AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION BY AND BETWEEN EQUITYBANCSHARES, INC. AND CACHE HOLDINGS, INC. Dated as of July 14, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EX-2.2 3 d425298dex22.htm EX-2.2 EX-2.2

Exhibit 2.2

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

BY AND BETWEEN

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.

AND

CACHE HOLDINGS, INC.

Dated as of July 14, 2017

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I THE MERGER

     2  

Section 1.01  Merger of Cache with and into EQBK

     2  

Section 1.02  Effects of the Merger

     2  

Section 1.03  Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

     2  

Section 1.04  Directors and Officers

     2  

Section 1.05  Effect on Capital Stock

     2  

Section 1.06  Calculation of Consideration

     4  

Section 1.07  Exchange Procedures

     5  

Section 1.08  Tax Treatment

     7  

Section 1.09  Modification of Structure

     7  

Section 1.10  Dissenting Shareholders

     8  

Section 1.11  Treatment of Equity Awards

     8  

Section 1.12  Bank Merger

     9  

ARTICLE II THE CLOSING AND THE CLOSING DATE

     9  

Section 2.01  Time and Place of the Closing and Closing Date

     9  

Section 2.02  Actions to be Taken at the Closing by Cache

     10  

Section 2.03  Actions to be Taken at the Closing by EQBK

     12  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CACHE

     13  

Section 3.01  Organization and Qualification

     13  

Section 3.02  Authority; Execution and Delivery

     14  

Section 3.03  Capitalization

     14  

Section 3.04  Compliance with Laws, Permits and Instruments

     15  

Section 3.05  Financial Statements

     16  

Section 3.06  Undisclosed Liabilities

     17  

Section 3.07  Litigation

     17  

Section 3.08  Consents and Approvals

     17  

Section 3.09  Title to Assets

     18  

Section 3.10  Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     18  

Section 3.11  Leases, Contracts and Agreements

     21  

Section 3.12  Taxes

     22  

Section 3.13  Insurance

     25  

Section 3.14  No Material Adverse Change

     25  

Section 3.15  Proprietary Rights

     26  

Section 3.16  Transactions with Certain Persons and Entities

     26  

Section 3.17  Evidences of Indebtedness

     26  

Section 3.18  Condition of Assets

     27  

Section 3.19  Environmental Compliance

     27  

Section 3.20  Regulatory Compliance

     28  

Section 3.21  Absence of Certain Business Practices

     29  

Section 3.22  Books and Records

     29  

Section 3.23  Forms of Instruments, Etc.

     29  

Section 3.24  Fiduciary Responsibilities

     29  

 

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

Section 3.25  Guaranties

     29  

Section 3.26  Voting Trust, Voting Agreements or Shareholders’ Agreements

     29  

Section 3.27  Employee Relationships

     29  

Section 3.28  Employee Benefit Plans

     30  

Section 3.29  Obligations to Employees

     34  

Section 3.30  Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments

     34  

Section 3.31  Internal Controls

     34  

Section 3.32  Community Reinvestment Act

     35  

Section 3.33  Fair Housing Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act

     35  

Section 3.34  Usury Laws and Other Consumer Compliance Laws

     35  

Section 3.35  Bank Secrecy Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.S.A. Patriot Act

     35  

Section 3.36  Unfair, Deceptive or Abusive Acts or Practices

     36  

Section 3.37  Securities Not Publicly Traded

     36  

Section 3.38  Proxy Statement/Prospectus

     36  

Section 3.39  Agreements Between Cache and its Subsidiaries; Claims

     36  

Section 3.40  Representations Not Misleading

     37  

Section 3.41  State Takeover Laws

     37  

Section 3.42  Opinion of Financial Advisor

     37  

Section 3.43  No Other Representations or Warranties

     37  

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EQBK

     37  

Section 4.01  Organization and Qualification

     38  

Section 4.02  Authority; Execution and Delivery

     38  

Section 4.03  Capitalization

     39  

Section 4.04  SEC Filings; Financial Statements

     39  

Section 4.05  Compliance with Laws, Permits and Instruments

     40  

Section 4.06  Undisclosed Liabilities

     41  

Section 4.07  Litigation

     41  

Section 4.08  Consents and Approvals

     42  

Section 4.09  Regulatory Compliance

     42  

Section 4.10  Proxy Statement/Prospectus

     43  

Section 4.11  Absence of Certain Changes

     43  

Section 4.12  EQBK Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     43  

Section 4.13  Representations Not Misleading

     43  

Section 4.14  Opinion of Financial Advisor

     44  

Section 4.15  No Other Representations or Warranties

     44  

Section 4.16  Taxes

     44  

ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF CACHE

     44  

Section 5.01  Commercially Reasonable Efforts

     44  

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

Section 5.02  Shareholders’ Meeting

     44  

Section 5.03  Information Furnished by Cache

     45  

Section 5.04  Required Acts

     45  

Section 5.05  Prohibited Acts

     47  

Section 5.06  Access; Pre-Closing Investigation

     50  

Section 5.07  Additional Financial Statements

     50  

Section 5.08  Untrue Representation

     51  

Section 5.09  Litigation and Claims

     51  

Section 5.10  Material Adverse Changes

     51  

Section 5.11  Consents and Approvals

     51  

Section 5.12  Environmental Investigation; Right to Terminate Agreement

     51  

Section 5.13  Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus

     52  

Section 5.14  Benefit Plans

     53  

Section 5.15  Termination of Contracts

     54  

Section 5.16  Conforming Accounting Adjustments

     54  

Section 5.17  Regulatory and Other Approvals

     55  

Section 5.18  Tax Matters

     55  

Section 5.19  Disclosure Schedules

     57  

Section 5.20  Transition

     58  

Section 5.21  Execution of Releases

     58  

Section 5.22  No Solicitation

     58  

ARTICLE VI COVENANTS OF EQBK

     60  

Section 6.01  Commercially Reasonable Efforts

     60  

Section 6.02  Regulatory Filings; Registration Statement

     60  

Section 6.03  Untrue Representations

     61  

Section 6.04  Litigation and Claims

     61  

Section 6.05  Material Adverse Changes

     61  

Section 6.06  Consents and Approvals

     61  

Section 6.07  Employee Matters

     62  

Section 6.08  Conduct of Business in the Ordinary Course

     63  

Section 6.09  Access to Properties and Records

     63  

Section 6.10  Nasdaq Listing

     63  

Section 6.11  Disclosure Schedules

     63  

Section 6.12  No Control of Cache’s Business

     64  

Section 6.13  Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnification and Insurance

     64  

Section 6.14  Tax Matters

     65  

ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF CACHE

     65  

Section 7.01  Representations and Warranties

     65  

Section 7.02  Performance of Obligations

     66  

Section 7.03  Shareholder Approval

     66  

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

Section 7.04  Government and Other Approvals

     66  

Section 7.05  No Litigation

     66  

Section 7.06  Delivery of Closing Documents

     66  

Section 7.07  No Material Adverse Change

     67  

Section 7.08  Registration Statement

     67  

Section 7.01  Nasdaq Listing

     67  

Section 7.02  Federal Tax Opinion

     67  

Section 7.03  Tail Policy

     67  

ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF EQBK

     67  

Section 8.01  Representations and Warranties

     67  

Section 8.02  Performance of Obligations

     68  

Section 8.03  Shareholder Approval

     68  

Section 8.04  Government and Other Approvals

     68  

Section 8.05  No Litigation

     68  

Section 8.06  Releases

     68  

Section 8.07  No Material Adverse Change

     69  

Section 8.08  Termination of Employee Plans

     69  

Section 8.09  Employment Agreements

     69  

Section 8.10  Registration Statement

     69  

Section 8.11  Dissenting Shareholders

     69  

Section 8.12  Delivery of Closing Documents

     69  

Section 8.13  Minimum Adjusted Equity

     69  

Section 8.14  Cache Options

     69  

Section 8.15  FIRPTA Certificate

     69  

Section 8.16  Subchapter S Documents

     69  

Section 8.17  Federal Tax Opinion

     70  

ARTICLE IX TERMINATION

     70  

Section 9.01  Right of Termination

     70  

Section 9.02  Notice of Termination

     73  

Section 9.03  Effect of Termination

     73  

ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS

     74  

Section 10.01  Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements

     74  

Section 10.02  Expenses

     74  

Section 10.03  Brokerage Fees and Commissions

     75  

Section 10.04  Entire Agreement

     75  

Section 10.05  Binding Effect; Assignment

     75  

Section 10.06  Further Cooperation

     75  

Section 10.07  Severability

     76  

 

-iv-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

Section 10.08  Notices

     76  

Section 10.09  GOVERNING LAW

     77  

Section 10.10  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     77  

Section 10.11  Multiple Counterparts

     77  

Section 10.12  Definitions

     78  

Section 10.13  Specific Performance

     86  

Section 10.14  Attorneys’ Fees and Costs

     86  

Section 10.15  Rules of Construction

     86  

Section 10.16  Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules

     87  

Section 10.17  Public Disclosure

     87  

Section 10.18  Extension; Waiver

     87  

Section 10.19  Amendment

     87  

Section 10.20  No Third Party Beneficiaries

     88  

 

-v-


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit “A”    Form of Voting Agreement
Exhibit “B”    Form of Director Support Agreement
Exhibit “C”    Form of Option Cancellation Agreement
Exhibit “D”    Form of Bank Merger Agreement
Exhibit “E”    Form of Director Release
Exhibit “F”    Form of Officer Release
Exhibit “G-1”    Form of Employment Agreement
Exhibit “G-2”    Form of Employment Agreement
Exhibit “G-3”    Form of Employment Agreement

 

 

-vi-


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this “Agreement”) is effective as of July 14, 2017, by and between Equity Bancshares, Inc. (“EQBK”), a Kansas corporation and registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”) and Cache Holdings, Inc. (“Cache”), an Oklahoma corporation and registered bank holding company under the BHCA.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, EQBK owns all of the common stock of Equity Bank, a Kansas state bank with its principal office in Andover, Kansas (“Equity Bank”);

WHEREAS, Cache owns all of the common stock of Patriot Bank, an Oklahoma state bank with its principal office in Tulsa, Oklahoma (the “Bank”);

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of EQBK (the “EQBK Board”) and the Board of Directors of Cache (the “Cache Board”) have determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of their respective companies and their shareholders to consummate the strategic business combination transaction provided for in this Agreement, pursuant to which EQBK will, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, acquire Cache for a combination of cash and stock with an aggregate value of approximately $50.5 million as calculated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, through the merger of Cache with and into EQBK (the “Merger”);

WHEREAS, immediately following the Merger, or at such later time as EQBK may determine, EQBK will cause the Bank to be merged with and into Equity Bank, with Equity Bank surviving the merger (the “Bank Merger”);

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as a condition and inducement for EQBK to enter into this Agreement, certain shareholders of Cache have each entered into a Voting Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “A” (the “Voting Agreement”), whereby such shareholders of Cache have agreed to vote the shares of Cache Stock (as defined below) owned by them in favor of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as a condition and inducement for EQBK to enter into this Agreement, each of the directors of Cache have entered into Director Support Agreements in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “B” (the “Director Support Agreement”) in connection with the Merger;

WHEREAS, it is intended that the Merger be treated as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth certain representations, warranties and covenants made by each to the other as an inducement to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and certain additional agreements related to the transactions contemplated hereby:


AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and subject to the conditions set forth below, the parties, intending to be legally bound, undertake, promise, covenant and agree with each other as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE MERGER

Section 1.01 Merger of Cache with and into EQBK. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, Cache will merge with and into EQBK in accordance with Section 1082 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act (the “OGCA”). EQBK will be the surviving corporation in the Merger (the “Surviving Corporation”) and will continue its corporate existence under the OGCA. Upon consummation of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Cache shall terminate.

Section 1.02 Effects of the Merger. The Merger will have the effects set forth in the OGCA. The name of the Surviving Corporation will be “Equity Bancshares, Inc.”

Section 1.03 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. At the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of EQBK, as in effect immediately before the Effective Time, will be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided by Law.

Section 1.04 Directors and Officers. The directors and officers, respectively, of EQBK at the Effective Time will become the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation and will hold office from the Effective Time until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation or as otherwise provided by Law.

Section 1.05 Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of EQBK, Cache or any holder of record of the following securities:

(a) Each share of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of EQBK (“EQBK Class A Stock”) and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share of EQBK (“EQBK Class B Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall remain issued and outstanding and shall not be affected by the Merger.

(b) Each share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Cache (the “Cache Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for the Cancelled Shares and Dissenting Shares, shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be converted into and become the right to receive, without interest, the following:

 

2


(i) a number of shares of EQBK Class A Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio; and

(ii) the Per Share Cash Amount (the aggregate consideration described in clauses (i) and (ii), such per share amount, the “Per Share Merger Consideration,” and in the aggregate for all holders of Cache Stock entitled to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration under the terms of this Agreement, the “Merger Consideration”).

(c) At the Effective Time, each share of Cache Stock converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration pursuant to this Section 1.05 shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented any such shares of Cache Stock shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Cache Stock, except the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration for such shares.

(d) Any shares of Cache Stock that are owned immediately prior to the Effective Time by Cache, EQBK or their respective Subsidiaries (other than (i) shares of Cache Stock held, directly or indirectly, in trust accounts, managed accounts and the like or otherwise held in a fiduciary capacity that are beneficially owned by third parties and (ii) shares of Cache Stock held in respect of a debt previously contracted) shall be canceled and extinguished without any conversion thereof or consideration therefor (the “Cancelled Shares”).

(e) No certificates representing a fractional share of EQBK Class A Stock shall be issued by EQBK. In lieu of any fractional share, each holder of Cache Stock entitled to a fractional share, upon surrender of such shares of Cache Stock, shall be entitled to receive from EQBK an amount in cash (without interest), payable in accordance with Section 1.07, rounded to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying the fractional share by the closing price of EQBK Class A Stock as of the Calculation Date.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, between the date hereof and the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of EQBK Class A Stock or EQBK Class B Stock increase, decrease, change into or are exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar change in capitalization (a “Share Adjustment”), then the Exchange Ratio shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted so that each holder of Cache Stock shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration in such proportion as it would have received if the record date for such Share Adjustment had been immediately after the Effective Time.

 

3


Section 1.06 Calculation of Consideration.

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(i) “Adjusted Equity” means the sum of Cache’s capital, surplus and retained earnings accounts less all intangible assets, calculated as of the Calculation Date and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States (“GAAP”) consistently applied (“Cache Equity”), and adjusted to reflect the payment of or accrual for all Cache Merger Costs.

(ii) “Adjusted Cash Amount” means an amount equal to the difference of (A) $12,877,537, minus (B) the Equity Adjustment.

(iii) “Calculation Date” means the close of business on the fifth Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, or such other date as mutually agreeable to the parties hereto.

(iv) “Cache Merger Costs” means, to the extent not already reflected in the Cache Equity as of the Calculation Date, (A) the cost of terminating any employment related agreements and obligations (including any non-competition agreements, option agreements or equity based plans); (B) the transaction costs, fees and expenses (including, without limitation, all legal, accounting, and financial advisory fees and expenses, including any cost to obtain any opinion as to the financial fairness of the Merger) incurred by Cache; (C) the payments owed by Cache to those employees and in such amounts listed on Confidential Schedule 1.06, including, without limitation any severance, stay-pay or retention bonus amounts or change in control payments not being paid by EQBK (all of which shall be reflected on Confidential Schedule 1.06 including the name of the recipient, the amount of such payment and with respect to any stay-pay or retention bonus arrangements, the date through which the recipient must remain employed by the Surviving Corporation to receive the stay-pay or retention bonus amount); (D) a mutually agreeable estimate of the cost of obtaining a determination letter from the IRS in connection with the termination of a Retirement Plan; (E) any federal or state income Tax obligations, franchise Tax obligations or real property Tax obligations incurred prior to the Effective Time; (F) the accrual or payment of all of the costs, fees, expenses, contract payments and penalties or liquidated damages necessary to be paid by Cache in connection with any contract termination required pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, all costs, fees, expenses, contract payments and penalties or liquidated damages associated with the termination of the data processing, technology and other contracts contemplated by Section 5.15 hereof; (G) any unrealized gains or any unrealized losses (as the case may be) in Cache’s securities portfolio due to mark-to-market adjustments required by GAAP as of the Calculation Date; (H) a mutually agreeable estimate of the cost of preparing the federal and state income Tax Returns of Cache for the period from January 1, 2017 through the Closing Date; (I) the difference, if any, between Cache Equity calculated in accordance with GAAP consistent with Cache’s audited financial statements prepared in the Audit and Cache Equity calculated using Cache’s historical accounting practices; (J) the cost of the Audit; and (K) any other amounts mutually agreed upon in writing by EQBK and Cache. In addition, any dividends (whether paid or declared) by Cache shall have been recorded by Cache as a reduction of Adjusted Equity.

 

4


(v) “Equity Adjustment” means the difference of (A) Minimum Equity, minus (B) Adjusted Equity; provided, that if the amount of the Adjusted Equity is greater than the Minimum Equity, then the Equity Adjustment shall be zero.

(vi) “Exchange Ratio” means 53 shares of EQBK Class A Stock.

(vii) “Minimum Equity” means $30,810,000.

(viii) “Per Share Cash Amount” means $615.12; provided, however, that if the Equity Adjustment is greater than zero, then the Per Share Cash Amount shall be equal to the quotient of (A) the Adjusted Cash Amount, divided by (B) the number of the shares of Cache Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for the Cancelled Shares.

Section 1.07 Exchange Procedures.

(a) Prior to the Effective Time, EQBK shall appoint an exchange agent (the “Exchange Agent”) to act as the exchange agent hereunder.

(b) At or prior to the Effective Time, EQBK shall deposit with or make available to the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Certificates, for exchange in accordance with this Section 1.07, (i) certificates or, at EQBK’s option, evidence of shares in book entry form, representing the shares of EQBK Class A Stock, to be issued pursuant to Section 1.05(b), and (ii) cash in an amount sufficient to pay (A) the aggregate cash portion of the Merger Consideration and (B) cash in lieu of any fractional shares (such shares of EQBK Class A Stock and cash described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the “Exchange Fund”).

(c) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, but in no event later than seven (7) Business Days thereafter, and subject to the receipt by the Exchange Agent of a list of Cache’s shareholders in a format that is reasonably acceptable to the Exchange Agent, EQBK shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record immediately prior to the Effective Time of certificates (other than with respect to Cancelled Shares and Dissenting Shares) representing shares of Cache Stock (each, a “Certificate”, it being understood that any reference herein to “Certificate” shall be deemed to include reference to book-entry account statements relating to the ownership of shares of Cache Stock), (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to each Certificate shall pass, only upon delivery of such Certificate (or an affidavit of loss in lieu of such Certificate and, if reasonably required by EQBK or the Exchange Agent, the posting by such holder of Cache Stock of a bond in such amount as EQBK may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate)) to the Exchange Agent and shall be substantially in such form and have such other provisions as shall be prescribed by the agreement with the Exchange Agent (the

 

5


Letter of Transmittal”) and (ii) instructions for use in surrendering each Certificate in exchange for the Per Share Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of a fractional share of EQBK Class A Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor and any dividends or distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Section 1.07. The Cache shareholders will be entitled to receive their Per Share Merger Consideration only after receipt by the Exchange Agent of a properly completed Letter of Transmittal. If a Letter of Transmittal contains an error, is incomplete or is not accompanied by all appropriate Certificates, then the Exchange Agent will notify that Cache shareholder promptly of the need for further information or documentation.

(d) Within five (5) Business Days after surrender to the Exchange Agent of its Certificate or Certificates, accompanied by a properly completed Letter of Transmittal, or within five (5) Business Days after the Effective Time for any uncertificated shares of Cache Stock held of record in book-entry form (subject to receipt of any customary tax documentation that may be reasonably requested by the Exchange Agent), the Exchange Agent shall deliver to such holder of Cache Stock the Per Share Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of a fractional share of EQBK Class A Stock to be issued or paid with respect to each share of Cache Stock represented by the Certificate, and each Certificate surrendered will be canceled. EQBK may, at its option, deliver any shares of EQBK Class A Stock in book-entry form. Until so surrendered, each Certificate shall represent after the Effective Time, for all purposes, only the right to receive, without interest, the Per Share Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of a fractional share of EQBK Class A Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon surrender of such Certificate in accordance with this Section 1.07, and any dividends or distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Section 1.07.

(e) No dividends or other distributions with respect to EQBK Class A Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the shares of EQBK Class A Stock represented thereby, in each case unless and until the surrender of such Certificate in accordance with this Section 1.07. Subject to the effect of applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws, following surrender of any such Certificate in accordance with this Section 1.07, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, without interest, (i) the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore payable with respect to the whole shares of EQBK Class A Stock represented by such Certificate and not paid and/or (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions payable with respect to shares of EQBK Class A Stock represented by such Certificate with a record date after the Effective Time (but before such surrender date) and with a payment date subsequent to the issuance of the EQBK Class A Stock issuable with respect to such Certificate.

