreement at the special meeting. Therefore, your failure to vote your EEP units will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the Merger Agreement.
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board each recommend that EEP unitholders vote FOR the approval of the Merger Agreement, and the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board each recommend that EEP unitholders vote FOR the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting.
The Class A common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the symbol EEP, and the Enbridge common shares are traded on the NYSE and the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) under the symbol ENB. The last reported sale price of Enbridge common shares on the NYSE on November 6, 2018, was US$33.12. The last reported sale price of the Class A common units on the NYSE on November 6, 2018, was US$10.85.
On behalf of the GP Board, I invite you to attend the special meeting. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, we urge you to submit your proxy as promptly as possible through one of the delivery methods described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.
In addition, we urge you to read carefully the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus (and the documents incorporated by reference into it), which includes important information about the Merger Agreement, the proposed Merger, the Other Merger Transactions and the special meeting. Please pay particular attention to the section titled Risk Factors beginning on page 33 of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.
On behalf of the GP Board, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Connelly
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., as the general
partner of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.
NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE MERGER, THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT, THE ISSUANCE OF ENBRIDGE COMMON SHARES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER OR ANY OTHER MERGER TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that Enbridge is incorporated under the laws of Canada, that at certain points in time, most of its officers and directors may be residents of Canada, that some of the experts named in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus are residents of Canada, and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of Enbridge and said persons are located outside the United States.
The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is dated [ ], and is first being mailed to EEP unitholders on or about [ ].
ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF UNITHOLDERS
To the Unitholders of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.:
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of unitholders of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which is referred to as EEP, will be held on December 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056, solely for the following purposes:
| Proposal 1: To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 17, 2018 (as it may be amended from time to time, the Merger Agreement), entered into by and among Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (EEP), Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. (the General Partner), Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. (the GP Delegate), Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge), Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC (Merger Sub) and, solely for purposes of Article I, Article II and Article XI therein, Enbridge US Holdings Inc.; and |
| Proposal 2: To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time, if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting. |
These items of business, including the Merger Agreement and the proposed Merger, are described in detail in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.
A special committee composed of independent members of the board of directors of the GP Delegate, which is referred to as the Special Committee, the board of directors of the GP Delegate, which is referred to as the GP Delegate Board, and the board of directors of the General Partner, which is referred to as the GP Board, each have, acting in good faith, determined that the Merger is fair and reasonable to EEP, including the holders of the outstanding units of EEP (other than Enbridge and its affiliates), have approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger and recommend that the EEP unitholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, and the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board each recommend that EEP unitholders vote FOR the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time if necessary to solicit additional proxies in favor of such approval.
Only EEP unitholders of record as of the close of business on November 5, 2018 are entitled to notice of the special meeting and to vote at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of EEP unitholders entitled to vote at the special meeting will be available in EEPs offices located at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, during regular business hours for a period of ten days before the special meeting, and at the place of the special meeting during the meeting.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT!
Approval of the Merger Agreement by the holders of the EEP units (other than the Class F units of EEP, the Outstanding EEP units) is a condition to the consummation of the Merger and requires the affirmative vote of (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than any Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Therefore, your vote is very important. Your failure to vote your EEP units will have the same effect as a vote against the approval of the Merger Agreement. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, WE URGE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE (1) THROUGH THE INTERNET, (2) BY TELEPHONE OR (3) BY MARKING, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. You may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any
time by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the day before the special meeting. If your EEP units are held in the name of a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished to you by them.
We urge you to carefully read the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including all documents incorporated by reference into it, and its annexes before voting your EEP units at the special meeting or submitting your voting instructions by proxy.
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING:
Please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance to EEP unitholders. Admission to the special meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., local time, and seating will begin at 9:30 a.m., local time. EEP unitholders will be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a drivers license or passport. EEP unitholders holding Class A common units in brokerage accounts will also need to bring a copy of the voting instruction card that they receive from their broker or other nominee in connection with the special meeting or a brokerage statement reflecting unit ownership as of the record date. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the special meeting.
By order of the board of directors,
Jeffrey A. Connelly
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., as the general
partner of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.
Houston, Texas
[ ]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Enbridge and EEP from other documents that Enbridge and EEP have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which is referred to as the SEC, and that are contained in or incorporated by reference herein. For a listing of documents incorporated by reference herein, please see the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166 of this proxy statement/prospectus. This information is available for you to review through the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
You will also be able to obtain copies of documents filed by Enbridge with the SEC from Enbridges website at https://www.enbridge.com/ under the Investment Center link and then under the heading Reports and SEC Filings or copies of documents filed by EEP with the SEC by accessing EEPs website at https://www.enbridgepartners.com/ under the Investor Relations link, and then under the heading Financial Information. The information contained on either of Enbridges or EEPs respective websites is not incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus and is not a part of this proxy statement/prospectus.
You may request copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and any of the documents incorporated by reference herein or other information concerning Enbridge or EEP, without charge, upon written or oral request to the applicable companys principal executive offices. The respective addresses and telephone numbers of such principal executive offices are listed below.
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. | Enbridge Inc. | |
5400 Westheimer Court Houston, Texas 77056 Attention: Corporate Secretary Telephone: 1-800-481-2804 |
200, 425 - 1st Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada Attention: Investor Relations Telephone: 1-800-481-2804 |
In addition, if you have questions about the Merger or the special meeting, need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitation, you may contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., EEPs proxy solicitor, at the address and telephone numbers listed below. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Banks and Brokers call: (212) 269-5550
All others call toll-free: (800) 549-6746
Email: Enbridge@dfking.com
To obtain timely delivery of these documents prior to the special meeting, holders of EEP units must request the information no later than December 10, 2018 (which is five business days before the date of the special meeting) in order to receive them before the special meeting.
ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
This proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Enbridge (File No. 333-227767), constitutes a prospectus of Enbridge under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), with respect to the Enbridge common shares to be issued to holders of Class A common units pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
This proxy statement/prospectus also constitutes a notice of meeting and a proxy statement of EEP under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), with respect to the special meeting of EEP unitholders, which is referred to as the special meeting, at which EEP unitholders will be asked to consider and vote on, among other matters, a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
We are responsible for the information contained in, and incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. You should bear in mind that although the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus is intended to be accurate as of the date on the front of such documents, such information may also be amended, supplemented or updated by the subsequent filing of additional documents deemed by law to be or otherwise incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Enbridges and EEPs business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation.
Enbridge and EEP have both contributed to the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. The information concerning Enbridge contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus has been provided by Enbridge, and information concerning EEP contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus has been provided by EEP.
Unless otherwise specified, currency amounts referenced in this proxy statement/prospectus are in U.S. dollars.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE DATA
The following table shows, for the years and dates indicated, certain information regarding the Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate. The information is based on the daily exchange rate as reported by the Bank of Canada. Such exchange rate on November 1, 2018 was C$1.3088 = US$1.00.
Period End | Average | Low | High | |||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, (C$ per US$) |
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2017 |
1.2545 | 1.2986 | 1.2128 | 1.3743 | ||||||||||||
2016 |
1.3427 | 1.3248 | 1.2544 | 1.4589 | ||||||||||||
2015 |
1.3840 | 1.2787 | 1.1728 | 1.3990 | ||||||||||||
2014 |
1.1601 | 1.1045 | 1.0614 | 1.1643 | ||||||||||||
2013 |
1.0636 | 1.0299 | 0.9839 | 1.0697 |
Low | High | |||||||
Month ended, (C$ per US$) |
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November 2018 (through November 1, 2018) |
1.3088 | 1.3088 | ||||||
October 2018 |
1.2803 | 1.3142 | ||||||
September 2018 |
1.2905 | 1.3188 | ||||||
August 2018 |
1.2917 | 1.3152 | ||||||
July 2018 |
1.3017 | 1.3255 | ||||||
June 2018 |
1.2913 | 1.3310 | ||||||
May 2018 |
1.2775 | 1.3020 |
Source: | Bank of Canada website. Exchange rates prior to 2017 in the tables above represent daily noon rates. Due to a change in calculation methodology of the rates published by the Bank of Canada, the exchange rates for 2017 onward represent daily average exchange rates. |
FREQUENTLY USED TERMS
This proxy statement/prospectus generally does not use technical defined terms, but a few frequently used terms may be helpful for you to have in mind at the outset. Unless otherwise specified or if the context so requires, the following terms have the meanings set forth below for purposes of this proxy statement/prospectus:
Canadian Tax Act refers to the Income Tax Act (Canada), including the regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time.
Class A common units refers to the Class A common units representing limited partner interests in EEP.
Class B common units refers to the Class B common units representing limited partner interests in EEP. All outstanding Class B common units are held by the General Partner and have similar rights to the Class A common units, except with respect to certain allocations of taxable income. Class B common units are not publicly traded.
Class E units refers to the Class E units representing limited partner interests in EEP, all of which are held by the General Partner. There is no established public trading market for the Class E units.
Class F units refers to the Class F units representing limited partner interests in EEP, all of which are held by the General Partner. There is no established public trading market for the Class F units.
Closing Date refers to the date on which the Merger is completed.
EEP refers to Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., a publicly-traded Delaware limited partnership.
EEP Partnership Agreement refers to the Eighth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of EEP, dated as of April 27, 2017, as amended.
EEP unitholders refers to holders of any EEP unit.
EEP units refers to the Class A common units, the Class B common units, the Class E units, the Class F units and the i-units of EEP.
Effective Time refers to the time on the Closing Date at which the Merger becomes effective as specified in the certificate of merger of EEP and Merger Sub to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Enbridge refers to Enbridge Inc., a Canadian corporation.
Enbridge shareholders refers to the holders of Enbridge common shares.
Exchange Ratio refers to 0.335 of a validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Enbridge common share for each Class A common unit.
Excluded Units refers to Class A common units owned by Enbridge, the General Partner, Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge and Class A common units owned by the General Partner, the GP Delegate or EEP or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of EEP, and in each case not held on behalf of third parties.
General Partner refers to Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the general partner of EEP.
GP Delegate or EEQ refers to Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company and the delegate of the General Partner.
i-unit refers to the i-units representing limited partner interests of EEP. All i-units are owned by the GP Delegate and the i-units are not publicly traded.
Majority of the Minority Vote refers to the approval of the Merger Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, voting together as a single class.
Merger refers to the proposed merger of Merger Sub with and into EEP, pursuant to which EEP will survive the merger as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge.
Merger Agreement refers to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 17, 2018, entered into by and among EEP, the General Partner, the GP Delegate, Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., Merger Sub and, solely for purposes of Article I, Article II and Article XI therein, Enbridge US Holdings Inc.
Merger Consideration refers to the conversion of each issued and outstanding Class A common unit immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the Excluded Units) into the right to receive 0.335 of a validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Enbridge common share.
Merger Sub refers to Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge.
Midcoast Transaction refers to the sale by Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Enbridge, of Midcoast Operating, L.P. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Midcoast) to AL Midcoast Holdings, LLC for cash proceeds of approximately US$1.1 billion less deposits and other customary closing items, as disclosed in Enbridges Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 1, 2018.
Outstanding EEP units refers to the EEP units, excluding the Class F units of EEP. Holders of Outstanding EEP units are entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Record Date refers to the close of business in New York, New York on November 5, 2018.
special meeting refers to the special meeting of the holders of outstanding EEP units to be held on December 17, 2018.
Treaty refers to the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980).
Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders refers to the holders of Outstanding EEP units, other than Enbridge and its affiliates.
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Opinion of EvercoreFinancial Advisor to the Special Committee |
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MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER |
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Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of Class A Common Units |
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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF ENBRIDGE SHAREHOLDERS AND EEP UNITHOLDERS |
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Owners of More than Five Percent of the Outstanding Units of EEP |
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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B-1 |
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The following section provides brief answers to certain questions that you may have regarding the Merger Agreement and the proposed Merger. Please note that this section does not address all issues that may be important to you as a holder of EEP units. Accordingly, you should carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including each of the annexes, and the documents that have been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Please read the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
Q: | Why am I receiving these materials? |
A: | This proxy statement/prospectus is being provided by the GP Board to holders of EEP units in connection with the proposed Merger and the issuance of Enbridge common shares to holders of Class A common units in connection with the proposed Merger. |
Q: | What is the proposed transaction? |
A: | Enbridge and EEP have agreed that Enbridge will acquire EEP by merging Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, with and into EEP, with EEP surviving the Merger as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, under the terms of the Merger Agreement described in this proxy statement/prospectus and attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result of the Merger, each issued and outstanding Class A common unit, other than the Excluded Units, will be converted into the right to receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share. The Excluded Units will remain outstanding and will not be affected by the Merger and no consideration will be delivered in respect thereof. |
The Merger will become effective at the Effective Time.
Q: | Who is soliciting my proxy? |
A: | Your proxy is being solicited by the GP Board. |
Q: | When and where is the special meeting? |
A: | The special meeting will be held on December 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056. |
Q: | What matters will be voted on at the special meeting? |
A: | You will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals: |
| Merger Agreement: To approve the Merger Agreement; and |
| Adjournment: To approve any motion to adjourn the special meeting from time to time to a later date to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal on the Merger Agreement. |
Q: | How do the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommend that I vote on the proposals? |
A: | The Special Committee recommends that you vote: |
| FOR the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. |
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The GP Delegate Board and the GP Board each recommend that you vote:
| FOR the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement; and |
| FOR any adjournment proposal. |
For a discussion of each proposal, see the sections titled The MergerRecommendation of the Special Committee beginning on page 72, The MergerRecommendation of the GP Delegate Board beginning on page 72, The MergerRecommendation of the GP Board beginning on page 72 and The MergerReasons for the Recommendation of the Special Committee beginning on page 72.
Q: | Who is entitled to vote at the special meeting? |
A: | Only holders of Outstanding EEP units as of the close of business on November 5, 2018, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. November 5, 2018 is referred to as the Record Date for the purposes of the special meeting. |
Q: | What constitutes a quorum for the special meeting? |
A: | A quorum is the number of units that must be present, in person or by proxy, in order for business to be transacted at a meeting of the EEP unitholders. A quorum of EEP unitholders is required to approve the Merger Agreement at the special meeting, but not to approve any adjournment of the meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of EEP unitholders representing 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units on the Record Date will constitute a quorum for the special meeting. |
Q: | What vote is required to approve the proposals? |
A: | The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote by (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than any Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Pursuant to the terms of the EEP Partnership Agreement, the General Partner may adjourn the special meeting from time to time without limited partner action as described under The Special MeetingAdjournments. Adjournment of the special meeting by EEP limited partner action requires (1) if a quorum does not exist, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting or (2) if a quorum does exist, the affirmative vote of 662⁄3% of the outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting. |
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Enbridge and certain of its subsidiaries, which as of November 5, 2018 beneficially owned approximately 148.3 million Outstanding EEP units (inclusive of the approximately 11.5 million i-units corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge) representing approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, have agreed that, at the special meeting and at any meeting of holders of listed shares of EEQ held for the purpose of determining how the i-units shall be voted, it will vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the organizational documents of EEQ, any EEP units or listed shares of EEQ then owned beneficially or of record by it or any of its subsidiaries, in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement.
ENBRIDGE SHAREHOLDERS ARE NOT BEING ASKED FOR A CONSENT OR PROXY AND ENBRIDGE SHAREHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND ENBRIDGE A CONSENT OR PROXY.
Q: | How are votes counted? |
A: | For the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, you may vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN. Abstentions will not be counted as votes cast or EEP units voting on the proposal to approve the Merger |
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Agreement, but will count for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. If you abstain, it will have the same effect as if you voted against the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. Failure to submit your proxy or to attend the meeting will also have the same effect as a vote against the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. In addition, if your EEP units are held in the name of a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary will not be entitled to vote your EEP units on the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement in the absence of specific instructions from you. These non-voted EEP units will not be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum and will have the effect of a vote against the approval of the Merger Agreement. |
For any adjournment proposal, you may vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN. If you abstain, it will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal. Failure to submit your proxy and to attend the meeting will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to adjourn the special meeting if a quorum is not present. If a quorum is present, it will have the same effect as a vote against any adjournment proposal. In addition, if your EEP units are held in the name of a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary will not be entitled to vote your EEP units on this proposal in the absence of specific instructions from you. These non-voted EEP units will not be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum and will have no effect on the outcome of any vote of the EEP limited partners to adjourn the special meeting unless a quorum is present.
If you sign your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote, your shares will be voted FOR the approval of the Merger Agreement and FOR any adjournment proposal, and in accordance with the recommendations of the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board on any other matters properly brought before the meeting for a vote.
Q: | How do Enbridge and the General Partners and the GP Delegates directors and executive officers intend to vote? |
A: | As of November 5, 2018, Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than the GP Delegate) held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units, Class B common units and Class E units of EEP, and the GP Delegates shares corresponding to i-units of EEP, representing approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, and the directors and executive officers of the General Partner and the GP Delegate held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units and the GP Delegates shares corresponding to EEP i-units representing in the aggregate less than 1.0% of the Outstanding EEP units. Enbridge has agreed in the Merger Agreement that, subject to limited exceptions, it and its subsidiaries would vote their EEP units and the listed and voting shares of the GP Delegate (which are referred to as the EEQ shares) FOR the Merger Agreement proposal, and Enbridge believes that Enbridge and its subsidiaries intend to vote their EEP units and EEQ shares FOR any adjournment proposal. Enbridge believes the General Partners and the GP Delegates directors and executive officers intend to vote all of their EEP units and EEQ shares FOR the Merger Agreement proposal and FOR any adjournment proposal. The GP Delegate will submit the Merger Agreement proposal and any adjournment proposal to a vote of the GP Delegate shareholders to determine how the GP Delegate will vote the i-units of EEP at the special meeting. |
Q: | How will the i-units be voted by the GP Delegate with respect to the Merger? |
A: | In any matter submitted by EEP for a vote of the holders of the i-units of EEP, including the Merger, the i-units of EEP will be voted by the GP Delegate proportionately to the number of affirmative and negative votes cast by holders of the EEQ shares. The Merger will be submitted to a vote of the GP Delegates shareholders. Following the conclusion of such GP Delegates shareholder vote, the GP Delegate will vote the i-units of EEP held by it on the Merger in proportion to the number of affirmative and negative votes of the GP Delegate voted with respect to the Merger at the special meeting. |
Q: | What will happen to EEP as a result of the Merger? |
A: | If the Merger is successfully completed, Merger Sub will be merged with and into EEP, with EEP being the surviving entity, and EEP will become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge. |
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Q: | What will holders of Class A common units be entitled to receive in the Merger? |
A: | At the Effective Time of the Merger, each Class A common unit issued and outstanding (other than the Excluded Units) will be converted into the right to receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share, which is referred to as the Merger Consideration. |
If the Exchange Ratio would result in an Unaffiliated EEP Unitholder being entitled to receive, after aggregating all fractional units which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive in connection with the Merger, a fraction of an Enbridge common share rounding to three decimal places, such holder will receive a cash payment (without interest, rounded down to the nearest cent) in lieu of such fractional Enbridge common share in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the amount of the fractional share interest in an Enbridge common share to which such holder would be entitled rounding to three decimal places and (2) an amount equal to the average of the volume-weighted average price per share of Enbridge common shares on the NYSE (as reported by Bloomberg L.P., or, if not reported therein, in another authoritative source mutually selected by Enbridge and EEP) on the trading day immediately prior to the Effective Time for ten trading days ending on the fifth full business day immediately prior to the Closing Date. For additional information regarding exchange procedures, please read The Merger AgreementExchange Procedures beginning on page 102.
Q: | What will happen to future distributions on my Class A common units? |
A: | Once the Merger is completed, former EEP unitholders who surrender their Class A common units in accordance with the Merger Agreement will be eligible, in their capacity as Enbridge shareholders, to receive dividends declared by the board of directors of Enbridge (the Enbridge Board) on Enbridge common shares, if any, after the Effective Time of the Merger. Enbridge has a sustained track record of declaring dividends on Enbridge common shares continuing through recent periods and has forecasted that it will continue to do so; however, there is no guarantee that the Enbridge Board will, in the future, declare dividends on Enbridge common shares. See the sections titled Comparative Share and Unit Prices; Dividends and Distributions beginning on page 27 and Risk FactorsRisks Related to the Enbridge Common SharesEnbridge may not pay any cash dividends to Enbridge shareholders, and Enbridges ability to declare and pay cash dividends to Enbridge shareholders, if any, in the future will depend on various factors, many of which are beyond Enbridges control beginning on page 38. |
Q: | When do you expect the Merger to be completed? |
A: | Enbridge and EEP are working to complete the Merger as soon as possible. A number of conditions must be satisfied before Enbridge and EEP can complete the Merger. For more information about these conditions, please read The Merger AgreementConditions to the Completion of the Merger beginning on page 118. Although Enbridge and EEP cannot be sure when all of the conditions to the Merger will be satisfied, Enbridge and EEP expect to complete the Merger as soon as practicable following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. Assuming timely satisfaction of the necessary closing conditions, Enbridge and EEP currently expect the Closing Date to occur in the fourth quarter of 2018. |
Q: | Does the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommend that Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger? |
A: | Yes. The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommend that the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger. |
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board considered the benefits of the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the related transactions as well as the associated risks and, acting in good faith, unanimously (1) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
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including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, and (2) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. The Special Committee recommended that the GP Delegate Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. The GP Delegate Board recommended that the GP Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. The GP Board directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval. Each of the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommends that the limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
Q: | What happens if I transfer or sell my EEP units after the Record Date but before the special meeting or before completion of the Merger? |
A: | The Record Date is earlier than the date of the special meeting and the date that the Merger is expected to be completed. If you transfer or sell your EEP units after the Record Date but before the date of the special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the special meeting, but you will not have the right to receive the Merger Consideration in the Merger. In order to receive the Merger Consideration, you must hold your EEP units through the completion of the Merger. |
Q: | What do I need to do now? |
A: | Please vote as soon as possible. Enbridge and EEP urge you to read carefully this proxy statement/prospectus, including its annexes, and to consider how the Merger affects you as an EEP unitholder. You should also carefully read the documents referenced under Where You Can Find More Information. |
Q: | How do I vote? |
A: | You should simply indicate on your proxy card how you want to vote, and sign and mail your proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as possible so that your EEP units will be represented at the special meeting. If you sign and send in your proxy card and do not indicate how you want to vote, your EEP units will be voted for approval of the Merger Agreement and for any adjournment proposal. If you fail to vote your EEP units, the effect will be a vote against approval of the Merger Agreement, but it will not affect the vote on any proposal to adjourn the special meeting unless a quorum is present. |
If your EEP units are held by your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, see below.
Q: | Can I vote by telephone or electronically? |
A: | If you hold your EEP units as an EEP unitholder of record, you may vote by telephone or by the Internet by following the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card. |
If your EEP units are held by your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, often referred to as held in street name, please contact your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary to determine whether you will be able to vote by telephone or electronically.
Q: | If my EEP units are held in street name by my bank, in a brokerage firm or other nominee, will my bank, brokerage firm or other nominee automatically vote my EEP units for me? |
A: | No, if you hold your EEP units in street name with a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee. |
Q: | What does it mean if I receive more than one set of voting materials? |
A: | You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus, the proxy card or the voting instruction form. This can occur if you hold your EEP units in more |
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than one brokerage account, if you hold EEP units directly as a holder of record and also in street name, or otherwise through another holder of record, and in certain other circumstances. If you receive more than one set of voting materials, please vote or return each set separately in order to ensure that all of your EEP units are voted. |
Q: | May I change my vote? |
A: | Yes. You may change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting, subject to the limitations described below. If you are an EEP unitholder of record and have properly completed and submitted your proxy card or proxy by telephone or the Internet, you may do this in a number of ways. |
| First, you may send EEP a written notice stating that you would like to revoke your proxy. |
| Second, you may complete and submit a new, later-dated proxy card. |
If you choose either of these two methods, you must submit your notice of revocation or your new proxy card to the Corporate Secretary of the GP Delegate, at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056. You also may submit a later-dated proxy using the telephone or Internet voting procedures on the proxy card. If you choose to revoke your proxy by written notice or submit a later-dated proxy, you must do so by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the day before the special meeting.
Finally, you may attend the special meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the special meeting, without voting in person, will not revoke your proxy. If your EEP units are held in street name and you have instructed a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary to vote your EEP units, you must follow the directions received from your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary to change your vote or to vote at the special meeting.
Q: | Should holders of Class A common units tender their Class A common units now? |
A: | No. After the Merger is completed, holders of Class A common units who hold their Class A common units in certificated or book-entry form will receive written instructions for exchanging their Class A common units. If you own Class A common units in street name, the Merger Consideration should be credited to your account in accordance with the policies and procedures of your broker or nominee within a few days following the closing date of the Merger. More information on the documentation you are required to deliver to the Exchange Agent can be found in the section titled The Merger AgreementExchange Procedures beginning on page 102. |
Please do not send in your EEP unit certificates now.
Q: | Where will Class A common units and Enbridge common shares trade after the Merger? |
A: | Class A common units will no longer be publicly traded following the Merger and will be delisted from the NYSE. Enbridge common shares will continue to trade on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbol ENB after the Merger. |
Q: | What percentage of Enbridge common shares will current Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders own after the successful consummation of the proposed Merger? |
A: | If the proposed Merger is successfully completed, Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders would collectively receive 72,256,181 Enbridge common shares, which represents approximately 4.0% of the outstanding Enbridge common shares based on the Exchange Ratio and the number of outstanding Enbridge common shares and Class A common units (other than the Excluded Units) as of November 5, 2018 (excluding any Enbridge common shares to be issued in connection with the Other Merger Transactions). If, in addition to the proposed Merger, each Other Merger Transaction is successfully completed, the Merger Consideration |
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would represent approximately 3.6% of the outstanding Enbridge common shares, based on the number of Enbridge common shares to be issued in the proposed Merger and the Other Merger Transactions pursuant to the respective merger agreements and arrangement agreement, and the number of outstanding Enbridge common shares and outstanding shares or units, as the case may be, of each of EEQ, SEP and ENF, as of November 5, 2018. The actual number of Enbridge common shares issued in the Merger will be determined by multiplying the Exchange Ratio by the number of issued and outstanding Class A common units held by Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders as of the closing date of the Merger. The actual number of Enbridge common shares issued in each of the Other Merger Transactions will be determined by multiplying the applicable exchange ratio by the number of publicly held shares or units of the acquired entity as of the closing date of each such transaction. |
Q: | What are the expected U.S. federal income tax consequences to an EEP unitholder as a result of the Merger? |
A: | The receipt of Enbridge common shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, in exchange for Class A common units pursuant to the Merger Agreement should be a taxable transaction to U.S. holders (as defined in the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, a U.S. holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the receipt of Enbridge common shares and/or any cash received in lieu of fractional shares in exchange for Class A common units, generally taxable as capital gain or loss. However, a portion of this gain or loss, which portion could be substantial, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture or other unrealized receivables or to inventory items owned by EEP and its subsidiaries. Passive losses that were not deductible by a U.S. holder in prior taxable periods because they exceeded a U.S. holders share of EEPs income may become available to offset a portion of the gain recognized by such U.S. holder. For more information, see the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125 for a more complete discussion of the expected material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger. |
Q: | What are the expected U.S. federal income tax consequences for an EEP unitholder as a result of the ownership of Enbridge common shares after the Merger is completed? |
A: | Enbridge is a corporation organized under the laws of Canada that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and thus, Enbridge and its subsidiaries (and not the Enbridge shareholders) are subject to taxation on their taxable income. A distribution of cash by Enbridge to a shareholder who is a U.S. holder (as defined in the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125) will generally be included in such U.S. holders income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of Enbridges current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Any portion of the cash distributed to Enbridge shareholders by Enbridge after the Merger that exceeds Enbridges current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital reducing a U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in such U.S. holders Enbridge common shares and, to the extent the distribution exceeds such shareholders adjusted tax basis, as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such Enbridge common shares. However, Enbridge does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, each Enbridge shareholder should expect to generally treat distributions made by Enbridge as dividends. See the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125 for a more complete discussion of the expected U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of Enbridge common shares received in the Merger. |
Q: | What are the expected Canadian federal income tax consequences for an EEP unitholder as a result of the ownership of Enbridge common shares after the Merger is completed? |
A: | Dividends paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on Enbridge common shares to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder (as defined in the section titled Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of |
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the Merger beginning on page 122) generally will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, unless the rate is reduced under the provisions of an applicable income tax convention between Canada and the Non-Canadian Resident Holders jurisdiction of residence. For example, the rate of withholding tax under the Treaty applicable to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder who is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Treaty, is the beneficial owner of the dividend and is entitled to all of the benefits under the Treaty, generally will be 15%. Enbridge will be required to withhold the required amount of withholding tax from the dividend, and to remit the withheld tax to the CRA for the account of the Non-Canadian Resident Holder. |
A Non-Canadian Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition of Enbridge common shares, unless the shares are taxable Canadian property and the shares are not treaty-protected property (as those terms are defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the Non-Canadian Resident Holder, at the time of the disposition. See the section titled Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 122 for a more complete discussion of the expected Canadian federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of Enbridge common shares received in the Merger.
Q: | Are holders of Class A common units entitled to appraisal rights? |
A: | No. Holders of Class A common units do not have appraisal rights under applicable law or contractual appraisal rights under the EEP Partnership Agreement or the Merger Agreement. |
Q: | What happens if the Merger is not completed? |
A: | If the Merger Agreement is not completed for any reason, you will not receive any form of consideration for your Class A common units in connection with the Merger. Instead, EEP will remain a public limited partnership and the Class A common units will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE. |
Q: | Enbridge has also entered into acquisition agreements in respect of the Other Merger Transactions. What impact will these transactions have on the Merger? |
A: | Enbridge has also entered into acquisition agreements to acquire, in separate combination transactions, all of the outstanding equity securities that Enbridge does not already own of (1) EEQ, (2) SEP and (3) ENF. The completion of the Merger is not conditioned upon or subject to the completion of any of the Other Merger Transactions. In the event of the successful completion of any or all of the Other Merger Transactions, Enbridge expects to issue additional Enbridge common shares in exchange for the equity interests acquired in such transactions. See the section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to the Enbridge Common SharesThere may be future dilution of the Enbridge common shares, including as a result of any Enbridge common shares issued in connection with the Other Merger Transactions, which could adversely affect the market price of Enbridge common shares beginning on page 39. |
Q: | Whom do I call if I have further questions about the Merger Agreement or the Merger? |
A: | If you have any questions about the Merger or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is acting as the proxy solicitation agent and information agent in connection with the Merger. |
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Banks and Brokers call: (212) 269-5550
All others call toll-free: (800) 549-6746
Email: Enbridge@dfking.com
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This summary highlights selected information included in this proxy statement/prospectus and does not contain all the information that may be important to you. To fully understand the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and for a more complete description of the terms of the Merger Agreement, you should read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the annexes, as well as the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, and the other documents to which you are referred. In addition, Enbridge and EEP incorporate by reference important business and financial information about Enbridge and EEP into this document, as further described in the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this document without charge by following the instructions in the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item.
Information about the Companies (page 43)
Enbridge Inc.
200, 425 - 1st Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada
Phone: 1-403-231-3900
Enbridge is a North American energy infrastructure company with strategic business platforms that include an extensive network of crude oil, liquids and natural gas pipelines, regulated natural gas distribution utilities and renewable power generation assets. Enbridge delivers an average of 2.9 million barrels of crude oil each day through its Mainline and Express Pipeline, and accounts for approximately 62% of United States-bound Canadian crude oil exports. Enbridge also moves approximately 22% of all natural gas consumed in the United States, serving key supply basins and demand markets. Its regulated utilities serve approximately 3.7 million retail customers in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Enbridge also has interests in more than 1,700 megawatts (MW) of net renewable power generation capacity in North America and Europe. Enbridge has ranked on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations index for the past nine years. Enbridge was incorporated on April 13, 1970 under the Companies Ordinance of the Northwest Territories and was continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the Canada Corporations Act) on December 15, 1987. Enbridge indirectly holds all of the outstanding equity interests of Merger Sub, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary formed in Delaware for the sole purpose of completing the Merger.
Enbridge is a public company and the Enbridge common shares trade on both the TSX and the NYSE under the ticker symbol ENB. Enbridges principal executive offices are located at 200, 425 - 1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada, and its telephone number is 1-403-231-3900.
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: (713) 627-5400
EEP is a publicly-traded Delaware limited partnership that owns and operates crude oil and liquid petroleum transportation and storage assets and natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transportation and marketing assets in the United States. EEP was formed in 1991 by the General Partner to own and operate the Lakehead System, which is the U.S. portion of a crude oil and liquid petroleum pipeline system extending from western
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Canada through the upper and lower Great Lakes region of the United States to eastern Canada (Mainline System). A subsidiary of Enbridge owns the Canadian portion of the Mainline System. Enbridge is the ultimate parent of the General Partner.
The GP Delegate is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed in May 2002 to manage EEPs business and affairs. Under a delegation of control agreement, the General Partner delegated substantially all of its power and authority to manage and control EEPs business and affairs to the GP Delegate. The General Partner, through its direct ownership of the voting shares of the GP Delegate, elects all of the directors of the GP Delegate. The GP Delegate is the sole owner of all of EEPs i-units.
EEPs executive offices are located at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, and its telephone number is (713) 627-5400.
Merger Sub
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: (713) 627-5400
Merger Sub, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the Merger. Merger Sub has not carried on any activities or operations to date, except for those activities incidental to its formation and undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. By operation of the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into EEP. As a result, EEP will survive the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge. Upon completion of the Merger, Merger Sub will cease to exist as a separate entity.
Merger Subs principal executive offices are located at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, and its telephone number is (713) 627-5400.
The Merger and the Merger Agreement (pages 52 and 100)
The terms and conditions of the Merger are contained in the Merger Agreement, which is attached to this document as Annex A and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. You are encouraged to read the Merger Agreement carefully, as it is the legal document that governs the Merger.
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement provides for the acquisition by Enbridge of the outstanding Class A common units not already owned by Enbridge and its subsidiaries through the merger of Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, with and into EEP with EEP continuing as the surviving company. Each Unaffiliated EEP Unitholder will be entitled to receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share in exchange for each Class A common unit that such holder owns immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.
Relationship of the Parties to the Merger Agreement (page 96)
Enbridge indirectly owns all of the common stock of the General Partner, the general partner of EEP, which owns approximately 148.3 million units of EEP (inclusive of the approximately 11.5 million i-units corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge). These units, which, as of November 5, 2018, consist of approximately 110.8 million Class A common units, 7.8 million Class B common units, 18.1 million Class E units, 1,000 Class F units and approximately 11.5 million i-units (corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge), represent
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approximately 32.9% of the total outstanding limited partner interests of EEP. In addition, the General Partner owns an effective 2% interest in EEP and its operating partnerships resulting from its general partnership interest in EEP. Together, these limited partner and general partner interests represent approximately 34.2% of EEPs total effective ownership and economic interest.
The General Partner has delegated to the GP Delegate, subject to limited exceptions, all of its rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of EEP and its operating limited partnerships. The General Partner also owns all of the voting shares of the GP Delegate, which are the only shares entitled to vote in the election of the GP Delegates directors. The GP Delegate owns all of the outstanding i-units of EEP. Enbridge indirectly owns approximately 11.5 million listed shares of the GP Delegate, representing in the aggregate approximately 11.7% of the GP Delegates total outstanding limited liability company interests.
Certain executive officers and directors of Enbridge are also executive officers and directors of the General Partner and the GP Delegate. J. Herbert England serves as a member of the boards of directors of all three companies.
See the section titled The MergerRelationship of the Parties to the Merger Agreement beginning on page 96.
Merger Consideration (page 52)
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the parties or any holder of EEP partnership interests, each Class A common unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the Excluded Units) will be converted into the right to receive Enbridge common shares in exchange for such holders Class A common units at the Exchange Ratio. Enbridge will not issue any fractional Enbridge common shares in the Merger. For additional information regarding exchange procedures, please read The MergerMerger Consideration beginning on page 52.
Required Approval by the EEP Unitholders (page 99)
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote by (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than any Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Enbridge and certain of its subsidiaries, which as of November 5, 2018 beneficially owned approximately 148.3 million Outstanding EEP units (inclusive of the approximately 11.5 million i-units corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge) representing approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, have agreed that, at the special meeting and at any meeting of holders of listed shares of EEQ held for the purpose of determining how the i-units shall be voted, it will vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the organizational documents of EEQ, any EEP units or listed shares of EEQ then owned beneficially or of record by it or any of its subsidiaries, in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement.
Recommendation of the Special Committee, GP Delegate Board and the GP Board (page 72)
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board considered the benefits of the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the related transactions as well as the associated risks and, acting in good faith, unanimously (1) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, and (2) approved the Merger
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Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. The Special Committee recommended that the GP Delegate Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. The GP Delegate Board recommended that the GP Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. The GP Board directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval. Each of the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommends that the limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger. For a discussion of the many factors considered by the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board in making their determination and approval, please read The MergerRecommendation of the Special Committee beginning on page 72, Recommendation of the GP Delegate Board beginning on page 72 and Recommendation of the GP Board beginning on page 72.
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board each recommend that EEP unitholders vote FOR the approval of the Merger Agreement and FOR the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting.
Reasons for the Recommendation of the Special Committee (page 72)
The Special Committee consists of three independent directors: Jeffrey A. Connelly, William S. Waldheim and Dan S. Westbrook. The Special Committee retained Bracewell LLP (Bracewell) and Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP (MNAT) as its independent legal advisors. The Special Committee also retained Morris James LLP (Morris James) as its independent legal advisor with respect to considering the Derivative Action (as defined below). In addition, the Special Committee retained Evercore Group L.L.C. (Evercore) as its independent financial advisor. The Special Committee oversaw the performance of the legal and financial due diligence by its advisors, conducted an extensive review and evaluation of the Merger and conducted negotiations with Enbridge and its representatives with respect to the Exchange Ratio and the Merger Agreement.
The Special Committee considered the benefits of the Merger Agreement and the Merger, as well as the associated risks, and on September 17, 2018, unanimously (1) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, (2) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, (3) approved the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by EEP, (4) recommended that the GP Delegate Board approve the Merger Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by EEP and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and (5) recommended that the GP Delegate Board submit the Merger Agreement to a vote of the limited partners of EEP and recommend the approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the limited partners of EEP.
The GP Delegate Board directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval. The GP Delegate Board recommends that the limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.
Opinion of EvercoreFinancial Advisor to the Special Committee (page 78)
The Special Committee retained Evercore to act as its financial advisor in connection with evaluating the proposed Merger. At the request of the Special Committee, at a meeting of the Special Committee held on September 17, 2018, Evercore rendered its oral opinion to the Special Committee (subsequently confirmed in writing) that, as of September 17, 2018, based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken by Evercore in rendering its opinion as set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders
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of Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates. The full text of Evercores written opinion, dated as of September 17, 2018, to the Special Committee, is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The description of Evercores opinion set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Evercores written opinion.
Evercores opinion was prepared for the information and benefit of the Special Committee and for the purpose of providing an opinion to the Special Committee as to the fairness of the Exchange Ratio, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders of the Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates. Evercore did not express any opinion on any other term, aspect or implication of the Merger. Evercore expressed no opinion as to the relative merits of the Merger as compared to other transactions or business or financial strategies that might be available to EEP, at the date of the opinion or in the future, including any potential transaction or strategy reviewed by Evercore, nor did it address the underlying business decision of Enbridge or EEP to engage in the Merger or use the Exchange Ratio. Neither Evercores opinion, the summary of such opinion nor the related analyses set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus are intended to be, and they do not constitute, a recommendation to the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board, the holders of the Class A common units or any other persons in respect of the Merger, including as to how any holder of Class A common units or i-units of EEP or any holder of listed shares of EEQ should vote or act in respect of the Merger or any other transaction.
Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting (page 45)
The special meeting will be held on December 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056.
Record Date; Outstanding EEP Units; Units Entitled to Vote (page 46)
The Record Date for the special meeting is November 5, 2018. Only holders of Outstanding EEP units as of the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
A complete list of EEP unitholders entitled to vote at the special meeting will be available for inspection at EEPs principal place of business during regular business hours for a period of no less than ten days before the special meeting and at the place of the special meeting during the meeting. See the section titled The Special MeetingRecord Date; Outstanding EEP Units; Units Entitled to Vote beginning on page 46.
Required Vote (page 46)
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote or consent of (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (clauses (1) and (2) together, the Unitholder Approval). Accordingly, an EEP unitholders failure to submit a proxy or to vote in person at the special meeting or to abstain from voting, or the failure of an EEP unitholder who holds his or her EEP units in street name through a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary to give voting instructions to such bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the Merger Agreement.
Adjournment of the special meeting from time to time by limited partner action, if necessary to solicit additional proxies, if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting, requires (1) if a quorum does not exist, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
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Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting or (2) if a quorum does exist, the affirmative vote of 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. EEP units not in attendance at the special meeting and for which no proxy has been submitted will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to adjourn the special meeting if a quorum is not present. If a quorum is present, they would have the same effect as a vote against any adjournment proposal.
No Enbridge Shareholder Approval Required (page 99)
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by Enbridge does not require the affirmative vote or consent of the Enbridge shareholders.
Conditions to the Completion of the Merger (page 118)
The completion of the Merger is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including (1) the receipt of the Unitholder Approval, (2) the Enbridge common shares issuable in connection with the Merger having been approved for listing on the NYSE and the TSX, subject to official notice of issuance, (3) the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the HSR Act), (4) the absence of any governmental order prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (5) the registration statement having become effective under the Securities Act. The obligations of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are also conditioned upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the closing (subject to customary materiality qualifiers), the performance in all material respects by EEP of all obligations required to be performed by EEP under the Merger Agreement at or prior to closing and receipt of an officers certificate evidencing the satisfaction of the foregoing. The obligations of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate to consummate the Merger are conditioned upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of closing (subject to customary materiality qualifiers), the performance in all material respects by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub of all obligations required to be performed by them under the Merger Agreement at or prior to closing and receipt of an officers certificate evidencing the satisfaction of the foregoing.
Enbridge and EEP may terminate the Merger Agreement and abandon the Merger at any time prior to the Effective Time of the Merger by mutual written consent of Enbridge and EEP, by action of the Enbridge Board and the GP Delegate Board with the approval of the Special Committee.
The Merger Agreement may also be terminated and the Merger abandoned by either the Enbridge Board or the GP Delegate Board, with the approval of the Special Committee, if:
| the Merger has not been consummated by March 18, 2019 (the Outside Date); |
| Unitholder Approval is not obtained at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof taken in accordance with the Merger Agreement; or |
| any applicable law or governmental order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger has become final and nonappealable. |
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned by Enbridge prior to the Effective Time if (1) the Special Committee changes its recommendation with respect to approval of the Merger
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Agreement prior to receipt of the Unitholder Approval or (2) there has been a breach by EEP of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement, or if any such representation or warranty has become untrue after the date of the Merger Agreement, such that certain conditions to the obligations of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub to close would not be satisfied and such breach or failure to be true and correct is not curable prior to the Outside Date or, if curable prior to the Outside Date, is not cured within the earlier of 60 days after notice thereof is given by Enbridge to EEP or the Outside Date. The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned by EEP (by action of the GP Delegate Board with Special Committee approval) prior to the Effective Time if there has been a breach by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. or Merger Sub of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement, or if any such representation or warranty has become untrue after the date of the Merger Agreement, such that certain conditions to the obligations of EEP, the GP Delegate and the General Partner to close would not be satisfied and such breach or failure to be true and correct is not curable prior to the Outside Date or, if curable prior to the Outside Date, is not cured within the earlier of 60 days after notice thereof is given by EEP to Enbridge or the Outside Date.
For further discussion, please read the section titled The Merger AgreementTermination beginning on page 120.
No Dissenters or Appraisal Rights (page 99)
Holders of Class A common units do not have appraisal rights under applicable law or contractual appraisal rights under the EEP Partnership Agreement or the Merger Agreement.
Regulatory Approvals (page 94)
In connection with the Merger, Enbridge intends to make all required filings under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as well as any required filings or applications with the NYSE and the TSX.
In addition, to complete the Merger, EEP and Enbridge must make certain filings, submissions and notices to obtain required authorizations, approvals, consents or expiration or termination of waiting periods from U.S. and Canadian governmental and regulatory bodies, including antitrust and other regulatory authorities. EEP and Enbridge are not currently aware of any material governmental filings, authorizations, approvals or consents that are required prior to the parties completion of the Merger other than those described in the section titled The MergerRegulatory Approvals beginning on page 94.
Completion of the Merger is subject to antitrust review in the United States. Under the HSR Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, the Merger cannot be completed until the parties to the Merger Agreement have given notification and furnished information to the Federal Trade Commission, which is referred to as the FTC, and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which is referred to as the DOJ, and until the applicable waiting period (or any extension of the waiting period) has expired or has been terminated.
Litigation and Regulatory Reviews/Investigations Related to the Merger (page 95)
Judy Mesirov v. Enbridge Energy Co., Inc. et al.
On July 20, 2015, plaintiff Peter Brinckerhoff, individually and as trustee of the Peter R. Brinckerhoff Trust, filed a Verified Class Action and Derivative Complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the Complaint) against the General Partner, Enbridge, EEQ, Enbridge Pipelines (Alberta Clipper) L.L.C., Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, EEP, and the following individuals: Jeffrey A. Connelly, Rebecca B. Roberts, Dan A. Westbrook, J. Richard Bird, J. Herbert England, C. Gregory Harper, D. Guy Jarvis, Mark A. Maki, and John K. Whelen (collectively, the Director Defendants) (the Derivative Action).
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On February 28, 2018, plaintiff Peter Brinckerhoff filed a Motion for Leave to File a Verified Third Amended Complaint and a Motion to Intervene on behalf of a proposed new plaintiff, Judy Mesirov (either plaintiff Peter Brinckerhoff or plaintiff July Mesirov, as applicable, the Derivative Action Plaintiff) (subsequently amended). On April 3, 2018, all defendants filed their briefs in support of their motions to dismiss the Third Amended Complaint. Plaintiff Peter Brinckerhoff has now been dismissed as a named plaintiff. All direct claims have now been dismissed. Currently, the claims remaining in the case are now the Derivative Claims for (i) breach of contract (including equitable remedies of rescission or reformation) against the General Partner, EEQ, Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., Enbridge, the Director Defendants, and Enbridge Pipelines (Alberta Clipper) L.L.C and Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership and (ii) aiding and abetting a breach of contract against Simmons. On September 28, 2018, the Derivative Action Plaintiff filed a Fifth Amended Complaint, adding Enbridge and the Director Defendants as defendants to the Derivative Claims.
If the Merger closes and Enbridge acquires all of the outstanding Class A common units of EEP, the Derivative Action Plaintiff will lose standing to continue her Derivative Claims on behalf of EEP, and Enbridge will become the owner of such Derivative Claims, effectively extinguishing the Derivative Claims. Trial in the Derivative Action is currently scheduled for the second quarter of 2019.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners of EEP (page 156)
As of November 5, 2018, Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than the GP Delegate) held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units, Class B common units and Class E units of EEP, and the GP Delegates shares corresponding to i-units of EEP, representing in the aggregate approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, and the directors and executive officers of the General Partner and the GP Delegate held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units and the GP Delegates shares corresponding to i-units of EEP representing in the aggregate less than 1.0% of the Outstanding EEP units. Enbridge has agreed in the Merger Agreement that, subject to limited exceptions, it and its subsidiaries would vote their respective EEP units and EEQ shares FOR the Merger Agreement proposal, and we believe that Enbridge and its subsidiaries intend to vote their respective EEP units and EEQ shares FOR any adjournment proposal. Enbridge believes that the General Partners and the GP Delegates directors and executive officers intend to vote all of their EEP units and EEQ shares FOR the Merger Agreement proposal and FOR any adjournment proposal. The GP Delegate will submit the Merger Agreement proposal and any adjournment proposal to a vote of the GP Delegate shareholders to determine how the GP Delegate will vote the EEP i-units at the special meeting.
Interests of Directors and Executive Officers of the GP Delegate and General Partner in the Merger (page 96)
EEP does not have any employees and relies on the GP Delegate to manage the conduct of EEPs business. None of the individuals who has served as a director or executive officer at the GP Delegate or Enbridge since the beginning of 2017 has any agreements or understandings with Enbridge, EEP, the GP Delegate or the General Partner or any other party with respect to any type of compensation (whether present, deferred or contingent) that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger.
The General Partners and the GP Delegates directors and executive officers may have other interests in the Merger that may differ from, or are in addition to, the interests of EEP unitholders generally. These interests include the following:
| six of the ten directors of the General Partner and GP Delegate hold positions at Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner and the GP Delegate); |
| seven directors, including three non-management directors of the General Partner and GP Delegate own Enbridge common shares. Those directors, individually and in the aggregate, own shares representing less than 1.0% of the Enbridge common shares outstanding as of November 5, 2018; |
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| all of the executive officers of the General Partner and the GP Delegate hold positions at Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner or the GP Delegate); |
| 12 individuals who serve as executive officers of the General Partner, and 11 individuals who serve as executive officers of the GP Delegate, own Enbridge common shares, which, individually and in the aggregate, represent less than 1.0% of the Enbridge common shares outstanding as of November 5, 2018; |
| the three directors on the Special Committee also serve on the EEQ Special Committee; |
| seven of the ten directors of the General Partner and the GP Delegate, including two directors on the Special Committee, are defendants in the Derivative Action; and |
| all of the directors and executive officers of the General Partner and GP Delegate have the right to indemnification under the EEP Partnership Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In addition, all of the directors and officers of Enbridge have the right to indemnification under the organizational documents of Enbridge and indemnification agreements with Enbridge. |
The members of the Special Committee, GP Delegate Board and GP Board were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, when they approved the Merger Agreement and when they recommended that EEP unitholders approve the Merger. These interests are described in more detail in the section titled The MergerInterests of Directors and Executive Officers of the GP Delegate and the General Partner in the Merger beginning on page 96.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (page 125)
The receipt of Enbridge common shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, in exchange for the Class A common units pursuant to the Merger Agreement should be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes to U.S. holders (as defined in the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125).
In such case, a U.S. holder who receives Enbridge common shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, in exchange for Class A common units pursuant to the Merger will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between:
| the sum of (1) the fair market value of Enbridge common shares received, (2) the amount of any cash received and (3) such U.S. holders share of EEPs nonrecourse liabilities immediately prior to the Merger; and |
| such U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in the Class A common units exchanged therefor (which includes such U.S. holders share of EEPs nonrecourse liabilities immediately prior to the Merger). |
Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder will generally be taxable as capital gain or loss. However, a portion of this gain or loss, which portion could be substantial, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture or other unrealized receivables or to inventory items owned by EEP and its subsidiaries. Passive losses that were not deductible by a U.S. holder in prior taxable periods because they exceeded a U.S. holders share of EEPs income may become available to offset a portion of the gain recognized by such U.S. holder.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to an EEP unitholder will depend on such unitholders own personal tax situation. Accordingly, each EEP unitholder is strongly urged to consult its tax advisor for a full understanding of the particular tax consequences of the Merger to such unitholder.
For additional information, read the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125.
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Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (page 122)
A Non-Canadian Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition of Class A common units pursuant to the Merger, unless the Class A common units are taxable Canadian property, and are not treaty-protected property (as those terms are defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the Non-Canadian Resident Holder, at the time of the disposition. See the section titled Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 122.
Listing of Enbridge Common Shares (page 99)
The completion of the Merger is conditioned upon the approval for listing of Enbridge common shares issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement on the TSX and the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
Delisting and Deregistration of the Class A Common Units (page 99)
Enbridge expects that, as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Class A common units currently listed on the NYSE will cease to be listed on the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.
Comparison of Rights of Enbridge Shareholders and EEP Unitholders (page 131)
The differences between the rights of Enbridge shareholders and EEP unitholders result from differences between the organizational documents, governing law and type of organizational structure of Enbridge and EEP. Enbridge is a Canadian corporation. As a result, EEP unitholders who receive Enbridge common shares in the Merger will be principally governed by the Canada Corporations Act. EEP is a Delaware limited partnership. Ownership interests in a Delaware limited partnership are fundamentally different from ownership interests in a Canadian corporation. The rights of Enbridge shareholders are governed by the Enbridge Articles of Continuance and Certificates and Articles of Amendment, which is referred to as Enbridges articles, Enbridge General By-Law No. 1, as amended, and Enbridge By-Law No. 2, which is referred to collectively as Enbridges by-laws, and the Canada Corporations Act. The rights of EEP unitholders are governed by the EEP Partnership Agreement and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the DRULPA). The key differences are described in the section titled Comparison of Rights of Enbridge Shareholders and EEP Unitholders beginning on page 131.
The Other Merger Transactions (page 44)
On August 24, 2018, Enbridge and SEP announced that they entered into the SEP merger agreement on the same day under which Enbridge will acquire all of the outstanding public units of SEP, subject to the approval of the SEP unitholders. Under the terms of the SEP merger agreement, SEP public unitholders will receive 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each outstanding public unit of SEP.
On September 18, 2018, Enbridge and EEQ announced that they entered into the EEQ merger agreement on September 17, 2018 under which Enbridge will acquire all of the outstanding public listed shares of EEQ, subject to the approval of the EEQ shareholders. Under the terms of the EEQ merger agreement, EEQ public shareholders will receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share for each listed share of EEQ, which is at parity with the exchange ratio in the Merger. The EEQ merger is conditioned upon the consummation of the Merger.
Also on September 18, 2018, Enbridge and ENF announced that they entered into the arrangement agreement on September 17, 2018 (as amended, the arrangement agreement) under which Enbridge will acquire all of the issued and outstanding public common shares of ENF, subject to customary closing conditions.
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Under the terms of the arrangement agreement, each common share of ENF will be exchanged for 0.7350 of an Enbridge common share and cash of C$0.45 per common share of ENF, subject to adjustment for certain dividends declared on the Enbridge common shares and the common shares of ENF. The requisite approval of the ENF plan of arrangement by the ENF shareholders was obtained at a special meeting of ENF shareholders on November 6, 2018. Following the special meeting of ENF shareholders, ENF also received the final approval of the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta with respect to the ENF plan of arrangement.
The Merger and an investment in Enbridge common shares involve risks, some of which are related to the Merger. In considering the Merger, you should carefully consider the information about these risks set forth under the section titled Risk Factors beginning on page 33, together with the other information included in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus.
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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF ENBRIDGE
The following table sets forth the selected historical consolidated financial data of Enbridge as of and for the periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were derived from Enbridges audited consolidated financial statements included in its annual reports on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were derived from the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Enbridge included in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results and should be read together with the other information contained in Enbridges Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, including the sections titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and related notes therein. See the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
For the nine months ended September 30, |
For the fiscal years ended December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018(1) | 2017(1) | 2017(1) | 2016(1) | 2015(1) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Earnings: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues |
$ | 34,816 | $ | 31,489 | $ | 44,378 | $ | 34,560 | $ | 33,794 | $ | 37,641 | $ | 32,918 | ||||||||||||||
Operating Income |
3,303 | 4,532 | 1,571 | 2,581 | 1,862 | 3,200 | 1,365 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings/(loss) from continuing operations |
2,050 | 3,201 | 3,266 | 2,309 | (159 | ) | 1,562 | 490 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Earnings)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests |
(352 | ) | (633 | ) | (407 | ) | (240 | ) | 410 | (203 | ) | 135 | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to controlling interests |
1,698 | 2,568 | 2,859 | 2,069 | 251 | 1,405 | 629 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings/(loss) attributable to common shareholders |
1,426 | 2,322 | 2,529 | 1,776 | (37 | ) | 1,154 | 446 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Share Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings/(loss) per common share |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.84 | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.66 | $ | 1.95 | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | 1.39 | $ | 0.55 | |||||||||||||
Diluted |
0.84 | 1.56 | 1.65 | 1.93 | (0.04 | ) | 1.37 | 0.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid per common share |
2.013 | 1.803 | 2.41 | 2.12 | 1.86 | 1.40 | 1.26 | |||||||||||||||||||||
As at September 30, |
As at December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018(1) | 2017(1) | 2017(1) | 2016(1) | 2015(1) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of Canadian dollars) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets(2) |
$ | 163,223 | $ | 163,441 | $ | 162,093 | $ | 85,209 | $ | 84,154 | $ | 72,280 | $ | 57,196 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, less current portion |
58,707 | 61,434 | 60,865 | 36,494 | 39,391 | 33,423 | 22,357 |
(1) | Enbridges Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Consolidated Statements of Financial Position data reflect the following acquisitions, dispositions and impairment. |
20
| 2018Midcoast Operating, L.P. impairment, Canadian natural gas gathering and processing business goodwill impairment, Line 10 impairment and other impairment |
| 2017The combination of Enbridge and Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy) through a stock-for-stock merger transaction that closed on February 27, 2017, acquisition of public interest in Midcoast Energy Partners, L.P., the income tax benefit due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by the United States in December 2017 and other impairment |
| 2016Sandpiper Project impairment, gain on disposition of South Prairie Region assets, Tupper Plants acquisition and other impairment |
| 2015Goodwill impairment |
(2) | Enbridge combined cash and cash equivalents and other amounts previously presented as bank indebtedness where the corresponding bank accounts are subject to pooling arrangements. |
21
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF EEP
The following table sets forth the selected historical consolidated financial data of EEP as of and for the periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were derived from EEPs audited consolidated financial statements included in its annual reports on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were derived from the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of EEP included in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results and should be read together with the other information contained in EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, including the sections titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and related notes therein. See the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
For the nine months ended September 30, |
For the fiscal years ended December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017(1) | 2017(1)(2) | 2016(1) | 2015(1) | 2014(1) | 2013(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of United States dollars, except per unit amounts) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Income Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues(2) |
$ | 1,689 | $ | 1,817 | $ | 2,428 | $ | 2,516 | $ | 2,303 | $ | 2,070 | $ | 1,524 | ||||||||||||||
Operating Income(3) |
734 | 846 | 1,121 | 481 | 964 | 934 | 375 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations(3) |
567 | 606 | 708 | 116 | 739 | 596 | 143 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
| (57 | ) | (57 | ) | (157 | ) | (285 | ) | 144 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
566 | 607 | 651 | (41 | ) | 454 | 740 | 160 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss)controlling interests |
273 | 251 | 245 | (162 | ) | 132 | 372 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations |
237 | 254 | 237 | (268 | ) | 119 | 74 | (123 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common units and i-units |
237 | 216 | 200 | (377 | ) | (85 | ) | 218 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unit Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common unit and i-unit (basic and diluted) from continuing operations |
0.55 | 0.65 | 0.60 | (0.77 | ) | 0.35 | 0.23 | (0.39 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common unit and i-unit |
0.55 | 0.55 | 0.50 | (1.08 | ) | (0.25 | ) | 0.67 | (0.33 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash distributions paid per limited partner unit(4) |
1.050 | 1.283 | 1.633 | 2.332 | 2.306 | 2.197 | 2.174 |
22
As at September 30, |
As at December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017(1) | 2017(1) | 2016(1) | 2015(1) | 2014(1) | 2013(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions of United States dollars) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Financial Position Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets(5) |
$ | 14,950 | $ | 14,738 | $ | 14,828 | $ | 18,110 | $ | 18,774 | $ | 17,727 | $ | 14,881 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities |
6,126 | 6,291 | 6,366 | 7,066 | 6,838 | 5,895 | 4,421 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Loans from General Partner and affiliate |
750 | 544 | 610 | 750 | | | 306 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Due to General Partner and affiliates |
34 | 55 | | 328 | 238 | 148 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
244 | 211 | 178 | 197 | 189 | 169 | 20 |
(1) | On June 28, 2017, EEP completed the sale of all its interest in its Midcoast gas gathering and processing business to the General Partner. This sale represented a strategic shift in EEPs business and as a result, the results of operations and financial position of EEPs natural gas business from the periods presented are reflected as discontinued operations. |
(2) | EEPs statements of income and financial position reflect the following dispositions: |
Date of Disposition |
Description of Disposition | |
December 2017 | The disposition of unnecessary pipe related to the Sandpiper Project | |
March 2017 | The disposition of the Ozark Pipeline system |
(3) | Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was impacted by a US$757 million asset impairment charge in relation to the Sandpiper project. For more information, see EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, incorporated by reference herein. |
(4) | On April 28, 2017, EEP announced the conclusion of its strategic review. As a result, of the strategic review, EEP reduced its quarterly distributions from US$0.583 per unit to US$0.35 per unit. For more information, see EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, incorporated by reference herein. |
(5) | Total assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 are inclusive of amounts attributable to the interest in EEPs Midcoast gas gathering and processing business which was sold to the General Partner on June 28, 2017. |
23
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is derived from the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of Enbridge. The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if the Merger and the Other Merger Transactions occurred on September 30, 2018, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of financial position, and on January 1, 2017, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if the Midcoast Transactions occurred on January 1, 2017, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017. The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is for illustrative and informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results that might have occurred had such transactions taken place on January 1, 2017, for consolidated statements of earnings purposes, and September 30, 2018, for consolidated statements of financial position purposes, and is not intended to be a projection of future results. Future results may vary significantly from the results reflected because of various factors, including those discussed in the section titled Risk Factors beginning on page 33 of this proxy statement/prospectus. The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements section and related notes beginning on page F-1 of this proxy statement/prospectus.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 |
For the year ended December 31, 2017 |
|||||||
(millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) | (Unaudited) | |||||||
Consolidated Statements of Earnings: |
||||||||
Operating Revenues |
$ | 33,120 | $ | 41,209 | ||||
Operating Income |
4,199 | 6,285 | ||||||
Earnings/(loss) from continuing operations |
2,638 | 6,808 | ||||||
(Earnings)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests |
21 | (39 | ) | |||||
Earnings attributable to controlling interests |
2,659 | 6,769 | ||||||
Earnings/(loss) attributable to common shareholders |
2,387 | 6,439 | ||||||
Common Share Data: |
||||||||
Earnings / (loss) per common share |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | 1.20 | $ | 3.54 | ||||
Diluted |
1.20 | 3.52 |
As at September 30, 2018 | ||||
(millions of Canadian dollars) | (Unaudited) | |||
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position: |
||||
Total Assets |
$ | 163,123 | ||
Long-term debt, less current portion |
58,707 |
24
COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE AND PER UNIT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Presented below are Enbridges and EEPs historical and pro forma per share/unit data for the year ended December 31, 2017 and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Except for the historical information for the year ended December 31, 2017, the information provided in the table below is unaudited. This information should be read together with the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Enbridge and EEP filed by each with the SEC, and incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus, and with the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements section beginning on page F-1.
The pro forma consolidated and pro forma consolidated equivalent per share information gives effect to the Merger, the Midcoast Transaction (except in the case of the book value per share/unit information, which does not reflect any adjustments for the Midcoast Transaction, as it was completed on August 1, 2018) and the Other Merger Transactions as if such transactions had been completed as of the applicable date. Such pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Merger, the Midcoast Transaction or Other Merger Transactions had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented or the financial position that would have occurred if the Merger or Other Merger Transactions had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future operating results or financial position of the consolidated company. The pro forma information, although helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the consolidated company under one set of assumptions, does not reflect the benefits of expected cost savings, opportunities to earn additional revenue, the impact of restructuring, or other factors that may result as a consequence of the Merger or other transactions and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 |
Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
|||||||
Enbridge Historical Data: (C$) |
||||||||
Basic earnings per common share |
$ | 0.84 | $ | 1.66 | ||||
Diluted earnings per common share |
$ | 0.84 | $ | 1.65 | ||||
Dividends declared per common share for the period |
$ | 2.013 | $ | 2.41 | ||||
Book value per share(1) |
$ | 35.26 | $ | 34.30 | ||||
EEP Historical Data: (US$) |
||||||||
Basic earnings per Class A common unit and i-unit |
$ | 0.55 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Diluted earnings per Class A common unit and i-unit |
$ | 0.55 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Distributions declared per Class A common unit and i-unit for the period |
$ | 1.05 | $ | 1.633 | ||||
Book value per Class A common unit and i-unit(1) |
$ | 3.96 | $ | 4.25 | ||||
Pro Forma Consolidated DataEnbridge: (C$) |
||||||||
Basic earnings per common share(2) |
$ | 1.20 | $ | 3.54 | ||||
Diluted earnings per common share(2) |
$ | 1.20 | $ | 3.52 | ||||
Dividends declared per common share for the period(3) |
$ | 2.013 | $ | 2.41 | ||||
Book value per common share at period end(1), (4) |
$ | 34.68 | $ | n/a | ||||
Equivalent Pro Forma ConsolidatedEEP(5): (C$) |
||||||||
Basic earnings per Class A common unit |
$ | 0.40 | $ | 1.19 | ||||
Diluted earnings per Class A common unit |
$ | 0.40 | $ | 1.18 | ||||
Cash distributions paid for the period per Class A common unit |
$ | 0.67 | $ | 0.81 | ||||
Book value per Class A common unit at period end |
$ | 11.62 | $ | n/a |
25
(1) | Historical book value per Enbridge common share or Class A common unit and i-unit represents total equity before noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests at period end divided by the number of Enbridge common shares or Class A common units and i-units, as applicable, outstanding as of period end. |
(2) | Amounts are included under Pro Forma Results in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of earnings included in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Statements section on p. F-1. |
(3) | For the purpose of the pro forma financial information, it was assumed that all Enbridge common shares issued in connection with the Merger and Other Merger Transactions will receive the same dividend rate as existing Enbridge common shares. The actual dividend declared per share may differ from the pro forma information for the periods to which such transactions are given effect. |
(4) | The pro forma consolidated dataEnbridge, book value per common share was calculated as follows (in Canadian dollars in millions, except per share amounts): |
As of September 30, 2018 | ||||
Pro forma total Enbridge Inc. shareholders equity |
$ | 70,056 | ||
Divided by: Pro forma consolidated number of shares outstanding as of date of record |
2,020 | |||
Book value per share (pro forma) |
$ | 34.68 |
(5) | Determined by multiplying the pro forma consolidated dataEnbridge disclosed above by the Exchange Ratio of 0.335 of an Enbridge common share for each Class A common unit. |
26
COMPARATIVE SHARE AND UNIT PRICES; DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Enbridge common shares are currently listed on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol ENB and the Class A common units are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol EEP. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the per share high and low sales prices for Enbridge common shares as reported on the TSX and the NYSE and for the Class A common units as reported on the NYSE. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest whole cent.
Enbridge Common Shares |
Enbridge Common Shares |
EEP Class A Common Units |
||||||||||||||||||||||
TSX | NYSE | NYSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||||||||
(in C$) | (in US$) | (in US$) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual information for the past five calendar years |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 |
58.28 | 43.91 | 44.52 | 34.39 | 26.17 | 12.25 | ||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
59.19 | 40.03 | 45.77 | 27.43 | 26.37 | 14.27 | ||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
66.14 | 40.17 | 54.43 | 29.19 | 41.39 | 19.31 | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
65.13 | 45.45 | 57.19 | 41.08 | 41.68 | 26.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
2013 |
49.17 | 41.47 | 47.87 | 37.90 | 33.49 | 27.01 | ||||||||||||||||||
Quarterly information for the past two years and subsequent quarters |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
44.02 | 39.40 | 34.00 | 29.98 | 11.48 | 10.15 | ||||||||||||||||||
Third Quarter |
47.54 | 41.66 | 36.57 | 32.15 | 11.90 | 10.55 | ||||||||||||||||||
Second Quarter |
47.50 | 37.36 | 36.11 | 29.00 | 10.95 | 8.89 | ||||||||||||||||||
First Quarter |
51.04 | 38.08 | 41.21 | 29.54 | 15.56 | 9.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
2017 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
52.59 | 43.91 | 42.10 | 34.39 | 16.34 | 12.25 | ||||||||||||||||||
Third Quarter |
53.00 | 48.98 | 42.31 | 39.01 | 16.63 | 13.87 | ||||||||||||||||||
Second Quarter |
57.75 | 49.61 | 42.92 | 37.37 | 19.64 | 14.68 | ||||||||||||||||||
First Quarter |
58.28 | 53.87 | 44.52 | 40.25 | 26.17 | 16.95 | ||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
59.18 | 53.91 | 45.09 | 39.70 | 26.37 | 21.78 | ||||||||||||||||||
Third Quarter |
59.19 | 50.76 | 45.77 | 38.58 | 25.49 | 21.97 | ||||||||||||||||||
Second Quarter |
55.05 | 48.73 | 43.39 | 37.02 | 23.46 | 16.86 | ||||||||||||||||||
First Quarter |
51.31 | 40.03 | 39.40 | 27.43 | 24.22 | 14.27 |
The above table shows only historical data. You should obtain current market quotations for Enbridge common shares and Class A common units, as the market prices of such securities will fluctuate between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date on which the Merger is completed, at times in between and thereafter. You can obtain these quotations from publicly-available sources.
