FTC Docket C-4014
larfargedo
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BEFORE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS:
Timothy J. Muris, Chairman
Sheila F. Anthony
Mozelle W. Thompson
Orson Swindle
Thomas B. Leary
__________________________________________
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In the Matter of
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LAFARGE S.A.,
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a corporation,
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BLUE CIRCLE INDUSTRIES PLC,
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a corporation,
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Docket No. C-
BLUE CIRCLE NORTH AMERICA, INC.,
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a corporation, and
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BLUE CIRCLE, INC.,
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a corporation.
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__________________________________________)
DECISION AND ORDER
The Federal Trade Commission (“Commission”) having initiated an investigation of the
proposed acquisition by Respondent Lafarge S.A. (“Lafarge”) of certain voting securities of
Respondent Blue Circle Industries PLC (“Blue Circle PLC”), and Respondents having been
furnished thereafter with a copy of the draft of Complaint that the Bureau of Competition
proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration and that, if issued by the
Commission, would charge Respondents with violations of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as
amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15
U.S.C. § 45; and
Respondents, their attorneys, and counsel for the Commission having thereafter executed
an Agreement Containing Consent Orders, an admission by Respondents of all the jurisdictional
facts set forth in the aforesaid draft of Complaint, a statement that the signing of the Agreement
Containing Consent Orders is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission
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by Respondents that the law has been violated as alleged in such Complaint, or that the facts as
alleged in such Complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true, and waivers and other
provisions as required by the Commission’s Rules; and
The Commission having thereafter considered the matter and having determined that it had
reason to believe that Respondents have violated the said Acts and that a Complaint should issue
stating its charges in that respect, and having thereupon issued its Complaint and its Order to
Hold Separate and Maintain Assets and having accepted the executed Agreement Containing
Consent Orders and placed such Agreement Containing Consent Orders on the public record for a
period of thirty (30) days for the receipt and consideration of public comments, now in further
conformity with the procedure described in Commission Rule 2.34, 16 C.F.R. § 2.34, the
Commission hereby makes the following jurisdictional findings and issues the following Decision
and Order (“Order”):
1.
Respondent Lafarge S.A. is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under
and by virtue of the laws of France, with its office and principal place of business located
at 61 rue des Belles Feuilles, Paris, France. Lafarge S.A. owns more than 50% of the
common stock of Lafarge Corporation, whose office and principal place of business in the
United States is located at 12950 Worldgate Drive, Suite 600, Herndon, VA 20191.
2.
Respondent Blue Circle Industries PLC is a company registered in England and Wales
under number 66558 whose registered office is located at 84 Eccleston Square, London,
England. Blue Circle Industries PLC does business in the United States through Blue
Circle North America, Inc., Blue Circle, Inc., BlueChem, L.L.C. and other entities.
3.
Respondent Blue Circle North America, Inc., a corporation controlled by Blue Circle
PLC, is organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State
of Georgia, and has its office and principal place of business located at 1800 Parkway
Place, Suite 1100, Marietta, GA 30067.
4.
Respondent Blue Circle, Inc., a corporation controlled by Blue Circle PLC, is organized,
existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Alabama, and
has its office and principal place of business located at 1800 Parkway Place, Suite 1100,
Marietta, GA 30067.
5.
The Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction of the subject matter of this proceeding
and of the Respondents and the proceeding is in the public interest.
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ORDER
I.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that, as used in this Order, the following definitions shall
apply:
A.
“Lafarge” means Lafarge S.A., its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives,
successors, and assigns; its subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates controlled by
Lafarge S.A., including Lafarge Corporation, and the respective directors, officers,
employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of each.
B.
“Blue Circle PLC” means Blue Circle Industries PLC, Blue Circle North America, Inc.
and Blue Circle, Inc., their directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives,
successors, and assigns; their parents, subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates
controlled by Blue Circle Industries PLC, Blue Circle North America, Inc., Blue Circle,
Inc. and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors,
and assigns of each.
C.
“Chemical Lime” means Chemical Lime Company, a company organized under the laws of
Nevada, with its office and principal place of business in the United States located at 3700
Hulen Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. The term “Chemical Lime” includes the
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of Chemical
Lime and the parents, subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates of Chemical Lime and
their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and
assigns.
D.
“BlueChem” means BlueChem, L.L.C., a limited liability company organized under the
laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business in the United States
located at 8039 Highway 25, Calera, Alabama. The term “BlueChem” includes the
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of
BlueChem and the parents, subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates of BlueChem and
their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and
assigns.
E.
“Eastern Lime” means Eastern Lime Holdings, L.P., a limited partnership organized under
the laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business in the United States
located at 8039 Highway 25, Calera, Alabama. The term “Eastern Lime” includes the
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of Eastern
Lime and the parents, subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates of Eastern Lime and
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their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and
assigns.
F.
“Commission” means the Federal Trade Commission.
G.
“Respondents” means Lafarge and Blue Circle PLC, individually and collectively.
H.
“Acquirer” means the Person approved by the Commission to acquire the Great Lakes
Assets, the Solvay Assets or the Lime Assets.
I.
“Acquisition” means the proposed acquisition of Blue Circle PLC by Lafarge, as publicly
announced by Respondents on January 8, 2001, and for which a filing pursuant to the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act was made by Lafarge on February 16,
2000, and by Blue Circle PLC on March 6, 2000; and as further described in the January
8, 2001 Merger Agreement between Lafarge and Blue Circle PLC, and the January 25,
2001 Scheme Document presented to Blue Circle PLC shareholders.
J.
“Barges” means the following barges and tugs: “St. Marys Barge #1” (Canadian Flag),
“St. Marys Barge #2” (Canadian Flag), “St. Marys Barge #3” (Barbados Flag), “Sea Eagle
II Tug for St. Marys Barge #2” (Canadian Flag), and “Lewis G. Harriman” (U.S. Flag).
K.
“Bowmanville Plant” means Blue Circle PLC’s plant in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
that manufactures, distributes and sells Cement.
L.
“Calera Site” means Blue Circle PLC’s real property located at 8039 Highway 25, Calera,
Alabama on which the Lime Plant and Blue Circle PLC’s plant that produces Cement are
located.
M.
“Carmeuse” means Carmeuse North America Group B.V., a private company organized
under the laws of the Netherlands, with its office and principal place of business in the
United States located at 390 East Joseph Orr Road, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. The term
“Carmeuse” includes the directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives,
successors, and assigns of Carmeuse North America Group B.V., and the subsidiaries,
parents, divisions, groups, and affiliates of Carmeuse North America Group B.V. and their
respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns.
N.
“Cement” means the product that is the result of the combination of calcium (normally
from limestone), silicon, aluminum, iron and other raw materials, and that is produced by
quarrying, crushing and grinding the raw materials, burning them in kilns at high
temperatures, and then finely grinding the resulting pellets (“clinker”) with gypsum into an
extremely fine powder. The term “Cement” includes, but is not limited to, portland
cement, masonry and mortar cement, and the clinker that is ground to produce Cement.
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O.
“Detroit Facility” means Blue Circle PLC’s grinding facility and terminal in Detroit,
Michigan that grinds, distributes and sells Cement and Slag.
P.
“Divestiture Trustee” means the Divestiture Trustee(s) appointed pursuant to Paragraph
VII of this Order.
Q.
“Effective Date of Divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets” means the date on which the
divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets to the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer is consummated.
R.
“Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets” means the date on which the
divestiture of the Lime Assets to the Lime Assets Acquirer is consummated.
S.
“Excluded Great Lakes Assets” means all the assets identified in Appendix A to this
Order.
T.