(f) In the event of a transfer of ownership of a Certificate representing Cache Stock prior to the Effective Time that is not registered in the stock transfer records of Cache, the Per Share Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of a fractional share of EQBK Class A Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor shall be issued or paid in exchange therefor to a person other than the person in whose name the Certificate so surrendered is registered if the Certificate formerly representing such Cache Stock shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for transfer and the person

 

6


requesting such payment or issuance shall pay any transfer or other similar Taxes required by reason of the payment or issuance to a person other than the registered holder of the Certificate or establish to the satisfaction of EQBK and the Exchange Agent that the Tax has been paid or is not applicable.

(g) EQBK and the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold, if necessary, from any consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any Person such amounts as EQBK or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, is required to deduct and withhold under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax Law, with respect to the making of such payment. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by EQBK or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, and remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to such Person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by EQBK or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.

(h) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the shareholders of Cache at the expiration of six (6) months after the Effective Time shall be paid to EQBK. In such event, any former shareholders of Cache who have not theretofore complied with this Section 1.07 shall thereafter look only to EQBK with respect to the Per Share Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of any fractional shares and any unpaid dividends and distributions on the EQBK Class A Stock deliverable in respect of each share represented by a Certificate such shareholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, without any interest thereon.

(i) Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, none of EQBK, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to a holder of Cache Stock for any amounts paid or property delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.

Section 1.08 Tax Treatment. It is intended that the Merger shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and that this Agreement shall constitute, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-2(g). From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Closing Date, each party hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not knowingly take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action not to be taken, which action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Section 1.09 Modification of Structure. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, EQBK may elect, subject to the filing of all necessary applications and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, to modify the structure of the transactions contemplated hereby so long as (i) there are no material adverse federal or state income tax consequences to the holders of Cache Stock as a result of such modification, (ii) the after tax consideration to be paid to the holders of Cache Stock is not changed in kind or reduced in amount, and (iii) such modification will not be likely to materially delay or jeopardize receipt of any required regulatory approvals or the Closing.

 

7


Section 1.10 Dissenting Shareholders.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no Person who has prior to the Effective Time perfected a demand for appraisal rights pursuant to Section 1091 of the OGCA (a “Dissenting Shareholder”) with respect to any shares of Cache Stock held by such Dissenting Shareholder (“Dissenting Shares”) shall be entitled to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration with respect to such Dissenting Shares unless and until such Dissenting Shareholder shall have effectively withdrawn (in accordance with the applicable provisions of the OGCA) or lost such Person’s right to appraisal under the OGCA with respect to such Dissenting Shares. Unless and until a Dissenting Shareholder shall have effectively so withdrawn or lost such Dissenting Shareholder’s right to appraisal under the OGCA with respect to Dissenting Shares, such Dissenting Shareholder shall be entitled to receive only payment of the fair value of such Dissenting Shares as required by Section 1091 of the OGCA (including any interest thereon and related costs, if any, required to be paid in accordance with Section 1091 of the OGCA). Cache shall give EQBK (i) prompt written notice of any written demands for payment of fair value, attempted withdrawals of such demands, and any other instruments served pursuant to applicable Law that are received by Cache prior to the Effective Time in accordance with the provisions of Section 1091 of the OGCA relating to Cache shareholders’ appraisal rights and (ii) the opportunity to participate in and control all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands for payment of fair value by Cache shareholders under Section 1091 of the OGCA. Cache shall not, except with the prior written consent of EQBK (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), make any payment with respect to any such dissent or demands for payment of fair value, offer to settle or settle any such demands. Any payment required to be made with respect to the Dissenting Shares shall be made by EQBK. From and after the Effective Time, Dissenting Shares shall not be entitled to vote for any purpose or be entitled to the payment of dividends or other distributions (except dividends or other distributions payable to shareholders of record prior to the Effective Time).

(b) If any shareholder who holds Dissenting Shares effectively withdraws or loses (through failure to perfect or otherwise) such shareholder’s right to appraisal under the OGCA, then, as of the later of the Effective Time and the occurrence of such effective withdrawal or loss, such shareholder’s shares of Cache Stock shall no longer be Dissenting Shares and shall be automatically converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration, without interest, as set forth in this Article I, it being understood that surrender of the Certificate representing such Dissenting Shares shall be a prerequisite to the receipt of payment in respect of any Dissenting Shares represented thereby.

Section 1.11 Treatment of Equity Awards. Each option to purchase shares of Cache Stock granted under the Cache stock option plan(s) (the “Cache Stock Plan”) or in any individual Cache stock option award agreement (each, a “Cache Option”), whether vested or unvested, that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Calculation Date shall be surrendered,

 

8


by each holder’s entry into the form of Option Cancellation Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “C”, and each share of Cache Stock subject to such Cache Option will, on the Effective Date, be converted into a number of shares of EQBK Class A Stock equal to the excess, if any, of the Cache Per Share Value over the exercise price per share of such Cache Option, divided by $31.17 (the “Option Consideration”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, between the date hereof and the Effective Time, there is a Share Adjustment, then the Option Consideration shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted so that each holder of a Cache Option shall be entitled to receive the Option Consideration in such proportion as it would have received if the record date for such Share Adjustment had been immediately after the Effective Time. EQBK shall issue the EQBK Class A Stock described in this Section 1.11 in accordance with Section 1.07, as if such Option Consideration was Per Share Merger Consideration, including with respect to the payment of cash in lieu of any fractional shares.

Section 1.12 Bank Merger. Immediately following the Merger, or at such later time as EQBK may determine in its sole discretion, EQBK will cause the Bank Merger on the terms and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Bank Merger Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Bank Merger Agreement”). Equity Bank shall be the surviving entity in the Bank Merger and, following the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of the Bank shall cease. The parties agree that the Bank Merger will become effective immediately after the Second Effective Time or at such later time as EQBK may determine. Prior to or on the date of this Agreement, the board of directors each of Equity Bank and the Bank have approved the Bank Merger Agreement and Equity Bank and the Bank entered into the Bank Merger Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, the parties shall execute and cause to be filed applicable articles or certificates of merger and such other documents as are necessary to effectuate the Bank Merger.

ARTICLE II

THE CLOSING AND THE CLOSING DATE

Section 2.01 Time and Place of the Closing and Closing Date.

(a) On a date mutually acceptable to EQBK and Cache within thirty (30) days after the receipt of all necessary regulatory, corporate and other approvals and the expiration of any mandatory waiting periods (the “Closing Date”), as may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties for a reasonable period to facilitate a Calculation Date on month-end in the event the parties so agree, a meeting will take place at which the parties to this Agreement will exchange certificates, letters and other documents in order to determine whether all of the conditions set forth in Article VII and Article VIII have been satisfied or waived or whether any condition exists that would permit a party to this Agreement to terminate this Agreement. If none of the foregoing conditions then exists or if no party elects to exercise any right it may have to terminate this Agreement, then the parties will execute such documents and instruments as may be necessary or appropriate in order to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”).

 

9


(b) The Merger and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall become effective on the date and at the time specified in the certificate of merger, reflecting the Merger, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma in accordance with the OGCA (the “Effective Time”). The parties will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Effective Time to occur on the same date as the Closing Date, but in no event will the Effective Time occur more than one (1) day after the Closing Date.

(c) The Closing will take place at the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, 2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600, Dallas, Texas 75201 at 10:00 a.m. on the Closing Date, or at such other time and place to which the parties may agree.

Section 2.02 Actions to be Taken at the Closing by Cache. At the Closing, Cache will execute and acknowledge, or cause to be executed and acknowledged, and deliver to EQBK such documents and certificates contemplated to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement or reasonably necessary to evidence the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the following (all of such actions constituting conditions precedent to the obligations of EQBK to close hereunder):

(a) True, correct and complete copies of Cache’s certificate of incorporation and all amendments thereto, duly certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma;

(b) True, correct and complete copies of the Bank’s certificate of incorporation and all amendments thereto, duly certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma;

(c) A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma, duly certifying as of a recent date as to the good standing of Cache under the Laws of the State of Oklahoma;

(d) A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma, duly certifying as of a recent date as to the good standing of the Bank;

(e) A certificate, dated as of a recent date, issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), duly certifying that the deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (the “FDIA”);

(f) A letter, dated as of a recent date, from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, to the effect that Cache is a registered bank holding company under the BHCA;

(g) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the secretary or other appropriate executive officer of Cache, pursuant to which such officer will certify: (i) the due adoption by the Cache Board of corporate resolutions attached to such certificate authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby and the taking of all actions

 

10


contemplated hereby and thereby; (ii) the due adoption and approval by the shareholders of Cache of this Agreement; (iii) the incumbency and true signatures of those officers of Cache duly authorized to act on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby and thereby; (iv) that the copy of the Bylaws of Cache attached to such certificate is true and correct and such Bylaws have not been amended except as reflected in such copy; and (v) a true and correct copy of the list of the holders of Cache Stock as of the Closing Date;

(h) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the secretary or other appropriate executive officer of the Bank, pursuant to which such officer will certify: (i) the due adoption by the board of directors of the Bank of corporate resolutions attached to such certificate authorizing the execution and delivery of the Bank Merger Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated thereby and the taking of all actions contemplated thereby; (ii) the due adoption by the sole shareholder of the Bank of resolutions authorizing the Bank Merger, the Bank Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Bank Merger Agreement, (iii) the incumbency and true signatures of those officers of the Bank duly authorized to act on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Bank Merger Agreement and to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby and thereby; and (iv) that the copy of the Bylaws of the Bank attached to such certificate is true and correct and such Bylaws have not been amended except as reflected in such copy;

(i) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the chief executive officer of Cache, pursuant to which Cache will certify that (i) Cache has satisfied the conditions set forth in Sections 8.01 and 8.02; and (ii) except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, there has been no Material Adverse Change with respect to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate since December 31, 2016;

(j) All consents required from third parties to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement listed on Confidential Schedule 2.02(j);

(k) All releases as required under Section 8.06;

(l) Cache shall have delivered to EQBK a duly executed certificate in form and substance as prescribed by Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 1445 of the Code, stating that Cache is not, and has not been, during the relevant period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code;

(m) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the chief financial officer of Cache certifying the amount of the Adjusted Equity of Cache as of the Calculation Date that the Adjusted Equity was calculated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

 

11


(n) All other documents required to be delivered to EQBK under this Agreement, and all other documents, certificates and instruments as are reasonably requested by EQBK or its counsel.

Section 2.03 Actions to be Taken at the Closing by EQBK. At the Closing, EQBK will execute and acknowledge, or cause to be executed and acknowledged, and deliver to Cache such documents and certificates contemplated to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement or reasonably necessary to evidence the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the following (all of such actions constituting conditions precedent to the obligations of Cache to close hereunder):

(a) True, correct and complete copies of EQBK’s articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, duly certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the State of Kansas;

(b) A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State of the State of Kansas, duly certifying as of a recent date as to the good standing of EQBK under the Laws of the State of Kansas;

(c) A letter, dated as of a recent date, from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, to the effect that EQBK is a registered bank holding company under the BHCA;

(d) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the secretary or other appropriate executive officer of EQBK, pursuant to which such officer will certify: (i) the due adoption by the EQBK Board of corporate resolutions attached to such certificate authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby, and the taking of all actions contemplated hereby and thereby; (ii) the incumbency and true signatures of those officers of EQBK duly authorized to act on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby and thereby; (iii) that the copy of the Bylaws of EQBK attached to such certificate is true and correct and such Bylaws have not been amended except as reflected in such copy;

(e) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the secretary or other appropriate executive officer of the Equity Bank, pursuant to which such officer will certify: (i) the due adoption by the board of directors of Equity Bank of corporate resolutions attached to such certificate authorizing the execution and delivery of the Bank Merger Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated thereby and the taking of all actions contemplated thereby; (ii) the incumbency and true signatures of those officers of Equity Bank duly authorized to act on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Bank Merger Agreement and to execute and deliver the Bank Merger Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated thereby; and (iii) that the copy of the Bylaws of the Bank attached to such certificate is true and correct and such Bylaws have not been amended except as reflected in such copy;

 

12


(f) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the chief executive officer of EQBK, pursuant to which EQBK will certify that (i) EQBK has satisfied the conditions set forth in Sections 7.01 and 7.02; and (ii) except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, there has been no Material Adverse Change with respect to EQBK since December 31, 2016;

(g) All consents required from third parties to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including those listed on Confidential Schedule 2.03(g); and

(h) All other documents required to be delivered to Cache by EQBK under this Agreement, and all other documents, certificates and instruments as are reasonably requested by Cache or its counsel.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CACHE

Except as disclosed in the disclosure schedules delivered by Cache to EQBK prior to the execution hereof (the “Cache Disclosure Schedules”); provided, that (a) no such item is required to be set forth as an exception to a representation or warranty if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect, (b) the mere inclusion of an item in the Cache Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by Cache that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Change, and (c) any disclosures made with respect to a section of this Article III shall be deemed to qualify (1) any other section of this Article III specifically referenced or cross-referenced and (2) other sections of this Article III to the extent it is reasonably apparent on its face (notwithstanding the absence of a specific cross reference) from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure applies to such other sections, Cache hereby represents and warrants to EQBK as follows:

Section 3.01 Organization and Qualification.

(a) Cache is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under all Laws of the State of Oklahoma and is a bank holding company registered under the BHCA. Cache has the corporate power and authority (including all licenses, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations as are legally required) to carry on its business as now being conducted, to own, lease and operate its properties and assets as now owned, leased or operated and to enter into and carry out its obligations under this Agreement. True and complete copies of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Cache, as amended to date, certified by the Secretary of Cache, have been made available to EQBK. Cache does not own or control any Affiliate or Subsidiary, other than the Bank. The nature of the business of Cache and its activities do not require it to be qualified to do business in any jurisdiction other than the State of Oklahoma. Cache has no equity interest, direct or indirect, in any other bank or corporation or in any partnership, joint venture or other business enterprise or entity,

 

13


other than the Bank or as acquired through settlement of indebtedness, foreclosure, the exercise of creditors’ remedies or in a fiduciary capacity, and the business carried on by Cache has not been conducted through any other direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate of Cache other than the Bank.

(b) The Bank is an Oklahoma state bank, duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of the State of Oklahoma and in good standing under all Laws of the State of Oklahoma. The Bank has the corporate power and authority (including all licenses, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations as are legally required) to carry on its business as now being conducted, to own, lease and operate its properties and assets as now owned, leased or operated and to enter into and to carry on the business and activities now conducted by it. True and complete copies of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Bank, as amended to date, certified by the Secretary or Cashier of the Bank have been made available to EQBK. The Bank is an insured depository institution as defined in the FDIA. Except as set forth in Confidential Schedule 3.01(b), the Bank does not own or control any Affiliate or Subsidiary. The nature of the business of the Bank does not require it to be qualified to do business in any jurisdiction other than the State of Oklahoma. The Bank has no equity interest, direct or indirect, in any other bank or corporation or in any partnership, joint venture or other business enterprise or entity, except as acquired through settlement of indebtedness, foreclosure, the exercise of creditors’ remedies or in a fiduciary capacity, and the business carried on by the Bank has not been conducted through any other direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Bank.

Section 3.02 Authority; Execution and Delivery. Cache has the full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger have been duly and validly approved by the Cache Board. The Cache Board has determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, is in the best interests of Cache and its shareholders and has directed that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby be submitted to Cache’s shareholders for adoption at a meeting of such shareholders with a recommendation from the Cache’s Board in favor of adoption (the “Cache Recommendation”) and has adopted a resolution to the foregoing effect. Cache has taken all action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and (provided the required regulatory and shareholder approvals are obtained) performance of this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby to which it is a party. This Agreement has been, and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby, have been or at Closing will be, duly executed by Cache, and each constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Cache, enforceable in accordance with its respective terms and conditions, except as enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exception.

Section 3.03 Capitalization. As of the date of this Agreement,

(a) The entire authorized capital stock of Cache consists solely of 30,000 shares of Cache Stock, of which 20,935 shares are issued and outstanding and no shares are held as treasury stock. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.03, there are no (i) outstanding equity securities of any kind or character or (ii) outstanding subscriptions,

 

14


options, convertible securities, rights, warrants, calls or other agreements or commitments of any kind issued or granted by, or binding upon, Cache to purchase or otherwise acquire any security of or equity interest in Cache, obligating Cache to issue any shares of, restricting the transfer of or otherwise relating to shares of its capital stock of any class. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Cache Stock have been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any Person. Such shares of Cache Stock have been issued in compliance with the securities Laws of the United States and the states in which such shares of Cache Stock were issued. There are no restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends on the shares of Cache Stock except pursuant to applicable Laws, and all dividends declared before the date of this Agreement have been paid.

(b) The entire authorized capital stock of the Bank consists solely of 500,000 shares of common stock, par value $10.00 per share, of the Bank (“Bank Stock”) of which 137,500 shares are issued and outstanding and no shares are held as treasury stock. There are no (i) outstanding equity securities of any kind or character or (ii) outstanding subscriptions, options, convertible securities, rights, warrants, calls or other agreements or commitments of any kind issued or granted by, or binding upon, the Bank to purchase or otherwise acquire any security of or equity interest in the Bank, obligating the Bank to issue any shares of, restricting the transfer of or otherwise relating to shares of its capital stock of any class. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Bank Stock have been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and, except as provided by 6 Okla. Stat. § 220, nonassessable, and have not been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any person. Such shares of Bank Stock have been issued in compliance with the securities Laws of the United States and the State of Oklahoma. There are no restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends on the shares of Bank Stock except pursuant to applicable Laws, and all dividends declared before the date of this Agreement have been paid.

(c) Cache owns, directly or indirectly, all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of each of its Subsidiaries, free and clear of any Liens whatsoever, and all such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable (except, with respect to the Bank, as provided by 6 Okla. Stat. § 220) and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. No Subsidiary of Cache has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

Section 3.04 Compliance with Laws, Permits and Instruments.

(a) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.04(a), Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have in all material respects performed and abided by all obligations required to be performed by it to the date hereof, and have complied with, and is in compliance with, and is not in default (and with the giving of notice or the passage of time will not be in default) under, or in violation of, (i) any provision of the certificate of

 

15


incorporation of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, the bylaws or other governing documents of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Cache Constituent Documents”), (ii) any material provision of any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument applicable to Cache, its Subsidiaries or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses, or (iii) any material Law or Order of any Governmental Entity applicable to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses.

(b) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.04(b), the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement (provided the required regulatory and shareholder approvals are obtained) and the other agreements contemplated hereby, and the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not conflict with, or result, by itself or with the giving of notice or the passage of time, in any violation of or default or loss of a benefit under, (i) the Cache Constituent Documents, (ii) any material mortgage, indenture, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument applicable to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses or (iii) any material Law or Order of any Governmental Entity applicable to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses.

Section 3.05 Financial Statements.

(a) Cache has furnished EQBK with true and complete copies of the parent company financial statements as filed on Form FR Y-9SP for the 12-month periods ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, together with the memoranda items and notes thereto (the “FR Y-9SP Reports”), for Cache. The FR Y-9SP Reports fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position of Cache and the results of its operations, on a parent company basis, at the date and for the period indicated in that FR Y-9SP Report in conformity with the instructions to the Form FR Y-9SP. The FR Y-9SP Reports do not contain any items of special or nonrecurring income or any other income not earned in the ordinary course of business except as expressly specified therein.

(b) Cache has furnished EQBK with true and complete copies of the Reports of Condition and Income as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and March 31, 2017, together with the memoranda items and notes thereto (the “Call Reports”), for the Bank. The Call Reports fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position of the Bank and the results of its operations at the date and for the period indicated in that Call Report in conformity with the instructions to the Call Report. The Call Reports do not contain any items of special or nonrecurring income or any other income not earned in the ordinary course of business except as expressly specified therein. The Bank has calculated its allowance for loan losses in accordance with GAAP and regulatory accounting principles (“RAP”) as applied to banking institutions and in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. The allowance for loan losses account for the Bank is, and as of the Closing Date will be, adequate in all material respects to provide for all losses, net of recoveries relating to loans previously charged off, on all outstanding loans of the Bank; provided, however, that no representation or warranty is made as to the sufficiency of collateral securing or the collectability of such loans.

 

16


(c) Cache has furnished EQBK with true and complete copies of the unaudited parent balance sheet and income statement of Cache and its Subsidiaries for the 3-month period ended March 31, 2017, and, if available, for the 6-month period ended June 30, 2017 (the “Interim Financial Statements”). The Interim Financial Statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position of Cache and its Subsidiaries and the results of its operations at the date and for the periods indicated therein.

Section 3.06 Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in Confidential Schedule 3.06, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have liability or obligation, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due (including, without limitation, unfunded obligations under any employee benefit plan maintained by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or liabilities for federal, state or local taxes or assessments), that are not reflected in or disclosed in the appropriate FR Y-9SP Reports or Call Reports, except those (a) liabilities and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with prudent business practices since the applicable dates of the FR Y-9SP Reports or the Call Reports, respectively, or (b) that are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to Cache and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

Section 3.07 Litigation.