27
Comparison of the Market Prices of Enbridge Common Shares and Class A Common Units and Implied Value of the Merger Consideration Payable for Each Class A Common Unit
The following table presents the closing price per share of Enbridge common shares on the TSX and the NYSE and of the Class A common units on the NYSE, in each case on (a) September 17, 2018, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement of the signing of the Merger Agreement, and (b) November 6, 2018, the last practicable trading day prior to the filing of this proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC. This table also shows the estimated implied value of the Merger Consideration payable for each Class A common unit, which was calculated by multiplying the closing price of Enbridge common shares on the NYSE on those dates by the Exchange Ratio of 0.335.
Enbridge common shares |
Enbridge common shares |
Class A common units |
Implied value per Class A common unit |
|||||||||||||
Date |
TSX | NYSE | NYSE | NYSE | ||||||||||||
(C$) | (US$) | (US$) | (US$) | |||||||||||||
September 17, 2018 |
$ | 44.70 | $ | 34.28 | $ | 11.25 | $ | 11.48 | ||||||||
November 6, 2018 |
$ | 43.43 | $ | 33.12 | $ | 10.85 | $ | 11.10 |
The market prices of Enbridge common shares and Class A common units have fluctuated since the date of the announcement of the Merger Agreement and will continue to fluctuate prior to, and in the case of Enbridge common shares, after, completion of the Merger. No assurance can be given concerning the market prices of Enbridge common shares or Class A common units before completion of the Merger or of Enbridge common shares after completion of the Merger. The Exchange Ratio is fixed in the Merger Agreement, but the market price of Enbridge common shares (and therefore the value of the Merger Consideration) when received by EEP unitholders after the Merger is completed could be greater than, less than or the same as shown in the table above. Accordingly, these comparisons may not provide meaningful information to EEP unitholders in determining whether to vote to approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger. EEP unitholders are encouraged to obtain current market quotations for Enbridge common shares and Class A common units and to review carefully the other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference herein. For more information, see the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
28
The table below sets forth the dividends declared per Enbridge common share and the distributions declared per Class A common unit for the periods indicated.
Enbridge | EEP | |||||||
(C$) | (US$) | |||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 |
2.013 | 1.05 | ||||||
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2017 |
2.413 | 1.633 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
0.610 | 0.350 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
0.610 | 0.350 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
0.610 | 0.350 | ||||||
First Quarter |
0.583 | 0.583 | ||||||
2016 |
2.120 | 2.332 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
0.530 | 0.583 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
0.530 | 0.583 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
0.530 | 0.583 | ||||||
First Quarter |
0.530 | 0.583 | ||||||
2015 |
1.860 | 2.306 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
0.465 | 0.583 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
0.465 | 0.583 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
0.465 | 0.570 | ||||||
First Quarter |
0.465 | 0.570 | ||||||
2014 |
1.400 | 2.197 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
0.350 | 0.555 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
0.350 | 0.555 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
0.350 | 0.5435 | ||||||
First Quarter |
0.350 | 0.5435 | ||||||
2013 |
1.260 | 2.174 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter |
0.3150 | 0.5435 | ||||||
Third Quarter |
0.3150 | 0.5435 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
0.3150 | 0.5435 | ||||||
First Quarter |
0.3150 | 0.5435 |
29
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This registration statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, and the documents to which Enbridge and EEP refer you in this registration statement, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, as well as oral statements made or to be made by Enbridge and EEP, contain both historical and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as anticipate, expect, project, estimate, forecast, plan, intend, target, believe, likely and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information or statements included in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the following: the Merger; the Midcoast Transaction; each of the Other Merger Transactions; expected earnings before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); expected earnings/(loss); expected earnings/(loss) per share; expected future cash flows; expected performance of the Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution, Green Power and Transmission, and Energy Services businesses; financial strength and flexibility; expectations on sources of liquidity and sufficiency of financial resources; expected costs related to announced projects and projects under construction; expected in-service dates for announced projects and projects under construction (including potentially competitive projects); expected capital expenditures; expected equity funding requirements for Enbridges commercially secured growth capital; expected future growth and expansion opportunities; expectations about Enbridges joint venture partners ability to complete and finance projects under construction; expected closing of acquisitions and dispositions, including the Merger and the Other Merger Transactions; estimated future dividends; expected future actions of regulators; expected costs related to leak remediation and potential insurance recoveries; expectations regarding commodity prices; supply forecasts; expectations regarding the impact of the stock-for-stock merger transaction on February 27, 2017 between Enbridge and Spectra Energy, including Enbridges combined scale, financial flexibility, growth capital, future business prospects and performance; impact of the Canadian L3R Program on existing integrity programs; the sponsored vehicle strategy; dividend payout policy; dividend growth and dividend payout expectation; expectations on impact of hedging program; and expectations resulting from the successful execution of Enbridges 2018-2020 Strategic Plan.
Although the management of Enbridge and EEP believe that these forward-looking statements are reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made and processes used to prepare the information, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and may not prove to be accurate, and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, future trends, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by such statements. When considering forward-looking statements, readers and investors should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described in the section titled Risk Factors beginning on page 33. Among the assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements are the following:
| the ability to complete the Merger, including as a result of the failure to satisfy a condition to completion of the Merger as specified in the Merger Agreement; |
| negative effects from the pendency of the Merger; |
| any delays or issues in negotiating the relevant documentation in relation to, and any failure to complete, any or all of the Other Merger Transactions; |
| the timing to consummate the Merger; |
| the focus of management time and attention on the Merger or the Other Merger Transactions and other disruptions arising from the Merger or the Other Merger Transactions; |
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| the risk that the Merger may not be accretive, and may be dilutive, to Enbridges earnings per share, which may negatively affect the market price of Enbridge common shares; |
| the possibility that Enbridge and EEP will incur significant transaction and other costs in connection with the Merger, which may be in excess of those anticipated by Enbridge or EEP; |
| the risk that any announcements relating to the Merger could have adverse effects on the market price of Enbridge common shares or Class A common units; |
| the failure to obtain, delays in obtaining or adverse conditions contained in, any required regulatory or other approvals; |
| that EEP and Enbridge may be required to modify the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement to achieve regulatory or unitholder approval, or that the anticipated benefits of the Merger are not realized as a result of such things as the strength or weakness of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where EEP and Enbridge do business; |
| debt and equity market conditions, including the ability to access capital markets on favorable terms or at all, and the cost of debt and equity capital; |
| potential changes in the Enbridge share price which may negatively impact the value of consideration offered to EEP unitholders; |
| the expected supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGL) and renewable energy; |
| prices of crude oil, natural gas, NGL and renewable energy; |
| competitive changes in Enbridges industry (including competition from the same and alternative energy sources); |
| exchange rates, including the impact of the movement of the Canadian dollar relative to other currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar; |
| inflation; interest rates; availability and price of labor and construction materials; operational reliability; customer and regulatory approvals; |
| maintenance of support and regulatory approvals for Enbridges projects; |
| anticipated in-service dates for Enbridges projects and those of its competitors; |
| weather and natural disasters; |
| the timing and closing of the Other Merger Transactions and Enbridges announced dispositions; |
| the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the Merger, the merger transaction completed in February 2017 with Spectra Energy or the Other Merger Transactions; |
| the effects of existing and future governmental legislation; |
| the effects of future litigation; |
| acquisitions and the timing thereof and the success of integration plans and business plans; |
| impact of the dividend policy on Enbridges future cash flows; |
| credit ratings; |
| capital project funding; |
| expected EBITDA; |
| expected earnings/(loss); |
| expected earnings/(loss) per share; and |
| expected future cash flows and estimated future dividends. |
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Assumptions regarding the expected supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGL and renewable energy, and the prices of these commodities, are material to and underlie all forward-looking statements, as they may impact current and future levels of demand for services of Enbridge or EEP. Similarly, exchange rates, inflation and interest rates impact the economies and business environments in which we operate and may impact levels of demand for services of Enbridge or EEP and cost of inputs, and are therefore inherent in all forward-looking statements. Due to the interdependencies and correlation of these macroeconomic factors, the impact of any one assumption on a forward-looking statement cannot be determined with certainty, particularly with respect to the impact of the Merger and the Other Merger Transactions on us, expected EBITDA, earnings/(loss), earnings/(loss) per share, or estimated future dividends. The most relevant assumptions associated with forward-looking statements on announced projects and projects under construction, including estimated completion dates and expected capital expenditures, include the following: the availability and price of labor and construction materials; the effects of inflation and foreign exchange rates on labor and material costs; the effects of interest rates on borrowing costs; the impact of weather and customer, government and regulatory approvals on construction and in-service schedules and cost recovery regimes.
Forward-looking statements of Enbridge and EEP are subject to risks and uncertainties pertaining to the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the Merger, the merger transaction completed in February 2017 with Spectra Energy and the Other Merger Transactions, operating performance, regulatory parameters, dispositions, dividend policy, project approval and support, renewals of rights-of-way, weather, economic and competitive conditions, public opinion, changes in tax laws and tax rates, changes in trade agreements, exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices, political decisions and supply of and demand for commodities, including but not limited to those risks and uncertainties discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus and in EEPs other filings with United States securities regulators and other filings with Canadian and United States securities regulators. The impact of any one risk, uncertainty or factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as these are interdependent and the future courses of action of Enbridge and SEP depend on managements assessment of all information available at the relevant time. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Enbridge and EEP each assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made in this proxy statement/prospectus or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Enbridge or EEP or persons acting on behalf of Enbridge or EEP, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
The aforementioned factors are difficult to predict and in many cases may be beyond Enbridges and EEPs control. Consequently, these forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. There is no assurance that the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or, if any of them do, when they will occur or what effect they will have on results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or dividends/distributions of Enbridge or EEP. In view of these uncertainties, Enbridge and EEP caution that investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements Enbridge and EEP make in this document are qualified by the information contained or incorporated by reference herein, including, but not limited to, the information contained under this heading and the information detailed (a) in Enbridges Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and Enbridges Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, which are available at http://www.sec.gov, and (b) in EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and EEPs Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, which are available at http://www.sec.gov. See the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by applicable law, Enbridge and EEP undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement made in this proxy statement/prospectus to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Enbridge or EEP or persons acting on their behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
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In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference herein, including the matters addressed in the section titled Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements beginning on page 30, you should consider carefully the following risk factors, as well as the other information set forth in and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, before making a decision on the Merger. As an Enbridge shareholder following completion of the Merger, you will be subject to all risks inherent in the business of Enbridge in addition to the risks related to EEP. The market value of your Enbridge common shares will reflect the performance of the business relative to, among other things, that of the competitors of Enbridge and EEP and general economic, market and industry conditions. The value of your investment may increase or may decline and could result in a loss. You should also consider the other information in this proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference herein, particularly the risk factors contained in Enbridges and EEPs Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. See the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
The number of Enbridge common shares that holders of Class A common units will be entitled to receive in the Merger is based upon a fixed Exchange Ratio and will not be adjusted in the event of any change in either the price of Enbridge common shares or the price of Class A common units.
The Exchange Ratio of 0.335 of an Enbridge common share per Class A common unit is fixed, meaning that it does not change and is not dependent upon the relative values of Enbridge common shares and Class A common units. There will be no adjustment to the Exchange Ratio for changes in the market price of Enbridge common shares or Class A common units prior to the completion of the Merger. If the Merger is completed, there will be a time lapse between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date on which holders of the Class A common units who are entitled to receive the Merger Consideration actually receive such Merger Consideration. The market value of Enbridge common shares may fluctuate during and after this period as a result of a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in Enbridges businesses, operations and prospects and regulatory considerations. Such factors are difficult to predict and in many cases may be beyond the control of Enbridge and EEP. Consequently, at the time EEP unitholders must decide whether to approve the Merger Agreement, they will not know the actual market value of the Merger Consideration they will receive when the Merger is completed. The actual value of the Merger Consideration received by the holders of the Class A common units at the completion of the Merger will depend on the market value of the Enbridge common shares at that time. This market value may differ, possibly materially, from the market value of Enbridge common shares at the time the Merger Agreement was entered into or at any other time. For additional information about the EEP per unit merger consideration, see the section titled The Merger AgreementMerger Consideration beginning on page 101.
The Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and there is no assurance when or if the Merger will be completed.
The completion of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions as set forth in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, the requisite approval of the EEQ shareholders, including the receipt of the Majority of the Minority Vote, the accuracy of representations and warranties under the Merger Agreement (subject to the materiality standards set forth in the Merger Agreement) and EEPs and Enbridges performance of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement in all material respects. These conditions to the closing of the Merger may not be fulfilled in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the Merger may be delayed or may not be completed.
There can be no assurance as to when these conditions will be satisfied or waived, if at all, or that other events will not intervene to delay or result in the failure to complete the Merger.
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In addition, if the Merger is not completed by March 18, 2019, either Enbridge or EEP may choose not to proceed with the Merger, and the parties can mutually decide to terminate the Merger Agreement at any time. In addition, Enbridge and EEP may elect to terminate the Merger Agreement in certain other circumstances. Please read the section titled The Merger AgreementTermination beginning on page 120.
The opinion rendered to the Special Committee by Evercore on September 17, 2018, was based on Evercores financial analyses performed by Evercore and reviewed with the Special Committee, which considered financial, economic, market and other conditions then in effect, and financial forecasts and other data provided by management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable, as of the date of the opinion. As a result, the opinion does not reflect changes in events or circumstances after the date of such opinion. The Special Committee has not requested, and does not expect to request, an updated opinion from Evercore reflecting changes in circumstances that may have occurred since the signing of the Merger Agreement.
The opinion rendered to the Special Committee by Evercore on September 17, 2018, was provided in connection with, and at the time of, the evaluation of the Merger and the Merger Agreement by the Special Committee. The opinion was based on the financial analyses performed by Evercore and reviewed with the Special Committee, which considered financial, economic, market and other conditions then in effect, and financial forecasts and data provided by management of Enbridge and EEP, as of the date of the opinion, which may have changed, or may change, after the date of the opinion. The Special Committee has not requested an updated opinion as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus from Evercore and does not expect to request an updated opinion prior to completion of the Merger. Changes in the operations and prospects of Enbridge and EEP, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of Enbridge and EEP, and on which the opinion was based, may have altered the value of Enbridge or EEP or the prices of Enbridge common shares or Class A common units since the date of such opinion, or may alter such values and prices by the time the Merger is completed. The opinion does not speak as of any date other than the date of the opinion. For a description of the opinion that Evercore rendered to the Special Committee, please read the section titled The MergerOpinion of EvercoreFinancial Advisor to the Special Committee beginning on page 78.
Failure to complete, or significant delays in completing, the Merger could negatively affect the trading prices of Enbridge common shares or the Class A common units or the future business and financial results of Enbridge and EEP.
The completion of the Merger is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including (1) the registration statement having become effective under the Securities Act, (2) the receipt of requisite approvals of the Merger Agreement by the limited partners of EEP, including the receipt of the Majority of the Minority Vote, (3) the expiration or termination of the waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act, (4) the Enbridge common shares issuable in connection with the Merger having been approved for listing on the NYSE and the TSX, subject to official notice of issuance, and (5) the absence of any governmental order prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The obligation of each party to consummate the Merger is also conditioned upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the closing (subject to customary materiality qualifiers).
There is no certainty that the various closing conditions will be satisfied and that the necessary approvals will be obtained. If these or other conditions are not satisfied or if there is a delay in the satisfaction of such conditions, then Enbridge and EEP may not be able to complete the Merger timely or at all, and such failure or delay may have other adverse consequences. If the Merger is not completed or is delayed, Enbridge and EEP will be subject to a number of risks, including:
| Enbridge and EEP may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the market price of Enbridge common shares and Class A common units, particularly to the extent that their current market price reflects a market assumption that the Merger will be completed; |
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| Enbridge and EEP will not realize the expected benefits of the combined company; and |
| some costs relating to the Merger, such as investment banking, legal and accounting fees, and financial printing and other related charges, must be paid even if the Merger is not completed. |
Enbridge also expects to acquire all of the outstanding equity securities of each of EEQ, SEP and ENF in the Other Merger Transactions, and Enbridges efforts to complete those transactions may result in delays in completing the Merger with EEP or make it more difficult or time consuming than expected.
Enbridge announced that it had separately entered into definitive agreements to acquire, in separate combination transactions, all of the outstanding equity securities that Enbridge does not already own of SEP (announced on August 24, 2018) and EEQ and ENF (each announced on September 18, 2018). EEQ will hold a special meeting of its shareholders to obtain their approval of the applicable merger agreement. Completion of the EEQ merger is contingent on the completion of the Merger, while none of the Merger, the SEP merger or the ENF arrangement agreement are conditioned on the completion of any of such other transactions. SEP will solicit consents in order to obtain the requisite approval of the SEP unitholders. The consents of Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than SEP) to the SEP merger are sufficient to approve the SEP merger and the related merger agreement. The requisite approval of the ENF plan of arrangement by the ENF shareholders was obtained at a special meeting of ENF shareholders held on November 6, 2018. Following the special meeting of ENF shareholders, ENF also received the final approval of the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta with respect to the ENF plan of arrangement. Enbridge cannot predict whether the Other Merger Transactions will be approved by the requisite votes of security holders of the respective sponsored vehicles, whether all of the other conditions precedent to such transactions will be satisfied or, if so, the timing of the completion of such transactions. Enbridges efforts to complete those transactions may result in delays in completing the Merger with EEP or make it more difficult or time consuming than expected.
The assumptions and estimates underlying the financial projections are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Enbridge and EEP. As a result, the financial projections for Enbridge and EEP may not be realized.
In performing its financial analyses and rendering its opinion regarding the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to EEP and the holders of Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates, Evercore, the financial advisor to the Special Committee, reviewed and relied on, among other things, financial forecasts and other data for Enbridge and EEP prepared by management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable. These financial projections speak only as of the date made and will not be updated. These financial projections were not provided with a view to public disclosure, are subject to significant economic, competitive, industry and other uncertainties, and may not be achieved in full, within projected time frames or at all. The financial projections on which the Special Committees financial advisor based its opinion may not be realized.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information and unaudited forecasted financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual financial position or results of operations of the combined company following the completion of the Merger. Future results of Enbridge and EEP may differ, possibly materially, from the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information and unaudited forecasted financial information presented in this proxy statement/prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and unaudited forecasted financial information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only, contain a variety of adjustments, assumptions and preliminary estimates and do not represent the actual financial position or results of operations of Enbridge or EEP prior to the Merger or following the Merger, the Midcoast Transaction and/or the Other Merger Transactions for several reasons. See the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements section beginning on page F-1. In addition, the Merger and post-Merger
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integration process, as well as the Other Merger Transactions, may give rise to unexpected liabilities and costs. Unexpected delays in completing the Merger, or in completing the Other Merger Transactions, may significantly increase the related costs and expenses incurred by Enbridge. The actual financial positions and results of operations of Enbridge and EEP prior to the Merger and following the Merger, the Midcoast Transaction and the Other Merger Transactions may be different, possibly materially, from the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements or forecasted financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, the assumptions used in preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and forecasted financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus may not prove to be accurate and may be affected by other factors. Any significant changes in the market price of Enbridge common shares may cause a significant change in the purchase price used for Enbridges accounting purposes and the unaudited pro forma financial statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Enbridge, the GP Delegate and the General Partner and their directors and officers may have interests that differ from your interests, and these interests may have influenced their decision to propose and to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.
The nature of the respective businesses of Enbridge and EEP and their respective affiliates may give rise to conflicts of interest between Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, which manages the affairs and business of EEP through a delegation of control agreement among EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate. The interests of Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, and their directors and officers, as applicable, may differ from your interests as a result of the relationships among them. A conflict could be perceived to exist, for example, in connection with the number of Enbridge common shares offered as the Merger Consideration, particularly where two of the ten directors on the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board are executive officers of Enbridge.
EEP does not have any employees and relies on the GP Delegate to manage the conduct of EEPs business. All directors of the General Partner are elected annually and may be removed by Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., as the sole shareholder of the General Partner, an indirect and wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge. All directors of EEQ were elected and may be removed by the General Partner, as the sole holder of EEQs voting shares.
Furthermore, the EEP Partnership Agreement contains provisions that limit the General Partner and GP Delegates fiduciary duties to EEP or any EEP unitholders, and the resolution or course of action in respect of any actual or potential conflict of interest will not constitute a breach of the EEP Partnership Agreement, or any agreement contemplated thereby, if such resolution or course of action is, or by operation of the EEP Partnership Agreement, is deemed to be, fair and reasonable to EEP.
In considering the recommendation of the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board to approve the Merger proposal, you should consider that the directors and executive officers of Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate may have other interests that differ from, or are in addition to, the interests of EEP unitholders generally. These interests include the following:
| six of the ten directors of the General Partner and GP Delegate also hold positions at Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner or the GP Delegate); |
| seven directors, including three non-management directors of the General Partner and GP Delegate own Enbridge common shares. Those directors, individually and in the aggregate, own shares representing less than 1.0% of the Enbridge common shares outstanding as of November 5, 2018; |
| all of the executive officers of the General Partner and the GP Delegate hold positions at Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner or the GP Delegate); |
| 12 individuals who serve as executive officers of the General Partner, and 11 individuals who serve as executive officers of the GP Delegate, own Enbridge common shares, which, individually and in the aggregate, represent less than 1.0% of the Enbridge common shares outstanding as of November 5, 2018; |
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| the three directors on the Special Committee also serve on the EEQ Special Committee; |
| seven of the ten directors of the General Partner and the GP Delegate, including two directors on the Special Committee, are defendants in the Derivative Action; and |
| all of the directors and executive officers of the General Partner and GP Delegate have the right to indemnification under the EEP Partnership Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In addition, all of the directors and officers of Enbridge have the right to indemnification under the organizational documents of Enbridge and indemnification agreements with Enbridge. |
In addition, certain executive officers and directors of Enbridge are also executive officers and directors of the General Partner and the GP Delegate. J. Herbert England serves as a member of the boards of directors of all three companies. The compensation received by the executive officers of Enbridge is paid to them in their capacities as executive officers of Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, as applicable. The General Partner and the GP Delegate have the same directors and, with the exception of William Yardley, who is an executive officer of the General Partner only, have the same executive officers.
The following director and executive officers of Enbridge hold positions at the General Partner and the GP Delegate:
Executive Officer/Director |
General Partner |
Enbridge | ||
J. Herbert England |
Director |
Director | ||
D. Guy Jarvis |
Director and Executive Vice PresidentLiquids Pipelines |
Executive Vice President & President, Liquids Pipelines | ||
John K. Whelen |
Director |
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
The members of the Special Committee, GP Delegate Board and GP Board were aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, when they approved the Merger Agreement and when they recommended that EEP unitholders approve the Merger. These interests are described in more detail in the section titled The MergerInterests of Directors and Executive Officers of the GP Delegate and the General Partner in the Merger beginning on page 96.
EEP effectively does not have the ability to enter into certain alternatives to the Merger that are not approved by Enbridge.
As of November 5, 2018, Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than the GP Delegate) held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units, Class B common units and Class E units of EEP, and the GP Delegates shares corresponding to i-units of EEP, representing approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units. Accordingly, certain alternative transactions to the Merger entered into by EEP would need to be approved by Enbridge. Because Enbridge controls the voting of approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, Enbridge can effectively block EEP from entering into alternative transactions to the Merger that require the approval of the EEP unitholders representing two-thirds of the outstanding EEP units that Enbridge does not support, which could discourage third parties that may have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of EEP from considering or proposing that transaction.
Enbridge and EEP will be subject to certain operating restrictions until the completion of the Merger.
The Merger Agreement generally restricts EEP, without Enbridges consent, or Enbridge, without EEPs consent, from taking specified actions until the Merger occurs or the Merger Agreement terminates. These restrictions may prevent EEP or Enbridge from taking actions that each respectively might otherwise consider beneficial. Please read the section titled The Merger AgreementInterim Operations beginning on page 109.
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Risks Related to the Enbridge Common Shares
The market price of Enbridge common shares will continue to fluctuate after the Merger.
Upon completion of the Merger, Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders will become holders of Enbridge common shares. The market price of Enbridge common shares may fluctuate significantly following completion of the Merger and Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders could lose some or all of the value of their investment in Enbridge common shares. In addition, the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations in recent times which, if they continue to occur, could have a material adverse effect on the market for, or liquidity of, the Enbridge common shares, regardless of Enbridges actual operating performance.
The market price of Enbridge common shares may be affected by factors different from those that historically have affected Class A common units.
Upon completion of the Merger, Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders will become holders of Enbridge common shares. The businesses of Enbridge differ from those of EEP in certain respects, and, accordingly, the financial position or results of operations and/or cash flows of Enbridge after the Merger, as well as the market price of Enbridge common shares, may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the financial position or results of operations and/or cash flows of EEP, and, in turn, the market price of the Class A common units. For a discussion of the businesses of Enbridge and EEP and of some important factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see the section titled Information about the Companies beginning on page 43, and the documents incorporated by reference in the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166, including, in particular, in the sections titled Risk Factors in each of Enbridges Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in each case, as modified by subsequent reports filed by Enbridge and EEP.
Holders of Enbridge common shares, which will be received by eligible holders of the Class A common units as a result of the Merger, will have rights different from the current holders of Class A common units.
Upon completion of the Merger, Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders will no longer be unitholders of EEP, and Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders will become Enbridge shareholders. There are certain differences between the current rights of Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders and the rights to which such unitholders will be entitled as Enbridge shareholders. See the section titled Comparison of Rights of Enbridge Shareholders and EEP Unitholders beginning on page 131 for a discussion of the different rights associated with Enbridge common shares.
Enbridge may not pay any cash dividends to Enbridge shareholders, and Enbridges ability to declare and pay cash dividends to Enbridge shareholders, if any, in the future will depend on various factors, many of which are beyond Enbridges control.
Unlike EEP, Enbridge is not required to declare dividends of its available cash to its equity holders. The Enbridge Board may not declare dividends in the future. Should the Enbridge Board declare dividends on the Enbridge common shares in the future, the dividend yield of the Enbridge common shares may only be a fraction of the historical or projected dividend yield of the Class A common units. Any payment of future dividends will be at the sole discretion of the Enbridge Board and will depend upon many factors, including the financial condition, earnings and capital requirements of its operating subsidiaries, covenants associated with certain debt obligations, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors deemed relevant by the Enbridge Board. For more information regarding Enbridges financial condition, earnings and capital requirements, level of indebtedness or legal, regulatory or contractual restrictions, please read Enbridges Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, incorporated by reference herein.
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Enbridge declares its dividend in Canadian dollars. However, Enbridge delivers payment to U.S. holders of Enbridge common shares in U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate may impact the value of dividend payments received by U.S. holders of Enbridge common shares.
Enbridge declares its dividend in Canadian dollars. However, Enbridge delivers payment to U.S. holders of Enbridge common shares in U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar value of any cash payment for declared dividends to a U.S. holder of Enbridge common shares will be converted into U.S. dollars using the indicative rate of exchange for Canadian interbank transactions established by the Bank of Canada on the declared record date. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate may impact the value of any dividend payments received by U.S. holders of Enbridge common shares.
Enbridge is organized under the laws of Canada and a substantial portion of its assets are, and many of its directors and officers reside, outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for shareholders to enforce civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States in Canada.
Enbridge is organized under the laws of Canada. A substantial portion of Enbridges assets are located outside the United States, and many of Enbridges directors and officers and some of the experts named in this proxy statement/prospectus (including in documents that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus) are residents of jurisdictions outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service within the United States upon Enbridge and those directors, officers and experts, or to realize in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liability of Enbridge and such directors, officers or experts under the U.S. federal securities laws. There is uncertainty as to the enforceability in Canada by a court in original actions, or in actions to enforce judgments of United States courts, of the civil liabilities predicated upon the U.S. federal securities laws.
There may be future dilution of the Enbridge common shares, including as a result of any Enbridge common shares issued in connection with the Other Merger Transactions, which could adversely affect the market price of Enbridge common shares.
If the Merger is successfully completed, Enbridge expects that it will issue to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders approximately 72,256,181 Enbridge common shares at the Effective Time in connection with the Merger, based on the number of Enbridge common shares and the estimated number of Class A common units that are outstanding as of November 5, 2018 (not including any Enbridge common shares that would be expected to be issued upon the successful completion of the Other Merger Transactions). If the Other Merger Transactions are all also successfully completed in accordance with their respective transaction agreements, based on the number of outstanding shares or units, as the case may be, of EEP, EEQ, SEP and ENF, as of November 5, 2018, and the exchange ratio in each applicable transaction agreement, Enbridge expects that it will issue approximately 296,284,573 Enbridge common shares in aggregate upon the completion of the proposed Merger and those Other Merger Transactions. The actual number of Enbridge common shares issued in the Merger will be determined by multiplying the Exchange Ratio by the number of issued and outstanding Class A common units held by Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders as of the closing date of the Merger. The actual number of Enbridge common shares issued in each of the Other Merger Transactions will be determined by multiplying the applicable exchange ratio by the number of publicly held shares or units of the acquired entity as of the closing date of each such transaction.
In addition, the Merger Agreement does not restrict Enbridges ability to issue additional Enbridge common shares prior to (with consent of each conflicts committee and special committee pursuant to the respective merger agreements and arrangement agreement applicable to the proposed Merger and the Other Merger Transactions) or following the Effective Time or thereafter. In the future (assuming such consents have been secured), Enbridge may issue additional Enbridge common shares to raise cash for its projects, operations, acquisitions or other purposes. Enbridge may also (assuming such consents have been secured) acquire interests in other companies by using a combination of cash and Enbridge common shares or just Enbridge common shares.
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Enbridge has issued securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Enbridge common shares and may (assuming such consents have been secured) do so again in the future. Any of these events may dilute the ownership interests of current Enbridge common shares, reduce Enbridges earnings per share and have an adverse effect on the price of Enbridge common shares. The issuance of these new shares and the sale of additional shares that may become eligible for sale in the public market from time to time could have the effect of depressing the market value for Enbridge common shares. The increase in the number of Enbridge common shares may lead to sales of such Enbridge common shares or the perception that such sales may occur, either of which may adversely affect the market for, and the market value of, Enbridge common shares.
Sales of a substantial number of Enbridge common shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of Enbridge common shares.
Sales of a substantial number of Enbridge common shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could reduce the market price of Enbridge common shares.
Tax Risks Related to the Merger and the Ownership of Enbridge Common Shares Received in the Merger
In addition to reading the following risk factors, EEP unitholders are urged to read Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger and Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger for a more complete discussion of the expected U.S. and Canadian federal income tax consequences of the Merger and owning and disposing of Enbridge common shares received in the Merger.
The Merger should be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, in such case, the resulting tax liability of an EEP unitholder, if any, will depend on such unitholders particular situation. The tax liability of an EEP unitholder as a result of the Merger could be more than expected.
EEP unitholders will receive Enbridge common shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, as the Merger Consideration. Although EEP unitholders will receive no cash consideration other than any cash received in lieu of fractional shares, if any, the Merger should be treated as a taxable sale by EEP unitholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, as a result of the Merger, an EEP unitholder will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between such unitholders amount realized and the unitholders adjusted tax basis in the Class A common units. The amount of gain or loss recognized by each EEP unitholder in the Merger will vary depending on each unitholders particular situation, including the value of the Enbridge common shares and the amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, received by each unitholder in the Merger, the adjusted tax basis of the Class A common units exchanged by each unitholder in the Merger, and the amount of any suspended passive losses that may be available to a particular unitholder to offset a portion of the gain recognized by the unitholder.
Because the value of any Enbridge common shares received in the Merger will not be known until the Effective Time of the Merger, an EEP unitholder will not be able to determine its amount realized, and therefore its taxable gain or loss, until such time. In addition, because prior distributions in excess of an EEP unitholders allocable share of EEPs net taxable income decrease such EEP unitholders tax basis in its Class A common units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions with respect to such Class A common units will, in effect, become taxable income to an EEP unitholder if the aggregate value of the consideration received in the Merger is greater than such EEP unitholders adjusted tax basis in its Class A common units, even if the aggregate value of the consideration received in the Merger is less than such EEP unitholders original cost basis in its Class A common units. Furthermore, a portion of this gain or loss, which portion could be substantial, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture or other unrealized receivables or to inventory items owned by EEP.
For a more complete discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger, please read Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125.
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The U.S. federal income tax treatment of EEP unitholders with respect to owning and disposing of any Enbridge common shares received in the Merger will be different than their U.S. federal income tax treatment with respect to owning and disposing of their Class A common units and dividends paid with respect to Enbridge common shares generally will be subject to withholding tax.
EEP is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, generally, is not subject to entity-level U.S. federal income taxes. Instead, each EEP unitholder is required to take into account such unitholders share of items of income, gain, loss, and deduction of EEP in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, regardless of whether cash distributions are made to such EEP unitholder by EEP. A distribution of cash by EEP to an EEP unitholder who is a U.S. holder (as defined in the section titled Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 125) is generally not taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless the amount of cash distributed is in excess of the EEP unitholders adjusted tax basis in its Class A common units. In contrast, Enbridge is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and thus, Enbridge and its subsidiaries (and not the Enbridge shareholders) are subject to taxation on their taxable income. A distribution of cash by Enbridge to a shareholder who is a U.S. holder will generally be included in such U.S. holders income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of Enbridges current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. A portion of the cash distributed to Enbridge shareholders by Enbridge after the Merger may exceed Enbridges current and accumulated earnings and profits. Cash distributions in excess of Enbridges current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital, reducing a U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in such shareholders Enbridge common shares and, to the extent the cash distribution exceeds such shareholders adjusted tax basis, as gain from the sale or exchange of such Enbridge common shares. However, Enbridge does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, each Enbridge shareholder should expect to generally treat distributions made by Enbridge as dividends.
Dividends paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited on Enbridge common shares to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder generally will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, unless the rate is reduced under the provisions of an applicable income tax convention between Canada and the Non-Canadian Resident Holders jurisdiction of residence. For example, the rate of withholding tax under the Treaty applicable to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder who is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Treaty, is the beneficial owner of the dividend and is entitled to all of the benefits under the Treaty, generally will be 15%.
Please read Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger and Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger for a more complete discussion of certain U.S. and Canadian federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of Enbridge common shares.
Future changes to U.S., Canadian and foreign tax laws could adversely affect the combined company.
The U.S. Congress, the Canadian House of Commons, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and other government agencies in jurisdictions where Enbridge and its affiliates do business have been focused on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. Specific attention has been paid to base erosion and profit shifting, where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. As a result, the tax laws in the United States, Canada and other countries in which Enbridge and its affiliates do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such change could adversely affect the combined company.
Further, there can be no assurance that applicable Canadian income tax laws, regulations or tax treaties will not be changed or interpreted in a manner that is, or that applicable taxing authorities will not take administrative positions that are, adverse to Enbridge and its shareholders. Such taxation authorities may also disagree with how Enbridge calculates or has in the past calculated its income for tax purposes. Any such event could adversely affect Enbridge, its share price or the dividends or other payments to be paid to shareholders of Enbridge.
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Risks Related to Enbridges Business
You should read and consider risk factors specific to Enbridges businesses that will also affect the combined company after the completion of the Merger. These risks are described in Part I, Item 1A of Enbridges Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and in other documents that are incorporated by reference herein. See the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166 for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Risks Related to EEPs Business
You should read and consider risk factors specific to EEPs businesses that will also affect the combined company after the completion of the Merger. These risks are described in Part I, Item 1A of EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and in other documents that are incorporated by reference herein. See the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166 for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES
200, 425 - 1st Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada
Phone: 1-403-231-3900
Enbridge is a North American energy infrastructure company with strategic business platforms that include an extensive network of crude oil, liquids and natural gas pipelines, regulated natural gas distribution utilities and renewable power generation assets. Enbridge delivers an average of 2.9 million barrels of crude oil each day through its Mainline and Express Pipeline, and accounts for approximately 62% of United States-bound Canadian crude oil exports. Enbridge also moves approximately 22% of all natural gas consumed in the United States, serving key supply basins and demand markets. Its regulated utilities serve approximately 3.7 million retail customers in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Enbridge also has interests in more than 1,700 megawatts (MW) of net renewable power generation capacity in North America and Europe. Enbridge has ranked on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations index for the past nine years. Enbridge was incorporated on April 13, 1970 under the Companies Ordinance of the Northwest Territories and was continued under the Canada Corporations Act on December 15, 1987. Enbridge indirectly holds all of the outstanding equity interests of Merger Sub, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary formed in Delaware for the sole purpose of completing the Merger.
Enbridge is a public company and the Enbridge common shares trade on both the TSX and the NYSE under the ticker symbol ENB. Enbridges principal executive offices are located at 200, 425 - 1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada, and its telephone number is 1-403-231-3900.
Additional information about Enbridge can be found on its website at https://www.enbridge.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, Enbridges website is not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus. For additional information about Enbridge, see the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: (713) 627-5400
EEP is a publicly-traded Delaware limited partnership that owns and operates crude oil and liquid petroleum transportation and storage assets and natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transportation and marketing assets in the United States. EEP was formed in 1991 by the General Partner to own and operate the Lakehead System, which is the U.S. portion of a crude oil and liquid petroleum pipeline system extending from western Canada through the upper and lower Great Lakes region of the United States to eastern Canada (Mainline System). A subsidiary of Enbridge owns the Canadian portion of the Mainline System. Enbridge is the ultimate parent of the General Partner.
The GP Delegate is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed in May 2002 to manage EEPs business and affairs. Under a delegation of control agreement, the General Partner delegated substantially all of its power and authority to manage and control EEPs business and affairs to the GP Delegate. The General Partner, through its direct ownership of the voting shares of the GP Delegate, elects all of the directors of the GP Delegate. The GP Delegate is the sole owner of all of EEPs i-units.
EEPs executive offices are located at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, and its telephone number is (713) 627-5400.
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Additional information about EEP can be found on its website at https://www.enbridgepartners.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, EEPs website is not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus. For additional information about EEP, see the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone: (713) 627-5400
Merger Sub, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, was formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the Merger. Merger Sub has not carried on any activities or operations to date, except for those activities incidental to its formation and undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. By operation of the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into EEP. As a result, EEP will survive the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge. Upon completion of the Merger, Merger Sub will cease to exist as a separate entity.
Merger Subs principal executive offices are located at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, and its telephone number is (713) 627-5400.
On August 24, 2018, Enbridge and SEP announced that they entered into the SEP merger agreement on the same day under which Enbridge will acquire all of the outstanding public units of SEP, subject to the approval of the SEP unitholders. Under the terms of the SEP merger agreement, SEP public unitholders will receive 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each outstanding public unit of SEP.
On September 18, 2018, Enbridge and EEQ announced that they entered into the EEQ merger agreement on September 17, 2018 under which Enbridge will acquire all of the outstanding public listed shares of EEQ, subject to the approval of the EEQ shareholders. Under the terms of the EEQ merger agreement, EEQ public shareholders will receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share for each listed share of EEQ, which is at parity with the exchange ratio in the Merger. The EEQ merger is conditioned upon the consummation of the Merger.
Also on September 18, 2018, Enbridge and ENF announced that they entered into the arrangement agreement on September 17, 2018 under which Enbridge will acquire all of the issued and outstanding public common shares of ENF, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the ENF arrangement agreement, each common share of ENF will be exchanged for 0.7350 of an Enbridge common share and cash of C$0.45 per common share of ENF, subject to adjustment for certain dividends declared on the Enbridge common shares and the common shares of ENF. The requisite approval of the ENF plan of arrangement by the ENF shareholders was obtained at a special meeting on November 6, 2018. Following the special meeting of ENF shareholders, ENF also received the final approval of the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta with respect to the ENF plan of arrangement.
For more information on the Other Merger Transactions, see the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
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EEP is providing this proxy statement/prospectus to the EEP unitholders for the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the special meeting that EEP has called for the purposes described below. This proxy statement/prospectus is first being mailed to EEP unitholders on or about [ ] and provides EEP unitholders with the information they need to know about the Merger and the proposals to be able to vote or instruct their vote to be cast at the special meeting.
The special meeting will be held on December 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056.
At the special meeting, you will be asked to vote solely on the following proposals:
| Proposal 1: To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement; and |
| Proposal 2: To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time, if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting. |
Special Committee Recommendation
The Special Committee recommends that you vote:
| Proposal 1: FOR approval of the Merger Agreement. |
The GP Delegate Board and the GP Board Recommendation
The GP Delegate Board and the GP Board each recommend that you vote:
| Proposal 1: FOR approval of the Merger Agreement; and |
| Proposal 2: FOR the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time, if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting. |
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board, acting in good faith, unanimously (1) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, (2) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and (3) resolved to recommend approval of the Merger Agreement to the EEP unitholders. See the sections titled The MergerRecommendation of the Special Committee beginning on page 72, The MergerRecommendation of the GP Delegate beginning on page 72, The MergerRecommendation of the GP Board beginning on page 72 and The MergerReasons for the Recommendation of the Special Committee beginning on page 72.
In considering the recommendation of the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board with respect to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, you should be aware that some of the GP Delegates and the General Partners directors and executive officers may have interests that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of EEP unitholders more generally. See the section titled The MergerRelationship of the Parties to the Merger Agreement beginning on page 96.
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Record Date; Outstanding EEP Units; Units Entitled to Vote
The Record Date for the special meeting is November 5, 2018. Only holders of Outstanding EEP units as of the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
As of November 5, 2018, there were 326,517,110 Class A common units, 7.8 million Class B common units, 18.1 million Class E units and 98.6 million i-units of EEP outstanding and that would be entitled to vote at the special meeting. Each holder as of the Record Date of Class A common units, Class B common units, Class E units and i-units of EEP is entitled to one vote for each unit owned. Class F units of EEP have no voting rights and therefore holders of Class F units are not entitled to any votes for their respective Class F units at the special meeting.
A complete list of EEP unitholders entitled to vote at the special meeting will be available for inspection at the principal place of business of EEP during regular business hours for a period of no less than ten days before the special meeting and at the place of the special meeting during the meeting.
A quorum of EEP unitholders is required to approve the Merger Agreement at the special meeting, but not to approve any adjournment of the meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of EEP unitholders representing 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units on the Record Date will constitute a quorum for the special meeting. Any abstentions will be counted as present in determining whether a quorum is present at the special meeting.
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote by, (1) the holders of 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than any Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of, Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, must vote in favor of approval of the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, an EEP unitholders failure to submit a proxy or to vote in person at the special meeting or to abstain from voting, or the failure of an EEP unitholder who holds his or her EEP units in street name through a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary to give voting instructions to such bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the Merger Agreement.
Adjournment of the special meeting from time to time by limited partner action, if necessary to solicit additional proxies, if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting, requires (1) if a quorum does not exist, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting or (2) if a quorum does exist, the affirmative vote of 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. EEP units not represented in person at the special meeting and for which no proxy has been submitted will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to adjourn the special meeting if a quorum is not present. If a quorum is present, they would have the same effect as a vote against any adjournment proposal.
Unit Ownership of and Voting by Enbridge and the General Partners and GP Delegates Directors and Executive Officers
As of November 5, 2018, Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than the GP Delegate) held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units, Class B common units and Class E units of EEP, and the GP
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Delegates shares corresponding to i-units of EEP, representing approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, and, as of November 5, 2018, the directors and executive officers, and their affiliates, of the General Partner and the GP Delegate held and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, Class A common units and the GP Delegates shares corresponding to i-units of EEP, representing less than 1.0% of the Outstanding EEP units. Enbridge has agreed in the Merger Agreement that, subject to limited exceptions, it and its subsidiaries would vote their respective EEP units and EEQ shares FOR the Merger Agreement proposal, and we believe that Enbridge and its subsidiaries intend to vote their respective EEP units and EEQ shares FOR any adjournment proposal. We believe the General Partners and the GP Delegates directors and executive officers intend to vote all of their respective EEP units and EEQ shares FOR the Merger Agreement proposal and FOR any adjournment proposal. The GP Delegate will submit the Merger Agreement proposal and any adjournment proposal to a vote of the GP Delegate shareholders to determine how the GP Delegate will vote the EEP i-units at the special meeting.
Voting of Units by Holders of Record
If you are entitled to vote at the special meeting and hold your EEP units in your own name, you can submit a proxy or vote in person by completing a ballot at the special meeting. However, we encourage you to submit a proxy before the special meeting even if you plan to attend the special meeting in order to ensure that your units are voted. A proxy is a legal designation of another person to vote your EEP units on your behalf in the manner you instruct. If you hold EEP units in your own name, you may submit a proxy for your EEP units by:
| calling the toll-free number specified on the enclosed proxy card and following the instructions when prompted; |
| accessing the Internet website specified on the enclosed proxy card and following the instructions provided to you; or |
| filling out, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the prepaid envelope included with these proxy materials. |
When you submit a proxy by telephone or through the Internet, your proxy is recorded immediately. We encourage you to submit your proxy using these methods whenever possible. If you submit a proxy by telephone or the Internet website, please do not return your proxy card by mail.
All outstanding EEP units represented by each properly executed and valid proxy received before the special meeting will be voted in accordance with the instructions given on the proxy. If an EEP unitholder executes a proxy card without giving instructions, the EEP units represented by that proxy card will be voted FOR approval of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and FOR approval of any adjournment proposal.
Your vote is important. Accordingly, please submit your proxy by telephone, through the Internet or by mail, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person. Proxies must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [ ], [ ].
Voting of Units Held in Street Name
If your EEP units are held in an account at a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, you must instruct the bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary on how to vote your EEP units by following the instructions that the bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary provides to you with these proxy materials. Most banks, brokers, nominees, trust companies and other fiduciaries offer the ability for unitholders to submit voting instructions by mail by completing a voting instruction card, by telephone and via the Internet.
If you hold your EEP units in a brokerage account and you do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your EEP units will not be voted on any proposal, as under the current rules of the NYSE, brokers do not
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have discretionary authority to vote on the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement or any adjournment proposal. Since there are no items on the agenda which your broker has discretionary authority to vote upon, there will be no broker non-votes present at the special meeting.
If you hold EEP units through a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary and wish to vote your EEP units in person at the special meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary and present it to the inspector with your ballot when you vote at the special meeting.
Revocability of Proxies; Changing Your Vote
You may revoke your proxy and/or change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting. If you are an EEP unitholder of record, you can do this by:
| sending a written notice stating that you revoke your proxy bearing a date later than the date of the proxy to EEP at 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, Attn: Corporate Secretary; |
| submitting a valid, later-dated proxy by mail, telephone or Internet; or |
| attending the special meeting and voting by ballot in person (your attendance at the special meeting will not, by itself, revoke any proxy that you have previously given). |
If you choose to revoke your proxy by written notice or submit a later-dated proxy, you must do so by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the day before the special meeting.
If you hold your EEP units through a bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, you must follow the directions you receive from your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary, in order to revoke or change your vote.
EEP will bear all costs and expenses in connection with the solicitation of proxies from its unitholders, except that Enbridge has agreed to pay all expenses of printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and all filing fees payable to the SEC in connection with this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, EEP will request that banks, brokers and other record holders send proxies and proxy material to the beneficial owners of EEP units and secure their voting instructions, if necessary. EEP will reimburse the banks, brokers and other record holders for their reasonable expenses in taking those actions. EEP has also made arrangements with D.F. King & Co., Inc. to assist in soliciting proxies and in communicating with EEP unitholders and estimates that it will pay them a fee of approximately US$15,000, plus fees on a per call basis and reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses for these services.
EEP Unitholders should not send unit certificates with their proxies. A letter of transmittal and instructions for the surrender of the EEP unit certificates will be mailed to EEP Unitholders shortly after the completion of the Merger.
The SEC has adopted a rule concerning the delivery of annual reports and proxy statements. It permits EEP, with your permission, to send a single notice of meeting and, to the extent requested, a single set of this proxy statement/prospectus to any household at which two or more unitholders reside if EEP believes they are members of the same family. This rule is called householding, and its purpose is to help reduce printing and mailing costs of proxy materials.
A number of brokerage firms have instituted householding. If you and members of your household have multiple accounts holding EEP units, you may have received a householding notification from your broker.
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Please contact your broker directly if you have questions, require additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or wish to revoke your decision to household. These options are available to you at any time.
Adjournments may be made from time to time for the purpose of, among other things, soliciting additional proxies. Adjournment of the special meeting by EEP limited partner action requires (1) if a quorum does not exist, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting or (2) if a quorum does exist, the affirmative vote of 662⁄3% of the outstanding EEP units represented in person or by proxy at the special meeting. EEP is not required to notify EEP unitholders of any adjournment of 45 days or less if the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting. At any adjourned meeting, EEP may transact any business that it might have transacted at the original meeting, provided that a quorum is present at such adjourned meeting. References to the special meeting in this proxy statement/prospectus are to such special meeting as adjourned or postponed.
All holders of outstanding EEP units as of the close of business on the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the special meeting. Seating, however, is limited. Admission to the special meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., local time, and seating will begin at 9:30 a.m., local time. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the special meeting.
Unitholders will be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a drivers license or passport. Please note that if you hold your EEP units in street name, you will also need to bring a copy of the voting instruction card that you receive from your bank, broker, nominee, trust company or other fiduciary in connection with the special meeting or a brokerage statement reflecting your EEP unit ownership as of the close of business on the record date and check in at the registration desk at the special meeting.
If you need assistance in completing your proxy card, have questions regarding the special meeting, or would like additional copies, without charge, of this proxy statement/prospectus, please contact D.F. King & Co., Inc. toll-free at (800) 549-6746 (banks and brokers call collect at (212) 269-5550) or by email at Enbridge@dfking.com.
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PROPOSAL 1: THE MERGER PROPOSAL
EEP Unitholders are being asked to approve the Merger Agreement. Approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger is a condition to the closing of the Merger. If the Merger Agreement is not approved, the Merger will not occur. For a detailed discussion of the Merger and the Merger Agreement, see the sections titled The Merger beginning on page 52 and The Merger Agreement beginning on page 100.
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote by (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than any Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommend that EEP Unitholders vote FOR the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
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PROPOSAL 2: THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
EEP Unitholders are being asked to approve the adjournment of the special meeting from time to time, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, if there are insufficient votes at the time of such adjournment to approve such proposal. If, at the special meeting, the number of Class A common units present or represented and voting in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement is insufficient to approve the corresponding proposal, the General Partner may move to adjourn the special meeting from time to time for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies for approval of such proposals.
If submitted to a vote of EEP Unitholders, approval of an adjournment of the special meeting from time to time to solicit additional proxies, if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement at the time of the special meeting, requires (1) if a quorum does not exist, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting or (2) if a quorum does exist, the affirmative vote of 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units represented either in person or by proxy at the special meeting.
The GP Delegate Board and the GP Board recommend that EEP Unitholders vote FOR the approval of the Adjournment Proposal.
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This discussion of the Merger is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex A and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. You should read the entire Merger Agreement carefully as it is the legal document that governs the Merger.
The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and conditions in the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the EEP Partnership Agreement, the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (DLLCA) and the DRULPA, at the Effective Time of the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into EEP, with EEP being the surviving entity of the Merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge.
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the merger and without any action on the part of the parties or any holder of EEP partnership interests, each Class A common unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the Excluded Units) will be converted into the right to receive Enbridge common shares in exchange for such holders Class A common units at the Exchange Ratio.
If the Exchange Ratio would result in an EEP unitholder being entitled to receive, after aggregating all fractional units which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive in connection with the Merger and rounding to three decimal places, a fraction of an Enbridge common share, such holder will receive a cash payment (without interest, rounded down to the nearest cent) in lieu of such fractional Enbridge common share in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the amount of the fractional share interest in an Enbridge common share to which such holder would be entitled and (2) an amount equal to the average of the volume-weighted average price per share of Enbridge common shares on the NYSE (as reported by Bloomberg L.P., or, if not reported therein, in another authoritative source mutually selected by Enbridge and EEP) on the trading day immediately prior to the Effective Time for ten trading days ending on the fifth full business day immediately prior to the Closing Date.
The Enbridge Board and senior management of Enbridge, with the assistance of Enbridges financial and legal advisors, from time to time review and consider various potential strategic opportunities and alternatives in light of industry, regulatory and economic trends and developments. As part of such review, Enbridge has evaluated potential transactions, including various transactions with respect to its sponsored vehicles, to advance its strategic objective of streamlining Enbridges business to create value for Enbridges and its sponsored vehicles security holders.
On September 6, 2016, Enbridge and Spectra Energy announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Enbridge and Spectra Energy would combine in a stock-for-stock merger transaction. In connection therewith, Enbridge began to conduct an internal review with the objective of improving EEPs financial position and future outlook.
On January 27, 2017, in connection with their quarterly business updates, Enbridge and EEP announced that the strategic review of EEP was ongoing, and EEP was considering (a) the sustainability of EEPs current level of distributions to unitholders, (b) further cost efficiency measures, (c) the potential extension of existing supportive actions by Enbridge with respect to EEP, (d) the sale of a portion or all of its remaining interests in the natural gas gathering and processing assets, including to Enbridge, and (e) potential further restructuring of the general partner incentive distribution rights.
On February 27, 2017, Enbridge and Spectra Energy completed their previously announced combination.
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On April 28, 2017, EEP announced that its strategic review had concluded, and it had taken several actions to strengthen EEPs financial position and outlook, including modifying EEPs capital structure, including its incentive distribution mechanism, and reducing quarterly distributions from US$0.583 per unit to US$0.350 per unit.
Following the conclusion of the strategic review of EEP, Enbridge continued throughout 2017 to evaluate and consider various potential strategic opportunities and alternatives, including with respect to EEP and its other sponsored vehicles.
On November 2, 2017, Enbridge filed with the SEC Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule 13D, filed by Enbridge and certain of its affiliates with the SEC on December 4, 2008 with respect to its investment in EEP (the EEP Schedule 13D). Enbridge disclosed in Amendment No. 4 to the EEP Schedule 13D that, as part of its ongoing evaluation of its investment in EEP, and alternatives to that investment, including a potential consolidation, acquisition or sale of assets or EEP units, or changes to EEPs capital structure, Enbridge may, from time to time, formulate plans or proposals with respect to such matters and hold discussions with or make formal proposals to the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of the delegate of the General Partner, other holders of EEP units or other third parties regarding such matters. Also on November 2, 2017, Enbridge filed with the SEC Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D, filed by Enbridge and certain of its affiliates with the SEC on October 28, 2002 with respect to its investment in EEQ (the EEQ Schedule 13D). Enbridge disclosed in Amendment No. 2 to the EEQ Schedule 13D that, as part of its ongoing evaluation of its investment in EEQ, and alternatives to that investment, including a potential consolidation, acquisition or sale of assets or listed shares of EEQ, or changes to EEQs capital structure, Enbridge may, from time to time, formulate plans or proposals with respect to such matters and hold discussions with or make formal proposals to the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of EEQ, other holders of listed shares of EEQ or other third parties regarding such matters.
On November 29, 2017, Enbridge announced the finalization of its strategic plan and financial outlook for 2018 through 2020, including Enbridges key objectives of growing organically, minimizing risk and streamlining Enbridges business.
On December 22, 2017, the United States implemented U.S. tax reform. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law and became enacted for tax purposes. Substantially all of the provisions of the TCJA are effective for taxation years beginning after December 31, 2017. The most significant change included in the TCJA was a reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. This tax rate change caused EEP to reduce the income tax allowance component of the tolls in its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the FERC) regulated cost-of-service based Facility Surcharge Mechanism projects.
On February 15, 2018, EEP announced in connection with its quarterly business update that the total annual impact to EEP of U.S. tax reform was expected to be a US$55 million per year reduction to distributable cash flow, net of noncontrolling interests.
On March 15, 2018, the FERC revised a long-standing policy, announcing in a revised policy statement that it would no longer permit entities organized as master limited partnerships (MLPs) to recover an income tax allowance for interstate pipeline assets with cost-of-service rates. The FERC also, among other things, issued a notice seeking comment on how the FERC should address changes related to accumulated deferred income taxes (ADIT) (collectively, with the revised policy statement, the March FERC Announcement). The trading price of Enbridges, EEPs and EEQs publicly-traded securities reacted negatively to the March FERC Announcement, including (a) Enbridge common shares closing 4.9% lower the day of the March FERC Announcement and 4.8% lower three weeks after the day of the March FERC Announcement, (b) the Class A common units closing 17.3% lower the day of the March FERC Announcement and 23.7% lower three weeks after the day of the March FERC Announcement and (c) the listed shares of EEQ closing 15.6% lower the day of the March FERC Announcement and 23.2% lower three weeks after the day of the March FERC Announcement, in each case, compared to their respective closing prices on the NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the March FERC Announcement.
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On March 16, 2018, Enbridge announced that it was continuing to assess options to mitigate the effects of the March FERC Announcement on Enbridges sponsored vehicles, including through the acquisition of all of Enbridges sponsored vehicles by Enbridge, but that Enbridge did not expect a material impact to its previously disclosed 2018-2020 consolidated financial guidance as a result of the March FERC Announcement.
Also on March 16, 2018, EEP announced that, based on its preliminary assessment of the March FERC Announcement, the financial impact to EEP for 2018 was expected to be an approximate US$100 million reduction in revenues and US$60 million reduction to distributable cash flow, net of noncontrolling interests.
On April 24, 2018, the Enbridge Board held a telephonic meeting to discuss the financial effects of the March FERC Announcement on Enbridge, its sponsored vehicles, and the MLP market more broadly, as well as options with respect to minimizing those effects. Enbridge management highlighted the negative impact of the March FERC Announcement and the decline in the effectiveness of the MLP business model and recommended acceleration of Enbridges review of a potential corporate simplification.
Throughout April and May 2018, Enbridge management also developed updated projections for its sponsored vehicles, including extended five-year projections through 2022, in light of the March FERC Announcement and in connection with Enbridges review of a potential corporate simplification.
On May 9, 2018, in connection with its quarterly business update, EEP announced that the financial impact to EEP for 2018 from the combination of U.S. tax reform and the March FERC Announcement was expected to be a US$125 million reduction to distributable cash flow, net of noncontrolling interests, and exclusive of a payback of ADIT, and that EEP was continuing to evaluate options to mitigate the negative impact of the March FERC Announcement as previously announced.
On May 10, 2018, Enbridge released its quarterly report for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, which stated, among other things, that the March FERC Announcement was adversely affecting MLPs generally, including EEP, due to both the direct consequences of the changes in FERC policy and the possible negative impact on the longer-term availability of capital on attractive terms to EEP.
On May 16, 2018, the Enbridge Board held a telephonic meeting, which was also attended by representatives of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (BofAML) and Scotia Capital Inc., financial advisors to Enbridge, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (S&C) and McCarthy Tétrault LLP, legal advisors to Enbridge, to discuss Enbridge managements conclusions and recommendations following completion of their review of a potential corporate simplification. Enbridge management noted that the unit and share prices of Enbridges sponsored vehicles, including EEP, weakened significantly following the March FERC Announcement, making them an ineffective source of capital for Enbridge, relative to alternative equity sources. Enbridge management also discussed potential alternatives to a buy-in of all of Enbridges sponsored vehicles, including maintaining Enbridges existing corporate structure or converting the sponsored vehicles into C-corporations for tax purposes but maintaining them as public vehicles. Following a discussion by the Enbridge Board of the potential risks and benefits of a buy-in of Enbridges sponsored vehicles and the viability of various alternatives, the Enbridge Board authorized Enbridge management to make an offer to each of its sponsored vehicles to acquire the outstanding public equity securities of the sponsored vehicles through separate combination transactions.
On May 17, 2018, representatives of Enbridge delivered a proposal (the EEP Initial Proposal) to the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of the delegate of the General Partner, to acquire all of the outstanding Class A common units not already owned by Enbridge and its affiliates through a merger between EEP and Merger Sub, at an exchange ratio of 0.3083 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit. On the same day, representatives of Enbridge delivered a separate proposal (the EEQ Initial Proposal) to the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of EEQ, to acquire all of the outstanding listed shares of EEQ not already owned by Enbridge and its affiliates
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through a merger between EEQ and Winter Acquisition Sub I, Inc., at an exchange ratio of 0.2887 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. Also on the same day, representatives of Enbridge delivered proposals to each of SEP and ENF to acquire the outstanding publicly-traded equity securities of those sponsored vehicles, at exchange ratios of (a) 1.0123 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held common unit of SEP, and (b) 0.7029 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held common share of ENF.
On May 17, 2018, immediately following the delivery of the EEP Initial Proposal, EEQ Initial Proposal and the proposals with respect to SEP and ENF, Enbridge publicly announced that it had made such proposals and that Enbridge believed that both the direct consequences of the March FERC Announcement, as well as the adverse market effects following such announcement, weakened EEP and EEQs credit profile and made them ineffective and unreliable standalone financing vehicles to support Enbridges growth. Enbridge further announced that it believed that, on a standalone basis, EEP would face the cessation of distribution growth and potential reductions in cash distribution to unitholders as early as 2019. On the same day, Enbridge also amended its Schedule 13Ds with respect to its investments in SEP, EEP and EEQ.
On May 17, 2018, the GP Delegate Board held a telephonic meeting to discuss the offer received from Enbridge. Following that discussion, the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of the delegate of the General Partner, formally constituted the Special Committee and appointed Messrs. Connelly (Chair), Waldheim and Westbrook to serve on the Special Committee. The GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of the delegate of the General Partner, authorized the Special Committee to (a) review, evaluate, consider and negotiate the proposed acquisition by Enbridge, through a wholly owned subsidiary, of all of the Class A common units that are not already owned by Enbridge and its affiliates (including the amount and form of consideration to be paid in connection therewith), (b) consider alternatives to such proposed transaction, if any, (c) approve or disapprove, as the case may be, such proposed transaction and the agreements related thereto, (d) make such recommendations to the GP Delegate Board as it deems appropriate, including whether or not the GP Delegate Board should approve such proposed transaction and the agreements related thereto, (e) make all determinations and take all actions with respect to such proposed transaction and the agreements related thereto as may be authorized and contemplated thereby, and (f) do all things that may, in the judgment of the Special Committee, be deemed necessary, appropriate or advisable to assist the GP Delegate Board in carrying out its responsibilities with respect to such proposed transaction.
Also on May 17, 2018, the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of EEQ, also formally constituted a special committee of the board of directors of EEQ (the EEQ Special Committee and together with the Special Committee, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees) and appointed Messrs. Connelly (Chair), Waldheim and Westbrook to the EEQ Special Committee. The GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of EEQ, authorized the EEQ Special Committee to (a) review, evaluate, consider and negotiate the proposed acquisition by Enbridge, through a wholly owned subsidiary, of all of the listed shares of EEQ that are not already owned by Enbridge and its affiliates (including the amount and form of consideration to be paid in connection therewith), (b) consider alternatives to such proposed transaction, if any, (c) approve or disapprove, as the case may be, such proposed transaction and the agreements related thereto, (d) make such recommendations to the GP Delegate Board as it deems appropriate, including whether or not the GP Delegate Board should approve such proposed transaction, (e) make all determinations and take all actions with respect to such proposed transaction and the agreements related thereto as may be authorized and contemplated thereby, and (f) do all things that may, in the judgment of the EEQ Special Committee, be deemed necessary, appropriate or advisable to assist the GP Delegate Board in carrying out its responsibilities with respect to such proposed transaction. In establishing the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, the GP Delegate Board considered, among other things, that Mr. Connellys son was employed by Midcoast Operating, L.P. (Midcoast), which at the time was a subsidiary of Enbridge. Enbridge had previously announced on May 9, 2018, that it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell Midcoast and its subsidiaries, and such transaction was completed on August 1, 2018. The GP Delegate Board also took into consideration that Messrs. Connelly and Westbrook had previously served on the
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special committee of the GP Delegate Board that reviewed and recommended the 2015 Transaction (the 2015 Special Committee) and are named as defendants in the Derivative Action.
Throughout the process of considering the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Initial Proposal, EEP and EEQ received communications from their respective unitholders and shareholders, which communications were provided to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their legal and respective financial advisors and considered by the EEP/EEQ Special Committees as part of the review process.
On May 17, 2018, Mr. Connelly contacted representatives of Bracewell regarding the potential engagement of Bracewell as legal advisor to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees. In connection with engaging Bracewell, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees considered, among other things, that Bracewell served as legal counsel to the 2015 Special Committee. An engagement letter dated May 17, 2018, detailing the terms of Bracewells engagement as legal advisor to the Special Committee, was subsequently executed and an engagement letter dated May 17, 2018, detailing the terms of Bracewells engagement as legal advisor to the EEQ Special Committee, was subsequently executed.
Between May 17, 2018 and May 31, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and Bracewell held discussions concerning whether the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee should retain a single financial advisor for both committees or separate financial advisors for each committee. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees determined to retain separate financial advisors for each committee. On May 17, 2018, Mr. Connelly and representatives of Evercore discussed the potential engagement of Evercore as financial advisor to the Special Committee. On May 17, 2018, Mr. Waldheim and representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed the potential engagement of Goldman Sachs as financial advisor to the EEQ Special Committee. Mr. Connelly also contacted representatives of a second investment bank regarding the potential engagement of such investment bank as financial advisor to the EEQ Special Committee.
On May 18, 2018, EEP and EEQ each issued a press release announcing the receipt of the EEP Initial Proposal and EEQ Initial Proposal, respectively, from Enbridge, and that the GP Delegate Board had established the EEP/EEQ Special Committees to review and consider such proposals.
On May 31, 2018, the Special Committee held a meeting in person at the offices of Bracewell in Houston, Texas, with representatives of Bracewell and Evercore. Representatives of Bracewell provided an overview of the proposed Merger and the legal framework that governs the Special Committees review, and representatives of Evercore provided an overview of the proposed Merger structure, process and timing. On June 4, 2018, Evercore delivered a disclosure letter regarding its relationships with Enbridge and its affiliates to the Special Committee and Bracewell. An engagement letter dated June 4, 2018, detailing the terms of Evercores engagement, was subsequently executed.
Also on May 31, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a meeting in person at the offices of Bracewell in Houston, Texas, with representatives of Bracewell. At such meeting, the EEQ Special Committee conducted interviews with two investment banks regarding their potential service as financial advisor to the EEQ Special Committee. Following such interviews, the EEQ Special Committee determined to retain Goldman Sachs as financial advisor to the EEQ Special Committee. On June 5, 2018, Goldman Sachs delivered an executed disclosure letter regarding certain of its relationships with Enbridge, EEP, ENF and SEP to the EEQ Special Committee and Bracewell. An engagement letter dated June 18, 2018, detailing the terms of Goldman Sachs engagement, was subsequently executed.
On June 3, 2018, the directors of the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of the delegate of the General Partner, determined that (a) each member of the Special Committee would receive a special retainer fee of US$40,000, plus US$1,500 for each related meeting of the Special Committee (or subcommittee thereof) and an additional US$1,500 for any required travel to Houston, Texas for an in-person meeting, and (b) the Chair of the Special Committee would receive an additional retainer fee of US$40,000. In
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the event that the Merger is consummated, each member of the Special Committee would receive an additional hourly fee of US$500 for any time spent in connection with any litigation arising out of their service on the Special Committee. Also on June 3, 2018, the directors of the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of EEQ, determined that (a) each member of the EEQ Special Committee (or subcommittee thereof) would receive a special retainer fee of US$40,000, plus US$1,500 for each related meeting of the EEQ Special Committee and an additional US$1,500 for any required travel to Houston, Texas for an in-person meeting, and (b) the Chair of the EEQ Special Committee would receive an additional retainer fee of US$40,000. In the event that the EEQ Merger is consummated, each member of the EEQ Special Committee would receive an additional hourly fee of US$500 for any time spent in connection with any litigation arising out of their service on the EEQ Special Committee.
On June 4, 2018, representatives of Bracewell held discussions with representatives of Friedlander & Gorris, P.A. (Friedlander & Gorris), counsel to the plaintiffs in the Derivative Action, concerning a possible meeting with the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and plaintiffs counsel in the Derivative Action.
On June 5, 2018, members of Enbridge management, along with representatives of BofAML, S&C and Enbridges tax advisors, conducted an in-person presentation to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees at a joint meeting thereof, held at the offices of Enbridge in Houston, Texas. Representatives of Bracewell, Evercore and Goldman Sachs also were present during the meeting. During the meeting, representatives of Enbridge management explained to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their respective advisors the background to and strategic rationale for the proposed Merger, including, among other things, the decreasing fund flows and equity capital available to MLPs, industry trending toward simplification transactions and streamlined structures and the increasing focus on self-funding business models, the proposed EEQ Merger and the Other Merger Transactions, and Enbridge managements five-year projections for Enbridge on a standalone basis and pro forma, taking into account the proposed Merger, the proposed EEQ Merger and the Other Merger Transactions, and standalone projections for EEP.