“Excluded Lime Assets” means all the assets identified in Appendix A to this Order.
U.
“Excluded Solvay Assets” means all the assets identified in Appendix A to this Order.
V.
“Glens Falls Lehigh” means Glens Falls Lehigh Cement Company, a partnership
organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of New York, with
its offices and principal place of business located at 313 Warren Street, Glens Falls, New
York, its subsidiaries, divisions, groups and affiliates proposing to acquire the Solvay
Assets that receives the prior approval of the Commission to acquire the Solvay Assets.
W.
“Great Lakes Assets” means all of Blue Circle PLC’s rights, titles, and interests in and to
all assets, properties, business and goodwill, tangible or intangible, used to operate the
Great Lakes Business in the ordinary course and in accordance with past practice,
including, but not limited to (i) the Bowmanville Plant, the St. Marys Plant, the Detroit
Facility, the Great Lakes Terminals, the Barges, Hutton Transport, the Ready-Mix
Operations, the Unused Great Lakes Terminals, and the Great Lakes Slag Joint Venture,
(ii) all real property (together with appurtenances, licenses and permits) owned, leased or
otherwise held by Blue Circle PLC and used to operate the Great Lakes Business, (iii) all
personal property owned, leased or otherwise held by Blue Circle PLC and used to
operate the Great Lakes Business, (iv) all intellectual property owned by or licensed to
Blue Circle PLC used in the Great Lakes Business, including but not limited to,
trademarks, patents, mask works, copyrights, trade secrets, research materials, technical
information, management information systems, software, inventions, test data,
technological know-how, licenses, registrations, submissions, approvals, technology,
specifications, designs, drawings, processes, recipes, protocols, and formulas, (v) all rights
of Blue Circle PLC relating to the Great Lakes Business under any contract entered into
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with customers (together with associated bid and performance bonds), suppliers, sales
representatives, distributors, agents, personal property lessors, personal property lessees,
licensors, licensees, consignors and consignees, and joint venture partners, (vi) all
governmental approvals, consents, licenses, permits, waivers, or other authorizations held
by Blue Circle PLC and used to operate the Great Lakes Business, (vii) all rights of Blue
Circle PLC relating to the Great Lakes Business under any warranty and guarantee,
express or implied, (viii) all books, records, and files held by Blue Circle PLC relating to
the Great Lakes Business, (ix) all plant facilities, machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures,
tools, vehicles, transportation and storage facilities, and supplies held by Blue Circle PLC
and used to operate the Great Lakes Business, (x) all rights in and to inventories of
products, raw materials, supplies and parts, including work-in-process and finished goods
held by Blue Circle PLC and used in the Great Lakes Business, (xi) all customer and
vendor lists, catalogs, sales promotion literature, and advertising materials held by Blue
Circle PLC and used in the Great Lakes Business, (xii) all rights in and to quarries and pits
(together with appurtenances, licenses and permits) owned, leased or otherwise held by
Blue Circle PLC and used to operate the Great Lakes Business, and (xiii) all items of
prepaid expense held by Blue Circle PLC and used in the Great Lakes Business; provided,
however, that the Great Lakes Assets do not include the Excluded Great Lakes Assets.
X.
“Great Lakes Assets Acquirer” means the Person approved by the Commission to acquire
the Great Lakes Assets.
Y.
“Great Lakes Assets Purchase Agreement” means the Commission-approved agreement
(including, but not limited to, all related agreements, schedules, exhibits and appendices)
to be entered into between Lafarge and the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer for sale of the
Great Lakes Assets by Lafarge to the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer.
Z.
“Great Lakes Business” means the research, development, manufacture, distribution, or
sale of Cement and Slag at or by the Bowmanville Plant, the St. Marys Plant, the Detroit
Facility, the Great Lakes Terminals, the Unused Great Lakes Terminals, the Barges,
Hutton Transport, and the Ready-Mix Operations. The Great Lakes Business includes all
of Blue Circle PLC’s rights, titles and interests in and to the Great Lakes Slag Joint
Venture.
AA.
“Great Lakes Employees” means employees of Blue Circle PLC who worked at least one
hundred (100) work days for the Great Lakes Business during the twelve-month period
prior to the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets.
BB.
“Great Lakes Hold Separate Trustee Agreement” means the Commission-approved
agreement entered into between Lafarge and the trustee appointed by the Commission for
the Great Lakes Assets pursuant to the Hold Separate.
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CC.
“Great Lakes Key Employees” means any Great Lakes Employees identified as such in the
Great Lakes Assets Purchase Agreement.
DD.
“Great Lakes Slag Joint Venture” means the joint venture between Blue Circle PLC and
St. Lawrence Cement Inc. (“St. Lawrence”) as set forth in the Share Purchase and
Shareholder Agreement by and among St. Lawrence, Blue Circle PLC and Great Lakes
Slag Inc., dated March 27, 2000, pursuant to which Blue Circle PLC purchases 50% of
the annual output of Slag from Algoma Steel Inc.’s steel plant in Sault Ste. Marie,
Ontario, Canada.
EE.
“Great Lakes Terminals” means Blue Circle PLC’s terminals located in Buffalo, New
York, Cleveland, Ohio, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, Schoolcraft, Michigan and Waukegan, Illinois which store, distribute and sell
Cement.
FF.
“Hold Separate” means the Order to Hold Separate and Maintain Assets incorporated into
and made a part of the Agreement Containing Consent Orders.
GG.
“Hutton Transport” means Hutton Transport Limited, a company organized under the
laws of Ontario, Canada and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Circle PLC.
HH.
“Independent Auditor” means the Independent Auditor(s) appointed pursuant to
Paragraph VI of this Order.
II.
“Lime” means the product that is the result of the quarrying, crushing and grinding of
limestone, and burning it in kilns at high temperatures. The term “Lime” includes, but is
not limited to, quicklime, dolomitic lime and hydrated lime.
JJ.
“Lime Assets” means all of Respondents’ rights, titles, and interests in and to all assets,
properties, business and goodwill, tangible or intangible, used to operate the Lime
Business in the ordinary course and in accordance with past practice, including, but not
limited to (i) the Lime Plant, (ii) all real property (together with appurtenances, licenses
and permits) owned, leased or otherwise held by Respondents and used to operate the
Lime Business, (iii) all personal property owned, leased or otherwise held by Respondents
and used to operate the Lime Business, (iv) all intellectual property owned by or licensed
to Respondents relating to the Lime Business, including but not limited to, trademarks,
patents, mask works, copyrights, trade secrets, research materials, technical information,
management information systems, software, inventions, test data, technological
know-how, licenses, registrations, submissions, approvals, technology, specifications,
designs, drawings, processes, recipes, protocols, and formulas, (v) all rights of
Respondents relating to the Lime Business under any contract entered into with customers
(together with associated bid and performance bonds), suppliers, sales representatives,
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distributors, agents, personal property lessors, personal property lessees, licensors,
licensees, consignors and consignees, and joint venture partners, (vi) all governmental
approvals, consents, licenses, permits, waivers, or other authorizations held by
Respondents and used to operate the Lime Business, (vii) all rights of Respondents
relating to the Lime Business under any warranty and guarantee, express or implied, (viii)
all books, records, and files held by Respondents relating to the Lime Business, (ix) all
plant facilities, machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, tools, vehicles, transportation
and storage facilities, and supplies held by Respondents and used to operate the Lime
Business, (x) all rights in and to inventories of products, raw materials, supplies and parts,
including work-in-process and finished goods held by Respondents and used to operate
the Lime Business, (xi) all customer and vendor lists, catalogs, sales promotion literature,
and advertising materials held by Respondents relating to the Lime Business, and (xii) all
items of prepaid expense held by Respondents and used in the Lime Business; provided,
however, that the Lime Assets do not include the Excluded Lime Assets.