(a) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.07, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Cache, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations of any nature against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of Cache, is there any basis for any proceeding, claim or any action against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Confidential Schedule 3.07, the amounts in controversy in each matter described on Confidential Schedule 3.07, and the costs and expenses of defense thereof (including attorneys’ fees) are fully covered by insurance, subject to the deductible set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.07 with respect to each matter and subject to the policy limits set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.07. There is no Order imposed upon Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or the assets or Property of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries that has resulted in, or is reasonably likely to result in, a Material Adverse Change as to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) No legal action, suit or proceeding or judicial, administrative or governmental investigation is pending or, to the Knowledge of Cache, threatened against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries that questions or might question the validity of this Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby or any actions taken or to be taken by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or thereto or seeks to enjoin or otherwise restrain the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 3.08 Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (b) the filings of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the FDIC, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of applications, filings and

 

17


notices, as applicable, with the OSBC, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing with the SEC of (i) any filings under applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, including the filing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and (ii) the Form S-4 and declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4, (e) the filing of the articles or certificates of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma pursuant to the requirements of the OGCA and the Secretary of State of the State of Kansas pursuant to the requirements of the KGCC, and (f) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “Blue Sky” Laws of various states in connection with the issuance of shares of EQBK Class A Stock pursuant to this Agreement and the approval of the listing of such EQBK Class A Stock on the NASDAQ, no consents, Orders or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by Cache of this Agreement or (B) the consummation by Cache of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, Cache knows of no reason why all regulatory approvals from any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Agency required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby should not be obtained on a timely basis and Cache has no Knowledge of any fact or circumstance that would materially delay receipt of any such required regulatory approval.

Section 3.09 Title to Assets. Confidential Schedule 3.09 identifies all real property, other than foreclosed Other Real Estate Owned Property (“OREO Property”) that, as of the date of this Agreement is (i) owned by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries (“Owned Real Property”), or (ii) leased pursuant to which Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, either as a lessor or lessee (“Leased Real Property”). Cache or any of its Subsidiaries (a) has good and marketable title to all its Owned Real Property; (b) holds valid and enforceable leases for all its Leased Real Property; (c) owns all of its personal property reflected on the Call Reports and Interim Financial Statements; and (d) holds valid and enforceable leases for all leased personal property used by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all mortgages and all other Liens (other than Permitted Encumbrances), except for such minor imperfections of title, if any, as do not materially detract from the value of or interfere with the present use of the property affected thereby, or which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Change on Cache.

Section 3.10 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.10, since December 31, 2016, Cache and each of its Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary course and has not:

(a) incurred any obligation or liability, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become due, except deposits taken and federal funds purchased and current liabilities for trade or business obligations, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices and safe and sound banking practices;

(b) discharged or satisfied any Lien or paid any obligation or liability, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices and safe and sound banking practices;

 

18


(c) increased the shares of Cache Stock or Bank Stock outstanding (other than as the result of the exercise of any Cache Option) or its surplus (as calculated in accordance with the instructions to the Call Report), or declared or made any payment of dividends or other distribution to its shareholders, or purchased, retired or redeemed, or obligated itself to purchase, retire or redeem, any of its shares of capital stock or other securities;

(d) issued, reserved for issuance, granted, sold or authorized the issuance of any shares of its capital stock or other securities or subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or commitments of any kind relating to the issuance thereto;

(e) acquired any capital stock or other equity securities or acquired any ownership interest in any bank, corporation, partnership or other entity (except (i) through settlement of indebtedness, foreclosure, or the exercise of creditors’ remedies or (ii) in a fiduciary capacity, the ownership of which does not expose it to any liability from the business, operations or liabilities of such Person);

(f) mortgaged, pledged or subjected to Lien any of its material property, business or assets, tangible or intangible, except (i) Permitted Encumbrances, (ii) pledges of assets to secure public fund deposits, and (iii) those assets and properties disposed of for fair value since the applicable dates of the FR Y-9SP Reports or the Call Reports;

(g) sold, transferred, leased to others or otherwise disposed of any of its assets (except for assets disposed of for fair value) or canceled or compromised any debt or claim, or waived or released any right or claim, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past business practices and prudent banking practices;

(h) terminated, canceled or surrendered, or received any notice of or threat of termination or cancellation of any contract, lease or other agreement or suffered any damage, destruction or loss which, individually or in the aggregate, may reasonably constitute a Material Adverse Change;

(i) disposed of, permitted to lapse, transferred or granted any rights under, or entered into any settlement regarding the breach or infringement of, any license or Proprietary Right or modified any existing rights with respect thereto;

(j) made any change in the rate of compensation, commission, bonus, vesting or other direct or indirect remuneration payable, or paid or agreed or orally promised to pay any bonus, extra compensation, pension or severance or vacation pay, to or for the benefit of any of its shareholders, directors, officers, employees or agents, or entered into any employment or consulting contract or other agreement with any director, officer or employee or adopted, amended in any material respect or terminated any pension, employee welfare, retirement, stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation rights, termination, severance, income protection, golden parachute, savings or profit-sharing plan (including trust agreements and insurance contracts embodying such plans), any deferred compensation, or collective bargaining agreement, any group insurance contract or any other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement maintained by it for the benefit of its directors, employees or former employees, except to the extent required by Law or as contemplated by this Agreement;

 

19


(k) except for improvements or betterments relating to Properties, made any capital expenditures or capital additions or betterments in excess of an aggregate of $25,000;

(l) instituted, had instituted against it, settled or agreed to settle any litigation, action or proceeding before any court or governmental body relating to its property other than routine collection suits instituted by it to collect amounts owed or suits in which the amount in controversy is less than $10,000;

(m) suffered any change, event or condition that, in any case or in the aggregate, has caused or may result in a Material Adverse Change;

(n) except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or as otherwise permitted hereunder, entered into any transaction, or entered into, modified or amended any contract or commitment, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past business practices and prudent banking practices;

(o) entered into or given any promise, assurance or guarantee of the payment, discharge or fulfillment of any undertaking or promise made by any Person, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past business practices and prudent banking practices;

(p) sold, or disposed of, or otherwise divested itself of the ownership, possession, custody or control, of any corporate books or records of any nature that, in accordance with sound business practice, normally are retained for a period of time after their use, creation or receipt, except at the end of the normal retention period;

(q) made any, or acquiesced with any, change in any accounting methods, principles or practices except as required by GAAP or RAP or the extent required by Law;

(r) sold (provided, however, that payment at maturity is not deemed a sale) or purchased any investment securities in an aggregate amount of $500,000 or more, other than purchases of obligations of the U.S. Treasury (or any agency thereof) with a duration of four (4) years or less and an AA rating by at least one nationally recognized ratings agency;

(s) made, renewed, extended the maturity of, or altered any of the terms of any loan to any single borrower and his related interests in excess of the principal amount of $500,000;

(t) renewed, extended the maturity of, or altered any of the terms of any loan classified by Cache as “intermediate,” “substandard,” and “problem” or other words of similar import; or

 

20


(u) entered into any agreement or made any commitment whether in writing or otherwise to take any of the types of action described in subsections (a) through (s) above.

Section 3.11 Leases, Contracts and Agreements.

(a) Confidential Schedule 3.11(a) sets forth a complete listing, as of June 30, 2017, of all contracts to which Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (collectively, the “Listed Contracts”) that:

(i) relate to real property used by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries in its operations (such contracts being referred to herein as the “Leases”);

(ii) relate in any way to the assets or operations of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries and involves payments to or by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries of $50,000 or more during the term thereof;

(iii) contain any right of first refusal or option to purchase in favor of a third party;

(iv) limits the ability of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area or that upon consummation of the Merger will restrict the ability of EQBK or any of its Affiliates to engage in any line of business in which a bank holding company may lawfully engage;

(v) obligates Cache or its Subsidiaries (or, following the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, EQBK and its Subsidiaries) to conduct business with any third party on an exclusive or preferential basis, or that grants any Person other than Cache or any of its Subsidiaries “most favored nation” status or similar rights;

(vi) relates to a joint venture, partnership, limited liability company agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement, or to the formation, creation or operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture with any third parties;

(vii) relates to indebtedness of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries;

(viii) provides for potential indemnification payments by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or the potential obligation of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase loans;

(ix) is material to Cache’s and its Subsidiaries’ balance sheets or their financial conditions or results of operations;

 

21


(x) provides any rights to investors in Cache, including registration, preemptive or antidilution rights or rights to designate members of or observers to Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ Board of Directors;

(xi) is a data processing/technology contracts, software programming or licensing contract;

(xii) requires a consent to, waiver of or otherwise contains a provision relating to a “change of control,” or that would or would reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or impair the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(xiii) limits the payment of dividends by the Bank or any other Subsidiary of Cache; or

(xiv) was otherwise not entered into in the ordinary course of business or that is material to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or its financial condition or results of operations.

(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Listed Contracts” does not include (i) loans made by, (ii) unfunded loan commitments made by, (iii) letters of credit issued by, (iv) loan participations of, (v) Federal funds sold or purchased by, (vi) repurchase agreements made by, (vii) bankers acceptances of, or (viii) deposit liabilities of, Cache or the Bank.

(c) No participations or loans have been sold that have buy back, recourse or guaranty provisions that create contingent or direct liability to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries. All of the Listed Contracts are legal, valid and binding obligations of the parties to the contracts enforceable according to their terms, subject to the Bankruptcy Exception.

(d) True and correct copies of all such Listed Contracts, and all amendments thereto, have been furnished to EQBK.

(e) All rent and other payments by Cache and each of its Subsidiaries under the Listed Contracts are current, there are no existing defaults by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries under the Listed Contracts and no termination, condition or other event has occurred that (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default thereunder.

(f) Since December 31, 2016, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any contracts of the type described under Sections 3.11(a)(i) – (xiv).

Section 3.12 Taxes.

(a) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have duly and timely filed all Tax Returns that they were required to file under applicable Laws with the appropriate Governmental Entity. All such Tax Returns were correct and complete in all material

 

22


respects and all Taxes due and owing by Cache and each of its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been timely and properly paid. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return. No written claim has been made within the past three (3) years by an authority in a jurisdiction where Cache or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that it is subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. Other than Permitted Encumbrances, there are no Liens for Taxes upon any of the assets of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have collected or withheld and paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity all Taxes required to have been collected or withheld in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party.

(c) There is no action, suit, proceeding, audit, assessment, dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries either (i) claimed or raised by any Governmental Entity in writing or (ii) as to which any of the directors and officers of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries has Knowledge based upon personal contact with any agent of such authority.

(d) True and complete copies of the federal, state and local income Tax Returns of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries, as filed with the taxing authority for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016 have been furnished to EQBK. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency, which waiver or extension remains in effect.

(e) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(l)(A)(ii) of the Code.

(f) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any tax allocation or sharing agreement, other than (i) those to which only Cache and the Bank are parties, or (ii) commercial business agreements, the principal purpose of which is not the allocation of Taxes.

(g) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have (i) been a member of any group filing a consolidated federal income tax return (other than a group the common parent of which was Cache) nor (ii) any liability for the Taxes of any Person other than Cache or any of its Subsidiaries under Treasury Regulation § 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign Law), or as a transferee or successor, under Law.

(h) The unpaid Taxes of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries (i) did not, as of June 30, 2017, exceed the current liability accruals for Taxes (excluding any reserves for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth in the FR Y-9SP Reports and (ii) do not exceed such current liability accruals for Taxes (excluding reserves for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) as adjusted for the passage of time through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of Cache and its Subsidiaries in filing their respective Tax Returns.

 

23


(i) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has been required to disclose on its federal income Tax Returns any position that could give rise to a substantial understatement of federal income tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

(j) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, nor will Cache or any of its Subsidiaries be required to exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or after the Closing Date as a result of any: (i) change in Cache’s or any of its Subsidiary’s method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date under Section 481 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law); (ii) “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries; (iii) intercompany transaction or excess loss account of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries described in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law); (iv) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries; (v) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, (vi) election under Section 108(i) of the Code; or (vii) use of an improper method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or plan that has resulted or would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of (i) any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code § 280(g), or (ii) any amount that will not be fully deductible as a result of Code § 162(m) (or any corresponding provision under applicable state or local Tax Laws).

(k) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) have been a party to any “reportable transaction” as such term is defined in Code § 6707A(c)(1) and Treasury Regulation § 1.6011-4(b), and (ii) have been required to disclose on their respective federal income Tax Returns any position that could give rise to a substantial understatement of federal income tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

(l) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have distributed stock of another Person or had its stock distributed by another Person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Sections 355 or 361 of the Code.

(m) Within the past three (3) years, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has not challenged the interest deduction on any of Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ debt on the basis that such debt constitutes equity for federal income tax purposes.

(n) Cache has made a valid election to be an S corporation pursuant to Section 1362 of the Code, and valid state S corporation elections, where applicable, beginning with its first taxable year (“Commencement Date”) as a corporation for federal tax

 

24


purposes. Cache has been a valid S corporation for all U.S. federal and state Tax purposes (where applicable) at all times since the Commencement Date and will continue to be a valid S corporation through the Closing Date. No Governmental Authority has challenged or is challenging Cache’s qualification as an S corporation. Cache will not be liable for any Tax under Section 1374 of the Code (or any analogous provisions of state or local Law), in connection with the sale of any of its assets.

(o) Each Subsidiary has made a valid election to be a qualified subchapter S subsidiary (as that term is defined in Section 1361(b)(3)(B) of the Code) and valid state S corporation election, where applicable), and such Subsidiary has been a valid qualified subchapter S subsidiary for U.S. federal and state Tax purposes (where applicable) at all times since organization or formation and will be a qualified subchapter S subsidiary at the time of the Closing.

(p) Neither Cache nor its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take (or failed to take or failed to agree to take) any action and has no Knowledge of any facts or circumstances that could reasonably prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Section 3.13 Insurance. Confidential Schedule 3.13 sets forth an accurate and complete list of all policies of insurance, including fidelity and bond insurance, relating to Cache and each of its Subsidiaries. All such policies (a) are valid, outstanding and enforceable according to their terms, subject to the Bankruptcy Exception, and (b) are presently in full force and effect, no notice has been received of the cancellation, or threatened or proposed cancellation, of any such policy and there are no unpaid premiums due thereon. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default with respect to any such policy and has not failed to give any notice or present any claim thereunder in a due and timely fashion. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.13, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have been refused any insurance with respect to its assets or operations, nor has its insurance been limited by any insurance carrier to which Cache or any of its Subsidiaries have applied for any such insurance within the last two (2) years. Each property of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries is insured for an amount deemed adequate by Cache’s management, as applicable, against risks customarily insured against. There have been no claims under any fidelity bonds of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries within the last three (3) years, and Cache has no Knowledge of any facts that would form the basis of a claim under such bonds.

Section 3.14 No Material Adverse Change. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.14, there has not been any Material Adverse Change with regard to or affecting Cache or any of its Subsidiaries since December 31, 2016, nor has any event or condition occurred that has resulted, or is reasonably likely to result, in a Material Adverse Change on Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or that could materially affect Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ ability to perform the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby.

 

25


Section 3.15 Proprietary Rights. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.15, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries owns or requires the use of any patent, patent application, patent right, invention, process, trademark (whether registered or unregistered), trademark application, trademark right, trade name, service name, service mark, copyright or any trade secret (“Proprietary Rights”) for its business or operations. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is infringing upon or otherwise acting adversely to, and have not infringed upon or otherwise acted adversely to, any Proprietary Right owned by any other Person or Persons. There is no claim or action by any such Person pending, or to Cache’s Knowledge, threatened, with respect thereto. No third party has ever gained unauthorized access to any information technology networks controlled by and material to the operation of the business of Cache and its Subsidiaries.

Section 3.16 Transactions with Certain Persons and Entities. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.16 and excluding deposit liabilities, there are no outstanding amounts payable to or receivable from, or advances by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to, and neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is otherwise a creditor to, any director or executive officer of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries nor is Cache or any of its Subsidiaries a debtor to any such person other than as part of the normal and customary terms of such person’s employment or service as a director of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.16, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries uses any asset owned by any shareholder or any present or former director or officer of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Affiliate thereof, in the operations (other than personal belongings of such officers and directors located in Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ premises and not used in the operations of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries), nor do any of such persons own or have the right to use real property that is adjacent to property on which Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ facilities are located. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.16 or Confidential Schedule 3.28(a), neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any transaction or contract with any director or executive officer of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries.

Section 3.17 Evidences of Indebtedness. All evidences of indebtedness and Leases included in the Call Reports and the FR Y-9SP Reports are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the respective obligors thereof, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Bankruptcy Exception, and are not subject to any known or threatened defenses, offsets or counterclaims that may be asserted against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or the present holder thereof. The credit files of Cache and the Bank contain all material information (excluding general, local or national industry, economic or similar conditions) known to Cache that is reasonably required to evaluate in accordance with generally prevailing practices in the banking industry the collectability of the loan portfolio of Cache or the Bank (including loans that will be outstanding if any of them advances funds they are obligated to advance). Cache and the Bank have disclosed all of the intermediate, substandard, doubtful, loss, nonperforming or problem loans of Cache and the Bank on the internal watch list of Cache or the Bank, a copy of which as of April 30, 2017, has been provided to EQBK. Neither Cache nor the Bank is aware of, nor has Cache or the Bank received notice of, any past or present conditions, events, activities, practices or incidents that may result in a violation of any Environmental Law with respect to any real property securing any indebtedness reflected as an asset of Cache. With respect to any loan or other evidence of indebtedness all or a portion of which has been sold to or guaranteed by any Governmental Entity, including the Small Business Administration, each of such loans was made in compliance and conformity with all relevant Laws such that such Governmental Entity’s guaranty of such loan is effective during the term of such loan in all material respects.

 

26


Section 3.18 Condition of Assets. All tangible assets used by Cache and each of its Subsidiaries are in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and conform with all applicable ordinances, regulations, zoning and other Laws, whether federal, state or local. None of Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ premises or equipment is in need of maintenance or repairs other than ordinary routine maintenance and repairs that are not material in nature or cost.

Section 3.19 Environmental Compliance.

(a) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries, operations and Properties are in material compliance with all Environmental Laws. Cache is not aware of, nor has Cache or any of its Subsidiaries received notice of, any past, present, or future conditions, events, activities, practices or incidents that may interfere with or prevent the material compliance of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries with all Environmental Laws.

(b) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained all permits, licenses and authorizations that are required by it under all Environmental Laws, all such permits are in full force and effect, there exists no basis for revocation or suspension of the permits, and the permits will not be affected by the transactions contemplated herein.

(c) No Hazardous Materials exist on, about or within any of the Properties, nor to the Knowledge of Cache has any Hazardous Materials previously existed on, under, about or within or have been used, generated, stored, or transported from any of the Properties, except in normal quantities used in the normal course of business as office or cleaning supplies without release to the environment. The use that Cache and each of its Subsidiaries makes and intends to make of the Properties will not result in the use, generation, storage, transportation or accumulation of any Hazardous Material on, in or from any of the Properties, except in normal quantities used in the normal course of business as office or cleaning supplies without release to the environment.

(d) There is no action, suit, proceeding, investigation, or inquiry by any Governmental Entity pending or to Cache’s Knowledge threatened against Cache, any of its Subsidiaries or, to Cache’s Knowledge, pending or threatened against any other Person in connection with any Property, arising in any way under any Environmental Law. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have any liability for remedial action under any Environmental Law. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries received any request for information by any Governmental Entity with respect to the condition, use or operation of any of the Properties nor has Cache or any of its Subsidiaries received any notice of any kind from any Governmental Entity or other Person with respect to any violation of or claimed or potential liability of any kind under any Environmental Law.

(e) No Hazardous Materials have been disposed of on, or released to, or from, any of the Properties, and no Hazardous Materials are present in or on the soil, sediments, surface water or ground water on, under, or migrating from any of the Properties in concentrations that would give rise to an obligation to conduct a remedial action pursuant to Environmental Laws.

 

27


(f) Except as listed on Confidential Schedule 3.19, none of the following exists at any property or facility owned or operated by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries: (i) under or above-ground storage tanks, (ii) asbestos containing material in any form or condition, (iii) materials or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls or urea formaldehyde, or (iv) landfills, surface impoundments, or disposal areas.

(g) None of the properties currently owned or operated by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is encumbered by a Lien arising or imposed under any Environmental Law.

(h) The transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any liabilities for site investigation or cleanup, or require the consent of any Person, pursuant to any of the so-called “transaction-triggered” or “responsible property transfer” Environmental Laws.

(i) Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries, either expressly or by operation of law, assumed or undertaken any obligation, including any obligation for remedial action, of any other Person under any Environmental Law.

(j) Cache has provided EQBK with copies of reports in its possession discussing the environmental condition of any Property and any violations of Environmental Law relating to any Property.