Also on June 5, 2018, after completion of the presentation from Enbridge management, the members of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint meeting with their respective advisors, including representatives of Bracewell, Evercore and Goldman Sachs, to discuss their initial impressions of the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Initial Proposal and the process for evaluating the transactions. Also at the meeting, representatives of Bracewell advised the EEP/EEQ Special Committees that Friedlander & Gorris had requested a meeting with the EEP/EEQ Special Committees concerning the Derivative Action. Also at the meeting, each of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee determined to engage MNAT as special Delaware counsel to assist with its review of the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Initial Proposal, respectively. In connection with engaging MNAT, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees considered, among other things, that MNAT is serving as legal counsel to certain defendants in the Derivative Action, including Messrs. Connelly and Westbrook. An engagement letter dated June 25, 2018, detailing the terms of MNATs engagement as legal advisor to the Special Committee, was subsequently executed, and an engagement letter dated June 25, 2018, detailing the terms of MNATs engagement as legal advisor to the EEQ Special Committee, was subsequently executed.
On June 12, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell and MNAT. During the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed and considered the current structure of the two committees and their respective advisors. They considered, in particular, whether the two committees should be comprised of different individuals and whether the two committees should have separate and non-overlapping legal and financial advisors. Representatives of Bracewell and MNAT provided an overview of the provisions in the EEP Partnership Agreement and the Limited Liability Company Agreement of EEQ relating to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees respective roles in reviewing the transactions, and the many considerations relating to the structure of the two committees including, among other considerations, that (a) the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger would be negotiated simultaneously but that EEP and EEQ were each negotiating with Enbridge and not with one another, (b) the proposed EEQ Merger was conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed Merger, (c) the standards governing the approval of related-party transactions
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are substantially the same for both EEP and EEQ, and that each of the EEP Partnership Agreement and the EEQ LLC Agreement provide that the fair and reasonable nature of a transaction shall be considered in the context of all similar or related transactions and (4) Messrs. Connelly, Waldheim and Westbrook owned Class A common units and did not own listed shares of EEQ. Also during the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, together with their legal advisors, discussed certain challenges and considerations in evaluating the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger, respectively, including, among other things, the taxable nature of the proposed Merger to EEP unitholders, combined with the fact that the merger consideration consisted of Enbridge common shares, and the fact that the U.S. federal tax consequences of the proposed Merger would vary among EEP unitholders depending upon, among other things, the EEP unitholders individual tax characteristics and how long they had owned the Class A common units. During the meeting and in light of the factors discussed with Bracewell and MNAT, Messrs. Connelly, Waldheim and Westbrook determined that each of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee would continue to be comprised of the same persons and be represented by a single set of legal advisors and separate financial advisors, as was currently the arrangement.
On June 13, 2018, representatives of Bracewell and MNAT held discussions with representatives of Friedlander & Gorris concerning a possible meeting with the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and plaintiffs counsel in the Derivative Action.
On June 13, 2018, Enbridge opened an electronic data room to provide materials responsive to due diligence requests made by the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their legal and respective financial advisors. From June 13, 2018, until the execution of the Merger Agreement and the EEQ Merger Agreement, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their respective advisors conducted due diligence on Enbridge, EEP and EEQ, including through the review of materials made available in the data room and conference calls between representatives of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their respective advisors and representatives of Enbridge.
During the week of June 18, 2018, representatives of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees provided Enbridge initial due diligence requests with respect to certain legal and financial information of Enbridge.
On June 27, 2018, the Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell and Evercore. During the meeting, representatives of Evercore presented a preliminary analysis to the Special Committee of the financial terms of the proposed Merger based on the financial projections received from EEP and Enbridge management (the Management Projections). Also during the meeting, representatives of Bracewell provided the Special Committee with an overview of communications received from EEP unitholders and EEQ shareholders and a summary of the March FERC Announcement.
On June 28, 2018, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the issuance of a Certificate of Need and pipeline route for construction of Enbridges United States Line 3 Replacement Program in Minnesota (the Line 3 Approval). The Enbridge common shares closed 4.5% percent higher the day of the Line 3 Approval and 10.8% percent higher one week after the day of the Line 3 Approval, the Class A common units closed 3.7% higher the day of the Line 3 Approval and 8.6% higher one week after the day of the Line 3 Approval, and the listed shares of EEQ closed 2.5% higher the day of the Line 3 Approval and 8.9% higher one week after the day of the Line 3 Approval, in each case, compared to their respective closing prices on the NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the Line 3 Approval.
On June 28, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Goldman Sachs. During the meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the EEQ Special Committee Goldman Sachs preliminary, illustrative financial analysis of the proposed EEQ Merger. At the end of the meeting, after discussing Goldman Sachs presentation, the EEQ Special Committee engaged its advisors in a discussion of negotiating strategy including, among other things, whether to value the listed shares of EEQ and the Class A common units at parity for purposes of negotiation and whether to submit a joint responsive proposal to Enbridge for both the proposed EEQ Merger and the proposed Merger instead of separate responsive proposals, and the committee agreed to defer consideration of any potential counterproposal until
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after Goldman Sachs had received certain additional financial and other information from EEP and Enbridge and until after such time as the EEQ Special Committee had the opportunity to further consider the Derivative Action. Also during the meeting, representatives of Bracewell provided an overview of legal considerations relating to the proposed EEQ Merger, including, among other things, issues relating to the March FERC Announcement and a summary of purchase rights held by Enbridge and certain of its affiliates under the Limited Liability Company Agreement of EEQ and its legal advisors views on whether any of those purchase rights were implicated by the proposed EEQ Merger or the proposed Merger.
On July 6, 2018, representatives of S&C provided representatives of Bracewell with (a) an initial draft of the Merger Agreement and (b) an initial draft of the EEQ Merger Agreement. The key economic terms of the initial draft merger agreements were consistent with the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Initial Proposal, respectively.
On July 10, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Goldman Sachs. During the meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the EEQ Special Committee Goldman Sachs preliminary, illustrative financial analysis of the proposed EEQ Merger.
On July 11, 2018, the Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Evercore. During the meeting, representatives of Evercore presented the Special Committee with a preliminary analysis of the financial terms of the proposed Merger. The Special Committee also discussed the fact that representatives of BofAML had advised Evercore prior to the meeting that Enbridge was unwilling to convert EEP into a C-corporation for tax purposes. Following the presentation, the Special Committee and its advisors engaged in a discussion regarding Evercores presentation and the Special Committees strategy for developing a potential responsive proposal to Enbridge including, among other things, whether to value the Class A common units and the listed shares of EEQ at parity for purposes of negotiation and whether to submit a joint responsive proposal for each of the proposed EEQ Merger and the proposed Merger, and the committee determined to prepare a joint responsive proposal to Enbridge in respect of both the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger and agreed to defer consideration of any potential counter proposal until after its advisors could complete additional diligence and until after such time as the Special Committee had the opportunity to further consider the Derivative Action. The Special Committee further determined to convene a joint meeting of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their respective advisors once the additional diligence had been completed. Also during the meeting, representatives of Bracewell provided an analysis of the potential U.S. federal tax impact of the proposed Merger utilizing information obtained from Enbridge management. Following discussion, the Special Committee directed Evercore to request additional financial information with respect to tax matters from Enbridge management.
On July 13, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint meeting in person at the offices of Bracewell in Houston, Texas, with representatives of Bracewell, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate information relating to the Derivative Action. The Special Committee, the EEQ Special Committee, Bracewell, Evercore and Goldman Sachs were joined by representatives of the following organizations at different times and in separate meetings: (a) Brager, Eagel & Squire P.C. and Friedlander & Gorris, counsel to the plaintiffs in the Derivative Action, and (b) Paul Hastings LLP and MNAT (telephonically), counsel to certain defendants in the Derivative Action, including Messrs. Connelly and Westbrook. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees had requested the representatives views on the Derivative Action in order to review, evaluate and consider the Derivative Action and to determine the value in connection with its review of the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger, respectively. During the meeting with representatives of Brager, Eagel & Squire P.C. and Friedlander & Gorris, the representatives shared and discussed their views on the Derivative Action and estimated that damages in the Derivative Action were US$743.8 million plus interest of approximately US$186.0 million. Representatives of Brager, Eagel & Squire P.C. and Friedlander & Gorris also advised the EEP/EEQ Special Committees that they would be open to engaging in a mediation process with Enbridge with the objective of settling the Derivative Action. During the meeting with representatives of Paul Hastings LLP and MNAT, the representatives of Paul Hastings LLP shared and discussed its views on the Derivative Action.
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On July 13, 2018, the Derivative Action Plaintiff filed the Fourth Amended Complaint with respect to the Derivative Action with the Delaware Chancery Court, bringing derivative claims on behalf of EEP against the General Partner and EEQ, and bringing direct claims on behalf of the unitholders of EEP against the General Partner and Enbridge (the Direct Claims), among others, and alleging total damages in an amount exceeding US$500 million based in part upon the impact on such EEP unitholders of the special tax allocation which had been approved as part of the 2015 Transaction. The Derivative Action Plaintiff also contended that such special tax allocation unfairly reallocated tax obligations to public unitholders of EEP on more than US$880 million in EEP income.
On July 13, 2018 and July 16, 2018, representatives of Bracewell held telephonic meetings with representatives of S&C, in its capacity as counsel to Enbridge in the Derivative Action, to discuss certain matters related to the Derivative Action. During the meeting on July 16, 2018, representatives of S&C advised representatives of Bracewell that Enbridge was not prepared at that time to participate in the mediation process proposed by Brager, Eagel & Squire P.C. and Friedlander & Gorris.
On July 16, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Goldman Sachs. During the meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the EEQ Special Committee Goldman Sachs preliminary, illustrative financial analysis of the proposed EEQ Merger. Representatives of Bracewell then presented a summary of considerations that had been raised during prior meetings of each of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee regarding whether any responsive proposal to Enbridge in respect of each of the proposed transactions should value the listed shares of EEQ and the Class A common units at parity for purposes of negotiation and outlining certain related considerations, including that the Class A common units and the listed shares of EEQ each have historically traded at a premium and a discount relative to the other security at a given time.
On July 18, 2018, the Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Evercore. During the meeting, representatives of Evercore presented the Special Committee with a preliminary analysis of the financial terms of the proposed Merger. Representatives of Bracewell further discussed considerations relating to EEPs contractual obligations with respect to its tariffs that establish the rates, terms and conditions under which each system provides service to its customers.
On July 18, 2018, after markets closed, the FERC issued a further order (the July FERC Announcement) that (a) dismissed all requests for rehearing of the March FERC Announcement and explained that the March FERC Announcement did not establish a binding rule, but was instead an expression of general policy that the FERC intended to follow in the future, and (b) provided guidance that if an MLP or other tax pass-through pipeline eliminates its income tax allowance from its cost of service pursuant to the March FERC Announcement, then ADIT will similarly be removed from its cost of service and MLP pipelines may also eliminate previously-accumulated sums in ADIT instead of flowing ADIT balances back to ratepayers. Enbridge common shares closed 3.0% higher the day after the July FERC Announcement, the Class A common units closed 7.0% higher the day after the July FERC Announcement, and the listed shares of EEQ closed 4.5% higher the day after the July FERC Announcement, in each case, compared to their respective closing prices on the NYSE on the date of the July FERC Announcement.
On July 20, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees each engaged Morris James as special Delaware counsel to assist with their review of the Derivative Action. In deciding to retain Morris James the EEP/EEQ Special Committees took into consideration, among other things, that (a) Morris James did not represent the 2015 Special Committee and was not involved in the Derivative Action, (b) Bracewell represented the 2015 Special Committee and (c) MNAT represents Messrs. Connelly and Westbrook in the Derivative Action. An engagement letter dated July 20, 2018, detailing the terms of Morris James engagements as legal advisor to each of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee was subsequently executed.
On July 21, 2018, representatives of Bracewell held a telephonic meeting with representatives of S&C, in its capacity as counsel to Enbridge in the Derivative Action, to discuss certain matters related to the Derivative Action.
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On July 23, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell and Morris James. At that meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed the process for reviewing and evaluating the Derivative Action as part of the Special Committees review of the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Special Committees review of the EEQ Initial Proposal. Following discussion at the meeting, each of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee adopted resolutions forming a sub-committee (the Derivative Action Subcommittee) of each committee and in each case comprised solely of Mr. Waldheim, who is not party to the Derivative Action, in order to review, evaluate and consider the Derivative Action and to determine the value, if any, of the Derivative Claims and materiality thereof and to make such recommendations to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, in its capacity as a subcommittee of each such committee, as it deems appropriate. Mr. Waldheim did not evaluate the value of the Direct Claims in the Derivative Action. In considering whether to form the Derivative Action Subcommittee, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees took into consideration, among other things, that (a) Mr. Waldheim did not serve on the 2015 Special Committee and was not a defendant in the Derivative Action and (b) Messrs. Connelly and Westbrook are named as defendants in the Derivative Action.
On July 25, 2018, representatives of Bracewell met with representatives of Friedlander & Gorris in person at the offices of Bracewell in Houston, Texas, to discuss certain matters related to the Derivative Action. Representatives of Morris James joined the meeting by telephone.
On July 25, 2018, representatives of BofAML provided representatives of Evercore and Goldman Sachs with updated management projections, taking into account the July FERC Announcement, for EEP on a standalone basis, and on July 27, 2018, representatives of BofAML provided representatives of Evercore and Goldman Sachs with updated management projections, taking into account the July FERC Announcement, for Enbridge on a standalone basis and pro forma, taking into account various scenarios with respect to the buy-ins of EEP, EEQ, SEP and ENF (the Revised Management Projections).
Also on July 25, 2018 and August 1, 2018, at the direction of the Special Committee, Evercore provided certain illustrative financial analysis of the 2015 Transaction, as of the date of the 2015 Transaction, to the Derivative Action Subcommittee for use in its analysis of the Derivative Claims.
On July 26, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a meeting in person at the offices of Bracewell in Houston, Texas, with representatives of Bracewell, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. Representatives of MNAT joined by telephone. At that meeting, representatives of Evercore and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the EEP/EEQ Special Committees a draft letter to Enbridge prepared by Evercore and Goldman Sachs at the request of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, respectively, as a potential response by each of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee to the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Initial Proposal, respectively. The Evercore and Goldman Sachs representatives explained to the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, respectively, that the FERCs guidance regarding ADIT had prompted EEP and Enbridge management to prepare and deliver to the financial advisors the Revised Management Projections, and then the representatives provided the EEP/EEQ Special Committees a high-level overview of the key changes in the Revised Management Projections relative to the Management Projections. The Evercore and Goldman Sachs representatives and the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, respectively, then discussed various arguments to support negotiating for a higher exchange ratio in each of the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger. The EEQ Special Committee and the representatives of Goldman Sachs then discussed arguments to support negotiating for an exchange ratio in the proposed EEQ Merger equal to the exchange ratio in the proposed Merger. Also at the meeting, representatives of Bracewell explained that representatives of Friedlander & Gorris had met with representatives of Bracewell and Morris James on July 25, 2018, and that representatives of Bracewell had also met with representatives of S&C, in its capacity as counsel to Enbridge in the Derivative Action, on July 21, 2018, in each case to discuss certain matters related to the Derivative Action. Representatives of Bracewell then discussed potential additional conditions that the EEP/EEQ Special Committees could request in connection with the proposed transactions, including (a) that the Special Committee could request the Majority of the Minority Vote and (b) that the EEQ Special Committee could request that the
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proposed Merger be conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed EEQ Merger. Representatives of Bracewell further explained to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees that, if the proposed Merger is not conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed EEQ Merger, there would be a risk that if the proposed Merger is consummated but the proposed EEQ Merger is not consummated, the sole asset of EEQ would be interests in an entity that is no longer publicly traded.
On July 30, 2018, representatives of Friedlander & Gorris sent representatives of Bracewell a memorandum concerning the Derivative Action, who then distributed such memorandum to the Derivative Action Subcommittee and Morris James. The memorandum provided an update regarding some aspects of the Derivative Action Plaintiffs litigation path and settlement path respecting the Derivative Action and the Derivative Action Plaintiffs view of the merit and value of the Derivative Claims.
On July 31, 2018 and August 1, 2018, the Enbridge Board held its regular quarterly meeting, where members of Enbridge management provided an update to the Enbridge Board on the status and timeline of the negotiations with the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and the special committees of Enbridges other sponsored vehicles and on the July FERC Announcement.
On July 31, 2018, the Derivative Action Subcommittee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell and Morris James. At the meeting, the Derivative Action Subcommittee received additional information relating to its ongoing consideration of the value, if any, of the Derivative Claims. Representatives of Bracewell and Morris James presented the legal advisors analysis relating to the standards applicable to the Derivative Action Subcommittees review and discussed the approach to the financial analysis of the Derivative Action. Representatives of Bracewell and Morris James also discussed with the Derivative Action Subcommittee the memorandum received from Friedlander & Gorris.
On August 2, 2018, in connection with its quarterly business update, EEP announced that, although assessing the near- and long-term implications of the July FERC Announcement would be challenging pending greater clarification from FERC, EEP estimated that the July FERC Announcement would result in a US$30 million positive impact to its distributable cash flow for 2018, assuming that the July FERC Announcement is retroactive to March 2018. EEP noted that this benefit to distributable cash flow partially offset the previously estimated US$120 million negative impact to EEP for 2018 of U.S. tax reform and the March FERC Announcement.
On August 2, 2018, the Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Evercore. During the meeting, representatives of Evercore presented the Special Committee with a preliminary analysis of the financial terms of the proposed Merger based on the Revised Management Projections. Also during the meeting, representatives of Bracewell and MNAT discussed with the Special Committee whether to negotiate for the Majority of the Minority Vote, and the Special Committee directed representatives of Bracewell to include such requirement in its revised draft of the Merger Agreement. Representatives of Bracewell also provided the Special Committee with an update on the status of the Derivative Action Subcommittees review process.
On August 2, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Goldman Sachs. During the meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the EEQ Special Committee Goldman Sachs preliminary, illustrative financial analysis of the proposed EEQ Merger. Also during the meeting, representatives of Bracewell and MNAT discussed with the EEQ Special Committee whether to negotiate for the proposed Merger to be conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed EEQ Merger, and the EEQ Special Committee directed representatives of Bracewell to include such a requirement in its revised draft of the EEQ Merger Agreement. Representatives of Bracewell also provided the EEQ Special Committee with an update on the status of the Derivative Action Subcommittees review process.
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During the afternoon on August 2, 2018, the Derivative Action Subcommittee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, Morris James and Evercore. At the meeting, representatives of Bracewell and Morris James provided a summary of the analysis of the Derivative Action to date.
On August 3, 2018, representatives of Bracewell and Morris James held a telephonic meeting with a representative of S&C, in its capacity as counsel to Enbridge in the Derivative Action, to discuss certain matters related to the Derivative Action.
On August 3, 2018, in connection with its quarterly business update, Enbridge announced that there were many uncertainties with respect to implementation of the July FERC Announcement, including the potential for different outcomes as a result of rate case or customer challenges, and that while there would be varying impacts to each of Enbridges sponsored vehicles, on a consolidated basis, Enbridge did not expect a material impact to its results of operations or cash flows over the 2018 to 2020 horizon.
On August 9, 2018, the Derivative Action Subcommittee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell and Morris James. Representatives of Bracewell and Morris James presented to the Derivative Action Subcommittee a detailed summary of the review and analysis of the Derivative Action and representatives of Morris James presented a proposed methodology to value the Derivative Claims. Throughout the process of reviewing and analyzing the Derivative Action, representatives of Bracewell and Morris James, among other things, analyzed all prior Court of Chancery and Delaware Supreme Court opinions involving the Derivative Action, reviewed the Fourth Amended Complaint, the Motion to Dismiss briefing and the transcript of the hearing on the Motion to Dismiss for the Derivative Action, met with Friedlander & Gorris and considered materials provided by them, met with Paul Hastings and met telphonically with S&C, reviewed transcripts of depositions held in the Derivative Action and reviewed various other documents, including certain deposition exhibits. To arrive at an estimated value of the Derivative Claims, the Derivative Action Subcommittee first identified a range of recoverable damages for each of the three primary categories of alleged damages. The Derivative Action Subcommittee then applied a risk adjustment (stated as a percentage) to the range of recoverable damages for each of the three primary categories of damages which was intended to reflect the Derivative Action Subcommittees views regarding the likelihood of the Derivative Action Plaintiff recovering the range of recoverable damages on each of the three categories of alleged damages, assuming the claims would be resolved through trial and subsequent appeal. The Derivative Action Subcommittee then applied estimated prejudgment interest to the risk adjusted amounts to arrive at an estimated value of the claims assuming the claims would be resolved through trial and appeal. To determine an estimated value of the claims assuming the claims would be resolved through a settlement short of a full trial and appeal, the Derivative Action Subcommittee applied an estimated settlement adjustment to reflect the process of compromise that would be anticipated to occur in order to achieve a settlement of the claims short of a full trial and appeal. Finally, the Derivative Action Subcommittee averaged the estimated value of the claims assuming the claims would be resolved through trial and appeal with the estimated value of the claims assuming the claims would be resolved through a settlement short of a full trial and appeal based on the assumption that either outcome was equally likely. Mr. Waldheim, in his capacity of the sole member of the Derivative Action Subcommittee, determined a risk adjusted range of values for the Derivative Claims of US$88.4 million to US$111.2 million (with a midpoint of US$99.8 million) (such midpoint, the Estimated Derivative Claims Value). Such value did not include any assessment of the value of any Direct Claims brought in the Derivative Action.
On August 9, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell and Morris James. Representatives of Bracewell and Morris James presented to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees a detailed summary of the Derivative Action Subcommittees review and analysis of the Derivative Action and representatives of Morris James provided a summary of the methodology used by the Derivative Action Subcommittee to value the Derivative Claims. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees accepted the range of values determined by the Derivative Action Subcommittee for the Derivative Claims and directed Bracewell to request that Evercore, on behalf of the Special Committee, and Goldman Sachs, on behalf of the EEQ Special Committee, factor the Estimated Derivative Claims Value into their respective analysis of the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger prior to the meeting to be held on August 10, 2018.
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On August 10, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. During the meeting, representatives of Evercore presented the Special Committee with a preliminary analysis of the financial terms of the proposed Merger and representatives of Goldman Sachs presented to the EEQ Special Committee Goldman Sachs preliminary, illustrative financial analysis of the proposed EEQ Merger. The Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, with their respective advisors, reviewed, discussed and finalized a letter to Enbridge including a responsive proposal for the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger that included, among other things, an exchange ratio of 0.4000 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and for each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ in the respective transactions. Following this discussion, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees determined to propose an exchange ratio of 0.4000 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and for each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ in the respective transactions and directed Evercore and Goldman Sachs to deliver the letter as a responsive proposal to BofAML.
On August 13, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs called representatives of BofAML to deliver a counterproposal of 0.4000 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
Later on August 13, 2018, representatives of Evercore and Goldman Sachs, on behalf of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, respectively, shared a letter with representatives of BofAML that communicated the EEP/EEQ Special Committees responsive proposal, including, among other things, an exchange ratio of 0.4000 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ (the August 13 Proposal). The August 13 Proposal also included (a) the Special Committees proposal that the proposed Merger be conditioned upon the Majority of the Minority Vote and (b) the EEQ Special Committees proposal that the proposed Merger be conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed EEQ Merger. The August 13 Proposal noted that the EEP/EEQ Special Committees believed that the EEP Initial Proposal and the EEQ Initial Proposal undervalued EEP and EEQ, respectively, and, among other things, did not attribute appropriate value to the Derivative Action. The August 13 Proposal explained that the EEP/EEQ Special Committees established the Derivative Action Subcommittee, consisting solely of Mr. Waldheim, with the authority to review, evaluate and consider the Derivative Action, and that the Derivative Action Subcommittee, in consultation with its legal and financial advisors, determined that an estimated value of the Derivative Claims was US$111.2 million, which value the EEP/EEQ Special Committees included in the August 13 Proposal upon the recommendation of the Derivative Action Subcommittee.
On August 14, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. At the meeting, representatives of Evercore and Goldman Sachs informed the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, respectively that they had delivered the EEP/EEQ Special Committees responsive proposal to BofAML, and that BofAML had thereafter indicated it had provided the responsive proposal to Enbridge.
On August 17, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, shared a letter with representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs (the August 17 Letter). In the August 17 Letter, Enbridge made counteroffers (a) to the Special Committee of 0.3160 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and (b) to the EEQ Special Committee of 0.2960 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. The August 17 Letter noted that, based on the challenges EEP and EEQ continue to face, Enbridge believed that its offers represented an attractive alternative for EEP unitholders and EEQ shareholders, and Enbridge did not believe that the EEP/EEQ Special Committees identified value for the Derivative Claims were supported by relevant facts or applicable law, and that Enbridge ascribed no value to the Derivative Claims other than the costs associated with the defense of the Derivative Action. The August 17 Letter also noted that Enbridges counteroffer included the
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following conditions: (a) the Merger would not be conditioned on the closing of the EEQ Merger and (b) the Merger would not be subject to obtaining the Majority of the Minority Vote.
On August 20, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. The Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee discussed the August 17 Letter with their legal and respective financial advisors.
On August 24, 2018, Enbridge announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with SEP to acquire all of the issued and outstanding SEP common units not currently owned by Enbridge and its affiliates at an exchange ratio of 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held common unit of SEP.
On August 26, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. After considering and discussing the August 17 Letter with their legal and respective financial advisors, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees directed Evercore and Goldman Sachs to deliver a responsive proposal to BofAML on behalf of the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, respectively, setting forth an exchange ratio of 0.3720 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. The Special Committee further proposed that the Merger be conditioned upon the Majority of the Minority Vote, and the EEQ Special Committee further proposed that the Merger be conditioned upon the consummation of the EEQ Merger.
On August 27, 2018, at the respective direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs called representatives of BofAML to deliver a counterproposal of 0.3720 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding listed share of EEQ.
Later on August 27, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Goldman Sachs and Evercore shared a letter with representatives of BofAML that communicated the EEP/EEQ Special Committees responsive proposal, including, among other things, a proposed exchange ratio of 0.3720 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ (the August 27 Proposal). In the August 27 Proposal, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees noted that they did not believe the August 17 Proposal appropriately valued EEP and EEQ, including, among other things, the value of the Derivative Claims, which was reflected in the August 27 Proposal. The EEQ Special Committee maintained that the EEQ exchange ratio should be at parity with the EEP exchange ratio because the market has valued EEQ at parity with EEP, and a precedent transaction to the EEQ Merger, the acquisition by Kinder Morgan, Inc. of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (KMP) and Kinder Morgan Management, LLC (KMR), also assigned parity between the KMP units and KMR shares. In the August 27 Proposal, the Special Committee also proposed that the Merger be conditioned upon the Majority of the Minority Vote and the EEQ Special Committee further proposed that the Merger be conditioned upon the consummation of the EEQ Merger.
On August 28, 2018, representatives of Goldman Sachs and representatives of Evercore requested from Enbridge management updated pro forma projections for Enbridge, taking into account the final SEP exchange ratio of 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held common share of SEP. Later on August 28, 2018, Enbridge management provided such updated projections to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees.
On August 29, 2018, Bracewell provided revised drafts of the Merger Agreement and the EEQ Merger Agreement to S&C (the August 29 Merger Agreement Drafts). The August 29 Merger Agreement Drafts provided, among other things, (a) for the Majority of the Minority Vote requirement, (b) that the Merger is conditioned upon the consummation of the EEQ Merger, (c) that Enbridge would reimburse up to US$4 million
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of EEPs expenses incurred in connection with the proposed Merger if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances and up to US$4 million of EEQs expenses incurred in connection with the proposed EEQ Merger if the EEQ Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, and (d) that EEP would pay distributions in respect of the Class A common units for each completed calendar quarter ended prior to the closing date of the Merger in an amount not less than US$0.35 per Class A common unit per calendar quarter. Both August 29 Merger Agreement Drafts also provided, among other things, for greater flexibility for EEP and EEQ, respectively, to entertain alternate proposals and respond to intervening events, and that the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committees would remain in place through closing of the Merger and the EEQ Merger, respectively.
On August 29, 2018, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued a memorandum decision in the Derivative Action (the August 29 Mesirov Decision). The August 29 Mesirov Decision, among other things, dismissed all Direct Claims against defendants and all non-contractual claims against defendants affiliated with Enbridge, while denying dismissal of derivative claims for, among other things, breach of contract.
On August 30, 2018, Wanda M. Opheim, Senior Vice President, Finance of Enbridge, called Mr. Connelly to advise him that Enbridge would be sending a response to the August 27 Proposal and to request that Mr. Connelly attend a breakfast meeting in Houston, Texas with Ms. Opheim and Vern D. Yu, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Enbridge, to discuss the status of negotiations with respect to the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger.
On August 30, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, shared a letter with representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs (the August 30 Letter). In the August 30 Letter, Enbridge made counteroffers (a) to the Special Committee of 0.3200 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and (b) to the EEQ Special Committee of 0.2997 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. The August 30 Letter noted that, while Enbridge was still evaluating the August 29 Merger Agreement Drafts, Enbridge continued to believe (a) the closing of the Merger should not be conditioned on the closing of the EEQ Merger, (b) the Merger should not be subject to obtaining the Majority of the Minority Vote, (c) the Class A common units and the listed shares of EEQ should not be valued at parity given the different market valuations of the Class A common units and the listed shares of EEQ, which reflect the different terms and other attributes applicable to those securities, and (d) the value of the Derivative Claims was, at best, the costs associated with the defense of such Derivative Action, particularly given Enbridges assessment of the August 29 Mesirov Decision.
On August 31, 2018, Messrs. Waldheim and Westbrook held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell to discuss the August 29 Mesirov Decision.
Later on August 31, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. After considering and discussing the August 30 Letter with their legal and respective financial advisors, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees directed Evercore and Goldman Sachs to deliver a responsive proposal to BofAML setting forth an exchange ratio of 0.3650 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. The Special Committee further proposed that the Merger be conditioned upon the Majority of the Minority Vote and the EEQ Special Committee further proposed that the Merger be conditioned upon the consummation of the EEQ Merger. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees and their legal and respective financial advisors also discussed Enbridges request for a breakfast meeting with Mr. Connelly and determined that the meeting would not be appropriate at that time given how far apart the parties were on price. Mr. Connelly subsequently sent an email to Ms. Opheim declining the meeting.
Also on August 31, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Goldman Sachs. The EEQ Special Committee discussed the proposal that the listed shares of EEQ and the Class A common units be valued at parity for purposes of negotiation.
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On September 1, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs shared a letter with representatives of BofAML that communicated the EEP/EEQ Special Committees responsive proposal, including, among other things, a counteroffer of 0.3650 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ (the September 1 Proposal). The September 1 Proposal reiterated the EEP/EEQ Special Committees requests that (a) the closing of the Merger be conditioned on the consummation of the EEQ Merger and (b) the Merger be conditioned on obtaining the Majority of the Minority Vote. The September 1 Proposal also noted that the Derivative Action Subcommittee had reviewed the August 29 Mesirov Decision and did not agree with Enbridges characterization of such decision, and that the August 29 Mesirov Decision did not change the Derivative Action Subcommittees prior determination of an estimated value of the Derivative Claims, which was reflected in the exchange ratio counterproposals presented in the September 1 Proposal.
On September 2, 2018, at the direction of the EEQ Special Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs held a telephonic meeting with representatives of BofAML to further discuss the EEQ Special Committees proposal that the exchange ratio for the proposed EEQ Merger be treated at parity with the exchange ratio for the proposed Merger.
Between September 2, 2018 and September 3, 2018, Enbridge management and its advisors discussed internally the EEQ Special Committees proposal that the exchange ratio for the proposed EEQ Merger be treated at parity with the exchange ratio for the proposed Merger. Enbridge management considered, among other things, that (a) a precedent transaction to the EEQ Merger, the acquisition by Kinder Morgan, Inc. of KMP and KMR, also assigned parity between the KMP units and KMR shares, (b) the listed shares of EEQ were created to be economically equivalent securities to the Class A common units and therefore should have similar or near similar intrinsic valuations and (c) while listed shares of EEQ have recently traded at a discount to Class A common units, since the initial public offering of EEQ, there have been periods where listed shares of EEQ have traded at parity with and at a premium to Class A common units.
On September 3, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, shared a letter with representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs (the September 3 Letter). In the September 3 Letter, Enbridge made counteroffers to the EEP/EEQ Special Committees of 0.3200 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. This counteroffer represented an increase in the exchange ratio in the proposed EEQ Merger to be treated at parity with the exchange ratio in the proposed Merger, but did not represent a change in the exchange ratio for EEP. Enbridge also conceded that the Merger would be conditioned on obtaining the Majority of the Minority Vote. However, Enbridge maintained its position that (a) the closing of the Merger should not be conditioned on the closing of the EEQ Merger, and (b) the value of the Derivative Claims was, at best, the costs associated with defending such Derivative Action.
On September 4, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed their initial views on the September 3 Letter and possible responses thereto.
On September 5, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. At the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed the September 3 Letter with their legal and respective financial advisors. After considering and discussing the September 3 Letter, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees directed Evercore and Goldman Sachs to deliver a responsive proposal to BofAML setting forth an exchange ratio of 0.3500 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
Following the meeting on September 5, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs called representatives of BofAML to deliver a
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counterproposal of 0.3500 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding listed share of EEQ.
On September 8, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, called representatives of Evercore to convey Enbridges position that it was not willing at that time to increase its offer of 0.3200 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ, as Enbridge believed such exchanges ratios were appropriate for EEP and EEQ, and that Enbridge viewed its willingness to agree to parity between the Exchange Ratio and the EEQ exchange ratio as a significant movement. Representatives of BofAML further communicated to representatives of Evercore that, notwithstanding Enbridges resolve in the exchange ratios it proposed, Enbridge was continuing to consider the EEP/EEQ Special Committees position.
On September 10, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. At the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed Enbridges September 8, 2018 response with their legal and respective financial advisors. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees engaged in a discussion of how Enbridges proposal compared to the various metrics on which it had evaluated the transactions and the current market price of the Class A common units and the listed shares of EEQ, and determined to reassert the offer made by the EEP/EEQ Special Committees on September 5, 2018. The EEP/EEQ Special Committees also considered whether it was appropriate to send a letter to the GP Delegate Board informing it that negotiations with Enbridge had reached an impasse and requesting that a discussion of the proposed transaction and alternatives thereto be included as an agenda item at the GP Delegate Boards next meeting.
Following the meeting on September 10, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs called representatives of BofAML to convey that the EEP/EEQ Special Committees believed an exchange ratio of 0.3200 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ undervalued EEP and EEQ, and the EEP/EEQ Special Committees were unwilling to enter into an agreement with Enbridge at such exchange ratios. The representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs reasserted the offer made by the EEP/EEQ Special Committees on September 5, 2018, and indicated to representatives of BofAML that the EEP/EEQ Special Committees were drafting a letter to be sent to the GP Delegate Board. Following the conversation, representatives of BofAML contacted representatives of Evercore to discuss the EEP/EEQ Special Committees proposed timing with respect to sharing such letter with the GP Delegate Board.
Between September 8, 2018 and September 11, 2018, Enbridge management held a number of internal discussions as well as discussions with Enbridges legal and financial advisors with respect to the exchange ratio. Enbridge management decided to increase its proposed exchange ratios for EEP and EEQ based on, among other things, the fact that the July FERC Announcement strengthened EEPs outlook as compared to when the EEP Initial Proposal was delivered and Enbridge managements belief that completing the buy-ins would be compelling for EEP unitholders and EEQ and Enbridge shareholders.
On September 11, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, called representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs to deliver an increased offer of 0.3275 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
On September 13, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. At the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed Enbridges September 11, 2018 proposal with their legal and respective financial advisors. After considering and discussing Enbridges proposal, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees directed Evercore and Goldman Sachs to deliver a responsive proposal to BofAML setting forth an exchange ratio of 0.3425 Enbridge
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common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
Also on September 13, 2018, the Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Evercore. Representatives of Evercore discussed with the Special Committee the exchange ratio in the proposed EEQ Merger, which the EEQ Special Committee had successfully negotiated with Enbridge to be treated at parity with the exchange ratio in the proposed Merger, in order to confirm with the Special Committee whether the Special Committee wished to negotiate for a higher exchange ratio independent of the exchange ratio in the proposed EEQ Merger. The Special Committee members considered the points raised by Evercore and determined not to take any action at the meeting.
Following the meetings on September 13, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs called representatives of BofAML to deliver a counterproposal of 0.3425 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
During the afternoon of September 13, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, called representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs to deliver a counterproposal of 0.3325 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
During the afternoon of September 13, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. At the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed Enbridges September 13, 2018 proposal with their legal and respective financial advisors. After considering and discussing Enbridges proposal, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees directed Evercore and Goldman Sachs to deliver a responsive proposal to BofAML setting forth an exchange ratio of 0.3375 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
Following the second joint committee meeting on September 13, 2018, at the direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs followed up with representatives of BofAML later on September 13, 2018 to deliver a counterproposal of 0.3375 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ.
During the evening of September 13, 2018, representatives of BofAML, on behalf of Enbridge, called representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs to deliver another counterproposal of 0.335 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ. Representatives of BofAML indicated that this was Enbridges best and final offer.
On September 14, 2018, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees held a joint telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT, Evercore and Goldman Sachs. At the meeting, the EEP/EEQ Special Committees discussed Enbridges second proposal made on September 13, 2018, with their legal and respective financial advisors. The Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee discussed various matters relating to the proposed Merger and the proposed EEQ Merger, respectively, including the status of the draft merger agreements. Following additional discussion, it was the consensus of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees that, based upon the totality of the factors and circumstances considered by the EEP/EEQ Special Committees and taking into account the advice of their respective financial advisors, Enbridges second September 13, 2018 proposal represented the best terms that the Special Committee would be able to negotiate with Enbridge in respect of the proposed Merger and the best terms that the EEQ Special Committee would be able to negotiate with Enbridge in respect of the proposed EEQ Merger.
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On September 14, 2018, at the respective direction of the EEP/EEQ Special Committees, representatives of Evercore and representatives of Goldman Sachs communicated that the Special Committee and the EEQ Special Committee, respectively, were prepared to approve the exchange ratio of 0.335 Enbridge common shares in exchange for each issued and outstanding publicly held Class A common unit and each issued and outstanding publicly held listed share of EEQ in the respective transactions, subject to the negotiation of mutually agreeable definitive documentation and the receipt by each committee of a fairness opinion from its respective financial advisor.
On September 14, 2018, S&C shared with Bracewell revised drafts of the Merger Agreement and the EEQ Merger Agreement. The revised draft Merger Agreement, among other things, (a) provided for an amendment to the EEP Partnership Agreement to be adopted by the General Partner in accordance with the EEP Partnership Agreement, (b) rejected the Special Committees proposal regarding distributions in respect of the Class A common units and (c) rejected the EEQ Special Committees proposal that the Merger be conditioned upon the consummation of the EEQ Merger. The revised draft EEQ Merger Agreement, among other things, provided for an amendment to the Company Agreement.
Between September 14, 2018 and September 17, 2018, Bracewell and S&C exchanged further drafts of the Merger Agreement and discussed outstanding open issues with respect to the Merger Agreement, including with respect to EEPs payment of distributions between signing and closing and whether the Merger would be conditioned on the consummation of the EEQ Merger.
On September 17, 2018, the Enbridge Board, upon due consideration and discussion, unanimously (of those voting) (a) approved the Merger Agreement and the EEQ Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger and the EEQ Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and the EEQ Merger Agreement, respectively, and (b) approved the issuance of Enbridge common shares in connection therewith. The Enbridge Board also approved in the same meeting a definitive agreement between Enbridge and ENF and the issuance of Enbridge common shares in connection therewith.
On September 17, 2018, the Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Evercore. During the meeting, representatives of Bracewell discussed an overview of legal matters, the nature of the Derivative Action and the fact that the Special Committee considered the value of the Derivative Claims in its review and evaluation of the proposed Merger and that Evercore had considered the Estimated Derivative Claims Value in its analysis and the status of due diligence matters, and representatives of MNAT discussed the applicable legal standard for the Special Committees review. Representatives of Bracewell provided an overview of the terms of the final draft of the Merger Agreement, explained the final negotiated changes to the Merger Agreement, answered questions from the Special Committee regarding the agreement and also explained to the Special Committee the terms of an amendment to the EEP Partnership Agreement that had been proposed by Enbridge in connection with and conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed Merger. Representatives of Evercore presented its financial analysis of the Exchange Ratio. At the request of the Special Committee, Evercore then delivered its oral opinion, which was later confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated September 17, 2018, that, as of September 17, 2018, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken by Evercore in rendering its opinion as set forth in the written fairness opinion, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders of Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates. Goldman Sachs does not express any view or opinion as to any term or aspect of the Merger, the Merger Agreement, or the transactions contemplated thereby. After further discussions and based on prior conclusions of the Special Committee with respect to the risks and merits of the merger transaction, the Special Committee unanimously (a) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, (b) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, (c) approved the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by EEP, (d) recommended that the GP Delegate Board approve the Merger Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by EEP and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and (e) recommended that the GP Delegate Board submit the Merger Agreement to a vote of the limited partners
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of EEP and recommend the approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the limited partners of EEP.
On September 17, 2018, the EEQ Special Committee held a telephonic meeting with representatives of Bracewell, MNAT and Goldman Sachs. During the meeting, representatives of Bracewell discussed an overview of legal matters, the nature of the Derivative Action and the fact that the EEQ Special Committee considered the value of the Derivative Claims in its review and evaluation of the proposed EEQ Merger and that Goldman Sachs had reflected the Estimated Derivative Claims Value in its analysis and the status of due diligence matters, and representatives of MNAT discussed the applicable legal standard for the EEQ Special Committees review. Representatives of Bracewell provided an overview of the terms of the final draft of the EEQ Merger Agreement, explained the final negotiated changes to the EEQ Merger Agreement, answered questions from the EEQ Special Committee regarding the agreement and also explained to the EEQ Special Committee the terms of an amendment to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of EEQ that had been proposed by Enbridge in connection with and conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed EEQ Merger (the Company Agreement Amendment). Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented its illustrative financial analysis of the Exchange Ratio. After further discussions and based on prior conclusions of the EEQ Special Committee with respect to the risks and merits of the merger transaction, the EEQ Special Committee unanimously (a) determined that the EEQ Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair and reasonable to EEQ, including the holders of listed shares of EEQ (other than Enbridge and its affiliates), (b) approved the EEQ Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and the Company Agreement Amendment, (c) approved the execution, delivery and performance of the EEQ Merger Agreement by EEQ, (d) recommended that the GP Delegate Board approve the EEQ Merger Agreement, the Company Agreement Amendment, the execution, delivery and performance of the EEQ Merger Agreement by EEQ and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and (e) recommended that the GP Delegate Board submit the EEQ Merger Agreement and the Company Agreement Amendment to a vote of the EEQ shareholders and recommend the approval of the EEQ Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and the Company Agreement Amendment by the EEQ shareholders.
Later that day, based upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of the delegate of the General Partner, acting in good faith, unanimously (a) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, (b) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, (c) recommended that the GP Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, and (d) resolved to recommend that the limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval. The GP Delegate Board, in its capacity as the board of directors of EEQ, based upon the recommendation of the EEQ Special Committee, also, acting in good faith, unanimously (a) determined that the EEQ Merger Agreement, the transactions contemplated thereby, including the EEQ Merger, and the Company Agreement Amendment are fair and reasonable to EEQ, including the EEQ public shareholders, (b) approved the EEQ Merger Agreement, the transactions contemplated thereby and the Company Agreement Amendment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the EEQ Merger Agreement and (c) resolved to recommend that holders of listed shares of EEQ approve the EEQ Merger Agreement, the transactions contemplated thereby and the Company Agreement Amendment, and waive Section 9.01(a)(v) of the Company Agreement, and directed that the EEQ Merger Agreement be submitted to the holders of listed shares of EEQ for their approval.
Also on September 17, 2018, based upon the recommendation of the GP Delegate Board, the GP Board, acting in good faith, unanimously (a) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, (b) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and (c) resolved to recommend that the
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limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval.
Thereafter, on September 17, 2018, the Merger Agreement was executed by the parties thereto and the EEQ Merger Agreement was executed by the parties thereto.
On September 18, 2018, prior to market open, Enbridge, EEP and EEQ issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the Merger Agreement and the EEQ Merger Agreement, respectively. Enbridge also simultaneously issued a joint press release with ENF announcing its entry into a definitive agreement with respect to its acquisition of all of the outstanding publicly held shares of ENF.
Recommendation of the Special Committee
The Special Committee considered the benefits of the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the related transactions as well as the associated risks and, acting in good faith, unanimously (1) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, and (2) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. The Special Committee recommended that the GP Delegate Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.
Recommendation of the GP Delegate Board
Based upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board, acting in good faith, unanimously determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP and the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, and approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. The GP Delegate Board directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval. The GP Delegate Board recommends that the limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.
Recommendation of the GP Board
Based upon the recommendation of the GP Delegate Board, the GP Board, acting in good faith, unanimously determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, are fair and reasonable to EEP and the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, and approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. The GP Board directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the limited partners of EEP for their approval. The GP Board recommends that the limited partners of EEP approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.
Reasons for the Recommendation of the Special Committee
In evaluating the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Special Committee considered information supplied by management of Enbridge and EEP, consulted with its legal and financial advisors and considered a number of factors in reaching its determination, approval and recommendation. The Special Committee also consulted with its legal advisors regarding its duties and obligations.
The Special Committee viewed the following factors as being generally positive or favorable in coming to its determination, approval and recommendation with respect to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger:
| The Exchange Ratio of 0.335 of an Enbridge common share for each outstanding Class A common unit held by the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders represents an implied market value of US$11.48 per Class A |
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common unit based on the closing price of Enbridge common shares on September 17, 2018, the last trading day before the public announcement of the Merger, and represents an implied premium of 13.9% to the closing price of Class A common units on May 16, 2018, the last trading day before Enbridge made its initial proposal, and 17.4% to the 20-trading day volume-weighted average price of Class A common units for the period ended on May 16, 2018. |
| The financial analyses prepared by Evercore, as financial advisor to the Special Committee, and the oral opinion of Evercore delivered to the Special Committee on September 17, 2018, and subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of September 17, 2018, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken by Evercore in rendering its opinion as set forth in the written fairness opinion (as more fully described below under Opinion of EvercoreFinancial Advisor to the Special Committee), the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders of Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates |
| Through negotiation, the Special Committee was able to increase the Exchange Ratio by 8.7% as compared to the exchange ratio that was first proposed by Enbridge on May 17, 2018. |
| The Special Committees belief that the Merger is likely to present the best opportunity to maximize value for the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders. |
| The Special Committees belief, based on statements from Enbridge, that Enbridge was unwilling to consider alternative transactions, including the reorganization of EEP into a c-corporation for tax purposes. |
| The Special Committees belief that it was unrealistic to expect an unsolicited third-party acquisition proposal to acquire assets or control of EEP in light of Enbridges ownership of the general partner interest in EEP and approximately 32.9% of the outstanding limited partner interest in EEP, and it was unlikely that the Special Committee could conduct a meaningful process to solicit interest in the acquisition of assets or control of EEP. |
| The Special Committees belief that the merger consideration represented the highest consideration that could be obtained from a potential business combination transaction with Enbridge, that the Merger was more favorable to the EEP Unitholders than continuing to hold Class A common units as a stand-alone entity, and that the merger consideration presents the best available opportunity to maximize value for EEP Unitholders in light of Enbridges stated position that it was unwilling to consider alternative transactions, such as converting EEP to a c-corporation for tax purposes. |
| The Special Committees assessment of the negative impact of recent regulatory changes on the long-term financial projections for EEP, including the impact on EEPs financial outlook from the implementation of the TCJA, the March FERC Announcement and the July FERC Announcement. |
| The Special Committees belief, based on information received from Enbridge, that the International Joint Tariff Agreement between Enbridge Pipelines, Inc. and Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, effective May 6, 2011, could not be renegotiated to increase EEPs revenue under such agreement. |
| The implications for the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders of remaining with the status quo rather than approving the Merger Agreement and the Merger in light of EEPs expected need for continuing financial support from Enbridge. |
| Enbridges stated position that EEP would need to issue US$500 million of additional Class A common units during 2018 as reflected in the Revised Management Projection, and the Special Committees belief that the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders would experience significant dilution if such issuance occurred. |
| Enbridges stated position that EEPs cost of capital is ineffective, EEP is no longer an effective financing vehicle for Enbridge and EEPs valuation is not supportive of future asset contributions from Enbridge. |
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| The implications for the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders of remaining with the status quo rather than approving the Merger Agreement and the Merger in light of Enbridges stated position that it intended to reduce the amount of quarterly cash distribution payments in respect of the Class A common units from US$1.40 per Class A common unit (on an annualized basis) to US$1.00 per Class A common unit (on an annualized basis) as reflected in the Revised Management Projections. |
| The Special Committees belief, based on informal guidance received by management of Enbridge from credit rating agencies and provided to the Special Committee, that EEP could experience a downgrade in its credit rating in the near term based on information contained in the Revised Management Projections without a significant equity investment, which Enbridge intends to be in the form of additional units issued to Enbridge. |
| The Special Committees belief that EEP would have access to greater financial and other resources and opportunities as a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge. |
| Upon completion of the Merger, EEP Unitholders will receive Enbridge common shares, which have substantially more liquidity than Class A common units because of the Enbridge common shares significantly larger average daily trading volume, as well as Enbridge having a broader investor base and a larger public float. |
| The Merger will provide EEP Unitholders with equity ownership in a combined company that is anticipated to have certain benefits as compared to EEP on a standalone basis: |
| The combined company will have an increased scale relative to EEP and is anticipated to have stronger coverage with respect to dividends, which is expected to result in (1) greater market confidence, (2) an enhanced outlook for dividend growth and (3) better positioning for varying and uncertain industry and commodity pricing environments. |
| The combined company is anticipated to be capable of pursuing larger and more meaningful growth opportunities and capital projects than could have been pursued by EEP alone. |
| The combined company will operate under a simplified corporate structure to create a stronger and more efficient company and which will, among other things, eliminate potential conflicts of interest between Enbridge and EEP. |
| The combined company is anticipated to experience cost savings and other efficiencies, including reduced filing requirements with the Commission and other cost savings, as a result of maintaining one public company rather than two. |
| The combined company will experience a step-up in tax basis resulting from the Merger and the SEP Merger. |
| Enbridges standalone credit metrics are stronger than EEPs, and the Merger will further strengthen the combined companys balance sheet by retaining a higher proportion of internally generated cash flow, thereby reducing the amount of debt financing required to fund growth capital expenditures. |
| The Exchange Ratio provided for pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fixed and therefore the implied value of the consideration payable to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders will increase in the event the market price of Enbridge common shares increases relative to the market price of Class A common units prior to the closing of the Merger. |
| The lack of significant regulatory hurdles to consummation of the Merger and, as a result, the fact that the Merger will likely be able to be consummated during the fourth quarter of 2018. |
| The fact that the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement require EEP to continue to pay its regular quarterly cash distributions at historical levels for any completed quarters with a record date prior to the consummation of the Merger, and that Enbridge and EEP will coordinate the payment of dividends. |
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| Enbridges status as an entity taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes provides a number of potential benefits relative to EEPs structure as an MLP, including that the negative impact of the March FERC Announcement will be reversed. |
| The fact that the Merger Agreement requires Enbridge to pay US$4 million of costs incurred by EEP if the Merger is not approved by the EEP Unitholders, subject to certain exceptions. |
| In addition, the Special Committee considered a number of factors relating to the procedural safeguards involved in the negotiation of the Merger Agreement, including those discussed below, each of which supported its determination with respect to the Merger: |
| The fact that EEP Unitholders are free to approve or reject the Merger, and approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of (1) at least 662⁄3% of the outstanding Class A common units and (2) a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than Class A common units owned by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units voted at the direction of EEQ shareholders (other than EEQ shares owned by Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class. |
| The GP Delegate Board determined in the good faith exercise of its reasonable judgment to establish the Special Committee, composed of directors who are not officers of EEQ or officers, directors or employees of any affiliate of EEQ (other than serving as directors of the General Partner, for which EEQ acts as a delegate). |
| The Special Committee selected and retained its own legal and financial advisors with knowledge and experience with respect to public merger and acquisition transactions, MLPs, EEPs industry generally and EEP particularly, as well as substantial experience advising MLPs and other companies with respect to transactions similar to the Merger. |
| The terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement were determined through arms length negotiations between the Special Committee and Enbridge and their respective representatives and advisors. |
| The Special Committee had no obligation to approve or recommend any transaction. |
| Prior to approval of the Merger Agreement by the EEP Unitholders, the Merger Agreement affords EEP flexibility to consider and evaluate superior proposals, and the Special Committee to change its recommendation in response to any such proposals and to certain intervening events, as follows: |
| EEP is permitted, subject to certain limitations, to enter into or participate in discussions or negotiations with, or furnish information to, any person in response to an unsolicited written acquisition proposal for EEP, if the Special Committee, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, determines in good faith (1) that such acquisition proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in, a proposal that, if consummated, would be more favorable to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders than the Merger and is reasonably likely to be consummated on the proposed terms or (2) that such acquisition proposal did not result from a material breach of the Merger Agreement terms regarding a change in the Special Committees recommendation. |
| EEP and the Special Committee are permitted, subject to certain limitations, to disclose to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders (1) a position contemplated in connection with certain tender offers or (2) such information that the Special Committee, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, determines in good faith that the failure to disclose such information would be materially adverse to the interests of EEP or the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable law or its obligations under the EEP Partnership Agreement. |
| The Special Committee is permitted, subject to certain limitations, to change its recommendation that the EEP Unitholders approve the Merger Agreement (1) if such change in recommendation |
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occurs in response to receipt of a proposal that did not arise from or in connection with a breach of the no solicitation provisions in the Merger Agreement and the Special Committee, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, determines in good faith that, if consummated, such transaction would be more favorable to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders than the Merger and is reasonably likely to be consummated and (2) in response to an intervening event involving facts not known to the Special Committee at the time it made its recommendation if the Special Committee, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, reasonably determines in good faith that failure to change its recommendation would be materially adverse to the interests of EEP or the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable law or its obligations under the EEP Partnership Agreement. |
The Special Committee considered the following additional factors as being potentially negative or unfavorable in making its determination, approval and recommendation with respect to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger:
| The Merger should be a taxable transaction to EEP Unitholders for U.S. federal tax purposes, and the EEP Unitholders will receive no cash consideration with which to pay any potential tax liability resulting from the Merger. |
| The U.S. federal tax treatment of owning and disposing of Enbridge common shares received in the Merger will be different than the U.S. federal tax treatment of owning and disposing of Class A common units, including that the income of the resulting combined entity will be subject to double taxation (at the combined company level and shareholder levels) for U.S. federal tax purposes, while the income of EEP is currently subject to only one level of tax (at the unitholder level). |
| The Special Committees view that the announcement of and market speculation regarding a possible simplification transaction that might involve Enbridge acquiring EEP resulted in the recent trading price ratio of Enbridge common shares to Class A common units being depressed, which, among other things, would negatively impact the premium for Class A common units implied by the Exchange Ratio. |
| The Exchange Ratio is fixed and therefore the implied value of the consideration payable to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders will decrease in the event the market price of Enbridge common shares decreases relative to the market price of Class A common units prior to the closing of the Merger. |
| The Special Committees expectation that the Merger will be dilutive to EEPs distributable cash flow per limited partner unit and distribution per limited partner unit throughout the discrete forecast period. |
| The Special Committee was not authorized to and did not conduct an auction process or other solicitation of interest from third parties for the acquisition of EEP. |
| The Merger Agreements limitations on the Special Committees ability to solicit or knowingly encourage other offers, and the conditions it places on the Special Committees ability to negotiate or discuss alternative proposals with third parties, to change the recommendation of the GP Delegate Board that EEP Unitholders vote to approve the Merger Agreement or to terminate the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal. |
| The Merger Agreement restricts the conduct of EEPs business prior to the completion of the Merger, which may delay or prevent EEP from pursuing business opportunities that may arise pending the completion of the Merger. |
| EEP has incurred and will continue to incur significant transaction costs and expenses in connection with the Merger, whether or not the Merger is completed, and EEP is not entitled to reimbursement of such costs and expenses unless the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances. |
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| There is risk that managements focus and resources for other strategic opportunities and operational matters could be diverted for an extended period of time while the parties work to complete the Merger and integration process and by any litigation that may occur in connection with the Merger. |
| Litigation may be commenced in connection with the Merger, and such litigation may increase costs and result in a diversion of managements focus. |
| There is risk that the potential benefits expected to be realized in the Merger might not be fully realized, or might not be realized within the expected time period. |
| The Merger may not be completed in a timely manner, or at all, which could result in significant costs and disruption to EEPs normal business or negatively impact the trading price of Class A common units. |
| EEP Unitholders are not entitled to appraisal rights under the Merger Agreement, the EEP Partnership Agreement or Delaware law. |
| EEP Unitholders will be foregoing any potential benefits that could be realized by remaining common unitholders of a standalone entity. |
| The Enbridge common shares may not trade at expected valuations. |
| The resulting combined company may not achieve its projected financial results or expected synergies. |
| Some of the GP Delegates and the General Partners directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders. |
| The risks of the type and nature described under the heading Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in this proxy statement and under the heading Risk Factors in the EEP Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and subsequent reports it files under the Exchange Act. See Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166. |
The Special Committee considered all of the foregoing factors as a whole and, on balance, concluded that they supported a determination to approve the Merger Agreement. The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Special Committee includes the material factors, but is not exhaustive. In view of the wide variety of factors considered by the Special Committee in connection with its evaluation of the Merger and the complexity of these matters, the Special Committee did not consider it practical to, and did not attempt to, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered in reaching its decision. The Special Committee evaluated the factors described above, among others, and reached a consensus that the Merger Agreement is fair and reasonable to EEP, including the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders. In considering the factors described above, and any other factors, individual members of the Special Committee may have viewed factors differently or given weight or merit to different factors. The Special Committee approved the Merger Agreement and recommended it to the GP Delegate Board based on the totality of the information presented to and considered by it.
In considering the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Special Committee, you should be aware that the GP Delegates and the General Partners executive officers and directors have interests in the Merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of EEP Unitholders generally. The Special Committee was aware of these interests and considered them when approving the Merger Agreement. See The MergerInterests of Directors and Executive Officers of the GP Delegate and the General Partner in the Merger beginning on page 96.
The explanation of the reasoning of the Special Committee and certain information presented in this section are forward-looking in nature and, therefore, the information should be read in light of the factors discussed in the section entitled Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements beginning on page 30.
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Opinion of EvercoreFinancial Advisor to the Special Committee
The Special Committee retained Evercore to act as its financial advisor in connection with evaluating the proposed Merger. At the request of the Special Committee, at a meeting of the Special Committee held on September 17, 2018, Evercore rendered its oral opinion to the Special Committee (subsequently confirmed in writing) that, as of September 17, 2018, based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken by Evercore in rendering its opinion as set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders of Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates.
The opinion speaks only as of the date it was delivered and not as of the time the Merger will be completed or any other date. The opinion does not reflect changes that may occur or may have occurred after September 17, 2018, which could alter the facts and circumstances on which Evercores opinion was based. It is understood that subsequent developments or information of which Evercore is, or was, not aware may affect Evercores opinion, but Evercore does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
The full text of the written opinion of Evercore, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken in rendering its opinion, is attached hereto as Annex B. You are urged to read Evercores opinion carefully and in its entirety. Evercores opinion was directed to the Special Committee (in its capacity as such), and only addressed the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of September 17, 2018, to EEP and the holders of Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates of the Exchange Ratio. Evercores opinion did not address any other term, aspect or implication of the Merger. Neither Evercores opinion, the summary of such opinion nor the related analyses set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus are intended to be, and they do not constitute, a recommendation to the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board, the holders of the Class A common units or any other persons in respect of the Merger, including as to how any holder of Class A common units or I-units representing limited partner interests in EEP or any holder of listed shares of EEQ should vote or act in respect of the Merger or any other transaction. The summary of Evercores opinion set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the written opinion.
In connection with rendering its opinion, Evercore, among other things:
| reviewed certain publicly-available business and financial information relating to Enbridge and EEP that Evercore deemed to be relevant, including the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, and certain Current Reports on Form 8-K, in each case as filed with or furnished to the SEC by Enbridge or EEP, as applicable, since January 1, 2018; |
| reviewed certain non-public historical and projected financial and operating data and assumptions relating to Enbridge and EEP prepared and furnished to Evercore by the management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable, and reviewed and approved for use in connection with Evercores opinion by the management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable; |
| discussed the past and current operations, financial projections and current financial condition of Enbridge and EEP with management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable (including their views on the risks and uncertainties associated therewith); |
| reviewed certain non-public projected financial data relating to EEP under alternative business assumptions prepared and furnished to Evercore by the management of EEP, and discussed the assumptions stated therein with the management of Enbridge and EEP; |
| reviewed certain cost savings and U.S. federal income tax synergies projected by the management of Enbridge and EEP to result from the Merger; |
| reviewed publicly-available research analysts estimates for each of Enbridges and EEPs future financial performance on a standalone basis; |
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| performed discounted cash flow analyses on Enbridge and EEP based on forecasts and other data provided by the management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable; |
| reviewed the reported prices and the historical trading activity of Enbridge common shares and the Class A common units since September 14, 2016; |
| compared the financial performance of Enbridge and EEP, utilizing forecasts and other data provided by the management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable, and each of their stock market trading multiples with those of certain other publicly-traded partnerships and companies that Evercore deemed relevant; |
| compared the financial performance of Enbridge and EEP utilizing forecasts and other data provided by the management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable, and the valuation multiples relating to the Merger with those of certain other transactions that Evercore deemed relevant; |
| reviewed a draft of the Merger Agreement dated September 16, 2018; and |
| performed such other analyses and examinations, held such other discussions, and considered such other factors and information that Evercore deemed appropriate. |
For purposes of its analysis and opinion, Evercore assumed and relied upon, without undertaking any independent verification of, the accuracy and completeness of all of the information publicly-available, and all of the information supplied or otherwise made available, to, discussed with, or reviewed by Evercore, and Evercore assumed no liability therefor. With respect to the projected financial and operating data relating to Enbridge and EEP referred to above, Evercore assumed that they had been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of Enbridge and EEP, as applicable, as to the future financial performance of Enbridge and EEP, including projected financial data related to alternative business assumptions for EEP (including, among others, a conversion to a c-corporation) reflected therein. Evercore expressed no view as to any projected financial data relating to Enbridge or EEP or the assumptions on which they were based. Evercore relied, at the direction of the Special Committee, without independent verification, upon the assessments of the management of Enbridge and EEP and their outside advisors.
For purposes of rendering its opinion, Evercore assumed, in all respects material to its analysis, that the representations and warranties of each party contained in the Merger Agreement were true and correct, that each party would perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by it under the Merger Agreement, that all conditions to the consummation of the Merger would be satisfied without material waiver or modification thereof, and that the Exchange Ratio would be 0.335 of an Enbridge common share per Class A common unit. Evercore further assumed, in all respects material to its analysis, that all governmental, regulatory or other consents, approvals or releases necessary for the consummation of the Merger (including the approval of unitholders to which this prospectus relates) would be obtained without any material delay, limitation, restriction or condition. Evercore relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that the final version of the Merger Agreement, as well as the agreements, instruments and documents referenced therein, would not differ in any respect that is material to Evercores analysis from the respective drafts reviewed by it.
Evercore did not make nor did it assume any responsibility for making any independent valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities of Enbridge or EEP, nor was Evercore furnished with any such valuations or appraisals, nor did it evaluate the solvency or fair value of Enbridge or EEP under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. Evercores opinion was necessarily based upon information made available to it as of the date of its opinion and financial, economic, market and other conditions as they existed and as could be evaluated on the date thereof.
Evercore was not asked to pass upon, and expressed no opinion with respect to, any matter other than the fairness, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders of the Class A common units (other than
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Enbridge and its affiliates) of the Exchange Ratio. Evercore did not express any view on, and its opinion did not address, the fairness of the Merger to, or any exchange ratio received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other securities, creditors or other constituencies of EEP, nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of EEP, or any class of such persons, whether relative to the Exchange Ratio or otherwise. Evercore assumed that any modification to the structure of the Merger subsequent to its review would not vary in any respect material to its analysis. Evercores opinion did not address the relative merits of the Merger as compared to other transactions or business or financial strategies that might be available to EEP, at the date of the opinion or in the future, including any potential transaction or strategy reviewed by Evercore, nor did it address the underlying business decision of Enbridge or EEP to engage in the Merger or use the Exchange Ratio. Evercores opinion did not constitute a recommendation to the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board, the holders of the Class A common units or any other persons (including unitholders and holders of listed shares of EEQ receiving this proxy statement/prospectus) in respect of the Merger or any other transaction. Evercore expressed no opinion as to the price at which the Class A common units or Enbridge common shares will trade at any time. The opinion noted that Evercore is not a legal, regulatory, accounting or tax expert and that Evercore assumed the accuracy and completeness of assessments by Enbridge, EEP and their advisors with respect to legal, regulatory, accounting and tax matters. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Evercores opinion did not reflect the impact of any regulatory action, unasserted claims or litigation to which Enbridge, EEP or any of their respective affiliates may be subject in the future. Evercores opinion, at the direction and with the consent of the Special Committee, made no assumption or evaluation as to whether any assessment or valuation by EEP, Enbridge or the Special Committee of any pending litigation was appropriate or accurate, and the estimated value of any pending litigation used in Evercores analysis was provided to it by the Special Committee.
Summary Financial Analyses
Set forth below is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by Evercore and reviewed with the Special Committee on September 17, 2018 in connection with rendering Evercores opinion to the Special Committee. Each analysis was provided to the Special Committee. However, the following summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Evercore. In connection with arriving at its opinion, Evercore considered all of its analyses as a whole, and the order of the analyses described and the results of these analyses do not represent any relative importance or particular weight given to these analyses by Evercore. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data (including the closing prices for the Class A common units and Enbridge common shares) that existed on September 14, 2018, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.
The following summary of financial analyses includes information presented in tabular format. These tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Evercore. Considering the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Evercores financial analyses.
Financial data for Enbridge and EEP utilized in the financial analyses described below were based on, among other things, financial projections of Enbridge, on a standalone basis pro forma to give effect to the previously announced merger transaction between Enbridge and SEP based upon the final agreed upon terms, prepared by the management of Enbridge (which is referred to in this section as the Enbridge forecast), and financial projections of EEP on a standalone basis prepared by the management of EEP (which is referred to in this section as the EEP forecast).
Evercore performed a series of analyses to derive indicative valuation ranges for EEP Class A common units and Enbridge common shares. For each analysis, Evercore adjusted the implied EEP value per Class A
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common unit ranges and Enbridge value per share ranges to account for the Estimated Derivative Claims Value. This adjustment was performed on a per unit or per share basis, as applicable, and not on a cash flow basis. Evercore subsequently utilized each of the resulting implied valuation ranges for EEP and Enbridge to derive a range of implied exchange ratios of Class A common units to Enbridge common shares, and compared these ratios to the Exchange Ratio. The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by Evercore with respect to each of Enbridge and EEP in preparing Evercores opinion:
| discounted cash flow analysis; |
| discounted distributions analysis; and |
| peer group trading analysis. |
Evercore calculated the implied exchange ratio ranges reflected in the financial analyses described below by converting the implied EEP unit value ranges from U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars utilizing an exchange rate of 1.304 U.S. dollars per Canadian dollar based on FactSet data as of September 14, 2018, and then comparing (1) the low end of the EEP value per Class A common unit range to the low end of the Enbridge reference value per share range and (2) the high end of the EEP value per Class A common unit range to the high end of the Enbridge reference value per share. Evercore separately considered the impact of the Estimated Derivative Claims Value on the implied exchange ratio by comparing the implied EEP value per Class A common unit ranges and Enbridge value per share ranges after adjusting each per unit or per share value for the Estimated Derivative Claims Value. The Estimated Derivative Claims Value was provided to Evercore by the Special Committee and was not calculated, evaluated or analyzed by Evercore. The resulting implied exchange ratio ranges, both with and without adjustments for the Estimated Derivative Claims Value, were then compared with the Exchange Ratio.
In addition, Evercore performed certain other analyses which were reviewed with the Special Committee for informational and reference purposes only that were not material to Evercores opinion, including a premiums paid analysis and precedent M&A transactions analysis, as further described below.