KK.
“Lime Assets Acquirer” means the Person approved by the Commission to acquire the
Lime Assets.
LL.
“Lime Assets Purchase Agreement” means the Commission-approved agreement
(including, but not limited to, all related agreements, schedules, exhibits and appendices)
to be entered into between Lafarge and the Lime Assets Acquirer for sale of the Lime
Assets by Lafarge to the Lime Assets Acquirer. The Lime Assets Purchase Agreement
includes the Lime Rock Supply Agreement and Lime Site Services Agreement.
MM. “Lime Business” means the research, development, manufacture, distribution, or sale of
Lime at or by the Lime Plant.
NN.
“Lime Employees” means employees of Blue Circle PLC who worked at least one
hundred (100) work days for the Lime Business during the twelve-month period prior to
the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets.
OO.
“Lime Hold Separate Trustee Agreement” means the Commission-approved agreement
entered into between Lafarge and the trustee appointed by the Commission for the Lime
Assets pursuant to the Hold Separate.
PP.
“Lime JV” means the joint venture created by Blue Circle PLC, Chemical Lime and
BlueChem on or about December 20, 2000 to own and control the Lime Assets, and that
operates under the name Eastern Lime Holdings, L.P.
QQ.
“Lime Key Employees” means any Lime Employees identified as such in the Lime Assets
Purchase Agreement.
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RR.
“Lime Off-Take Agreement” means the agreement between Eastern Lime and Chemical
Lime pursuant to which Eastern Lime will supply to Chemical Lime the volumes of Lime
listed in Confidential Appendix E for the five-year period following the date on which
Chemical Lime divests to Blue Circle PLC all other rights, titles, and interests in and to the
Lime JV and the Lime Assets.
SS.
“Lime Plant” means the Lime production facility located at 8039 Highway 25, Calera,
Alabama that manufactures, distributes and sells Lime.
TT.
“Lime Rock Supply Agreement” means the agreement to be entered into between Lafarge
and the Lime Assets Acquirer, and incorporated into the Lime Assets Purchase
Agreement, by which Lafarge will supply lime rock to the Lime Assets Acquirer on terms
agreed by the Lime Assets Acquirer and approved by the Commission.
UU.
“Lime Site Services Agreement” means the agreement to be entered into between Lafarge
and the Lime Assets Acquirer, and incorporated into the Lime Assets Purchase
Agreement, by which Lafarge will provide site services at the Calera Site to the Lime
Assets Acquirer on terms agreed by the Lime Assets Acquirer and approved by the
Commission.
VV.
“Non-Public Great Lakes Information” means any information relating to the Great Lakes
Assets not in the public domain. Non-Public Great Lakes Information shall not include: (i)
information that subsequently falls within the public domain through no violation of this
Order by Respondents or breach of a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement with
respect to such information; (ii) information independently developed by Respondents
without reference to or use of Non-Public Great Lakes Information; and (iii) information
that is required to be disclosed by law.
WW. “Non-Public Lime Information” means any information relating to the Lime Assets not in
the public domain and any information obtained by Respondents in the course of
performing Respondents’ obligations under the Lime Rock Supply Agreement or the Lime
Site Services Agreement. Non-Public Lime Information shall not include: (i) information
that subsequently falls within the public domain through no violation of this Order by
Respondents or breach of a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement with respect to
such information; (ii) information independently developed by Respondents without
reference to or use of Non-Public Lime Information; and (iii) information that is required
to be disclosed by law.
XX.
“Non-Public Solvay Information” means any information relating to the Solvay Assets not
in the public domain. Non-Public Solvay Information shall not include: (i) information
that subsequently falls within the public domain through no violation of this Order by
Respondents or breach of a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement with respect to
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such information; (ii) information independently developed by Respondents without
reference to or use of Non-Public Solvay Information; and (iii) information that is required
to be disclosed by law.
YY.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust,
unincorporated organization or other entity.
ZZ.
“Railcars” means the 30 railcars identified in Confidential Appendix D hereto and owned
by Blue Circle PLC.
AAA. “Ready-Mix Operations” means the 39 ready-mix operations identified on Appendix C
hereto.
BBB. “Slag” means the by-product from the manufacture of steel that is ground into a powder,
and sold as a product that can be used as an input into Cement.
CCC. “Solvay Assets” means all of Blue Circle PLC’s rights, titles, and interests in and to all
assets, properties, business and goodwill, tangible or intangible, used to operate the
Solvay Terminal in the ordinary course and in accordance with past practice, including,
but not limited to (i) the Solvay Terminal, (ii) all real property (together with
appurtenances, licenses and permits) owned, leased or otherwise held by Blue Circle PLC
and used to operate the Solvay Terminal, (iii) all personal property owned, leased or
otherwise held by Blue Circle PLC and used to operate the Solvay Terminal, (iv) all rights
of Blue Circle PLC relating to the Solvay Terminal under any contract entered into with
customers (together with associated bid and performance bonds), suppliers, sales repre-
sentatives, distributors, agents, personal property lessors, personal property lessees,
licensors, licensees, consignors and consignees, and joint venture partners, (v) all
governmental approvals, consents, licenses, permits, waivers, or other authorizations held
by Blue Circle PLC and used to operate the Solvay Terminal, (vi) all rights of Blue Circle
PLC relating to the Solvay Terminal under any warranty and guarantee, express or
implied, (vii) all books, records, and files held by Blue Circle PLC relating to the Solvay
Terminal, (viii) all facilities, machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, tools, vehicles,
transportation and storage facilities, and supplies held by Blue Circle PLC and used to
operate the Solvay Terminal; provided, however, that the Solvay Assets do not include the
Railcars, (ix) all rights in and to inventories of Cement at the Solvay Terminal, including
Cement contained in any Railcars at the Solvay Terminal and Cement contained in Railcars
in transit to the Solvay Terminal, and supplies and parts held by Blue Circle PLC and used
to operate the Solvay Terminal, (x) all customer and vendor lists of the Solvay Terminal,
and (xi) all items of prepaid expense used to operate the Solvay Terminal; provided,
however, that the Solvay Assets do not include the Excluded Solvay Assets.
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DDD. “Solvay Assets Acquirer” means the Person approved by the Commission to acquire the
Solvay Assets.
EEE. “Solvay Assets Purchase Agreement” means the Commission-approved agreement
(including, but not limited to, all related agreements, schedules, exhibits, and appendices)
to acquire the Solvay Assets between Lafarge and the Solvay Assets Acquirer, including
the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Lafarge and Glens Falls Lehigh, dated
March 29, 2001, including all related agreements, schedules, exhibits, and appendices
(attached hereto as Confidential Appendix F).
FFF.
“Solvay Employees” means the employees of Blue Circle PLC identified in Schedule 6.1
of the Solvay Assets Purchase Agreement.
GGG. “Solvay Terminal” means the Blue Circle PLC terminal located in Solvay, New York that
stores, distributes and sells Cement.
HHH. “St. Marys Plant” means Blue Circle PLC’s plant in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada that
manufactures, distributes and sells Cement.
III.
“Unused Great Lakes Terminals” means Blue Circle PLC’s terminals in South Beloit,
Illinois and Coniston, Ontario, Canada.
II.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall divest the Great Lakes Assets, absolutely and in good
faith and at no minimum price, to the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer no later than 180 days
from the date upon which Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge consummate the Acquisition;
provided, however, that nothing in this Paragraph II requires Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge
to divest the Excluded Great Lakes Assets. This Paragraph II shall not require Blue Circle
PLC and Lafarge to divest the Unused Great Lakes Terminals if the Commission approves
the divestiture without such assets.