Section 3.20 Regulatory Compliance. All reports, records, registrations, statements, notices and other documents or information required to be filed by Cache and any of its Subsidiaries with any Regulatory Agency, including, but not limited to, the Federal Reserve, FDIC and the Oklahoma State Banking Department, have been duly and timely filed and all information and data contained in such reports, records or other documents are true, accurate, correct and complete in all material respects. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.20, (a) none of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is or has been within the last five (5) years subject to any commitment letter, memorandum of understanding, cease and desist order, written agreement or other formal or informal administrative action with any such regulatory bodies, and Cache and each of its Subsidiaries are in full compliance with the requirements of any such commitment letter, memorandum of understanding, cease and desist order, written agreement or other formal or informal administrative action, and (b) there are no actions or proceedings pending or threatened against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries by or before any such regulatory bodies or any other nation, state or subdivision thereof, or any other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government. Except for normal examinations conducted by bank regulatory agencies in the ordinary course of business, no Regulatory Agency has initiated any proceeding or, to Cache’s Knowledge, investigation into the business or operations of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries. There is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of Cache or the Bank. Cache is “well-capitalized” (as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. § 225.2(r)) and “well managed” (as that term is defined is 12 C.F.R. § 225.2(s)). The Bank is an “eligible depository institution” (as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. § 303.2(r)).

 

28


Section 3.21 Absence of Certain Business Practices. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries or any officer, employee or agent of Cache any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person acting on their behalf, has, directly or indirectly, within the past seven (7) years, given or agreed to give any gift or similar benefit to any customer, supplier, governmental employee or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder the business of Cache any of its Subsidiaries (or assist Cache any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any actual or proposed transaction) that (a) might subject Cache any of its Subsidiaries to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental litigation or proceeding, (b) if not given in the past, might have resulted in a Material Adverse Change, or (c) if not continued in the future might result in a Material Adverse Change or might subject Cache any of its Subsidiaries to suit or penalty in any private or governmental litigation or proceeding.

Section 3.22 Books and Records. The minute books, stock certificate books and stock transfer ledgers of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries (a) have been kept accurately in the ordinary course of business, (b) are complete and correct in all material respects, (c) the transactions entered therein represent bona fide transactions, and (d) do not fail to reflect transactions involving the business of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries that properly should have been set forth therein and that have not been accurately so set forth.

Section 3.23 Forms of Instruments, Etc. Cache has made, and will make, available to EQBK copies of all standard forms of notes, mortgages, deeds of trust and other routine documents of a like nature used on a regular and recurring basis by Cache and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of its business.

Section 3.24 Fiduciary Responsibilities. Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have performed in all material respects all of its duties as a trustee, custodian, guardian or as an escrow agent in a manner that complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws, regulations, orders, agreements, instruments and common law standards.

Section 3.25 Guaranties. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.25, according to prudent business practices and in compliance with applicable Law, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries have guaranteed the obligations or liabilities of any other Person.

Section 3.26 Voting Trust, Voting Agreements or Shareholders Agreements. Except as set forth in Confidential Schedule 3.26 and except for the Voting Agreements, during the periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date, there have been no voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements relating to a right of first refusal with respect to the purchase, sale or voting of any shares of Cache Stock.

Section 3.27 Employee Relationships.

(a) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to its relationships with their employees, and Cache believes that the relationships between Cache’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ employees are good. To the Knowledge of Cache, no executive officer or manager of any of the

 

29


operations of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or of any group of employees of Cache any of its Subsidiaries have any present plans to terminate their employment with Cache any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.27(a), Cache is not a party to any oral or written contracts or agreements granting benefits or rights to employees or any collective bargaining agreement or to any conciliation agreement with the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any federal, state or local agency that requires equal employment opportunities or affirmative action in employment. There are no unfair labor practice complaints pending against Cache any of its Subsidiaries before the National Labor Relations Board and no similar claims pending before any similar state or local or foreign agency. There is no activity or proceeding of any labor organization (or representative thereof) or employee group to organize any employees of Cache any of its Subsidiaries, nor of any strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages, lockouts or threats thereof, by or with respect to any such employees. Cache and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, and neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any unfair labor practice.

(b) Set forth on Confidential Schedules 3.27(b) is a complete and correct list of all employment agreements between Cache or any of its Subsidiaries and any employee of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, “Employment Agreements”). True and correct copies of all Employment Agreements and all amendments thereto, have been furnished to EQBK.

Section 3.28 Employee Benefit Plans.

(a) Set forth on Confidential Schedules 3.27(a) and 3.28(a) is a complete and correct list of all “employee benefit plans” (as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), all multiple employer and “multiemployer plans” (as defined in the Code or ERISA), all specified fringe benefit plans as defined in Code § 6039D, and all other bonus, incentive, compensation, deferred compensation, profit sharing, stock option, phantom stock, stock appreciation right, stock bonus, stock purchase, employee stock ownership, savings, severance, supplemental unemployment, layoff, salary continuation, retirement, pension, health, life insurance, disability, group insurance, vacation, holiday, sick leave, fringe benefit or welfare plan or any other similar plan, agreement, policy or understanding (written or oral, qualified or nonqualified, currently effective or terminated), and any trust, escrow or other agreement related thereto, which (i) are sponsored, maintained, or contributed to, by Cache and any of its Subsidiaries, or with respect to which Cache and any of its Subsidiaries has or could reasonably be expected to have any liability thereunder, and (ii) provide benefits, or describe policies or procedures applicable to, or for the welfare of, any current of former officer, director, independent contractor, employee, or service provider of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, or the dependents or spouses of any such person, regardless of whether funded (the “Employee Plans”). Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.28(a), true, accurate and complete copies of the documents comprising each Employee Plan, or, in the case of each unwritten Employee Plan, a written description thereof, including, to the extent applicable each award agreement, trust, funding arrangements

 

30


(including all annuity contracts, insurance contracts, and other funding instruments), the most current determination letter issued by the Internal Revenue Service, Form 5500 Annual Reports (including all schedules and attachments) for the three most recent plan years, documents, records, policies, procedures or other materials related thereto, have been delivered to EQBK and are included and specifically identified in Confidential Schedule 3.28(a). No unwritten amendment exists with respect to any written Employee Plan.

(b) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.28(b) no Employee Plan is a defined benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA §3(35) or is otherwise subject to ERISA Title IV, and neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has ever sponsored or otherwise maintained such a plan.

(c) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.28(c), there have been no prohibited transactions (as defined in Code §4975(c)(1)), breaches of fiduciary duty or any other breaches or violations of any Law applicable to the Employee Plans that would directly or indirectly subject Cache, any of its Subsidiaries or any Employee Plan to any taxes, penalties, or other liabilities (any liability arising from any indemnification agreement or policy), except to the extent that Cache, any of its Subsidiaries or any Employee Plan sponsored by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is involved in such transaction or breach. Each Employee Plan that is intended to be qualified under Code §401(a) has a current favorable determination or opinion letter that covers all existing amendments up to and including all changes required by the most recent IRS Cumulative List of Changes applicable to the Employee Plan and has no obligation to adopt any amendments for which the remedial amendment period under Code §401(b) has expired and Cache is not aware of any circumstances likely to result in revocation of any such favorable determination or opinion letter. Each such Employee Plan is so qualified and has been operated in material compliance with applicable Law and its terms, any related trust is exempt from federal income tax under Code §501(a) and no event has occurred that will or reasonably could result in the loss of such tax exemption or to liability for any tax under Code §511. There are no pending claims, lawsuits or actions relating to any Employee Plan (other than ordinary course claims for benefits) and, to Cache’s Knowledge, none are threatened, except to the extent that Cache, any of its Subsidiaries, or any Employee Plan sponsored by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is involved in such transaction. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries provides benefits to any employee or dependent of such employee of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries after the employee terminates employment other than as disclosed in this Agreement or any schedule hereto or as required by Law. No written or oral representations have been made by or on behalf of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to any employee or former employee of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries promising or guaranteeing any employer payment or funding for the continuation of medical, dental, life or disability coverage or any other welfare benefit (as defined in ERISA §3(1)) for any period of time beyond the end of the current plan year (except to the extent of coverage required under Code §4980B). Compliance with FAS 106 would not create any material change to the FR Y-9SP Reports or the Call Reports. Except as set forth in Confidential Schedule 3.28(c), the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not cause a termination or partial termination, or otherwise accelerate the time of payment, exercise, or vesting, or increase the amount of

 

31


compensation due to any current or former employee, officer or director of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries except (i) as required by the terms of any Employee Plan provided to EQBK or by applicable Law in connection with a qualified plan, (ii) as contemplated by this Agreement, or (iii) except as identified on Confidential Schedule 3.28(c). There are no surrender charges, penalties, or other costs or fees that would be imposed by any person against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, an Employee Plan, or any other person, including an Employee Plan participant or beneficiary, as a result of the hypothetical liquidation as of the Closing Date of any insurance, annuity, or investment contracts or any other similar investment held by any Employee Plan.

(d) The execution, delivery and performance by Cache of its obligations under the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and/or the approval of Cache’s shareholders of the Merger (whether alone or in connection with any subsequent event(s)), will not result in any payments or benefits which would not be deductible pursuant to Code §280G.

(e) All contributions to any Employee Plan (including, without limitation, all employer contributions, employee salary reduction contributions and all premiums or other payments (other than claims)) that are due and payable by Cache any of its Subsidiaries on or before the Closing Date have been timely paid to or made with respect to each Employee Plan and, to the extent not presently payable, appropriate reserves have been established for the payment and properly accrued in accordance with GAAP.

(f) No participant, beneficiary or non-participating employee has been denied any benefit due or to become due under any Employee Plan. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has misled any person as to his or her rights under any Employee Plan. All obligations required to be performed by Cache and any of its Subsidiaries under any Employee Plan have been performed in all material respects and neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under or in violation of any provision of any Employee Plan. No event has occurred that would constitute grounds for an enforcement action by any party against Cache, any of its Subsidiaries or any fiduciary of any Employee Plan under part 5 of Title I of ERISA under any Employee Plan.

(g) With respect to each “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to, currently or within the last six years, by any corporation or trade or business, the employees of which, together with the employees of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries, are required to be treated as employed by a single employer under any of the rules contained in ERISA or Code §414 (the “Controlled Group Plans”):

(i) All Controlled Group Plans that are “group health plans” (as defined in Code §5000(b)(1) and ERISA §733(a)) have been operated up to the Closing in a manner so as to not subject Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability under Code §4980B or §4980D;

 

32


(ii) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.28(f), there is no Controlled Group Plan that is a “multiple employer plan” or “multiemployer plan” (as either such term is defined in ERISA), nor has there been any such plan under which Cache or any of its Subsidiaries had any liability in the last 5 years (or would have had liability if notice had been given); and

(iii) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.27(a)) or Confidential Schedule 3.28(f), each Employee Plan that provides (or has provided within the past 5 years) for health, dental, vision, life, disability or similar coverage is covered by one or more third-party insurance policies and neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is liable for self-insuring any such claims.

Each such Controlled Group Plan is included in the listing of Employee Plans on Confidential Schedule 3.28(a).

(h) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.28(h), all Employee Plan documents, annual reports or returns, audited, compiled or unaudited financial statements, actuarial valuations, summary annual reports, and summary plan descriptions issued with respect to the Employee Plans are correct, complete, and current in all material respects, have been timely filed or distributed to the extent required by Law.

(i) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.28(i), no Employee Plan holds any stock or other securities of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or provides the opportunity for the grant, purchase or contribution of any such security.

(j) Except as provided in Confidential Schedule 3.28(j), Cache or any of its Subsidiaries may, at any time amend or terminate any Employee Plan that it sponsors or maintains and may withdraw from any Employee Plan to which it contributes (but does not sponsor or maintain), without obtaining the consent of any third party, other than an insurance company in the case of any benefit underwritten by an insurance company, and without incurring liability except for unpaid premiums or contributions due for the pay period that includes the effective date of such amendment, withdrawal or termination and for customary termination expenses.

(k) Each Employee Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Code §409A(d)(1) (a “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan”) subject to Code §409A has (i) been maintained and operated since January 1, 2010 (or, if later, from its inception) in good faith compliance with Code §409A of the Code and all applicable IRS regulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) since January 1, 2011, been materially in documentary and operational compliance with Code §409A and all applicable IRS guidance promulgated thereunder. No additional tax under Code §409A(a)(1)(B) has been or is reasonably expected to be incurred by a participant in any such Employee Plan or other contract, plan, program, agreement, or arrangement. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or otherwise obligated under, any contract, agreement, plan or arrangement that provides for the gross-up of taxes imposed by Code §409A(a)(1)(B). No currently outstanding stock option or other right to acquire Cache Stock or other equity security of Cache or any of its any of its Subsidiaries under any Employee Plan, or the payment of cash based on the value thereof, (A) has, as to any employee of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, an exercise price that was less than the fair

 

33


market value of the underlying equity security as of the date such stock option or right was granted, as determined by Cache in good faith and in compliance with the relevant IRS guidance in effect on the date of grant (including, IRS Notice 2005-1 and § 1.409A-1 (b)(5)(iv) of the Treasury regulations), (B) has any feature for the deferral of compensation other than the deferral of recognition of income until the later of exercise or disposition of such option or right, or (C) has been granted after December 31, 2004, with respect to any class of stock of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries that is not “service recipient stock” (within the meaning of applicable regulations under Code §409A).

Section 3.29 Obligations to Employees. All accrued obligations and liabilities of Cache, each of its Subsidiaries and all Employee Plans, for payments to trusts (including grantor trusts) or other funds, to any government agency or authority, or to any present or former director, officer, employee or agent (or his or her heirs, legatees or legal representatives) with respect to any of the matters listed below have been timely paid to the extent required by applicable Law or the terms of such plan, contract program, policy, or other governing instruments: (a) withholding taxes, unemployment compensation or social security benefits; (b) all pension, profit-sharing, savings, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock option, phantom stock and stock appreciation rights plans and agreements; (c) all employment, deferred compensation (whether funded or unfunded), salary continuation, consulting, retirement, early retirement, severance, reimbursement, bonus or collective bargaining plans and agreements; (d) all executive and other incentive compensation plans, programs, or agreements; (e) all group insurance and health contracts, policies and plans; and (f) all other incentive, welfare (including vacation and sick pay), retirement or employee benefit plans or agreements maintained or sponsored, participated in, or contributed to, by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries for its current or former directors, officers, employees and agents. To the extent that payment of any obligation or liability under any of the foregoing is not currently required, adequate actuarial accruals and reserves for such payments have been and are being made by Cache or its Subsidiaries according to GAAP and applicable Law applied on a consistent basis. All obligations and liabilities of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries for all other forms of compensation that are or may be payable to their current or former directors, officers, employees or agents, or pursuant to any Employee Plan, have been and are being paid to the extent required by applicable Law or by the plan or contract, and adequate actuarial accruals and reserves for payment therefor have been and are being made by Cache and each of its Subsidiaries according to GAAP and generally accepted actuarial principles. All accruals and reserves referred to in this Section are correctly and accurately reflected and accounted for in the FR Y-9SP Reports and the books, statements and records of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries.

Section 3.30 Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments. Other than loans that provide for interest rate caps or floors, neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has any interest rate swaps, caps, floors and option agreements and other interest rate risk management arrangements, whether entered into for the account of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of a customer of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries.

Section 3.31 Internal Controls. Cache and each of its Subsidiaries maintains accurate books and records reflecting its assets and liabilities and maintains adequate internal accounting controls that are designed to provide assurance that (a) transactions are executed with management’s authorization; (b) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of

 

34


the consolidated financial statements of Cache and to maintain accountability for Cache’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets; (c) access to Cache’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization; (d) the reporting of Cache’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets is compared with existing assets at regular intervals; and (e) extensions of credit and other receivables are recorded accurately, and proper and adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection thereof on a current and timely basis. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.31, none of Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ systems, controls, data or information are recorded, stored, maintained, operated or otherwise wholly or partly dependent on or held by any means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) which (including all means of access thereto and therefrom) are not under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Cache, any of its Subsidiaries or their accountants.

Section 3.32 Community Reinvestment Act. The Bank is in compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”) and all regulations issued thereunder, and Cache has supplied EQBK with copies of the Bank’s current CRA Statement, all support papers therefor, all letters and written comments received by it since January 1, 2011, pertaining thereto and any responses by the Bank to those letters and comments. The Bank has a rating of not less than “satisfactory” as of its most recent CRA compliance examination and Cache has no Knowledge of any reason why the Bank would not receive a rating of “satisfactory” or better in its next CRA compliance examination or why the FDIC or any other Governmental Entity may seek to restrain, delay or prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby as a result of any act or omission of the Bank under the CRA.

Section 3.33 Fair Housing Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The Bank is in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and all regulations issued thereunder. The Bank has not received any notice of any violation of those acts or any of the regulations issued thereunder, and the Bank has not received any notice of, nor does Cache have any Knowledge of, any threatened administrative inquiry, proceeding or investigation with respect to the Bank’s non-compliance with such acts.

Section 3.34 Usury Laws and Other Consumer Compliance Laws. All loans of the Bank have been made in accordance with all applicable statutes and regulatory requirements at the time of such loan or any renewal thereof, including without limitation, the Oklahoma usury statutes as they are currently interpreted, Regulation Z issued by the Federal Reserve, the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act and all statutes and regulations governing the operation of banks chartered under the Laws of the State of Oklahoma. Each loan on the books of the Bank was made in the ordinary course of business.

Section 3.35 Bank Secrecy Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.S.A. Patriot Act. Cache and the Bank are in compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act, otherwise known as the U.S.A. Patriot Act, and all regulations issued thereunder, and the Bank has properly certified all foreign deposit accounts and has made all necessary tax withholdings on all of its deposit accounts; furthermore, the Bank has timely and properly filed and maintained all requisite Currency Transaction Reports and other related forms, including any

 

35


requisite Custom Reports required by any agency of the United States Treasury Department, including the IRS. The Bank has timely filed all Suspicious Activity Reports with the Financial Institutions—Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S. Department of the Treasury) required to be filed by it under the Laws referenced in this Section.

Section 3.36 Unfair, Deceptive or Abusive Acts or Practices. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices, as such terms are defined under §1031 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). There are no allegations, claims or disputes to which Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is a party that allege, or to the Knowledge of Cache, no Person has threatened to allege, that Cache or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices.

Section 3.37 Securities Not Publicly Traded. No security or interest in Cache or any of its Subsidiaries is, or has been, publicly traded, quoted or traded on any security exchange, over-the-counter market or any interdealer quotation system including, without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, the American Stock Exchange, Inc. or the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has ever filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act or been required to file, or has voluntarily filed, periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries has obtained a CUSIP number for any of its securities. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not require any notification or filing pursuant to Rule 10b-17 promulgated by the SEC or Rule 6490 promulgated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Section 3.38 Proxy Statement/Prospectus. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents for inclusion in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall, at the date the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to the shareholders of Cache and, as the Proxy Statement/Prospectus may be amended or supplemented, at the time of the Shareholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact with respect to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries necessary in order to make the statements therein with respect to Cache and any of its Subsidiaries, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the Shareholders’ Meeting. All documents that Cache is responsible for filing with any Regulatory Agency in connection with the Merger shall comply with respect to Cache and each of its Subsidiaries with the provisions of applicable Law.

Section 3.39 Agreements Between Cache and its Subsidiaries; Claims. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.39, there are no written or oral agreements or understandings between Cache and any of its Subsidiaries. All past courses of dealings between Cache and each of its Subsidiaries have been conducted in the ordinary course of business, on arms-length terms consistent with applicable Law and prudent business practices. Cache has no Knowledge of any Claims that Cache has against any of its Subsidiaries or of any facts or circumstances that would give rise to any such Claim.

 

36


Section 3.40 Representations Not Misleading. No representation or warranty by Cache contained in this Agreement, nor any written statement, exhibit or schedule furnished to EQBK by Cache under and pursuant to, or in anticipation of this Agreement, contains or will contain on the Closing Date any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances under which it was or will be made, not misleading and such representations and warranties would continue to be true and correct following disclosure to any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over Cache or its properties of the facts and circumstances upon which they were based.

Section 3.41 State Takeover Laws. The Cache Board has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby as required to render inapplicable to such agreements and transactions any applicable provisions of the takeover Laws of any state, including any “moratorium,” “control share,” “fair price,” “takeover” or “interested shareholder” Law.

Section 3.42 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Cache Board has received an opinion (which, if initially rendered orally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) from D.A. Davidson & Co., to the effect that, as of the date thereof, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Cache Stock. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded in any material respect as of the date of this Agreement.

Section 3.43 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, none of Cache, its Subsidiaries or any other Person is making or has made, and none of them shall have liability in respect of, any written or oral representation or warranty, express or implied, at Law, in equity or otherwise, with respect to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise, and whether express or implied, at Law, in equity or otherwise, in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, or in respect of any other matter whatsoever.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EQBK

Except (i) as disclosed in the disclosure schedules delivered by EQBK to Cache prior to the execution hereof (the “EQBK Disclosure Schedules”); provided, that (a) no such item is required to be set forth as an exception to a representation or warranty if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect, (b) the mere inclusion of an item in the EQBK Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by EQBK that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Change, and (c) any disclosures made with respect to a section of this Article III shall be deemed to qualify (1) any other section of this Article III specifically referenced or cross-referenced and (2) other sections of this Article III to the extent it is reasonably apparent on its face (notwithstanding the absence of a specific cross reference) from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure applies to such other sections or (ii) as disclosed in any EQBK

 

37


SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof (but disregarding risk factor disclosures contained under the heading “Risk Factors,” or disclosures of risks set forth in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarly non-specific or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature), EQBK hereby represents and warrants to Cache as follows:

Section 4.01 Organization and Qualification.