Analysis of EEP
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
Evercore performed a discounted cash flow analysis of EEP by valuing the cash flows to be received by EEP based on the EEP forecast and additional projected tax depreciation and amortization expense as provided by EEP management. Evercore calculated the EEP value per Class A common unit range by discounting, back to present value, EEPs discrete unlevered free cash flows from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022 and estimated terminal values as of December 31, 2022, based on a range of estimated EBITDA exit multiples as well as perpetuity growth rates. Evercore selected a range of discount rates of 7.0% to 8.0% based on its professional judgment and expertise, including its analysis of the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) for EEP, taking into account a capital asset pricing model (CAPM) analysis for EEPs cost of equity based on an analysis of characteristics of EEP and the selected comparable partnerships listed under the heading EEP Peer Group Trading Analysis below (the Selected EEP Peers). Evercore selected a range of EBITDA exit multiples of 10.0x to 12.0x based on its professional judgment and expertise, taking into account relevant implied multiples of Enterprise Value (as defined below) to EBITDA of the Selected EEP Peers, among other things. For the perpetuity growth rate assumption, Evercore selected a range of 1.25% to 1.75% based on its professional judgment and expertise, taking into consideration the long-term rate of inflation and regulations applicable to many of EEPs assets, among other things. For both the EBITDA exit multiple approach and the perpetuity growth approach, Evercore calculated (i) the implied equity value per unit range and (ii) the implied equity value per unit range as adjusted for the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
The Discounted Cash Flow Analysis utilizing the EBITDA exit multiple approach to calculate terminal value resulted in an implied equity value per unit range of US$10.71 to US$16.50 excluding the Estimated
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Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per unit range of US$10.92 to US$16.72 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value. The Discounted Cash Flow Analysis utilizing the perpetuity growth approach to calculate terminal value resulted in an implied equity value per unit range of US$7.27 to US$13.92 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per unit range of US$7.48 to US$14.13 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
Discounted Distribution Analysis
Evercore performed a discounted distribution analysis for the Class A common units based on the present value of the future cash distributions to Class A common unitholders. Evercore utilized a terminal yield range of 9.5% to 12.5% based on EEP trading between EEPs distribution reduction announced on May 4, 2017 and the March FERC Announcement, as well as EEPs total distribution coverage and leverage by December 31, 2022. Evercore utilized a cost of equity of 9.5% to 11.5% based on CAPM and a cost of equity of 11.5% to 13.5% based on total expected market return for the Selected EEP Peers. Using the EEP forecast and a cost of equity based on CAPM, Evercore determined an implied equity value per unit range of US$11.24 to US$14.35 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per unit range of US$11.46 to US$14.57 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value. Using the EEP forecast and a cost of equity based on total expected market return, Evercore determined an implied equity value per unit range of US$10.55 to US$13.41 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per unit range of US$10.77 to US$13.63 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
EEP Peer Group Trading Analysis
Evercore performed a peer group trading analysis of EEP by reviewing and comparing the market values and trading multiples of the following publicly-traded partnerships that Evercore deemed to have certain characteristics similar to those of EEP:
| Andeavor Logistics LP |
| Buckeye Partners, L.P. |
| Holly Energy Partners, L.P. |
| Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. |
| MPLX LP |
| NuStar Energy LP |
| Phillips 66 Partners LP |
| Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. |
| Valero Energy Partners LP |
Although the Selected EEP Peers were compared to EEP for purposes of this analysis, no partnership used in the peer group analysis is identical or directly comparable to EEP. In order to calculate peer group trading multiples, Evercore relied on publicly-available filings with the SEC and equity research analyst estimates.
For each of the Selected EEP Peers, Evercore calculated the following trading multiples:
| Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA, which is defined as market value of equity based on closing prices as of September 14, 2018, plus debt, plus preferred equity, plus noncontrolling interests and less cash and cash equivalents (Enterprise Value), divided by estimated EBITDA (per FactSet consensus, which may vary among the group) for the calendar year 2018; and |
| Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA, which is defined as Enterprise Value divided by estimated EBITDA for the calendar year 2019. |
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The mean and median trading multiples are set forth below. The table also includes relevant multiple reference ranges selected by Evercore based on the resulting range of multiples and certain other considerations related to the specific characteristics of EEP noted by Evercore.
Benchmark |
Mean | Median | ||||||
Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA |
11.9x | 12.3x | ||||||
Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA |
10.7x | 10.8x |
Benchmark |
Reference Range | |||||
Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA |
10.5x12.5x | |||||
Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA |
9.5x11.5x |
Evercore applied the relevant Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiple reference ranges to calendar year 2018 and calendar year 2019 Adjusted EBITDA per the EEP forecast to derive a relevant enterprise value range. Evercore determined an implied equity value per unit range of US$8.75 to US$15.79 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value, and an implied equity value per unit range of US$8.97 to US$16.01 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
Other EEP Analyses
The analyses and data described below were presented to the Special Committee for informational and reference purposes only and did not provide the basis for, and were not otherwise material to, the rendering of Evercores fairness opinion.
Precedent M&A Transaction Analysis
Evercore reviewed publicly-available information for selected transactions involving the acquisition by the sponsor entity of a MLP that Evercore deemed to have certain characteristics similar to those of EEP announced in the prior three years and selected six transactions:
Date |
Acquirer |
Target | ||
08/2018 |
Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. | Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. | ||
03/2018 |
Tallgrass Energy GP, LP | Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP | ||
01/2018 |
Archrock, Inc. | Archrock Partners, L.P. | ||
06/2017 |
World Point Terminal, Inc. | World Point Terminals, LP | ||
02/2017 |
ONEOK, Inc. | ONEOK Partners, L.P. | ||
11/2015 |
Targa Resources Corp. | Targa Resources Partners LP |
Although the selected transactions were compared to the Merger for purposes of this analysis, no selected transaction used in the precedent M&A transaction analysis is identical or directly comparable to the Merger. Evercore reviewed the historical Price to Distributable Cash Flow per Unit observed in each of the selected transactions for (1) the current fiscal year for transactions announced before or on September 30 of such fiscal year and the following fiscal year for transactions announced after September 30 of the current fiscal year (Current Year) and (2) the year immediately following Current Year (Forward Year).
The mean and median implied multiples of Price to Current Year Distributable Cash Flow per Unit and Price to Forward Year Distributable Cash Flow per Unit are set forth below. The table also includes relevant multiple reference ranges selected by Evercore based on the resulting range of multiples and certain other considerations related to the specific characteristics of EEP noted by Evercore.
Benchmark |
Mean | Median | ||||||
Price/Current Year Distributable Cash Flow per Unit |
9.6x | 9.1x | ||||||
Price/Forward Year Distributable Cash Flow per Unit |
9.1x | 8.5x |
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Benchmark |
Reference Range | |||||
Price/2018 Distributable Cash Flow per Unit |
8.5x10.5x | |||||
Price/2019 Distributable Cash Flow per Unit |
7.5x9.5x |
Evercore applied the relevant ranges of selected multiples to fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2019 Distributable Cash Flow per Unit per the EEP forecast. Evercore determined an implied equity value per unit range of US$11.09 to US$15.87 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value, and an implied equity value per unit range of US$11.31 to US$16.09 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
Premiums Paid Analysis
Evercore compared the premiums implied by the Exchange Ratio with premiums received in selected related-party merger transactions where the target was an MLP or limited liability company. Evercore calculated the implied premiums received considering the implied per LP unit or per share offer value relative to the targets prior 1-day closing price, 30-day VWAP, 60-day VWAP and 90-day VWAP using publicly-available information. Evercore considered that premiums paid in the selected precedent merger transactions have varied widely based on specific considerations with respect to each transaction and that there are inherent differences between each of the targets and transactions analyzed by Evercore relative to EEP and the Merger, respectively. Evercore analyzed the following merger transactions:
Date Announced |
Acquirer |
Target | ||
8/2018 |
Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. | Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. | ||
6/2018 |
Cheniere Energy, Inc. | Cheniere Partners LP Holdings, LLC | ||
5/2018 |
The Williams Companies, Inc. | Williams Partners L.P. | ||
5/2018 |
Enbridge Inc. | Spectra Energy Partners, LP | ||
3/2018 |
Tallgrass Energy GP, LP | Tallgrass Energy Partners, L.P. | ||
2/2018 |
NuStar Energy L.P. | NuStar GP Holdings, LLC | ||
1/2018 |
Archrock, Inc. | Archrock Partners, L.P. | ||
6/2017 |
World Point Terminals, Inc. | World Point Terminals, LP | ||
5/2017 |
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. | PennTex Midstream Partners, LP | ||
3/2017 |
VTTI B.V. | VTTI Energy Partners LP | ||
2/2017 |
ONEOK, Inc. | ONEOK Partners, L.P. | ||
1/2017 |
Enbridge Energy Co, Inc. | Midcoast Energy Partners, L.P. | ||
9/2016 |
TransCanada Corporation | Columbia Pipeline Partners LP | ||
8/2016 |
Transocean Ltd. | Transocean Partners LLC | ||
5/2016 |
SemGroup Corporation | Rose Rock Midstream, L.P. | ||
11/2015 |
Targa Resources Corp. | Targa Resources Partners LP | ||
10/2015 |
Western Refining, Inc. | Northern Tier Energy LP | ||
5/2015 |
Crestwood Equity Partners LP | Crestwood Midstream Partners LP | ||
8/2014 |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. | ||
8/2014 |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. |
The median and mean premiums are set forth below:
Premium |
Median | Mean | ||||||
1-Day |
12.7 | % | 11.8 | % | ||||
30-Day VWAP |
10.1 | % | 12.6 | % | ||||
60-Day VWAP |
12.0 | % | 15.1 | % | ||||
90-Day VWAP |
14.0 | % | 16.1 | % |
Evercore reviewed the relevant merger premiums and derived a range of premiums to EEPs relevant unit price as of May 16, 2018, the last trading day prior to Enbridges announcement of its proposed acquisition of
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EEP, of 8.0% to 18.0%. Evercore determined an implied equity value per unit range of US$10.89 to US$11.89 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value based upon Enbridges common stock closing price on September 14, 2018 on the NYSE of US$33.89 per share, which implied an implied exchange ratio range of 0.3216x to 0.3513x. Including adjustments for the Estimated Derivative Claims Value to EEPs closing unit price as of May 16, 2018 and Enbridges closing share price as of September 14, 2018 on the NYSE, Evercore determined an implied EEP equity value per unit range of US$11.12 to US$12.15 based upon Enbridges common stock closing price on September 14, 2018 on the NYSE of US$33.89 per share, which implied an exchange ratio range of 0.3285x to 0.3589x.
Analysis of Enbridge
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
Evercore performed a discounted cash flow analysis of Enbridge by valuing the cash flows to be received by Enbridge based on the Enbridge forecast and additional projected unlevered cash taxes as provided by Enbridge management. Evercore calculated the value per share range for the Enbridge common shares by discounting, back to present value, Enbridges discrete unlevered free cash flows from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022 and estimated terminal values as of December 31, 2022 based on a range of estimated EBITDA exit multiples as well as perpetuity growth rates. Evercore selected a range of discount rates of 6.5% to 7.5% based on its professional judgment and expertise, including its analysis of the WACC for Enbridge, taking into account a CAPM analysis for Enbridges cost of equity based on an analysis of characteristics of Enbridge and the selected comparable companies listed under the heading Enbridge Peer Group Trading Analysis below (the Selected Enbridge Peers). Evercore selected a range of EBITDA exit multiples of 11.5x to 13.5x based on its professional judgment and expertise, taking into account relevant implied multiples of Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiples of the Selected Enbridge Peers, among other things. For the perpetuity growth rate assumption, Evercore selected a range of 1.25% to 1.75% based on its professional judgment and expertise, taking into consideration the expected long-term rate of inflation and regulations applicable to many of Enbridges assets, among other things. For both the EBITDA exit multiple approach and the perpetuity growth approach, Evercore calculated (i) the implied equity value per share range and (ii) the implied equity value per share range as adjusted for the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
The Discounted Cash Flow Analysis utilizing the EBITDA exit multiple approach to calculate terminal value resulted in an implied equity value per share range of C$44.23 to C$62.02 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per share range of C$44.20 to C$61.98 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value. The Discounted Cash Flow Analysis utilizing the perpetuity growth approach to calculate terminal value resulted in an implied equity value per share range of C$41.67 to C$70.15 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per share range of C$41.64 to C$70.12 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
Discounted Dividend Analysis
Evercore performed a discounted dividend analysis of Enbridge common shares based on the present value of the future cash dividends to Enbridge common shareholders. The projected dividends used by Evercore were based on the Enbridge forecast, a terminal yield range of 4.5% to 7.0% based on Enbridges dividend yield range during the last 52 weeks, a cost of equity of 8.0% to 10.0% based on a CAPM analysis utilizing the Selected Enbridge Peers and a cost of equity of 10.5% to 13.5% based on the total expected market return utilizing the Selected Enbridge Peers. Using the Enbridge forecast and a cost of equity based on CAPM, Evercore determined an implied equity value per share range of C$44.94 to C$68.37 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per share range of C$44.91 to C$68.34 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value. Using the Enbridge forecast and a cost of equity based on total expected market return, Evercore determined an implied equity value per share range of C$39.79 to C$62.26 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value and an implied equity value per share range of C$39.76 to C$62.23 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
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Enbridge Peer Group Trading Analysis
Evercore performed a peer group trading analysis of Enbridge by reviewing and comparing the market values and trading multiples of the Selected Enbridge Peers, which consist of the following publicly-traded midstream companies and MLPs that Evercore deemed to have certain characteristics similar to those of Enbridge:
Canadian Midstream C-Corps
| Pembina Pipeline Corporation |
| TransCanada Corporation |
U.S. Midstream C-Corps
| Dominion Energy Inc. |
| Kinder Morgan, Inc. |
| ONEOK, Inc. |
| Targa Resources Corp. |
| The Williams Companies, Inc. |
Large-Cap / Diversified MLPs
| Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. |
| Enterprise Products Partners L.P. |
| Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. |
| MPLX LP |
| Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. |
Although the companies and partnerships in the peer group were compared to Enbridge for purposes of this analysis, no company or partnership used in the Enbridge Peer Group Trading Analysis is identical or directly comparable to Enbridge. In order to calculate peer group trading multiples, Evercore relied on publicly-available filings with the SEC and other regulatory agencies and equity research analyst estimates.
For each of the peer group companies and partnerships, Evercore calculated the following trading multiples:
| Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA, which is defined as Enterprise Value, divided by estimated EBITDA for the calendar year 2018, as determined based on Wall Street research estimates; |
| Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA, which is defined as Enterprise Value divided by estimated EBITDA for the calendar year 2019, as determined based on Wall Street research estimates; and |
| Current dividend or distribution yield, as applicable, as determined based on the most recently announced dividend per share or distribution per unit. |
The mean and median trading multiples and dividend or distribution yields are set forth below. The table also includes relevant multiple ranges selected by Evercore based on the resulting range of multiples and dividend or distribution yields and certain other considerations related to the specific characteristics of Enbridge noted by Evercore.
Canadian Midstream C-Corps Benchmark |
Mean | Median | ||||||
Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA |
11.9 | x | 11.9 | x | ||||
Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA |
11.0 | x | 11.0 | x | ||||
Current Dividend Yield |
6.8 | % | 6.8 | % |
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U.S. Midstream C-Corps Benchmark |
Mean | Median | ||||||
Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA |
12.9 | x | 12.5 | x | ||||
Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA |
11.9 | x | 11.7 | x | ||||
Current Dividend Yield |
5.1 | % | 4.8 | % |
Large-Cap / Diversified MLPs Benchmark |
Mean | Median | ||||||
Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA |
12.7 | x | 12.3 | x | ||||
Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA |
11.8 | x | 11.4 | x | ||||
Current Distribution Yield |
6.0 | % | 5.9 | % |
Benchmark |
Reference Range | |||||
Enterprise Value/2018 EBITDA |
11.5x13.5 | x | ||||
Enterprise Value/2019 EBITDA |
11.0x13.0 | x | ||||
Current Dividend Yield |
4.5% 6.5 | % |
Evercore applied the selected Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiple reference ranges to EBITDA per the Enbridge forecast for calendar year 2018 and calendar year 2019 and applied the selected current dividend yield reference range to Enbridges current annualized dividend. Evercore determined an implied equity value per share range of C$35.88 to C$59.60 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value, and C$35.84 to C$59.56 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
Other Enbridge Analysis
The analysis and data described below were presented to the Special Committee for informational and reference purposes only and did not provide the basis for, and were not otherwise material to, the rendering of Evercores fairness opinion.
Precedent M&A Transaction Analysis
Evercore performed a valuation analysis of Enbridge common shares based on multiples of transaction value to EBITDA paid in historical transactions involving Canadian midstream corporations since 2015 that Evercore deemed relevant based on its experience in the midstream sector and in mergers and acquisitions involving midstream companies and partnerships, although Evercore noted that none of the selected transactions or the selected companies that participated in the selected transactions were directly comparable to the Merger or Enbridge. The following list sets forth the transactions analyzed based on such characteristics:
Date Announced |
Acquirer |
Target | ||
5/2017 |
Pembina Pipeline Corporation | Veresen Inc. | ||
9/2016 |
Enbridge Inc. | Spectra Energy Corp | ||
3/2016 |
TransCanada Corporation | Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. |
For each of the selected transactions, Evercore calculated and compared the consolidated Enterprise Value of the target at the applicable offer value as a multiple of the targets estimated current calendar year EBITDA. For purposes of this analysis, current calendar year represents the targets current calendar year for transactions based upon the transaction announcement date. Evercore observed that the mean and median multiples of Enterprise Value to current calendar year EBITDA for the selected precedent transactions were 14.5x and 13.8x, respectively. Evercore derived a range of relevant implied multiples of Enterprise Value to current calendar year EBITDA of 13.0x to 15.0x for its precedent transactions analysis and applied this range to estimated calendar year 2018 EBITDA per the Enbridge forecast. Evercore determined an implied equity value per share range of C$45.88 to C$59.21 excluding the Estimated Derivative Claims Value, and an implied equity value per share range of C$45.84 to C$59.17 including the Estimated Derivative Claims Value.
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Exchange Ratio Summary
Evercore analyzed the implied exchange ratios resulting from the discounted cash flow analyses, discounted distribution/dividend analyses and peer group trading analyses utilized to value the Class A common units and Enbridge common shares. The resulting implied exchange ratio reference ranges utilizing each applicable valuation methodology are summarized below.
Benchmark |
Excluding Adjustment for Estimated Derivative Claims Value |
Including Adjustment for Estimated Derivative Claims Value |
||||||
Discounted Cash Flow AnalysisEBITDA Multiple |
0.3155x0.3468x | 0.3222x0.3516x | ||||||
Discounted Cash Flow AnalysisPerpetuity Growth |
0.2273x0.2586x | 0.2343x0.2628x | ||||||
Discounted Distribution/Dividend AnalysisCAPM |
0.2737x0.3262x | 0.2779x0.3327x | ||||||
Discounted Distribution/Dividend AnalysisTotal Expected Market Return |
0.2808x0.3457x | 0.2855x0.3532x | ||||||
Peer Group Trading Analysis |
0.3178x0.3454x | 0.3261x0.3504x |
Evercore compared the results of the exchange ratio analysis to the Exchange Ratio, noting that the Exchange Ratio was within or above each of the implied exchange ratio ranges derived by Evercore from the aforementioned analyses.
Evercore also analyzed the implied exchange ratios resulting from the premiums paid analysis and precedent M&A transaction analysis and presented such analysis to the Special Committee for informational and reference purposes only. The results did not provide the basis for, and were not otherwise material to, the rendering of Evercores fairness opinion. The implied exchange ratios resulting from the EEP and Enbridge precedent M&A transaction analyses were derived in the same manner previously described. To derive the implied exchange ratio range based on the EEP premiums paid analysis, Evercore compared the implied values per Class A common unit, after converting to Canadian dollars at an exchange rate of 1.304 U.S. dollars per Canadian dollar as of September 14, 2018, with the Enbridge closing share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of September 14, 2018. Evercore also considered the Estimated Derivative Claims Value in the implied exchange ratio analysis. The resulting implied exchange ratio reference ranges utilizing each applicable valuation methodologies are summarized below.
Benchmark |
Excluding Adjustment for Estimated Derivative Claims Value |
Including Adjustment for Estimated Derivative Claims Value |
||||||
Precedent M&A Transaction Analysis |
0.3152x0.3494x | 0.3216x0.3544x | ||||||
Premiums Paid Analysis |
0.3216x0.3513x | 0.3285x0.3589x |
While the resulting implied exchange ratios were calculated for information and reference purposes only, Evercore noted that the Exchange Ratio was within each of the implied exchange ratio ranges derived by Evercore.
General
The foregoing summary of certain material financial analyses does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by Evercore. The Special Committee selected Evercore to provide financial advice in connection with its evaluation of the proposed Merger because of, among other reasons, Evercores experience, reputation and familiarity with the industry and because its investment banking professionals have substantial experience in transactions similar to the Merger. In connection with the review of the Merger, Evercore performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses for purposes of rendering its opinion to the
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Special Committee. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summary described above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Evercores opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Evercore considered the results of all the analyses and did not draw, in isolation, conclusions from or with regard to any one analysis or factor considered by it for purposes of its opinion. Rather, Evercore made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all the analyses. In addition, Evercore may have given various analyses and factors more or less weight than other analyses and factors, may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions and, as described above, utilized certain assumptions and assessments provided by EEP without independent analysis. As a result, the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis or combination of analyses described above should not be taken to be the view of Evercore with respect to the actual value of the Class A common units or Enbridge common shares. No company or partnership used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to EEP or Enbridge, and no precedent transaction used is directly comparable to the Merger. Furthermore, Evercores analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of the companies, partnerships or transactions used, including judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of EEP or Enbridge or their affiliates and their respective advisors.
Evercore prepared these analyses solely for the information and benefit of the Special Committee and for the purpose of providing an opinion to the Special Committee as to the fairness of the Exchange Ratio, from a financial point of view, to EEP and the holders of the Class A common units other than Enbridge and its affiliates. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to necessarily reflect the prices at which the business or securities actually may be sold. Any estimates contained in these analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by such estimates. Accordingly, estimates used in, and the results derived from, Evercores analyses are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty, and Evercore assumes no responsibility if future results are materially different from those forecasted in such estimates. The issuance of the opinion was approved by an opinion committee of Evercore.
Except as described above, the Special Committee imposed no other restrictions or limitations on Evercore with respect to the investigations made or the procedures followed by Evercore in rendering its opinion. The Exchange Ratio was determined through arms length negotiations between the Special Committee and Enbridge, and the Special Committee approved the Merger Agreement and recommended the Merger Agreement to the GP Delegate Board for approval. Evercore provided advice to the Special Committee during these negotiations. Evercore did not, however, recommend any specific Exchange Ratio to the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board or EEP or recommend that any specific Exchange Ratio constituted the only appropriate consideration for the Merger. Evercores opinion was only one of many factors considered by the Special Committee in evaluating the Merger and making its recommendation to the GP Delegate Board, and the opinion should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Special Committee with respect to the Merger.
Under the terms of Evercores engagement letter with the Special Committee, EEP paid Evercore an initial fee of US$200,000 upon execution of its engagement letter with the Special Committee and a fee of US$3,000,000 (against which the initial fee was credited) upon Evercores rendering its opinion, which opinion fee was not contingent upon the conclusion reached in Evercores opinion or the consummation of the Merger. Evercore will be entitled to receive an additional fee of up to US$1,500,000 from EEP, subject to the sole discretion of the Special Committee. In addition, EEP has agreed to reimburse Evercore for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including legal fees, expenses and disbursements) incurred in connection with its engagement. Such expenses are not to exceed US$75,000 without the prior consent of the Special Committee (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). EEP also agreed to indemnify Evercore and any of its members, partners, officers, directors, advisors, representatives, employees, agents, affiliates and controlling
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persons, if any, against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of its engagement, or to contribute to payments which any of such persons might be required to make with respect to such liabilities.
Evercore and its affiliates engage in a wide range of activities for their own accounts and the accounts of customers. In the ordinary course of business, Evercore or its affiliates may actively trade the securities or related derivative securities or financial instruments of EEP, Enbridge and their respective affiliates, for its own account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities or instruments.
Since January 1, 2016, Evercore provided financial advisory services to the conflicts committee of the board of directors of Midcoast Holdings, L.L.C., an indirect subsidiary of Enbridge, for which Evercore received a fee of US$2,250,000. Except as described above, during the two-year period prior to the date hereof, no material relationship existed between Evercore and its affiliates and EEP, Enbridge or any of their respective affiliates, pursuant to which compensation was received by Evercore or its affiliates as a result of such a relationship. Evercore has in the past discussed potential engagements with the Special Committee from which no compensation was received. Evercore may provide financial or other services to Enbridge, EEP or their respective affiliates in the future and in connection with any such services Evercore may receive compensation.
Unaudited Financial Projections of Enbridge and EEP
In connection with the proposed Merger, management of Enbridge provided financial projections relating to Enbridge and EEP. The financial projections were prepared for Enbridge and EEP, on a standalone basis and taking into account the final SEP exchange ratio of 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding common unit of SEP not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries (without giving effect to any of the Merger, the EEQ merger or the ENF plan of arrangement), and reflected during the periods presented the anticipated impacts of (1) the Midcoast Transaction, (2) the March FERC Announcement and the July FERC Announcement (together, the FERC Announcements), (3) the sale by Enbridge of certain renewable assets completed on August 1, 2018 (as described in Enbridges Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018) (the Renewable Asset Sale), and (4) the expected completion of the transactions contemplated by the agreements entered into by Enbridge with Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. and its institutional partners to sell Enbridges Canadian natural gas gathering and processing businesses for a cash purchase price of approximately C$4.31 billion (as described in Enbridges Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018) (the Canadian G&P Sale). The financial projections were also prepared for Enbridge, on a pro forma basis and taking into account the final SEP exchange ratio of 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding common unit of SEP not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, as well as the initial exchange ratios for EEP, EEQ and ENF proposed by Enbridge on May 17, 2018 for the acquisitions of the publicly held securities of those entities of (a) 0.3083 of an Enbridge common share for each issued and outstanding Class A common unit not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, (b) 0.2887 of an Enbridge common share for each issued and outstanding listed share of EEQ not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries and (c) 0.7029 of an Enbridge common share for each issued and outstanding common share of ENF not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, and reflected during the periods presented the anticipated impacts of (1) the Midcoast Transaction, (2) the FERC Announcements, (3) the Renewable Asset Sale, and (4) the Canadian G&P Sale. These nonpublic financial projections were provided (a) to the Special Committee for Evercores use and consideration in its financial analysis and in preparation of its opinion to the Special Committee, and (b) for use and consideration in financial analysis prepared for the Enbridge Board. A summary of these projections is included below to give Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders and holders of Enbridge common shares access to certain nonpublic unaudited prospective financial information that was made available to the Special Committee, Evercore, the GP Delegate Board, the GP Board and the Enbridge Board in connection with the proposed Merger.
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You should be aware that uncertainties are inherent in prospective financial information of any kind. None of Enbridge or EEP or any of their affiliates, advisors, officers, directors, or representatives has made or makes any representation or can give any assurance to any EEP unitholder or Enbridge shareholder, or any other person regarding the ultimate performance of EEP or Enbridge compared to the summarized information set forth below or that any such results will be achieved.
The summary financial projections set forth below summarize the financial projections made available to the legal and financial advisors to each of the parties to the Merger Agreement. The inclusion of the following summary financial projections in this proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that EEP, Enbridge, or their respective representatives considered or consider the projections to be a reliable or accurate prediction of future performance or events, and the summary financial projections set forth below should not be relied upon as such.
The Enbridge and EEP financial projections were prepared in connection with the evaluation of the proposed Merger and for internal planning purposes only and not with a view toward public disclosure or guidance or toward compliance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP), the published guidelines of the SEC, or the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants with respect to prospective financial information, but, in the view of Enbridges management, were prepared on a reasonable basis, reflected the best available estimates and judgments at such time, and presented, to the best of Enbridge managements knowledge and belief, the expected course of action and expected future financial performance of Enbridge and EEP. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. The Enbridge prospective financial information was prepared by and is the responsibility of Enbridges management. None of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Canada or any other independent registered public accounting firm has audited, reviewed, compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to such financial projections, including any prospective financial information contained therein. Accordingly, neither PwC nor any other independent registered public accounting firm expresses an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The reports of PwC incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus with respect to Enbridge and EEP relate to historical financial information of Enbridge and EEP. Such reports do not extend to the financial projections included below and should not be read to do so. None of the GP Board, the GP Delegate Board, the Special Committee, the GP Delegate, the General Partner, EEP, Enbridge, or the Enbridge Board gives any assurance regarding such financial projections. The Enbridge and EEP financial projections summarized below were prepared and provided to the Special Committee prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement on September 17, 2018. Such projections were prepared for Enbridge and EEP on a standalone basis, giving effect to the SEP merger in which the final SEP exchange ratio is 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding common unit of SEP not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries (without giving effect to any of the Merger, the EEQ merger or the ENF plan of arrangement), and for Enbridge on a pro forma basis, giving effect to the SEP merger in which the final SEP exchange ratio is 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding common unit of SEP not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries and giving effect to the initial exchange ratios proposed by Enbridge on May 17, 2018 for the acquisitions of the publicly held securities of EEP, EEQ and ENF of (a) 0.3083 of an Enbridge common share for each issued and outstanding Class A common unit not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, (b) 0.2887 of an Enbridge common share for each issued and outstanding listed share of EEQ not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries and (c) 0.7029 of an Enbridge common share for each issued and outstanding common share of ENF not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, respectively. The Enbridge and EEP financial projections do not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date they were prepared. Enbridge can give no assurance that, had the unaudited prospective financial information been prepared as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, similar estimates and assumptions would be used. ENBRIDGE DOES NOT INTEND TO, AND DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION TO, MAKE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE ANY UPDATE OR OTHER REVISION TO THE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING SINCE THEIR PREPARATION OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE
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FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS ARE NOT REALIZED, OR TO REFLECT CHANGES IN GENERAL ECONOMIC OR INDUSTRY CONDITIONS, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
The internal financial projections of Enbridge and EEP are, in general, prepared by Enbridge primarily for internal use. Such internal financial projections are inherently subjective in nature, susceptible to interpretation and, accordingly, such financial projections may not be achieved. Such internal financial projections also reflect numerous assumptions made by management of Enbridge, including material assumptions that may not be realized and are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Enbridge. Enbridges management, consistent with past presentations to the GP Board and public guidance representations, develops its financial projections according to several criteria. Additionally, anticipated impacts from prospective capital expenditures were included within the financial projections. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the assumptions made in preparing the internal financial projections upon which the financial projections provided to the Special Committee were based will prove accurate. There will be differences between actual and forecasted results, and the differences may be material. The risk that these uncertainties and contingencies could cause the assumptions to fail to be reflective of actual results is further increased due to the length of time in the future over which these assumptions apply. Any inaccuracy of assumptions and projections in early periods could have a compounding effect on the projections shown for the later periods. Thus, any failure of an assumption or projection to be reflective of actual results in an early period could have a greater effect on the projected results failing to be reflective of actual events in later periods.
All of these assumptions involve variables making them difficult to predict, and some are beyond the control of EEP and Enbridge. Although Enbridges management believes that there was a reasonable basis for its financial projections and underlying assumptions, any assumptions for near-term projected cases remain uncertain, and the risk of inaccuracy increases with the length of the forecasted period. The projections are forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Please read the sections titled Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors beginning on pages 30 and 33, respectively.
In developing the financial projections provided to the Special Committee, Enbridges management made numerous material assumptions with respect to Enbridge and EEP for the period from 2018 to 2022, including:
| capital expenditures and operating cash flows, including the related amounts and timing thereof; |
| outstanding debt during applicable periods, and the availability and cost of capital; |
| the cash flow from existing assets and business activities; |
| the Midcoast Transaction, FERC Announcements, Renewable Assets Sale and Canadian G&P Sale; |
| managements ability to mitigate the impact of the FERC Announcements, on a pre-merger basis, including planned rate case filings; |
| the prices and production of, and demand for, crude oil, natural gas, NGLs and other hydrocarbon products, which could impact volumes and margins; |
| the in-service dates of the significant competing liquids pipeline systems in Canada and the United States, which reflected a January 1, 2021 in-service date for TransCanada Corporations Keystone XL pipeline and an October 1, 2020 in-service date for the TransMountain Pipeline Expansion Project; and |
| other general business, market, and financial assumptions. |
The summarized projected financial information for Enbridge and EEP set forth below was based on Enbridges and EEPs standalone projected results for 2018 through 2022, adjusted for the material assumptions set out above, including the anticipated impacts of the SEP merger at the final exchange ratio for such
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transaction, the Midcoast Transaction, FERC Announcements, Renewable Assets Sale and Canadian G&P Sale, as applicable.
Year ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Canadian dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enbridge Adjusted EBITDA(1) |
$ | 12,509 | $ | 12,858 | $ | 14,778 | $ | 14,968 | $ | 16,578 | ||||||||||
Enbridge Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow(2) |
$ | 7,305 | $ | 8,037 | $ | 8,798 | $ | 9,079 | $ | 9,642 | ||||||||||
Enbridge Dividend per Enbridge Common Share(3) |
$ | 2.68 | $ | 2.95 | $ | 3.24 | $ | 3.41 | $ | 3.58 |
The above measures are not measures of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP), and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss), operating income, cash from operations or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Enbridges computations of these measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others.
(1) | Enbridge Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for unusual, non-recurring or non-operating factors on both a consolidated and segmented basis. |
(2) | Enbridge Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities before the impact of changes in operating assets and liabilities (including changes in environmental liabilities) less distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests, preference share dividends and maintenance capital expenditures, and further adjusted for unusual, non-recurring or non-operating factors. |
(3) | Number of Enbridge common shares reflects the final SEP exchange ratio of 1.111 Enbridge common shares for each issued and outstanding common unit of SEP not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries; does not reflect the Merger, the EEQ merger or the ENF plan of arrangement. |
Year ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
(Millions of US dollars, other than per unit amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
EEP Adjusted EBITDA(1) |
$ | 1,580 | $ | 1,673 | $ | 1,920 | $ | 1,992 | $ | 2,021 | ||||||||||
EEP Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow(2) |
$ | 724 | $ | 798 | $ | 962 | $ | 988 | $ | 1,015 | ||||||||||
EEP Distributions per limited partner unit |
$ | 1.40 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.20 | $ | 1.30 | $ | 1.40 |
The above measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss), operating income, cash from operations or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EEPs computations of these measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others.
(1) | EEP Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for unusual, non-recurring or non-operating factors. |
(2) | EEP Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities before the impact of changes in operating assets and liabilities, less distributions to noncontrolling interests and maintenance capital expenditures, and further adjusted for unusual, non-recurring or non-operating factors. |
The summarized projected financial information for Enbridge set forth below was based on Enbridges pro forma projected results for 2018 through 2022, adjusted for the material assumptions set out above, including the anticipated impacts of the SEP merger at the final exchange ratio for such transaction, the EEP, EEQ and ENF transactions at the initial exchange ratios for such transactions, the Midcoast Transaction, FERC Announcements, Renewable Assets Sale and Canadian G&P Sale.
Year ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Canadian dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enbridge Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow(1) |
$ | 7,305 | $ | 8,815 | $ | 9,926 | $ | 10,023 | $ | 10,866 |
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The above measures are not measures of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP), and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss), operating income, cash from operations or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Enbridges computations of these measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others.
(1) | Enbridge Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities before the impact of changes in operating assets and liabilities (including changes in environmental liabilities) less distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests, preference share dividends and maintenance capital expenditures, and further adjusted for unusual, non-recurring or non-operating factors. |
Reasons of the Enbridge Board for the Merger
The Merger is expected to generate several benefits for Enbridge and its shareholders, including Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders that will become Enbridge shareholders if the Merger is successfully completed:
| Ownership in Core Businesses: The Merger will increase Enbridges ownership in its core businesses and further enhance its low-risk profile; |
| Simplified Corporate Structure: The Merger will significantly advance Enbridges strategy to simplify and streamline its corporate structure, which will further increase the transparency of its strong cash generating assets; |
| Cash Retention: The Merger will result in Enbridge having higher retention of cash generated from the EEP assets, which will support continued strong dividend coverage and self-funded growth; |
| Enhanced Credit Profile: The Merger will improve Enbridges credit profile due to the elimination of EEP public distributions, as well as opportunities to minimize structural subordination of Enbridge debt; |
| Tax Benefits: The Merger will provide significant benefits to Enbridges post-2020 outlook primarily due to tax optimization synergies; |
| Regulatory Uncertainty Benefits: The Merger will reduce risks related to uncertainty and potential unfavorable changes associated with regulatory tax policies applied to MLPs and incremental Enbridge support required by EEP in difficult capital markets; and |
| Maintain Financial Profile: The Merger will result in no change to Enbridges consolidated EBITDA following the completion of the Merger since the assets held by EEP are already managed and operated by Enbridges U.S. subsidiaries and consolidated for accounting purposes by Enbridge. |
In connection with the Merger, Enbridge intends to make all required filings under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as well as any required filings or applications with the NYSE and the TSX.
In addition, to complete the Merger, EEP and Enbridge must make certain filings, submissions and notices to obtain required authorizations, approvals, consents or expiration or termination of waiting periods from U.S. and Canadian governmental and regulatory bodies, including antitrust and other regulatory authorities. EEP and Enbridge are not currently aware of any material governmental filings, authorizations, approvals or consents that are required prior to the parties completion of the Merger other than those described in this section.
Completion of the Merger is subject to antitrust review in the United States. Under the HSR Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, the Merger cannot be completed until the parties to the Merger Agreement have given notification and furnished information to the FTC and the DOJ, and until the applicable waiting period (or any extension of the waiting period) has expired or has been terminated.
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Litigation and Regulatory Reviews/Investigations Related to the Merger
Judy Mesirov v. Enbridge Energy Co., Inc. et al.
On July 20, 2015, plaintiff Peter Brinckerhoff, individually and as trustee of the Peter R. Brinckerhoff Trust, filed a Verified Class Action and Derivative Complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against the General Partner, Enbridge, EEQ, Enbridge Pipelines (Alberta Clipper) L.L.C., Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, EEP and the following individuals: Jeffrey A. Connelly, Rebecca B. Roberts, Dan A. Westbrook, J. Richard Bird, J. Herbert England, C. Gregory Harper, D. Guy Jarvis, Mark A. Maki and John K. Whelen. The Complaint asserted both class action claims on behalf of holders of EEPs Class A common units, as well as derivative claims brought on behalf of EEP (the Derivative Claims). The Derivative Action Plaintiffs claims arose out of the January 2, 2015 repurchase (the 2015 Transaction) by EEP of the General Partners 66.67% interest in the pipeline that runs from the Canadian international border near Neche, North Dakota to Superior, Wisconsin on EEPs Lakehead System (the Alberta Clipper Pipeline). First, the Derivative Action Plaintiff alleged that the 2015 Transaction improperly amended the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of EEP (the Sixth Amended and Restated EEP LPA) without the consent of the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, so as to allocate to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders gross income that should have been allocated to the General Partner (the Special Tax Allocation). Second, the Derivative Action Plaintiff alleged that EEP paid an unfair price for the General Partners 66.67% interest in the Alberta Clipper Pipeline such that the 2015 Transaction breached the Sixth Amended and Restated EEP LPA because it was not fair and reasonable to EEP. The Complaint asserted claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of residual fiduciary duties, tortious interference, aiding and abetting, and rescission and reformation.
On April 29, 2016, the Court of Chancery granted Enbridges and the Director Defendants motion to dismiss and dismissed the case in its entirety. On May 26, 2016, the Derivative Action Plaintiff appealed that dismissal to the Delaware Supreme Court. On March 20, 2017, the Delaware Supreme Court reversed in part and affirmed in part the ruling of the Court of Chancery. Specifically, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed that the enactment of the Special Tax Allocation did not breach the Sixth Amended and Restated EEP LPA, but reversed on the question of whether the Derivative Action Plaintiff had adequately alleged that the price EEP paid in the 2015 Transaction, including the Special Tax Allocation component, was fair and reasonable to EEP. On November 15, 2017, the Derivative Action Plaintiff filed a Verified Second Amended Complaint (the Second Amended Complaint). The Second Amended Complaint added Piper Jaffray & Co. as successor to Simmons & Company International (Simmons) as a direct defendant. Simmons acted as the financial advisor to the Special Committee of EEP in the 2015 Transaction. The Second Amended Complaint also revised many of the allegations against Enbridge and the Director Defendants. On December 18, 2017, all defendants except Simmons filed their brief in support of their motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint. On January 19, 2018, Simmons filed its brief in support of its motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint.
On February 28, 2018, the Derivative Action Plaintiff filed a Motion for Leave to File a Verified Third Amended Complaint and a Motion to Intervene on behalf of a proposed new plaintiff, Judy Mesirov (subsequently amended). On March 23, 2018, the Derivative Action Plaintiff filed a Verified Third Amended Complaint and a Motion for Voluntary Dismissal of the Derivative Action Plaintiff. On April 3, 2018, all defendants filed their briefs in support of their motions to dismiss the Third Amended Complaint. Plaintiff Peter Brinckerhoff has now been dismissed as a named plaintiff. The Derivative Action Plaintiff filed a Fourth Amended Complaint, which is substantially the same as the Third Amended Complaint except that it substitutes Judy Mesirov in place of Peter Brinckerhoff as the named plaintiff. On August 29, 2018, the Court granted in part and denied in part defendants Motions to Dismiss the Third (now Fourth) Amended Complaint. All direct claims have now been dismissed. Currently, the claims remaining in the case are now the Derivative Claims for (i) breach of contract (including equitable remedies of recission or reformation) against the General Partner, EEQ, Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., Enbridge, the Director Defendants, and Enbridge Pipelines (Alberta Clipper) L.L.C. and Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership and (ii) aiding and abetting a breach of contract against Simmons. On September 28, 2018, the Derivative Action Plaintiff filed a Fifth Amended Complaint, adding Enbridge and the Director Defendants as defendants to the Derivative Claims.
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If the Merger closes and Enbridge acquires all of the outstanding Class A common units of EEP, the Derivative Action Plaintiff will lose standing to continue her Derivative Claims on behalf of EEP, and Enbridge will become the owner of such Derivative Claims, effectively extinguishing the Derivative Claims. Trial in the Derivative Action is currently scheduled for the second quarter of 2019.
For a discussion of the Derivative Action Subcommittee, see the section titled Background of the Merger beginning on page 52.
Relationship of the Parties to the Merger Agreement
Enbridge indirectly owns all of the common stock of the General Partner, the general partner of EEP, which, as of November 5, 2018, owns approximately 148.3 million units of EEP (inclusive of the approximately 11.5 million i-units corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge). These units, which consist of approximately 110.8 million Class A common units, 7.8 million Class B common units, 18.1 million Class E units, 1,000 Class F units and approximately 11.5 million i-units (corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge), represent approximately 32.9% of the total outstanding limited partner interests of EEP. In addition, the General Partner owns an effective 2% interest in EEP and its operating partnerships resulting from its general partnership interest in EEP. Together, these limited partner and general partner interests represent approximately 34.2% of EEPs total effective ownership and economic interest.
The General Partner has delegated to the GP Delegate, subject to limited exceptions, all of its rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of EEP and its operating limited partnerships. The General Partner also owns all of the voting shares of the GP Delegate, which are the only shares entitled to vote in the election of the GP Delegates directors. The GP Delegate owns all of the outstanding i-units of EEP. As of November 5, 2018, Enbridge indirectly owns approximately 11.5 million listed shares of the GP Delegate, representing in the aggregate approximately 11.7% of the GP Delegates total listed shares. In addition, Enbridge owns through the General Partner all of the GP Delegates voting shares.
Certain executive officers and directors of Enbridge are also executive officers and directors of the General Partner and the GP Delegate. J. Herbert England serves as a member of the boards of directors of all three companies. The compensation received by the executive officers of Enbridge is paid to them in their capacities as executive officers of Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, as applicable. The General Partner and the GP Delegate have the same directors and, with the exception of William Yardley, who is an executive officer of the General Partner only, have the same executive officers.
Interests of Directors and Executive Officers of the GP Delegate and the General Partner in the Merger
In considering the recommendation of the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board with respect to the Merger proposal, EEP unitholders should be aware that certain of the directors and executive officers of Enbridge, the GP Delegate and the General Partner have interests in the transaction that may differ from, or are in addition to, the interests of EEP unitholders generally. These interests may present such directors and executive officers with actual or potential conflicts of interests, and these interests, to the extent they may be substantial, are described below. The members of the Special Committee, the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board were aware of and considered these interests and relationships, among other matters, when they approved the Merger Agreement and when the GP Delegate Board and GP Board recommended that EEP unitholders approve the Merger.
Common Directors and Executive Officers
EEP does not have any employees and relies on the GP Delegate to manage the conduct of EEPs business. Certain executive officers of Enbridge are also directors and executive officers of the General Partner and the GP
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Delegate. Enbridge compensates these officers for the performance of their duties to Enbridge, including in respect of the management of the General Partner and the GP Delegate. Persons who are directors or officers of both Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate owe duties to the equity holders of Enbridge, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, as the case may be, and may have interests in the Merger that are different from the interests of EEP unitholders generally.
The following chart sets forth, as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the executive officers and directors of Enbridge who hold positions at the General Partner and the GP Delegate.
Executive Officer/Director |
General Partner |
Enbridge | ||
J. Herbert England |
Director |
Director | ||
D. Guy Jarvis |
Director and Executive Vice PresidentLiquids Pipelines |
Executive Vice President & President, Liquids Pipelines | ||
John K. Whelen |
Director |
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
Six of the ten directors of the General Partner and GP Delegate hold positions at Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner or the GP Delegate) and each executive officer of the General Partner and GP Delegate is currently serving, and is expected to continue to serve, as an executive or other officer of Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner and GP Delegate) following the Merger.
In addition, the EEQ Special Committee and the Special Committee were comprised of the same three individuals, Messrs. Connelly, Waldheim and Westbrook. Messrs. Connelly, Waldheim and Westbrook each own Class A common units and do not own any listed shares of EEQ.
Equity Interests of the General Partners and GP Delegates Directors and Executive Officers in EEP and Enbridge
Six directors of the General Partner and the GP Delegate beneficially own Class A common units and will receive the Merger Consideration upon completion of the Merger in accordance with the Merger Agreement. Three directors and three executive officers of the General Partner and the GP Delegate beneficially own EEQ shares and will receive the applicable Merger Consideration in the EEQ merger. Please read the section titled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners of EEPSecurity Ownership of the Management and Directors of EEP beginning on page 157 for further detail.
All of the executive officers and seven directors, including three non-management directors, of the General Partner and GP Delegate beneficially own Enbridge common shares. Those individuals who own Enbridge common shares, and all of those individuals in the aggregate, hold Enbridge common shares representing less than 1.0% of Enbridge common shares outstanding as of November 5, 2018.
Executive Compensation
EEP does not directly employ any of the individuals responsible for managing or operating its business. None of the individuals who have served as a director or executive officer at the General Partner, GP Delegate or Enbridge since the beginning of 2017 have any agreements or understandings with Enbridge, the General Partner, the GP Delegate, EEP or any other party with respect to any type of compensation (whether present, deferred or contingent) that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger and is reportable under Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, and thus no advisory vote pursuant to Rule 14a-21(c) of the Exchange Act is required to be included in the EEP proxy in connection with this proxy statement/prospectus.
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Special Committee Compensation
In consideration of the expected time and effort that would be required of the members of the Special Committee in evaluating the proposed Merger, including negotiating the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, the GP Delegate Board determined that each member of the Special Committee would receive (1) a retainer fee of US$40,000, plus (2) a fee of US$1,500 in cash for each meeting of the Special Committee (or subcommittee thereof), in addition to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses relating to such meeting, plus (3) with respect to any in-person meetings of the Special Committee, reimbursement of travel costs in connection with such meetings and, solely with respect to any members who attend such meetings from outside of the Houston metro area, an additional US$1,500 travel fee. In the event that the Merger is consummated, each member of the Special Committee would receive an additional hourly fee of US$500 for any time spent in connection with any litigation arising out of their service on the Special Committee. The Chairman of the Special Committee would receive an additional retainer fee of US$40,000. The compensation for the Chairman and members of the Special Committee was approved by the GP Delegate Board and was not, and is not, contingent upon the approval of the Merger Agreement and the completion of the Merger or any other transaction. No other meeting fees or other compensation (other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their service on the Special Committee) will be paid to the members of the Special Committee in connection with their service on the Special Committee.
Indemnification
All of the directors and executive officers of the General Partner and GP Delegate have the right to indemnification under the EEP Partnership Agreement, the organizational documents of the General Partner and the GP Delegate and the Merger Agreement. In addition, all of the directors of Enbridge and all of the officers of Enbridge have the right to indemnification under the organizational documents of Enbridge and indemnification agreements with Enbridge.
The parties to the Merger Agreement have agreed that, from and after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, each of Enbridge and EEP, as the surviving entity, will jointly and severally indemnify, defend and hold harmless (subject to certain conditions regarding the advancement of expenses and applicable law) each present and former director and officer of EEP, the GP Delegate and the General Partner, in each case, when acting in such capacity (including the heirs, executors and administrators of any such director or officer, the Indemnified Parties), against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), judgments, fines, penalties, sanctions, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any thereof) in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to any acts or omissions or actual or threatened action, cause of action, claim, demand, litigation, suit, investigation, grievance, citation, summons, subpoena, inquiry, audit, hearing, originating application to a tribunal, arbitration, or other similar proceeding of any nature, civil, criminal, regulatory, administrative or otherwise, whether in equity or at law, in contract, in tort or otherwise, in each case in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, including in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and actions to enforce the indemnification provisions in the Merger Agreement or any other indemnification or the advancement right of any Indemnified Party.
In addition, the Merger Agreement contains certain obligations related to the maintenance of directors and officers liability insurance for the directors and officers covered under the GP Delegates existing policies and fiduciary liability insurance for persons covered under EEPs existing policies with respect to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.
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Listing of Enbridge Common Shares
The completion of the Merger is conditioned upon the approval for listing of Enbridge common shares issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement on the TSX and the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
Delisting and Deregistration of the Class A Common Units
Enbridge expects that, as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Class A common units currently listed on the NYSE will cease to be listed on the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.
Required Approval by the EEP Unitholders
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by EEP requires the affirmative vote or consent of (1) the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the Outstanding EEP units, and (2) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common units (other than Class A common units held by Enbridge and its affiliates) and the outstanding i-units (other than i-units voted at the direction of Enbridge and its affiliates), voting together as a single class, in each case entitled to vote on such matter at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Enbridge and certain of its subsidiaries, which as of November 5, 2018, beneficially owned approximately 148.3 million Outstanding EEP units (inclusive of the approximately 11.5 million i-units corresponding to the number of shares of the GP Delegate indirectly owned by Enbridge) representing approximately 32.9% of the Outstanding EEP units, have agreed that, at the special meeting and at any meeting of holders of listed shares of EEQ held for the purpose of determining how the i-units shall be voted, they will vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the organizational documents of EEQ, any EEP units or listed shares of EEQ then owned beneficially or of record by then or any of their subsidiaries in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement.
No Dissenters or Appraisal Rights
Holders of Class A common units do not have appraisal rights under applicable law or contractual appraisal rights under the EEP Partnership Agreement or the Merger Agreement.
No Enbridge Shareholder Approval Required
The approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by Enbridge does not require the affirmative vote or consent of Enbridge shareholders.
Accounting Treatment of the Merger
The Merger will be accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810, ConsolidationOverallChanges in a Parents Ownership Interest in a Subsidiary. Because Enbridge controlled EEP both before and after the completion of the Merger, the changes in Enbridges ownership interest in EEP will be accounted for as an equity transaction and no gain or loss will be recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings resulting from the Merger. In addition, consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the tax effects of the Merger is presented in additional paid-in capital.
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This section describes the material terms of the Merger Agreement, which was executed on September 17, 2018. The description of the Merger Agreement in this section and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the Merger Agreement that is important to you. You are encouraged to read the Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety, because it is the legal document that governs the Merger.
Explanatory Note Regarding the Merger Agreement
The Merger Agreement and this summary are included solely to provide you with information regarding the terms of the Merger Agreement. Factual disclosures about Enbridge, EEP or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in Enbridges or EEPs public reports filed with the SEC may supplement, update or modify the factual disclosures about Enbridge or EEP, as applicable, contained in the Merger Agreement. The representations, warranties and covenants made in the Merger Agreement by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., EEP, the General Partner, the GP Delegate and Merger Sub were made solely for the purposes of the Merger Agreement and as of specific dates and were qualified and subject to important limitations agreed to by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., EEP, the General Partner, the GP Delegate and Merger Sub in connection with negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement. In particular, in your review of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement and described in this summary, it is important to bear in mind that the representations and warranties were negotiated with the principal purposes of establishing the circumstances in which a party to the Merger Agreement may have the right not to complete the Merger if the representations and warranties of the other party prove to be untrue due to a change in circumstance or otherwise, and allocating risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement, rather than establishing matters as facts. The representations and warranties may also be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from those generally applicable to shareholders or unitholders and reports and documents filed with the SEC, and in some cases were qualified by the matters contained in the disclosure letters that EEP and Enbridge delivered to each other in connection with the Merger Agreement, which disclosures were not reflected in the Merger Agreement. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties, which do not purport to be accurate as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, may have changed since the date of the Merger Agreement. You should not rely on the Merger Agreement representations, warranties, covenants or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts of Enbridge, EEP or Merger Sub or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates.
The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and conditions in the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the EEP Partnership Agreement, the DLLCA and the DRULPA, at the Effective Time of the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into EEP, with EEP being the sole surviving entity of the Merger and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge (the Surviving Entity).
Closing and Effective Time of the Merger
The closing of the Merger (the Closing) will take place on the third business day following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the conditions to the completion of the Merger, described in the section titled The Merger AgreementConditions to the Completion of the Merger beginning on page 118 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, so long as such conditions are reasonably capable of being satisfied, or that may be waived at Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the Merger Agreement or at such other date, time or place (or by means of remote communication) as EEP and Enbridge may mutually agree in writing.
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If the parties to the EEQ Merger are ready, willing and able to consummate the EEQ Merger substantially simultaneously with the Merger, then each of the Merger and the EEQ Merger shall be consummated substantially concurrently on the same date.
Assuming timely satisfaction of the necessary closing conditions, the parties currently expect the Closing to occur in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Merger will become effective at the time when the Certificate of Merger has been duly filed with and accepted by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later date and time as may be agreed by the parties in writing and specified in the Certificate of Merger.
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement
Immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, the General Partner, pursuant to Section 15.1(j) of the Partnership Agreement, will amend the Partnership Agreement as set forth in Exhibit A to the Merger Agreement (the Partnership Agreement as so amended, the Amended Partnership Agreement). Such amendment contemplates the waiver of Section 5.10(d)(iii) of the Partnership Agreement, which prohibits a merger of EEP with Enbridge at any time during which there are any i-units outstanding, if in such merger a limited partner receives consideration other than cash or common units or a security that is in all material respects the same as a common unit (or, with respect to limited partners holding i-units, i-units or a security that is in all material respects the same as an i-unit).
Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity
At the Effective Time, (a) the certificate of limited partnership of EEP as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time will continue as the certificate of limited partnership of the Surviving Entity, until duly amended as provided therein or by applicable law, and (b) the Amended Partnership Agreement will remain unchanged and will continue as the agreement of limited partnership of the Surviving Entity, until duly amended as provided therein or by applicable law, and in each case any further amendments or restatements must be consistent with the obligations set forth in the Merger Agreement.
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the parties or any holder of EEP partnership interests, each Class A common unit issued and outstanding, other than Excluded Units (each such Class A common unit, an Eligible Unit) will be converted into the right to receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share (such number of Enbridge common shares, the Merger Consideration, and the aggregate of such number of Enbridge common shares to be exchanged for the Eligible Units, the Aggregate Merger Consideration).
Each Eligible Unit, upon being converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, and each certificate and each book-entry unit formerly representing any Eligible Units, will thereafter represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration with respect to such Eligible Units, and the right, if any, to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares and any dividends or other distributions declared by Enbridge in respect of Enbridge common shares, the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time.
No fractional Enbridge common shares will be issued upon the conversion of Class A common units. All fractional Enbridge common shares that a holder of Eligible Units would otherwise be entitled to receive will be aggregated and rounded to three decimal places. Such holder of Eligible Units will be entitled to receive an amount in cash, without interest, rounded down to the nearest cent, equal to the product of (a) the amount of the fractional share interest in an Enbridge common share to which such holder would otherwise be entitled and (b) an amount equal to the average of the volume-weighted average price per share of Enbridge common shares on the NYSE (as reported by Bloomberg L.P., or, if not reported therein, in another authoritative source mutually selected by Enbridge and EEP) on the trading day immediately prior to the Effective Time for ten trading days ending on the fifth full business day immediately prior to the Closing Date.
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At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without further action on the part of the parties or any holder of EEP partnership interests, (a) each Excluded Unit will remain outstanding as a Class A common unit in the Surviving Entity, unaffected by the Merger, (b) each Class B common unit, Class E unit, Class F unit and i-unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will remain outstanding in the Surviving Entity, unaffected by the Merger, and no consideration will be delivered in respect thereof. All other partnership interests in EEP, including the non-economic general partner interest, that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Time by the General Partner, the GP Delegate, Enbridge or any of its subsidiaries will remain outstanding as partnership interests in the Surviving Entity, unaffected by the Merger, and no consideration will be delivered in respect thereof.
At the Effective Time of the Merger, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the parties, all membership interests in Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will cease to be outstanding, be cancelled without payment of any consideration therefor and cease to exist.
On the Closing Date and immediately prior to the Effective Time, the following subscriptions for shares or membership interests will take place in the following order: (a) Enbridge will subscribe for shares of Enbridge US Holdings Inc. in exchange for Enbridge US Holdings Inc. to receive from Enbridge the Aggregate Merger Consideration, (b) Enbridge US Holdings Inc. will subscribe for shares of Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. in exchange for the right of Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. to receive from Enbridge US Holdings Inc. the Aggregate Merger Consideration, (c) Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. will subscribe for shares in the General Partner in exchange for the right of the General Partner to receive from Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. the Aggregate Merger Consideration, and (d) the General Partner will subscribe for additional membership interests of Merger Sub in exchange for the right of Merger Sub to receive from the General Partner the Aggregate Merger Consideration (the Merger Sub Subscription). Immediately prior to the Effective Time and following the Merger Sub Subscription, Merger Sub will direct Enbridge to deposit or cause to be deposited the Aggregate Merger Consideration with the Exchange Agent (as defined below) for the benefit (subject to closing) of the holders of Eligible Units.
United States Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Merger
For United States federal income tax purposes (and for purposes of any applicable state, local or foreign tax that follows the United States federal income tax treatment), the parties have agreed to treat the Merger as a taxable sale of the Eligible Units by the holders of such Eligible Units in exchange for the Merger Consideration. The parties will prepare and file all tax returns consistent with the foregoing and will not take any inconsistent position on any tax return, or during the course of any action, cause of action, claim, demand, litigation, suit, investigation, grievance, citation, summons, subpoena, inquiry, audit, hearing, originating application to a tribunal, arbitration, or other similar proceeding of any nature, civil, criminal, regulatory, administrative or otherwise, whether in equity or at law, in contract, in tort or otherwise (each, a Proceeding), with respect to taxes, except as otherwise required by applicable law following a final determination by a court of competent jurisdiction or other administrative settlement with or final administrative decision by the relevant governmental entity.
Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Enbridge will deposit, or cause to be deposited, with a nationally recognized financial institution or trust company selected by Enbridge with EEPs prior approval (which will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to serve as the exchange agent (the Exchange Agent), for the benefit of the holders of Eligible Units upon Closing, an aggregate number of Enbridge common shares to be issued in non-certificated book-entry form comprising the amounts required to be delivered in respect of Eligible Units and an aggregate amount of cash comprising approximately the amounts required to be delivered in lieu of any fractional shares. In addition, Enbridge will deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, as
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necessary from time to time after the Effective Time, dividends or other distributions, if any, to which the holders of Eligible Units may be entitled, with both a record date and payment date after the Effective Time and prior to the surrender of such Eligible Units, as further described in the section titled The Merger AgreementDistributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates beginning on page 104. Such Enbridge common shares, cash in lieu of fractional shares and the amount of any dividends or other distributions deposited with the Exchange Agent collectively constitute the Exchange Fund.
With respect to certificates, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time (and in any event within three business days thereafter), the Surviving Entity will cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of each certificate (a) notice advising such holders of the effectiveness of the Merger, (b) a letter of transmittal in customary form, which will specify that delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title to a certificate will pass, only upon delivery of the certificate (or an affidavit of loss in lieu of the certificate with the posting of a bond as indemnity) to the Exchange Agent and (c) instructions for surrendering a certificate (or the making of an affidavit of loss in lieu of a certificate and the posting of a bond as indemnity) to the Exchange Agent.
Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a certificate (or an affidavit of loss in lieu of a certificate with the posting of a bond as indemnity) together with a duly executed and completed letter of transmittal and such other documents as may reasonably be required pursuant to such instructions, the Surviving Entity will cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of any certificate in exchange therefor, as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, (a) a statement reflecting the number of whole Enbridge common shares, if any, that such holder is entitled to receive in the name of such record holder and (b) a check in the amount (after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) of any cash in lieu of fractional shares plus any unpaid dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to receive. Any certificate that has been so surrendered will be cancelled by the Exchange Agent.
With respect to book-entry units not held through The Depository Trust Company (DTC), as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time (and in any event within three business days thereafter), the Surviving Entity will cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of a non-DTC book-entry unit, (a) notice advising such holders of the effectiveness of the Merger, (b) a statement reflecting the number of whole Enbridge common shares, if any, that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger Agreement and in the name of such record holder and (c) a check in the amount (after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) of any cash in lieu of fractional shares plus any unpaid dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to receive. Any holder of an Eligible Unit that is duplicatively evidenced by both a certificate and book-entry account will not receive the notice, statement and check contemplated by the preceding paragraph with respect to such Eligible Unit, but will surrender the applicable certificate in accordance with the procedures set forth above regarding the surrender of certificates to receive the Merger Consideration and any other amounts due under the Merger Agreement with respect to such Eligible Unit, and no additional Merger Consideration or other amounts under the Merger Agreement will accrue or be payable to the duplicative book-entry account for such Eligible Unit.
With respect to book-entry units held through DTC, Enbridge and EEP will cooperate to establish procedures with the Exchange Agent and DTC to ensure that the Exchange Agent will transmit to DTC or its nominees as soon as reasonably practicable on or after the Closing Date, upon surrender of Eligible Units held of record by DTC or its nominees in accordance with DTCs customary surrender procedures, the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional Enbridge common shares, if any, and any unpaid dividends or distributions, in each case, that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.
No interest will be paid or accrued on any amount payable for Eligible Units.
In the event of a transfer of ownership of any certificate that is not registered in the transfer books of EEP as of the Effective Time, the proper number of Enbridge common shares, together with a check for any cash (after
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giving effect to any required tax withholdings) to be paid upon due surrender of the certificate and any dividends or distributions in respect thereof, may be issued or paid to such a transferee if the certificate is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid or are not applicable, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Exchange Agent. Until surrendered, each certificate will be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional Enbridge common shares, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions. With respect to book-entry units, payment of the applicable Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares and any unpaid dividends or other distributions will only be made to the person in whose name such book-entry units are registered in the stock transfer books of EEP as of the Effective Time.
Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates
All Enbridge common shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger will be deemed issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time and whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by Enbridge in respect of the Enbridge common shares, the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time, that declaration will include dividends or other distributions in respect of all Enbridge common shares issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement. No dividends or other distributions in respect of Enbridge common shares will be paid to any holder with respect to any unsurrendered certificate until the certificate (or affidavit of loss in lieu of the certificate with the posting of a bond as indemnity) is surrendered for exchange. Subject to applicable law, following such surrender, dividends or distributions with respect to Enbridge common shares issued in exchange for Eligible Units will be paid to the holders of record of such Eligible Units, without interest, (a) promptly after the time of such surrender for any dividends or other distributions payable with respect to Enbridge common shares with a record date after the Effective Time but a payment date prior to surrender and (b) at the appropriate payment date for any dividends or other distributions payable with respect to Enbridge common shares with a record date after the Effective Time and prior to surrender, but with a payment date subsequent to surrender.
Termination of the Exchange Fund
Any portion of the Exchange Fund (including the proceeds of any investments of the Exchange Fund and any Enbridge common shares) that remains unclaimed as of the date that is 12 months following the Effective Time will be delivered to Enbridge. Any holder of Eligible Units will thereafter be entitled to look only to Enbridge for delivery of the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional Enbridge common shares, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, that such holder has the right to receive without interest. None of the Surviving Entity, Enbridge, the Exchange Agent or any other person will be liable to any former holder of Class A common units for any amount properly delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which remains undistributed to the holders of Eligible Units immediately prior to the time at which the Exchange Fund would otherwise escheat to, or become property of, any governmental entity, will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, become the property of Enbridge, free and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates
In the event that any certificate will 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 the posting by such person of a bond in customary amount and upon such terms as may be required as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional Enbridge common shares, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, payable or issuable had such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate been surrendered.
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Each of Enbridge, the General Partner, Merger Sub, EEP, the Exchange Agent and the Surviving Entity will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to the Merger Agreement, without duplication, such amounts, which may include Enbridge common shares, as may be required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the making of such payment under the Internal Revenue Code or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by, Enbridge, the General Partner, Merger Sub, EEP, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Entity, as applicable, such withheld amounts (a) will be timely remitted by Enbridge, the General Partner, Merger Sub, EEP, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Entity, as applicable, to the applicable governmental entity, and (b) to the extent such withheld amounts are remitted to the appropriate governmental entity, will be treated for all purposes of the Merger Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Class A common units in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Enbridge, the General Partner, Merger Sub, EEP, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Entity, as applicable. If withholding is taken in Enbridge common shares, Enbridge, the General Partner, Merger Sub, EEP, the Surviving Entity and the Exchange Agent, as applicable, shall be treated as having sold such consideration for an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of such consideration at the time of such deemed sale and paid such cash proceeds to the appropriate governmental entity.
Adjustments to Prevent Dilution
If, from the date of the Merger Agreement to the earlier of the Effective Time and termination of the Merger Agreement, the issued and outstanding Class A common units or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for Class A common units or the issued and outstanding Enbridge common shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for Enbridge common shares, will have been changed into a different number of shares or securities or a different class by reason of any reclassification, stock split (including a reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, merger, issuer tender or exchange offer, or other similar transaction, or a stock dividend with a record date within such period will have been declared, then the Merger Consideration (and the Exchange Ratio) will be equitably adjusted to provide the holders of Class A common units and Enbridge the same economic effect as contemplated by the Merger Agreement prior to such event, and such items so adjusted will, from and after the date of such event, be the Merger Consideration (and the Exchange Ratio).