B.
Respondents shall divest the Great Lakes Assets only to an Acquirer that receives the
prior approval of the Commission and only in a manner that receives the prior approval of
the Commission.
C.
For a period of up to six months from the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Great Lakes
Assets:
1.
At the request of the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge
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shall provide technical assistance and advice sufficient to enable the Great Lakes
Assets Acquirer to obtain governmental approvals necessary to operate the Great
Lakes Business.
2.
At the request of the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge
shall provide such technical assistance as is necessary to enable the Great Lakes
Assets Acquirer to conduct the Great Lakes Business in substantially the same
manner as Blue Circle PLC operated the Great Lakes Business at the time of the
announcement of the Acquisition.
3.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall receive no compensation for providing the
assistance required pursuant to Paragraph II.C of this Order that exceeds the out-
of-pocket costs associated with providing such technical assistance and the direct
cost of the material and labor to provide such assistance.
D.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall allow the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer an opportunity
to employ any Great Lakes Employees:
1.
Not later than thirty days before the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Great
Lakes Assets, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible under
applicable laws, (i) provide to the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer a list of all Great
Lakes Employees, (ii) allow the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer an opportunity to
interview any Great Lakes Employees, and (iii) allow the Great Lakes Assets
Acquirer to inspect the personnel files and other documentation relating to such
Great Lakes Employees.
2.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible under applicable laws,
(i) not offer any incentive to any Great Lakes Employee to decline employment
with the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer, (ii) remove any contractual impediments
with Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge that may deter any Great Lakes Employee from
accepting employment with the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer, including, but not
limited to, any non-compete or confidentiality provisions of employment or other
contracts with Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge that would affect the ability of the
Great Lakes Employee to be employed by the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer, (iii)
not interfere with the employment by the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer of any
Great Lakes Employee, (iv) continue employee benefits offered by Blue Circle
PLC and Lafarge until the divestiture has been completed, including regularly
scheduled raises and bonuses, and regularly scheduled vesting of all pension
benefits, and (v) pay a bonus to Great Lakes Key Employees who accept an offer
of employment from the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer no later than thirty (30) days
from the date Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge divest the Great Lakes Assets,
pursuant to the terms set forth in Confidential Appendix B to this Order.
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3.
For a period of one year from the date this Order becomes final, Blue Circle PLC
and Lafarge shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, hire or enter into any
arrangement for the services of any Great Lakes Employee employed by the Great
Lakes Assets Acquirer, unless the Great Lakes Employee’s employment has been
terminated by the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer.
E.
Pending divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets and subject to the Hold Separate, Blue
Circle PLC and Lafarge shall maintain the viability, marketability, and competitiveness of
the Great Lakes Assets, and shall not cause the wasting or deterioration of the Great
Lakes Assets, nor shall they cause the Great Lakes Assets to be operated in a manner
inconsistent with applicable laws, nor shall they sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise
impair the viability, marketability or competitiveness of the Great Lakes Assets. Blue
Circle PLC and Lafarge shall comply with the terms of this paragraph until such time as
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge or the Divestiture Trustee have divested the Great Lakes
Assets pursuant to the terms of this Order. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall conduct the
business of the Great Lakes Assets in the regular and ordinary course of business and in
accordance with past practice (including regular repair and maintenance efforts) and shall
use their best efforts to preserve the existing relationships with suppliers, customers,
employees, and others having business relationships with the Great Lakes Assets in the
ordinary course of business and in accordance with past practice. Blue Circle PLC and
Lafarge shall not terminate the operations of any Great Lakes Assets. Blue Circle PLC
and Lafarge shall use their best efforts to keep the organization and properties of the
Great Lakes Assets intact, including current business operations, physical facilities and
working conditions, and a work force of equivalent size, training, and expertise associated
with the Great Lakes Assets.
F.
The purpose of the divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets is to ensure the continued use of
the Great Lakes Assets in the same business in which the Great Lakes Assets were
engaged at the time of the announcement of the proposed Acquisition by Blue Circle PLC
and Lafarge and to remedy the lessening of competition alleged in the Commission’s
complaint.
III.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall divest the Solvay Assets, absolutely and in good faith,
to Glens Falls Lehigh pursuant to and in accordance with the Solvay Assets Purchase
Agreement, no later than 20 business days from the date upon which Blue Circle PLC and
Lafarge consummate the Acquisition; provided, however, that nothing in this Paragraph
III requires Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge to divest the Excluded Solvay Assets.
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B.
If, at the time the Commission determines to make this Order final, the Commission
determines that Glens Falls Lehigh is not acceptable as the Solvay Assets Acquirer or that
the Solvay Assets Purchase Agreement is not an acceptable manner of divestiture, and so
notifies Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall immediately
terminate or rescind the Solvay Assets Purchase Agreement with Glens Falls Lehigh and
divest the Solvay Assets at no minimum price, absolutely and in good faith, to another
Person that receives the prior approval of the Commission and in a manner that receives
the prior approval of the Commission, no later than 120 days from the date this Order
becomes final.
C.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall comply with all terms of the Solvay Assets Purchase
Agreement which shall be incorporated by reference and made a part of this Order.
Failure by Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge to perform under or comply with the Solvay
Assets Purchase Agreement shall also constitute a violation of this Order.
Notwithstanding any paragraph, section, or other provision of the Solvay Assets Purchase
Agreement, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall not, without the prior approval of the
Commission, modify any term of the Solvay Assets Purchase Agreement or fail to satisfy
each condition to the Solvay Assets Acquirer’s obligation to acquire the Solvay Assets
(whether or not waived). The terms of the Solvay Assets Purchase Agreement shall not
be construed to vary from or contradict the terms of this Order.
D.
For a period of up to six months from the date Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge divest the
Solvay Assets pursuant to Paragraph III.A of this Order:
1.
At the request of the Solvay Assets Acquirer, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
provide technical assistance and advice sufficient to enable the Solvay Assets
Acquirer to obtain governmental approvals necessary to operate the Solvay
Terminal.
2.
At the request of the Solvay Assets Acquirer, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
provide technical assistance as is necessary to enable the Solvay Assets Acquirer to
operate the Solvay Terminal in substantially the same manner as Blue Circle PLC
operated the Solvay Terminal at the time of the announcement of the Acquisition.
3.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall receive no compensation for providing the
assistance required pursuant to Paragraph III.D of this Order that exceeds the out-
of-pocket costs associated with providing such technical assistance and the direct
cost of the material and labor to provide such assistance.
E.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall allow the Solvay Assets Acquirer an opportunity to
enter into an employment contract with any Solvay Employees:
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1.
Not later than thirty days before the date the Solvay Assets are divested, Blue
Circle PLC and Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible under applicable laws, (i)
provide to the Solvay Assets Acquirer a list of all Solvay Employees, (ii) allow the
Solvay Assets Acquirer an opportunity to interview any Solvay Employees, and
(iii) allow the Solvay Assets Acquirer to inspect the personnel files and other
documentation relating to such Solvay Employees.
2.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible under applicable laws,
(i) not offer any incentive to any Solvay Employee to decline employment with the
Solvay Assets Acquirer, (ii) remove any contractual impediments with Blue Circle
PLC and Lafarge that may deter any Solvay Employee from accepting employment
with the Solvay Assets Acquirer, including, but not limited to, any non-compete or
confidentiality provisions of employment or other contracts with Blue Circle PLC
and Lafarge that would affect the ability of the Solvay Employee to be employed
by the Solvay Assets Acquirer, (iii) not interfere with the employment by the
Solvay Assets Acquirer of any Solvay Employee, and (iv) continue employee
benefits offered by Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge until the divestiture has been
completed, including regularly scheduled raises and bonuses, and regularly
scheduled vesting of all pension benefits.