(a) EQBK is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under all Laws of the State of Kansas and is a bank holding company registered under the BHCA. EQBK has the corporate power and authority (including all licenses, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations as are legally required) to carry on its business as now being conducted, to own, lease and operate its properties and assets as now owned, leased or operated and to enter into and carry out its obligations under this Agreement. True and complete copies of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of EQBK, as amended to date, certified by the Secretary of EQBK, have been made available to Cache.

(b) Equity Bank is a Kansas state bank, duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of the State of Kansas and in good standing under all Laws of the State of Kansas. Equity Bank has the corporate power and authority (including all licenses, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations as are legally required) to carry on its business as now being conducted, to own, lease and operate its properties and assets as now owned, leased or operated and to enter into and to carry on the business and activities now conducted by it. True and complete copies of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Equity Bank, as amended to date, certified by the Secretary or Cashier of Equity Bank have been made available to Cache. Equity Bank is an insured depository institution as defined in the FDIA.

Section 4.02 Authority; Execution and Delivery. EQBK has the full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger have been duly and validly approved by the EQBK Board. The EQBK Board has determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, is in the best interests of EQBK and its shareholders. EQBK has taken all action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and (provided the required regulatory and shareholder approvals are obtained) performance of this Agreement and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby to which it is a party. This Agreement has been, and the other agreements and documents contemplated hereby, have been or at Closing will be, duly executed by EQBK, and each constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of EQBK, enforceable in accordance with its respective terms and conditions, except as enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exception.

 

38


Section 4.03 Capitalization.

(a) The entire authorized capital stock of EQBK consists solely of (i) 45,000,000 shares of EQBK Class A Stock, of which 12,019,806 shares are issued and outstanding, as of June 30, 2017, (ii) 5,000,000 shares of EQBK Class B Stock, of which 186,513 shares are issued and outstanding, as of June 30, 2017, and (iii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which are issued and outstanding.

(b) At the Effective Time, the shares of EQBK Class A Stock issued pursuant to the Merger will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, will not be issued in violation of any preemptive rights or any applicable federal or state securities Laws, and will not be subject to any restrictions on transfer arising under the Securities Act, except for shares issued to any shareholder of Cache who may be deemed to be an “affiliate” (under the Exchange Act) of EQBK after completion of the Merger.

Section 4.04 SEC Filings; Financial Statements.

(a) EQBK has timely filed and made available to Cache all forms, reports, and documents required to be filed by EQBK with the SEC since its initial public offering (collectively, the “EQBK SEC Reports”). Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.04, The EQBK SEC Reports (i) at the time filed, complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did not at the time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such EQBK SEC Reports or necessary in order to make the statements in such EQBK SEC Reports, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except for any Subsidiaries of EQBK that are registered as a broker, dealer or investment advisor or filings required due to fiduciary holdings of such Subsidiaries of EQBK, no Subsidiary of EQBK is required to file any forms, reports or other documents with the SEC.

(b) The financial statements of EQBK contained in the EQBK SEC Reports, including any EQBK SEC Reports filed after the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, complied or will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was or will be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes to such financial statements or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC), and fairly presented or will fairly present the consolidated financial position of EQBK and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments which were not or are not expected to be material in amount or effect.

(c) EQBK’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that all material information (both financial and non-financial) required to be disclosed by EQBK in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such information is accumulated and communicated to EQBK’s

 

39


management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of EQBK required under the Exchange Act with respect to such reports. EQBK has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation of such disclosure controls and procedures prior to the date of this Agreement, to EQBK’s auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors of EQBK (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that could adversely affect in any material respect EQBK’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in EQBK’s internal controls over financial reporting.

(d) Each of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of EQBK (or each former principal executive officer and each former principal financial officer of EQBK, as applicable) has made all certifications required by Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the SOA with respect to the EQBK SEC Reports, and the statements contained in such certifications are true and accurate in all material respects. Neither EQBK nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding (nor has arranged or modified since the enactment of the SOA) any “extensions of credit” (within the meaning of Section 402 of the SOA) to directors or executive officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) of EQBK or any of its Subsidiaries. EQBK is otherwise in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable provisions of the SOA.

(e) The books and records kept by EQBK and its Subsidiaries are in all material respects complete and accurate and have been maintained in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable Law and accounting requirements. The financial statements of EQBK included in the EQBK SEC Reports have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of EQBK and its Subsidiaries.

(f) Neither EQBK nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any joint venture, off-balance sheet partnership or any similar contract or arrangement (including any contract or arrangement relating to any transaction or relationship between or among EQBK and any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any unconsolidated Affiliate, including any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity or Person, on the other hand, or any “off-balance sheet arrangement”), where the result, purpose or intended effect of such contract or arrangement is to avoid disclosure of any material transaction involving, or material liabilities of, EQBK or any of its Subsidiaries in EQBK’s or such Subsidiary’s financial statements.

Section 4.05 Compliance with Laws, Permits and Instruments.

(a) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.05, each of EQBK and Equity Bank holds all material licenses, registrations, franchises, permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of its business and is not in violation of any applicable Law or Order of any Governmental Entity, which is reasonably likely to

 

40


result in a Material Adverse Change as to EQBK, individually or in the aggregate, or to the Knowledge of EQBK is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, prevent or delay the obtaining of any regulatory approval for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.05, each of EQBK and Equity Bank has in all material respects performed and abided by all obligations required to be performed by it to the date hereof, and has complied with, and is in compliance with, and is not in default (or with the giving of notice or the passage of time shall be in default) under, or in violation of, (i) any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of EQBK or Equity Bank or other governing documents of EQBK or Equity Bank, as applicable (collectively, the “EQBK Constituent Documents”), (ii) any material provision of any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument applicable to EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK, or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses now conducted or heretofore conducted or (iii) any permit, concession, grant, franchise, license, authorization, judgment, writ, injunction, order, decree or award of any Governmental Entity applicable in any material respect to EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses now conducted or heretofore conducted.

(c) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.05, the execution, delivery and (provided the required regulatory and shareholder approvals are obtained) performance of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, and the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not conflict with, or result, by itself or with the giving of notice or the passage of time, in any violation of or default or loss of a benefit under, (i) the EQBK Constituent Documents, (ii) any material mortgage, indenture, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument applicable to EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK, or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses or (iii) any material permit, concession, grant, franchise, license, authorization, judgment, writ, injunction, order, decree, statute, Law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK or their respective assets, operations, properties or businesses.

Section 4.06 Undisclosed Liabilities. EQBK has no liability or obligation, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due (including, without limitation, unfunded obligations under any employee benefit plan maintained by EQBK or liabilities for federal, state or local taxes or assessments) that are not reflected in or disclosed in the EQBK SEC Reports, except (a) those liabilities and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past business practices since the date of the EQBK SEC Reports or (b) that are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to EQBK.

Section 4.07 Litigation.

(a) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.07, neither EQBK nor Equity Bank is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of EQBK, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations of any nature against EQBK or Equity Bank

 

41


which are reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Change as to EQBK or Equity Bank, nor, to the Knowledge of EQBK, is there any basis for any proceeding, claim or any action against EQBK or Equity Bank that would be reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Change as to EQBK or Equity Bank. There is no Order imposed upon EQBK or Equity Bank or the assets or property of EQBK or Equity Bank that has resulted in, or is reasonably likely to result in, a Material Adverse Change as to EQBK or Equity Bank.

(b) No legal action, suit or proceeding or judicial, administrative or governmental investigation is pending or, to the best Knowledge of EQBK, threatened against EQBK or Equity Bank that questions or might question the validity of this Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby or any actions taken or to be taken by EQBK pursuant hereto or thereto or seeks to enjoin or otherwise restrain the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 4.08 Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the NASDAQ, (b) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve under the BHCA and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filings of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the FDIC, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the OSBC in connection with the Bank Merger, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (e) the filing with the SEC of (i) any filings under applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, including the filing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and (ii) the Form S-4 and declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4, (f) the filing of the articles and certificates of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma pursuant to the requirements of the OGCA and the Secretary of State of the State of Kansas pursuant to the requirements of the KGCC, and (g) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “Blue Sky” Laws of various states in connection with the issuance of shares of EQBK Class A Stock pursuant to this Agreement and the approval of the listing of such EQBK Class A Stock on the NASDAQ, no consents, Orders or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by EQBK of this Agreement or (B) the consummation by EQBK of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, EQBK knows of no reason why all regulatory approvals from any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Agency required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby should not be obtained on a timely basis and EQBK has no Knowledge of any fact or circumstance that would materially delay receipt of any such required regulatory approval.

Section 4.09 Regulatory Compliance.

(a) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.09, EQBK is not subject to any cease-and-desist or other order or enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has been ordered to pay any civil penalty by, or is a recipient of a supervisory letter from, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request or suggestion of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that restricts the conduct of its

 

42


business or that relates to its capital adequacy, its ability to pay dividends, its credit or risk management policies, its management or its business. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.09, there is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of EQBK or Equity Bank. EQBK is “well-capitalized” (as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. § 225.2(r)) and “well managed” (as that term is defined is 12 C.F.R. § 225.2(s)). Equity Bank is an “eligible bank” (as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. § 303.2(r). Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither party shall be required to take any action under this Agreement that would cause such party to violate 12 C.F.R. §309.6.

(b) All material reports, records, registrations, statements, notices and other documents or information required to be filed by EQBK with any Regulatory Agency, have been duly and timely filed and all information and data contained in such reports, records or other documents are substantially true, accurate, correct and complete.

Section 4.10 Proxy Statement/Prospectus. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by EQBK or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents for inclusion in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall, at the date the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to the shareholders of Cache and, as the Proxy Statement/Prospectus may be amended or supplemented, at the time of the Shareholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact with respect to EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK necessary in order to make the statements therein with respect to EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the Shareholders’ Meeting. All documents that EQBK is responsible for filing with any Regulatory Agency in connection with the Merger shall comply with respect to EQBK in all material respects with the provisions of applicable Law.

Section 4.11 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 2016, (a) EQBK has conducted its business in the ordinary course (excluding the incurrence of expenses related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby), and (b) no event has occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or in the aggregate, had or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Change on EQBK or Equity Bank.

Section 4.12 EQBK Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 4.12, none of EQBK’s records, systems, controls, data or information, are recorded, stored, maintained and operated wholly or partly dependent on or held by any means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) which (including all means of access thereto and therefrom) are not under the exclusive ownership and direct control of EQBK or its accountants.

Section 4.13 Representations Not Misleading. No representation or warranty by EQBK contained in this Agreement, nor any written statement, exhibit or schedule furnished to Cache by EQBK under and pursuant to, or in anticipation of this Agreement, contains or will contain on the Closing Date any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances

 

43


under which it was or will be made, not misleading and such representations and warranties would continue to be true and correct following disclosure to any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over EQBK or their properties of the facts and circumstances upon which they were based.

Section 4.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the EQBK Board has received an opinion (which, if initially rendered verbally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) of Stephens Inc. to the effect that as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions, and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration payable pursuant to this Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to EQBK. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded in any material respect as of the date of this Agreement.

Section 4.15 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, none of EQBK, its Subsidiaries or any other Person is making or has made, and none of them shall have liability in respect of, any written or oral representation or warranty, express or implied, at Law, in equity or otherwise, with respect to EQBK or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise, and whether express or implied, at Law, in equity or otherwise, in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, or in respect of any other matter whatsoever.

Section 4.16 Taxes. EQBK has no Knowledge of any facts or circumstances that could reasonably prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF CACHE

Section 5.01 Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Cache will use commercially reasonable efforts to perform and fulfill all conditions and obligations on its part to be performed or fulfilled under this Agreement and to cause the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with this Agreement.

Section 5.02 Shareholders Meeting. Cache, acting through the Cache Board, shall, in accordance with applicable Law:

(a) duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the “Shareholders’ Meeting”) as soon as practicable after the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (forming a part of the Registration Statement) become effective with the SEC for the purpose of approving and adopting this Agreement, the Merger, the termination of all voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements listed on Confidential Schedule 3.26 and the transactions contemplated hereby;

(b) require no greater than the minimum vote of the capital stock of Cache required by applicable Law in order to approve this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby and require no greater than the minimum vote of the capital stock of Cache required by any voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements listed on Confidential Schedule 3.26 in order to approve the termination thereof;

 

44


(c) include in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus the recommendation of the Cache Board that the shareholders of Cache vote in favor of the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby; and

(d) cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to the shareholders of Cache as soon as practicable after the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (forming a part of the Registration Statement) become effective with the SEC, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby by shareholders holding at least the minimum number of shares of Cache Stock entitled to vote at the Shareholders’ Meeting necessary to approve the foregoing under applicable Law. The letters to shareholders, notices of meeting, proxy statement of Cache and EQBK and forms of proxy to be distributed to Cache’s and EQBK’s shareholders in connection with the Merger and this Agreement shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to EQBK and are collectively referred to herein as the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”.

Section 5.03 Information Furnished by Cache. Cache shall promptly following receipt of a written request from EQBK furnish or cause to be furnished to EQBK, all information concerning Cache, including but not limited to financial statements, required for inclusion in any statement or application made or filed by EQBK to any governmental body in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in connection with any unrelated transactions during the pendency of this Agreement. Cache represents and warrants that all information so furnished shall be true and correct in all material respects and shall not omit any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Cache shall otherwise fully cooperate with EQBK in the filing of any applications or other documents necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 5.04 Required Acts. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing, Cache will, and will cause of each of its Subsidiaries including the Bank to, unless otherwise permitted in writing by EQBK:

(a) operate (including, without limitation, the making of, or agreeing to make, any loans or other extensions of credit) only in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices and safe and sound banking principles;

(b) except as required by prudent business practices, use all commercially reasonable efforts to preserve its business organization intact and to retain its present directors, officers, employees, key personnel and customers, depositors and goodwill and to maintain all assets owned, leased or used by it (whether under its control or the control of others), in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted;

 

45


(c) perform all of its obligations under any material contracts, leases and documents relating to or affecting its assets, properties and business, except such obligations as Cache or any of its Subsidiaries may in good faith reasonably dispute;

(d) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect all insurance policies now in effect or renewals thereof and give all notices and present all claims under all insurance policies in due and timely fashion;

(e) timely file, subject to extensions, all reports required to be filed with any Governmental Entity and observe and conform, in all material respects, to all applicable Laws, except those being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(f) timely file, subject to extensions, all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and timely pay all Taxes that become due and payable, except those being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(g) promptly notify EQBK of any Tax proceeding or claim pending or threatened against or with respect to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries;

(h) withhold from each payment made to each of its employees, independent contractors, creditors and other third parties the amount of all Taxes required to be withheld therefrom and pay the same to the proper Governmental Entity when due;

(i) account for all transactions and prepare all financial statements in accordance with GAAP (unless otherwise instructed by RAP in which instance account for such transaction in accordance with RAP);

(j) promptly classify and charge off loans and make appropriate adjustments to loss reserves in accordance with the instructions to the Call Report and the Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy;

(k) maintain the allowance for loan losses account in an amount not less than 1.40% of aggregate loans (excluding loans held for sale);

(l) pay or accrue all costs, expenses and other charges to be incurred in connection with the Merger, including, but not limited to, all legal fees, accounting fees, consulting fees and brokerage fees, prior to the Calculation Date;

(m) ensure that all accruals for Taxes are accounted for in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices and in accordance with GAAP (unless otherwise instructed by RAP in which case such accrual will be accounted for in accordance with RAP); and

(n) take all actions necessary to cause Cache to maintain its election as an S corporation and maintain the qualified subchapter S subsidiary (as defined in Code § 1361(b)(3)(B)) for any Subsidiary.

 

46


Section 5.05 Prohibited Acts. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing, Cache will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries including the Bank to, without the prior written consent of EQBK, except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 5.05:

(a) take or fail to take any action that would cause the representations and warranties made in Article III to be inaccurate at the time of the Closing or preclude Cache from making such representations and warranties at the time of the Closing;

(b) merge into, consolidate with or sell its assets to any other Person or entity, change or amend Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ certificate of incorporation or bylaws, increase the number of shares of Cache Stock (other than by exercise of a Cache Option) or any of its Subsidiaries’ stock outstanding or increase the amount of the Bank’s surplus (as calculated in accordance with the instructions to the Call Report);

(c) except as explicitly permitted hereunder or in accordance with applicable Law or pursuant to a contract existing as of the date of this Agreement, engage in any transaction with any affiliated Person or allow such Persons to acquire any assets from Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, except (i) in the form of wages, salaries, fees for services, reimbursement of expenses and benefits already granted or accrued under the Employee Plans currently in effect, or (ii) any deposit (in any amount) made by an officer, director or employee;

(d) declare, set aside or pay any dividends or make any other distribution to its shareholders (including any share dividend, dividends in kind or other distribution) whether in cash, shares or other property or purchase, retire or redeem, or obligate itself to purchase, retire or redeem, any of its capital shares or other securities, provided, however, that Cache may declare and pay S corporation distributions of up to 45% of Cache’s net income calculated in accordance with GAAP for the period from January 1, 2017 to the Closing Date, less the amount of any distributions already paid with respect to said 2017 net income attributable to Cache shareholders;

(e) discharge or satisfy any Lien or pay any obligation or liability, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and except for liabilities incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;

(f) issue, reserve for issuance, grant, sell or authorize the issuance of any shares of its capital stock or other securities or subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or commitments of any kind relating to the issuance thereto;

(g) accelerate the vesting of pension or other benefits in favor of employees of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries except according to the Employee Plans or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or as required by applicable Law;

(h) acquire any capital stock or other equity securities or acquire any equity or ownership interest in any bank, corporation, partnership or other entity (except (i) through settlement of indebtedness, foreclosure, or the exercise of creditors’ remedies or (ii) in a fiduciary capacity, the ownership of which does not expose it to any liability from the business, operations or liabilities of such Person);

 

47


(i) mortgage, pledge or subject to Lien any of its property, business or assets, tangible or intangible, except (i) Permitted Encumbrances and (ii) pledges of assets to secure public funds deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings;

(j) sell, transfer, lease to others or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, or cancel or compromise any debt or claim, or waive or release any right or claim of a market value in excess of $1,000;

(k) make any change in the rate or timing of payment of compensation, commission, bonus or other direct or indirect remuneration payable, or pay or agree or orally promise to pay, conditionally or otherwise, any bonus, extra compensation, pension or severance or vacation pay, to or for the benefit of any of its shareholders, directors, officers, employees or agents, other than periodic increases in compensation consistent with past practices, and bonuses, commissions, and incentives consistent with past and normal practices to its employees and officers;

(l) enter into any employment or consulting contract (other than as contemplated by the terms of the Employee Plans or this Agreement) or other agreement with any current or proposed director, officer or employee or adopt, amend any Employment Agreement, amend in any material respect or terminate any pension, employee welfare, retirement, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock, stock appreciation rights, termination, severance, income protection, golden parachute, savings or profit-sharing plan (including trust agreements and insurance contracts embodying such plans), any deferred compensation, or collective bargaining agreement, any group insurance contract or any other incentive, welfare or employee benefit plan or agreement for the benefit of its directors, employees or former employees, except as required by applicable Law or by this Agreement;

(m) make any capital expenditures or capital additions or betterments except for such capital expenditures or capital additions that are set forth in writing in the budget provided to EQBK, that are necessary to prevent substantial deterioration of the condition of a property or that do not exceed $25,000 in the aggregate;

(n) sell or dispose of, or otherwise divest itself of the ownership, possession, custody or control, of any corporate books or records of any nature that, in accordance with sound business practice, normally are retained for a period of time after their use, creation or receipt, except at the end of the normal retention period;

(o) make any, or acquiesce with any, change in any (i) credit underwriting standards or practices, including loan loss reserves, (ii) asset liability management techniques, (iii) accounting methods, principles or material practices, except as required by changes in GAAP as concurred in by Cache’s independent auditors, or as required by any applicable Regulatory Agency, or (iv) tax election, change in taxable year, accounting methods for Tax purposes, amendment of a Tax Return, restriction on any

 

48


assessment period relating to Taxes, settlement of any Tax claim or assessment relating to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, “closing agreement” within the meaning of Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), or surrender any claim to a refund;

(p) reduce the amount of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses except through charge offs;

(q) sell (but payment at maturity is not a sale) or purchase any investment securities, other than purchases of obligations of the U.S. Treasury (or any agency thereof) with a duration of four (4) years or less and an AA rating by at least one nationally recognized ratings agency;

(r) renew, extend the maturity of, or alter any of the terms of any loan classified by Cache as “watch,” “special mention,” “substandard,” “doubtful,” and “non-accrual” or other words of similar import or make, commit to make, renew, extend the maturity of, or alter any of the material terms of any loan in excess of $600,000, provided that (i) prior to taking one or more of the actions described in the foregoing clause with respect to any such loan, the Bank shall cause the loan credit memorandum with respect to such action or loan to be transmitted by email to the EQBK Loan Representatives at the email address specified in Section 10.12, (ii) upon receipt of such loan credit memorandum, one or more of the EQBK Loan Representatives promptly will review the proposed action or loan and may, within two Business Days of receipt of the loan credit memorandum, request in writing such additional information with respect to such action or loan as such EQBK Loan Representative(s) may reasonably determine necessary (which request may be made by return email), and (iii) one or more of the EQBK Loan Representatives shall, within two Business Days of the receipt of the latter of the loan credit memorandum or, if timely requested, the receipt of such additional information, approve or disapprove such action or loan in writing (which approval or disapproval may be given by return email), provided that if such EQBK Loan Representative(s) fails to timely approve or disapprove or fails to timely give notice of such approval or disapproval, the EQBK Loan Representative(s) shall be deemed to have approved such action or loan;

(s) Cache’s election to be an S corporation shall not have been revoked, and neither Cache or any of its Subsidiaries shall revoke or allow any action to be taken (other than the consummation of the Merger) that would result in the termination of any Subsidiary’s election to be treated as a qualified subchapter S subsidiary (as defined in Code § 1361(b)(3)(B));

(t) enter into any acquisitions or leases of real property, including new leases and lease extensions; or

(u) take or omit to take any action that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code.