No dissenters or appraisal rights will be available with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
Representations and Warranties
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate that are subject, in some cases, to specified expectations and qualifications contained in the Merger Agreement, in forms, statements, certifications, reports or documents filed with or furnished by EEP to the SEC (including the exhibits and schedules thereto) prior to the date of the Merger Agreement or in the disclosure letter delivered by EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate to Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. in connection with the Merger Agreement. These representations and warranties relate to, among other things:
| the organization, good standing and qualification to do business of the GP Delegate, the General Partner and EEP and any of its subsidiaries; |
| the capital structure of EEP, including regarding: |
| the number of outstanding Class A common units and Class B common units, Class E units, Class F units and i-units, representing limited partner interests in EEP; |
| the non-economic general partner interest outstanding; |
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| the due authorization and validity of the Class A common units and Class B common units, Class E units, Class F units, i-units and the limited partner interests represented thereby; |
| the absence of any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the limited partners of EEP on any matter; and |
| the absence of preemptive or other outstanding rights, options, warrants, conversion rights, stock appreciation rights, redemption rights, repurchase rights, agreements, arrangements, calls, commitments or similar rights; |
| the corporate power, authority and approval relating to the execution, delivery and performance of EEPs, the General Partners and the GP Delegates obligations under the Merger Agreement, subject to the approval of the Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of 662/3% of the outstanding units entitled to vote on the matter; |
| the Special Committees unanimous determination that the Merger Agreement and Merger are fair and reasonable to EEP, including the holders of the outstanding units of EEP (other than Enbridge and its affiliates, the Public Unitholders); |
| the GP Delegate Boards unanimous determination that the Merger Agreement and Merger are fair and reasonable to EEP, including EEPs Public Unitholders; |
| the GP Boards unanimous determination that the Merger Agreement and Merger are fair and reasonable to EEP, including EEPs Public Unitholders; |
| government filings, notices, reports, consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting periods or authorizations in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger; |
| the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate not contravening, violating, resulting in a breach of or otherwise conflicting with the organizational documents of EEP or its subsidiaries or the material contracts of EEP or resulting in the creation of any lien on any of the assets or businesses of any of EEP or its subsidiaries under any such material contract; |
| filings with the SEC since December 31, 2016, the financial statements included therein and the maintenance of a system of internal controls; |
| the absence of a Material Adverse Effect with respect to EEP and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since December 31, 2017; |
| the absence of any Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of EEP, the General Partner or the GP Delegate, threatened in writing against EEP or its subsidiaries; |
| the absence of certain undisclosed liabilities or obligations, other than those incurred in the ordinary course since December 31, 2017; |
| the absence of any material judgment, order, writ, injunction, stipulation, ruling, determination, decree or award of any governmental entity against EEP or its subsidiaries; |
| compliance with applicable laws and the possession of and compliance with licenses and permits necessary to the conduct of business as presently conducted, none of which will cease to be effective as a result of the Merger; |
| environmental matters; |
| tax matters; |
| real property; |
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| certain material contracts; |
| the opinion of Evercore, as financial advisor to the Special Committee; |
| the absence of undisclosed broker or finders fees; and |
| insurance. |
The Merger Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub that are subject, in some cases, to specified expectations and qualifications contained in the Merger Agreement, in forms, statements, certifications, reports or documents filed with or furnished by Enbridge to the SEC (including the exhibits and schedules thereto) or filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval maintained by the Canadian securities regulators prior to the date of the Merger Agreement or in the disclosure letter delivered by Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. to EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate in connection with the Merger Agreement. These representations and warranties relate to, among other things:
| the organization, good standing and qualification to do business of Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc.; |
| the capital structure of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub, including regarding: |
| the number of Enbridge common shares and preference shares issued and outstanding; |
| the authorized capital stock of Enbridge (U.S.) Inc.; |
| the due authorization and validity of all outstanding Enbridge common shares and shares of Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. common stock; |
| the absence of any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with Enbridge shareholders on any matter; |
| the absence of preemptive or other outstanding rights, options, warrants, conversion rights, stock appreciation rights, redemption rights, repurchase rights, agreements, arrangements, calls, commitments or similar rights; and |
| the General Partners ownership of the limited liability company interests of Merger Sub and Merger Subs lack of assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation in connection with the Merger; |
| the corporate power, authority and approval relating to the execution, delivery and performance of Enbridges, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc.s and Merger Subs obligations under the Merger Agreement; |
| government filings, notices, reports, consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger; |
| the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. not contravening, violating, resulting in a breach of or otherwise conflicting with the organizational documents of Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries) or the material contracts of Enbridge or resulting in the creation of any lien on any of the assets or businesses of any of Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries) under any such material contract; |
| filings with the SEC since December 31, 2016, the financial statements included therein and the maintenance of a system of internal controls; |
| the absence of a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries), taken as a whole, since December 31, 2017; |
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| the absence of any Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Enbridge, threatened in writing against Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries); |
| the absence of certain undisclosed liabilities or obligations, other than those incurred in the ordinary course since December 31, 2017; |
| the absence of any material judgment, order, writ, injunction, stipulation, ruling, determination, decree or award of any governmental entity against Enbridge or its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries); |
| compliance with applicable laws and the possession of and compliance with licenses and permits necessary to the conduct of business, none of which will cease to be effective as a result of the Merger; |
| environmental matters; |
| tax matters; |
| real property; |
| certain material contracts; |
| the absence of undisclosed broker or finders fees; |
| insurance; and |
| Enbridge having provided to EEP a correct and complete copy of the EEQ Merger Agreement. |
Many of the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement are qualified by a Material Adverse Effect standard (that is, they would not be deemed untrue or incorrect unless their failure to be true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Enbridge or EEP) and/or by a general materiality standard.
A Material Adverse Effect means with respect to EEP or Enbridge, as applicable, any effect, event, development, change or occurrence, individually or in the aggregate with any other events, developments, changes, or occurrences, that is materially adverse to the financial condition, properties, assets, operations, liabilities, business or results of operations of Enbridge and its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries) or EEP and its subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole, except that none of the following, alone or in combination, will be deemed to constitute a Material Adverse Effect, or be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur:
| effects, events, developments, changes or occurrences affecting the economy, credit, capital, securities or financial markets, or political, regulatory or business conditions, in general in the U.S., Canada or elsewhere in the world; |
| effects that are the result of factors affecting the energy products gathering, drilling, processing, treating, transportation, storage, marketing and other related industries, markets or geographical areas in which such party and its subsidiaries conduct their respective businesses (including any change in the prices of energy products, industry margins or any regulatory changes or changes in applicable law); |
| effects caused by the entry into, announcement or performance of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, including any impact on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, lenders, partners, governmental entities or employees or any transaction litigation or actions taken or requirements imposed by any governmental entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger; |
| changes or modifications in GAAP or applicable accounting regulations or principles, or in the interpretation or enforcement thereof, after the date of the Merger Agreement; |
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| any effect resulting from any adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, reinterpretation, change of enforcement or proposal of any law, decision or protocol or any other legislative or political conditions or policy or practices of any governmental entity; |
| changes in stock price, trading volume, or credit rating or any failure by such party to meet any internal or public projections or forecasts or estimates of revenues or earnings for any period (provided that this exception will not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any effect underlying such failure has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect); |
| any effect, event, development, change or occurrence resulting from acts of war (whether or not declared), civil disobedience, hostilities, terrorism, military actions or the escalation of any of the foregoing, any hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake or other weather or natural disaster or acts of God, whether or not caused by any person; |
| the performance by any party of its obligations under the Merger Agreement, including any action taken or omitted to be taken at the request or with the consent of Enbridge, with respect to EEP, or at the request or with the consent of EEP with respect to Enbridge, as applicable; |
| any effect, event, development, change, occurrence or announcement of an effect, event, development, change or occurrence affecting the credit rating or other rating of financial strength of such party or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective securities (provided that this exception will not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any effect underlying such decline or change has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect); |
| a decline in the market price, or change in trading volume, of the Class A common units on the NYSE or the Enbridge common shares on the TSX or the NYSE, as applicable (provided that this exception will not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any effect underlying such decline or change has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect); |
| any Proceeding commenced by or involving any current or former member, partner, unitholder or stockholder of such person, on their own behalf or on behalf of such person, arising out of or related to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby; or |
| effects, events, developments, changes or occurrences caused by the entry into, announcement, consummation or performance of, or failure to enter into or consummate the Other Merger Transactions, including any impact on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, lenders, partners, governmental entities or employees or any litigation related to certain other transactions involving Enbridge or actions taken or requirements imposed by any governmental entity in connection with certain other transactions involving Enbridge; |
However, with respect to the first, second, fourth, fifth and seventh bullets listed above, such effect, event, development, change or occurrence will be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred to the extent that it disproportionately adversely affects such party and its subsidiaries compared to other companies operating in the industries in which such party and its subsidiaries operate.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, EEP and Enbridge have agreed that, after the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, required by law or contract in effect as of the date of the Merger Agreement or agreed upon by the parties in writing (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the business of each of Enbridge and EEP and their respective subsidiaries will be conducted in the ordinary course and each of Enbridge and EEP and their
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respective subsidiaries will use their commercially reasonable efforts to preserve their business organizations intact and maintain existing relations and goodwill with governmental entities, customers, suppliers, licensors, distributors, creditors, lessors, employees and business associates. EEP and Enbridge have also agreed that, after the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, except as, among other things (a) contemplated by the Merger Agreement or in any contract entered into by Enbridge with respect to the Other Merger Transactions, (b) required by law or the terms of any material contract of either Enbridge or EEP, or (c) as approved in writing by the other party (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), EEP and Enbridge will not, and will not permit their respective subsidiaries to:
| make any material change to the nature of its business and operations; |
| make any change to its organizational documents as in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement in any manner that would reasonably be expected to prohibit, prevent or materially impede, hinder or delay the ability of the party to satisfy any of the conditions to, or consummation of, the Merger or the Other Merger Transactions; |
| merge or consolidate itself or any of its subsidiaries with any other person or adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization, except such transactions solely between or among, or solely involving, the party and one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries, or a subsidiary of such party and one or more wholly owned subsidiaries of such subsidiary, as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to EEP or Enbridge, as applicable, or as would not reasonably be expected to prohibit, prevent or materially impede, hinder or delay the ability of such party to satisfy any of the conditions to, or consummation of, the Merger or the Other Merger Transactions; |
| issue, sell, grant, transfer or authorize the issuance, sale or grant, or otherwise enter into any contract with respect to the voting of, any of its partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable (other than the issuance of partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, (A) by its wholly owned subsidiary to it or another of its wholly owned subsidiaries, (B) by EEP to the GP Delegate pursuant to the EEP Partnership Agreement or (C) in respect of equity-based awards outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement in accordance with their terms and, as applicable, the plan documents as in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement), or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for any such partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, or any options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire any partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, or such convertible or exchangeable securities; |
| reclassify, split, combine, subdivide or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any of its partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, or securities convertible or exchangeable for such interests, as applicable; |
| waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding, including any state or federal regulatory proceeding seeking damages or injunction or other equitable relief, which waiver, release, assignment, settlement or compromise would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on EEP or Enbridge, as applicable; |
| other than in the ordinary course, make, change or revoke any material tax election, adopt or change any material tax accounting method, file any material amended tax return, settle any material tax claim, audit, assessment or dispute for an amount materially in excess of the amount reserved or accrued on the partys most recent consolidated balance sheet included in the public filings of EEP or Enbridge, as applicable, or surrender any right to claim a refund of a material amount of taxes; |
| make any material change to its accounting policies, except as may be required as a result of a change in GAAP; |
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| make or declare any dividends or distributions to the holders of EEP common units or Enbridge common shares, in each case, other than in the ordinary course; or |
| agree, authorize or commit to do any of the foregoing. |
No Solicitation. Except as expressly permitted by the Merger Agreement, EEP will not, and none of its subsidiaries nor any of the directors, officers or employees of it or its subsidiaries will, and EEP will instruct its and its subsidiaries directors, officers, principals, partners, managers, members (if such person is a member-managed limited liability company or similar entity), employees, consultants, investment bankers, financial advisors, legal counsel, attorneys-in-fact, accountants or other advisors, agents or other representatives of such person, in each case acting in their capacity as such (the Representatives) not to, directly or indirectly:
| initiate, solicit, propose, encourage or facilitate any inquiry or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal; |
| engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions with or negotiations relating to any acquisition proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal; |
| provide any non-public information to any person in connection with any acquisition proposal or any proposal or offer that would reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal; or |
| otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make an acquisition proposal. |
No act or failure to act by Enbridge or any of its affiliates or Representatives will be a violation or breach of the above.
Exceptions. Prior to the time, but not after, the Unitholder Approval is obtained, in response to an unsolicited, bona fide written acquisition proposal that did not arise from or in connection with a material breach of certain obligations set forth in the Merger Agreement, EEP may:
| provide information in response to a request therefor (including non-public information regarding EEP or any of its Subsidiaries) to the person who made such acquisition proposal, provided that such information has previously been made available to, or is made available to, Enbridge prior to or concurrently with the time such information is made available to such person and, prior to furnishing any such information, EEP receives from the person making such acquisition proposal an executed confidentiality agreement containing customary terms (it being understood that such confidentiality agreement need not contain a standstill provision prohibiting the making or amending of an acquisition proposal); and |
| participate in any discussions or negotiations with any such person regarding such acquisition proposal; |
in each case, if, and only if, prior to taking any action described above, the Special Committee determines in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel, based on the information then available and after consultation with its financial advisor, that such acquisition proposal (a) constitutes a superior proposal or would reasonably be expected to result in a superior proposal and (b) such acquisition proposal did not result from a breach of the provisions related to a change in recommendation in the Merger Agreement.
Notice of Acquisition Proposals. EEP will promptly (and, in any event, within 24 hours) give notice to Enbridge if (a) any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to an acquisition proposal are received by; (b) any non-public information is requested in connection with any acquisition proposal from; or (c) any discussions or negotiations with respect to an acquisition proposal are sought to be initiated or continued with, it or any of its Representatives, setting forth in such notice the name of such person and the material terms and conditions of
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any proposals or offers (including, if applicable, complete copies of any written requests, proposals or offers, including proposed agreements) and thereafter will keep Enbridge reasonably informed, on a current basis (and, in any event, within 24 hours), of the status and terms of any such proposals or offers (including any amendments thereto) and the status of any such discussions or negotiations, including any change in its intentions as previously notified.
No Change in Recommendation. Except as permitted by the Merger Agreement, the Special Committee agrees it will not:
| withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify (or publicly propose or resolve to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify) the recommendation of the GP Delegate Board that the limited partners approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger (the Partnership Recommendation) in a manner adverse to Enbridge; |
| fail to include the Partnership Recommendation in the proxy statement/prospectus; |
| fail to recommend, within ten business days after the commencement of such acquisition proposal through a tender or exchange offer pursuant to Rule 14d-2 under the Exchange Act for outstanding Class A common units (other than by Enbridge or an affiliate of Enbridge), against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its limited partners; |
| approve or recommend, or publicly declare advisable or publicly propose 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, other than a confidentiality agreement referred to in the Merger Agreement relating to any acquisition proposal (an Alternative Acquisition Agreement, and any of the actions set forth in the above, a Change of Recommendation); or |
| except as expressly permitted by the Merger Agreement, recommend that EEP enter into an Alternative Acquisition Agreement. |
Prior to the time the Unitholder Approval is obtained, the Special Committee may effect a Change of Recommendation if (a) an unsolicited, bona fide written acquisition proposal that did not arise from or in connection with a breach of the obligations set forth in the Merger Agreement is received by EEP and is not withdrawn, and (b) the Special Committee determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that such acquisition proposal constitutes a superior proposal. However, a Change of Recommendation may not be made unless and until EEP has given Enbridge written notice of such action and the basis thereof five days in advance (unless at the time such notice is otherwise required to be given there are fewer than five days prior to the expected date of the EEP unitholders meeting, as may be adjusted, in which case such notice will be provided as far in advance as practicable), which notice will set forth in writing that the Special Committee intends to consider whether to take such action and comply in form, substance and delivery with the provisions of the Merger Agreement. After giving such notice and prior to effecting such Change of Recommendation, EEP will negotiate in good faith with Enbridge (to the extent Enbridge wishes to negotiate) to make such revisions to the terms of the Merger Agreement as would permit the Special Committee not to effect a Change of Recommendation in response thereto. At the end of the five-day period (or such shorter period as is permitted), prior to taking action to effect a Change of Recommendation, the Special Committee shall take into account any changes to the terms of the Merger Agreement proposed by Enbridge in writing and any other information offered by Enbridge in response to the notice, and will have determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that the superior proposal would continue to constitute a superior proposal if such changes offered in writing were to be given effect. Any modification to any acquisition proposal will be deemed to be a new acquisition proposal, except that the advance written notice obligation will be reduced to three days.
Prior to the time the Unitholder Approval is obtained, the Special Committee may also effect a Change of Recommendation in response to an effect, event, development, change or occurrence that is not known or
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reasonably foreseeable to or by the Special Committee as of the date of the Merger Agreement (or if known, the consequences of which were not known to or by the Special Committee as of the date of the Merger Agreement), which effect, event development, change or occurrence (or consequences) becomes known to or by the Special Committee prior to the Unitholder Approval having been obtained (an Intervening Event) if the Special Committee has reasonably determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that the failure to do so would be materially adverse to the interests of EEP or the Public Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable law or obligations under the Partnership Agreement. However, a Change of Recommendation may not be made unless and until EEP has given Enbridge written notice of such action and the basis thereof five days in advance (unless at the time such notice is otherwise required to be given there are fewer than five days prior to the expected date of the EEP unitholders meeting, as may be adjusted, in which case such notice will be provided as far in advance as practicable), which notice will set forth in writing that the Special Committee intends to consider whether to take such action and a reasonably detailed description of such Intervening Event. After giving such notice and prior to effecting such Change of Recommendation, EEP will negotiate in good faith with Enbridge (to the extent Enbridge wishes to negotiate) to make such revisions to the terms of the Merger Agreement as would permit the Special Committee not to effect a Change of Recommendation in response thereto. At the end of the five-day period (or such shorter period as is permitted), prior to taking action to effect a Change of Recommendation, the Special Committee will take into account any changes to the terms of the Merger Agreement proposed by Enbridge in writing and any other information offered by Enbridge in response to the notice, and will have determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that the failure to effect a Change of Recommendation would continue to be materially adverse to the interests of EEP or the Public Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable law or obligations under the Partnership Agreement.
Certain Permitted Disclosures. The Merger Agreement does not prohibit EEP or the Special Committee from disclosures to the Public Unitholders of a position contemplated by Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act or any disclosure the Special Committee has reasonably determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the failure to do so would be materially adverse to the interests of EEP or the Public Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable law or obligations under the Partnership Agreement.
Existing Discussions. EEP will, and will cause its subsidiaries and Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any person conducted with respect to any acquisition proposal, or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal. EEP will promptly deliver a written notice to each such person providing only that EEP is ending all discussions and negotiations with such person with respect to any acquisition proposal, or proposal or transaction that would reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal and informing such persons of the obligations undertaken in the Merger Agreement, which notice will also request the prompt return or destruction of all confidential information concerning EEP and any of its subsidiaries furnished to such person by or on behalf of EEP or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable.
Prospectus/Proxy Filing; Information Supplied
As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of the Merger Agreement, EEP will prepare and file with the SEC the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the EEP unitholders meeting (as amended and supplemented from time to time) and Enbridge will prepare and file with the SEC the registration statement on Form S-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. Each of EEP and Enbridge have agreed to use their respective reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to comments from the SEC and have the registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing, to promptly thereafter mail the proxy statement/prospectus (including the registration statement) to the limited partners and to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement for as long as necessary to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or until the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
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Each of Enbridge and EEP will promptly notify the other of the receipt of all comments from the SEC and of any request by the SEC for any amendment or supplement to the registration statement or the proxy statement/prospectus or for additional information and will promptly provide to the other copies of all correspondence between it or any of its Representatives and the SEC with respect to the registration statement or proxy statement/prospectus.
Additionally, each of Enbridge and EEP will provide the other party and their respective legal counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on drafts of the proxy statement/prospectus, the registration statement and other documents related to the EEP unitholders meeting or the issuance of the Enbridge common shares in respect of the Merger, prior to filing such documents with the applicable governmental entity and mailing such documents to the limited partners of EEP. All comments reasonably and promptly proposed by the other party or its legal counsel will be included and all information relating to Enbridge and its subsidiaries (not including EEP and its subsidiaries) or EEP and its subsidiaries included in the proxy statement/prospectus and the registration statement will be in form and content satisfactory to Enbridge or EEP, respectively, acting reasonably.
EEP has agreed to take, in accordance with applicable law and its organizational documents, all action necessary to convene the EEP unitholders meeting, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the registration statement is declared effective and the SEC advises it has no further comments on the proxy statement/prospectus, to consider and vote upon the approval of the Merger Agreement and to cause such vote to be taken, and will not postpone or adjourn such meeting except to the extent required by law or pursuant to the Merger Agreement. If EEP delivers a notice of an intent to make a Change of Recommendation within the five days prior to the Original Date (as defined below) or any date that the EEP unitholders meeting is scheduled to be held thereafter in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, if directed by Enbridge, EEP will as promptly as practicable thereafter postpone or adjourn the EEP unitholders meeting for up to ten days in accordance with Enbridges direction. Subject to limited exceptions, the GP Delegate Board will recommend such approval and will take all lawful action to solicit such approval.
EEP has also agreed to provide Enbridge with reasonably detailed periodic updates concerning proxy solicitation results on a timely basis (including, if requested, promptly providing daily voting reports) and to give written notice to Enbridge one day prior to the EEP unitholders meeting and, if requested, on the day of, but prior to, the EEP unitholders meeting, indicating whether as of such date sufficient proxies representing the Unitholder Approval have been obtained. However, if, on a date that is two business days prior to the date the EEP unitholders meeting is scheduled (in either case, the Original Date), (a) EEP has not received proxies representing the Unitholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present or (b) it is necessary to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the proxy statement/prospectus is required to be delivered, EEP may, or if Enbridge so requests, will, postpone or adjourn, or make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of, the EEP unitholders meeting as long as the date of the EEP unitholders meeting is not postponed or adjourned more than ten days in connection with any one postponement or adjournment or more than an aggregate of twenty days from the Original Date.
EEPs obligation to hold the EEP unitholders meeting will not be affected by the making of a Change of Recommendation and its obligations will not be affected by the commencement of or announcement or disclosure of or communication to EEP of any acquisition proposal. EEP will not submit to the vote of the limited partners any acquisition proposal (whether or not a superior proposal) prior to the vote of EEPs limited partners with respect to the Unitholder Approval at the EEP unitholders meeting.
Cooperation; Efforts to Consummate
On the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, EEP and Enbridge have each agreed to cooperate with each other and use, and cause their respective subsidiaries to use, its respective reasonable best
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efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under the Merger Agreement and applicable law to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement as soon as practicable, including (a) preparing and filing as promptly as reasonably practicable all documentation to effect all necessary notices, reports and other filings (including by filing as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of the Merger Agreement the notification and report form required under the HSR Act), (b) obtaining as promptly as reasonably practicable all consents, registrations, approvals, permits and authorizations necessary or advisable to be obtained from any third party or any governmental entity in order to consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (c) defending any Proceedings challenging the Merger Agreement or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and seeking to have lifted or rescinded any injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the parties to consummate the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. However, no parties will be required to hold separate or make any divestiture of any asset or otherwise agree to any restriction on its operations or other condition in order to obtain any consent or approval or other clearance required by the Merger Agreement.
Subject to applicable law relating to the exchange of information, Enbridge will have the right to direct all matters with any governmental entity consistent with its obligations under the Merger Agreement. However, Enbridge, EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate will have the right to review in advance and, to the extent reasonably practicable, each will consult with the other on and consider in good faith the views of the other in connection with all of the information relating to Enbridge, EEP, the General Partner or the GP Delegate, as applicable, and any of their respective subsidiaries, that appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any governmental entity in connection with the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (including the proxy statement/prospectus). Neither EEP, the General Partner, the GP Delegate nor Enbridge shall permit any of its officers or other Representatives to participate in any meeting with any governmental entity in respect of any filings, investigation or other inquiry relating to the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement unless it consults with the other parties in advance and, to the extent permitted by such governmental entity, gives the other parties the opportunity to attend and participate thereat. EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate will not agree to any actions, restrictions or conditions with respect to obtaining any consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting periods or authorizations in connection with the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement without the prior written consent of Enbridge (which may be withheld in Enbridges sole discretion). In exercising the foregoing rights, each of EEP, the General Partner, the GP Delegate and Enbridge will act reasonably and as promptly as reasonably practicable.
Stock Exchange Listing and Delisting
Enbridge will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Enbridge common shares to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE and the TSX, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date. Prior to the Closing Date, EEP will cooperate with Enbridge and use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable law and rules and policies of the NYSE to enable the delisting by the Surviving Entity of the Class A common units from the NYSE and the deregistration of the Class A common units under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time.
Whether or not the Merger is consummated, subject to expense reimbursement described below in Payment of EEP Expenses, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, including all fees and expenses of its Representatives, will be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that Enbridge will pay for any filing fees with respect to the registration statement of which this proxy
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statement/prospectus forms a part, the costs and expenses of printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and any filing fees in connection with the HSR Act.
Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance
From and after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, each of Enbridge and the Surviving Entity will jointly and severally indemnify, defend and hold harmless each present and former, determined as of the Effective Time, director and officer of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, in each case, when acting in such capacity (including the heirs, executors and administrators of any such director or officer, the Indemnified Parties), against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), judgments, fines, penalties, sanctions, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any thereof) in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to any acts or omissions or actual or threatened Proceeding, in each case in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, including in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, and actions to enforce indemnification or advancements rights of any Indemnified Party. Enbridge and the Surviving Entity will also advance expenses as incurred in each case described above to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law. However, any person to whom expenses are advanced must provide an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined by a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction that such person is not entitled to indemnification.
In addition, Enbridge will maintain in effect, or cause to be maintained in effect, (a) the insurance liability coverage of the existing directors and officers insurance policies for directors and officers of the GP Delegate and (b) EEPs existing fiduciary liability insurance policies (collectively, the D&O Insurance) in place as of the date of the Merger Agreement, in each case, for a claims reporting or discovery period of six years from and after the Effective Time (the Tail Period), with terms, conditions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable to the insureds as provided in the existing policies providing such coverage as of the date of the Merger Agreement. However, in no event during the Tail Period will Enbridge be required to expend more on the annual cost of the D&O Insurance than an amount per year equal to 300 percent of the current annual premiums charged to EEP by Enbridge for such insurance, except that if the cost of such insurance coverage exceeds such amount, the Surviving Entity will have the option to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount. If Enbridge in its sole discretion elects, then, in lieu of the obligations of the Surviving Entity, Enbridge may, but will be under no obligation to, prior to the Effective Time, obtain and fully pay the premium for tail insurance policies for the extension of the D&O Insurance for the Tail Period with respect to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including in connection with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger).
During the Tail Period, Enbridge will honor, and will cause the General Partner, the GP Delegate and the Surviving Entity to honor, all rights to indemnification, elimination of liability and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time and rights to advancement of expenses relating thereto as in effect as of the date of the Merger Agreement in favor of any Indemnified Party as provided in the organizational documents of the General Partner, the GP Delegate, EEP and their respective subsidiaries or any indemnification agreement between such Indemnified Party and the General Partner, the GP Delegate, EEP or any of their respective subsidiaries, in each case, as in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, and all of such rights will survive the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement unchanged and will not be amended, restated, repealed or otherwise modified in any manner that would adversely affect any right thereunder of any such Indemnified Party.
If Enbridge, the General Partner, the GP Delegate or the Surviving Entity or any of their respective successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other person and will not be the continuing or surviving person of such consolidation or merger, or transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to
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any person, then, and in each such case, proper provisions will be made so that the successors and assigns of Enbridge, the General Partner, the GP Delegate or the Surviving Entity, as applicable, will assume all of the indemnification and D&O Insurance obligations.
The rights of the Indemnified Parties will be in addition to any rights such Indemnified Parties may have under the organizational documents of the General Partner, the GP Delegate, EEP or any of their respective subsidiaries or under any applicable laws or contracts. These rights will survive consummation of the Merger and are intended to benefit, and will be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party.
Until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, the GP Delegate Board shall declare, and shall cause EEP to pay, EEPs regular quarterly cash distribution in an amount not less than US$0.35 per Class A common unit in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and consistent with EEPs historical payment schedule of quarterly cash distributions.
EEP and Enbridge will coordinate with each other with respect to the declaration and setting of record dates and payment dates of distributions on Class A common units and Enbridge common shares, subject to applicable law, so that holders of Class A common units do not receive dividends and distributions, as applicable, on both Class A common units and Enbridge common shares received in the Merger or fail to receive a dividend or distribution, as applicable, on either Class A common units or Enbridge common shares received in the Merger in respect of any calendar quarter.
In the event that any unitholder litigation related to the Merger Agreement or any transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, is brought, or, to EEPs knowledge, threatened, against EEP or any members of the GP Delegate Board from and following the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Effective Time (such litigation, Transaction Litigation), EEP will as promptly as reasonably practicable notify Enbridge of such Transaction Litigation and will keep Enbridge reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. EEP will give Enbridge the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement and will consider in good faith Enbridges advice with respect to such Transaction Litigation. EEP, however, will in any event control such defense or settlement, and the disclosure of information to Enbridge in connection therewith will be subject to the provisions set forth in the Merger Agreement. EEP has agreed not to settle any Transaction Litigation without the prior written consent of Enbridge (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. have covenanted and agreed that, until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, (a) at the EEP unitholders meeting or any other meeting of the limited partners or any vote of the limited partners or of listed shares of the GP Delegate in connection with a vote of the limited partners, however called, Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. will vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the organizational documents of the GP Delegate, any EEP units and listed shares of the GP Delegate then owned beneficially or of record by them or any of their subsidiaries, as of the record date for such meeting, in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement (as it may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time) and the Merger and the approval of any actions required in furtherance thereof, and (b) at any meeting or vote of the holders of listed shares of the GP Delegate or in connection with any approval of the holders of listed shares of the GP Delegate, however called, Enbridge and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. will vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the organizational documents of the GP Delegate, all listed shares of the GP Delegate then owned, beneficially or of record, by them or any of their subsidiaries, as of the record date for such meeting, in favor of, for purposes of determining the manner in which the i-units are voted, the approval of the Merger Agreement (as it may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time) and the Merger and the approval of any actions required in furtherance thereof.
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Prior to the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, Enbridge will not and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to take any action intended to cause the GP Delegate to, without the consent of a majority of the then existing members of the Special Committee, eliminate the Special Committee, revoke or diminish the authority of the Special Committee, or remove or cause the removal of any director of the GP Delegate Board that is a member of the Special Committee either as a director or as a member of the such committee. However, this will not apply to the filling, in accordance with the provisions of the organizational documents of the GP Delegate, of any vacancies caused by the resignation, death or incapacity of any such director.
Unless otherwise expressly set forth in the Merger Agreement, whenever a determination, decision, approval, consent, waiver or agreement of EEP or the GP Delegate Board is permitted or required pursuant to the Merger Agreement, such determination, decision, approval, consent, waiver or agreement must be authorized by the Special Committee.
Performance by General Partner
Enbridge has agreed to cause the General Partner and the General Partner to cause the GP Delegate and EEP and its subsidiaries to comply with the provisions of the Merger Agreement. Any actions or inactions by EEP, the GP Delegate, the General Partner and their respective subsidiaries will not be deemed to be breaches or violations or failures to perform by EEP, the GP Delegate, the General Partner and their respective subsidiaries of any of the provisions of the Merger Agreement if such action or inaction was or was not taken, as applicable, at the direction of Enbridge, any of its subsidiaries (other than EEP and its subsidiaries) or any of their respective officers.
Conditions to the Completion of the Merger
Under the Merger Agreement, the respective obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions:
| Unitholder Approval. The Unitholder Approval must have been obtained in accordance with applicable law and the EEP Partnership Agreement. |
| Listing. The Enbridge common shares issuable to the holders of Class A common units pursuant to the Merger Agreement must have been authorized for listing on the NYSE and TSX, subject to official notice of issuance. |
| Regulatory Approvals. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, under the HSR Act must have expired or been earlier terminated. |
| No Orders. There must not have been enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law or governmental order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) by any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, makes illegal or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger. |
| Registration Statement. The registration statement must have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act and must not be the subject of any stop order suspending its effectiveness issued by the SEC and any Proceedings for that purpose must not have been commenced or been threatened by the SEC unless subsequently withdrawn. |
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The obligations of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Enbridge at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
| Representations and Warranties. |
| Each of the representations and warranties of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate relating to authority, approval and fairness and absence of certain changes set forth in the Merger Agreement must be true and correct as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty will be true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time); |
| The representations and warranties of EEP relating to the capital structure of EEP set forth in the Merger Agreement must be true and correct as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty will be true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time), except for such inaccuracies as would not be material in amount or effect; and |
| Each other representation and warranty of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate must be true and correct as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty will be true and correct as of such particular date or period of time), except for any failure of any such representation and warranty to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification by materiality or Material Adverse Effect contained therein) that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to EEP. |
| Performance of Obligations. EEP will have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the Merger Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date. |
| Closing Certificate. Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub must have received a certificate signed on behalf of EEP by an executive officer of EEP certifying that the conditions set forth above have been satisfied. |
The obligations of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by EEP at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:
| Representations and Warranties. |
| Each of the representations and warranties of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub relating to authority, approval and absence of certain changes set forth in the Merger Agreement must be true and correct as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty will be true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time); |
| The representations and warranties of Enbridge relating to the capital structure of Enbridge and Merger Sub set forth in the Merger Agreement must be true and correct as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty will be true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time), except for such inaccuracies as would not be material in amount or effect; and |
| Each other representation and warranty of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub must be true and correct as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except to the |
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extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty will be true and correct as of such particular date or period of time), except for any failure of any such representation and warranty to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification by materiality or Material Adverse Effect contained therein) that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Enbridge. |
| Performance of Obligations. Each of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub will have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the Merger Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date. |
| Closing Certificate. EEP must have received a certificate signed on behalf of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub by an executive officer of Enbridge certifying that the conditions set forth above have been satisfied. |
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by mutual written consent of Enbridge and EEP, by action of the Enbridge Board and the GP Delegate Board, with approval of the Special Committee.
The Merger Agreement may also be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by action of either the Enbridge Board or the GP Delegate Board, with the approval of the Special Committee, if:
| the Merger has not been consummated by March 18, 2019 (the Outside Date); |
| the Unitholder Approval has not been obtained at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof taken in accordance with the Merger Agreement; or |
| any law or governmental order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger has become final and non-appealable; |
provided that the right to terminate the Merger Agreement as described above, except as to the Unitholder Approval, will not be available to any party that has breached in any material respect its obligations under the Merger Agreement in any manner that will have proximately contributed to the occurrence of the failure of a condition to the consummation of the Merger.
In addition, the Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by the Enbridge Board if (a) prior to the time the Unitholder Approval is obtained, the Special Committee has made a Change of Recommendation; or (b) at any time prior to the Effective Time there has been a breach by EEP of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of EEP has become untrue, in either case, such that certain conditions to obligations of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. and Merger Sub would not be satisfied and such breach or failure to be true and correct is not curable prior to the Outside Date or, if curable prior to the Outside Date, is not cured within the earlier of 60 days after written notice thereof is given by Enbridge to EEP or the Outside Date.
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by the GP Delegate Board, with approval of the Special Committee, if, at any time prior to the Effective Time, there has been a breach by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. or Merger Sub of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. or Merger Sub will have become untrue, in either case, such that certain conditions to obligations of EEP, the General Partner and the GP Delegate would not be satisfied and such breach or failure to be true and correct is not curable prior to the Outside Date, or if curable prior to the Outside Date, is not cured within the earlier of 60 days after written notice thereof is given by EEP to Enbridge or the Outside Date.
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However, the right of Enbridge or EEP to terminate the Merger Agreement as described above will not be available to Enbridge or EEP if such party has breached in any material respect its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement.
Under the Merger Agreement, any determination by EEP or the GP Delegate Board to terminate the Merger Agreement must be approved by the Special Committee.
In the event of the termination of the Merger Agreement and the abandonment of the Merger, the Merger Agreement will become void and of no effect with no liability to any person on the part of any party (or any of its Representatives or affiliates). However, no such termination will relieve any party to the Merger Agreement of any liability or damages to the other party to the Merger Agreement resulting from any intentional and willful material breach of, or intentional and willful material failure to perform under, the Merger Agreement. The provisions or agreements of the parties related to definitions, interpretation and construction, survival of certain provisions, payment/allocation of expenses, the effect of termination and abandonment and payment of EEP expenses in the event of termination will survive the termination of the Merger Agreement.
If the Merger Agreement is terminated (a) by EEP due to a breach by Enbridge, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. or Merger Sub of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement such that EEPs closing condition is not satisfied or (b) by EEP or Enbridge due to the Merger not having been consummated by the Outside Date or failure to obtain the Unitholder Approval, Enbridge will pay to EEP by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by EEP an amount equal to EEPs expenses up to a maximum amount of US$4.0 million, and such payment will be made within five business days after such termination.
Subject to the provisions of applicable law and provisions of the Merger Agreement related to indemnification and directors and officers insurance, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the Merger Agreement may be amended, modified or waived, if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment or modification or waiver, by each of the parties, or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Any amendments, modifications or waivers by EEP must be approved by the Special Committee.
The conditions to each of the parties obligations to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the Merger, are for the sole benefit of such party and may be waived by such party, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Any such waiver will only be effective if made in writing and executed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. However, EEP may not make or authorize any such waiver without the prior approval of the Special Committee.
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MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
This summary is based on the description of the Merger set out in this proxy statement/prospectus, the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act, and an understanding of the current administrative policies and practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (which is referred to as the CRA) published in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (which are referred to as the proposed amendments) and assumes that all proposed amendments will be enacted in the form proposed; however, no assurances can be given that the proposed amendments will be enacted as proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative policy or assessing practice whether by legislative, administrative or judicial action, nor does it take into account tax legislation or considerations of any province, territory or foreign jurisdiction, which may differ from those discussed herein.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to the Merger. The income and other tax consequences of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities will vary depending on a holders particular status and circumstances, including the country in which the holder resides or carries on business. This summary is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular holder. No representations are made with respect to the income tax consequences to any particular holder. Holders should consult their own tax advisors for advice with respect to the income tax consequences of the Merger in their particular circumstances, including the application and effect of the income and other tax laws of any applicable country, province, state or local tax authority.
This summary does not discuss any non-Canadian income or other tax consequences of the Merger. Holders resident or subject to taxation in a jurisdiction other than Canada should be aware that the Merger may have tax consequences both in Canada and in such other jurisdiction. Such consequences are not described herein. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances and the tax considerations applicable to them.
Application
The following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations in respect of the Merger generally applicable under the Canadian Tax Act to a beneficial owner of Class A common units who disposes, or is deemed to have disposed, of Class A common units pursuant to the Merger and who, for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and at all relevant times, (1) deals at arms length with and is not affiliated with Enbridge, Merger Sub or EEP; and (2) holds all Class A common units, and will hold all Enbridge common shares acquired pursuant to the Merger (which is referred to, collectively, in this portion of the summary as the Securities) as capital property (each of which is referred to in this portion of the summary as a Holder). Generally, the Securities will be considered to be capital property to a Holder for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act provided that the Holder does not use or hold those Securities in the course of carrying on a business and has not acquired such Securities in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.
Canadian Currency
For the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, where an amount that is relevant in computing a taxpayers Canadian tax results is expressed in a currency other than Canadian dollars, the amount must be converted to Canadian dollars using the indicative rate of exchange for Canadian interbank transactions established by the Bank of Canada for the day on which the amount arose, or such other rate of exchange as is acceptable to the CRA.
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Holders Not Resident in Canada
The following portion of the summary is generally applicable to a Holder who, at all relevant times and for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, is not, and is not deemed to be, a resident of Canada and does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, Class A common units and will not use or hold, or be deemed to use or hold, Enbridge common shares in a business carried on in Canada (which is referred to in this portion of the summary as a Non-Canadian Resident Holder). This portion of the summary is not generally applicable to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder that is: (1) an insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere or (2) an authorized foreign bank (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act).
The following portion of the summary assumes that the Securities will not constitute taxable Canadian property to any particular Non-Canadian Resident Holder at any time. Generally, Class A common units will not constitute taxable Canadian property for a Non-Canadian Resident Holder at a particular time provided that at no time during the 60-month period that ends at the particular time less than 50% of the fair market value of the Class A common units is derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of: (A) real or immovable properties situated in Canada, (B) Canadian resource properties (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), (C) timber resource properties (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), and (D) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, any of the foregoing property whether or not the property exists. Generally, Enbridge common shares will not constitute taxable Canadian property to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder at a particular time provided that the applicable shares are listed at that time on a designated stock exchange (which includes the TSX and the NYSE), unless at any particular time during the 60-month period that ends at that time (1) one or any combination of (a) the Non-Canadian Resident Holder, (b) persons with whom the Non-Canadian Resident Holder does not deal at arms length and (c) partnerships in which the Non-Canadian Resident Holder or a person described in (b) holds a membership interest directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of the equity securities of Enbridge and (2) more than 50% of the fair market value of Enbridge common shares was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of: (A) real or immovable properties situated in Canada, (B) Canadian resource properties (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), (C) timber resource properties (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), and (D) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, any of the foregoing property whether or not the property exists. In certain circumstances set out in the Canadian Tax Act, shares which are not otherwise taxable Canadian property may be deemed to be taxable Canadian property.
Disposition Pursuant to the Merger
A Non-Canadian Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition of Class A common units, unless the units are taxable Canadian property and are not treaty-protected property (as those terms are defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the Non-Canadian Resident Holder, at the time of disposition.
Non-Canadian Resident Holders whose Class A common units are taxable Canadian property should consult their own tax advisors for advice regarding their particular circumstances, including whether their Class A common units constitute treaty-protected property.
Dividends on Enbridge Common Shares (Post-Merger)
Dividends paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, on Enbridge common shares to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder generally will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, unless the rate is reduced under the provisions of an applicable income tax convention between Canada and the Non-Canadian Resident Holders jurisdiction of residence. For example, the rate of withholding tax under the Treaty applicable to a Non-Canadian Resident Holder who is a resident of the United States for the purposes of the Treaty, is the beneficial owner of the dividend and is entitled to all of the benefits under the Treaty, generally will be 15%. Enbridge will be required to withhold the required amount of withholding tax from the dividend, and to remit the withheld tax to the CRA for the account of the Non-Canadian Resident Holder.
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Disposition of Enbridge Common Shares (Post-Merger)
A Non-Canadian Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition of Enbridge common shares, unless the shares are taxable Canadian property and the shares are not treaty-protected property (as those terms are defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the Non-Canadian Resident Holder, at the time of disposition.
Non-Canadian Resident Holders whose Enbridge common shares are taxable Canadian property should consult their own tax advisors for advice regarding their particular circumstances, including whether their Enbridge common shares constitute treaty-protected property.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
The following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders (as defined below) of the Merger and of owning and disposing of Enbridge common shares received in the Merger. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, existing and proposed Treasury regulations (the Treasury Regulations) promulgated under the Code and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or are subject to differing interpretations. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. No ruling has been or is expected to be sought from the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) with respect to any of the tax consequences discussed below. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the conclusions set forth below.
This discussion is limited to U.S. holders of EEP units that hold their EEP units, and will hold their Enbridge common shares received in the Merger, as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, this summary does not address the Medicare tax on certain investment income, U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws, any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws or any tax treaties. This summary also does not address tax considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as:
| banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions; |
| tax-exempt or governmental organizations; |
| qualified foreign pension funds (or any entities all of the interests of which are held by a qualified foreign pension fund); |
| dealers in securities or foreign currencies; |
| controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
| traders in securities that use the mark-to-market method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
| partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or holders of interests therein; |
| holders of Class A common units that received such common units through the exercise of an employee option, pursuant to a retirement plan or otherwise as compensation; |
| holders of options, or holders of restricted units or bonus units, granted under any Enbridge benefit plan; |
| persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
| holders of Class A common units that hold such Class A common units as part of a hedge, straddle, appreciated financial position, conversion or other synthetic security or integrated investment or risk reduction transaction; |
| persons who own or will acquire (directly, indirectly or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power or value of the outstanding Enbridge common shares; |
| persons that acquired the Enbridge common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan; and |
| certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States. |
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For purposes of this discussion, the term U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of Class A common units or of Enbridge common shares after the Merger that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) which has made a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person; or |
| an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source. |
If a partnership, (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Class A common units, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and upon certain determinations made at the partner level. A partner in a partnership holding Class A common units should consult its own tax advisor about the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of the Merger and the ownership and disposition of Enbridge common shares received after the Merger.
THIS DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER OR THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF ENBRIDGE COMMON SHARES RECEIVED IN THE MERGER. EACH HOLDER OF CLASS A COMMON UNITS IS STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH AND RELY UPON ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFIC FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDER OF THE MERGER AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF ENBRIDGE COMMON SHARES RECEIVED IN THE MERGER, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ITS OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger to U.S. Holders of Class A Common Units
Tax Characterization of the Merger.
The receipt of Enbridge common shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, in exchange for Class A common units pursuant to the Merger should be a taxable transaction to U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, the Merger should be treated as a taxable sale of a U.S. holders Class A common units in exchange for Enbridge common shares and cash received in lieu of fractional shares, if any, received in the Merger. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Merger will be treated as a taxable transaction.
Amount and Character of Gain or Loss Recognized.
A U.S. holder who receives Enbridge common shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, in exchange for Class A common units pursuant to the Merger will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the sum of (A) the amount of any cash received, (B) the fair market value of any Enbridge common shares received and (C) such U.S. holders share of EEPs nonrecourse liabilities immediately prior to the Merger and (2) such U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in the Class A common units exchanged therefor (which includes such U.S. holders share of EEPs nonrecourse liabilities immediately prior to the Merger).
A U.S. holders initial tax basis in its Class A common units purchased with cash equaled, at the time of such purchase, the amount such holder paid for the Class A common units plus the U.S. holders share of EEPs
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nonrecourse liabilities. Over time that basis would have (1) increased by the U.S. holders share of EEPs income and by any increases in the U.S. holders share of EEPs nonrecourse liabilities and (2) decreased, but not below zero, by distributions from EEP, by the U.S. holders share of EEPs losses, by any decreases in the U.S. holders share of EEPs nonrecourse liabilities and by the U.S. holders share of EEPs expenditures that are not deductible in computing taxable income and are not required to be capitalized.
Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on the exchange of Class A common units in the Merger will generally be taxable as capital gain or loss. However, a portion of this gain or loss, which portion could be substantial, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under Section 751 of the Code to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture or other unrealized receivables or to inventory items owned by EEP and its subsidiaries. The term unrealized receivables includes potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. Ordinary income attributable to unrealized receivables, inventory items and depreciation recapture may exceed net taxable gain realized upon the exchange of a Class A common unit pursuant to the Merger and may be recognized even if there is a net taxable loss realized on the exchange of such U.S. holders Class A common units pursuant to the Merger. Consequently, a U.S. holder may recognize both ordinary income and capital loss upon the exchange of Class A common units in the Merger.
Capital gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holders holding period for its Class A common units is more than 12 months as of the Effective Time of the Merger. If the U.S. holder is an individual, such long-term capital gain will generally be eligible for reduced rates of taxation. Capital losses recognized by a U.S. holder may offset capital gains and, in the case of individuals, no more than US$3,000 of ordinary income. Capital losses recognized by U.S. holders that are corporations may be used to offset only capital gains.
The amount of gain or loss recognized by each U.S. holder in the Merger will vary depending on each U.S. holders particular situation, including the value of the Enbridge common shares and the amount of cash received in lieu of fractional shares, if any, by each U.S. holder in the Merger, the adjusted tax basis of the Class A common units exchanged by each U.S. holder in the Merger, and the amount of any suspended passive losses that may be available to a particular unitholder to offset a portion of the gain recognized by each U.S. holder. Passive losses that were not deductible by a U.S. holder in prior taxable periods because they exceeded the U.S. holders share of EEPs income may be deducted in full upon the U.S. holders taxable disposition of its entire investment in EEP pursuant to the Merger.
Each U.S. holder is strongly urged to consult its own tax advisor with respect to the unitholders specific tax consequences of the Merger, taking into account its own particular circumstances.
EEP Items of Income, Gain, Loss, and Deduction for the Taxable Period Ending on the Date of the Merger.
U.S. holders of Class A common units will be allocated their share of EEPs items of income, gain, loss, and deduction for the taxable period of EEP ending on the date of the Merger. These allocations will be made in accordance with the terms of the EEP partnership agreement. A U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on any such allocated income and gain even if such U.S. holder does not receive a cash distribution from EEP attributable to such allocated income and gain. Any such income and gain allocated to a U.S. holder will increase the U.S. holders tax basis in the Class A common units held and, therefore, will reduce the gain, or increase the loss, recognized by such U.S. holder resulting from the Merger. Any losses or deductions allocated to a U.S. holder will decrease the U.S. holders tax basis in the Class A common units held and, therefore, will increase the gain, or reduce the loss, recognized by such U.S. holder resulting from the Merger.
Tax Basis and Holding Period in Enbridge Common Shares Received in the Merger.
A U.S. holders tax basis in the Enbridge common shares received in the Merger will equal the fair market value of such Enbridge common shares. A U.S. holders holding period in Enbridge common shares received in the Merger will begin on the day after the date of the Merger.
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Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Owning and Disposing of Enbridge Common Shares Received in the Merger
Dividends
Under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company, which is referred to as PFIC, rules discussed below, a U.S. holder generally will be required to treat distributions received with respect to its Enbridge common shares (including any Canadian taxes withheld from such distribution) as dividend income to the extent of Enbridges current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and subject to U.S. federal income taxation. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the Enbridge shareholders basis in the Enbridge common shares and thereafter as capital gain. However, Enbridge does not expect to calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, each Enbridge shareholder should expect to generally treat distributions made by Enbridge as dividends. If the Enbridge shareholder is a noncorporate U.S. holder, dividends that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that such Enbridge shareholder holds the Enbridge common shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and meets other holding period requirements. Dividends Enbridge pays with respect to Enbridge common shares generally will be qualified dividend income.
Each Enbridge shareholder must include any Canadian tax withheld from the dividend payment in this gross amount even though such shareholder does not in fact receive the dividend. The dividend is taxable to each Enbridge shareholder when such shareholder receives the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that each Enbridge shareholder must include in their income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the Canadian dollar payments made, determined at the spot Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in such shareholders income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the Enbridge shareholder includes the dividend payment in income to the date such shareholder converts the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. Such foreign exchange gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Subject to certain limitations, Canadian tax withheld in accordance with the Treaty and paid over to Canada will be creditable or deductible against the Enbridge shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the preferential tax rates. To the extent a refund of the tax withheld is available under Canadian law or under the Treaty, the amount of tax withheld that is refundable will not be eligible for credit against an Enbridge shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability.
Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States and will, depending on each Enbridge shareholders circumstances, be either passive or general income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to such shareholder. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and involve the application of rules that depend upon a U.S. holders particular circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Capital Gains
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if an Enbridge shareholder is a U.S. holder and such shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of their Enbridge common shares in a taxable disposition, such Enbridge shareholder will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S.
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dollar value of the amount realized and such shareholders tax basis (determined in U.S. dollars) in their Enbridge common shares. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
PFIC Rules
Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to U.S. persons owning stock of a PFIC. A foreign corporation will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year in which (1) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income, or (2) 50% or more of the value (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) of its assets are considered passive assets (generally, assets that generate passive income).
Enbridge believes that Enbridge common shares should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes and Enbridge does not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If Enbridge were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder owns Enbridge common shares, the U.S. holder generally would be subject to adverse rules, regardless of whether Enbridge continued to be classified as a PFIC. Gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the Enbridge common shares would in general not be treated as capital gain. Instead, unless an Enbridge shareholder elects to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to its Enbridge common shares, such Enbridge shareholder would be treated as if it had realized such gain and certain excess distributions ratably over the Enbridge shareholders holding period for the Enbridge common shares and would generally be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. Dividends that an Enbridge shareholder receives from Enbridge will not be eligible for the tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if Enbridge is treated as a PFIC with respect to an Enbridge shareholder either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.
Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets
Owners of specified foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of US$50,000 (and in some circumstances, a higher threshold) may be required to file an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. Specified foreign financial assets include financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as the following, but only if they are held for investment and not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (1) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (2) financial instruments and contracts that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties, and (3) interests in foreign entities. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of this reporting requirement to their ownership of the Enbridge common shares.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
If an Enbridge shareholder is a noncorporate U.S. holder, information reporting requirements generally will apply to dividend payments or other taxable distributions made to such Enbridge shareholder within the United States, and the payment of proceeds to such Enbridge shareholder from the sale of Enbridge common shares effected in the United States or through a United States office of a broker.
In addition, backup withholding may apply to such payments if an Enbridge shareholder fails to comply with applicable certification requirements or is notified by the IRS that such shareholder has failed to report all interest and dividends required to be shown on its federal income tax returns.
Payment of the proceeds from the sale of Enbridge common shares effected through a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, a sale effected
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through a foreign office of a broker could be subject to information reporting in the same manner as a sale within the United States (and in certain cases may be subject to backup withholding as well) if (1) the broker has certain connections to the United States, (2) the proceeds or confirmation are sent to the United States or (3) the sale has certain other specified connections with the United States.
Enbridge shareholders generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed such shareholders income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
This discussion does not address tax consequences that may vary with, or are contingent on, individual circumstances. Moreover, it only addresses U.S. federal income tax and does not address any non-income tax or any state, local or non-United States tax consequences. Each EEP unitholder should consult its own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger and the ownership of Enbridge common shares in light of such unitholders particular situation, as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF ENBRIDGE SHAREHOLDERS AND EEP UNITHOLDERS
This section describes the material differences between the rights of holders of Enbridge shareholders and the rights of EEP unitholders. Enbridge is formed under the federal laws of Canada and, accordingly, the rights of Enbridge shareholders are principally governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act, which is referred to as the Canada Corporations Act. EEP is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware and the rights of EEP unitholders are governed by the EEP Partnership Agreement and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, which is referred to as the DRULPA.
The differences between the rights of Enbridge shareholders and EEP unitholders result from differences between the organizational documents, governing law and type of corporate structure of Enbridge and EEP. Enbridge is a Canadian corporation and EEP is a Delaware limited partnership. Ownership interests in a Delaware limited partnership are fundamentally different from ownership interests in a Canadian corporation. The rights of Enbridge shareholders are governed by the Enbridge Articles of Continuance and Certificates of Amendment, which is referred to as Enbridges articles, Enbridge General By-Law No. 1, as amended, and Enbridge By-Law No. 2, which are referred to collectively as Enbridges by-laws, and the Canada Corporations Act. The rights of EEP unitholders are governed by the EEP Partnership Agreement and the DRULPA.
As a result of the Merger, EEP unitholders that receive Merger Consideration in respect of their EEP units will become Enbridge shareholders. Accordingly, once the Merger is completed, the rights of EEP unitholders as Enbridge shareholders will be governed by Enbridges articles, Enbridges by-laws and the Canada Corporations Act. There are many differences between the rights of EEP unitholders and the rights of Enbridge shareholders. Some of these, such as distribution/dividend and voting rights, are significant.
The following description summarizes the material differences that may affect the rights of Enbridge shareholders and EEP unitholders but does not purport to be a complete statement of all those differences, or a complete description of the specific provisions referred to in this summary. The identification of specific differences is not intended to indicate that other equally significant or more significant differences do not exist. EEP unitholders should read carefully the relevant provisions of the Canada Corporations Act and the DRULPA, Enbridges articles, Enbridges by-laws, the EEP Partnership Agreement and each other document referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus for a more complete understanding of the differences between the rights of an Enbridge shareholder and the rights of an EEP unitholder. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the applicable governing document. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of each of Enbridges articles, Enbridges by-laws and the EEP Partnership Agreement. For information on how to obtain a copy of these documents, see the section titled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 166.
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
PURPOSE AND TERM OF EXISTENCE | ||
Neither Enbridges articles nor Enbridges by-laws provide a stated purpose. | EEPs stated purposes are to serve as a partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest holder of its subsidiaries and to engage directly in, or enter into any partnership, joint venture or similar arrangement to engage in, any business activity that may be lawfully conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the DRULPA or as permitted under Delaware law.
| |
Enbridge is to have perpetual existence. | EEPs existence will continue until December 31, 2081, unless sooner terminated under the terms of the EEP Partnership Agreement. |
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Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |||||||||||||||||
AUTHORIZED, ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING CAPITAL | ||||||||||||||||||
The authorized share capital of Enbridge consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of preference shares, issuable in series.
As of November 5, 2018, the Record Date, Enbridge had 1,724,416,558 common shares issued and outstanding and the following preference shares issued and outstanding:
|
|
As of November 5, 2018, the Record Date, EEP had the following units outstanding:
326,517,110 Class A common units, 110,827,018 of which were owned by Enbridge and its affiliates;
7,825,500 Class B common units, all of which were owned by Enbridge and its affiliates;
18,114,975 Class E units outstanding, all of which were owned by Enbridge and its affiliates;
1,000 Class F units outstanding, all of which were owned by Enbridge and its affiliates; and
98,611,092.745544 i-units outstanding, all of which were owned by EEQ. (As of November 5, 2018, Enbridge indirectly owned 11,524,315.661566 of the listed shares of EEQ.)
Class B common units. At such time as the General Partner determines, based on advice of counsel, that all Class B common units have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics, in all material respects, to the intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics of the Class A common units then outstanding, all differences and distinctions between Class A common units and Class B common units will automatically cease and Class A common units and Class B common units will thereafter be one class of units called Common Units. The Class B common units generally vote together with all other units as a single class.
Class E units. The Class E units are convertible on a one-for-one basis into Class A common units at any time by delivery of written notice to EEP. However, the unitholder of such converted Class E units will not be issued Class A common units or be permitted to transfer such Class A common units to any person other than an affiliate of EEP until the General Partner of EEP determines that such Class A common units have like intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics as a Class A common unit issued in the initial public offering of Class A common units. Holders of Class E units are generally entitled to vote as if their Class E units were converted to Class A common units on the record date, unless entitled to vote as a separate class on any matter. EEP may | ||||||||||||||||
Preference Shares Series |
Number | |
Per Share Base Redemption Value |
|
|
Redemption and Conversion Option Date(1) |
|
|
Right to Convert into |
| ||||||||
Series A |
5,000,000 | C$25 | | |||||||||||||||
Series B |
18,269,812 | C$25 | June 1, 2022 | Series C | ||||||||||||||
Series C |
1,730,188 | C$25 | June 1, 2022 | Series B | ||||||||||||||
Series D |
18,000,000 | C$25 | March 1, 2023 | Series E | ||||||||||||||
Series F |
20,000,000 | C$25 | June 1, 2023 | Series G | ||||||||||||||
Series H |
14,000,000 | C$25 | September 1, 2023 | Series I | ||||||||||||||
Series J |
8,000,000 | US$25 | June 1, 2022 | Series K | ||||||||||||||
Series L |
16,000,000 | US$25 | September 1, 2022 | Series M | ||||||||||||||
Series N |
18,000,000 | C$25 | December 1, 2018 | Series O | ||||||||||||||
Series P |
16,000,000 | C$25 | March 1, 2019 | Series Q | ||||||||||||||
Series R |
16,000,000 | C$25 | June 1, 2019 | Series S | ||||||||||||||
Series 1 |
16,000,000 | US$25 | June 1, 2023 | Series 2 | ||||||||||||||
Series 3 |
24,000,000 | C$25 | September 1, 2019 | Series 4 | ||||||||||||||
Series 5 |
8,000,000 | US$25 | March 1, 2019 | Series 6 | ||||||||||||||
Series 7 |
10,000,000 | C$25 | March 1, 2019 | Series 8 | ||||||||||||||
Series 9 |
11,000,000 | C$25 | December 1, 2019 | Series 10 | ||||||||||||||
Series 11 |
20,000,000 | C$25 | March 1, 2020 | Series 12 | ||||||||||||||
Series 13 |
14,000,000 | C$25 | June 1, 2020 | Series 14 | ||||||||||||||
Series 15 |
11,000,000 | C$25 | September 1, 2020 | Series 16 | ||||||||||||||
Series 17 |
30,000,000 | C$25 | March 1, 2022 | Series 18 | ||||||||||||||
Series 19 |
20,000,000 | C$25 | March 1, 2023 | Series 20 | ||||||||||||||
(1) Preference Shares, Series A may be redeemed any time at Enbridges option. For all other series of preference shares, Enbridge may, at its option, redeem all or a portion of the outstanding preference shares for the per share base redemption value (as set forth in the table above) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on the applicable redemption and conversion option date (as set forth in the table above) and on every fifth anniversary thereafter.
Holders of Enbridge common shares and preference shares are entitled to all of the applicable rights and obligations provided under the Canada Corporations Act and Enbridges articles and Enbridges by-laws, as applicable, with certain additional rights attaching to any series of preference shares. However, none of the existing preference shares carry the right to be convertible into or exchangeable for Enbridge common shares, directly or indirectly.
Under the Canada Corporations Act, the Enbridge Board, without shareholder approval, may approve the issuance of authorized but unissued Enbridge common |
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Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |||||||||
shares or preference shares, including one or more new series of preference shares.
The number of authorized Enbridge common shares or preference shares of Enbridge may be reduced (but not below the number of issued Enbridge common shares or preference shares of Enbridge, as applicable) through an amendment of Enbridges articles authorized by a special resolution of Enbridge shareholders, including, if applicable, a separate special resolution of the holders of the affected class or series of shares in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act.
Repurchases/Redemptions
Under the Canada Corporations Act, Enbridge may repurchase its own shares, provided that there are no reasonable grounds for believing that (i) Enbridge is, or after the payment for the purchase of such shares would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due and (ii) the realizable value of Enbridges assets would after the payment for the purchase of such shares be less than the aggregate of Enbridges liabilities and the stated capital of all classes of Enbridges shares.
Under the Canada Corporations Act, Enbridge may purchase or redeem any redeemable shares issued by it at prices not exceeding the redemption price, or as calculated according to a formula, stated in the articles; provided that Enbridge may only purchase or redeem its redeemable shares if there are no reasonable grounds for believing that (i) Enbridge is, or after the payment for the purchase or redemption of such shares would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due and (ii) the realizable value of Enbridges assets would after the payment for the purchase or redemption of such shares be less than the aggregate of Enbridges liabilities and the amount that would be required to pay the holders of Enbridges shares that have a right to be paid, on a redemption or in a liquidation, ratably with or before the holders of the shares to be purchased or redeemed, to the extent that the amount has not been included in its liabilities. |
redeem Class E units for either cash or Class A common units at any time on or after the 30 year anniversary of January 2, 2015.
Class F units. Class F units are not convertible and have no voting rights.
I-Units. i-units receive their distributions in additional i-units (or fractions of i-units), rather than in cash, and with limited exceptions, have the voting rights of a Common Unit. I-Units generally vote together with all other units as a single class, subject to certain exceptions provided in the EEP Partnership Agreement.
EEP may issue additional units and other equity securities, including in additional classes or series, or other partnership securities, with such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, powers and duties which may be senior or in addition to those of its Common Units or other existing classes of units, as the General Partner of EEP may determine, all without the approval of any EEP unitholders, unless as otherwise indicated above or in the EEP Partnership Agreement. |
133
Enbridge Shareholders |
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DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS |
Under the Canada Corporations Act, the Enbridge Board may declare and pay dividends to the holders of Enbridge common shares or Enbridge preference shares provided there are no reasonable grounds for believing that: (i) Enbridge is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; and (ii) the realizable value of Enbridges assets would as a result of the payment be less than the aggregate of Enbridges liabilities and the stated capital of all classes of Enbridges shares.
Pursuant to Enbridges articles and the Canada Corporations Act, Enbridge shareholders are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the directors of Enbridge, subject to prior satisfaction of preferential dividends applicable to any preference shares. The preference shares of each series rank on a parity with the preference shares of every other series with respect to dividends and are entitled to a preference over the Enbridge common shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the preference shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends.
The outstanding series of preference shares of Enbridge have the following annual dividend entitlements, for the initial fixed period, as applicable:
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Distributions of Available Cash. The EEP Partnership Agreement requires that EEP retain for reinvestment and distribute to its partners 100% of available cash, as defined in the EEP Partnership Agreement, within 45 days following the end of each calendar quarter. Available cash means, with respect to any quarter, all of EEPs cash receipts from all sources, including cash received from its subsidiaries, net reductions in reserves and, as determined by the General Partner, all or any portion of additional cash and cash equivalents resulting from working capital borrowings made subsequent to the end of the applicable quarter less cash disbursements and net additions to reserves.
EEPs General Partner is granted discretion by EEPs Partnership Agreement, which discretion has been delegated to EEQ (subject to the approval of the General Partner in certain cases), to establish, maintain and adjust reserves to:
provide for the proper conduct of EEPs business, including reserves for possible rate refunds or future capital expenditures;
provide funds for distributions with respect to any of the next four calendar quarters; or
comply with applicable law or any loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which EEP is a party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject.
EEPs General Partner and the owners of its Common Units and Class E units receive distributions in cash, while EEQ, as the sole owner of EEPs i-units, receives distributions in additional i-units (or fractions of i-units). EEP does not distribute cash to i-unit owners but instead retains the cash for use in its business. However, the cash equivalent of distributions of i-units is treated as if it had actually been distributed for purposes of determining the distributions to EEPs General Partner. Each time EEP makes a distribution, the number of i-units owned by EEQ and, accordingly, the percentage of EEPs total units owned by EEQ, increase automatically under the provisions of EEPs Partnership Agreement. While any i-units are outstanding, EEPs Partnership Agreement provides that EEP may not make a distribution on a Common Unit other than in cash, in additional Common Units | ||||||
Preference Shares Series |
Dividend |
Dividend Amount |
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Series A |
5.5% | C$ 1.375 | ||||||
Series B |
3.42% | C$0.85360 | ||||||
Series C |
3-month treasury bill + 2.40% | | ||||||
Series D |
4.46% | C$ 1.115 | ||||||
Series F |
4.69% | C$1.17225 | ||||||
Series H |
4.38% | C$ 1.0940 | ||||||
Series J |
4.89% | US$1.22160 | ||||||
Series L |
4.96% | US$1.23972 | ||||||
Series N |
4.0% | C$ 1.00 | ||||||
Series P |
4.0% | C$ 1.00 | ||||||
Series R |
4.0% | C$ 1.00 | ||||||
Series 1 |
5.95% | US$1.48728 | ||||||
Series 3 |
4.0% | C$ 1.00 | ||||||
Series 5 |
4.4% | US$ 1.10 | ||||||
Series 7 |
4.4% | C$ 1.10 | ||||||
Series 9 |
4.4% | C$ 1.10 | ||||||
Series 11 |
4.4% | C$ 1.10 | ||||||
Series 13 |
4.4% | C$ 1.10 | ||||||
Series 15 |
4.4% | C$ 1.10 | ||||||
Series 17 |
5.15% | C$1.28750 | ||||||
Series 19 |
4.90% | C$1.22500 |
134
Enbridge Shareholders |
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or in a security that has in all material respects the same rights and privileges as the Common Units, and that, except in liquidation, it may not make a distribution on an i-unit other than in additional i-units or in a security that has in all material respects the same rights and privileges as the i-units. Pursuant to the EEP Partnership Agreement, distributions are characterized either as distributions of cash from operations or as distributions of cash from interim capital transactions. As long as Class F units remain outstanding, distributions of cash from both operations and interim capital transactions are distributed in the same fashion, as described in Allocation of Distributions from Operations and Interim Capital Transactions, below.
Cash from Operations. Cash from operations generally refers to EEPs cash balance at the close of business on the date immediately prior to July 1, 2014, plus all cash generated by the operation of its business since July 1, 2014 through the end of the period, after deducting related cash expenditures, net additions to or reductions in reserves, debt service and various other items.
Cash from Interim Capital Transactions. Interim capital transactions generally include borrowings, sales of debt and equity securities and sales or other dispositions of assets for cash, other than inventory, accounts receivable and other current assets and assets disposed of in the ordinary course of business.
Rule for Characterizing Distributions. All available cash distributed by EEP from any source will be treated as distributions of cash from operations unless the sum of all available cash distributed exceeds the cumulative amount of cash from operations actually generated from the date EEP commenced operations through the end of the calendar quarter prior to any applicable distribution. Any portion of a distribution of available cash for that quarter which, when added to the sum of all prior distributions, is in excess of the cumulative amount of cash from operations, will be considered a distribution of cash from interim capital transactions and treated as described below under Allocation of Distributions from Operations and Interim Capital Transactions. For purposes of calculating the sum of all distributions of available cash, the total equivalent cash amount of all distributions of i-units to EEQ, as the holder of all i-units, will be treated as distributions of available |
135
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
cash, even though the distributions to EEQ are made in additional i-units rather than in cash. EEP retains this cash and uses it in its business.
Allocation of Distributions of Cash from Operations and Cash from Interim Capital Transactions. As long as Class F units are outstanding, available cash, whether from operations or interim capital transactions, for each quarter will be distributed effectively as follows:
first, 98% to the owners of Class E units, Class A common units, Class B common units and i-units pro rata and 2% to the General Partner until the owners of such units have received a total of US$0.295 per unit in cash or equivalent i-units for such quarter;
second, 85% of any available cash then remaining to the owners of Class E units, Class A common units, Class B common units and i-units pro rata, 13% to owners of Class F units and 2% to EEPs General Partner until the owners of all classes of units have received a total of US$0.35 per unit in cash or equivalent i-units for such quarter; and
third, 75% of any available cash then remaining to the owners of Class E units, Class A common units, Class B common units and i-units pro rata, 23% to owners of Class F units and 2% to the General Partner.
The first two distribution levels will be proportionately adjusted upward or downward, as appropriate, in the event of any combination or subdivision of units, whether effected by a distribution payable in any type of units or otherwise, but not by reason of the issuance of additional i-units in lieu of distributions of available cash from operations or interim capital transactions or the issuance of additional Common Units, Class E units or i-units for cash or property.