3.
For a period of one year from the date this Order becomes final, Blue Circle PLC
and Lafarge shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, hire or enter into any
arrangement for the services of any Solvay Employee employed by the Solvay
Assets Acquirer, unless the Solvay Employee’s employment has been terminated
by the Solvay Assets Acquirer.
F.
Pending divestiture of the Solvay Assets, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall maintain the
viability, marketability, and competitiveness of the Solvay Assets, and shall not cause the
wasting or deterioration of the Solvay Assets, nor shall they cause the Solvay Assets to be
operated in a manner inconsistent with applicable laws, nor shall they sell, transfer,
encumber or otherwise impair the viability, marketability or competitiveness of the Solvay
Assets. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall comply with the terms of this paragraph until
such time as Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge or the Divestiture Trustee have divested the
Solvay Assets pursuant to the terms of this Order. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
conduct the business of the Solvay Assets in the regular and ordinary course of business
and in accordance with past practice (including regular repair and maintenance efforts) and
shall use their best efforts to preserve the existing relationships with suppliers, customers,
employees, and others having business relationships with the Solvay Assets in the ordinary
course of business and in accordance with past practice. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge
shall not terminate the operations of any Solvay Assets. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge
shall use their best efforts to keep the organization and properties of the Solvay Assets
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intact, including current business operations, physical facilities and working conditions,
and a work force of equivalent size, training, and expertise associated with the Solvay
Assets.
G.
The purpose of the divestiture of the Solvay Assets is to ensure the continued use of the
Solvay Assets in the same business in which the Solvay Assets were engaged at the time of
the announcement of the proposed Acquisition by Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge and to
remedy the lessening of competition alleged in the Commission’s complaint.
IV.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
Blue Circle PLC shall acquire from Chemical Lime all of Chemical Lime’s rights, titles,
and interests in and to the Lime JV and the Lime Assets (other than the Lime Off-Take
Agreement), absolutely and in good faith by no later than the date upon which Lafarge and
Blue Circle PLC consummate the Acquisition. Lafarge and Blue Circle PLC shall not
consummate the Acquisition unless and until Chemical Lime has divested all of its rights,
titles, and interests in and to the Lime JV and the Lime Assets (other than the Lime Off-
Take Agreement), absolutely and in good faith, to Blue Circle PLC effective no later than
the consummation of the Acquisition.
B.
Respondents shall divest the Lime Assets (subject to the Lime Off-Take Agreement),
absolutely and in good faith and at no minimum price, to the Lime Assets Acquirer no
later than 180 days from the date upon which Lafarge and Blue Circle PLC consummate
the Acquisition, provided, however, that nothing in this Paragraph IV requires Blue Circle
PLC and Lafarge to divest the Excluded Lime Assets.
C.
Respondents shall divest the Lime Assets only to an Acquirer that receives the prior
approval of the Commission and only in a manner that receives the prior approval of the
Commission.
D.
Respondents shall not divest the Lime Assets to Chemical Lime or Carmeuse.
E.
For a period of up to six months from the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime
Assets:
1.
At the request of the Lime Assets Acquirer, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
provide technical assistance and advice sufficient to enable the Lime Assets
Acquirer to obtain governmental approvals necessary to operate the Lime
Business.
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2.
At the request of the Lime Assets Acquirer, Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
provide such technical assistance as is necessary to enable the Lime Assets
Acquirer to conduct the Lime Business in substantially the same manner as Blue
Circle PLC operated the Lime Business at the time of the announcement of the
Acquisition.
3.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall receive no compensation for providing the
assistance required pursuant to Paragraph IV.E of this Order that exceeds the out-
of-pocket costs associated with providing such technical assistance and the direct
cost of material and labor to provide such assistance.
F.
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall allow the Lime Assets Acquirer an opportunity to
employ any Lime Employees:
1. No later than thirty days before the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets,
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible under applicable laws, (i)
provide to the Lime Assets Acquirer a list of all Lime Employees, (ii) allow the Lime
Assets Acquirer an opportunity to interview any Lime Employees, and (iii) allow the
Lime Assets Acquirer to inspect the personnel files and other documentation relating
to such Lime Employees.
2. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible under applicable laws, (i)
not offer any incentive to any Lime Employee to decline employment with the Lime
Assets Acquirer, (ii) remove any contractual impediments with Blue Circle PLC and
Lafarge that may deter any Lime Employee from accepting employment with the Lime
Assets Acquirer, including, but not limited to, any non-compete or confidentiality
provisions of employment or other contracts with Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge that
would affect the ability of the Lime Employee to be employed by the Lime Assets
Acquirer, (iii) not interfere with the employment by the Lime Assets Acquirer of any
Lime Employee, (iv) continue employee benefits offered by Blue Circle PLC and
Lafarge until the divestiture has been completed, including regularly scheduled raises
and bonuses, and regularly scheduled vesting of all pension benefits, and (v) pay a
bonus to Lime Key Employees who accept an offer of employment from the Lime
Assets Acquirer no later than thirty (30) days from the date Blue Circle PLC and
Lafarge divest the Lime Assets, pursuant to the terms set forth in Confidential
Appendix B to this Order.
3. For a period of one year from the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets,
Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, hire or enter into
any arrangement for the services of any Lime Employee employed by the Lime Assets
Acquirer, unless the Lime Employee’s employment has been terminated by the Lime
Assets Acquirer.
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G.
Pending divestiture of the Lime Assets and subject to the Hold Separate, Blue Circle PLC
and Lafarge shall maintain the viability, marketability, and competitiveness of the Lime
Assets, and shall not cause the wasting or deterioration of the Lime Assets, nor shall they
cause the Lime Assets to be operated in a manner inconsistent with applicable laws, nor
shall they sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise impair the viability, marketability or
competitiveness of the Lime Assets. Respondents shall comply with the terms of this
paragraph until such time as Respondents or the Divestiture Trustee have divested the
Lime Assets pursuant to the terms of this Order. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
conduct the business of the Lime Assets in the regular and ordinary course of business and
in accordance with past practice (including regular repair and maintenance efforts) and
shall use their best efforts to preserve the existing relationships with suppliers, customers,
employees, and others having business relationships with the Lime Assets in the ordinary
course of business and in accordance with past practice. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge
shall not terminate the operations of any Lime Assets. Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge shall
use their best efforts to keep the organization and properties of the Lime Assets intact,
including current business operations, physical facilities and working conditions, and a
work force of equivalent size, training, and expertise associated with the Lime Assets.
H.
The purpose of the divestiture of the Lime Assets is to ensure the continued use of the
Lime Assets in the same business in which the Lime Assets were engaged at the time of
the announcement of the proposed Acquisition by Blue Circle PLC and Lafarge and to
remedy the lessening of competition alleged in the Commission’s complaint.
V.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
Respondents shall (i) not provide, disclose or otherwise make available any Non-Public
Great Lakes Information, any Non-Public Solvay Information or any Non-Public Lime
Information to any Person, (ii) not use any Non-Public Great Lakes Information, any Non-
Public Solvay Information, or any Non-Public Lime Information for any reason or purpose
other than those set out in this Paragraph V, and (iii) enforce the terms of this Paragraph
V.A as to any Person and take such action as is necessary to cause each Person to comply
with the terms of this Paragraph V.A, including all actions that Respondents would take to
protect their own trade secrets and confidential information; provided, however, that
Respondents may disclose Non-Public Great Lakes Information to the Great Lakes Assets
Acquirer, Non-Public Solvay Information to the Solvay Assets Acquirer, and Non-Public
Lime Information to the Lime Assets Acquirer and their respective directors, officers,
employees, agents and representatives, in connection with the divestiture requirements set
forth in Paragraphs II, III and IV of this Order.