 

49


Section 5.06 Access; Pre-Closing Investigation.

(a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable Laws, Cache will afford the officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers and authorized representatives of EQBK full access to the properties, books, contracts and records of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries, permit EQBK to make such inspections (including with regard to such properties physical inspection of the surface and subsurface thereof and any structure thereon pursuant to Section 5.12) as EQBK may require and furnish to EQBK during such period all such information concerning Cache, each of its Subsidiaries and its affairs as EQBK may reasonably request, in order that EQBK may have full opportunity to make such reasonable investigation as it desires to make of the affairs of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries, including access sufficient to verify the value of the assets and the liabilities of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries and the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to EQBK’s obligations described in Article VIII of this Agreement. EQBK will use its commercially reasonable efforts not to disrupt the normal business operations of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries. Cache agrees at any time, and from time to time, to furnish to EQBK as soon as practicable, any additional information that EQBK may reasonably request. Neither Cache nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to afford or provide access to, permit the inspection of, or furnish or disclose properties, books, contracts, records, structures or information (i) that constitutes confidential supervisory information of Cache or the Bank (as such term is defined in 12 C.F.R. § 261.2), or (ii) where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of Cache’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the institution in possession or control of such information (after giving due consideration to the existence of any common interest, joint defense or similar agreement between the parties) or contravene any Law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement.

(b) No investigation by either party of the business and affairs of the other shall affect or be deemed to modify or waive any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement in this Agreement, or the conditions to either party’s obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 5.07 Additional Financial Statements.

(a) Cache will promptly furnish EQBK with true and complete copies of (a) each Call Report prepared after the date of this Agreement as soon as such reports are filed with the FDIC, (b) the consolidated balance sheet of Cache as of June 30, 2017, the consolidated statement of income and changes in shareholders’ equity of Cache for the six months ended June 30, 2017, and the consolidated statement of cash flows of Cache for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as soon as each such compiled financial statement is made available to Cache, and (c) unaudited month-end financial statements of Cache and the Daily Report of the Bank as of the last day of each month ended and for each month ended after the date of this Agreement.

 

50


(b) Cache will (i) promptly cause an independent accounting firm to audit Cache’s financial statements that are required by SEC rules and regulations to be included in the Registration Statement (the “Audit”), (ii) furnish EQBK with true and complete copies of the audited and unaudited financial statements required by SEC rules and regulations to be included in the Registration Statement, (iii) cooperate and assist EQBK in preparing any disclosure regarding Cache’s financial statements that are required by SEC rules and regulations to be included in the Registration Statement, and (iv) cause Cache’s auditor to cooperate with EQBK, to provide any comfort requested by EQBK concerning Cache’s financial statements, and to provide any consent required to be provided by such auditor in connection with the inclusion of Cache’s financial statements in the Registration Statement.

Section 5.08 Untrue Representation. Cache will promptly notify EQBK in writing if Cache becomes aware of any fact or condition that makes untrue, or shows to have been untrue, in any material respect, any schedule or any other information furnished to EQBK or any representation or warranty made in or pursuant to this Agreement or that results in the failure of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to comply with any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement in all material respects.

Section 5.09 Litigation and Claims. Cache will promptly notify EQBK in writing of any litigation, or of any claim, controversy or contingent liability that might be expected to become the subject of litigation, against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or affecting any of their properties, and Cache will promptly notify EQBK of any legal action, suit or proceeding or judicial, administrative or governmental investigation, pending or, to the Knowledge of Cache, threatened against Cache or any of its Subsidiaries that questions or might question the validity of this Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby or any actions taken or to be taken by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or thereto or seeks to enjoin or otherwise restrain the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 5.10 Material Adverse Changes. Cache will promptly notify EQBK in writing if any change or development has occurred or, to the Knowledge of Cache, been threatened (or any development has occurred or been threatened involving a prospective change) that (a) is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change on Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) would adversely affect, prevent or delay the obtaining of any regulatory approval for the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (c) would cause the conditions in Article VIII not to be satisfied.

Section 5.11 Consents and Approvals. Cache will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain at the earliest practicable time all consents and approvals from third parties, including those listed on Confidential Schedule 2.02(j).

Section 5.12 Environmental Investigation; Right to Terminate Agreement.

(a) EQBK and its consultants, agents and representatives will have the right, to the same extent that Cache has the right, if any, but not the obligation or responsibility, to inspect any Property, including conducting asbestos surveys and sampling, environmental assessments and investigations, and other environmental surveys and analyses including soil and ground sampling (“Environmental Inspections”) at any time on or prior to the date that is forty-five (45) days after the date of this Agreement. EQBK will notify Cache prior to any physical inspections of the Property, and Cache may place

 

51


reasonable restrictions on the time of such inspections. If, as a result of any such Environmental Inspection, further investigation (“Secondary Investigation”) including, test borings, soil, water and other sampling is deemed desirable by EQBK, EQBK will (i) notify Cache of any Property for which it intends to conduct such a Secondary Investigation and the reasons for such Secondary Investigation, and (ii) commence such Secondary Investigation, on or prior to the date that is seventy-five (75) days after the date of this Agreement. EQBK will give reasonable notice to Cache of such Secondary Investigations, and Cache may place reasonable time and place restrictions on such Secondary Investigations.

(b) Cache agrees to make available to EQBK and its consultants, agents and representatives all documents and other material relating to environmental conditions of any Property including the results of other Environmental Inspections and surveys. Cache also agrees that all engineers and consultants who prepared or furnished such reports may discuss such reports and information with EQBK and will be entitled to certify the same in favor of EQBK and its consultants, agents and representatives and make all other data available to EQBK and its consultants, agents and representatives.

Section 5.13 Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

(a) Cache agrees to cooperate and assist EQBK in (i) preparing a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), relating to the shares of EQBK Stock to be issued as part of the Merger Consideration provided for herein, and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and (ii) filing the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (forming a part of the Registration Statement) with the SEC, including furnishing to EQBK all information concerning Cache and each of its Subsidiaries that EQBK may reasonably request in connection with preparation of such Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Cache or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall, at the date the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to the shareholders of Cache and, as the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus may be amended or supplemented, at the time of the Shareholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact with respect to Cache necessary in order to make the statements therein with respect to Cache, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the Shareholders’ Meeting. All documents that Cache is responsible for filing with any Regulatory Agency in connection with the Merger shall comply with respect to Cache in all material respects with the provisions of applicable Law.

(b) The Cache Board has resolved to recommend to the Cache shareholders that they approve this Agreement, the Merger and shall submit to its shareholders this Agreement and any other matters required to be approved by its shareholders in order to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. The Cache Board shall (i) include in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus the recommendation of the Cache Board that the shareholders of Cache vote in favor of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated

 

52


hereby, (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such shareholder approval of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) perform such other acts as may reasonably be requested by EQBK to ensure that such shareholder approval of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby are obtained, and (iv) cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to the shareholders of Cache as soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective with the SEC.

(c) If Cache becomes aware prior to the Effective Time of any information that would cause any of the statements in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or to omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading, Cache shall promptly inform EQBK thereof and take the necessary steps to correct the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

Section 5.14 Benefit Plans.

(a) Cache will take, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to take, all action necessary to terminate any Employee Plan that is a Code section 401(a) qualified retirement plan (each a “Retirement Plan”) and related trust sponsored by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, effective no later than the date immediately before the Closing Date. Cache will provide EQBK evidence or such other confirmation from Cache which EQBK deems appropriate that (i) each such Retirement Plan has been terminated as set forth in this Section 5.14(a) pursuant to duly authorized corporate action and (ii) at the request of EQBK, Cache will submit to the IRS an application for determination of the tax qualified status of any qualified plan relating to its termination. Provided EQBK’s request to file an application for determination is given at least ninety (90) days prior to the Closing, such application will be filed on or before the Closing. Any costs incurred prior to the Closing related to the termination of each Retirement Plan shall be paid (including all related legal, administrative and other costs and expenses unless specifically set forth otherwise in this subsection) solely by Cache and reflected in the calculation of Adjusted Equity.

(b) At the direction of EQBK, Cache will take, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to take, all action necessary to terminate any Employee Plan that is an employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in ERISA § 3(1) (“Welfare Plan”), effective not later than immediately before the Closing. Cache will provide EQBK evidence or such other confirmation from Cache which EQBK deems appropriate that each such Welfare Plan has been terminated as set forth in this Section 5.14(b) pursuant to duly authorized corporate action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of EQBK, Cache shall not take, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to take, any action to terminate any Welfare Plan that is a group medical plan.

 

53


Section 5.15 Termination of Contracts.

(a) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries will, with regard to any contract to which Cache or any of its Subsidiary is a party identified by EQBK prior to the Calculation Date, cooperate with and take such actions as reasonably requested by EQBK to terminate any such contract on a date to be determined by EQBK, in its sole discretion. Any and all costs, fees, expenses, contract payments, penalties or liquidated damages necessary to be paid by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the termination of any contract, regardless of whether such contract is identified by EQBK, shall be accrued or paid by Cache or its Subsidiaries on or prior to the Calculation Date in accordance with this Section 5.15(a) and shall be reflected in the calculation of Adjusted Equity as contemplated by Section 1.06(a). For the avoidance of doubt, EQBK will not pay or be responsible for the payment of any costs, fees, expenses, contract payments, penalties or liquidated damages in connection with the termination of any contract.

(b) Cache and each of its Subsidiaries will cooperate with EQBK in EQBK’s negotiation in good faith of a reasonable settlement of the termination of Cache’s and/or each of its Subsidiaries’ data processing/technology contracts listed on Confidential Schedule 5.15(b) and Cache and each of its Subsidiaries will take such actions as reasonably requested by EQBK in connection with the termination of such contracts, to ensure that if the Merger occurs, the data procession/technology contracts listed on Confidential Schedule 5.15(b) will be terminated in connection with the consummation of the Merger; provided, that any and all costs, fees, expenses, contract payments, penalties or liquidated damages necessary to be paid by Cache or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the termination of such data processing and technology contracts shall be accrued or paid by Cache or its Subsidiaries on or prior to the Calculation Date in accordance with this Section 5.15(b) and shall be reflected in the calculation of Adjusted Equity as contemplated by Section 1.06(a).

(c) Any such notice and actions by Cache and/or each of its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 5.15 will be in accordance with the terms of such contracts.

Section 5.16 Conforming Accounting Adjustments. Cache and each of its Subsidiaries shall, if requested by EQBK, consistent with GAAP, immediately prior to Closing, make such accounting entries as EQBK may reasonably request in order to conform the accounting records of Cache and each of its Subsidiaries to the accounting policies and practices of EQBK; provided, however, that no such adjustment shall (a) constitute or be deemed to be a breach, violation or failure to satisfy any representation, warranty, covenant, condition or other provision or constitute grounds for termination of this Agreement (except to the extent that a certain representation, warranty, covenant or other provision is breached and thus, requires the adjustment), (b) require any prior filing with any governmental agency or regulatory authority, (c) violate any Law, rule or regulation applicable to Cache or any of its Subsidiaries, (d) adversely affect the calculation of Adjusted Equity, or (e) be an acknowledgment by Cache (i) of any adverse circumstances for purposes of determining whether the conditions to EQBK’s obligations under this Agreement have been satisfied, (ii) that such adjustment is required for purposes of determining satisfaction of the condition to EQBK’s obligations under this Agreement set forth in Section 8.08 or (c) that such adjustment has any bearing on the Merger Consideration.

 

54


Section 5.17 Regulatory and Other Approvals. Cache, at its own expense, will promptly file or cause to be filed applications for all regulatory approvals required to be obtained by Cache in connection with this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby. Cache will promptly furnish EQBK with copies of all such regulatory filings and all correspondence for which confidential treatment has not been requested. Cache will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such regulatory approvals and any other approvals from third parties at the earliest practicable time.

Section 5.18 Tax Matters.

(a) Michael E. Bezanson, as the individual appointed to represent the shareholders of Cache with respect to certain tax matters arising under this Section 5.18 (or any successor appointed by Michael E. Bezanson in writing who accepts the position, “Shareholders’ Representative”), shall prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed, at the expense of Cache, all federal income Tax Returns for Cache, including any amended Tax Returns, for the periods before the Closing Date (including the period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending the day before the Closing Date (the “Short S Tax Period”)) (the “Pre-Closing Tax Returns”), and all such Tax Returns shall be filed in a manner consistent with past custom and practice and any existing elections. The Shareholders’ Representative shall provide EQBK with copies of any such Tax Returns at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the due date for such Pre-Closing Tax Returns and shall allow EQBK to review, comment upon and reasonably approve without undue delay any Pre-Closing Tax Return prepared pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 5.18(a).

(b) EQBK shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or caused to be filed all Tax Returns for Cache for all periods beginning on or after the Closing Date that are filed after the Closing (“Post-Closing Tax Returns”). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, Cache shall include in its income on Cache’s federal Pre-Closing Tax Returns and state income and franchise Pre-Closing Tax Returns for all periods ending before the Closing Date including the Short S Tax Period and pay any federal and state Taxes attributable to such income if payable by Cache or include such income gains, losses and deductions on K-1s issued to each holder of Cache stock consistent with Cache’s qualifications as a S corporation under the Code pursuant to applicable Law. In the case of any taxable period that includes (but does not end on the day before) the Closing Date (a “Straddle Period”), the amount of any Taxes other than real property or ad valorem Taxes of Cache for any portion of the Straddle Period through the day before the Closing Date shall be determined on an interim closing of the books as of the close of business on the day before the Closing Date and the amount of all real property or ad valorem Taxes shall be determined for that portion of the Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be the amount of such Tax for the entire taxable period multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of the days from the beginning of the Straddle Period through the day before the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Straddle Period.

(c) All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other such Taxes and all conveyance fees, recording charges and other fees and charges (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, if any, shall be paid by Cache when due, and Cache will, at its own expense, file all necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all such Taxes, fees and charges, and, if required by applicable Law, EQBK will, and will cause its Affiliates to, join in the execution of any such Tax Returns and other documentation.

 

55


(d) Each party will promptly notify the other party upon becoming aware of the commencement of any audit, examination, claim or other proposed claim or adjustment of any federal income, or state or local income Tax Return of Cache or its Subsidiaries for a period that ends on or before the Closing Date, as well as any notice of assessment or notice and demand for payment, concerning any federal, state or local income Taxes of Cache or its Subsidiaries for a period that ends or before the Closing Date (collectively, the “Tax Proceeding”). The Shareholders’ Representative may elect to control the Tax Proceeding in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.18. In the event Shareholders’ Representative elects to represent Cache or its Subsidiaries in any such Tax Proceeding, the Shareholders’ Representative shall within five (5) Business Days of becoming aware of such Tax Proceeding (or sooner, if the nature of the Tax Proceeding so requires) notify EQBK of its intent to do so, and shall control the strategy, defense and settlement of any Tax audit or administrative or court proceeding relating to federal income or state or local income Taxes of Cache or its Subsidiaries attributable to any period that ends on or before the Closing Date. EQBK shall (i) reasonably cooperate with the Shareholders’ Representative and its counsel in the defense against or compromise of any claim in any Tax Proceeding controlled by the Cache and (ii) have (A) the right to participate fully in the Tax Proceeding, including through separate counsel of its own choosing at its sole cost and expense, (B) the right to receive reasonable advance notice from the Shareholders’ Representative of any meetings, hearings, or proceedings, and the Shareholders’ Representative shall execute any necessary powers of attorney allowing EQBK’s representative to participate in the Tax Proceeding, and (C) the right to review in advance and comment on any pleadings, briefs, or other documents to be filed. Neither Cache nor the Shareholders’ Representative may consent to any judgment or enter into any settlement, closing or other agreement with respect to any Tax Proceeding without the prior written consent of EQBK which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that to the extent that any such settlement, closing or other agreement of a Tax Proceeding would materially adversely impact EQBK such consent may be withheld by EQBK in its sole discretion.

(e) If the Shareholders’ Representative elects not to represent Cache and its Subsidiaries in the Tax Proceeding or fails to timely notify EQBK of its election as provided herein, then EQBK may represent the interest of Cache and its Subsidiaries in any such Tax Proceeding in any manner that it reasonably may deem appropriate and the Shareholders’ Representative shall reasonably cooperate with EQBK to the extent reasonably requested by EQBK and the Shareholders’ Representative shall execute any necessary powers of attorney allowing EQBK’s representative to participate in the Tax Proceeding, provided that EQBK may settle any such Tax Proceeding in its sole discretion without the consent of Shareholders’ Representative.

 

56


(f) Any Tax Proceeding relating to a Straddle Period of Cache and its Subsidiaries shall be jointly controlled and conducted by EQBK and the Shareholders’ Representative, and neither party shall be permitted to settle or compromise any such Tax Proceeding without the consent of the other.

(g) Without the prior written consent of the Shareholders’ Representative (which may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), EQBK will not file any amended federal income Tax Return for Cache or its Subsidiaries relating to any period that ends on or before the Closing Date, and without the prior written consent of EQBK, Shareholders’ Representative will not file any amended federal income Tax Return for Cache or its Subsidiaries relating to any period that ends on or before the Closing Date.

(h) EQBK, Cache and the Shareholders’ Representative will maintain all Tax records, working papers and other supporting financial records and documents relating to the Tax Returns filed by Cache and the Subsidiaries for all open years for periods that end on or before the Closing Date or for other Tax periods to the extent the Tax Returns affect Taxes payable for any period ending on or before the Closing Date. These Tax Returns will be delivered to and maintained by EQBK for a period of six (6) years after the Closing, and EQBK will make the same available to the Shareholders’ Representative or his agents at reasonable times for inspection and copying at the Shareholders’ Representative’s expense.

(i) Officers of Cache shall execute and deliver to McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation and to Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, respectively, certificates containing appropriate representations and covenants, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such counsel, at such time or times as may be reasonably requested by such counsel, including prior to the effective date of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Closing Date, in connection with such counsel’s deliveries of opinions with respect to the Tax treatment of the Merger pursuant to Section 7.10 and Section 8.16.

(j) Cache and EQBK further agree, upon request, to use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any Governmental Entity or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including, but not limited to, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby).

Section 5.19 Disclosure Schedules. At least ten (10) days prior to the Closing, Cache agrees to provide EQBK with supplemental disclosure schedules reflecting any material changes thereto between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date. Delivery of such supplemental disclosure schedules shall not cure a breach or modify a representation or warranty of this Agreement.

 

57


Section 5.20 Transition.

(a) The senior officers of Cache and the Bank agree to meet with senior officers of EQBK as reasonably requested by EQBK to review the financial and operational affairs of the Bank, and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, each of Cache and the Bank agrees to give due consideration to EQBK’s input on such matters, consistent with this Section 5.20, with the understanding that EQBK shall in no event be permitted to exercise control of Cache or the Bank prior to the Effective Time and, except as specifically provided under this Agreement, Cache and the Bank shall have no obligation to act in accordance with EQBK’s input. Commencing after the date hereof and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, EQBK, Cache and the Bank shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to plan the integration of Cache and the Bank with the businesses of EQBK and their respective affiliates to be effective as much as practicable as of the Closing Date; provided, however, that in no event shall EQBK or its affiliates be entitled to control Cache or the Bank prior to the Effective Time. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof through the Effective Time and consistent with the performance of their day-to-day operations and the continuous operation of Cache and the Bank in the ordinary course of business, Cache’s and the Bank’s employees and officers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to provide support, including support from Cache’s and the Bank’s outside contractors, and to assist EQBK in performing all tasks, including, without limitation, equipment installation, reasonably required to result in a successful integration at the Closing. EQBK shall provide such assistance of its personnel as Cache and the Bank shall request to permit Cache and the Bank to comply with their obligations under this Section 5.20.

(b) From and after the date hereof, each of Cache and the Bank shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its agents to, permit EQBK to take all reasonable actions that EQBK deems necessary or appropriate, and to cooperate and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its agents to cooperate in the taking of such actions, to enable EQBK, after the Closing, to satisfy the applicable obligations under §§302, 404 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOA”) and the other requirements of the SOA with respect to Cache and the Bank, including establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting as such terms are defined in the SOA.