The first two distribution levels may also be adjusted if legislation is enacted which causes EEP to become taxable as a corporation or otherwise subjects EEP to taxation as an entity for federal income tax purposes. In that event, each of the first three distribution levels for each quarter thereafter would be reduced to an amount equal to the product of that distribution level, multiplied by a number which is equal to one minus |
136
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
the sum of (i) the highest effective federal income tax rate to which EEP is subject as an entity, plus (ii) any increase that results from that legislation in the effective overall state and local income tax rate to which EEP is subject as an entity, after taking into account the benefit of any deduction allowable for federal income tax purposes for the payment of state and local income taxes. | ||
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | ||
Under the Canada Corporations Act, a merger, consolidation, sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property of Enbridge other than in the ordinary course of business of Enbridge, including pursuant to an amalgamation (other than an amalgamation with a parent or a subsidiary or an amalgamation with a sister corporation in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act) and an arrangement, as defined in the Canada Corporations Act, or a dissolution of Enbridge, is generally required to be approved by special resolution, being 662⁄3% of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, in respect of the resolution at a meeting of Enbridge shareholders.
Additionally, Multilateral Instrument 61-101Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, which is referred to as MI 61-101, of the Canadian Securities Administrators contains detailed requirements in connection with related party transactions and business combinations. A related party transaction means, generally, any transaction by which an issuer, directly or indirectly, consummates one or more specified transactions with a related party, including purchasing or disposing of an asset, acquiring or combining the related party, issuing securities or assuming liabilities. Related party, as defined in MI 61-101, includes:
directors and senior officers of the issuer;
holders of voting securities of the issuer carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all the issuers outstanding voting securities; and
holders of a sufficient number of any securities of the issuer to materially affect control of the issuer.
A business combination means, generally, any amalgamation, arrangement, consolidation, amendment to share terms or other transaction, as a consequence of which the interest of a holder of an equity security may be terminated without the holders consent that involves |
EEPs Partnership Agreement allows, subject to certain restrictions, the merger of EEP with one or more corporations, limited liability companies, business trusts or associations, real estate investment trusts, common law trusts or unincorporated business upon approval of the merger agreement by the General Partner, in its sole discretion, and the holders of at least 662⁄3% of the outstanding units, unless a greater percentage is otherwise required by the merger agreement, EEP Partnership Agreement or DRULPA. Except in certain limited situations, Class F units are not considered outstanding for such purposes.
EEPs Partnership Agreement generally prohibits the General Partner, without the prior approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding units, from causing EEP to, among other things, merge or consolidate with another entity, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, or approving on EEPs behalf the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership. Except in certain limited situations, Class F units are not considered outstanding for such purposes. The General Partner may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of EEPs assets without that approval. The General Partner may also sell any or all of EEPs assets under a foreclosure of or other realization upon those encumbrances without that approval. |
137
Enbridge Shareholders |
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a related party who is either a party to the transaction or will receive a benefit as a result of the transaction that is not available to other shareholders.
MI 61-101 requires, subject to certain exceptions, specific detailed disclosure in the proxy (information) circular sent to security holders in connection with a related party transaction or business combination where a meeting is required and, subject to certain exceptions, the preparation of a formal valuation of the subject matter of the related party transaction or business combination and any non-cash consideration offered in connection therewith, and the inclusion of a summary of the valuation in the proxy circular. MI 61-101 also requires, subject to certain exceptions, that an issuer not engage in a related party transaction or business combination unless, in addition to any other required shareholder approvals, the disinterested shareholders of the issuer have approved the related party transaction or business combination by a simple majority of the votes cast.
The Canada Corporations Act provides that if an offer is made to shareholders of a distributing corporation, as defined in the Canada Corporations Act, such as Enbridge, at approximately the same time to acquire all of the shares of a class of issued shares, including an offer made by a distributing corporation to repurchase all of the shares of a class of its shares, which is referred to as a takeover bid, and such offer is accepted within 120 days of the takeover bid by holders of not less than 90% of the shares (other than the shares held by the offeror or an affiliate or associate of the offeror) of any class of shares to which the takeover bid relates, then the offeror is entitled to acquire the shares held by those holders of securities of that class who did not accept the takeover bid either on the same terms on which the offeror acquired shares under the takeover bid or for payment of the fair value of such holders shares as determined in accordance with the dissent right procedures under the Canada Corporations Act.
Enbridge has a shareholder rights plan, which is referred to as the shareholder rights plan, that is designed to encourage the fair treatment of shareholders in connection with any takeover bid for Enbridge. Rights issued under the shareholder rights plan become exercisable when a person, and any related parties, acquires or announces the intention to acquire 20% or more of the outstanding Enbridge common shares without complying with certain provisions set out in the |
138
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
shareholder rights plan or without approval of the Enbridge Board. Should such an acquisition or announcement occur, each rights holder, other than the acquiring person and its related parties, will have the right to purchase Enbridge common shares at a 50% discount to the market price at that time.
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APPRAISAL RIGHTS | ||
The Canada Corporations Act provides that Enbridge shareholders are entitled to exercise dissent rights and to be paid the fair value of their shares as determined in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act, if Enbridge:
is subject to an order in respect of an arrangement (as such term is defined in the Canada Corporations Act) in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act;
resolves to amend its articles to add, change or remove any provisions restricting or constraining the issue, transfer or ownership of shares of that class;
resolves to amend its articles to add, change or remove any restriction on the business or businesses that Enbridge may carry on;
resolves to amalgamate, other than an amalgamation with a parent or a subsidiary or an amalgamation with a sister corporation, in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act;
resolves to be continued under the laws of another jurisdiction;
resolves to sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all its property other than in the ordinary course of business; or
resolves to carry out a going-private transaction or a squeeze-out transaction (as such terms are defined in the Canada Corporations Act).
A shareholder is not entitled to dissent if an amendment to the articles is effected by a court order approving a reorganization (as defined in the Canada Corporations Act) or by a court order made in connection with an action for an oppression remedy.
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Holders of Class A common units are not entitled to exercise dissenters rights or appraisal rights under Delaware law or the EEP Partnership Agreement. |
139
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
MANAGEMENT BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS/GENERAL PARTNER | ||
In accordance with the Canada Corporations Act, Enbridges business and affairs are managed by the Enbridge Board.
Enbridges articles provide that the number of directors will be determined by the Enbridge Board from time to time, but will in no case be less than one or more than 15. Enbridges by-laws provide that until the termination of the 2019 annual general meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, the Enbridge Board will be comprised of 13 directors, of which:
five must be individuals who were directors of Spectra Energy immediately prior to February 27, 2017 (the 2017 Effective Time) and their permitted replacement directors who take office after the 2017 Effective Time who are nominated in accordance with the by-laws, as amended, who are referred to as the continuing Spectra directors; and
eight must be individuals who were directors of Enbridge immediately prior to the 2017 Effective Time and their permitted replacement directors who take office after the 2017 Effective Time who are nominated in accordance with the by-laws, as amended, who are referred to as the continuing Enbridge directors.
The Canada Corporations Act requires that at least 25% of the directors of Enbridge (or if Enbridge ever has less than four directors, at least one director) must be resident Canadians.
The Enbridge Board may delegate certain of its duties to various committees, with the number of directors on each committee determined by the Enbridge Board. Until the termination of the 2019 annual general meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, each committee must contain a pro rata share of, or minimum of one, continuing Spectra directors in proportion to the number of continuing Spectra directors and continuing Enbridge directors on the Enbridge Board, unless otherwise approved by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the Enbridge Board.
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As a Delaware limited partnership, EEP is not managed by a board of directors but by a General Partner. Except as provided in EEPs Partnership Agreement, EEPs General Partner conducts, directs and exercises full control over its activities, all management powers over EEPs business and affairs are exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no limited partner or assignee has any right of control or management power over EEPs business and affairs. Under a delegation of control agreement, EEPs General Partner has delegated to EEQ, to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and EEPs Partnership Agreement, all of the General Partners power and authority to manage and control EEPs business and affairs, except for specified actions that require the written approval of the General Partner. Therefore in this proxy statement/prospectus, actions that EEPs Partnership Agreement describes as being taken by the General Partner generally will be taken by EEQ, as the delegate of the General Partner, subject to the written approval of the General Partner of the actions specified in the delegation of control agreement. This delegation of control does not cause the General Partner to cease to be the sole General Partner nor relieve the General Partner of its responsibilities or obligations to EEP or its limited partners. EEQ is subject to the same standards under EEPs Partnership Agreement as the General Partner. The General Partner is the sole record holder of the voting shares of EEQ. |
140
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS/GENERAL PARTNER | ||
Pursuant to Enbridges by-laws, directors of Enbridge are elected at the annual meeting of shareholders or at a special meeting of shareholders called for such purpose and hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected.
Nominations of directors can generally be made by the Enbridge Board, by or at the direction or request of one or more shareholders or by a nominating shareholder, as defined in Enbridges by-laws. However, for any meeting called for the election of directors prior to the 2019 annual general meeting of the shareholders, the continuing Spectra directors and continuing Enbridge directors will have exclusive authority to nominate, on behalf of the Enbridge Board, nominees to fill the seats of any continuing Spectra directors or continuing Enbridge directors, respectively, unless otherwise determined by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board.
The election of directors of Enbridge currently occurs pursuant to a plurality voting standard, which provides that shares may only be voted for or withheld from voting. As a result, in situations where there are not more nominees than directors to be elected, only a single vote in favor of a director is required to elect such director. In situations where there are more nominees than directors to be elected, the nominees receiving the highest number of for votes are elected.
In light of the current plurality voting standard and as a requirement of the rules of the TSX, the Enbridge Board has adopted a majority voting policy which provides that any nominee for director in an uncontested election who receives more withheld votes than for votes (i.e., the nominee is not elected by at least a majority of 50% + 1 vote) will immediately tender their resignation and will not participate in any meeting of the Enbridge Board or any committee thereof at which the resignation is considered. The Enbridge Board, on the recommendation of the Enbridge Governance Committee, will determine whether or not to accept the resignation within 90 days after the date of the meeting, and will accept the resignation absent exceptional circumstances. Enbridge will promptly issue a news release with the decision of the Enbridge Board, and if the Enbridge Board determines not to accept a resignation, the news release will state the reasons for that decision. The directors resignation will be effective |
EEP unitholders have no right to elect the General Partner unless the General Partner has been removed or withdrawn, as described below, and have no right to elect the directors of either the General Partner or EEQ. |
141
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
when accepted by the Enbridge Board. If the Enbridge Board accepts the directors resignation, it can appoint a new director to fill the vacancy.
Recent amendments to the Canada Corporations Act that have not yet to come into force and effect as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus provide for a majority voting standard, replacing the current plurality voting standard, which provides that director nominees can only be elected in uncontested elections if the number of votes cast in favor of such nominee director represents a majority (i.e., the nominee is required to be elected by at least a majority of 50% + 1 vote) of the votes cast for or against them. Incumbent directors who do not meet this majority voting requirement will be able to remain in office until the earlier of 90 days after the date of their election or the day when their successor is appointed or elected.
Under the Canada Corporations Act, cumulative voting is only permitted if the articles of a corporation specifically provide for it. Enbridges articles do not provide for cumulative voting. |
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REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS; WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF GENERAL PARTNER | ||
The Canada Corporations Act and Enbridges by-laws provide that Enbridge shareholders may, by a resolution passed at a special meeting of Enbridge shareholders, remove any director or directors from office with or without cause. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to Enbridges bylaws, prior to the 2019 annual general meeting of shareholders, Enbridge shall not call a special meeting in which the removal of any continuing Spectra director would be proposed (other than as required pursuant to a valid shareholder requisition under the Canada Corporations Act).
In accordance with the rules of the TSX, Enbridge has adopted a majority voting policy providing that a director receiving more withheld votes than for votes in an uncontested election is required to tender his or her resignation to the Enbridge Board promptly following the applicable shareholder meeting. The Enbridge Board will then consider whether to accept or reject the resignation. See the information set forth in Nomination and Election of Directors/General Partner above for further details regarding Enbridges majority voting policy and recent related amendments to the Canada Corporations Act. |
EEPs General Partner may voluntarily withdraw as General Partner by giving 90 days written notice to the limited partners, and that withdrawal will not constitute a breach of EEPs Partnership Agreement. In such a withdrawal, the General Partner also must furnish EEP with an opinion of counsel that the withdrawal, following selection of a successor general partner, will not cause EEP or its subsidiaries to be taxed as a corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes or result in the loss of the limited liability of any limited partner or of any limited partner or member of any of EEPs subsidiaries. EEPs Partnership Agreement provides for other events of withdrawal, including specified bankruptcy events.
The General Partner may be removed, upon obtaining an opinion of counsel regarding tax and limited liability matters (as discussed under Removal of Directors; Withdrawal or Removal of General Partner above), with or without cause if approved by both the vote of the holders of at least 662⁄3% of EEPs outstanding Common Units and Class E units (Class E units voting as if converted on the record date) voting as a single class, excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and its affiliates, |
142
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
and a majority of the outstanding i-units voting as a separate class, excluding the number of i-units equivalent to the number of listed and voting shares held by the General Partner and its affiliates. Any such action for removal must also provide for the election and succession of a new general partner.
In the event of removal of the General Partner under circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of the General Partner where that withdrawal violates EEPs Partnership Agreement, a successor general partner will have the option to purchase the general partner interest and the Class F units of the General Partner and its affiliates, which is referred to as the departing interest, for a cash payment equal to the fair market value of the departing interest, as determined under EEPs Partnership Agreement. In this context, cause means a situation where a court has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding the General Partner liable for actual fraud, gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as General Partner. In all other withdrawals or removals, the departing general partner will have the option to require the successor general partner to purchase the departing interest for the same cash amount. If either option described above is not exercised by the departing or the successor general partner, as applicable, the departing general partners general partnership interest will automatically convert into Class A common units, pursuant to a valuation made by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in accordance with the EEP Partnership Agreement. | ||
FILLING VACANCIES ON THE BOARD; REPLACING THE GENERAL PARTNER | ||
The Canada Corporations Act generally allows a vacancy on the board of directors to be filled by a quorum of directors, except for a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number or the minimum or maximum number of directors or a failure to elect the number or minimum number of directors provided for in the articles.
Pursuant to Enbridges by-laws, vacancies in the Enbridge Board may, except as described below, be filled for the remainder of the term of office from among persons qualified for election by the remaining directors if constituting a quorum. Otherwise, such vacancies will be filled at the next annual meeting of shareholders at which directors for the ensuing year are |
Upon a voluntary withdrawal by the General Partner, the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding units, excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and its affiliates and the number of i-units corresponding to the number of EEQ voting and listed shares owned by the General Partner and its affiliates, may select a successor to the withdrawing General Partner. Except in certain limited situations, Class F units are not considered outstanding for such purposes. If, prior to the effective date of the General Partners withdrawal, a successor is not elected or EEP does not receive an opinion of counsel regarding tax and limited liability matters (as discussed above), EEP will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within 180 days after that |
143
Enbridge Shareholders |
EEP Unitholders | |
to be elected or at a special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose. If at any time the directors in office do not constitute a quorum, the remaining director(s) will call a special meeting of shareholders to fill the vacancies.
However, until the termination of the 2019 annual general meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, any vacancies on the Enbridge Board created by the cessation of service of a continuing Spectra director or continuing Enbridge director will be filled by a nominee selected by the continuing Spectra directors and continuing Enbridge directors, respectively, unless otherwise approved by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board. Subject to provisions regarding the non-executive Chairman term, the continuing Spectra directors and continuing Enbridge directors will have all the power and may exercise all the authority of the Enbridge Board to fill all vacancies on the Enbridge Board created by the cessation of service of a continuing Spectra director or continuing Enbridge director, respectively, prior to the 2019 annual general meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, provided that in the case of a vacancy created by the cessation of service of a continuing Spectra director, any nominee that was not a director of Spectra Energy immediately prior to the Effective Time will be subject to the approval of the continuing Enbridge directors, not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. |
withdrawal, the holders of at least a majority of outstanding units agree in writing to continue its business and appoint a successor general partner.
Any removal of the General Partner is also subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the vote of the holders of at least 662⁄3% of EEPs outstanding units, excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and its affiliates, and a majority of i-units voting as a separate class, excluding the number of i-units corresponding to the number of EEQ voting and listed shares owned by the General Partner and its affiliates, as well as EEPs receipt of an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters. Except in certain limited situations, Class F units are not considered outstanding for such purposes. | |
TRANSFER OF GENERAL PARTNER INTERESTS | ||
Not applicable. | EEPs General Partner may transfer all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest to an affiliate of the General Partner, or to another entity as part of the merger, consolidation or other combination of the General Partner into another entity or the transfer by the General Partner of all or substantially all of its assets to another entity. Otherwise, the General Partner may not transfer all or any part of its general partner interest to another person without, among other requirements, the approval of the transfer and admission of the transferee as general partner by the holders of:
at least 662⁄3% of EEPs outstanding units, excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and its affiliates and excluding the number of i-units corresponding to the number of EEQ shares owned by the General Partner and its affiliates (except in certain limited |
144
Enbridge Shareholders |
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situations, Class F units are not considered outstanding for such purposes); and
a majority of EEPs outstanding i-units voting as a separate class, excluding the number of i-units corresponding to the number of EEQ shares owned by the General Partner and its affiliates. | ||
LIMITED CALL RIGHTS | ||
See Repurchase/Redemptions under Authorized, Issued and Outstanding Capital section above for a description of certain redemption and repurchase rights attaching to Enbridges preference shares. | If at any time less than 15% of the aggregate number of the then outstanding Class A common units and listed shares of EEQ are held by persons other than the General Partner, Enbridge and their respective affiliates, the General Partner will have the right, which it may assign and transfer to any of its affiliates or to EEP, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Common Units held by unaffiliated persons as of a purchase date to be selected by the General Partner, on at least ten but not more than 60 days notice, but only if Enbridge elects to purchase all, but not less than all, of the outstanding listed shares of EEQ that are not held by Enbridge and its affiliates pursuant to the purchase provisions that are a part of the limited liability company agreement of EEQ. The purchase price in the event of this purchase shall be the greatest of the current market price, as defined in EEPs Partnership Agreement, for the Common Units or listed shares of EEQ as of a specified date, or the highest price paid by the General Partner or any of its affiliates for any Class A common units or listed shares of EEQ purchased within the 90 days preceding that specified date. | |
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS | ||
Enbridge shareholders have no preemptive rights to acquire newly issued Enbridge common shares or other securities. | The holders of Class A common units have no preemptive rights to acquire additional Class A common units or other partnership interests. | |
AMENDMENT OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS | ||
Under the Canada Corporations Act, certain amendments to Enbridges articles require approval by special resolution, being 662⁄3% of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, in respect of the resolution at a meeting of Enbridge shareholders, including, if applicable, a separate special resolution of the holders of any separately affected class of shares in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act. | Amendments to EEPs Partnership Agreement may be proposed only by the General Partner. Proposed amendments, other than those described below, must be approved by holders of at least 662⁄3% of the outstanding units, if an opinion of counsel on tax and limited liability matters is obtained. Except in certain limited situations, Class F units are not considered outstanding for such purposes. Otherwise, the holders of at least 95% of outstanding units must |
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The Enbridge Board may by resolution, make, amend or repeal any by-law that regulates the business or affairs of Enbridge. Where the directors make, amend or repeal a by-law, they are required under the Canada Corporations Act to submit the by-law, or the amendment or repeal of a by-law, to the Enbridge shareholders at the next meeting of shareholders and the shareholders may confirm, reject or amend the by-law, by an ordinary resolution. If the by-law, amendment or repeal is rejected by shareholders, or the directors do not submit the by-law, amendment or repeal to the shareholders as required, the by-law, amendment or repeal ceases to be effective and no subsequent resolution of the directors to make, amend or repeal a by-law having substantially the same purpose or effect is effective until it is confirmed or confirmed as amended by the shareholders.
Until the termination of the 2019 annual general meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, any amendments, modifications or repeals of certain clauses related to the composition of the board, nomination and election of the continuing Spectra directors and the continuing Enbridge directors, and amendments to those clauses, or the adoption, amendment or modification of any by-law provisions to be inconsistent with such clauses, must be approved by an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire Enbridge Board and the applicable vote required under the Canada Corporations Act.
Until the termination of the 2020 annual general meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, any amendments, modifications or repeals of certain clauses related to the Chair of the Enbridge Board, and amendments to those clauses, or the adoption, amendment or modification of any by-law provisions to be inconsistent with such clauses, must be approved by an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board, which shall in no case be less than 10 directors, and the applicable vote required under the Canada Corporations Act. |
approve such proposed amendment. However, if the effect of an amendment would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any type or class of outstanding units, the approval of 662⁄3% of the outstanding units of the type or class affected is required to adopt the amendment. Any amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take any action must be approved by the written consent or affirmative vote of EEP unitholders constituting not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced.
The General Partner may generally make amendments to EEPs Partnership Agreement without the approval of any limited partner or assignee to reflect:
a change in EEPs name, the location of its principal place of business, its registered agent or its registered office;
the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with EEPs Partnership Agreement;
a change that, in the General Partners sole discretion, is reasonable and necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue EEPs qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership in which its limited partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or that is necessary or advisable in the General Partners opinion to ensure that EEP will not be taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes;
a change that, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, does not adversely affect EEPs limited partners in any material respect;
a change that is necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements, conditions, guidelines or interpretations contained in any opinion, interpretive release, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute;
a change necessary or appropriate to facilitate the trading of EEPs units or to comply with any rule, regulation, interpretive release, guideline or requirement of any securities exchange on which EEPs units are or will be listed for trading, compliance with any of which the |
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General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be in EEPs best interest and the best interest of EEPs limited partners;
a change required to effect the intent of, or is otherwise contemplated by, EEPs Partnership Agreement;
an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of EEPs counsel, to prevent EEP or the General Partner or its directors or officers from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or plan asset regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974;
a change that, in the General Partners sole discretion, is reasonable and necessary or appropriate in connection with the authorization for issuance of any class or series of units;
any amendment expressly permitted in EEPs Partnership Agreement to be made by the General Partner acting alone;
an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a merger agreement that has been approved pursuant to the terms of EEPs Partnership Agreement; or
any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing.
Any amendments to Section 15.3 of the EEP Partnership Agreement, governing amendments, must be approved by the holders of not less than 95% of the outstanding units.
No amendments may:
enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without that limited partners consent;
modify the amounts distributable to the General Partner with respect to its general partner interest or modify amounts reimbursable to the General Partner;
change certain specified provisions related to dissolution;
restrict in any way any action or rights of the General Partner without its consent;
change the term of existence of EEP; or |
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give any person the right to dissolve EEP, other than as provided in the EEP Partnership Agreement. | ||
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS OR LIMITED PARTNERS | ||
Pursuant to the Canada Corporations Act and Enbridges by-laws, meetings of Enbridge shareholders will be held at a place in Canada determined by the directors.
Under the Canada Corporations Act, the Enbridge Board must call an annual meeting of shareholders not later than 15 months after holding the last preceding annual meeting but no later than six months after the end of Enbridges preceding financial year.
At an annual meeting, shareholders will receive the financial statements of Enbridge and the auditors report, elect directors of Enbridge and appoint Enbridges auditor. All other business that may properly come before an annual meeting of shareholders or any business coming before a special meeting of shareholders is considered special business. For special business to be properly brought before a meeting, it must be specified in the notice of meeting and include (i) the nature of that business in sufficient detail to permit the shareholder to form a reasoned judgment thereon; and (ii) the text of any special resolution to be submitted to the meeting. |
Meetings of the limited partners will be held at a time and place determined by the General Partner on a date not more than 60 days after the mailing of notice of the meeting. | |
RIGHT TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING | ||
The Enbridge Board may call a special meeting of shareholders at any time.
In addition, holders of five percent or more of the outstanding shares of Enbridge that carry the right to vote at a meeting sought to be held may requisition a shareholders meeting under the applicable provisions of the Canada Corporations Act. The requisition must state the business to be transacted at the meeting. The Enbridge Board must call a meeting of shareholders to transact the business stated in the requisition within 21 days of receiving the requisition; otherwise the shareholder may call the meeting. The Enbridge Board is not required to call a meeting upon receiving a requisition by a shareholder if:
the business stated in the requisition is of a proscribed nature;
a record date has already been fixed and notice provided in respect of a meeting; or |
Meetings of the limited partners may be called by the General Partner or by limited partners owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the class for which a meeting is proposed. |
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the Enbridge Board has already called a meeting and given notice of such meeting. |
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RECORD DATES | ||
Under the Canada Corporations Act, the Enbridge Board may fix a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or entitled to participate in a liquidation distribution or for any other purpose, other than to establish a shareholders right to receive notice of or to vote at a meeting, which record date must be not more than 60 days before the day on which the particular action is to be taken. If no record date is fixed by the Enbridge Board, the record date will be at the close of business on the day on which the directors pass the resolution in respect of the applicable action.
Under the Canada Corporations Act, the Enbridge Board may fix a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at a meeting of shareholders, which record date must be not less than 21 days and not more than 60 days before the date of the meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Enbridge Board, the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of or vote at a meeting of shareholders will be at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which the notice is given.
If a record date is fixed, unless notice of the record date is waived in writing by every holder of a share of the class or series affected, notice thereof will be given, not less than seven days before the date so fixed, (i) by advertisement in a newspaper published or distributed in the place where Enbridge has its registered office and in each place in Canada where it has a transfer agent or where a transfer of its shares may be recorded; and (ii) by written notice to each stock exchange in Canada on which the shares of Enbridge are listed for trading. |
The General Partner, pursuant to EEPs Partnership Agreement, sets the record date for determining:
the identity of the limited partners (or assignees, if applicable) entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of limited partners or entitled to vote by ballot or give approval of action in writing without a meeting or entitled to exercise rights in respect of any lawful action of limited partners;
the identity of record holders entitled to receive any report or distribution; or
the identity of record holders of Class E units entitled to convert such units.
For purposes of determining the limited partners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the limited partners, or to give written approvals without a meeting, the General Partner may set a record date, which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60 days before either the date of the meeting, unless otherwise required by law, or in the event that approvals are sought without a meeting, the date by which the limited partners are requested in writing by the General Partner to give such approvals. | |
NOTICE OF MEETINGS | ||
Under the Canada Corporations Act, notice of the time and place of a meeting of Enbridge shareholders must be given not less than 21 days and not more than 60 days before the meeting to each director, to the auditor and to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting.
Notice of a meeting of shareholders at which special business is to be transacted must state (i) the nature of |
Notice of a meeting of the limited partners must be given to the EEP unitholders in writing by mail or other means of written communication not more than 60 days before the meeting. Such notice is deemed to have been given at the time when deposited in the mail or sent by other means of written communication. |
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that business in sufficient detail to permit the shareholder to form a reasoned judgment thereon; and (ii) the text of any special resolution to be submitted to the meeting. | ||
ADJOURNMENT OF SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS | ||
The chair of any meeting of Enbridge shareholders may, with the consent of the meeting, and subject to such conditions as the meeting may decide, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place. If a meeting of the Enbridge shareholders is adjourned for less than 30 days, it will not be necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting, other than by announcement at the meeting that it is adjourned. If a meeting of Enbridge shareholders is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting will be given as for an original meeting, in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Corporations Act. | In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of limited partners may be adjourned from time to time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding units represented either in person or by proxy.
If a meeting of the limited partners is adjourned to another time or place for no more than 45 days, it will not be necessary to fix a new record date or give notice of the adjourned meeting, other than by announcement at the meeting which is adjourned. If a meeting of the limited partners is adjourned for more than 45 days or if a new record date is fixed for an adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting will be given as for an original meeting. | |
QUORUM | ||
Enbridges by-laws provide that a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders will be three persons present and holding, or representing by proxy, at least 25% of the issued and outstanding shares having the right to vote at the meeting. | The holders of at least 662⁄3%, or a majority, if that is the vote required to take action at the meeting in question, of the outstanding units of the class for which a meeting has been called, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. | |
VOTING RIGHTS | ||
Each Enbridge common share entitles the holder on a record date to one vote at all meetings of Enbridge shareholders, except meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote.
Except as required by law, including the Canada Corporations Act, holders of the preference shares of Enbridge will not be entitled to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the Enbridge shareholders, provided that the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the preference shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed only with the approval of the holders of the preference shares given in such manner as may then be required by law, at a meeting of the holders of the preference shares duly called for that purpose. |
The EEP unitholders, excluding the holders of Class F units, are generally entitled to vote on the following matters:
merger or consolidation of EEP approved by the General Partner;
sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of EEPs assets;
election of a successor general partner upon the withdrawal of the current General Partner;
the removal of the General Partner;
the election by the General Partner to dissolve EEP;
EEPs continuation after specified events of dissolution;
approval of specified actions by the General Partner; and |
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certain amendments of EEPs Partnership Agreement.
Unitholders or assignees who are record holders of units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of EEPs limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may be solicited. Each record holder, except for holders of Class F units, has a vote according to such holders percentage interest in EEP. Units that are owned by an assignee who is a record holder, but who has not yet been admitted as a limited partner, will be voted by the General Partner at the written direction of the record holder. Absent direction of this kind, such units will not be voted, except that, in the case of units held by the General Partner on behalf of non-citizen assignees, the General Partner will distribute the votes on those units in the same ratios as the votes of limited partners on other units are cast. The limited liability company agreement of EEQ provides that the i-units owned by EEQ will be voted by it in proportion to the affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and non-votes of the holders of its voting and listed shares.
The limited partners may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings, but may in no case vote on any matter that would cause the limited partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of EEP. | ||
ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT | ||
The Canada Corporations Act allows any matters required to be voted on at a meeting to be approved by Enbridge shareholders pursuant to a written resolution signed by all of the shareholders entitled to vote on the matter. | Pursuant to EEPs Partnership Agreement, any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the limited partners may be taken without a meeting if written consents describing the action are signed by holders of the number of units as would be necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all the limited partners were present and voted. | |
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS | ||
Under Enbridges by-laws, an eligible Enbridge shareholder wishing to nominate a director for election to the Enbridge Board is required to provide notice to Enbridge, in proper form, within the following time periods:
in the case of an annual meeting (including a meeting that is both an annual and special meeting) |
Not applicable. |
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Enbridge Shareholders |
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of Enbridge shareholders, not less than 30 days prior to the date of the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the meeting is to be held on a date that is less than 50 days after the date on which the first public announcement of the date of the meeting was made, notice of the nomination will be made not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the first public announcement of the date of the meeting; and
in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of electing directors (whether or not also called for other purposes), not later than the close of business on the 15th day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the meeting was made.
A nomination must include certain specified information in order to be in proper form. |
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INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION ON LIABILITY | ||
Under the Canada Corporations Act, Enbridge may indemnify its directors and officers, its former directors and officers or another individual who acts or acted at Enbridges request as a director or officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another entity, which is referred to as an indemnifiable person, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by the indemnifiable person in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding in which the indemnifiable person is involved because of that association with Enbridge or other entity, provided that:
the indemnifiable person acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Enbridge, or, as the case may be, to the best interests of the other entity for which the individual acted as director or officer or in a similar capacity at Enbridges request; and
in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, the indemnifiable person had reasonable grounds for believing that the indemnifiable persons conduct was lawful.
Enbridge may advance funds to an indemnifiable person for the costs, charges and expenses of a proceeding referred to above, provided, however, that the |
Under EEPs Partnership Agreement and the delegation of control agreement, EEP will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify the General Partner, any departing general partner, any person who is or was an affiliate of the General Partner or any departing general partner, any person who is or was an officer, director, employee, partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner, any departing general partner or any affiliate of the General Partner or any departing general partner, or any person who is or was serving at the request of EEP in another entity in a similar capacity; provided, that in each case the foregoing persons or entities, sometimes referred to as indemnitees, acted in good faith and in the manner which the indemnitee believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of EEP, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was unlawful. |
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indemnifiable person will repay the funds if the individual does not fulfill the abovementioned conditions.
An indemnifiable person is also entitled to indemnity from Enbridge in respect of all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by the indemnifiable person in connection with the defense of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding to which the indemnifiable person is subject because of the indemnifiable persons association with Enbridge or other entity, if the indemnifiable person:
was not judged by the court or other competent authority to have committed any fault or omitted to do anything that the indemnifiable person ought to have done; and
fulfills the conditions first set out above.
In the case of a derivative action, indemnity may be made only with court approval, if the indemnifiable person fulfills the requirements first mentioned above.
Under Enbridges by-laws, Enbridge will indemnify a director or officer of Enbridge, a former director or officer of Enbridge, or another individual who acts or acted at Enbridges request as a director or officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another entity, to the extent permitted and in accordance with the Canada Corporations Act.
In addition, Enbridge may, under the Canada Corporations Act and its by-laws, purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of an indemnifiable person against such liabilities and in such amounts as the Enbridge Board may from time to time determine and are permitted by the Canada Corporations Act. |
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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; FIDUCIARY DUTIES | ||
Under the Canada Corporations Act, the directors of Enbridge owe a statutory fiduciary duty to Enbridge. The directors have a duty to manage, or supervise the management of, the business and affairs of Enbridge. In exercising their powers and discharging their duties, the directors must act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Enbridge and exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances; provided that the directors consider the interests of stakeholders and make a decision that is reasonable in light of | EEPs Partnership Agreement contains provisions that limit the General Partners fiduciary duties to EEP and the EEP unitholders. The EEP Partnership Agreement also restricts the remedies available to EEP unitholders for actions taken that might, without those limitations, constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.
Whenever a conflict arises between the General Partner or its affiliates, on the one hand, and EEP or any subsidiary, partner or assignee, on the other |
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conflicting interests, Canadian courts will not generally question the decision. Canadian courts will scrutinize the process by which the directors make their decisions and the apparent objectives of their actions. If business decisions have been made honestly, prudently, in good faith and on reasonable and rational grounds, Canadian courts will generally decline to substitute their own opinion for that of the board of directors, even where subsequent events may cast doubt on the board of directors determination.
Each of the directors of Enbridge must disclose to Enbridge, in writing or by requesting to have it entered in the minutes of meetings of directors or of meetings of committees of directors, the nature and extent of any interest that he or she has in a material contract or material transaction, whether made or proposed, with Enbridge, if the director:
is a party to the contract or transaction;
is a director or an officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of a party to the contract or transaction; or
has a material interest in a party to the contract or transaction.
A director who discloses such a conflict of interest will not vote on any resolution to approve the contract or transaction, unless the contract or transaction relates primarily to his or her remuneration as a director, officer, employee, agent or mandatory of Enbridge or an affiliate, is for indemnity or insurance of directors of Enbridge, or is with an affiliate of Enbridge.
Where Enbridge enters into a material contract or transaction with a director of Enbridge, or with another person or entity of which a director of Enbridge is a director or officer or in which a director of Enbridge has a material interest, the director or officer is not accountable to Enbridge or its shareholders if:
disclosure of the interest was made as described above;
the directors of Enbridge approved the contract or transaction; and
the contract or transaction was reasonable and fair to Enbridge when it was approved.
Despite the foregoing, even if a directors interest is not disclosed as described above, provided the director was |
hand, the General Partner will resolve that conflict. Any resolution or course of action with respect to such conflict shall be permitted and deemed approved by all partners, and shall not constitute a breach of EEPs Partnership Agreement, of any agreement contemplated thereby or of any duties stated or implied by law or equity, if the resolution of the conflict is or is deemed by EEPs Partnership Agreement to be fair and reasonable to EEP. The General Partner will consider the fair and reasonable nature of any transaction, arrangement or resolution of a conflict of interest in the context of all similar and related transactions.
In resolving a conflict, the General Partner may consider:
the relative interests of any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the limited partners may be taken either at a meeting of the limited partners or without a meeting if consents in writing describing the action so taken are signed by holders of the number of units as would be necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting at which all the limited partners were present and voted.
party to such conflict, agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interest;
any customary or accepted industry practices and any customary or historical dealings with a particular person;
any applicable generally accepted accounting or engineering practices or principles; and
such additional factors as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be relevant, reasonable or appropriate under the circumstances, unless the factors to consider are otherwise specifically provided for in EEPs Partnership Agreement.
For example, EEPs Partnership Agreement permits the General Partner to make a number of decisions in its sole discretion or discretion that it deems necessary or appropriate. This entitles the General Partner to consider only the interests and factors that it desires and it has no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, EEP or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, limited |
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acting honestly and in good faith, such director is not accountable to Enbridge or to its shareholders in respect of a transaction or contract in which the director has an interest, provided that:
the contract or transaction is approved or confirmed by special resolution at a meeting of the Enbridge shareholders;
disclosure of the interest was made to the Enbridge shareholders in a manner sufficient to indicate its nature before the contract or transaction was approved or confirmed; and
the contract or transaction was reasonable and fair to Enbridge when it was approved or confirmed.
In addition, directors of Enbridge are required to certify compliance with Enbridges Statement on Business Conduct on an annual basis.
Enbridge shareholders are not required to disclose their interests in shares of Enbridge, except in limited circumstances, including when nominating a candidate for election as a director, making certain other shareholder proposals or requisitioning a meeting of shareholders in accordance with each of the Canada Corporations Act and Enbridges by-laws.
In addition, pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, an Enbridge shareholder is required to disclose their interest in Enbridges shares where such shareholders holdings equal or exceed 10% of the voting rights attached to the voting securities. |
partners or assignees. Unless the General Partner has acted in bad faith, the resolution or action taken by the General Partner shall not constitute a breach of its fiduciary duty or EEPs Partnership Agreement.
Indemnitees are generally permitted to compete with EEP or any subsidiary, except for certain restrictions on the General Partner, and are not restricted from engaging in such business. Neither EEP nor any limited partner or assignee shall have any rights by virtue of EEPs Partnership Agreement or the partnership relationship established thereby in any business ventures of such indemnitee. |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF EEP
To EEPs knowledge, the following tables set forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Class A common units as of the close of business on November 5, 2018 (except as noted in the footnotes below) and with respect to: each person known by EEP, based on public filings, to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding Class A common units; each member of the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board; each named executive officer of the GP Delegate and the General Partner; and the members of the GP Delegate Board and the GP Board and GP Delegates and the General Partners current executive officers as a group.
EEP has determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, EEP believes, based on the information furnished to EEP, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the Class A common units that he, she or it beneficially owns.
The percentage of each class of EEP units beneficially owned is based on 326,517,110 Class A common units, 7,825,500 Class B common units, 18,114,975 Class E units, 1,000 Class F units and 98,611,092.745544 i-units outstanding as of November 5, 2018, as applicable. EEP is a publicly-traded MLP of which Enbridge and its affiliates owns approximately 34.2% of EEPs total effective ownership and economic interest as of November 5, 2018.
Owners of More Than Five Percent of the Outstanding Units of EEP
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Title of Class | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class |
|||||||||
Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. 5400 Westheimer Court Houston, TX 77056 |
i-units | 98,611,092.745544 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. 5400 Westheimer Court Houston, TX 77056 |
Class A common units | 110,827,018 | 33.9 | % | ||||||||
Class B common units | 7,825,500 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
Class E units | (1) | 18,114,975 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Class F units | 1,000 | 100.0 | % |
(1) | Class E units are convertible into Class A common units at the option of Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. |
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Security Ownership of the Management and Directors of EEP
The table below shows the Class A common units (rounded to the nearest whole number) beneficially owned as of November 5, 2018 by (1) each director (who was serving as a director as of that date) and nominee for director, (2) each named executive officer and (3) all current directors and executive officers as a group, in each case of the General Partner and the GP Delegate.(8) In addition, the table also presents the ownership of Enbridge common shares owned of record or beneficially as of November 5, 2018, by each of the individuals referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3). Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, the mailing address of each person or entity named in the table is 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number of Class A Common Units of EEP Beneficially Owned(1) |
Percent of Class |
Number of EEQ Listed Shares Beneficially Owned(1) |
Percent of Class |
Number of Enbridge Common Shares Beneficially Owned(1) |
Percent of Class |
||||||||||||||||||
Jeffrey A. Connelly(2) |
20,000 | * | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
J. Richard Bird(3) |
| | 135,796 | * | 399,827 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
David Bryson |
| | | | 391,075 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
J. Herbert England |
8,626 | * | | | 22,523 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
D. Guy Jarvis |
| | | | 451,850 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Christopher J. Johnston |
| | 1,628 | * | 57,284 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Mark A. Maki |
4,000 | * | 8,391 | * | 391,757 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Stephen J. Neyland(4)(5) |
1,200 | * | 12,385 | * | 213,360 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Laura J. Buss Sayavedra |
| | | | 18,814 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Bradley F. Shamla |
| | | | 351,093 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
William S. Waldheim(6) |
6,000 | * | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Dan A. Westbrook(7) |
23,000 | * | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
John K. Whelen |
| | | | 762,961 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
All executive officers, directors and nominees as a group (18 persons) |
62,826 | * | 158,200 | * | 4,394,576 | * |
* | Represents less than 1.0%. |
(1) | Unless otherwise indicated, each beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the Class A common units, listed shares of EEQ or Enbridge common shares attributed to him or her. |
(2) | The 20,000 Class A common units deemed beneficially owned by Mr. Connelly, 20,000 Class A common units are held in the Susan K. Connelly Family Trust, of which Mr. Connelly is the trustee and a beneficiary. |
(3) | The listed shares of EEQ owned by Mr. Bird are held by an investment holding corporation over which he exercises full control and direction. |
(4) | The listed shares of EEQ beneficially owned by Mr. Neyland are held in a Family Trust for which Mr. Neyland is a co-trustee as well as a beneficiary. |
(5) | The 1,200 Class A common units beneficially owned by Mr. Neyland are held by a Family Trust for which Mr. Neyland is a co-trustee as well as a beneficiary. |
(6) | The 6,000 Class A common units beneficially held by Mr. Waldheim are held in the Waldheim Family Trust. |
(7) | Of the 23,000 Class A common units deemed beneficially owned by Mr. Westbrook, 16,000 Class A common units are held by The Westbrook Trust, for which Mr. Westbrook is the trustee and beneficiary, and 7,000 Class A common units are held by the Mary Ruth Westbrook Trust, for which Mr. Westbrook is the sole trustee and beneficiary. |
(8) | Mr. William T. Yardley is an executive officer of the General Partner, but not the GP Delegate. The totals in the table above reflect the applicable holdings of Mr. Yardley. |
157
DESCRIPTION OF ENBRIDGE COMMON SHARES
In this section, the terms Corporation and Enbridge refer only to Enbridge Inc. and not to its subsidiaries, partnerships or joint venture interests. The following sets forth the terms and provisions of Enbridge common shares. The following description is subject to, and qualified by reference to, the terms and provisions of Enbridges articles and by-laws. Enbridge is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Enbridge common shares.
Enbridge Common Shares
Each common share of the Corporation entitles the holder to one vote for each common share held at all meetings of shareholders of the Corporation, except meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote, to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the board of directors of the Corporation, subject to prior satisfaction of preferential dividends applicable to any preference shares, and to participate ratably in any distribution of the assets of the Corporation upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to prior rights and privileges attaching to the preference shares.
Under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan of the Corporation, registered shareholders may reinvest their dividends in additional common shares of the Corporation or make optional cash payments to purchase additional common shares, in either case, free of brokerage or other charges.
The registrar and transfer agent for the common shares in Canada is AST Trust Company (Canada) (formerly CST Trust Company) at its principal transfer offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Calgary, Alberta, Toronto, Ontario and Montréal, Québec. The co-registrar and co-transfer agent for the common shares in the United States is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC at its principal office in Brooklyn, New York.
Shareholder Rights Plan
The Corporation has a shareholder rights plan (the Shareholder Rights Plan) that is designed to encourage the fair treatment of shareholders in connection with any take over bid for the Corporation. Rights issued under the Shareholder Rights Plan become exercisable when a person, and any related parties, acquires or announces the intention to acquire 20% or more of the Corporations outstanding common shares without complying with certain provisions set out in the Shareholder Rights Plan or without approval of the board of directors of the Corporation. Should such an acquisition or announcement occur, each rights holder, other than the acquiring person and its related parties, will have the right to purchase common shares of the Corporation at a 50% discount to the market price at that time. For further particulars, reference should be made to the Shareholder Rights Plan, a copy of which may be obtained by contacting the Director, Investor Relations, Enbridge, 200, 425-1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada; telephone: 1-800-481-2804; fax: 1-403-231-5780; email: investor.relations@enbridge.com.
158
The consolidated financial statements of Enbridge, and the related financial statement schedules, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the three years ended December 31, 2017 incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus from the Enbridge annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the effectiveness of Enbridges internal control over financial reporting, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of EEP and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this proxy statement/prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
161
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
Enbridge is a Canadian corporation. While Enbridge has appointed Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. as its agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against it in any federal or state court in the United States arising from any offering conducted under this proxy statement/prospectus, it may not be possible for investors to enforce outside the United States judgments against Enbridge obtained in the United States in any such actions, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal and state securities laws. In addition, certain of the directors and officers of Enbridge are residents of Canada or other jurisdictions outside of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of those directors and officers are or may be located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon those persons, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal and state securities laws.
162
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the GP Board knows of no matters that will be presented for consideration at the special meeting other than as described in this proxy statement/prospectus. If any other matters properly come before EEP Unitholders at the special meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and are voted upon, the enclosed proxy will be deemed to confer discretionary authority on the individuals that it names as proxies to vote the shares represented by the proxy as to any of these matters. The individuals named as proxies intend to vote in accordance with the recommendation of the GP Board.
163
UNITHOLDER/SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Under the DRULPA and the EEP Partnership Agreement, EEP is not required to hold an annual meeting of EEP unitholders (i.e., the limited partners of EEP). Ownership of Class A common units does not entitle EEP unitholders to make proposals at the special meeting. Under the EEP Partnership Agreement, only the General Partner or limited partners owning 20% or more of the outstanding EEP units of the class for which a meeting is proposed may call a meeting. In any case, limited partners are not allowed to vote on matters that would cause the limited partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of EEP so as to jeopardize the limited partners limited liability under the DRULPA or the law of any other state in which EEP is qualified to do business.
Shareholder proposals submitted pursuant to the rules of the SEC under the Exchange Act for inclusion in Enbridges proxy materials for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2019 must be received no later than November 28, 2018. Such proposals must also comply with all applicable provisions of Exchange Act Rule 14a-8.
Shareholder proposals submitted pursuant to applicable provisions of the Canada Corporations Act that an Enbridge shareholder intends to present at the Enbridge 2019 annual meeting of shareholders and wishes to be considered for inclusion in Enbridges proxy statement and proxy form for the Enbridge 2019 annual meeting of shareholders must be received no later than December 5, 2018. Such proposals must also comply with all applicable provisions of the Canada Corporations Act and the regulations thereunder.
Shareholder proposals must be submitted to the Corporate Secretary of Enbridge at Enbridges head office located at 200, 425-1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada. Enbridge will not be required to include in any proxy statement and proxy any shareholder proposal that does not meet all the requirements for such inclusion established by applicable law, including the Exchange Act and the Canada Corporations Act, as the case may be, or pursuant to Enbridges by-laws. For further information regarding the notice requirements for Enbridge shareholder nominations and proposals, see the section titled Comparison of Rights of Enbridge Shareholders and EEP UnitholdersShareholder Proposals and Director Nominations beginning on page 151.
164
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more unitholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those unitholders. As permitted by the Exchange Act, unless you advised otherwise, if you hold your Class A common units in street name and you and other residents at your mailing address share the same last name and also own Class A common units in an account at the same broker, bank or other nominee, your nominee delivered a single set of proxy materials to your address. This method of delivery is known as householding. Householding reduces the number of mailings you receive, saves on printing and postage costs and helps the environment. EEP unitholders who participate in householding continue to receive separate voting instruction cards and control numbers for voting electronically. A holder of Class A common units who wishes to receive a separate copy of the proxy materials, now or in the future, should submit this request by writing to D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10005, or calling collect (212) 269-5550 or toll-free (800) 549-6746. Beneficial owners sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials and wish to receive a single copy of these materials in the future should contact their broker, bank or other nominee to make this request.
165
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Both Enbridge and EEP file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other business and financial information with the SEC. In addition, Enbridge and EEP file reports and other business and financial information with the SEC electronically, and the SEC maintains a website located at http://www.sec.gov containing this information. You will also be able to obtain many of these documents, free of charge, from Enbridges website at https://www.enbridge.com/ under the Investment Center link and then under the heading Reports and SEC Filings or from EEP by accessing EEPs website at https://www.enbridgepartners.com/ under the Investor Relations link, and then under the heading Financial Information. The information contained on either of Enbridges or EEPs respective websites is not incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus and is not a part of this proxy statement/prospectus.
Enbridge has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 of which this document forms a part. As permitted by SEC rules, this document does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or in the exhibits or schedules to the registration statement. Statements contained in this document as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to in this document are not necessarily complete. In each case, you should refer to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference into the registration statement. These documents contain important information about the companies and their financial condition.
The SEC allows Enbridge and EEP to incorporate certain information into this document by reference to other information that has been filed with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this document, except for any information that is superseded by information in this document or by more recent information incorporated by reference into this document. The documents that are incorporated by reference contain important information about the companies and you should read this document together with any other documents incorporated by reference in this document.
This document incorporates by reference the following documents that have previously been filed with the SEC by Enbridge:
| Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2018; |
| The portions of the Enbridge Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 5, 2018 that are incorporated by reference into Part III of the Enbridge Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2018; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on August 3, 2018; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on November 2, 2018; |
| Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 22, 2018, January 30, 2018, February 28, 2018, March 1, 2018, April 12, 2018 (both Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on such date), May 10, 2018 (relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders), May 17, 2018, July 27, 2018, August 1, 2018, August 24, 2018, September 18, 2018, September 19, 2018 and November 2; |
| The description of Enbridge share capital contained in the registration statement on Form F-10, filed on September 15, 2017, and any other amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating that description; and |
166
| Annual Report of Employee Stock Purchase, Savings and Similar Plans on Form 11-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2018 (both Annual Reports of Employee Stock Purchase, Savings and Similar Plans on Form 11-K filed on such date), as amended on August 30, 2018 (both amendments to the Annual Reports of Employee Stock Purchase, Savings and Similar Plans on Form 11-K filed on such date). |
This document also incorporates by reference the following documents that have previously been filed with the SEC by EEP:
| Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2018; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2018; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on August 3, 2018; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on November 2, 2018; |
| Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 26, 2018, September 18, 2018 and September 19, 2018; and |
| The description of Class A common units contained in the registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on November 18, 1991, and any other amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating that description. |
In addition, Enbridge and EEP incorporate by reference any documents they may file under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the special meeting; provided, however, that Enbridge and EEP are not incorporating by reference any information furnished (but not filed), except as otherwise specified herein.
You may request copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and any of the documents incorporated by reference herein or other information concerning Enbridge or EEP, without charge, upon written or oral request to the applicable companys principal executive offices. The respective addresses and telephone numbers of such principal executive offices are listed below.
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. | Enbridge Inc. | |
5400 Westheimer Court Houston, Texas 77056 Attention: Corporate Secretary Telephone: 1-800-481-2804 |
200, 425 - 1st Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8, Canada Attention: Investor Relations Telephone: 1-800-481-2804 |
In addition, if you have questions about the Merger or the special meeting, need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitation, you may contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., EEPs proxy solicitor, address and telephone numbers listed below. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Banks and Brokers call: (212) 269-5550
All others call toll-free: (800) 549-6746
Email: Enbridge@dfking.com
167
To obtain timely delivery of these documents prior to the special meeting, holders of EEP units must request the information no later than December 10, 2018 (which is five business days before the date of the special meeting) in order to receive them before the special meeting.
We are responsible for the information contained in, and incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. You should bear in mind that although the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus is intended to be accurate as of the date on the front of such documents, such information may also be amended, supplemented or updated by the subsequent filing of additional documents deemed by law to be or otherwise incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Enbridges and EEPs business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
168
INTRODUCTION TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On September 17, 2018, Enbridge entered into the Merger Agreement, under which Enbridge has agreed to acquire all of the publicly held Class A common units of EEP not already owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries in a share-for-unit transaction. At the Effective Time, each Class A common unit, other than those held by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share. The value of Enbridge common shares to be provided to the Unaffiliated EEP Unitholders, based on the publicly held units outstanding and the closing price of the Enbridge common shares traded on the TSX as at November 1, 2018, would total approximately C$3.0 billion.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of financial position as at September 30, 2018, and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and the year ended December 31, 2017 (collectively, the Unaudited Pro Forma Statements), have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and Regulation S-X. Accounting policies used in the preparation of the Unaudited Pro Forma Statements are consistent with those disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements of Enbridge and EEP as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Enbridge and EEP as at and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The note disclosure requirements of annual consolidated financial statements provide additional disclosures to that required for pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.
In addition to the Merger, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and the year ended December 31, 2017 give effect to the Midcoast Transaction and the Other Merger Transactions (each, as defined and described below), and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of financial position as at September 30, 2018 give effect to the Merger and the Other Merger Transactions (but not the Midcoast Transaction, which was completed prior to September 30, 2018):(1)
| As disclosed in Enbridges Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2018, Enbridges indirect subsidiary, Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. closed the sale of its indirect subsidiary Midcoast Operating, L.P. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Midcoast, and such transaction, the Midcoast Transaction) to AL Midcoast Holdings, LLC for cash proceeds of approximately US$1.1 billion less deposits and other customary closing items. |
| On August 24, 2018, Enbridge entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding public common units of Spectra Energy Partners, LP (SEP), and on September 17, 2018, Enbridge entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire all of the outstanding public shares of Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. (EEQ) and Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF) (collectively, and not including the Merger, the Other Merger Transactions). The outstanding common units of SEP, listed shares of EEQ and common shares of ENF, in each case not owned by Enbridge or its subsidiaries, are referred to herein as the outstanding public securities of such entities. |
The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements included herein have been derived from available preliminary information, certain assumptions that Enbridge believes are reasonable under the circumstances and the audited consolidated financial statements of Enbridge as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Enbridge as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
(1) | The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements do not give effect to the sale of the provincially regulated portion of Enbridges Canadian natural gas gathering and processing businesses to Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. and its institutional partners on October 1, 2018, as described in Enbridges Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, incorporated by reference herein. |
F-1
The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if the Merger and the Other Merger Transactions occurred on September 30, 2018, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of financial position, and on January 1, 2017, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the pro forma adjustments, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017 have been prepared as if the Midcoast Transactions occurred on January 1, 2017. The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements should be read in conjunction with the related notes, which are included herein, and the financial statements and notes included in Enbridges Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, Enbridges Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2018, EEPs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and EEPs Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2018, each incorporated by reference herein.
Because Enbridge controls SEP, EEP, EEQ and Enbridge Income Fund (EIF) (a consolidated subsidiary of Enbridge with its noncontrolling interests held by ENF, whose business is limited to its investment in EIF) before and after the Merger and Other Merger Transactions, if consummated, the changes in Enbridges ownership interest in SEP, EEP, EEQ and ENF will be accounted for as equity transactions and no gains or losses will be recognized in Enbridges condensed consolidated statements of earnings resulting from such transactions. In addition, the tax effects of such transactions are presented in additional paid-in capital. Since the Enbridge historical financial information includes the accounts of SEP, EEP and EEQ, the historical financial information of those entities has not been shown separately. The pro forma adjustments related to the historical balances of ENF (an equity investment of Enbridge), after inter-company eliminations, are included in the Other Merger Transactions Adjustments column in the Unaudited Pro Forma Statements.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements do not necessarily reflect what Enbridges financial position and results of operations would have been if it had wholly owned EEP during the periods presented or had consummated the Midcoast Transaction and/or Other Merger Transactions as at the date to which such transactions are given effect. In addition, they are not necessarily indicative of its future results of operations or financial condition. The assumptions and adjustments give pro forma effect to events that are (i) directly attributable to Enbridges transactions with EEP, the Midcoast Transaction and the Other Merger Transactions, (ii) factually supportable and (iii) with respect to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings, expected to have a continuing impact on Enbridge. The actual adjustments may differ from the pro forma adjustments.
F-2
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
As at September 30, 2018 |
Enbridge Historical |
Merger Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Subtotal |
Other Merger Transactions Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Results |
|||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of C$) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
7,831 | | 7,831 | (72 | ) | (g),(k) | 7,759 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
90,679 | | 90,679 | | 90,679 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term investments |
15,983 | | 15,983 | (28 | ) | (h) | 15,955 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
33,477 | | 33,477 | | 33,477 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term assets |
15,253 | | 15,253 | | 15,253 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
163,223 | | 163,223 | (100 | ) | 163,123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities and equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
13,167 | | 13,167 | (148 | ) | (g) | 13,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
58,707 | | 58,707 | | 58,707 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
9,090 | | 9,090 | | 9,090 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
10,040 | (712 | ) | (a) | 9,328 | (202 | ) | (i),(j) | 9,126 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
91,004 | (712 | ) | 90,292 | (350 | ) | 89,942 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests |
4,321 | 4,321 | (4,321 | ) | (m) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share Capital |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preference shares |
7,747 | | 7,747 | | 7,747 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares |
51,944 | 2,990 | (b | ) | 54,934 | 9,302 | (k | ) | 64,236 | |||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
4,346 | (2,367 | ) | (c) | 1,979 | (656 | ) | (l) | 1,323 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deficit |
(3,718 | ) | | (3,718 | ) | | (3,718 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
570 | | 570 | | 570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Reciprocal shareholding |
(102 | ) | | (102 | ) | | (102 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total Enbridge Inc. shareholders equity |
60,787 | 623 | 61,410 | 8,646 | 70,056 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
7,111 | 89 | (d) | 7,200 | (4,075 | ) | (m) | 3,125 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
67,898 | 712 | 68,610 | 4,571 | 73,181 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
163,223 | | 163,223 | (100 | ) | 163,123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statement.
F-3
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30, |
Enbridge Historical |
Midcoast Transaction Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Subtotal |
Merger Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Subtotal |
Other Merger Transactions Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Results |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of C$, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity sales |
20,638 | (1,627 | ) | (p) | 19,011 | | 19,011 | | 19,011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas distribution sales |
3,260 | | 3,260 | | 3,260 | | 3,260 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transportation and other services |
10,918 | (69 | ) | (p) | 10,849 | | 10,849 | | 10,849 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues |
34,816 | (1,696 | ) | 33,120 | | 33,120 | | 33,120 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity costs |
20,180 | (1,480 | ) | (p) | 18,700 | | 18,700 | | 18,700 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas distribution costs |
1,857 | | 1,857 | | 1,857 | | 1,857 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating and administrative |
4,929 | (187 | ) | (q),(u) | 4,742 | (1 | ) | (f) | 4,741 | (4 | ) | (o) | 4,737 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,452 | (6 | ) | (q) | 2,446 | | 2,446 | | 2,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets |
1,076 | (914 | ) | (q) | 162 | | 162 | | 162 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill |
1,019 | | 1,019 | | 1,019 | | 1,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
31,513 | (2,587 | ) | 28,926 | (1 | ) | 28,925 | (4 | ) | 28,921 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income |
3,303 | 891 | 4,194 | 1 | 4,195 | 4 | 4,199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from equity investments |
1,076 | (57 | ) | (r) | 1,019 | | 1,019 | | 1,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other expense |
(110 | ) | (1 | ) | (r) | (111 | ) | | (111 | ) | | (111 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(2,042 | ) | | (r) | (2,042 | ) | | (2,042 | ) | | (2,042 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes |
2,227 | 833 | 3,060 | 1 | 3,061 | 4 | 3,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(177 | ) | (192 | ) | (s) | (369 | ) | (3 | ) | (a) | (372 | ) | (55 | ) | (i) | (427 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings |
2,050 | 641 | 2,691 | (2 | ) | 2,689 | (51 | ) | 2,638 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Earnings)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests |
(352 | ) | | (352 | ) | 12 | (e) | (340 | ) | 361 | (n) | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to controlling interests |
1,698 | 641 | 2,339 | 10 | 2,349 | 310 | 2,659 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preference share dividends |
(272 | ) | | (272 | ) | | (272 | ) | | (272 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to common shareholders |
1,426 | 641 | 2,067 | 10 | 2,077 | 310 | 2,387 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders |
0.84 | 1.22 | 1.18 | 1.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders |
0.84 | 1.22 | 1.17 | 1.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
1,695 | 1,695 | 1,767 | 1,991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding |
1,699 | 1,699 | 1,771 | 1,995 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statement.
F-4
Year ended December 31, 2017 |
Enbridge Historical |
Midcoast Transaction Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Subtotal |
Merger Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Subtotal |
Other Merger Transactions Adjustments |
Notes | Pro Forma Results |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(millions of C$, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity sales |
26,286 | (3,002 | ) | (p) | 23,284 | | 23,284 | | 23,284 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas distribution sales |
4,215 | | 4,215 | | 4,215 | | 4,215 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transportation and other services |
13,877 | (167 | ) | (p) | 13,710 | | 13,710 | | 13,710 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues |
44,378 | (3,169 | ) | 41,209 | | 41,209 | | 41,209 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity costs |
26,065 | (2,830 | ) | (p) | 23,235 | | 23,235 | | 23,235 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas distribution costs |
2,572 | | 2,572 | | 2,572 | | 2,572 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating and administrative |
6,442 | (345 | ) | (q),(u) | 6,097 | | 6,097 | (1 | ) | (o) | 6,096 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,163 | (213 | ) | (q) | 2,950 | | 2,950 | | 2,950 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets |
4,463 | (4,392 | ) | (q) | 71 | | 71 | | 71 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill |
102 | (102 | ) | (q) | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
42,807 | (7,882 | ) | 34,925 | | 34,925 | (1 | ) | 34,924 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income |
1,571 | 4,713 | 6,284 | | 6,284 | 1 | 6,285 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from equity investments |
1,102 | (48 | ) | (r) | 1,054 | | 1,054 | | 1,054 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
452 | 1 | (r) | 453 | | 453 | | 453 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(2,556 | ) | (1 | ) | (r) | (2,557 | ) | (2,557 | ) | | (2,557 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings before income taxes |
569 | 4,665 | 5,234 | | 5,234 | 1 | 5,235 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax recovery |
2,697 | (1,075 | ) | (s) | 1,622 | (38 | ) | (a) | 1,584 | (11 | ) | (i) | 1,573 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings |
3,266 | 3,590 | 6,856 | (38 | ) | 6,818 | (10 | ) | 6,808 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests |
(407 | ) | 29 | (t) | (378 | ) | 163 | (e) | (215 | ) | 176 | (n) | (39 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to controlling interests |
2,859 | 3,619 | 6,478 | 125 | 6,603 | 166 | 6,769 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preference share dividends |
(330 | ) | | (330 | ) | | (330 | ) | | (330 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings attributable to common shareholders |
2,529 | 3,619 | 6,148 | 125 | 6,273 | 166 | 6,439 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders |
1.66 | 4.03 | 3.93 | 3.54 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders |
1.65 | 4.01 | 3.91 | 3.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
1,525 | 1,525 | 1,597 | 1,821 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding |
1,532 | 1,532 | 1,604 | 1,827 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statement.
F-5
NOTES TO THE PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The pro forma adjustments are based on the best information available and assumptions that we believe are factually supportable and directly attributable to the related transactions; however, such adjustments are subject to change. In addition, with respect to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings, pro forma adjustments have been made only for items that are expected to have a continuing impact on the consolidated results.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements are for illustrative and informational purposes only and are not intended to reflect what Enbridges consolidated statements of earnings would have been had the Merger, the Midcoast Transaction and the Other Merger Transactions occurred on the dates indicated and are not necessarily indicative of Enbridges future consolidated statements of earnings.
The pro forma adjustments to the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, where applicable, have been translated from the United States Dollar to the Canadian Dollar using the year-to-date average rate for the period presented, except for impairments, which have been translated at the monthly average rate for the month incurred. The pro forma adjustments to the condensed consolidated statement of financial position, where applicable, have been translated from the United States Dollar to the Canadian Dollar using the spot rate as at September 30, 2018.
The impact of the Midcoast Transaction is included in the Midcoast Transaction Adjustments column in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and the year ended December 31, 2017, and the impact of the Other Merger Transactions is included in the Other Merger Transactions Adjustments column in the Unaudited Pro Forma Statements. These adjustments have been prepared on the same basis as the Merger.
For the purpose of calculating the pro forma Basic and Diluted earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders, the historical weighted average number of Enbridge common shares outstanding during the period have been adjusted to give pro forma effect to the number of Enbridge common shares required to acquire the public securities of SEP, EEP, EEQ and ENF as at November 1, 2018.
F-6
The following is the estimated consideration for the Merger and Other Merger Transactions (in millions of Canadian dollars, except per unit/share amounts).