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B.
Notwithstanding Paragraph V.A of this Order and subject to the Hold Separate:
1.
Respondents may use Non-Public Great Lakes Information, Non-Public Solvay
Information or Non-Public Lime Information in the operation or sale process of
the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay Assets and the Lime Assets, respectively, prior
to divesting such assets.
2.
Respondents may provide, disclose, make available, or use Non-Public Great
Lakes Information, Non-Public Solvay Information or Non-Public Lime
Information only as is necessary to provide the technical assistance services
pursuant to Paragraphs II, III and IV, respectively, of this Order, subject to the
conditions set forth in Paragraph V.B.4 of this Order.
3.
Respondents may provide, disclose, make available, or use Non-Public Lime
Information only as is necessary to perform their obligations under the Lime Rock
Supply Agreement and Lime Site Services Agreement, subject to the conditions set
forth in Paragraph V.B.4 of this Order.
4.
Respondents shall (i) provide, disclose, or otherwise make available Non-Public
Great Lakes Information, Non-Public Solvay Information or Non-Public Lime
Information only to those Persons working for Respondents and having a need to
know and who agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information
and (ii) use any Non-Public Great Lakes Information, Non-Public Solvay
Information or Non-Public Lime Information solely for the purposes set forth in
this Paragraph V.
5.
Respondents shall enforce the terms of this Paragraph V.B as to any Person and
take such action as is necessary to cause each such Person to comply with the
terms of this Paragraph V.B, including all actions that Respondents would take to
protect their own trade secrets and confidential information.
VI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
At any time after execution of the Agreement Containing Consent Orders, the Commission
may appoint one or more Persons to serve as Independent Auditor for the purpose of
monitoring Respondents’ compliance with Paragraph IV of this Order:
1.
The Commission may appoint William M. Troutman, to whose appointment
Respondents have previously consented, to serve as the Independent Auditor for
the Lime Assets.
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2.
The Commission may select someone other than William M. Troutman to serve as
the Independent Auditor for the Lime Assets, subject to the consent of
Respondents, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Respondents
shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed substitute
Independent Auditor if Respondents have not opposed, in writing, including the
reasons for opposing, the selection of any proposed Independent Auditor within
ten (10) days after Respondents’ receipt of written notice from the staff of the
Commission of the identity of the proposed substitute Independent Auditor.
3.
Within ten (10) days after appointment of the Independent Auditor, Respondents
shall execute an agreement that, subject to the prior approval of the Commission,
transfers to the Independent Auditor all rights and powers necessary to permit the
Independent Auditor to perform his or her obligations under Paragraphs IV and VI
of this Order.
4.
The Independent Auditor shall serve, without bond or other security, at the cost
and expense of Respondents, on reasonable and customary terms and conditions,
subject to the approval of the Commission.
5.
If the Independent Auditor has ceased to act or failed to act diligently, or if the
Independent Auditor resigns for any reason, the Commission may appoint a
substitute Independent Auditor in the same manner provided by this Order for
appointment of the initial Independent Auditor.
6.
The Independent Auditor’s power and duties under this Paragraph shall terminate
the earlier of (i) ten (10) years from the date on which this Order becomes final, or
(ii) the date on which all the agreements that comprise the Lime Assets Purchase
Agreement have terminated or expired.
B.
An Independent Auditor appointed pursuant to Paragraph VI.A of this Order shall have all
the powers and duties necessary, and may do all such acts and things required to be done,
to monitor Respondents’ compliance with Paragraph IV of this Order. In addition to the
powers and duties provided to the Independent Auditor by this Order, the Independent
Auditor shall:
1.
Employ such consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and
assistants as may be necessary to assist the Independent Auditor to perform his or
her duties under this Paragraph VI;
2.
Account for all expenses incurred, including fees for the Independent Auditor’s
services and the services of any person employed by the Independent Auditor, in
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the course of performing his or her duties under this Paragraph VI;
3.
Sign a confidentiality agreement, if requested by Respondents, prohibiting the use,
or disclosure to anyone other than the Commission or persons employed by the
Independent Auditor, of any confidential information gained as a result of his or
her role as Independent Auditor and providing for the return of any confidential
information upon termination of the Independent Auditor’s duties; and
4.
Report in writing to the Commission concerning Respondents’ compliance with
Paragraph IV of this Order (i) within sixty (60) days from the date the Commission
appoints the Independent Auditor and (ii) annually thereafter on the anniversary of
the date this Order becomes final during the remainder of the Independent
Auditor’s period of appointment, or at any other time as requested by the staff of
the Commission.
C.
Respondents shall assist and cooperate with the Independent Auditor in performing his or
her duties under this Paragraph VI and shall take no affirmative action, or fail to take any
action within Respondents’ control, as a result of which the Independent Auditor’s ability
to fulfill his or her duties as required by Paragraphs IV and VI of this Order would be
diminished. In addition to the obligations imposed upon Respondents by Paragraph IV of
this Order, Respondents shall:
1.
Provide the Independent Auditor with complete access, subject to any legally
recognized privilege, to the personnel, facilities, books, records, and any other
information relating to Respondents’ obligations under Paragraph IV of this Order;
provided, however, that the Independent Auditor shall give Respondents notice of
any request and attempt to schedule such access in a manner that will not
unreasonably interfere with Respondents’ operations;
2.
Compensate the Independent Auditor for (i) his or her services and (ii) the services
of such consultants, accountants, attorneys, and other representatives and
assistants as are reasonably necessary to the Independent Auditor to perform his or
her duties, at reasonable and customary terms and conditions, including payment of
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of the Independent
Auditor’s duties; and
3.
Indemnify the Independent Auditor, including any persons retained by the
Independent Auditor, and hold all such persons harmless against any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the
performance of the Independent Auditor’s duties, including all reasonable fees of
counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation for, or
defense of, any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent
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that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses result from gross
negligence, willful or wanton acts, or bad faith by the Independent Auditor.
D.
The Commission may on its own initiative or at the request of the Independent Auditor
issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to monitor
compliance with the requirements of Paragraph IV of this Order.
VII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
If Respondents fail to complete one or more of the divestitures required by Paragraphs II,
III and IV of this Order within the time periods specified therein, the Commission may
appoint one or more Divestiture Trustees to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay
Assets and/or the Lime Assets that have not been divested to an Acquirer or Acquirers in
a manner acceptable to the Commission. The Divestiture Trustee will have the authority
and responsibility to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay Assets and/or the Lime
Assets absolutely and in good faith at no minimum price, and with the Commission’s prior
approval. Neither the decision of the Commission to appoint a Divestiture Trustee, nor
the decision of the Commission not to appoint a Divestiture Trustee, to divest any of the
assets under this Paragraph VII shall preclude the Commission or the Attorney General
from seeking civil penalties or any other relief available to it, including a court-appointed
trustee, pursuant to Section 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, or any other
statute enforced by the Commission, for any failure by the Respondents to comply with
this Order.
B.
If a Divestiture Trustee is appointed by the Commission or a court pursuant to Paragraph
VII of this Order to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay Assets and/or the Lime
Assets to an Acquirer or Acquirers, Respondents shall consent to the following terms and
conditions regarding the Divestiture Trustee’s powers, duties, authority, and
responsibilities:
1.
The Commission may appoint Daniel E. Somes and William M. Troutman, to
whose appointments Respondents have previously consented, to serve as,
respectively, the Divestiture Trustee for the Great Lakes Assets and the
Divestiture Trustee for the Lime Assets. If the Commission appoints Daniel E.