Section 5.21 Execution of Releases. Cache shall cause the persons set forth on Confidential Schedule 8.06 to take such action as they are required to, in order to execute the releases as described in Section 8.06.

Section 5.22 No Solicitation.

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.22, Cache will not, and will cause its Subsidiaries not to, and will cause Cache’s and its Subsidiaries’ respective officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate or solicit or knowingly encourage any inquiries with respect to, or the making of, any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) except as permitted below, (A) engage in negotiations or discussions with or provide any information or data to, any Person relating to an Acquisition Proposal, (B) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, or (C) execute or enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition

 

58


agreement or other similar agreement relating to any Acquisition Proposal. Cache shall, and shall cause each of its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives to, (i) immediately cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person (other than EQBK) conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and promptly request return or destruction of confidential information related thereto, (ii) not terminate, waive, amend, release or modify any provision of any confidentiality or standstill agreement relating to any Acquisition Proposal to which it or any of its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives is a party and (iii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to enforce any confidentiality or similar agreement relating to any Acquisition Proposal.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, at any time prior to obtaining the approval of the Cache shareholders, in the event that Cache receives a bona fide Acquisition Proposal that is not received in violation of this Section 5.22, Cache and its Board may participate in discussions or negotiations with, or furnish any information to, any Person making such Acquisition Proposal and its agents and representatives or potential sources of financing that need to be involved in such discussion if Cache’s Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its counsel and financial advisor, that such Person is reasonably likely to submit to Cache a Superior Proposal and that failure to take such action would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the board of directors’ fiduciary duties; provided, however, that, prior to providing any nonpublic information to such Person or participating in discussions or negotiations with such Person, Cache shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with such Person on terms that are substantially similar to the confidentiality provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement and that any nonpublic information concerning Cache and its Subsidiaries provided to such Person, to the extent not previously provided to EQBK, is promptly provided to EQBK. In addition, nothing herein shall restrict Cache from complying with its disclosure obligations with regard to any Acquisition Proposal under applicable Law.

(c) Cache will promptly (and in any event within 48 hours) notify EQBK of the receipt by Cache of any Acquisition Proposal, which notice shall include the material terms of and identity of the Person(s) making such Acquisition Proposal. Cache will keep EQBK reasonably informed of the status and material terms and conditions of any such Acquisition Proposal and of any material amendments or proposed material amendments thereto.

(d) Cache’s Board may, at any time prior to obtaining the approval of the Cache shareholders, (i) approve, endorse or recommend a Superior Proposal or enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal or (ii) modify or amend in a manner adverse to EQBK or withdraw Cache Recommendation ((i) or (ii) above being referred to as a “Change in Recommendation”), provided that (x) prior to such Change in Recommendation, Cache’s Board shall determine, in good faith (after consultation with its counsel), that the failure to take such action would be to be inconsistent with the directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable Law and (y) such Change in Recommendation is in connection with a Superior Proposal or an Intervening Event and such Superior Proposal has been made and has not been withdrawn and continues to be a Superior Proposal after taking into account any action taken by EQBK pursuant to Section 5.22(e).

 

59


(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cache may not terminate this Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal unless (i) it notifies EQBK in writing of its intention to take such action at least five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action, specifying the material terms of any applicable Superior Proposal, identifying the Person(s) making such Superior Proposal and providing EQBK an unredacted copy of all of the agreements with the party making such Superior Proposal, (ii) EQBK does not make, after being provided with reasonable opportunity to negotiate with Cache and its agents and representatives, within such five (5) Business Day period, irrevocable adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement that Cache’s Board determines, in good faith after consultation with its counsel and financial advisors, is at least as favorable to Cache’s shareholders as such Superior Proposal and (iii) Cache is not in material breach of this Section 5.22.

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS OF EQBK

Section 6.01 Commercially Reasonable Efforts. EQBK shall use commercially reasonable efforts to perform and fulfill all conditions and obligations on its part to be performed or fulfilled under this Agreement and to cause the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Section 6.02 Regulatory Filings; Registration Statement.

(a) EQBK, at its own expense, with the cooperation of Cache, at its own expense, shall promptly file or cause to be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of this Agreement applications for all regulatory approvals required to be obtained by EQBK in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including but not limited to the necessary applications for the prior approval of the Merger by the Federal Reserve and the OSBC.

(b) EQBK shall reserve and make available for issuance in connection with the Merger, and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the shares of EQBK Stock for the Stock Consideration and shall, with the cooperation of Cache and the Bank, file with the SEC the Registration Statement, which Registration Statement will contain the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and EQBK shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective. At the time the Registration Statement becomes effective, the Registration Statement shall comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the published rules and regulations thereunder, and shall not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading, and at the time of the mailing thereof to the Cache shareholders at the time of the Shareholders’ Meeting and on the Effective Time, the Proxy

 

60


Statement/Prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any amendment or supplement, shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading.

(c) EQBK shall timely file all documents required to obtain all necessary Blue Sky permits and approvals, if any, required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, shall pay all expenses incident thereto and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such permits and approvals on a timely basis.

(d) EQBK shall promptly and properly prepare and file any filings required under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, relating to the Merger and the transactions contemplated herein.

(e) EQBK shall keep Cache reasonably informed as to the status of such applications and filings and shall notify it promptly of any developments that reasonably could significantly delay the completion of the Merger.

Section 6.03 Untrue Representations. EQBK shall promptly notify Cache in writing if EQBK becomes aware of any fact or condition that makes untrue, or shows to have been untrue, in any material respect, any schedule or any other information furnished to Cache or any representation or warranty made in or pursuant to this Agreement or that results in the failure of EQBK to comply with any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement in all material respects.

Section 6.04 Litigation and Claims. EQBK shall promptly notify Cache of any legal action, suit or proceeding or judicial, administrative or governmental investigation, pending or, to the Knowledge of EQBK, threatened against EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK that questions or might question the validity of this Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby, or any actions taken or to be taken by EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK pursuant hereto or thereto or seeks to enjoin or otherwise restrain the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 6.05 Material Adverse Changes. EQBK shall promptly notify Cache in writing if any change or development shall have occurred or, to the Knowledge of EQBK, been threatened (or any development shall have occurred or been threatened involving a prospective change) that (a) is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change on EQBK, (b) would adversely affect, prevent or delay the obtaining of any regulatory approval for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (c) would cause the conditions in Article VII not to be satisfied.

Section 6.06 Consents and Approvals. EQBK will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain at the earliest practicable time all consents and approvals from third parties, including those listed on Confidential Schedule 2.03(g).

 

61


Section 6.07 Employee Matters.

(a) At the Effective Time, EQBK may, in its sole and absolute discretion, either discontinue the employment of one or more current employees of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries (each a “Terminated Employee”), or continue the employment of one or more current employees of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries (each a “Continuing Employee”). EQBK shall consult with the Chief Executive Officer of Cache with respect to the termination of any such employees in connection with the Closing. Subject to the right of subsequent amendment, modification, replacement or termination in the sole discretion of EQBK, each Continuing Employee shall be entitled, as an employee of EQBK or its Subsidiaries, to participate in the employee benefit plans of EQBK provided to similarly situated employees of EQBK or its Subsidiaries, if such Continuing Employee shall be eligible and, if required by the terms of such plans, selected for participation therein under the terms thereof and makes any required contributions. All such participation shall be subject to such terms of such plans as may be in effect from time to time and this Section 6.07 is not intended to give any Continuing Employee any rights or privileges superior to those of other similarly situated employees of EQBK or its Subsidiaries. The provisions of this Section 6.07 shall not be deemed or construed so as to provide duplication of similar benefits but, subject to that qualification, EQBK shall, for purposes of vesting and any age or period of service requirements for commencement of participation with respect to any employee benefit plans in which a Continuing Employee may participate (excluding any defined benefit pension plan), credit each Continuing Employee with his or her term of service with Cache or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent such service was recognized under the analogous Employee Plan of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Terminated Employees and Continuing Employees will be eligible to receive the severance set forth on Confidential Schedule 6.07, subject to the satisfaction of the terms and condition set forth on such schedule.

(c) If Continuing Employees become eligible to participate in a medical, dental or health plan of EQBK upon termination of any such analogous plan of Cache or the Bank, EQBK shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each such plan of EQBK to (i) waive any preexisting condition limitations to the extent such conditions are covered under the applicable medical, health or dental plans of EQBK, and (ii) waive any waiting period limitation or evidence of insurability requirement which would otherwise be applicable to such Continuing Employee on or after the Effective Time, in each case to the extent such employee had satisfied any similar limitation or requirement under an analogous plan prior to the Effective Time for the plan year in which the Effective Time occurs.

(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon any employee, officer, director, independent contractor or consultant of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates any right to continue in the employ or service of the Surviving Corporation, EQBK, or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Surviving Corporation, Cache, EQBK or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof to discharge or terminate the services of any employee, officer, director or consultant of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to (i)

 

62


establish, amend, or modify any Employee Plan or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement, or (ii) alter or limit the ability of the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to amend, modify or terminate any particular Employee Plan or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement after the Effective Time. Without limiting the generality of Section 10.19, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person, including any current or former employee, officer, director, independent contractor or consultant (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of Cache or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 6.08 Conduct of Business in the Ordinary Course. Except as specifically provided for in this Agreement, EQBK shall conduct its business in the ordinary course as heretofore conducted. For purposes of this Section 6.09, the ordinary course of business shall consist of the banking and related business as presently conducted by EQBK and its Subsidiaries, and engaging in acquisitions and assisting in the management of its Subsidiaries.

Section 6.09 Access to Properties and Records. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, and solely for the purposes of verifying the representations and warranties of EQBK and preparing for the Merger and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement, EQBK shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, upon reasonable notice from Cache to EQBK (a) afford the employees and officers and authorized representatives (including legal counsel, accountants and consultants) of Cache, who enter into a non-disclosure agreement with EQBK in a form acceptable to EQBK, reasonable access to the properties, books and records of EQBK and its Subsidiaries during normal business hours in order that Cache may have the opportunity to make such reasonable investigation of the affairs of EQBK and its Subsidiaries, and (b) furnish Cache with such additional financial and operating data and other information as to the business and properties of EQBK as Cache shall, from time to time, reasonably request. Cache shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any interference with EQBK’s business operations during any such access. Neither EQBK nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of EQBK’s customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the institution in possession or control of such information (after giving due consideration to the existence of any common interest, joint defense or similar agreement between the parties) or contravene any Law, Order, fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement.

Section 6.10 Nasdaq Listing. EQBK shall file all documents required to be filed to have the shares of EQBK Class A Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement included for listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and use its commercially reasonable efforts to affect said listing.

Section 6.11 Disclosure Schedules. At least ten (10) days prior to the Closing, EQBK agrees to provide Cache with supplemental disclosure schedules reflecting any material changes thereto between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date. Delivery of such supplemental disclosure schedules shall not cure a breach or modify a representation or warranty of this Agreement.

 

63


Section 6.12 No Control of Caches Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement gives EQBK or any of their representatives or Affiliates, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of Cache or the Bank prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, Cache shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over the operations of Cache and the Bank.

Section 6.13 Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance.

(a) By virtue of the occurrence of the Merger, EQBK shall, from and after the Effective Time, succeed to Cache’s and the Bank’s obligations with respect to indemnification or exculpation now existing in favor of the directors, officers, employees and agents of Cache and the Bank, respectively, as provided in their certificate of incorporation, Bylaws, indemnification agreements or otherwise in effect as of the date of this Agreement with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time (collectively, the “Existing Indemnification Obligation”). EQBK hereby guaranties Cache’s indemnification obligations.

(b) Except to the extent prohibited by applicable Law, following the Effective Time and for a period of six (6) years thereafter, EQBK shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless any Person who has rights to indemnification from Cache, under the Existing Indemnification Obligation.

(c) Prior to Closing, EQBK and Equity Bank shall obtain, at the expense of EQBK, a six (6) year tail insurance coverage policy relating to the policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance currently maintained by Cache and the Bank as of the date hereof with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or prior to the Effective Time (including the transactions contemplated hereby) as currently maintained by Cache (“Tail Policy”), on terms no less advantageous than those contained in Cache’s existing directors’ and officers’ and company’s liability insurance policy; provided, however, that EQBK shall not be obligated to expend, on an annual basis, an amount in excess of 200% of the current annual premium paid as of the date hereof by Cache for such insurance.

(d) If EQBK or Equity Bank or any of their successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties or assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, to the extent necessary, provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of EQBK or Equity Bank expressly assume the obligations set forth in this Section 6.13.

(e) The provisions of this Section 6.13 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date of this Agreement or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, an officer or director of Cache or the Bank (the “Indemnified Parties”) and his or her heirs and representatives and are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any such person may have by contract or otherwise.

 

64


(f) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this Section 6.13, upon learning of any Claim, shall promptly notify EQBK in writing thereof. In the event of any such claim for indemnification (whether arising before or after the Effective Time), (i) EQBK shall have the right to assume the defense thereof and EQBK shall not be liable to such Indemnified Parties for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with the defense thereof, except that if EQBK elects not to assume such defense or counsel for the Indemnified Parties advises that there are substantive issues which raise conflicts of interest between EQBK and the Indemnified Parties, then the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel satisfactory to them, and EQBK shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties in accordance with its historical business practices; provided that EQBK shall be obligated pursuant to this Section 6.13(f) to pay for only one firm of counsel for all Indemnified Parties in any jurisdiction; (ii) the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any such matter; and (iii) EQBK shall not be liable for any settlement effected without its prior written consent; provided that EQBK shall not have any obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Party and such Indemnified Party shall reimburse EQBK for any fees and expenses of such Indemnified Party’s counsel that were paid by EQBK, when and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine, and such determination shall have become final, that the indemnification of such Indemnified Party in the manner contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable Law.

Section 6.14 Tax Matters.

(a) EQBK shall comply with the recordkeeping and information reporting requirements set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3.

(b) Following the Merger, EQBK will not take any action or omit to take any action that would prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization described in Section 368(a) of the Code or satisfying the “continuity of business enterprise” requirement for a “reorganization” as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-1(d).

ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF CACHE

The obligations of Cache under this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, prior to or at the Closing, of each of the following conditions, which may be waived in whole or in part by Cache:

Section 7.01 Representations and Warranties. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of the EQBK set forth in Sections 4.01, 4.02, 4.03 (other than inaccuracies that are de minimis in amount and effect) and 4.15 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which case as of such specific date) and (ii) each of the other representations and warranties made by EQBK

 

65


in this Agreement or in any document or schedule delivered to Cache in connection with this Agreement being true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent such representations and warranties are qualified by their terms by reference to “material,” “materiality,” “in all material respects,” “Material Adverse Change,” or the like, in which case such representations and warranties as so qualified are true and correct in all respects) when made and being true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing with the same force and effect as if such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing, except with respect to those representations and warranties specifically made as of an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties must have been true and correct as of such earlier date).

Section 7.02 Performance of Obligations. EQBK has, or has caused to be, performed or observed, in all material respects, all obligations and agreements required to be performed or observed by EQBK under this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date.

Section 7.03 Shareholder Approval. Each of this Agreement and the Merger having been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of Cache Stock as and to the extent required by the OGCA and the Cache Constituent Documents (the “Requisite Cache Vote”).

Section 7.04 Government and Other Approvals. Cache and EQBK having received approvals, acquiescences or consents of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from all necessary Governmental Entities and from the third parties listed on Confidential Schedule 2.03(g) and all applicable waiting periods having expired. Further, the approvals and the transactions contemplated hereby not having been contested or threatened to be contested by any federal or state Governmental Entity or by any other third party by formal proceedings.

Section 7.05 No Litigation. No action having been taken, and no statute, rule, regulation or Order being promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby by any federal, state or foreign government or Governmental Entity or by any court, including the entry of a preliminary or permanent injunction, which, if successful, would (a) make the Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (b) impose material limits on the ability of any party to this Agreement to complete the Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or (c) if the Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are completed, subject Cache or any officer, director, shareholder or employee of Cache to criminal or civil liability. Further, no action or proceeding before any court or Governmental Entity, by any government or Governmental Entity or by any other Person is threatened, instituted or pending that would reasonably be expected to result in any of the consequences referred to in clauses (a) through (c) above.

Section 7.06 Delivery of Closing Documents. Cache shall have received all documents required to be received from EQBK on or prior to the Closing Date as set forth in Section 2.03 hereof, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Cache.

 

66


Section 7.07 No Material Adverse Change. There having been no Material Adverse Change with respect to EQBK since December 31, 2016.

Section 7.08 Registration Statement. The Registration Statement, including any amendments or supplements thereto, shall be effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect or proceedings for such purpose pending before or threatened by the SEC. All state securities permits or approvals required by applicable state securities Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been received and remain in effect.

Section 7.01 Nasdaq Listing. The shares of EQBK Class A Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Section 7.02 Federal Tax Opinion. Cache shall have received an opinion of McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Cache, dated as of the Closing Date and based on facts, representations and assumptions described in such opinion, to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation may require and rely upon and may incorporate by reference representations and covenants, including those contained in certificates of officers and/or directors of EQBK and Cache.

Section 7.03 Tail Policy. EQBK shall have procured the Tail Policy in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of Section 6.13(c).

ARTICLE VIII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF EQBK

All obligations of EQBK under this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, prior to or at the Closing, of each of the following conditions, which may be waived in whole or in part by such parties.

Section 8.01 Representations and Warranties. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of the Cache set forth in Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 (other than inaccuracies that are de minimis in amount and effect) and 3.14 and 3.42 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which case as of such specific date) and (ii) each of the other representations and warranties made by Cache in this Agreement or in any document or schedule delivered to EQBK in connection with this Agreement being true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent such representations and warranties are qualified by their terms by reference to “material,” “materiality,” “in all material respects,” “Material Adverse Change,” or the like, in which case such representations and warranties as so qualified are true and correct in all respects) when made and being true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing with the same force and effect as if such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing, except with respect to those representations and warranties specifically made as of an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties must have been true and correct as of such earlier date).

 

67


Section 8.02 Performance of Obligations. Cache has, or has caused to be, performed or observed, in all material respects, all obligations and agreements required to be performed or observed by Cache under this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date.

Section 8.03 Shareholder Approval. Each of this Agreement and the Merger having been approved by the Requisite Cache Vote. The requisite vote of the holders of Cache Stock necessary to terminate any voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements listed on Confidential Schedule 3.26 having been obtained and such voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements having been terminated on or prior to the Closing Date.

Section 8.04 Government and Other Approvals. EQBK having received approvals, acquiescences or consents of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from all necessary Governmental Entities and from the third parties listed on Confidential Schedule 2.02(j), and all applicable waiting periods having expired. Further, the approvals and the transactions contemplated hereby not having been contested or threatened to be contested by any federal or state Governmental Entity or by any other third party by formal proceedings.

Section 8.05 No Litigation. No action having been taken, and no statute, rule, regulation or Order being promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby by any federal, state or foreign government or Governmental Entity or by any court, including the entry of a preliminary or permanent injunction, which, if successful, would (a) make the Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (b) require the divestiture of a material portion of the assets of EQBK or its Subsidiaries, or (c) impose material limits on the ability of any party to this Agreement to complete the Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or (d) if the Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are completed, subject EQBK or any officer, director, shareholder or employee of Cache to criminal or civil liability. Further, no action or proceeding before any court or Governmental Entity, by any government or Governmental Entity or by any other Person is threatened, instituted or pending that would reasonably be expected to result in any of the consequences referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above.

Section 8.06 Releases. EQBK having received from each of the directors of Cache an instrument dated as of the Closing Date releasing Cache, its Subsidiaries and each of its Affiliates, successors and assigns, from any and all claims of such directors (except to certain matters described therein), the form of which is attached as Exhibit “E”. Further, EQBK having received from each of the officers of Cache, as listed on Confidential Schedule 8.06, an instrument dated as of the Closing Date releasing Cache, its Subsidiaries and each of its Affiliates, successors and assigns, from any and all claims of such officers (except as to certain matters described therein), the form of which is attached as Exhibit F.

 

68


Section 8.07 No Material Adverse Change. There will have been no Material Adverse Change to Cache since December 31, 2016.

Section 8.08 Termination of Employee Plans. EQBK having received evidence reasonably satisfactory to EQBK that, as of the Effective Time, all Employee Plans of Cache (other than such plans EQBK elects not to terminate) have been terminated in accordance with the terms of such Employee Plans of Cache, the Code, ERISA and all other applicable Laws on a basis satisfactory to EQBK in its reasonable discretion and that, to the extent required by the Employee Plans or applicable Law, affected participants have been notified of such terminations and/or integrations.

Section 8.09 Employment Agreements. EQBK having received, from each of the individuals party to an Employment Agreement set forth on Confidential Schedule 3.27(b), a fully executed employment agreement dated as of the Closing Date substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit G-1, Exhibit G-2 and Exhibit G-3.

Section 8.10 Registration Statement. The Registration Statement, including any amendments or supplements thereto, shall be effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect or proceedings for purpose pending before or threatened by the SEC. All state securities permits or approvals required by applicable state securities Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been received and remain in effect.