Consideration |
||||
EEP |
||||
EEP public units exchanged(3) |
216 | |||
EEP exchange ratio(1) |
0.335 | |||
Enbridge common shares assumed to be issued |
72 | |||
EEQ |
||||
EEQ public shares exchanged(3) |
87 | |||
EEQ exchange ratio(2) |
0.335 | |||
Enbridge common shares assumed to be issued |
29 | |||
SEP |
||||
SEP public units exchanged(3) |
82 | |||
SEP exchange ratio(2) |
1.111 | |||
Enbridge common shares assumed to be issued |
91 | |||
ENF |
||||
ENF public shares exchanged(3) |
142 | |||
ENF exchange ratio(2) |
0.735 | |||
Enbridge common shares assumed to be issued |
104 | |||
Cash paid per ENF common share(2) |
$ | 0.45 | ||
Total cash paid for ENF common shares |
$ | 64 | ||
Consideration |
||||
Total Enbridge common shares assumed to be issued |
296 | |||
Enbridge common shares closing price as of November 1, 2018 |
$ | 41.53 | ||
|
|
|||
ConsiderationEnbridge common shares |
$ | 12,292 | ||
Considerationcash paid for ENF common shares |
$ | 64 | ||
|
|
|||
Total consideration(4) |
$ | 12,356 | ||
|
|
1. | Per the Merger Agreement, the exchange ratio is 0.335 of an Enbridge common share per Class A common unit. |
2. | Refer to note (v) below for further details on the exchange ratios. |
3. | Reflects publicly held EEP, EEQ, SEP and ENF shares or units, as applicable, as of November 1, 2018. |
4. | A C$1 increase in the price of an Enbridge common share would increase the total consideration by approximately C$296, and decrease the additional paid-in capital by approximately C$258 for purposes of these Unaudited Pro Forma Statements. |
PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements reflect the following adjustments:
The Merger Adjustments
(a) | Reflects the estimated income tax and deferred income tax effects of the Merger pro forma adjustments for the periods presented. The tax effect of the pro forma adjustments was calculated using the historical statutory rates in effect for the periods presented. |
(b) | Reflects the issuance of Enbridge common shares in exchange for the outstanding public securities of EEP. EEP unitholders will receive 0.335 of an Enbridge common share per each EEP Class A common unit. The adjustment has been calculated using the outstanding number of public securities of EEP and the closing share price of Enbridge common shares traded on TSX as at November 1, 2018. |
F-7
(c) | Reflects the impact on Additional paid-in capital associated with the acquisition of the public securities of EEP. It represents the difference between the fair value of Enbridge common shares issued and the respective Noncontrolling interests that are eliminated upon the acquisition of the related public securities, as well as any tax effects of the transactions. |
(d) | Reflects the elimination of Noncontrolling interests included in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Financial Position relating to EEP. |
(e) | Reflects the elimination of earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests included in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Earnings relating to EEP. |
(f) | Reflects the elimination of incremental transaction costs associated with the acquisition of the public securities of the Merger, including the payment of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees and expenses, which are recorded in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Earnings. |
Other Merger Transactions Adjustments
(g) | Reflects the assets and liabilities relating to the consolidation of ENF upon the completion of the ENF merger, which is historically accounted for as an equity method investment. |
(h) | Reflects the removal of Enbridges equity investment in ENF. |
(i) | Reflects the estimated income tax and deferred income tax effects of the Other Merger Transactions pro forma adjustments for the periods presented. The tax effect of the pro forma adjustments was calculated using the historical statutory rates in effect for the periods presented. |
(j) | Reflects the reversal of the full valuation allowance of approximately C$270 million on EEQs deferred tax asset. Upon the close of the EEQ transaction, EEQs valuation allowance is expected to be fully reversed with the deferred tax asset carried up to Enbridge. |
(k) | Reflects the issuance of Enbridge common shares in exchange for the outstanding public securities of EEQ, SEP and ENF, and cash payment in exchange for ENF common shares. As part of the Other Merger Transactions, holders of the outstanding public securities of EEQ, SEP and ENF will receive 0.335, 1.111 and 0.735, respectively, of an Enbridge common share per each of their outstanding public securities. In addition, unaffiliated ENF shareholders will receive a cash payment of C$0.45 per ENF common share held by such shareholders, as well as the entitlement to receive the dividends on Enbridge common shares, as further described in the Enbridges Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 18, 2018. For the purposes of determining the cash paid per ENF common share, it has been assumed that the ENF transaction will close prior to Enbridge declaring a dividend on the Enbridge common shares and ENF declaring a dividend on the ENF common shares. The value of Enbridge common shares to be provided has been calculated using the outstanding number of public securities of EEQ, SEP and ENF, as applicable, and the closing share price of Enbridge common shares traded on TSX as at November 1, 2018. |
(l) | Reflects the impact on Additional paid-in capital associated with the acquisition of the outstanding public securities of EEQ, SEP and ENF. It represents the difference between the fair value of Enbridge common shares issued and the respective Noncontrolling interests and Redeemable noncontrolling interests that are eliminated upon the acquisition of the related outstanding public securities, as well as any tax effects of the transactions. |
(m) | Reflects the elimination of Noncontrolling interests and Redeemable noncontrolling interests included in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Financial Position relating to EEQ, SEP and EIF (a consolidated subsidiary of Enbridge with its noncontrolling interests held by ENF, whose business is limited to its investment in EIF). |
(n) | Reflects the elimination of Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests included in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Earnings relating to EEQ, SEP and EIF (a consolidated subsidiary of Enbridge with its noncontrolling interests held by ENF, whose business is limited to its investment in EIF). |
F-8
(o) | Reflects the elimination of incremental transaction costs associated with the acquisition of the outstanding public securities of EEP, EEQ and ENF in the Other Merger Transactions, including the payment of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees and expenses, which are recorded in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Earnings. |
Midcoast Transaction Adjustments
(p) | Reflects the elimination of Operating revenues and Commodity costs of Midcoast. |
(q) | Reflects the elimination of Operating and administrative expenses, Depreciation and amortization, Impairment of long-lived assets and Impairment of goodwill attributable to Midcoast. Not included in the pro forma results are anticipated savings due to costs that may be reduced or eliminated as a result of the disposition. |
(r) | Reflects the elimination of non-operating income and expenses relating to Midcoast. |
(s) | Represents the estimated income tax and deferred income tax effects of the Midcoast Transaction pro forma adjustments for the periods presented. The tax effect of the pro forma adjustments was calculated using the historical statutory rates in effect for the periods presented. |
(t) | Reflects the elimination of Noncontrolling interests included in Enbridges historical Consolidated Statements of Earnings relating to Midcoast. |
(u) | Reflects the elimination of US$11 million of incremental transaction costs associated with completing the Midcoast Transaction, including the payment of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees and expenses, which are recorded in Enbridges historical financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. |
F-9
The following summarizes the pro forma adjustment to components of Total Enbridge Shareholders Equity, Noncontrolling interests and Redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Enbridge Common Shares |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Total Enbridge Shareholders Equity |
Noncontrolling interests |
Redeemable noncontrolling interests |
||||||||||||||||
EEP |
||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares issued |
2,990 | (2,990 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Eliminates noncontrolling interest related to EEP |
| (89 | ) | (89 | ) | 89 | | |||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustments |
| 712 | 712 | | | |||||||||||||||
EEQ |
||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares issued |
1,204 | (1,204 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Eliminates noncontrolling interest related to EEQ |
| 35 | 35 | (35 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustments |
| 265 | 265 | | | |||||||||||||||
SEP |
||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares issued |
3,779 | (3,779 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Eliminates noncontrolling interest related to SEP |
| 4,040 | 4,040 | (4,040 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustments |
(63 | ) | (63 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
ENF |
||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares issued |
4,319 | (4,319 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Eliminates redeemable noncontrolling interest related to ENF |
| 4,321 | 4,321 | | (4,321 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustments |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Cash paid for ENF common shares |
(64 | ) | (64 | ) | | |||||||||||||||
Other pro forma adjustments related to ENF |
| 112 | 112 | | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total Pro Forma Adjustments |
12,292 | (3,023 | ) | 9,269 | (3,986 | ) | (4,321 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-10
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Among
ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.,
ENBRIDGE ENERGY COMPANY, INC.,
ENBRIDGE ENERGY MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.,
ENBRIDGE INC.,
ENBRIDGE (U.S.) INC.,
WINTER ACQUISITION SUB II, LLC
and, solely for purposes of ARTICLE I, ARTICLE II and ARTICLE XI,
ENBRIDGE US HOLDINGS INC.
Dated as of September 17, 2018
A-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I |
| |||||
Definitions; Interpretation and Construction |
| |||||
1.1 |
Definitions |
A-6 | ||||
1.2 |
Additional Definitions |
A-12 | ||||
1.3 |
Interpretation and Construction |
A-13 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
| |||||
Pre-Merger Subscriptions |
| |||||
2.1 |
Subscriptions |
A-14 | ||||
2.2 |
Transfer of Aggregate Merger Consideration to the Exchange Agent |
A-15 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
| |||||
The Merger |
| |||||
3.1 |
The Merger |
A-15 | ||||
3.2 |
Closing |
A-15 | ||||
3.3 |
Effective Time |
A-15 | ||||
3.4 |
Amendment of Partnership Agreement |
A-15 | ||||
3.5 |
Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity |
A-15 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
| |||||
Merger Consideration; Effect of the Merger on Partnership Interests |
| |||||
4.1 |
Merger Consideration |
A-16 | ||||
4.2 |
Conversion of Class A Common Units |
A-16 | ||||
4.3 |
Treatment of Excluded Units and Other Parent-Owned Partnership Interests |
A-16 | ||||
4.4 |
Merger Sub |
A-16 | ||||
4.5 |
Tax Treatment of the Merger |
A-16 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
| |||||
Delivery of Merger Consideration; Procedures for Surrender |
| |||||
5.1 |
Exchange Agent |
A-16 | ||||
5.2 |
Procedures for Surrender |
A-17 | ||||
5.3 |
Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates |
A-18 | ||||
5.4 |
Transfers |
A-18 | ||||
5.5 |
Fractional Shares |
A-19 | ||||
5.6 |
Termination of Exchange Fund |
A-19 | ||||
5.7 |
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates |
A-19 | ||||
5.8 |
Withholding Rights |
A-19 | ||||
5.9 |
Adjustments to Prevent Dilution |
A-20 | ||||
5.10 |
No Dissenters Rights |
A-20 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
| |||||
Representations and Warranties of the Partnership Parties |
| |||||
6.1 |
Organization, Good Standing and Qualification |
A-20 | ||||
6.2 |
Capital Structure of the Partnership |
A-21 | ||||
6.3 |
Authority; Approval and Fairness |
A-21 |
A-2
6.4 |
Governmental Filings; No Violations; Certain Contracts; Etc. |
A-22 | ||||
6.5 |
Partnership Reports; Financial Statements |
A-22 | ||||
6.6 |
Absence of Certain Changes |
A-23 | ||||
6.7 |
Litigation and Liabilities |
A-23 | ||||
6.8 |
Compliance with Laws; Licenses |
A-24 | ||||
6.9 |
Environmental Matters |
A-24 | ||||
6.10 |
Tax Matters |
A-25 | ||||
6.11 |
Property |
A-25 | ||||
6.12 |
Partnership Material Contracts |
A-26 | ||||
6.13 |
Opinion of Financial Advisor |
A-26 | ||||
6.14 |
Brokers and Finders |
A-26 | ||||
6.15 |
Insurance |
A-26 | ||||
6.16 |
No Other Representations or Warranties |
A-26 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
| |||||
Representations and Warranties of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub |
| |||||
7.1 |
Organization, Good Standing and Qualification |
A-27 | ||||
7.2 |
Capital Structure of Parent Parties; Capitalization of Merger Sub |
A-27 | ||||
7.3 |
Authority; Approval |
A-28 | ||||
7.4 |
Governmental Filings; No Violations |
A-28 | ||||
7.5 |
Parent Reports; Financial Statements |
A-29 | ||||
7.6 |
Absence of Certain Changes |
A-30 | ||||
7.7 |
Litigation and Liabilities |
A-30 | ||||
7.8 |
Compliance with Laws; Licenses |
A-30 | ||||
7.9 |
Environmental Matters |
A-30 | ||||
7.10 |
Tax Matters |
A-31 | ||||
7.11 |
Property |
A-31 | ||||
7.12 |
Parent Material Contracts |
A-31 | ||||
7.13 |
Brokers and Finders |
A-32 | ||||
7.14 |
Insurance |
A-32 | ||||
7.15 |
EEQ Merger Agreement |
A-32 | ||||
7.16 |
No Other Representations or Warranties |
A-32 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
| |||||
Covenants |
| |||||
8.1 |
Interim Operations |
A-33 | ||||
8.2 |
Change in Recommendation |
A-34 | ||||
8.3 |
Prospectus/Proxy Filing; Information Supplied |
A-37 | ||||
8.4 |
Unitholders Meeting |
A-38 | ||||
8.5 |
Cooperation; Efforts to Consummate |
A-39 | ||||
8.6 |
Status; Notifications |
A-39 | ||||
8.7 |
Information; Access and Reports |
A-39 | ||||
8.8 |
Stock Exchange Listing and Delisting |
A-40 | ||||
8.9 |
Expenses |
A-40 | ||||
8.10 |
Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance |
A-40 | ||||
8.11 |
Takeover Statutes |
A-42 | ||||
8.12 |
Distributions |
A-42 | ||||
8.13 |
Section 16 Matters |
A-42 | ||||
8.14 |
Transaction Litigation |
A-43 | ||||
8.15 |
Voting |
A-43 |
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8.16 |
Special Committee |
A-43 | ||||
8.17 |
Performance by General Partner |
A-43 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
| |||||
Conditions |
| |||||
9.1 |
Conditions to Obligation of Each Party |
A-44 | ||||
9.2 |
Conditions to Obligation of Parent, EUS and Merger Sub |
A-44 | ||||
9.3 |
Conditions to Obligation of the Partnership Parties |
A-45 | ||||
ARTICLE X |
| |||||
Termination |
| |||||
10.1 |
Termination by Mutual Written Consent |
A-45 | ||||
10.2 |
Termination by Either Parent or the Partnership |
A-45 | ||||
10.3 |
Termination by Parent |
A-46 | ||||
10.4 |
Termination by the Partnership |
A-46 | ||||
10.5 |
Effect of Termination and Abandonment |
A-46 | ||||
10.6 |
Payment of Partnership Expenses |
A-46 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
| |||||
Miscellaneous and General |
| |||||
11.1 |
Survival |
A-47 | ||||
11.2 |
Modification or Amendment; Waiver |
A-47 | ||||
11.3 |
Counterparts |
A-47 | ||||
11.4 |
Governing Law and Venue; Submission to Jurisdiction; Selection of Forum; Waiver of Trial by Jury |
A-47 | ||||
11.5 |
Specific Performance |
A-48 | ||||
11.6 |
Notices |
A-49 | ||||
11.7 |
Entire Agreement |
A-50 | ||||
11.8 |
Third-Party Beneficiaries |
A-50 | ||||
11.9 |
Non-Recourse |
A-51 | ||||
11.10 |
Fulfillment of Obligations |
A-51 | ||||
11.11 |
Severability |
A-51 | ||||
11.12 |
Successors and Assigns |
A-51 |
Exhibit A |
Form of Partnership Agreement Amendment |
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this Agreement), dated as of September 17, 2018, is entered into by and among Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner), Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company and the delegate of the General Partner (the GP Delegate), Enbridge Inc., a Canadian corporation (Parent), Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., a Delaware corporation (EUS and, together with Parent, the Parent Parties), Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (Merger Sub), and, solely for purposes of ARTICLE I, ARTICLE II and ARTICLE XI, Enbridge US Holdings Inc., a Canadian corporation (EUSHI and, together with the Partnership, General Partner, GP Delegate, Parent, EUS and Merger Sub, the Parties and each, a Party).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Parties intend that, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Partnership (the Merger), with the Partnership surviving the Merger, pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the DLLCA) and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the DRULPA);
WHEREAS, the special committee composed of the independent members (the Special Committee) of the board of directors of the GP Delegate (the Partnership Board) has, acting in good faith, unanimously (a) determined, based upon the facts and circumstances it deemed relevant, reasonable or appropriate to its decision, that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger (the Transactions), are fair and reasonable to the Partnership, including the holders of the Outstanding Units (other than Parent and its Affiliates) (the Public Unitholders), (b) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and (c) recommended that the Partnership Board approve this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, the Partnership Board, upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, has, acting in good faith, unanimously (a) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair and reasonable to the Partnership, including the Public Unitholders, (b) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (c) recommended that the GP Board approve this Agreement and the Transactions, and (d) resolved to recommend that the Limited Partners approve the Transactions and this Agreement (the Partnership Recommendation) and directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Limited Partners for their approval;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of the General Partner (the GP Board), upon the recommendation of the Partnership Board, has, acting in good faith, unanimously (a) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair and reasonable to the Partnership, including the Public Unitholders, (b) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and (c) resolved to recommend that the Limited Partners approve the Transactions and this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Limited Partners for their approval;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of EUS has unanimously approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Parent (the Parent Board) has unanimously (of those voting) (a) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and (b) approved the issuance of Parents common shares (the Parent Common Stock), in connection with the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
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WHEREAS, the Parties desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with this Agreement and set forth certain conditions to the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the following terms have meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:
Acquisition Proposal means (a) any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest relating to a merger, joint venture, partnership, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, tender offer, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or (b) any acquisition by any Person or group (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), resulting in, or any proposal, offer, inquiry or indication of interest that if consummated would result in, any Person or group (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act) becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, 15% or more of the total voting power or of any class of equity securities of the Partnership or 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (it being understood that total assets include equity securities of Subsidiaries) of the Partnership, in each case, other than the Transactions.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such Person as of the date on which, or at any time during the period for which, the determination of affiliation is being made. For purposes of this definition, the term control (including the correlative meanings of the terms controlled by and under common control with), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise; provided that, for purposes of this Agreement, prior to the Closing, the Partnership and its Subsidiaries shall not be considered Affiliates of Parent or any of Parents other Affiliates, nor shall Parent or any of Parents Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) be considered Affiliates of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries.
Business Day means any day ending at 11:59 p.m. (New York Time) other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banks in the City of New York or in Calgary, Alberta, Canada are required or authorized by Law to close.
Canadian Securities Laws means all applicable securities Laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective rules and regulations made thereunder, together with applicable published national and local instruments, policy statements, notices, blanket orders and rulings thereunder of the Canadian Securities Regulators.
Canadian Securities Regulators means the applicable securities commission or securities regulatory authority in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.
Class A Common Unit has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
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Contract means any legally binding written contract, agreement, lease, license, note, mortgage, indenture, arrangement or other obligation.
DTC means The Depositary Trust Company.
EEQ Merger means the merger of Winter Acquisition Sub I, Inc. with and into the GP Delegate, with the GP Delegate surviving such merger, as provided in the EEQ Merger Agreement.
EEQ Merger Agreement means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 17, 2018, among Parent, the GP Delegate, Winter Acquisition Sub I, Inc. and, for certain purposes set forth therein, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., as may be amended from time to time in compliance with the applicable provisions thereof, including all annexes, exhibits, schedules, disclosure letters and other documents delivered in connection therewith.
Effect means any effect, event, development, change or occurrence.
Energy Products means, collectively, natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum products, other hydrocarbon products, natural gas liquids and products produced from the fractionation of natural gas liquids.
Environmental Law means any Law relating to (a) pollution, the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource) or workplace health or occupational safety, or (b) the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of Hazardous Substances, in each case as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
Environmental Permit means all Licenses required under Environmental Law.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Excluded Units means Class A Common Units owned by Parent, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent and Class A Common Units owned by the Partnership Parties or any direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Partnership, and in each case not held on behalf of third parties.
GAAP means United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Governmental Entity means any United States, non-United States, supranational or transnational governmental (including public international organizations), quasi-governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority, agency, commission, body, department or instrumentality or any court, tribunal or arbitrator or other entity or subdivision thereof or other legislative, executive or judicial entity or subdivision thereof, in each case, of competent jurisdiction.
Governmental Order means any order, writ, judgment, temporary, preliminary or permanent injunction, decree, ruling, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Entity.
Hazardous Substance means any substance, material or waste that is listed, defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive, dangerous or a pollutant or contaminant or words of similar meaning under any Environmental Law or that is otherwise regulated by any Governmental Entity with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, or workplace health or occupational safety.
HSR Act means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976.
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Intervening Event means any Effect that is not known or reasonably foreseeable to or by the Special Committee as of the date of this Agreement (or if known, the consequences of which were not known by the Special Committee as of the date of this Agreement), which Effect (or consequences) becomes known to or by the Special Committee prior to the Unitholder Approval having been obtained; provided, however, that in no event shall any of the following constitute or be deemed to be an Intervening Event: (i) the receipt, existence or terms of an Acquisition Proposal or any matter relating thereto or consequences thereof, (ii) any action taken by any Party pursuant to and in compliance with the covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and the consequences of any such action, (iii) changes in the Energy Products gathering, processing, treating, transportation and storage industries, (iv) the fact that, in and of itself, the Partnership exceeds internal or published projections, or (v) changes, in and of themselves, in the market price of the Class A Common Units.
Knowledge when used in this Agreement (a) with respect to the Partnership Parties or any of their Subsidiaries means the actual knowledge of the Persons listed on Section 1.1(a) of the Partnership Disclosure Letter, and (b) with respect to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries means the actual knowledge of the Persons listed on Section 1.1(a) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, in each case, after reasonable inquiry.
Laws means any federal, state, local, foreign, international or transnational law, statute, ordinance, common law, rule, regulation, standard, judgment, determination, order, writ, injunction, decree, arbitration award, treaty, agency requirement, authorization, license or permit of any Governmental Entity.
Licenses means permits, licenses, certifications, approvals, registrations, consents, authorizations, franchises, variances, exemptions and orders issued or granted by a Governmental Entity.
Limited Partners has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.
Listed Shares has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.
Majority of the Minority Vote means approval of this Agreement by the holders of a majority of the Outstanding Class A Common Units (other than Class A Common Units held by Parent and its Affiliates) and the Outstanding I-Units (other than I-Units voted at the direction of Parent and its Affiliates), entitled to vote on such matter at the Partnership Unitholders Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, voting together as a single class.
Material Adverse Effect, with respect to Parent or the Partnership, means any Effect that, individually or in the aggregate with any other Effect, is materially adverse to the financial condition, properties, assets, operations, liabilities, business or results of operations of such Party and its Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole; provided, however, that none of the following, alone or in combination, shall be deemed to constitute a Material Adverse Effect, or be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur:
(a) Effects affecting the economy, credit, capital, securities or financial markets or political, regulatory or business conditions in general in the U.S., Canada or elsewhere in the world;
(b) Effects that are the result of factors affecting the Energy Products gathering, drilling, processing, treating, transportation, storage, marketing and other related industries, markets or geographical areas in which such Party and its Subsidiaries conduct their respective businesses (including any change in the prices of Energy Products, industry margins or any regulatory changes or changes in applicable Law);
(c) Effects caused by the entry into, announcement or performance of the Transactions, including any impact on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, lenders, partners, Governmental Entities, or employees or any Transaction Litigation or actions taken or requirements imposed by any Governmental Entity in connection with the Transactions;
(d) changes or modifications in GAAP or applicable accounting regulations or principles, or in the interpretation or enforcement thereof, after the date of this Agreement;
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(e) any Effect resulting from any adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, reinterpretation, change of enforcement or proposal of any Law, decision or protocol or any other legislative or political conditions or policy or practices of any Governmental Entity;
(f) changes in stock price, trading volume or credit rating or any failure by such Party to meet any internal or public projections or forecasts or estimates of revenues or earnings for any period; provided that the exception in this clause (f) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any Effect underlying such failure has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect;
(g) any Effect resulting from acts of war (whether or not declared), civil disobedience, hostilities, terrorism, military actions or the escalation of any of the foregoing, any hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake or other weather or natural disaster or acts of God, whether or not caused by any Person;
(h) the performance by any Party of its obligations under this Agreement, including any action taken or omitted to be taken at the request or with the consent of Parent, with respect to the Partnership, or at the request or with the consent of the Partnership, with respect to Parent, as applicable;
(i) any Effect or announcement of an Effect affecting the credit rating or other rating of financial strength of such Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective securities; provided that the exception in this clause (i) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any Effect underlying such Effect or announcement of an Effect has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect;
(j) a decline in the market price, or change in trading volume, of the Class A Common Units on the NYSE or the shares of Parent Common Stock on the TSX or the NYSE, as applicable; provided that the exception in this clause (j) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any Effect underlying such decline or change has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect;
(k) any Proceeding commenced by or involving any current or former member, partner, unitholder or stockholder of such Person (on their own behalf or on behalf of such Person) arising out of or related to this Agreement or the Transactions; or
(l) Effects caused by the entry into, announcement, consummation or performance of, or failure to enter into or consummate, the Other Parent Transactions, including any impact on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, lenders, partners, Governmental Entities or employees or any litigation related to the Other Parent Transactions or actions taken or requirements imposed by any Governmental Entity in connection with the Other Parent Transactions;
provided, further, that, with respect to clauses (a), (b), (d), (e) and (g), such Effect shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred to the extent it disproportionately adversely affects such Party and its Subsidiaries compared to other companies operating in the industries in which such Party and its Subsidiaries operate.
NYSE means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Ordinary Course means, with respect to an action taken by any Person, that such action is consistent with the ordinary course of business and past practices of such Person.
Organizational Documents means (a) with respect to any person that is a corporation, its articles or certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, as applicable, and bylaws, or comparable documents; (b) with respect to any person that is a partnership, its certificate of partnership and partnership agreement, or comparable documents; (c) with respect to any Person that is a limited liability company, its certificate of formation and limited liability company or operating agreement, or comparable documents; (d) with
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respect to any Person that is a trust or other entity, its declaration or agreement of trust or other constituent document or comparable documents; and (e) with respect to any other Person that is not an individual, its comparable organizational documents.
Other Parent Transactions means any and all potential transactions entered into between Parent, on the one hand, and any of the GP Delegate, Spectra Energy Partners, LP, or Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc., on the other hand, pursuant to which Parent acquires ownership, directly or indirectly, of all equity interests of the respective counterparty, whether prior to, concurrently with or subsequent to the date of this Agreement, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the EEQ Merger.
Outstanding has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.
Parent Material Adverse Effect means a Material Adverse Effect on Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Partnership Agreement means the Eighth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of April 27, 2017, as amended.
Partnership Expenses means an amount in cash equal to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including all reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants) incurred by the Partnership Parties, including such expenses of the Special Committee, and their respective Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions up to a maximum amount of $4.0 million.
Partnership Group Entities means the Partnership Parties and any Subsidiaries of the Partnership.
Partnership Interest has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.
Partnership Material Adverse Effect means a Material Adverse Effect on the Partnership and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Partnership Parties means the Partnership, General Partner and GP Delegate.
Partnership Unitholders Meeting means the meeting of Limited Partners of the Partnership (including the meeting of holders of Listed Shares for the purpose of determining the manner in which I-Units shall be voted) to be held in connection with the Merger, as may be adjourned or postponed from time to time.
Person means any individual, corporation (including not-for-profit), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity of any kind or nature.
Proceeding means any action, cause of action, claim, demand, litigation, suit, investigation, grievance, citation, summons, subpoena, inquiry, audit, hearing, originating application to a tribunal, arbitration or other similar proceeding of any nature, civil, criminal, regulatory, administrative or otherwise, whether in equity or at law, in contract, in tort or otherwise.
Representative means, with respect to any Person, any director, officer, principal, partner, manager, member (if such Person is a member-managed limited liability company or similar entity), employee, consultant, investment banker, financial advisor, legal counsel, attorney-in-fact, accountant or other advisor, agent or other representative of such person, in each case acting in their capacity as such.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which (a) more than 50% of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such other Person, (ii) the total combined equity interests or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in each case, is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such first Person or (b) the power to vote or to direct the voting of sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body is held by such first Person; provided, however, that when used with respect to Parent, the term Subsidiary shall not include the Partnership or its Subsidiaries.
Superior Proposal means an unsolicited, bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that would result in a Person or group (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), other than Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or controlled Affiliates, becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Partnership (or of the surviving entity in a merger involving the Partnership, as applicable) or more than 50% of the consolidated net revenues, net income or total assets (including equity securities of its Subsidiaries) of the Partnership that the Special Committee has determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that (a) if consummated, would result in a transaction more favorable to the Public Unitholders, from a financial point of view, than the Merger (after taking into account any revisions to the terms of this Agreement proposed by the Partnership pursuant to Section 8.2(d)(ii) and the time likely to be required to consummate such Acquisition Proposal), and (b) is reasonably likely to be consummated on the terms proposed, taking into account any legal, financial, regulatory and unitholder approval requirements, the sources, availability and terms of any financing, financing market conditions and the existence of a financing contingency, the likelihood of termination, the timing of closing, and the identity of the Person or Persons making the proposal; provided that any requisite vote or consent of Parent or its Affiliates that may be required to effect the proposal shall not be taken into account in determining whether a proposal is reasonably likely to be consummated.
Tax or Taxes means (a) any and all federal, state, local or foreign or provincial taxes, charges, imposts, levies or other assessments, including all net income, gross receipts, capital, sales, use, ad valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, inventory, capital stock, license, withholding, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, property and estimated taxes, customs duties, fees, escheat or unclaimed property obligations, assessments and similar charges, including any and all interest, penalties, fines, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Entity with respect thereto and (b) any liability for the payment of amounts described in clause (a) of any other Person (other than the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of applicable state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise.
Tax Return means any return, report or similar filing (including any attached schedules, supplements and additional or supporting material) filed or required to be filed with respect to Taxes, including any information return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Taxes (and including any amendments with respect thereto).
Trading Day means any day on which the NYSE is open for trading.
TSX means the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Unit means the Class A Common Units, Class B Common Units, Class E Units, Class F Units and I-Units.
Unitholder Approval means the approval of this Agreement by (i) Limited Partners constituting the Requisite Partnership Vote and (ii) Limited Partners constituting the Majority of the Minority Vote.
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Willful Breach means, subject to Section 8.17, an intentional and willful material breach, or an intentional and willful material failure to perform, in each case, that is the consequence of an act or omission by a Party with the actual knowledge that the taking of such act or failure to take such act would cause a breach of this Agreement.
1.2 Additional Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning specified in the Section set forth opposite to such term:
Term |
Section | |
Agreement |
Preamble | |
Aggregate Merger Consideration |
4.1 | |
Alternative Acquisition Agreement |
8.2(d)(i)(D) | |
Amended Partnership Agreement |
3.4 | |
Applicable Date |
6.5(a) | |
Bankruptcy and Equity Exception |
6.3(a) | |
Book-Entry Unit |
4.2 | |
Certificate |
4.2 | |
Certificate of Merger |
3.3 | |
Change of Recommendation |
8.2(d)(i)(D) | |
Chosen Courts |
11.4(b) | |
Class B Common Units |
6.2(a) | |
Class E Units |
6.2(a) | |
Class F Units |
6.2(a) | |
Closing |
3.2 | |
Closing Date |
3.2 | |
D&O Insurance |
8.10(b) | |
DLLCA |
Recitals | |
DRULPA |
Recitals | |
Effective Time |
3.3 | |
Eligible Units |
4.1 | |
Encumber |
6.2(a) | |
Encumbrance |
6.2(a) | |
Exchange Agent |
5.1 | |
Exchange Fund |
5.1 | |
EUSHI |
Preamble | |
EUSHI Subscription |
2.1(a) | |
EUS |
Preamble | |
EUS Subscription |
2.1(b) | |
EUS Capital Stock |
7.2(a) | |
Exchange Ratio |
4.1 | |
General Partner |
Preamble | |
General Partner Subscription |
2.1(c) | |
GP Board |
Recitals | |
GP Delegate |
Preamble | |
I-Units |
6.2(a) | |
Indemnified Parties |
8.10(a) | |
Letter of Transmittal |
5.2(a) | |
Merger |
Recitals | |
Merger Consideration |
4.1 | |
Merger Sub |
Preamble | |
Merger Sub Subscription |
2.1(d) |
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Term |
Section | |
Non-DTC Book-Entry Unit |
4.2(b) | |
Original Date |
8.4(b) | |
Outside Date |
10.2(a) | |
Parent |
Preamble | |
Parent Board |
Recitals | |
Parent Capital Stock |
7.2(a) | |
Parent Common Stock |
Recitals | |
Parent Disclosure Letter |
ARTICLE VII | |
Parent Material Contract |
7.12(a) | |
Parent Parties |
Preamble | |
Parent Reports |
7.5(a) | |
Partnership |
Preamble | |
Partnership Board |
Recitals | |
Partnership Disclosure Letter |
ARTICLE VI | |
Partnership GP Interest |
6.2(a) | |
Partnership Material Contract |
6.12(a) | |
Partnership Recommendation |
Recitals | |
Partnership Reports |
6.5(a) | |
Party/Parties |
Preamble | |
Preference Shares |
7.2(a) | |
Proxy/Prospectus |
8.3(a) | |
Public Unitholders |
Recitals | |
Registration Statement |
8.3(a) | |
Requisite Partnership Vote |
6.3(a) | |
Special Committee |
Recitals | |
Surviving Entity |
3.1 | |
Tail Period |
8.10(b) | |
Transaction Litigation |
8.14 | |
Transactions |
Recitals |
1.3 Interpretation and Construction.
(a) The table of contents and headings herein are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.
(b) The Preamble, and all Recital, Article, Section, Subsection, schedule and exhibit references used in this Agreement are to the recitals, articles, sections, subsections, schedules and exhibits to this Agreement unless otherwise specified herein.
(c) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, for purposes of this Agreement: (i) the terms defined in the singular have a comparable meaning when used in the plural and vice versa; (ii) words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neutral genders and vice versa; (iii) whenever the words includes or including are used, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation; (iv) the word or is not exclusive; (v) the words hereto, hereof, hereby, herein, hereunder and similar terms in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular provision of this Agreement; and (vi) the word extent in the phrase to the extent shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply if.
(d) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the Partnership Disclosure Letter or the Parent Disclosure Letter, as applicable, the term dollars and the symbol $ mean United States Dollars, and currency amounts referenced in this Agreement, the Partnership Disclosure Letter and the Parent Disclosure Letter are in United States Dollars.
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(e) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, when calculating the period of time within which, or following which, any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference day in calculating such period shall be excluded and if the last day of the period is a non-Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next Business Day or if any action must be taken hereunder on or by a day that is not a Business Day, then such action may be validly taken on or by the next day that is a Business Day. References to a number of days shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified.
(f) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all references in this Agreement to any statute include the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended, re-enacted, consolidated or replaced from time to time and in the case of any such amendment, re-enactment, consolidation or replacement, reference herein to a particular provision shall be read as referring to such amended, re-enacted, consolidated or replaced provision and shall also include, unless the context otherwise requires, all applicable guidelines, bulletins or policies made in connection therewith.
(g) The Partnership Disclosure Letter and Parent Disclosure Letter may include items and information the disclosure of which is not required either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision of this Agreement or as an exception to one or more representations or warranties contained in ARTICLE VI or ARTICLE VII, as applicable, or to one or more covenants contained in this Agreement. Inclusion of any items or information in the Partnership Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter, as applicable, shall not be deemed to be an acknowledgement or agreement that any such item or information (or any non-disclosed item or information of comparable or greater significance) is material or that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have either a Partnership Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or to affect the interpretation of such term for purposes of this Agreement.
(h) The Parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting 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 provision of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
PRE-MERGER SUBSCRIPTIONS
2.1 Subscriptions. The following matters provided for in this ARTICLE II shall take place on the Closing Date, immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, in the order set forth below:
(a) Subscription for EUSHI Shares. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall subscribe for shares of EUSHI in exchange for the right of EUSHI to receive from Parent the Aggregate Merger Consideration (the EUSHI Subscription).
(b) Subscription for EUS Shares. Immediately prior to the Effective Time and following the EUSHI Subscription, EUSHI shall subscribe for shares of EUS in exchange for the right of EUS to receive from EUSHI the Aggregate Merger Consideration (the EUS Subscription).
(c) Subscription for General Partner Shares. Immediately prior to the Effective Time and following the EUS Subscription, EUS shall subscribe for shares of the General Partner in exchange for the right of the General Partner to receive from EUS the Aggregate Merger Consideration (the General Partner Subscription).
(d) Subscription for Merger Sub Membership Interests. Immediately prior to the Effective Time and following the General Partner Subscription, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. shall subscribe for additional membership interests of Merger Sub in exchange for the right of Merger Sub to receive from Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. the Aggregate Merger Consideration (the Merger Sub Subscription).
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2.2 Transfer of Aggregate Merger Consideration to the Exchange Agent. Immediately prior to the Effective Time and following the Merger Sub Subscription, Merger Sub shall direct Parent to deposit or cause to be deposited the Aggregate Merger Consideration with the Exchange Agent for the benefit (subject to Closing) of the holders of Eligible Units pursuant to Section 5.1.
ARTICLE III
THE MERGER
3.1 The Merger. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (a) at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Partnership in accordance with the DLLCA and the DRULPA and the separate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease; (b) the Partnership shall be the surviving limited partnership in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the Surviving Entity) and from and after the Effective Time, shall be a Subsidiary of Parent, and the separate existence of the Partnership with all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Merger, except as set forth in ARTICLE IV; and (c) the Merger shall have such other effects as provided in the DRULPA and the DLLCA, in each case, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
3.2 Closing. The closing of the Merger (the Closing) shall take place at the offices of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, 125 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, at 9:00 a.m. (New York Time) on the third Business Day following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the conditions set forth in ARTICLE IX (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing (so long as such conditions are reasonably capable of being satisfied) or that may be waived at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement or at such other date, time or place (or by means of remote communication) as the Partnership and Parent may mutually agree in writing (the date on which the Closing actually occurs, the Closing Date). If the parties to the EEQ Merger are ready, willing and able to consummate the EEQ Merger substantially simultaneously with the Merger, then each of the Merger and the EEQ Merger shall be consummated substantially concurrently on the same date in the sequence set forth in Section 3.2 of the Parent Disclosure Letter.
3.3 Effective Time. As soon as practicable following, and on the date of, the Closing, the Partnership will cause a certificate of merger relating to the Merger (the Certificate of Merger) to be executed, acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Partnership Agreement, the DRULPA and the DLLCA. The Merger shall become effective at the time when the Certificate of Merger has been duly filed with and accepted by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later date and time as may be agreed by the Parties in writing and specified in the Certificate of Merger (such date and time, the Effective Time).
3.4 Amendment of Partnership Agreement. Immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, the General Partner, as general partner of the Partnership, pursuant to Section 15.1(j) of the Partnership Agreement, shall amend the Partnership Agreement as set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the Partnership Agreement, as so amended, the Amended Partnership Agreement).
3.5 Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity. At the Effective Time, (a) the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue as the certificate of limited partnership of the Surviving Entity, until duly amended as provided therein or by applicable Law, and (b) the Amended Partnership Agreement shall remain unchanged and shall continue as the agreement of limited partnership of the Surviving Entity, until duly amended as provided therein or by applicable Law, and in each case any further amendments or restatements must be consistent with the obligations set forth in Section 8.10 of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE IV
MERGER CONSIDERATION; EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
4.1 Merger Consideration. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Parties or any holder of any Partnership Interests, each Class A Common Unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time other than Excluded Units (each such Class A Common Unit, an Eligible Unit) shall be exchanged for the right to receive 0.335 shares of Parent Common Stock (such ratio, the Exchange Ratio, such number of shares of Parent Common Stock, the Merger Consideration, and the aggregate of such number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be exchanged for the Eligible Units, the Aggregate Merger Consideration).
4.2 Conversion of Class A Common Units. Each Eligible Unit, upon being converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to this Section 4.2, and each certificate formerly representing any of the Eligible Units (each, a Certificate) and each book-entry account formerly representing any non-certificated Eligible Units (each, a Book-Entry Unit) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration with respect to such Eligible Unit(s) and the right, if any, to receive, pursuant to Section 5.5, cash in lieu of fractional shares into which such Eligible Unit(s) have been converted pursuant to this Section 4.2, and any dividends or other distributions pursuant to Section 5.3.
4.3 Treatment of Excluded Units and Other Parent-Owned Partnership Interests. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Parties or any holder of any partnership interests of the Partnership, (a) each Excluded Unit shall remain outstanding as a Class A Common Unit in the Surviving Entity, unaffected by the Merger; (b) each Class B Common Unit, Class E Unit, Class F Unit and I-Unit issued and outstanding and immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding in the Surviving Entity, unaffected by the Merger, and no consideration shall be delivered in respect thereof; and (c) all other Partnership Interests, including the Partnership GP Interest, that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Time by the General Partner, the GP Delegate, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries shall remain outstanding as Partnership Interests in the Surviving Entity, unaffected by the Merger, and no consideration shall be delivered in respect thereof.
4.4 Merger Sub. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Parties, all membership interests in Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to be outstanding, be cancelled without payment of any consideration therefor and cease to exist.
4.5 Tax Treatment of the Merger. For United States federal income tax purposes (and for purposes of any applicable state, local or foreign Tax that follows the United States federal income tax treatment), the Parties agree to treat the Merger as a taxable sale of the Eligible Units by the holders of such Eligible Units in exchange for the Merger Consideration. The Parties will prepare and file all Tax Returns consistent with the foregoing and will not take any inconsistent position on any Tax Return, or during the course of any Proceeding with respect to Taxes, except as otherwise required by applicable Law following a final determination by a court of competent jurisdiction or other administrative settlement with or final administrative decision by the relevant Governmental Entity.
ARTICLE V
DELIVERY OF MERGER CONSIDERATION; PROCEDURES FOR SURRENDER
5.1 Exchange Agent. At or immediately prior to the Effective Time, pursuant to Section 2.2, Parent shall deposit or cause to be deposited with a nationally recognized financial institution or trust company selected
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by Parent with the Partnerships prior approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to serve as the exchange agent (the Exchange Agent), for the benefit of the holders of Eligible Units upon Closing, (a) an aggregate number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in non-certificated book-entry form comprising the amounts required to be delivered in respect of Eligible Units pursuant to Section 4.1 and (b) an aggregate amount of cash comprising approximately the amounts required to be delivered in respect of Eligible Units pursuant to Section 5.5. In addition, Parent shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Exchange Agent, as necessary from time to time after the Effective Time, dividends or other distributions, if any, to which the holders of Eligible Units may be entitled pursuant to Section 5.3 with both a record and payment date after the Effective Time and prior to the surrender of such Eligible Units. Such shares of Parent Common Stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares payable pursuant to Section 5.5 and the amount of any dividends or other distributions deposited with the Exchange Agent pursuant to this Section 5.1 are referred to collectively in this Agreement as the Exchange Fund. The Exchange Fund shall not be used for any purpose other than the purpose expressly provided for in this Agreement. The cash portion of the Exchange Fund may be deposited by the Exchange Agent as reasonably directed by Parent. Any interest or other income resulting from such investment shall become a part of the Exchange Fund, and any amounts in excess of the amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be promptly returned to Parent. To the extent there are losses with respect to such investments, or the Exchange Fund diminishes for other reasons below the level required to fully satisfy all of the payment obligations to be made in cash by the Exchange Agent hereunder, Parent shall promptly replace or restore the cash in the Exchange Fund so that the Exchange Fund is at all times maintained at a level sufficient for the Exchange Agent to fully satisfy such cash payment obligations. No investment losses resulting from investment of the Exchange Fund shall diminish the rights of any former holder of Eligible Units to receive the Merger Consideration as provided in this Agreement.
5.2 Procedures for Surrender.
(a) With respect to Certificates, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time (and in any event within three Business Days thereafter), the Surviving Entity shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of each such Certificate (i) notice advising such holders of the effectiveness of the Merger; (ii) a letter of transmittal in customary form, which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to a Certificate shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificate (or satisfaction of the conditions provided in Section 5.7 in lieu of a Certificate) to the Exchange Agent (the Letter of Transmittal); and (iii) instructions for surrendering a Certificate (or satisfaction of the conditions provided in Section 5.7 in lieu of a Certificate) to the Exchange Agent. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate (or satisfaction of the conditions provided in Section 5.7 in lieu of a Certificate) together with a duly executed and completed Letter of Transmittal and such other documents as may reasonably be required pursuant to such instructions, the Surviving Entity shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of any such Certificate in exchange therefore, as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, (x) a statement reflecting the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to ARTICLE IV in the name of such record holder and (y) a check in the amount (after giving effect to any required Tax withholdings as provided in Section 5.8) of (A) any cash in lieu of fractional shares plus (B) any unpaid dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this ARTICLE V. Any Certificate that has been so surrendered shall be cancelled by the Exchange Agent.
(b) With respect to Book-Entry Units not held through DTC (each, a Non-DTC Book-Entry Unit), as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time (and in any event within three Business Days thereafter), the Surviving Entity shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of a Non-DTC Book-Entry Unit (i) a notice advising such holders of the effectiveness of the Merger; (ii) a statement reflecting the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to ARTICLE IV in the name of such record holder; and (iii) a check in the amount (after giving effect to any required Tax withholdings as provided in Section 5.8) of (A) any cash in lieu of fractional shares plus (B) any unpaid dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this ARTICLE V. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any holder of an Eligible Unit that is duplicatively evidenced by both a
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Certificate and a book-entry account shall not receive the notice, statement and check contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence with respect to such Eligible Unit, but shall surrender the applicable Certificate in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5.2(a) to receive the Merger Consideration and any other amounts due under this Agreement with respect to such Eligible Unit, and no additional Merger Consideration or other amounts under this Agreement will accrue or be payable to the duplicative book-entry account for such Eligible Unit.
(c) With respect to Book-Entry Units held through DTC, Parent and the Partnership shall cooperate to establish procedures with the Exchange Agent and DTC to ensure that the Exchange Agent will transmit to DTC or its nominees as soon as reasonably practicable on or after the Closing Date, upon surrender of Eligible Units held of record by DTC or its nominees in accordance with DTCs customary surrender procedures, the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this ARTICLE V.
(d) No interest will be paid or accrued on any amount payable for Eligible Units pursuant to this ARTICLE V.
5.3 Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates. All shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger shall be deemed issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time and whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by Parent in respect of the Parent Common Stock, the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time, that declaration shall include dividends or other distributions in respect of all shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement. Subject to Section 5.5, no dividends or other distributions in respect of shares of Parent Common Stock shall be paid to any holder with respect to any unsurrendered Certificate until the Certificate (or satisfaction of the conditions provided in Section 5.7 in lieu of a Certificate) is surrendered for exchange in accordance with this ARTICLE V. Subject to applicable Law, following such surrender, dividends or distributions with respect to the Parent Common Stock issued in exchange for Eligible Units in accordance with this ARTICLE V shall be paid to the holders of record of such Eligible Units, without interest, (a) promptly after the time of such surrender for any dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but a payment date prior to surrender and (b) at the appropriate payment date for any dividends or other distributions payable with respect to shares of Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time and prior to surrender, but with a payment date subsequent to surrender.
5.4 Transfers.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of the Partnership of the Eligible Units that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Units shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Eligible Units except as otherwise provided herein or by applicable Law. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Entity for any reason, they shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Agreement.
(b) With respect to Certificates, in the event of a transfer of ownership of any Certificate that is not registered in the transfer books of the Partnership as of the Effective Time, the proper number of shares of Parent Common Stock, together with a check for any cash (after giving effect to any required Tax withholdings as provided in Section 5.8) to be paid upon due surrender of the Certificate and any dividends or distributions in respect thereof, may be issued or paid to such a transferee if the Certificate is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer Taxes have been paid or are not applicable, in each case, in form and substance, reasonably satisfactory to the Exchange Agent. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 5.4, each Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, payable or issuable pursuant to this ARTICLE V.
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(c) With respect to Book-Entry Units, payment of the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, payable or issuable pursuant to this ARTICLE V, shall only be made to the Person in whose name such Book-Entry Units are registered in the stock transfer books of the Partnership as of the Effective Time.
5.5 Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will be issued upon the conversion of Class A Common Units pursuant to Section 4.1. All fractional shares of Parent Common Stock that a holder of Eligible Units would be otherwise entitled to receive pursuant to Section 4.1, but for this Section 5.5, shall be aggregated and rounded to three decimal places, and such holder shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash, without interest, rounded down to the nearest cent, equal to the product of (a) the amount of the fractional share interest in a share of Parent Common Stock to which such holder would, but for this Section 5.5, be entitled to receive pursuant to Section 4.1, aggregated and rounded to three decimal points, and (b) an amount equal to the average of the volume-weighted average price per share of Parent Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as reported by Bloomberg L.P., or, if not reported therein, in another authoritative source mutually selected by Parent and the Partnership on the Trading Day immediately prior to the Effective Time for ten Trading Days ending on the fifth full Business Day immediately prior to the Closing Date. No holder of Eligible Units shall be entitled by virtue of the right to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock described in this Section 5.5 to any dividends, distributions, voting rights or any other rights in respect of any fractional share of Parent Common Stock. The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock is not a separately bargained-for consideration but merely represents a mechanical rounding-off of the fractions in the exchange.
5.6 Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund (including the proceeds of any investments of the Exchange Fund and any shares of Parent Common Stock) that remains unclaimed as of the date that is twelve months following the Effective Time shall be delivered to Parent. Any holder of Eligible Units who has not theretofore complied with this ARTICLE V shall thereafter look only to Parent for delivery of the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this ARTICLE V, in each case, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Surviving Entity, Parent, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any former holder of Class A Common Units for any amount properly delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which remains undistributed to the holders of Eligible Units immediately prior to the time at which the Exchange Fund would otherwise escheat to, or become property of, any Governmental Entity, shall, to the extent permitted by Law, become the property of Parent, free and clear of all claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.
5.7 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event that 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 the posting by such Person of a bond in customary amount and upon such terms as may be required as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate, the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, and any unpaid dividends or other distributions, in each case, payable or issuable pursuant to this ARTICLE V, had such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate been surrendered.
5.8 Withholding Rights. Each of Parent, the General Partner, Merger Sub, the Partnership, the Exchange Agent and the Surviving Entity shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement, without duplication, such amounts, which may include shares of Parent Common Stock, as may be required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Parent, the General Partner, Merger Sub, the Partnership, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Entity, as applicable, such withheld amounts (a) shall be timely remitted by Parent, the General Partner, Merger
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Sub, the Partnership, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Entity, as applicable, to the applicable Governmental Entity, and (b) to the extent such withheld amounts are remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity, shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Class A Common Units in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Parent, the General Partner, Merger Sub, the Partnership, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Entity, as applicable. If withholding is taken in shares of Parent Common Stock, Parent, the General Partner, Merger Sub, the Partnership, the Surviving Entity and the Exchange Agent, as applicable, shall be treated as having sold such consideration for an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of such consideration at the time of such deemed sale and paid such cash proceeds to the appropriate Governmental Entity.
5.9 Adjustments to Prevent Dilution. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if, from the date of this Agreement to the earlier of the Effective Time and termination in accordance with ARTICLE X, the issued and outstanding Class A Common Units or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for Class A Common Units or the issued and outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares of Parent Common Stock, shall have been changed into a different number of shares or securities or a different class by reason of any reclassification, stock split (including a reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, merger, issuer tender or exchange offer, or other similar transaction, or a stock dividend with a record date within such period shall have been declared, then the Merger Consideration (and the Exchange Ratio) shall be equitably adjusted to provide the holders of Class A Common Units and Parent the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event, and such items so adjusted shall, from and after the date of such event, be the Merger Consideration (and the Exchange Ratio). Nothing in this Section 5.9 shall be construed to permit the Parties to take any action except to the extent consistent with, and not otherwise prohibited by, the terms of this Agreement.
5.10 No Dissenters Rights. No dissenters or appraisal rights shall be available with respect to the Merger or the other Transactions.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTNERSHIP PARTIES
Except as set forth in the Partnership Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding any disclosures set forth in any risk factor section or in any other section to the extent they are forward-looking statements or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature) or in the corresponding sections or subsections of the disclosure letter delivered to the Parent Parties by the Partnership Parties concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the Partnership Disclosure Letter), (it being agreed that for purposes of the representations and warranties set forth in this ARTICLE VI, disclosure of any item in any section or subsection of the Partnership Disclosure Letter shall be deemed disclosure with respect to any other section or subsection to which the relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on its face), the Partnership, and, with respect to themselves where provided for in this ARTICLE VI, the General Partner and the GP Delegate, each hereby represents and warrants to the Parent Parties and Merger Sub that:
6.1 Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. Each of the Partnership Group Entities is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite limited partnership, limited liability company or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign entity in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
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6.2 Capital Structure of the Partnership.
(a) As of the close of business on September 14, 2018, the issued and outstanding limited partner interests and general partner interests of the Partnership consisted of: (i) 326,517,110 Class A Common Units, of which 110,827,018 were owned, directly or indirectly, by Parent; (ii) 7,825,500 Class B common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (Class B Common Units), all of which were owned, directly or indirectly, by Parent; (iii) 18,114,975 Class E units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (Class E Units), all of which were owned, directly or indirectly, by Parent; (iv) 1,000 Class F units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (Class F Units), all of which were owned, directly or indirectly, by Parent; (v) 98,611,092.745544 I-units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the I-Units), all of which were owned directly by the GP Delegate; (vi) the general partner interest in the Partnership (the Partnership GP Interest); and (vii) no other equity interests or other voting securities of the Partnership were issued or outstanding. All of the outstanding Class A Common Units, Class B Common Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, I-Units, and the limited partner interests represented thereby, have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and are fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the DRULPA and the Partnership Agreement).
(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the General Partner owns the Partnership GP Interest, and such Partnership GP Interest was duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and represents the entire general partner interest in the Partnership. The General Partner owns the Partnership GP Interest free and clear of any pledge, lien, charge, mortgage, encumbrance, option, right of first refusal or other preferential purchase right, adverse claim and interest, or security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any restriction on the right to vote or transfer the same, except for such transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be provided under the Securities Act, the blue sky Laws of the various States of the United States or similar Law of other applicable jurisdictions and except those existing or arising pursuant to the applicable Organizational Documents of such entities) (an Encumbrance, and any action of correlative meaning, to Encumber).
(c) The Partnership does not have outstanding any bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or that are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the Limited Partners on any matter. Except as set forth in Section 6.2(c) of the Partnership Disclosure Letter, there are no preemptive or other outstanding rights, options, warrants, conversion rights, stock appreciation rights, redemption rights, repurchase rights, agreements, arrangements, calls, commitments or rights of any kind that obligate any of the Partnership Group Entities to issue or to sell any Partnership Interests or other securities of any of the Partnership Group Entities or any securities or obligations convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for, valued by reference to or giving any Person a right to subscribe for or acquire, any securities of the Partnership Group Entities, and no securities or obligations evidencing such rights are authorized, issued or outstanding.
6.3 Authority; Approval and Fairness.
(a) The Partnership Parties have all requisite power and authority and have taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the Transactions, subject only to approval of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of 662⁄3% of the Outstanding Units entitled to vote on such matter at the Partnership Unitholders Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (the Requisite Partnership Vote). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Partnership Parties and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of each of the Partnership Parties, enforceable against each of the Partnership Parties in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles (the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception).
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(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the Special Committee has, acting in good faith, unanimously (i) determined based upon the facts and circumstances it deemed relevant, reasonable or appropriate to its decision, that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair and reasonable to the Partnership, including the Public Unitholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and (iii) recommended that the Partnership Board approve this Agreement and the Transactions.
(c) As of the date of this Agreement, the Partnership Board, upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, has, acting in good faith, unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair and reasonable to the Partnership, including the Public Unitholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (iii) recommended that the GP Board approve this Agreement and the Transactions, and (iv) resolved to recommend that the Limited Partners approve the Transactions and this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Limited Partners of the Partnership for their approval.
(d) As of the date of this Agreement, the GP Board, upon the recommendation of the Partnership Board, has, acting in good faith, unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions are fair and reasonable to the Partnership, including the Public Unitholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and (iii) resolved to recommend that the Limited Partners approve the Transactions and this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Limited Partners for their approval.
6.4 Governmental Filings; No Violations; Certain Contracts; Etc.
(a) Other than the filings, notices, reports, consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting periods or authorizations (i) pursuant to the DRULPA and the DLLCA, (ii) under the HSR Act, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, (iii) required to be made with the NYSE and (iv) under state securities, takeover, public utility and blue sky Laws, no filings, notices, reports, consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations are required to be made by the Partnership Parties with, nor are any required to be made or obtained by the Partnership Parties with or from, any Governmental Entity, in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Partnership Parties and the consummation of the Transactions, or in connection with the continuing operation of the business of the Partnership Group Entities following the Effective Time, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Subject to obtaining the Requisite Partnership Vote, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Partnership Parties do not, and the consummation of the Transactions will not, (i) contravene, violate, conflict with any of, result in any breach of, or require the consent of any Person under, the terms, conditions or provisions of the Organizational Documents of any of the Partnership or its Subsidiaries; (ii) contravene, conflict with or violate any provision of applicable Law; (iii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (whether with notice or the lapse of time or both), or accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance required by, or require any consent, authorization or approval under, or result in the suspension, termination or cancellation of, or in a right of suspension, termination or cancellation of, any Partnership Material Contract; or (iv) result in the creation of any lien on any of the assets or businesses of any of the Partnership or its Subsidiaries under any such Partnership Material Contract, except in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), for those items that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
6.5 Partnership Reports; Financial Statements.
(a) The Partnership has filed or furnished, as applicable, on a timely basis, all forms, statements, certifications, reports and documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC pursuant to the
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Exchange Act or the Securities Act since December 31, 2016 (the Applicable Date) (the forms, statements, reports and documents filed or furnished since the Applicable Date and those filed or furnished subsequent to the date of this Agreement, including any amendments thereto, the Partnership Reports). Each of the Partnership Reports, at the time of its filing or being furnished, complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As of their respective dates (or, if amended prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of such amendment), the Partnership Reports did not 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 made therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except for any statements (x) in any Partnership Report that may have been modified by an amendment to such report or a subsequent report filed with the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement or (y) with respect to information supplied in writing by or on behalf of Parent, as to which the Partnership makes no representation or warranty. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding comments from, or unresolved issues raised by, the staff of the SEC with respect to the Partnership Reports.
(b) Each of the consolidated statements of financial position included in or incorporated by reference into the Partnership Reports (including the related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Partnership and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of its date and each of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, statements of partners capital and statements of cash flows included in or incorporated by reference into the Partnership Reports (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the results of operations, retained earnings (loss) and changes in financial position, as applicable, of such companies for the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to notes and normal year-end audit adjustments that will not be material in amount or effect), in each case in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein or in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC or other applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.
(c) The Partnership makes and keeps books, records, and accounts and has devised and maintains a system of internal controls, in each case, in all material respects, as required pursuant to Section 13(b)(2) under the Exchange Act. The Partnership has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (as such terms are defined in paragraphs (e) and (f), respectively, of Rule 13A-15 under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13A-15 under the Exchange Act and applicable listing standards of the NYSE. Such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules, forms and regulations of the SEC, and that all such material information is accumulated and communicated to its management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The GP Delegates principal executive officer and its principal financial officer have disclosed, based on their most recent evaluation, to the Partnerships auditors and the audit committee of the Partnership Board (x) all significant deficiencies in the designation or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Partnerships ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Partnerships auditors any material weakness in internal controls and (y) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Partnerships internal controls.
6.6 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2017, there has not been any Effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
6.7 Litigation and Liabilities.
(a) Except as set forth in Partnership Reports, there are no Proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, threatened in writing against the Partnership, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Except for obligations and liabilities (i) reflected or reserved against in the Partnerships consolidated statements of financial position (and the notes thereto) included in the Partnership Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, or (ii) incurred in the Ordinary Course since December 31, 2017, neither the Partnership nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due and including any off-balance sheet financings, loans, indebtedness, make-whole or similar liabilities or obligations) that would be required by GAAP to be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet (or the notes thereto) of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
(c) As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Partnership, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective properties or assets are party or subject to, or affected by, the provisions of any material judgment, order, writ, injunction, stipulation, ruling, determination, decree or award of any Governmental Entity, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.7, no representation or warranty shall be deemed to be made in this Section 6.7 in respect of environmental matters.
6.8 Compliance with Laws; Licenses.
(a) The businesses of each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries are not currently being conducted, and at no time since the Applicable Date have been conducted, in violation of any applicable Law, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The Partnership and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained and is in compliance with all Licenses necessary to conduct their respective businesses as presently conducted, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect. No Licenses shall cease to be effective as a result of the consummation of the Transactions except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.8, no representation or warranty shall be deemed to be made in this Section 6.8 in respect of environmental matters.
6.9 Environmental Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Partnership Material Adverse Effect: (a) since January 1, 2013, each of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries is and has been in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, which compliance includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all Environmental Permits; (b) all Environmental Permits are in full force and effect and, where applicable, applications for renewal or amendment thereof have been timely filed; (c) as of the date of this Agreement, no suspension or cancellation of any Environmental Permit is pending or threatened in writing; (d) no property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries (including soils, groundwater, surface water, buildings and surface and subsurface structures) is contaminated with any Hazardous Substance requiring remediation or other action pursuant to any Environmental Law; (e) as of the date of this Agreement, there are no Proceedings pending or threatened in writing against the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or involving any real property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by or for the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries alleging noncompliance with, or liability under, any Environmental Law; and (f) neither the Partnership nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any Governmental Order with any Governmental Entity or any indemnity or other agreement with any third party that imposes any current or future obligations under any Environmental Law.
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6.10 Tax Matters. Except for any such matter that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect:
(a) The Partnership and each of its Subsidiaries have prepared in good faith and duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them with the appropriate Governmental Entity and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate in all material respects.
(b) All Taxes owed by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries that are or have become due have been timely paid in full or an adequate reserve for the payment of such Taxes has been established on the consolidated statements of financial position of the Partnership and its consolidated Subsidiaries included in the Partnership Reports.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 6.10(c) of the Partnership Disclosure Letter, to the Knowledge of the Partnership, no deficiency with respect to a material amount of Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no Proceedings pending or threatened in writing regarding any material Taxes of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries or the assets of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 6.10(d) of the Partnership Disclosure Letter, each of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes has in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code.
(e) The Partnership is currently (and has been since its formation) either (i) properly classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) properly disregarded as an entity separate from its respective owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3(b).
(f) At least 90% of the gross income of the Partnership for each taxable year ending after October 2002 and including the current taxable year has been income that is qualifying income within the meaning of Section 7704(d) of the Code.
(g) Except as set forth in Section 6.10(g) of the Partnership Disclosure Letter, each Subsidiary of the Partnership is currently (and has been since its respective formation or acquisition by the Partnership) either (i) properly classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) properly disregarded as an entity separate from its respective owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3(b).
6.11 Property. The Partnership or a Subsidiary of the Partnership owns and has good title to all of its owned real property and good title to all of its owned personal property, and has valid leasehold interests in all of its leased real properties free and clear of all Encumbrances, in each case, to an extent sufficient to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted (except in all cases for Encumbrances permissible under or not prohibited by any applicable material loan agreements and indentures (together with all related mortgages, deeds of trust and other security agreements)), except in each case as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect. All leases under which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries lease any real or personal property are valid and effective against the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, the counterparties thereto, in accordance with their respective terms, and there is not, under any of such leases, any existing material default by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, the counterparties thereto, or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a material default by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, the counterparties thereto, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
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6.12 Partnership Material Contracts.
(a) Except for this Agreement and except for Contracts filed with or publicly furnished to the SEC by the Partnership prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement, neither the Partnership nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any material contract (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, Partnership Material Contract).
(b) Each Partnership Material Contract is valid and binding on the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect. There is no default under any such Partnership Material Contracts by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, any other party thereto, and no event has occurred that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default thereunder by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Parties, any other party thereto, in each case, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
6.13 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Special Committee has received the opinion of Evercore Group L.L.C., dated as of September 17, 2018, to the effect that, as of such date, and subject to the assumptions and qualifications set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Partnership and the holders of Class A Common Units other than Parent and its Affiliates. A copy of such opinion letter will be made available to the Parent Parties as soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement on a confidential basis solely for informational purposes (it being agreed that such opinion is solely for the benefit of the Special Committee and may not be relied upon by the Parent Parties or Merger Sub).
6.14 Brokers and Finders. Neither the Partnership nor any of its officers, directors or employees has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finders fees in connection with the Transactions, except that the Special Committee has engaged Evercore Group L.L.C. as its financial advisor. The Partnership has made available to the Parent Parties correct and complete copies of all Contracts pursuant to which Evercore Group L.L.C. is entitled to any fees and expenses in connection with any of the Transactions.
6.15 Insurance. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect, (a) the businesses and assets of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries are covered by, and insured under, insurance policies underwritten by reputable insurers that include coverages and related limits and deductibles that are customary in the Energy Products gathering, processing, treating, transportation and storage industries, (b) all such insurance policies are in full force and effect and all premiums due and payable on such policies have been paid and (c) no notice of cancellation of or indication of an intention not to renew, any such insurance policy has been received by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries other than in the Ordinary Course.
6.16 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made by the Partnership Parties in this ARTICLE VI, none of the Partnership Parties nor any other Person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Partnership Parties or any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions, and each of the Partnership Parties hereby expressly disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing, none of the Partnership Parties nor any other Person makes or has made any representation or warranty to the Parent Parties, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives with respect to (a) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to the Partnership Parties, any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective businesses or (b) any oral or, except for the representations and warranties made by any of the Partnership Parties in this ARTICLE VI, written information made available
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to the Parent Parties, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives in the course of their evaluation of the Partnership, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the Transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 6.16 shall limit the Parent Parties or Merger Subs remedies with respect to intentional or willful misrepresentation of material facts that constitute common law fraud arising from or relating to the express representations and warranties made by the Partnership in this ARTICLE VI.
ARTICLE VII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARENT PARTIES AND MERGER SUB
Except as set forth in the Parent Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC or filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval maintained by the Canadian Securities Regulators prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding any disclosures set forth in any risk factor section or in any other section to the extent they are forward-looking statements or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature) or in the corresponding sections or subsections of the disclosure letter delivered to the Partnership Parties by the Parent Parties concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the Parent Disclosure Letter) (it being agreed that for purposes of the representations and warranties set forth in this ARTICLE VII, disclosure of any item in any section or subsection of the Parent Disclosure Letter shall be deemed disclosure with respect to any other section or subsection to which the relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on its face), Parent and Merger Sub, and, with respect to itself where provided for in this ARTICLE VII, EUS, each hereby represents and warrants to the Partnership Parties that:
7.1 Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. Each of the Parent Parties and their respective Subsidiaries is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other legal entity in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its assets or properties or conduct of its business requires such qualification, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
7.2 Capital Structure of Parent Parties; Capitalization of Merger Sub.
(a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of an unlimited number of shares of Parent Common Stock, of which 1,724,340,802 shares were outstanding as of the close of business on September 14, 2018, and an unlimited number of preference shares, issuable in series (Preference Shares), of which 5,000,000 Series A Preference Shares, 18,269,812 Series B Preference Shares, 1,730,188 Series C Preference Shares, 18,000,000 Series D Preference Shares, 20,000,000 Series F Preference Shares, 14,000,000 Series H Preference Shares, 8,000,000 Series J Preference Shares, 16,000,000 Series L Preference Shares, 18,000,000 Series N Preference Shares, 16,000,000 Series P Preference Shares, 16,000,000 Series R Preference Shares, 16,000,000 Series 1 Preference Shares, 24,000,000 Series 3 Preference Shares, 8,000,000 Series 5 Preference Shares, 10,000,000 Series 7 Preference Shares, 11,000,000 Series 9 Preference Shares, 20,000,000 Series 11 Preference Shares, 14,000,000 Series 13 Preference Shares, 11,000,000 Series 15 Preference Shares, 30,000,000 Series 17 Preference Shares and 20,000,000 Series 19 Preference Shares were issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (collectively, the Parent Capital Stock). The authorized capital stock of EUS consists of 5,000 shares of common stock (the EUS Capital Stock). All of the outstanding shares of Parent Capital Stock and EUS Capital Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(b) Parent does not have outstanding any bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or that are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote)
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with the stockholders of Parent on any matter. Except as set forth in Section 7.2 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, there are no preemptive or other outstanding rights, options, warrants, conversion rights, stock appreciation rights, redemption rights, repurchase rights, agreements, arrangements, calls, commitments or rights of any kind that obligate Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to issue or to sell any shares of Parent Capital Stock or other securities of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any securities or obligations convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for, valued by reference to or giving any Person a right to subscribe for or acquire, any securities of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, and no securities or obligations evidencing such rights are authorized, issued or outstanding.
(c) All of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Merger Sub are, and at the Effective Time will be, owned by the General Partner. Merger Sub has not conducted any business prior to the date of this Agreement and has no, and prior to the Effective Time will have no, assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation and pursuant to this Agreement and the Transactions.
7.3 Authority; Approval.
(a) No vote of holders of Parent Capital Stock is necessary to approve this Agreement and the Transactions, including the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock as the Aggregate Merger Consideration. Each of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub has all requisite power and authority and has taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the Transactions, subject only to approval of this Agreement by the General Partner as the sole member of Merger Sub. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub, enforceable against each of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.
(b) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent will have taken all necessary action to permit it to issue the number of shares of Parent Common Stock required to be issued by it pursuant to ARTICLE VI of this Agreement. The shares of Parent Common Stock, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no stockholder of Parent will have any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof. The shares of Parent Common Stock, when issued, will be registered under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and registered or exempt from registration under any applicable state securities or blue sky Laws.
7.4 Governmental Filings; No Violations.
(a) Other than the filings, notices, reports, consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting periods or authorizations (i) pursuant to the Canada Business Corporations Act, (ii) under the HSR Act, the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and applicable Canadian Securities Laws, (iii) required to be made with the NYSE and the TSX, and (iv) state or provincial securities, takeover, public utility and blue sky Laws, no filings, notices, reports, consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations are required to be made by the Parent Parties or Merger Sub with, nor are any required to be made or obtained by the Parent Parties or Merger Sub with or from, any Governmental Entity in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Parent Parties and Merger Sub and the consummation of the Transactions or in connection with the continuing operation of the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries following the Effective Time, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Parent Parties do not, and the consummation of the Transactions will not, (i) contravene, violate, conflict with any of, result in any breach of, or require the consent of any Person under, the terms, conditions or provisions of the Organizational Documents of any of Parent or its Subsidiaries; (ii) contravene, conflict with or violate any provision of applicable Law; (iii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (whether with notice or the lapse of time or
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both), or accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance required by, or require any consent, authorization or approval under, or result in the suspension, termination or cancellation of, or in a right of suspension, termination or cancellation of, any Parent Material Contract; or (iv) result in the creation of any lien on any of the assets or businesses of any of Parent or its Subsidiaries under any such Parent Material Contract, except in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), for those items that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
7.5 Parent Reports; Financial Statements.
(a) Parent has filed or furnished, as applicable, on a timely basis, all forms, statements, certifications, reports and documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Securities Act and with applicable Canadian Securities Regulators since the Applicable Date (the forms, statements, reports and documents filed or furnished since the Applicable Date and those filed or furnished subsequent to the date of this Agreement, including any amendments thereto, the Parent Reports). Each of the Parent Reports, at the time of its filing or being furnished, complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and applicable Canadian Securities Laws. As of their respective dates (or, if amended prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of such amendment), the Parent Reports did not 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 made therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except for any statements in any Parent Report that may have been modified by an amendment to such report or a subsequent report filed with the SEC or with applicable Canadian Securities Regulators prior to the date of this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding comments from, or unresolved issues raised by, the staff of the SEC or applicable Canadian Securities Regulators with respect to the Parent Reports
(b) Each of the consolidated statements of financial position included in or incorporated by reference into the Parent Reports (including the related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the consolidated financial position of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of its date and each of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows included in or incorporated by reference into Parent Reports (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the results of operations, retained earnings (loss) and changes in financial position, as applicable, of such companies for the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to notes and normal year-end audit adjustments that will not be material in amount or effect), in each case in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein or in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC or other applicable rules and regulations of the SEC or Canadian Securities Regulators.
(c) Parent makes and keeps books, records, and accounts and has devised and maintains a system of internal controls, in each case, in all material respects, as required pursuant to Section 13(b)(2) under the Exchange Act and with applicable Canadian Securities Regulators, as applicable. Parent has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (as such terms are defined in paragraphs (e) and (f), respectively, of Rule 13A-15 under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13A-15 under the Exchange Act, the applicable listing standards of the TSX and applicable Canadian Securities Laws. Such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed by Parent in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act and applicable Canadian Securities Laws are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules, forms and regulations of the SEC and Canadian Securities Regulators, and that all such material information is accumulated and communicated to its management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Parents principal executive officer and its principal financial officer have disclosed, based on their most recent evaluation, to Parents auditors and the audit committee of the Parent Board (x) all significant deficiencies in the designation or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect Parents ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for Parents auditors
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any material weakness in internal controls and (y) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Parents internal controls.