Somes as the Divestiture Trustee of the Great Lakes Assets or William M.
Troutman as the Divestiture Trustee for the Lime Assets, Respondents shall
execute a trust agreement with the Divestiture Trustee no later than one (1)
business day after appointment by the Commission in the form of the trust
agreement attached to the Great Lakes Hold Separate Trustee Agreement and the
Lime Hold Separate Trustee Agreement, as the case may be. Respondents shall
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transfer to the Divestiture Trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the
Divestiture Trustee to divest the Great Lakes Assets or the Lime Assets to an
Acquirer or Acquirers and to enter into a purchase and sale agreement(s) and, as
applicable, an operating agreement, with the Acquirer or Acquirers.
2.
The Commission may select someone other than Daniel E. Somes or William M.
Troutman to serve as Divestiture Trustees, subject to the consent of Respondents,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Respondents shall be deemed
to have consented to the selection of a proposed substitute Divestiture Trustee if
Respondents have not opposed, in writing, including the reasons for opposing, the
selection of any proposed substitute Divestiture Trustee within ten (10) days after
Respondents’ receipt of written notice from the staff of the Commission of the
identity of the proposed Divestiture Trustee.
3.
Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the Divestiture Trustee(s) shall
have the exclusive power and authority to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the
Solvay Assets and/or the Lime Assets to an Acquirer or Acquirers pursuant to the
terms of this Order and to enter into a purchase and sale agreement(s) and, as
applicable, an operating agreement with the Acquirer or Acquirers pursuant to the
terms of this Order, which purchase and sale agreement(s) and, as applicable,
operating agreement, shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commission.
4.
Except as provided in Paragraph VII.B.1, within ten (10) days after appointment
of a Divestiture Trustee, Respondents shall execute a trust agreement that, subject
to the prior approval of the Commission and, in the case of a court-appointed
trustee, of the court, transfers to the Divestiture Trustee all rights and powers
necessary to permit the Divestiture Trustee to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the
Solvay Assets and/or the Lime Assets to an Acquirer or Acquirers and to enter
into a purchase and sale agreement(s) and, as applicable, an operating agreement,
with the Acquirer or Acquirers.
5.
The Divestiture Trustee shall have twelve (12) months from the date the
Commission appoints the Divestiture Trustee to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the
Solvay Assets and/or the Lime Assets only to an Acquirer or Acquirers that
receives the prior approval of the Commission and only in a manner that receives
the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end of the applicable
twelve-month period, the Divestiture Trustee has submitted to the Commission a
plan of divestiture or believes that divestiture can be achieved within a reasonable
time, such divestiture period may be extended by the Commission, or, in the case
of a court-appointed trustee, by the court; provided, however, the Commission
may extend such divestiture period only two (2) times.
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6.
The Divestiture Trustee shall have full and complete access, subject to any legally
recognized privilege, to the personnel, books, records and facilities of Respondents
related to the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay Assets and/or the Lime Assets, or to
any other relevant information, as the Divestiture Trustee may request.
Respondents shall develop such financial or other information as the Divestiture
Trustee may request and shall cooperate with the Divestiture Trustee.
Respondents shall take no action to interfere with or impede the Divestiture
Trustee’s accomplishment of his or her responsibilities.
7.
The Divestiture Trustee shall use his or her best efforts to negotiate the most
favorable price and terms available in each contract that is submitted to the
Commission, but shall divest expeditiously at no minimum price. The divestitures
shall be made only to an Acquirer or Acquirers that receives the prior approval of
the Commission and the divestitures shall be accomplished only in a manner that
receives the prior approval of the Commission; provided, however, if the
Divestiture Trustee receives bona fide offers from more than one acquiring entity,
and if the Commission determines to approve more than one such acquiring entity,
the Divestiture Trustee shall divest to the acquiring entity or entities selected by
Respondents from among those approved by the Commission; provided further,
however, that Respondents shall select such entity within five (5) days of receiving
written notification of the Commission’s approval.
8.
The Divestiture Trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the expense
of Respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the
Commission or a court may set. The Divestiture Trustee shall have the authority
to employ, at the expense of Respondents, such consultants, accountants,
attorneys, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other
representatives and assistants as are necessary to carry out the Divestiture
Trustee’s duties and responsibilities. The Divestiture Trustee shall account for all
monies derived from the divestiture and all expenses incurred. After approval by
the Commission and, in the case of a court-appointed Divestiture Trustee, by the
court, of the account of the Divestiture Trustee, including fees for his or her
services, all remaining monies shall be paid at the direction of Respondents. The
Divestiture Trustee’s compensation shall be based at least in significant part on a
commission arrangement contingent on the Divestiture Trustee’s locating an
Acquirer or Acquirers and assuring compliance with this Order.
9.
Respondents shall indemnify the Divestiture Trustee and hold the Divestiture
Trustee harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses
arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s
duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in
connection with the preparation for, or defense of, any claim, whether or not
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resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities, or expenses result from misfeasance, gross negligence, willful or wanton
acts, or bad faith by the Divestiture Trustee.
10.
If the Divestiture Trustee has ceased to act or failed to act diligently, the
Commission may appoint a substitute trustee in the same manner as provided in
Paragraph VII of this Order.
11.
The Divestiture Trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or
maintain the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay Assets or the Lime Assets, as the case
may be.
12.
The Divestiture Trustee shall report in writing to the Commission every sixty (60)
days concerning his or her efforts to divest the Great Lakes Assets, the Solvay
Assets and/or the Lime Assets and Respondents’ compliance with the terms of this
Order.
C.
The Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, the court, may on its own
initiative or at the request of the Divestiture Trustee issue such additional orders or
directions as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the divestitures required by
this Order.
VIII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall provide a copy of this Order to
each of Respondents’ officers, employees, or agents having managerial responsibility for any of
Respondents’ obligations under this Order, no later than ten (10) days from the date this Order
becomes final.
IX.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
Except as provided in Paragraph IX.B., Respondents shall file a verified written report
with the Commission setting forth in detail the manner and form in which they intend to
comply, are complying, and have complied with this Order (i) no later than sixty (60) days
from the date this Order becomes final, (ii) every sixty (60) days thereafter until the
divestitures have been completed, and (iii) at such other times as the Commission may
require.
B.
Within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets, and
annually thereafter until the earlier of (i) ten (10) years from the date on which this Order
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becomes final, or (ii) the date on which all of the agreements that comprise the Lime
Assets Purchase Agreement have terminated or expired, Respondents shall file a verified
written report with the Commission setting forth in detail the manner and form in which
they intend to comply, are complying, and have complied with Paragraph IV of this Order.
C.
Respondents shall include in their compliance reports, among other things required by the
Commission, a description (when applicable) of all substantive contacts or negotiations
relating to the divestitures required by Paragraphs II, III and IV of this Order, the identity
of all parties contacted, copies of all written communications to and from such parties, all
reports and recommendations concerning the divestiture, the date of divestiture, and a
statement that the divestiture has been accomplished in the manner approved by the
Commission.
X.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall notify the Commission at least
thirty (30) days prior to any proposed change in the corporate structure of Respondents such as
dissolution, assignment, sale resulting in the emergence of a successor corporation, or the creation
or dissolution of subsidiaries or any other change in the corporation that may affect compliance
obligations arising out of this Order.
XI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, for the purpose of determining or securing
compliance with this Order, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, and upon written
request with reasonable notice to Respondents, Respondents shall permit any duly authorized
representative of the Commission:
A.
Access, during office hours and in the presence of counsel, to all facilities and access to
inspect and copy all non-privileged books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda
and other records and documents in the possession or under the control of Respondents
relating to any matter contained in this Order; and
B.
Upon eight days’ notice to Respondents and without restraint or interference from them,
to interview officers, directors, or employees of Respondents, who may have counsel
present, regarding any such matters.
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XII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall terminate ten (10) years from the date
this Order becomes final.
By the Commission.
Donald S. Clark
Secretary
SEAL
ISSUED:
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Appendix A
The Excluded Great Lakes Assets includes the following:
1. cash and cash equivalents;
2. any U.S. insurance policies that do not apply exclusively to the Great Lakes Business and
prepaid expenses for any such U.S. insurance policies;
3. sporting tickets to the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa
Senators and any interest in the Ottawa Senators hockey club;
4. the following pension plans: (i) Blue Circle Inc. Savings Plan for Salaried Employees; (ii) Blue
Circle Inc. Savings Plan for Blue Circle Cement Hourly Employees; and (iii) Blue Circle Inc.
Pension Plan;
5. subject to item 6 below, intellectual property that is not used exclusively in the Great Lakes
Business, provided, however, that, to the extent such intellectual property is used in the Great
Lakes Business, Respondents shall grant the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer a perpetual,
nonexclusive, paid-up (royalty-free) license to use such intellectual property in the operation
of the Great Lakes Business;
6. all rights, including the right to use, in or to any trade name and trademark whether or not
registered in any country in the world which includes the term “BLUE CIRCLE” or the
“BLUE CIRCLE” design or the term “NEWCEM” or the “NEWCEM” design; provided,
however, that the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer shall have rights to use the “BLUE CIRCLE”
trade name and trademark and the “NEWCEM” trade name and trademark for a transition
period of three months following the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets;
7. any titles, leases, licenses or other rights to or in real property other than the real property
comprising the Detroit Facility, the Bowmanville Plant, the St. Marys Plant, the Great Lakes
Terminals, Hutton Transport, the Unused Great Lakes Terminals and the Ready-Mix
Operations, provided however, that Respondents shall not be required to divest any titles,
leases, licenses or other rights to or in the real property comprising the Unused Great Lakes
Terminals if the Commission approves the divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets without the
Unused Great Lakes Terminals;
8. rights in and to pits and quarries, including all personal property used to operate such pits and
quarries, other than those located at the Bowmanville Plant and the St. Marys Plant, or at
Cambridge, Sunderland, Aberfoyle, Brighton, and North London (except the Byron and TCG
Asphalt & Construction properties), Ontario, Canada;
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9. any books and records that Respondents are required by law to retain, so long as Blue Circle
PLC delivers at least one copy thereof to the Great Lakes Assets Acquirer; and
10. all refunds, rebates or similar payments of taxes to the extent such taxes were paid by or on
behalf of Blue Circle PLC prior to the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Great Lakes Assets.
The Excluded Solvay Assets includes the following:
1.
cash and cash equivalents;
2.
any insurance policies that do not apply exclusively to the business of the Solvay Terminal
and prepaid expenses for any such insurance policies;
3.
the following pension plans: (i) Blue Circle Inc. Savings Plan for Salaried Employees; (ii)
Blue Circle Inc. Savings Plan for Blue Circle Cement Hourly Employees; and (iii) Blue
Circle Inc. Pension Plan;
4.
any plants that manufacture Cement or Slag;
5.
all rights, including the right to use, in or to any trade name and trademark whether or not
registered in any country in the world which includes the term “BLUE CIRCLE” or the
“BLUE CIRCLE” design; provided, however, that the Solvay Assets Acquirer shall have
rights to use the “BLUE CIRCLE” trade name and “BLUE CIRCLE” design for a
transition period of three months following divestiture of the Solvay Assets;
6.
any titles, leases, licenses or other rights to or in real property, except for Blue Circle
PLC’s lease with CSX Transportation (formerly Consolidated Rail Corporation) dated
April 1, 1987;
7.
any books and records that Respondents are required by law to retain, so long as Blue
Circle PLC delivers at least one copy thereof to the Acquirer of the Solvay Assets; and
8.
all refunds, rebates or similar payments of taxes to the extent such taxes were paid by or
on behalf of Blue Circle PLC prior to the date of divestiture of the Solvay Assets.
The Excluded Lime Assets include the following:
1. cash and cash equivalents;
2. any insurance policies that do not apply exclusively to the Lime Business and prepaid
expenses for any such insurance policies;
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3. the following pension plans: (i) Blue Circle Inc. Savings Plan for Salaried Employees; (ii) Blue
Circle Inc. Savings Plan for Blue Circle Cement Hourly Employees; and (iii) Blue Circle Inc.
Pension Plan;
4. any assets used by Respondents to provide site services to the Lime Assets Acquirer under the
Lime Site Services Agreement;
5. any assets used by Respondents to provide lime rock to the Lime Assets Acquirer under the
Lime Rock Supply Agreement, including rights in and to pits and quarries and all personal
property used to operate such pits and quarries;
6. subject to item 6 below, intellectual property that is not used exclusively in the Lime Business,
provided, however, that, to the extent such intellectual property is used in the Lime Business,
Respondents shall grant the Lime Assets Acquirer a perpetual, nonexclusive, paid-up (royalty-
free) license to use such intellectual property in the operation of the Lime Business;
7. all rights, including the right to use, in or to any trade name and trademark whether or not
registered in any country in the world which includes the term “BLUE CIRCLE” or the
“BLUE CIRCLE” design provided, however, that the Lime Assets Acquirer shall have the
right to use the “BLUE CIRCLE” trade name and trademark for a transition period of three
months following the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets;
8. in the event the Lime Assets Acquirer chooses to enter into a lease for the real property
comprising the Lime Plant (the “Land”), the Land together with related appurtenances,
licenses and permits;
9. any railtracks, provided, however, that Respondents shall grant the Lime Assets Acquirer
easements to use railtracks on the Calera Site;
10. any collective bargaining agreements;
11. any books and records that Respondents are required by law to retain, so long as Blue Circle
PLC delivers at least one copy thereof to the Lime Assets Acquirer; and
12. all refunds, rebates or similar payments of taxes to the extent such taxes were paid by or on
behalf of Blue Circle PLC prior to the Effective Date of Divestiture of the Lime Assets.
Confidential Appendix B
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Appendix C
Blue Circle PLC Ready-Mix Operations to be divested pursuant to Paragraph II of this Order:
1. Barrie, Ontario
2. Belleville, Ontario
3. Blenheim, Ontario
4. Bowmanville, Ontario
5. Brampton, Ontario
6. Brantford, Ontario
7. Burlington, Ontario
8. Caledon, Ontario
9. Cambridge, Ontario
10. Cobourg, Ontario
11. Elora, Ontario
12. Guelph, Ontario
13. Hamilton, Ontario
14. Hanover, Ontario
15. Hull, Quebec
16. Ingersoll, Ontario
17. Kingston, Ontario
18. Leaside-Toronto, Ontario
19. London, Ontario
20. Maple, Ontario
21. Milton, Ontario
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22. Mount Forest, Ontario
23. New Hamburg, Ontario
24. Newmarket, Ontario
25. Niagara (Thorold), Ontario
26. Ottawa (Gloucester), Ontario
27. Ottawa (Kanata), Ontario
28. Perth, Ontario
29. Peterborough, Ontario
30. Sarnia, Ontario
31. Scarborough, Ontario
32. St. Thomas, Ontario
33. Sutton, Ontario
34. Toronto (Bathurst/Etobicoke), Ontario
35. Wallaceburg, Ontario
36. West Lorne, Ontario
37. Whitby, Ontario
38. Windsor, Ontario
39. Woodstock, Ontario
Confidential Appendix D
Confidential Appendix E
Confidential Appendix F