7.6 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2017, there has not been any Effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
7.7 Litigation and Liabilities.
(a) Except as set forth in the Parent Reports, there are no Proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened in writing against Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except for obligations and liabilities (i) reflected or reserved against in Parents consolidated statements of financial position (and the notes thereto) included in the Parent Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or (ii) incurred in the Ordinary Course since December 31, 2017, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due and including any off-balance sheet financings, loans, indebtedness, make-whole or similar liabilities or obligations) that would be required by GAAP to be reflected on a consolidated statement of financial position (or notes thereto) of Parent and its Subsidiaries, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(c) As of the date of this Agreement, neither Parent, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective properties or assets are a party or subject to, or affected by, the provisions of any material judgment, order, writ, injunction, stipulation, ruling, determination, decree or award of any Governmental Entity except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 7.7, no representation or warranty shall be deemed to be made in this Section 7.7 in respect of environmental matters.
7.8 Compliance with Laws; Licenses.
(a) The businesses of each of Parent and its Subsidiaries are not currently being conducted, and at no time since the Applicable Date have been conducted, in violation of any applicable Law, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained and is in compliance with all Licenses necessary to conduct their respective businesses as presently conducted, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. No Licenses shall cease to be effective as a result of the consummation of the Transactions, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 7.8, no representation or warranty shall be deemed to be made in this Section 7.8 in respect of environmental matters.
7.9 Environmental Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect: (a) since January 1, 2013, each of Parent and its Subsidiaries is and has been in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, which compliance includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all Environmental Permits; (b) all Environmental Permits are in full force and effect and, where applicable, applications for renewal or amendment thereof have been timely filed; (c) as of the date of this Agreement, no suspension or cancellation of any Environmental Permit is pending or threatened in writing; (d) no property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries
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(including soils, groundwater, surface water, buildings and surface and subsurface structures) is contaminated with any Hazardous Substance requiring remediation or other action pursuant to any Environmental Law; (e) as of the date of this Agreement, there are no Proceedings pending or threatened in writing against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or involving any real property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by or for Parent or any of its Subsidiaries alleging noncompliance with, or liability under, any Environmental Law; and (f) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any Governmental Order with any Governmental Entity or any indemnity or other agreement with any third party that imposes any current or future obligations under any Environmental Law.
7.10 Tax Matters. Except for any such matter that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have prepared in good faith and duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them with the appropriate Governmental Entity and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate in all material respects.
(b) All Taxes owed by Parent and each of its Subsidiaries that are or have become due have been timely paid in full or an adequate reserve for the payment of such Taxes has been established on the statement of financial position of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries included in the Parent Report.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(c) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, to the Knowledge of Parent, no deficiency with respect to a material amount of Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no Proceedings pending or threatened in writing regarding any material Taxes of Parent and its Subsidiaries or the assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(d) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has been, within the past two years or otherwise, as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code of which the Merger is also a part, a distributing corporation or a controlled corporation (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of stock intended to qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code.
7.11 Property. Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent owns and has good title to all of its owned real property and good title to all of its owned personal property, and has valid leasehold interests in all of its leased real properties free and clear of all Encumbrances, in each case, to an extent sufficient to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted (except in all cases for Encumbrances permissible under or not prohibited by any applicable material loan agreements and indentures (together with all related mortgages, deeds of trust and other security agreements)), except in each case as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. All leases under which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries lease any real or personal property are valid and effective against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of Parent, the counterparties thereto, in accordance with their respective terms and there is not, under any of such leases, any existing material default by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Parent, the counterparties thereto, or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a material default by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Parent, the counterparties thereto, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
7.12 Parent Material Contracts.
(a) Except for this Agreement and except for Contracts filed with or publicly furnished to the SEC or filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval maintained by the Canadian Securities Regulators by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of this
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Agreement, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any material contract (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, Parent Material Contract).
(b) Each Parent Material Contract is valid and binding on Parent or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of Parent, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. There is no default under any such Parent Material Contracts by Parent or its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of Parent, any other party thereto, and no event has occurred that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default thereunder by Parent or its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Parent, any other party thereto, in each case, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
7.13 Brokers and Finders. Neither Parent, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective officers, directors or employees has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finders fees in connection with the Transactions, except that Parent has employed Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Scotia Capital Inc. as its financial advisors.
7.14 Insurance. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, (a) the businesses and assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries are covered by, and insured under, insurance policies underwritten by reputable insurers that include coverages and related limits and deductibles that are customary in the Energy Products gathering, processing, treating, transportation and storage industries and natural gas liquids marketing industry, (b) all such insurance policies are in full force and effect and all premiums due and payable on such policies have been paid, and (c) no notice of cancellation of or indication of an intention not to renew, any such insurance policy has been received by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries other than in the Ordinary Course.
7.15 EEQ Merger Agreement. Parent has provided the Partnership with a correct and complete copy of the EEQ Merger Agreement.
7.16 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties made by the Parent Parties and Merger Sub in this ARTICLE VII, none of the Parent Parties, Merger Sub or any other Person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Parent Parties, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions, and each of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub hereby expressly disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing, none of the Parent Parties, Merger Sub or any other Person makes or has made any representation or warranty to the Partnership Parties or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives with respect to (a) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to Parent, any of its Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, or (b) any oral or, except for the representations and warranties made by Parent or Merger Sub in this ARTICLE VII, written information made available to the Partnership Parties or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives in the course of their evaluation of Parent, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the Transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 7.16 shall limit the Partnership Parties remedies with respect to intentional or willful misrepresentation of material facts that constitute common law fraud arising from or relating to the express representations and warranties made by Parent and Merger Sub in this ARTICLE VII.
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ARTICLE VIII
COVENANTS
8.1 Interim Operations.
(a) Each of the Partnership and Parent covenants and agrees as to itself and its Subsidiaries that, after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time (unless Parent or the Partnership, as applicable, shall otherwise approve in writing (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed)), and except as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, as provided in any Contract in effect as of the date of this Agreement, or as required by applicable Law, the business of it and its Subsidiaries shall be conducted in the Ordinary Course and, to the extent consistent therewith, it and its Subsidiaries shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to preserve their business organizations intact and maintain existing relations and goodwill with Governmental Entities, customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, distributors, creditors, lessors, employees and business associates. Without limiting the generality of and in furtherance of the foregoing, from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly: (i) contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) contemplated by any Contract entered into prior to, concurrently with or after the date of this Agreement by Parent with respect to the Other Parent Transactions (as such Contract may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time); (iii) required by applicable Law or the terms of any Contract in effect on the date of this Agreement, (iv) as approved in writing (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) by the other Party; or (v) set forth in the corresponding subsection of Section 8.1 of the Partnership Disclosure Letter, as it relates to the Partnership and its Subsidiaries, or on Section 8.1 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, as it relates to Parent and its Subsidiaries, each Party, on its own account, shall not and shall not permit its Subsidiaries to:
(i) make any material change to the nature of its business and operations;
(ii) make any change to its Organizational Documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement in any manner that would reasonably be expected to prohibit, prevent or materially impede, hinder or delay the ability of such Party to satisfy any of the conditions to, or the consummation of, the Merger or the other Transactions;
(iii) (A) merge or consolidate itself or any of its Subsidiaries with any other Person (expressly excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any of the Other Parent Transactions), or (B) adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization, in each case, except (1) such transactions solely between or among, or solely involving, such Party and one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries, or a Subsidiary of such Party and one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary, (2) as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect or Parent Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or (3) as would not reasonably be expected to prohibit, prevent or materially impede, hinder or delay the ability of such Party to satisfy any of the conditions to, or the consummation of, the Merger or the other Transactions;
(iv) issue, sell, grant, transfer or authorize the issuance, sale or grant, or otherwise enter into any Contract with respect to the voting of, any of its partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable (other than the issuance of partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, (A) by its wholly owned Subsidiary to it or another of its wholly owned Subsidiaries, (B) by the Partnership to the GP Delegate pursuant to the Partnership Agreement or (C) in respect of equity-based awards outstanding as of the date of this Agreement in accordance with their terms and, as applicable, the plan documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement), or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for any such partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, or any options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire any partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, or such convertible or exchangeable securities;
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(v) reclassify, split, combine, subdivide or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable, or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for any partnership interests, limited liability company interests, shares of capital stock or equity interests, as applicable;
(vi) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding, including any state or federal regulatory proceeding seeking damages or injunction or other equitable relief, which waiver, release, assignment, settlement or compromise would reasonably be expected to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect or Parent Material Adverse Effect, as applicable;
(vii) other than in the Ordinary Course, make, change or revoke any material Tax election, adopt or change any material Tax accounting method, file any material amended Tax Return, settle any material Tax claim, audit, assessment or dispute for an amount materially in excess of the amount reserved or accrued on such Partys most recent consolidated balance sheet included in the Parent Reports or Partnership Reports, as applicable, or surrender any right to claim a refund of a material amount of Taxes;
(viii) make any material changes with respect to accounting policies, except as required by changes in GAAP;
(ix) make or declare any dividends or distributions to the holders of Common Units or Parent Common Stock, in each case, other than in the Ordinary Course, subject to Section 8.12; or
(x) agree, authorize or commit to do any of the foregoing.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a Partys obligations under Section 8.1(a) to take an action or not to take an action, or to cause its Subsidiaries to take an action or not to take an action, shall, with respect to any Persons (and their respective Subsidiaries) controlled by such Party, or in which such Party otherwise has a voting interest, but that are not wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Party or have public equity holders, only apply (i) to the extent permitted by the organizational documents and governance arrangements of such entity and its subsidiaries, (ii) to the extent a Party is authorized and empowered to bind such entity and its subsidiaries and (iii) to the extent permitted by the Partys or its Subsidiaries duties (fiduciary or otherwise) to such entity and its subsidiaries or any of its equity holders.
8.2 Change in Recommendation.
(a) No Solicitation. Except as expressly permitted by this Section 8.2, the Partnership shall not, and none of its Subsidiaries nor any of the directors, officers or employees of it or its Subsidiaries shall, and the Partnership shall instruct its and its Subsidiaries Representatives not to, directly or indirectly:
(i) initiate, solicit, propose, encourage or facilitate any inquiry or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal;
(ii) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions with or negotiations relating to any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal;
(iii) provide any non-public information to any Person in connection with any Acquisition Proposal or any proposal or offer that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal; or
(iv) otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make an Acquisition Proposal.
It is understood and agreed that no act or failure to act by Parent or any of its Affiliates or Representatives shall be a violation or breach of this Section 8.2 by the Partnership.
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(b) Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.2(b) to the contrary, prior to the time, but not after, the Unitholder Approval is obtained, in response to an unsolicited, bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that did not arise from or in connection with a material breach of the obligations set forth in this Section 8.2, the Partnership may:
(i) provide information in response to a request therefor (including non-public information regarding the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries) to the Person who made such Acquisition Proposal, provided that such information has previously been made available to, or is made available to, Parent prior to or concurrently with the time such information is made available to such Person and, prior to furnishing any such information, the Partnership receives from the Person making such Acquisition Proposal an executed confidentiality agreement containing customary terms (it being understood that such confidentiality agreement need not contain a standstill provision prohibiting the making or amending of an Acquisition Proposal); and
(ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with any such Person regarding such Acquisition Proposal;
in each case, if, and only if, prior to taking any action described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, the Special Committee determines in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel, based on the information then available and after consultation with its financial advisor, that such Acquisition Proposal (A) constitutes a Superior Proposal or would reasonably be expected to result in a Superior Proposal and (B) such Acquisition Proposal did not result from a breach of this Section 8.2.
(c) Notice of Acquisition Proposals. The Partnership shall promptly (and, in any event, within 24 hours) give notice to Parent if (i) any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to an Acquisition Proposal are received by; (ii) any non-public information is requested in connection with any Acquisition Proposal from; or (iii) any discussions or negotiations with respect to an Acquisition Proposal are sought to be initiated or continued with, it or any of its Representatives, setting forth in such notice the name of such Person and the material terms and conditions of any proposals or offers (including, if applicable, complete copies of any written requests, proposals or offers, including proposed agreements) and thereafter shall keep Parent reasonably informed, on a current basis (and, in any event, within 24 hours), of the status and terms of any such proposals or offers (including any amendments thereto) and the status of any such discussions or negotiations, including any change in its intentions as previously notified.
(d) No Change of Recommendation.
(i) Except as permitted by Section 8.2(d)(ii), Section 8.2(d)(iii) and Section 8.2(e), the Special Committee agrees it shall not:
(A) withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify (or publicly propose or resolve to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify) the Partnership Recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent;
(B) fail to include the Partnership Recommendation in the Proxy/Prospectus;
(C) fail to recommend, within ten Business Days after the commencement of such Acquisition Proposal through a tender or exchange offer pursuant to Rule 14d-2 under the Exchange Act for outstanding Class A Common Units (other than by Parent or an Affiliate of Parent), against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its Limited Partners;
(D) approve or recommend, or publicly declare advisable or publicly propose 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 (other than a confidentiality agreement referred to in Section 8.2(a) entered into in compliance with Section 8.2(a)) relating to any Acquisition Proposal (an Alternative Acquisition Agreement, and any of the actions set forth in the foregoing clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D), a Change of Recommendation); or
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(E) except as expressly permitted by, and after compliance with, Section 8.2(d)(ii), recommend that the Partnership to enter into an Alternative Acquisition Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, prior to the time the Unitholder Approval is obtained, the Special Committee may effect a Change of Recommendation if (A) an unsolicited, bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that did not arise from or in connection with a breach of the obligations set forth in Section 8.2(a) is received by the Partnership and is not withdrawn, and (B) the Special Committee determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal; provided, however, that a Change of Recommendation may not be made unless and until the Partnership has given Parent written notice of such action and the basis thereof five days in advance (unless at the time such notice is otherwise required to be given there are fewer than five days prior to the expected date of the Partnership Unitholders Meeting, as may be adjusted pursuant to Section 8.4, in which case such notice shall be provided as far in advance as practicable), which notice shall set forth in writing that the Special Committee intends to consider whether to take such action and comply in form, substance and delivery with the provisions of Section 8.2(c). After giving such notice and prior to effecting such Change of Recommendation the Partnership shall negotiate in good faith with Parent (to the extent Parent wishes to negotiate) to make such revisions to the terms of this Agreement as would permit the Special Committee not to effect a Change of Recommendation in response thereto. At the end of the five day period (or such shorter period as is permitted by this Section 8.2(d)(ii)), prior to taking action to effect a Change of Recommendation, the Special Committee shall take into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Parent in writing and any other information offered by Parent in response to the notice, and shall have determined in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor that the Superior Proposal would continue to constitute a Superior Proposal if such changes offered in writing were to be given effect. Any modification to any Acquisition Proposal will be deemed to be a new Acquisition Proposal for purposes of Section 8.2(c) and this Section 8.2(d)(ii) except that the advance written notice obligation set forth in this Section 8.2(d)(ii) shall be reduced to three days.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, prior to the time the Unitholder Approval is obtained, the Special Committee may effect a Change of Recommendation in response to an Intervening Event if the Special Committee has reasonably determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, that the failure to do so would be materially adverse to the interests of the Partnership or the Public Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable Law or obligations under the Partnership Agreement; provided, however, that a Change of Recommendation may not be made unless and until the Partnership has given Parent written notice of such action and the basis thereof five days in advance (unless at the time such notice is otherwise required to be given there are fewer than five days prior to the expected date of the Partnership Unitholders Meeting, as may be adjusted pursuant to Section 8.4, in which case such notice shall be provided as far in advance as practicable), which notice shall set forth in writing that the Special Committee intends to consider whether to take such action and a reasonably detailed description of such Intervening Event. After giving such notice and prior to effecting such Change of Recommendation the Partnership shall negotiate in good faith with Parent (to the extent Parent wishes to negotiate) to make such revisions to the terms of this Agreement as would permit the Special Committee not to effect a Change of Recommendation in response thereto. At the end of the five day period (or such shorter period as is permitted by this Section 8.2(d)(iii)), prior to taking action to effect a Change of Recommendation, the Special Committee shall take into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Parent in writing and any other information offered by Parent in response to the notice, and shall have determined in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel and its financial advisor that the failure to effect a Change of Recommendation would continue to be materially adverse to the interests of the Partnership or the Public Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable Law or obligations under the Partnership Agreement.
(e) Certain Permitted Disclosure. Nothing contained in this Section 8.2 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prohibit the Partnership or the Special Committee from disclosures to the Public Unitholders of: (A) a
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position contemplated by Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act or (B) any disclosure the Special Committee has reasonably determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the failure to do so would be materially adverse to the interests of the Partnership or the Public Unitholders or would otherwise be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its duties under applicable Law or obligations under the Partnership Agreement.
(f) Existing Discussions. The Partnership shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any Person conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal. The Partnership shall promptly deliver a written notice to each such Person providing only that the Partnership is ending all discussions and negotiations with such Person with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, or proposal or transaction that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal and informing such Persons of the obligations undertaken in this Section 8.2 which notice shall also request the prompt return or destruction of all confidential information concerning the Partnership and any of its Subsidiaries heretofore furnished to such Person by or on behalf of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable.
8.3 Prospectus/Proxy Filing; Information Supplied.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, the Partnership shall prepare and file with the SEC the proxy statement relating to the Partnership Unitholders Meeting (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Proxy/Prospectus), and Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC, Parents registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Registration Statement, with the Proxy/Prospectus constituting a part thereof). Parent and the Partnership each shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to comments from the SEC and have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as reasonably practicable after such filing, to promptly thereafter mail the Proxy/Prospectus (including the Registration Statement) to the Limited Partners, and to maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement for as long as necessary to consummate the Transactions or until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
(b) Each of the Partnership and Parent shall promptly notify the other of the receipt of all comments from the SEC and of any request by the SEC for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy/Prospectus or for additional information and shall promptly provide to the other copies of all correspondence between it or any of its Representatives and the SEC with respect to the Registration Statement or Proxy/Prospectus.
(c) Each of the Partnership Parties and Parent agrees, as to itself and its Subsidiaries, that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by it or its Subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the Registration Statement will, at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy/Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto will, at the date of mailing to the Limited Partners and at the time of the Partnership Unitholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Each of the Partnership and Parent further agrees that, if prior to the Closing Date, it should become aware of any information that would cause any of the statements in the Proxy/Prospectus or the Registration Statement to be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (in light of the circumstances under which they were made, in the case of the Proxy/Prospectus) not false or misleading, it will promptly inform the other Party thereof and, subject to Section 8.3(d), take the steps necessary to correct such information in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy/Prospectus or the Registration Statement.
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(d) Each of Parent and the Partnership will provide the other Party and their respective legal counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on drafts of the Proxy/Prospectus, the Registration Statement and other documents related to the Partnership Unitholders Meeting or the issuance of the shares of Parent Common Stock in respect of the Merger, prior to filing such documents with the applicable Governmental Entity and mailing such documents to the Limited Partners of the Partnership. Each Party will include in the Proxy/Prospectus, the Registration Statement and such other documents related to the Partnership Unitholders Meeting or the issuance of the shares of Parent Common Stock in respect of the Merger all comments reasonably and promptly proposed by the other Party or its legal counsel and each agrees that all information relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries included in the Proxy/Prospectus and the Registration Statement shall be in form and content satisfactory to Parent, acting reasonably, and all information relating to the Partnership and its Subsidiaries included in the Proxy/Prospectus and the Registration Statement shall be in form and content satisfactory to the Partnership, acting reasonably.
8.4 Unitholders Meeting.
(a) The Partnership will take, in accordance with applicable Law and its Organizational Documents, all action necessary to convene the Partnership Unitholders Meeting as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective and the SEC advises it has no further comments on the Proxy/Prospectus to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement and to cause such vote to be taken, and shall not postpone or adjourn such meeting except to the extent required by Law or pursuant to Section 8.4(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the partnership delivers a notice of an intent to make a Change of Recommendation pursuant to Section 8.2(d)(ii) or Section 8.2(d)(iii) within the five days prior to the Original Date or any date that the Partnership Unitholders Meeting is scheduled to be held thereafter in accordance with the terms of this Section 8.4, if directed by Parent, the Partnership shall as promptly as practicable thereafter postpone or adjourn the Partnership Unitholders Meeting for up to ten days in accordance with Parents direction. Subject to Section 8.2 of this Agreement, the Partnership Board shall recommend such approval and shall take all lawful action to solicit such approval.
(b) The Partnership agrees (i) to provide Parent reasonably detailed periodic updates concerning proxy solicitation results on a timely basis (including, if requested, promptly providing daily voting reports) and (ii) to give written notice to Parent one day prior to the Partnership Unitholders Meeting and, if requested, on the day of, but prior to, the Partnership Unitholders Meeting, indicating whether as of such date sufficient proxies representing the Unitholder Approval have been obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, on a date that is two Business Days prior to the date the Partnership Unitholders Meeting is scheduled (in either case, the Original Date), (A) the Partnership has not received proxies representing the Unitholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present or (B) it is necessary to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the Proxy/Prospectus is required to be delivered, the Partnership may, or if Parent so requests, shall, postpone or adjourn, or make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of, the Partnership Unitholders Meeting as long as the date of the Partnership Unitholders Meeting is not postponed or adjourned more than ten days in connection with any one postponement or adjournment or more than an aggregate of twenty days from the Original Date in reliance on the preceding sentence.
(c) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Partnership agrees that its obligation to hold the Partnership Unitholders Meeting pursuant to this Section 8.4(c) shall not be affected by the making of a Change of Recommendation and its obligations pursuant to this Section 8.4(c) shall not be affected by the commencement of or announcement or disclosure of or communication to the Partnership of any Acquisition Proposal. The Partnership agrees that it shall not submit to the vote of the Limited Partners any Acquisition Proposal (whether or not a Superior Proposal) prior to the vote of the Partnerships Limited Partners with respect to the Unitholder Approval at the Partnership Unitholders Meeting.
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8.5 Cooperation; Efforts to Consummate.
(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the Partnership and Parent shall cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to use) its respective reasonable best efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under this Agreement and applicable Law to consummate and make effective the Transactions as soon as reasonably practicable, including (i) preparing and filing as promptly as reasonably practicable all documentation to effect all necessary notices, reports and other filings (including by filing as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement the notification and report form required under the HSR Act), (ii) obtaining as promptly as reasonably practicable all consents, registrations, approvals, permits and authorizations necessary or advisable to be obtained from any third party or any Governmental Entity in order to consummate the Transactions and (iii) defending any Proceedings challenging this Agreement or the Transactions and seeking to have lifted or rescinded any injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the Parties to consummate the Merger and the Transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement will require any Party to hold separate or make any divestiture of any asset or otherwise agree to any restriction on its operations or other condition in order to obtain any consent or approval or other clearance required by this Agreement.
(b) Subject to applicable Law relating to the exchange of information, Parent shall have the right to direct all matters with any Governmental Entity consistent with its obligations hereunder; provided that Parent and the Partnership Parties shall have the right to review in advance and, to the extent reasonably practicable, each will consult with the other on and consider in good faith the views of the other in connection with, all of the information relating to Parent or the Partnership Parties, as applicable, and any of their respective Subsidiaries, that appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the Transactions (including the Proxy/Prospectus). Neither the Partnership Parties nor Parent shall permit any of its officers or other Representatives to participate in any meeting with any Governmental Entity in respect of any filings, investigation or other inquiry relating to the Transactions unless it consults with the other Parties in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity, gives the other Parties the opportunity to attend and participate thereat. The Partnership Parties shall not agree to any actions, restrictions or conditions with respect to obtaining any consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting periods or authorizations in connection with the Transactions without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent, subject to this Section 8.5, may be withheld in Parents sole discretion). In exercising the foregoing rights, each of the Partnership Parties and Parent shall act reasonably and as promptly as reasonably practicable.
8.6 Status; Notifications. Subject to applicable Law and as otherwise required by any Governmental Entity, the Partnership and Parent each shall keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to the consummation of the Transactions, including promptly furnishing the other with copies of notices or other communications received by the Parent Parties or the Partnership Parties, as applicable, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, from any third party or any Governmental Entity with respect to the Transactions. The Partnership and Parent each shall give prompt notice to the other of any Effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect or Parent Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or of any failure of any condition to the other Partys obligation to consummate the Transactions; provided that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 8.6 shall not affect or be deemed to modify any representation, warranty, covenant, right, remedy, or condition to any obligation of any Party or update the Partnership Disclosure Letter or Parent Disclosure Letter, as applicable.
8.7 Information; Access and Reports.
(a) Subject to applicable Law and the other provisions of this Section 8.7, the Partnership and Parent each shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to), upon request by the other Party, furnish the other Party and its Representatives with all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, directors, officers and stockholders and
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such other matters as may be required in connection with the Proxy/Prospectus, the Registration Statement or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Parent, the Partnership or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Entity in connection with the Transactions.
(b) The foregoing provisions of this Section 8.7 shall not require and shall not be construed to require either the Partnership or Parent to permit any access to any of its officers, employees, agents, contracts, books or records, or its properties, offices or other facilities, or to permit any inspection, review, sampling or audit, or to disclose or otherwise make available any information that in the reasonable judgment of the Partnership or Parent, as applicable, would (i) violate the terms of any confidentiality provisions in any agreement with a third party entered into prior to the date of this Agreement; (ii) result in a violation of applicable Law; (iii) waive the protection of any attorney-client privilege; or (iv) result in the disclosure of any personal information that would expose the Party to the risk of liability.
(c) No exchange of information or investigation by Parent or its Representatives shall affect or be deemed to affect, modify or waive the representations and warranties of the Partnership Parties set forth in this Agreement, and no investigation by the Partnership or its Representatives shall affect or be deemed to affect, modify or waive the representations and warranties of the Parent Parties or Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement.
8.8 Stock Exchange Listing and Delisting. Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE and the TSX, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date. Prior to the Closing Date, the Partnership shall cooperate with Parent and use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Law and rules and policies of the NYSE to enable the delisting by the Surviving Entity of the Class A Common Units from the NYSE and the deregistration of the Class A Common Units under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time.
8.9 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.9 or Section 10.6, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Transactions, including all fees and expenses of its Representatives, shall be paid by the Party incurring such expense, except that Parent shall pay for (a) any filing fees with respect to the Registration Statement, (b) the costs and expenses of printing and mailing of the Proxy/Prospectus and (c) any filing fees in connection with the HSR Act.
8.10 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, each of Parent and the Surviving Entity agrees that it will jointly and severally (i) indemnify, defend and hold harmless each present and former (determined as of the Effective Time) director and officer of the Partnership, the GP Delegate and the General Partner, in each case, when acting in such capacity (including the heirs, executors and administrators of any such director or officer, the Indemnified Parties), against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), judgments, fines, penalties, sanctions, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any thereof) in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to any acts or omissions or actual or threatened Proceeding, in each case in connection with, arising out of or otherwise related to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, including in connection with (A) the Transactions, and (B) actions to enforce this provision or any other indemnification or advancement right of any Indemnified Party, and (ii) advance expenses as incurred in each case described in clause (i) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law; provided that any Person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined by a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction that such Person is not entitled to indemnification.
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(b) Parent shall maintain in effect, or cause to be maintained in effect, (i) the insurance liability coverage of the existing directors and officers insurance policies for directors and officers of the GP Delegate, and (ii) the Partnerships existing fiduciary liability insurance policies (collectively, the D&O Insurance) in place as of the date of this Agreement, in each case, for a claims reporting or discovery period of six years from and after the Effective Time (the Tail Period), with terms, conditions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable to the insureds as provided in the existing policies providing such coverage as of the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that in no event during the Tail Period shall Parent be required to expend more on the annual cost of the D&O Insurance than an amount per year equal to 300 percent of the current annual premiums charged to the Partnership by Parent for such insurance; and provided, further, that if the cost of such insurance coverage exceeds such amount, the Surviving Entity shall have the option to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount. If Parent in its sole discretion elects, then, in lieu of the obligations of the Surviving Entity under this Section 8.10(b), Parent may, but shall be under no obligation to, prior to the Effective Time, obtain and fully pay the premium for tail insurance policies for the extension of the D&O Insurance for the Tail Period with respect to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions).
(c) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this Section 8.10, upon learning of any such Proceeding, shall promptly notify Parent thereof in writing, but the failure to so notify shall not relieve Parent or the Surviving Entity of any liability it may have to such Indemnified Party, except to the extent such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party. In the event of any Proceeding: (i) Parent or the Surviving Entity shall have the right to assume the defense thereof (it being understood that by electing to assume the defense thereof, neither Parent nor the Surviving Entity will be deemed to have waived any right to object to the Indemnified Partys entitlement to indemnification hereunder with respect thereto or assumed any liability with respect thereto), except that if Parent or the Surviving Entity elects not to assume such defense or legal counsel or the Indemnified Party advises that there are issues which raise conflicts of interest between Parent or the Surviving Entity and the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party may retain legal counsel satisfactory to them, and Parent or the Surviving Entity shall pay all reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such legal counsel for the Indemnified Party promptly as statements therefor are received; provided, however, that Parent and the Surviving Entity shall be obligated pursuant to this Section 8.10(c) to pay for only one firm of legal counsel for all Indemnified Parties with respect to any Proceeding in any jurisdiction unless the use of one legal counsel for such Indemnified Parties would present such legal counsel with a conflict of interest (provided that the fewest number of legal counsels necessary to avoid conflicts of interest shall be used); (ii) the Indemnified Parties shall cooperate in the defense of any such matter if Parent or the Surviving Entity elects to assume such defense, and Parent and the Surviving Entity shall cooperate in the defense of any such matter if Parent or the Surviving Entity elects not to assume such defense; (iii) the Indemnified Parties shall not be liable for any settlement effected without their prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) if Parent or the Surviving Entity elects to assume such defense and Parent and the Surviving Entity shall not be liable for any settlement effected without their prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) if Parent or the Surviving Entity elects not to assume such defense; and (iv) all rights to indemnification in respect of any such Proceedings shall continue until final disposition of all such Proceedings.
(d) During the Tail Period, Parent shall honor (and shall cause the General Partner, the GP Delegate and the Surviving Entity to honor) all rights to indemnification, elimination of liability and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time and rights to advancement of expenses relating thereto as in effect as of the date of this Agreement in favor of any Indemnified Party as provided in the Organizational Documents of the General Partner, the GP Delegate, the Partnership or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any indemnification agreement between such Indemnified Party and the General Partner, the GP Delegate, the Partnership or any of their respective Subsidiaries, in each case, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, and all of such rights shall survive the Transactions unchanged and shall not be amended, restated, repealed or otherwise modified in any manner that would adversely affect any right thereunder of any such Indemnified Party.
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(e) If Parent, the General Partner, the GP Delegate or the Surviving Entity or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) shall consolidate with or merge into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving Person of such consolidation or merger or (ii) shall transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, proper provisions shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent, the General Partner, the GP Delegate or the Surviving Entity, as applicable, shall assume all of the obligations set forth in this Section 8.10.
(f) The rights of the Indemnified Parties under this Section 8.10 are in addition to any rights such Indemnified Parties may have under the Organizational Documents of the General Partner, the GP Delegate, the Partnership or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or under any applicable Contracts or Laws, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to, shall be construed to or shall release, waive or impair any rights to directors and officers insurance claims under any policy that is or has been in existence with respect to the General Partner, the GP Delegate, the Partnership or any of their respective Subsidiaries for any of their respective directors, officers or other employees (it being understood that the indemnification provided for in this Section 8.10 is not prior to or in substitution of any such claims under such policies).
(g) This Section 8.10 is intended to be for the benefit of, and from and after the Effective Time shall be enforceable by, each of the Indemnified Parties, who shall be third-party beneficiaries of this Section 8.10. Any right of an Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 8.10 shall not be amended, repealed, terminated or otherwise modified at any time in a manner that would adversely affect the rights of such Indemnified Party as provided herein.
8.11 Takeover Statutes. If any fair price, moratorium, control share acquisition or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation is or may become applicable to the Transactions, each of Parent and the Partnership and the Parent Board and the Partnership Board, respectively, shall grant such approvals and use reasonable best efforts to take such actions as are necessary so that the Transactions may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on the Transactions.
8.12 Distributions.
(a) Until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Partnership Board shall declare, and shall cause the Partnership to pay, the Partnerships regular quarterly cash distribution in an amount not less than $0.35 per Class A Common Unit in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and consistent with the Partnerships historical payment schedule of quarterly cash distributions.
(b) Subject to Section 8.12(a), the Partnership and Parent shall coordinate with each other with respect to the declaration and setting of record dates and payment dates of distributions on Class A Common Units and Parent Common Stock, subject to applicable Law, so that holders of Class A Common Units do not receive dividends and distributions, as applicable, on both Class A Common Units and shares of Parent Common Stock received in the Merger in respect of any calendar quarter or fail to receive a dividend or distribution, as applicable, on either Class A Common Units or shares of Parent Common Stock received in the Merger in respect of any calendar quarter.
8.13 Section 16 Matters. The Partnership and Parent, and the Partnership Board and the Parent Board (or duly formed committees thereof consisting of non-employee directors (as such term is defined for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act)), shall, prior to the Effective Time, take all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to cause the Transactions and any other dispositions of equity securities of the Partnership (including derivative securities) or acquisitions of equity securities of Parent Common Stock (including derivative securities) in connection with the Transactions by any individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Partnership, or will
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become subject to such reporting requirements with respect to Parent, to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, to the extent permitted by applicable Law.
8.14 Transaction Litigation. In the event that any unitholder litigation related to this Agreement or the Transactions is brought, or, to the Partnerships Knowledge, threatened, against the Partnership or any members of the Partnership Board from and following the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time (such litigation, Transaction Litigation), the Partnership shall as promptly as reasonably practicable notify Parent of such Transaction Litigation and shall keep Parent reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. The Partnership shall give Parent the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement and shall consider in good faith Parents advice with respect to such Transaction Litigation; provided that the Partnership shall in any event control such defense or settlement and the disclosure of information to Parent in connection therewith shall be subject to the provisions of Section 8.7; provided, further, that the Partnership shall not agree to settle any Transaction Litigation without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
8.15 Voting. The Parent Parties covenant and agree that, until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, (a) at the Partnership Unitholders Meeting or any other meeting of the Limited Partners or any vote of the Limited Partners or of Listed Shares in connection with a vote of the Limited Partners however called, the Parent Parties shall vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the Organizational Documents of the GP Delegate, any Units and Listed Shares then owned beneficially or of record them or any of their Subsidiaries, as of the record date for such meeting, in favor of the approval of this Agreement (as it may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time) and the Merger and the approval of any actions required in furtherance thereof, and (b) at any meeting or vote of the holders of Listed Shares of the GP Delegate or in connection with any approval of the holders of Listed Shares, however called, the Parent Parties will vote, or cause to be voted, to the extent permitted under the Organizational Documents of the GP Delegate, all Listed Shares then owned, beneficially or of record, by them or any of their Subsidiaries, as of the record date for such meeting, in favor of, for purposes of determining the manner in which the I-Units are voted, the approval of this Agreement (as it may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time) and the Merger and the approval of any actions required in furtherance thereof.
8.16 Special Committee.
(a) Prior to the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Parent shall not and it shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, and it shall not and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to take any action intended to cause the GP Delegate to, without the consent of a majority of the then existing members of the Special Committee, eliminate the Special Committee, revoke or diminish the authority of the Special Committee or remove or cause the removal of any director of the Partnership Board that is a member of the Special Committee either as a director or as a member of such committee. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 8.16 shall not apply to the filling, in accordance with the provisions of the Organizational Documents of the GP Delegate, of any vacancies caused by the resignation, death or incapacity of any such director.
(b) Unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, whenever a determination, decision, approval, consent, waiver or agreement of the Partnership or the Partnership Board is permitted or required pursuant to this Agreement, such determination, decision, approval, consent, waiver or agreement must be authorized by the Special Committee.
8.17 Performance by General Partner. Parent shall cause the General Partner and the General Partner shall cause the GP Delegate and the Partnership and its Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that actions or inactions by the Partnership, the GP Delegate, the General Partner and their respective Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be breaches or violations or failures to perform by the Partnership, the GP Delegate, the General Partner and their
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respective Subsidiaries of any of the provisions of this Agreement if such action or inaction was or was not taken, as applicable, at the direction of Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers.
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS
9.1 Conditions to Obligation of Each Party. The respective obligation of each Party to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions:
(a) Partnership Unitholder Approval. The Unitholder Approval shall have been obtained in accordance with applicable Law and the Partnership Agreement.
(b) Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock issuable to the holders of Class A Common Units pursuant to this Agreement shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE and the TSX, subject to official notice of issuance.
(c) Regulatory Approvals. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the Transactions under the HSR Act shall have expired or been earlier terminated.
(d) Laws or Governmental Orders. No Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law or Governmental Order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, makes illegal or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the Transactions.
(e) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and remain in effect, and no Proceedings for that purpose shall have commenced or been threatened in writing by the SEC, unless subsequently withdrawn.
9.2 Conditions to Obligation of Parent, EUS and Merger Sub. The respective obligations of Parent, EUS and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Parent at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of the Partnership Parties set forth in Section 6.3 (Authority; Approval and Fairness) and Section 6.6 (Absence of Certain Changes) shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time); (ii) the representations and warranties of the Partnership set forth in Section 6.2 (Capital Structure of the Partnership) shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time), except for such inaccuracies as would not be material in amount or effect; and (iii) each other representation and warranty of the Partnership Parties set forth in this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such particular date or period of time), except, in the case of this clause (iii), for any failure of any such representation and warranty to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification by materiality or Partnership Material Adverse Effect contained therein) that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Performance of Obligations of the Partnership. The Partnership shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Partnership Closing Certificate. Parent, EUS and Merger Sub shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Partnership by an executive officer of the Partnership certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 9.2(a) and Section 9.2(b) have been satisfied.
9.3 Conditions to Obligation of the Partnership Parties. The respective obligations of the Partnership Parties to consummate the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Partnership at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub set forth in Section 7.3 (Authority; Approval) and Section 7.6 (Absence of Certain Changes) shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time); (ii) the representations and warranties of Parent set forth in Section 7.2 (Capital Structure of Parent; Capitalization of Merger Sub) shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct in all material respects as of such particular date or period of time), except for such inaccuracies as would not be material in amount or effect; and (iii) the other representations and warranties of the Parent Parties and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of a particular date or period of time, in which case such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such particular date or period of time), except, in the case of this clause (iii), for any failure of any such representation and warranty to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification by materiality or Parent Material Adverse Effect set forth therein) that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent, EUS and Merger Sub. Each of Parent, EUS and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Parent, EUS and Merger Sub Closing Certificate. The Partnership shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent, EUS and Merger Sub by an executive officer of Parent certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 9.3(a) and Section 9.3(b) have been satisfied.
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION
10.1 Termination by Mutual Written Consent. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by mutual written consent of Parent and the Partnership by action of the Parent Board and the Partnership Board, with approval of the Special Committee.
10.2 Termination by Either Parent or the Partnership. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by action of either the Parent Board or the Partnership Board, with approval of the Special Committee, if:
(a) the Merger shall not have been consummated by March 18, 2019 (the Outside Date); provided, further, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.2(a) shall not be available to any
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Party that has breached in any material respect its obligations set forth in this Agreement in any manner that shall have proximately contributed to the occurrence of the failure of a condition to the consummation of the Merger;
(b) the Unitholder Approval shall not have been obtained at the Partnership Unitholders Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof taken in accordance with this Agreement; or
(c) any Law or Governmental Order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger shall become final and non-appealable; provided that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.2(b) shall not be available to any Party that has breached in any material respect its obligations set forth in this Agreement in any manner that shall have proximately contributed to the occurrence of the failure of a condition to the consummation of the Merger.
10.3 Termination by Parent. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by the Parent Board if:
(a) prior to the time the Unitholder Approval is obtained, the Special Committee shall have made a Change of Recommendation; or
(b) at any time prior to the Effective Time, there has been a breach by the Partnership of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the Partnership shall have become untrue, in either case, such that the conditions in Section 9.2(a) or Section 9.2(b) would not be satisfied (and such breach or failure to be true and correct is not curable prior to the Outside Date, or if curable prior to the Outside Date, has not been cured within the earlier of (i) sixty days after the giving of notice thereof by Parent to the Partnership or (ii) the Outside Date); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.3(b) shall not be available to Parent if it has breached in any material respect its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
10.4 Termination by the Partnership. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by the Partnership Board, with approval of the Special Committee, if, at any time prior to the Effective Time, there has been a breach by Parent, EUS or Merger Sub of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Parent, EUS or Merger Sub shall have become untrue, in either case, such that the conditions in Section 9.3(a) or Section 9.3(b) would not be satisfied (and such breach or failure to be true and correct is not curable prior to the Outside Date, or if curable prior to the Outside Date, has not been cured within the earlier of (a) sixty days after the giving of notice thereof by the Partnership to Parent or (b) the Outside Date); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.4 shall not be available to the Partnership if it has breached in any material respect its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
10.5 Effect of Termination and Abandonment. In the event of the termination of this Agreement and the abandonment of the Merger pursuant to this Article X, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect with no liability to any Person on the part of any Party (or any of its Representatives or Affiliates); provided, however, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) no such termination shall relieve any Party of any liability or damages to any other Party resulting from any Willful Breach of this Agreement and (b) the provisions set forth in this Section 10.5 and the second sentence of Section 11.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
10.6 Payment of Partnership Expenses. If this Agreement is terminated by (a) the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.4 or (b) the Partnership or Parent pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.2(a) or 10.2(b), Parent shall pay to the Partnership by wire transfer of immediately available funds an account designated by the Partnership an amount equal to the Partnership Expenses, and such payment shall be made within five (5) Business Days after such termination.
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ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL
11.1 Survival. ARTICLE I, this ARTICLE XI and the agreements of the Partnership Parties, the Parent Parties and Merger Sub contained in ARTICLE IV, ARTICLE V, Section 8.9 (Expenses), Section 8.10 (Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance) and Section 8.12 (Distributions) shall survive the Effective Time. ARTICLE I, this ARTICLE XI and the agreements of the Partnership Parties, the Parent Parties and Merger Sub contained in Section 8.9 (Expenses), Section 10.5 (Effect of Termination and Abandonment) and Section 10.6 (Payment of Partnership Expenses) shall survive the termination of this Agreement. All other representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall not survive the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement.
11.2 Modification or Amendment; Waiver.
(a) Subject to the provisions of applicable Law and the provisions of Section 8.10 (Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance), at any time prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment or modification or waiver, by each of the Parties, or in the case of a waiver, by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective; provided that, in the case of amendments, modifications or waivers by the Partnership, any such amendments, modifications or waivers must be approved by the Special Committee. The conditions to each of the Parties respective obligations to consummate the Transactions are for the sole benefit of such Party and may be waived by such Party, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law; provided, however, that any such waiver shall only be effective if made in writing and executed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective; provided, further, that the Partnership may not make or authorize any such waiver without the prior approval of the Special Committee.
(b) No failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under applicable Law shall operate as a waiver of such rights and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no single or partial exercise thereof shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
11.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.
11.4 Governing Law and Venue; Submission to Jurisdiction; Selection of Forum; Waiver of Trial by Jury.
(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE IN AND IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE INTERPRETED, CONSTRUED AND GOVERNED BY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH PRINCIPLES WOULD DIRECT A MATTER TO ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
(b) Each of the Parties agrees that: (i) it shall bring any Proceeding in connection with, arising out of or otherwise relating to this Agreement, any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or the Transactions exclusively in the courts of the State of Delaware in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (and only if) such court finds it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of
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Delaware (Complex Commercial Division); provided that if subject matter jurisdiction over the matter that is the subject of the Proceeding is vested exclusively in the United States federal courts, such Proceeding shall be heard in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (the Chosen Courts); and (ii) solely in connection with such Proceedings, (A) it irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (B) it waives any objection to the laying of venue in any Proceeding in the Chosen Courts, (C) it waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any Party, (D) mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such Proceeding in the manner provided in Section 11.6 or in such other manner as may be permitted by applicable Law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof and (E) it shall not assert as a defense, any matter or claim waived by the foregoing clauses (A) through (D) of this Section 11.4(b) or that any Governmental Order issued by the Chosen Courts may not be enforced in or by the Chosen Courts.
(c) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY BE IN CONNECTION WITH, ARISE OUT OF OR OTHERWISE RELATE TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY INSTRUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS, IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN CONNECTION WITH, ARISING OUT OF OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY INSTRUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS. EACH PARTY HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND CERTIFIES: (i) THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OTHER PARTIES HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTIES WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; (ii) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER; (iii) IT MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY; AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 11.4(c).
11.5 Specific Performance.
(a) Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that the rights of each Party to consummate the Transactions are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that if for any reason any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached (including by a Partys failing to take such actions as are required of such Party hereunder in order to consummate the Transactions), immediate and irreparable harm or damage would be caused for which money damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, each Party agrees that, in addition to any other available remedies a Party may have in equity or at law, each Party shall be entitled to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to obtain an injunction restraining any breach or violation or threatened breach or violation of the provisions of this Agreement in the Chosen Courts, provided that such Party seeking specific performance, injunction or other equitable remedy pursuant to this Section 11.5 is not in material default under this Agreement. Each Party agrees that no Party shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 11.5, and each Party irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument. In the event that any Proceeding should be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, no Party shall allege, and each Party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law.
(b) To the extent any Party brings a Proceeding to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions of this Agreement (other than a Proceeding to specifically enforce any provision that expressly survives termination of this Agreement) when expressly available to such Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Outside Date shall automatically be extended to (i) the twentieth Business Day following the
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resolution of such Proceeding, or (ii) such other time period established by the court presiding over such Proceeding.
11.6 Notices. All notices, requests, instructions, consents, claims, demands, waivers, approvals and other communications to be given or made hereunder by one or more Parties to one or more of the other Parties shall be in writing and delivered in person or by courier service, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by email; provided that any email transmission must be promptly confirmed by telephone or email. Such communications shall be sent to the respective Parties at the following street addresses or email addresses or at such other street address or email address for a Party as shall be specified for such purpose in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.6:
If to the Partnership, General Partner or GP Delegate:
Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, TX 77056
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (713) 627-5400
Email: USCorporateSecretary@enbridge.com
with a copy to the Special Committees legal counsel (which shall not constitute notice):
Bracewell LLP
Suite 2300
711 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX 77002
Attention: Will Anderson
Telephone: (713) 221-1122
Email: will.anderson@bracewell.com
If to Parent:
Enbridge Inc.
200 Fifth Avenue Place
425 1st Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2P 3L8
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (201) 231-5935
Email: corporatesecretary@enbridge.com
with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
125 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
Attention: George J. Sampas
Telephone: (212) 558-4000
Email: sampasg@sullcrom.com
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If to EUS or Merger Sub:
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, TX 77056
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (713) 627-5400
Email: USCorporateSecretary@enbridge.com
with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
125 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
Attention: George J. Sampas
Telephone: (212) 558-4000
Email: sampasg@sullcrom.com
11.7 Entire Agreement.
(a) This Agreement (including any exhibits hereto), the Partnership Disclosure Letter and the Parent Disclosure Letter constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, understandings and representations and warranties, whether oral or written, with respect to such matters.
(b) Each Party acknowledges the provisions set forth in Section 6.16 (No Other Representations or Warranties) and Section 7.15 (No Other Representations or Warranties) and, without limiting such provisions, additionally acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership Disclosure Letter, the Parent Disclosure Letter or any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement: (i) no Party has made or is making any other representations, warranties, statements, information or inducements; (ii) no Party has relied on or is relying on any other representations, warranties, statements, information or inducements; and (iii) each Party hereby disclaims reliance on any other representations, warranties, statements, information or inducements provided to such Party by the other Party, in each case for clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), oral or written, express or implied, or as to the accuracy or completeness of any statements or other information, made by, or made available by, itself or any of its Representatives, in each case with respect to, or in connection with, the negotiation, execution or delivery of this Agreement, any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or the Transactions, and notwithstanding the distribution, disclosure or other delivery to the other or the others Representatives of any documentation or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing, and waives any claims or causes of action relating thereto.
11.8 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for, from and after the Effective Time, the Indemnified Parties with respect to the provisions of Section 8.10 (Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance), the Parties hereby agree that their respective representations, warranties and covenants set forth in this Agreement are solely for the benefit of the other Parties on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns any rights or remedies, express or implied, hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the Parties. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the Parties in accordance with Section 11.2 without notice or liability to any other Person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among 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.
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11.9 Non-Recourse. Unless expressly agreed to otherwise by the Parties in writing, this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any Proceeding in connection with, arising out of or otherwise resulting from this Agreement, any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or the Transactions may only be brought against the Persons expressly named as Parties (or any of their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns) and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such Party. No past, present or future director employee (including any officer), incorporator, manager, member, partner, stockholder, unitholder, other equity holder or persons in a similar capacity, controlling person, Affiliate or other Representative of any Party or of any Affiliate of any Party, or any of their respective successors, Representatives and permitted assigns shall have any liability or other obligation for any obligation of any Party under this Agreement or for any Proceeding in connection with, arising out of or otherwise resulting from this Agreement, any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or the Transactions; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 11.9 shall limit any liability or other obligation of the Parties for breaches of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
11.10 Fulfillment of Obligations. Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of Parent to take any action, such requirement shall be deemed to include an undertaking on the part of Parent to cause such Subsidiary to take such action. Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of the Partnership to take any action, such requirement shall be deemed to include an undertaking on the part of the Partnership to cause such Subsidiary to take such action and, after the Effective Time, on the part of the Surviving Entity to cause such Subsidiary to take such action.
11.11 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to any Person or any circumstance, is illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be legal, valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such legal, invalid or unenforceable provision, and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability affect the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application of such provision, in any other jurisdiction.
11.12 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties (and any of their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns). No Party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, by operation of Law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other Parties, except as provided for in Section 11.10, and any attempted or purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 11.12 shall be null and void; provided, however, that Parent may designate another wholly owned direct or indirect Subsidiary to be a constituent corporation in the Merger in lieu of Merger Sub, so long as Parent provides the Partnership with advance written notice thereof, in which event all references to Merger Sub in this Agreement shall be deemed references to such other wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent, except that all representations and warranties made in this Agreement with respect to Merger Sub as of the date of this Agreement shall be deemed representations and warranties made with respect to such other wholly owned Subsidiary as of the date of such designation; provided, further, that any such designation shall not prevent or materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions or otherwise adversely affect the rights of the unitholders of the Partnership under this Agreement in any material respect.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties to this Agreement as of the date first written above.
ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P. | ||||
By | Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. (as delegate of its general partner) | |||
By | /s/ Laura J. Buss Sayavedra | |||
Name: | Laura J. Buss Sayavedra | |||
Title: | Vice President | |||
ENBRIDGE ENERGY COMPANY, INC. (acting both in its individual capacity and in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership) | ||||
By | /s/ Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Name: | Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Title: | Tax Officer | |||
ENBRIDGE ENERGY MANAGEMENT, L.L.C. | ||||
By | /s/ Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Name: | Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Title: | Tax Officer |
[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]
ENBRIDGE INC. | ||||
By | /s/ Al Monaco | |||
Name: | Al Monaco | |||
Title: | President & Chief Executive Officer | |||
By | /s/ Tyler W. Robinson | |||
Name: | Tyler W. Robinson | |||
Title: | Vice President & Corporate Secretary | |||
ENBRIDGE (U.S.) INC. | ||||
By | /s/ Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Name: | Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Title: | Tax Officer | |||
WINTER ACQUISITION SUB II, LLC | ||||
By | /s/ Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Name: | Kenneth C. Lanik | |||
Title: | Tax Officer | |||
ENBRIDGE US HOLDINGS INC. | ||||
By | /s/ David Taniguchi | |||
Name: | David Taniguchi | |||
Title: | Corporate Secretary |
[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]
Exhibit A
Form of Partnership Agreement Amendment
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
EIGHTH AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
[●] [●], 20[●]
This Amendment No. 2 (this Amendment No. 2) to the Eighth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (as amended to date, the Partnership Agreement) of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (the Partnership) is hereby adopted by Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the General Partner), as general partner of the Partnership, and the Limited Partners, together with any other Persons who become Partners in the Partnership. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are used as defined in the Partnership Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Section 15.1(j) of the Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner, without the approval of any Limited Partner or Assignee, may amend any provision of the Partnership Agreement to reflect an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a Merger Agreement approved in accordance with Section 16.3 of the Partnership Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Partnership entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated [●], 2018 (the Merger Agreement), among the Partnership, the General Partner, Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., Enbridge Inc., Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC and, solely for the purposes set forth therein, Enbridge US Holdings Inc.;
WHEREAS, Unitholder Approval (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of the Merger Agreement was obtained on [●], 2018, which Unitholder Approval constitutes approval of the Merger Agreement in accordance with Section 16.3 of the Partnership Agreement; and
WHEREAS, according pursuant to the power and authority granted to it under Section 15.1(j) of the Partnership Agreement, the General Partner has determined that the following amendment to the Partnership Agreement is effected, necessitated and contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, the General Partner does hereby amend the Partnership Agreement as follows:
Section 1. Amendment. Section 5.10(d)(iii) of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows: [Reserved.]
Section 2. Ratification of Partnership Agreement. Except as expressly modified and amended herein, all of the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 3. Governing Law. This Amendment No. 2 will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the General Partner and the Limited Partners have executed this Amendment No. 2 as of [●][●], 20[●].
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
ENBRIDGE ENERGY COMPANY, INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: |
| |
Title: |
| |
LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||
All Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as limited partners of the Partnership, pursuant to Powers of Attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to, the General Partner. | ||
By: | Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., General Partner, as attorney-in-fact for all Limited Partners pursuant to the Powers of Attorney granted pursuant to Section 1.4 of the Partnership Agreement. | |
By: |
| |
Name: |
| |
Title: |
|
September 17, 2018
The Special Committee of the Board of Directors
of Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C.
5400 Westheimer Court
Houston, Texas 77056
Members of the Special Committee:
We understand that Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), proposes to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) among the Partnership, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner), Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company and the delegate of the General Partner (the GP Delegate), Enbridge Inc., a Canadian corporation (the Parent), Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., a Delaware corporation, Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent (Merger Sub), and, solely for the limited purposes set forth in the Merger Agreement, Enbridge US Holdings Inc., a Canadian corporation, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Partnership (the Merger), with the Partnership surviving the Merger. As a result of the Merger, each outstanding Class A common unit representing limited partner interests of the Partnership (each, a Class A Common Unit) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than the Excluded Units, will be converted into the right to receive 0.3350 common shares (the Exchange Ratio), no par value, of the Parent (the Parent Common Stock). The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement and defined terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Merger Agreement.
The Special Committee of the board of directors of the GP Delegate (the Special Committee) has asked us whether, in our opinion, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Partnership and the holders of Class A Common Units other than the Parent and its affiliates.
In connection with rendering our opinion, we have, among other things:
(i) | reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information relating to the Parent and the Partnership that we deemed to be relevant, including the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, and June 30, 2018, and certain Current Reports on Form 8-K, in each case as filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) by the Parent or the Partnership, as applicable, since January 1, 2018; |
(ii) | reviewed certain non-public historical and projected financial and operating data and assumptions relating to the Parent and the Partnership prepared and furnished to us by management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable, and reviewed and approved for use in connection with this opinion by the management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable; |
(iii) | discussed the past and current operations, financial projections and current financial condition of the Parent and the Partnership with management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable (including their views on the risks and uncertainties associated therewith); |
EVERCORE GROUP L.L.C. 55 EAST 52ND STREET NEW YORK, NY 10055 TEL: 212.857.3100 FAX: 212.857.3101
55 EAST 52ND STREET NEW YORK, NY 10055 TEL: 212.857.3100 FAX: 212.857.3101
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The Special Committee of the Board of Directors of
Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C.
September 17, 2018
Page 2
(iv) | reviewed certain non-public projected financial data relating to the Partnership under alternative business assumptions prepared and furnished to us by management of the Partnership, and discussed the assumptions stated therein with management of the Parent and the Partnership; |
(v) | reviewed certain cost savings and U.S. federal income tax synergies projected by the management of the Parent and the Partnership to result from the Merger; |
(vi) | reviewed publicly-available research analysts estimates for each of the Parents and the Partnerships future financial performance on a standalone basis; |
(vii) | performed discounted cash flow analyses on the Parent and the Partnership based on forecasts and other data provided by management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable; |
(viii) | reviewed the reported prices and the historical trading activity of the Parent Common Stock and the Class A Common Units since September 14, 2016; |
(ix) | compared the financial performance of the Parent and the Partnership, utilizing forecasts and other data provided by management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable, and each of their stock market trading multiples with those of certain other publicly traded partnerships and companies that we deemed relevant; |
(x) | compared the financial performance of the Parent and the Partnership utilizing forecasts and other data provided by management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable, and the valuation multiples relating to the Merger with those of certain other transactions that we deemed relevant; |
(xi) | reviewed the draft Merger Agreement, dated September 16, 2018; and |
(xii) | performed such other analyses and examinations, held such other discussions, and considered such other factors and information that we deemed appropriate. |
For purposes of our analysis and opinion, we have assumed and relied upon, without undertaking any independent verification of, the accuracy and completeness of all of the information publicly available, and all of the information supplied or otherwise made available to, discussed with, or reviewed by us, and we assume no liability therefor. With respect to the projected financial and operating data relating to the Parent and the Partnership referred to above, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of management of the Parent and the Partnership, as applicable, as to the future financial performance of the Parent and the Partnership, including projected financial data related to alternative business assumptions for the Partnership reflected therein. We express no view as to any projected financial data relating to the Parent or the Partnership or the assumptions on which they are based. We have relied, at your direction, without independent verification, upon the assessments of the management of the Parent and the Partnership and their outside advisors.
For purposes of rendering our opinion, we have assumed, in all respects material to our analysis, that the representations and warranties of each party contained in the Merger Agreement are true and correct, that each party will perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by it under the Merger Agreement, that all conditions to the consummation of the Merger will be satisfied without material waiver or modification thereof, and that the Exchange Ratio will not be adjusted from 0.3350 shares of Parent Common Stock per Class A Common Unit. We have further assumed, in all respects material to our analysis, that all governmental, regulatory or other consents, approvals or releases necessary for the consummation of the Merger (including Unitholder Approval) will be obtained without any material delay, limitation, restriction or condition.
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The Special Committee of the Board of Directors of
Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C.
September 17, 2018
Page 3
We have not made nor assumed any responsibility for making any independent valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities of the Parent or the Partnership, nor have we been furnished with any such valuations or appraisals, nor have we evaluated the solvency or fair value of the Parent or the Partnership under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. Our opinion is necessarily based upon information made available to us as of the date hereof and financial, economic, market and other conditions as they exist and as can be evaluated on the date hereof. It is understood that subsequent developments or information of which we are not aware may affect this opinion and that we do not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion. In addition, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that the final Merger Agreement, as well as the agreements, instruments and documents referenced therein, will not differ in any respect that is material to our analysis from the respective drafts reviewed by us.
We have not been asked to pass upon, and express no opinion with respect to, any matter other than the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the Partnership and the holders of the Class A Common Units (other than the Parent and its affiliates) of the Exchange Ratio. We do not express any view on, and our opinion does not address, the fairness of the proposed transaction to, or any exchange ratio received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other securities, creditors or other constituencies of the Partnership, nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of the Partnership, or any class of such persons, whether relative to the Exchange Ratio or otherwise. We have assumed that any modification to the structure of the Merger will not vary in any respect material to our analysis. Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Merger as compared to other transactions or business or financial strategies that might be available to the Partnership currently or in the future, including any potential transaction or strategy reviewed by us, nor does it address the underlying business decision of the Parent or the Partnership to engage in the Merger or use the Exchange Ratio. In arriving at our opinion, we were not authorized to solicit, and did not solicit, interest from any third party with respect to the acquisition of any or all of the Class A Common Units or any business combination or other extraordinary transaction involving the Partnership. This letter, and our opinion, does not constitute a recommendation to the Special Committee, the GP Board of Directors, the holders of the Class A Common Units or any other persons in respect of the Merger, including as to how any holder of Class A Common Units or I-units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership should vote or act in respect of the Merger. We express no opinion herein as to the price at which the Class A Common Units or the Parent Common Stock will trade at any time. We are not legal, regulatory, accounting or tax experts and have assumed the accuracy and completeness of assessments by the Parent, the Partnership and their advisors with respect to legal, regulatory, accounting and tax matters. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, our opinion does not reflect the impact of any regulatory action, unasserted claims or litigation to which the Parent, the Partnership or any of their respective affiliates may be subject in the future. At the direction of the Special Committee and with its consent, our opinion makes no assumption or evaluation as to whether any assessment or valuation by the Partnership, the Parent or the Special Committee of any pending litigation is appropriate or accurate and the estimated value of any pending litigation used in our analysis has been provided to us by the Special Committee.
We received an initial fee for our services and will receive an opinion fee upon the rendering of this opinion (against which the initial fee will be credited). The opinion fee is not contingent upon the consummation of the Merger or the conclusions reached in our opinion. We may also receive a discretionary fee, subject to the sole discretion of the Special Committee. The Partnership has also agreed to reimburse our reasonable expenses and to indemnify us against certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. Since January 1, 2016, we provided financial advisory services to the conflicts committee of the board of directors of Midcoast Holdings, L.L.C., an
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The Special Committee of the Board of Directors of
Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C.
September 17, 2018
Page 4
indirect subsidiary of the Parent, for which we received a fee and reimbursement of expenses. Except as described above, during the two-year period prior to the date hereof, no material relationship existed between Evercore Group L.L.C. and its affiliates and the Partnership, the Parent or any of their respective affiliates, pursuant to which compensation was received by Evercore Group L.L.C. or its affiliates as a result of such a relationship. We may provide financial or other services to the Parent, the Partnership or their respective affiliates in the future and in connection with any such services we may receive compensation.
In the ordinary course of business, Evercore Group L.L.C. or its affiliates may actively trade the securities, or related derivative securities, or financial instruments of the Partnership, the Parent and their respective affiliates, for its own account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities or instruments.
This letter, and the opinion expressed herein, is addressed to, and, except as set forth in our engagement letter with the Special Committee, for the information and benefit of, the Special Committee in connection with its evaluation of the proposed Merger. Except with respect to the use of this opinion in connection with any document relating to the Merger required to be filed with the Commission in accordance with our engagement letter with the Special Committee, this opinion shall not be disclosed, referred to, published or otherwise used (in whole or in part), nor shall any public references to us be made, without our prior written approval. The issuance of this opinion has been approved by an Opinion Committee of Evercore Group L.L.C.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Partnership and the holders of Class A Common Units other than the Parent and its affiliates.
Very truly yours,
EVERCORE GROUP L.L.C. | ||
By: | /s/ Raymond B. Strong III | |
Raymond B. Strong III | ||
Senior Managing Director |
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PART II
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 38 of By-law No. 1 of Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge or the Corporation) provides, with regard to indemnity and insurance under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the Act), in part as follows:
Indemnity of directors, officers and others. Subject to the limitations contained in the Act but without limit to the right of the Corporation to indemnify as provided for in the Act, the Corporation shall indemnify a director or officer, a former director or officer, or another individual who acts or acted at the Corporations request as a director or officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another entity, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by the individual in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding in which the individual is involved because of that association with the Corporation or other entity, if the individual:
(a) | acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation or, as the case may be, to the best interests of the other entity for which the individual acted as director or officer or in a similar capacity at the Corporations request; and |
(b) | in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, had reasonable grounds for believing that the individuals conduct was lawful. |
The Act provides that a corporation may indemnify a director or officer, a former director or officer, or another individual who acts or acted at the corporations request as a director or officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another entity (collectively an Indemnified Person) against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Person in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding (other than an action by or on behalf of Enbridge to procure a judgment in its favor) in which the Indemnified Person is involved because of that association with Enbridge or other entity, if the Indemnified Person satisfies the conditions set forth above in paragraphs (a) and (b). In respect of an action by or on behalf of Enbridge or other entity to procure a judgment in its favor, Enbridge, with the approval of a court, may indemnify an Indemnified Person against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by an Indemnified Person in connection with such action, if the Indemnified Person satisfies the conditions set forth above in paragraphs (a) and (b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification from Enbridge in respect of all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with the defense of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding to which such Indemnified Person is made a party by reason of such Indemnified Persons association with Enbridge or such other entity, if such Indemnified Person satisfies the conditions set forth above in paragraphs (a) and (b) and was not judged by the court or other competent authority to have committed any fault or omitted to do anything that such Indemnified Person ought to have done.
As authorized by Section 39 of By-law No. 1, Enbridge has an insurance policy which indemnifies directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred by them in their capacities as such, including among other things, certain liabilities under the U.S. Securities Act.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
In the Merger Agreement filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto, Enbridge agrees, in addition to its existing indemnification obligations under the Enbridge governing documents, to indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of EEP, the GP Delegate and the General Partner, in each case, when acting in such capacity.
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For more information on the indemnification and directors and officers insurance provisions in the Merger Agreement, see the section titled The Merger AgreementIndemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance beginning on page 116 in the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4.
Item 21. Exhibits
Exhibit |
Description | |
2.1 | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 17, 2018, among Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C., Enbridge Inc. Enbridge (U.S.) Inc., Winter Acquisition Sub II, LLC and, solely for the purposes of Article I, Article II and Article XI therein, Enbridge US Holdings Inc. (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of this registration statement) ± | |
3.1 | Articles of Continuance of the Corporation, dated December 15, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(a) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.2 | Certificate of Amendment, dated August 2, 1989, to the Articles of the Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(b) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.3 | Articles of Amendment of the Corporation, dated April 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(c) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.4 | Articles of Amendment of the Corporation, dated July 2, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(d) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.5 | Articles of Amendment of the Corporation, dated August 6, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(e) to Enbridges Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.6 | Articles of Arrangement of the Corporation dated December 18, 1992, attaching the Arrangement Agreement, dated December 15, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(f) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.7 | Certificate of Amendment of the Corporation (notarial certified copy), dated December 18, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(g) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.8 | Articles of Amendment of the Corporation, dated May 5, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(h) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.9 | Certificate of Amendment, dated October 7, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(i) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.10 | Certificate of Amendment, dated November 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(j) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.11 | Certificate of Amendment, dated April 29, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(k) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 7, 2001)(P) | |
3.12 | Certificate of Amendment, dated May 5, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(l) to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed August 5, 2005) | |
3.13 | Certificate of Amendment, dated May 11, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.13 to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed September 23, 2017) | |
3.14 | Certificate of Amendment, dated September 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to Enbridge Inc.s Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed September 23, 2017) |
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± | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, Enbridge Inc. agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Agreement and Plan of Merger to the SEC upon request. |
* | Previously filed. |
(P) | Paper exhibits. |
Item 22. Undertakings
(a) | 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: |
| to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| 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 a prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement; and |
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| 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. |
(4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. |
(5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
| any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
| any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
| the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
| any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
(b) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrants annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement 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. |
(c) | 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. |
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(d) | The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (1) that is filed pursuant to the paragraph immediately preceding, or (2) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(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. |
(e) | 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 SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 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 Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
(f) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one (1) 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. |
(g) | 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. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Calvary, Province of Alberta, Canada, on the 7th day of November, 2018.
ENBRIDGE INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Tyler W. Robinson | |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
* Al Monaco |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
November 7, 2018 | ||
* John K. Whelen |
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
November 7, 2018 | ||
* Allen C. Capps |
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) |
November 7, 2018 | ||
* Gregory L. Ebel |
Chair of the Board of Directors | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Pamela L. Carter |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Marcel R. Coutu |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Clarence P. Cazalot Jr. |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* J. Herb England |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Charles W. Fischer |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* V. Maureen Kempston Darkes |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Michael E. J. Phelps |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Dan C. Tutcher |
Director | November 7, 2018 | ||
* Catherine L. Williams |
Director | November 7, 2018 |
* Tyler W. Robinson , by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this registration statement on behalf of the officers and directors of the registrant above in front of whose names asterisks appear, pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such officers and directors and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
By: | /s/ Tyler W. Robinson | |
Tyler W. Robinson | ||
Attorney-in-fact |
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act, the Authorized Representative has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, solely in her capacity as the duly authorized representative of Enbridge Inc. in the City of Houston, State of Texas, United States on the 7th day of November, 2018.
ENBRIDGE INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Kelly L. Gray | |
Kelly L. Gray Authorized Representative in the United States |