Section 8.11 Dissenting Shareholders. Holders of not more than 10% of the outstanding shares of Cache Stock having demanded or be entitled to demand payment of the fair value of their shares as dissenting shareholders under applicable provisions of the OGCA.

Section 8.12 Delivery of Closing Documents. EQBK shall have received all documents required to be received from Cache on or prior to the Closing Date as set forth in Section 2.02 hereof, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to EQBK.

Section 8.13 Minimum Adjusted Equity. Cache’s Adjusted Equity shall be equal to or greater than $17,932,463.

Section 8.14 Cache Options. Each holder of a Cache Option shall have delivered the Option Cancellation Agreement prior to the Calculation Date or Cache shall have cancelled any Cache Option that remains unexercised as of the Calculation Date.

Section 8.15 FIRPTA Certificate. Cache shall have delivered to EQBK (i) a notice to the IRS conforming to the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.897-2(h)(2), in form and substance satisfactory to EQBK, dated as of the Closing Date and executed by Cache, and (ii) a Statement of Non-U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation Status Pursuant to Treasury Regulation Sections 1.1445-2(c)(3) and 1.897-2(h) and Certification of Non-Foreign Status, in form and substance satisfactory to EQBK, dated as of the Closing Date and executed by Cache.

Section 8.16 Subchapter S Documents. EQBK shall have received from Cache documentation reasonably satisfactory to EQBK from Cache’s shareholders demonstrating each such shareholders’ eligibility to own Cache Stock in accordance with Section 1361 of the Code.

 

69


Section 8.17 Federal Tax Opinion. EQBK shall have received an opinion of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to EQBK, dated as of the Closing Date and based on facts, representations and assumptions described in such opinion, to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP may require and rely upon and may incorporate by reference representations and covenants, including those contained in certificates of officers and/or directors of EQBK and Cache.

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION

Section 9.01 Right of Termination. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time, notwithstanding the approval thereof by the shareholders of Cache, prior to the Effective Time as follows, and in no other manner:

(a) by the mutual written consent of EQBK and Cache;

(b) by either Cache or EQBK (as long as the terminating party is not in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) if the conditions precedent to such parties’ obligations to close specified in Article VII and Article VIII, respectively, hereof have not been met or waived by December 31, 2017; provided, that such date may be extended to such later date as agreed upon by the parties hereto;

(c) by either EQBK or Cache if any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are disapproved by any Regulatory Agency whose approval is required to complete such transactions or if any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States or other federal or state governmental body has issued an Order, decree or ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining, invalidating or otherwise prohibiting the Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and such disapproval, Order, decree, ruling or other action is final and nonappealable; provided, however, that the party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(c) shall have used its commercially reasonable efforts to contest, appeal and remove such order, decree, ruling or other action.

(d) by either EQBK or Cache if there has been any Material Adverse Change with respect to the other party;

(e) by EQBK, if there shall have been a breach of any of the covenants or agreements or any of the representations or warranties (or any such representation or warranty shall cease to be true and correct) set forth in this Agreement on the part of Cache or any other agreement contemplated hereby, which breach or failure to be true and correct, either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches (or failures of such representations and warranties to be true and correct), would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the conditions set forth in Section 8.01 or Section 8.02, as the case may be; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement

 

70


under this Section 9.01(e) shall not be available to EQBK if it is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. If EQBK desires to terminate this Agreement because of an alleged breach or inaccuracy as provided in this Section 9.01(e), then it must notify Cache in writing of its intent to terminate stating the reason therefor. Cache shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the alleged breach or failure to be true and correct, if the breach or failure to be true and correct is capable of being cured;

(f) by Cache, if there shall have been a breach of any of the covenants or agreements or any of the representations or warranties (or any such representation or warranty shall cease to be true and correct) set forth in this Agreement on the part of EQBK or any other agreement contemplated hereby, which breach or failure to be true and correct, either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches (or failures of such representations and warranties to be true and correct), would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the conditions set forth in Section 7.01 or Section 7.02, as the case may be; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.01(f) shall not be available to Cache if it is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. If Cache desires to terminate this Agreement because of an alleged breach or failure to be true and correct as provided in this Section 9.01(f), then it must notify EQBK in writing of its intent to terminate stating the reason therefor. EQBK shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the alleged breach or failure to be true and correct, if the breach or failure to be true and correct is capable of being cured;

(g) by EQBK or Cache, if this Agreement and the Merger are not approved by the required vote of shareholders of Cache at its Shareholders’ Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof; provided, however, that Cache may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(g) if Cache has breached in any material respect any of its obligations under this Agreement, in each case in a manner that caused the failure to obtain the approval of the Cache shareholders at the Shareholders’ Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof;

(h) by Cache prior to obtaining the approval of the Cache shareholders at the Shareholders’ Meeting, and subject to the terms and conditions of Section 5.22(e), in order to accept a Superior Proposal;

(i) by EQBK if Cache’s Board shall have effected a Change in Recommendation;

(j) by EQBK if Cache or the Bank enter into any formal or informal administrative action with a Governmental Entity or any such action is threatened by a Governmental Entity.

(k) by Cache if EQBK or Equity Bank enter into any formal or informal administrative action with a Governmental Entity or any such action is threatened by a Governmental Entity; or

 

71


(l) by Cache, not later than the end of the second Business Day following the Calculation Date, in the event that as of the Calculation Date, both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) the EQBK Closing VWAP is less than 80% of the EQBK Starting Price; and

(ii) and the quotient of (A) the EQBK Closing VWAP, divided by (B) the EQBK Starting Price, is less than the product of (X) the Index Change Ratio, multiplied by (Y) 0.80.

If Cache elects to terminate pursuant to this Section 9.01(l) and provides such written notice to EQBK, then within two (2) Business Days following EQBK’s receipt of such notice, EQBK may elect by written notice to Cache to reinstate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (A) adjust the Exchange Ratio to equal a number equal to the lesser of (i) a quotient (rounded to the nearest one-thousandth), the numerator of which is $[1,321.61] and the denominator of which is the EQBK Closing VWAP, and (ii) a quotient (rounded to the nearest one-thousandth), the numerator of which is $[1,321.61] and the denominator of which is the EQBK Closing VWAP, multiplied by the Index Change Ratio, or (B) in the alternative, not adjust the Exchange Ratio, and, in lieu of thereof, add an amount in cash to the Per Share Cash Amount such that each holder of Cache Stock would be entitled to receive, in respect of each share of Cache Stock, the equivalent value, based on the EQBK Closing VWAP for each share of Cache Stock as such holder would have received had the Exchange Ratio been adjusted in accordance with clause (A), provided that such additional cash amount will not prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization described in Section 368(a) of the Code. If EQBK makes such election to reinstate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, no termination will occur pursuant to this Section 9.01(l) and this Agreement will remain in effect according to its terms (except as the Merger Consideration has been adjusted).

The calculations pursuant to this Section 9.01(l) shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into EQBK Class A Stock, as applicable), reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to the number of shares of EQBK Class A Stock outstanding after the date hereof and prior to the Calculation Date.

For the purposes of this Section 9.01(l), the following term shall have the meaning set forth below:

Index Change Ratio” shall mean the quotient of (i) the 20-day average closing price of the NASDAQ Bank Index (or, if such index is not available, a similar index that may be agreed upon by the parties hereto) over the twenty (20) trading day period beginning on the twenty-first (21st) day prior to the Calculation Date and ending on the day prior to the Calculation Date, divided by (ii) 3,773.63.

 

72


Section 9.02 Notice of Termination. The power of termination provided for by Section 9.01 hereof may be exercised only by a notice given in writing, as provided in Section 10.08 of this Agreement.

Section 9.03 Effect of Termination.

(a) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.01 hereof, then no party to this Agreement will have any further liability or obligation under this Agreement; provided, however, that:

(i) no such termination shall relieve any party hereto of any liability or damages resulting from any willful breach of this Agreement or actual fraud;

(ii) the provisions of this Section 9.03, and Article X (other than Section 10.06) shall survive any such termination; and

(iii) the Confidentiality Agreement shall survive any such termination in accordance with its terms.

(b) If EQBK is not in material breach of any covenant or obligation under this Agreement, Cache shall pay to EQBK, by wire transfer of same day funds, a termination fee equal to $1,500,000 (the “Termination Fee”), if this Agreement is terminated:

(i) by Cache pursuant to Sections 9.01(h);

(ii) by EQBK pursuant to Section 9.01(i);

(iii) by EQBK or Cache pursuant to Section 9.01(b) (if Cache shall have failed to obtain the Requisite Cache Vote at the duly convened Shareholders’ Meeting of Cache or any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the adoption of this Agreement was taken) or by EQBK pursuant to Section 9.01(e), in either case only if:

(A) after the date of this Agreement and prior to the termination of this Agreement, a bona fide Acquisition Proposal shall have been made known to senior management of Cache, the Cache Board or directly to Cache’s shareholders generally or any person shall have publicly announced (and not withdrawn) an Acquisition Proposal with respect to Cache; and

(B) prior to the date that is twelve (12) months after the date of such termination, Cache enters into a definitive agreement or consummates a transaction with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not the same Acquisition Proposal as that referred to above),

provided, that, solely for the purposes of this Section 9.03(b)(iii), the term “Acquisition Proposal” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 10.12, except that all references in such definition to 15% shall be changed to 50%.

 

73


(c) Any payment required by Section 9.03(b) shall be paid:

(i) on the date of termination, if paid pursuant to Section 9.03(b)(i);

(ii) within two (2) Business Days of termination, if paid pursuant to Section 9.03(b)(ii); and

(iii) on the earlier of the date Cache enters into the definitive agreement described in Section 9.03(b)(iii)(B) and the date Cache consummates the transaction described in Section 9.03(b)(iii)(B), if paid pursuant to Section 9.03(b)(iii).

(d) Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and hereby agrees that the provisions of Section 9.03(b) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that such amounts do not constitute a penalty, and that, without such provisions, the parties would not have entered into this Agreement. If Cache shall fail to pay in a timely manner any amount due to EQBK pursuant to this Section 9.03, then Cache (i) shall pay to EQBK the reasonable costs and expenses of EQBK (including its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred or accrued in connection EQBK’s efforts to obtain payment of any amounts due to EQBK and (ii) shall pay all interest accrued on any amount due to EQBK pursuant to this Section 9.03, which shall accrue at the prime lending rate prevailing during such period as published in The Wall Street Journal. Any interest payable hereunder shall be calculated on a daily basis from the date such amounts were required to be paid until (but excluding) the date of actual payment, and on the basis of a 360-day year.

(e) The fees described in this Section 9.03 shall be the exclusive remedy for a termination of the Agreement as specified in Section 9.03(b) and shall be in lieu of damages incurred in the event of any such termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE X

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 10.01 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements (other than the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall survive in accordance with its terms) of the parties hereto contained in this Agreement shall terminate at the Closing, other than the covenants that by their terms are to be performed after the Effective Time, which shall survive the Closing.

Section 10.02 Expenses. Except (i) with respect to costs and expenses of printing and mailing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Merger, which shall be borne equally by EQBK and Cache, (ii) as otherwise provided in Section 9.03, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such fees or expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated.

 

74


Section 10.03 Brokerage Fees and Commissions.

(a) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 10.03(a), EQBK hereby represents to Cache that no agent, representative or broker has represented EQBK in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement. Cache will not have any responsibility or liability for any fees, expenses or commissions payable to any agent, representative or broker of EQBK and EQBK hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Cache harmless for any amounts owed to any agent, representative or broker of EQBK.

(b) Except as set forth on Confidential Schedule 10.03(b), Cache hereby represents to EQBK that no agent, representative or broker has represented Cache in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement. EQBK will not have any responsibility or liability for any fees, expenses or commissions payable to any agent, representative or broker of Cache or any shareholder of Cache, and Cache hereby agrees to indemnify and hold EQBK harmless for any amounts owed to any agent, representative or broker of Cache or any shareholder of Cache.

Section 10.04 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Voting Agreement, the Director Support Agreements, the EQBK Confidential Schedules, the Cache Confidential Schedules, the Confidentiality Agreement and the other agreements, documents, schedules and instruments signed and delivered by the parties to each other at the Closing are the full understanding of the parties, a complete allocation of risks between them and a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of their agreement relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, that may exist between the parties with respect thereto. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no conditions, usage of trade, course of dealing or performance, understanding or agreement purporting to modify, vary, explain or supplement the terms or conditions of this Agreement is binding unless hereafter made in writing and signed by the party to be bound, and no modification will be effected by the acknowledgment or acceptance of documents containing terms or conditions at variance with or in addition to those set forth in this Agreement.

Section 10.05 Binding Effect; Assignment. All of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors, representatives and permitted assigns. No party to this Agreement may assign this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any purported assignment made or attempted in violation of this Section shall be null and void.

Section 10.06 Further Cooperation. The parties agree that they will, at any time and from time to time after the Closing, upon request by the other and without further consideration, do, perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver all such further acts, deeds, assignments, assumptions, transfers, conveyances, powers of attorney, certificates and assurances as may be reasonably required in order to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to carry out and perform any undertaking made by the parties hereunder.

 

75


Section 10.07 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future Laws, then the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement; and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction such that the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

Section 10.08 Notices. Any and all payments (other than payments at the Closing), notices, requests, instructions and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement after the date of this Agreement by any party hereto to any other party may be delivered personally or by nationally recognized overnight courier service or sent by U.S. mail or (except in the case of payments) by email (provided that the email is promptly confirmed by telephone and is followed up within one Business Day by dispatch pursuant to one of the other methods described herein), at the respective addresses set forth below and is deemed delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or email, when received; (b) in the case of mail, upon the earlier of actual receipt or five (5) Business Days after deposit in the United States Postal Service, first class certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; and (c) in the case of an overnight courier service, one (1) Business Day after delivery to such courier service with and instructions for overnight delivery. The parties may change their respective addresses and email addresses by written notice to all other parties, sent as provided in this Section. All communications must be in writing and addressed as follows:

If to Cache:

Michael E. Bezanson

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Cache Holdings, Inc.

9292 S. Delaware Ave

Tulsa, OK 74137

Email: ***@***

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

C. Bruce Crum, Esq.

McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation

10th Floor, Two Leadership Square

211 N. Robinson

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Email: ***@***

With an additional copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Gentner F. Drummond, Esq.

Drummond Law, PLLC

1500 South Utica Avenue, Suite 400

Tulsa, OK 74104

Email: ***@***

 

76


If to EQBK:

Brad S. Elliott

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Equity Bancshares, Inc.

7701 East Kellogg Drive, Suite 200

Wichita, Kansas 67207

Email: ***@***

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Michael G. Keeley, Esq.

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600

Dallas, Texas ###-###-####

Email: ***@***

Section 10.09 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT IS TO BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE PROVISIONS THEREOF REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW THAT WOULD APPLY THE LAW OF A DIFFERENT JURISDICTION. VENUE FOR ANY CAUSE OF ACTION BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT WILL LIE IN SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS.

Section 10.10 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.10.

Section 10.11 Multiple Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all counterparts hereof so signed by the parties hereto, whether or not such counterpart will bear the execution of each of the parties hereto, will be deemed to be, and is to be construed as, one and the same Agreement. A facsimile or electronic scan in “PDF” format of a signed counterpart of this Agreement will be sufficient to bind the party or parties whose signature(s) appear thereon.

 

77


Section 10.12 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified or referred to in this section:

Acquisition Proposal” As used in this Agreement, “Acquisition Proposal” shall mean, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, (i) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Cache and its Subsidiaries or 15% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Cache or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 15% of the consolidated assets of Cache, (ii) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 15% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Cache or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 15% of the consolidated assets of Cache, or (iii) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving Cache or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 15% of the consolidated assets of Cache.

Adjusted Equity” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(i).

Adjusted Cash Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(iii).

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, (a) owns or controls another Person, (b) is owned or controlled by another Person, or (c) is under common control or ownership with another Person, and ownership means the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity securities of a Person, or, in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting and/or equity interest.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Audit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.07(b).

Bankruptcy Exception” means, in respect of any agreement, contract, commitment or obligation, any limitation thereon imposed by any bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or similar Law affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and, with respect to the enforceability of any agreement, contract, commitment or obligation, by general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at Law or in equity.

Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

78


Bank Merger” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Bank Merger Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.12.

Bank Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).

BHCA” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Business Day” means Monday through Friday of each week, except a legal holiday recognized as such by the United States federal government or any day on which banking institutions in Wichita, Kansas are authorized or required by Law to be closed.

Cache” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Cache Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Cache Constituent Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a).

Cache Equity” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(i).

Cache Option” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.10.

Cache Merger Costs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(iv).

Cache Per Share Value” shall mean the amount equal to the Per Share Cash Amount plus the Exchange Ratio multiplied by $31.17.

Cache Recommendation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02.

Cache Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(b).

Cache Stock Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.10.

Calculation Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(iv).

Call Reports” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05(b).

Cancelled Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(d).

Certificate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.07(c).

Change in Recommendation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.22(d).

Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

Code” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

79


Commencement Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.12(n).

Confidentiality Agreement” means the Confidentiality Agreement, effective as of February 14, 2017, by and between Cache and EQBK.

Continuing Employee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.07(a).

Controlled Group Plans” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.28(f).

CRA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.32.

Director Support Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Dissenting Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.09.

Dissenting Shareholder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.09.

Dodd-Frank Act” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.36.

Effective Time” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

Employee Plans” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.28(a).

Employment Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.27(b).

Environmental Inspections” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.12(a).

Environmental Laws” means the common Law and all federal, state, local and foreign Laws or regulations, codes, Orders, decrees, judgments or injunctions issued, promulgated, approved or entered thereunder, now or hereafter in effect, relating to pollution or protection of human health and the environment, including Laws relating to (i) emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Materials, into the environment (including ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata), (ii) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, (iii) underground and above ground storage tanks, and related piping, and emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases therefrom, and (iv) the conservation of open space, ecosystems, wetlands or water of the United States or a state, and (v) the preservation of cultural or historic structures or artifacts.

EQBK” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

EQBK Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

EQBK Class A Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(a).

EQBK Class B Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(a).

 

80


EQBK Closing VWAP” means the volume-weighted average price per share of EQBK Class A Stock for a twenty (20) trading day period, starting with the opening of trading on the twenty-first (21st) trading day prior to the Calculation Date to the closing of trading on the day prior to the Calculation Date, rounded to the nearest cent, as reported by Bloomberg Finance L.P.

EQBK Constituent Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(b).

EQBK Loan Representatives” means Scott Smits (having an email address of ***@***) and Wendell Bontrager (having an email address of ***@***).

EQBK SEC Reports” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(a).

EQBK Starting Price” means $31.17.

Equity Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Equity Adjustment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(v).

ERISA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.28(a).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.07(a).

Exchange Fund” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.07(b).

Exchange Ratio” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(vi).

Existing Indemnification Obligation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.13(a).

FDIA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(e).

FDIC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(e).

Federal Reserve” shall mean the Federal Reserve System.

FR Y-9SP Reports” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05(a).

GAAP” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06.

Governmental Entity” means any court, arbitrator, administrative agency or commission, board, bureau or other governmental or Regulatory Agency or instrumentality.

 

81


Hazardous Material” means any pollutant, contaminant, chemical, or toxic or hazardous substance, constituent, material or waste, or any other chemical, substances, constituent or waste including, among others, asbestos, lead-based paint, urea-formaldehyde, petroleum, crude oil or any fraction thereof or any petroleum product.

Indemnified Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.13(e).

Index Change Ratio” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.01(l).

Intervening Event” means any material event, change, effect, development or occurrence occurring or arising after the date of this Agreement that, individually or in the aggregate, materially affects the business, financial condition, or results of operations of Cache and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that (i) was not known, or reasonably foreseeable, to Cache’s Board as of or prior to the date of this Agreement and did not result from a breach of this Agreement by Cache and (ii) does not relate to or involve an Acquisition Proposal.

IRS” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.12(m).

Interim Financial Statements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05(c).

KGCC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.11.

A person has “Knowledge” of, or acts “Knowingly” with respect to, a particular fact or other matter if any individual who is presently serving as a director or “executive officer” (as such term is defined of 12 C.F.R. Part 215 (Regulation O)) of that person, after reasonable inquiry, is actually aware of such fact or other matter.

Law” shall mean any federal or state constitution, statute, regulation, rule, or common law applicable to a Person.

Leases” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(a)(i).

Leased Real Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.09.

Letter of Transmittal” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.07(b).

Lien(s)” means any mortgage, security interest, pledge, charges, encumbrance or lien (statutory or otherwise).

Listed Contracts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(a).

Material Adverse Change” means, with respect to any party hereto, any event, occurrence, fact, condition, effect or change that is, or would reasonably be expected to become, individually or in the aggregate, materially adverse to (i) the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, properties, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) or reserves, taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of such

 

82


party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis; provided, however, that none of the following shall constitute, or shall be considered in determining whether there has occurred, and no event, circumstance, change or effect resulting from or arising out of any of the following shall constitute, a Material Adverse Change: (i) any changes in Laws or interpretations thereof that are generally applicable to the banking or savings industries; (ii) changes in GAAP or RAP that are generally applicable to the banking or savings industries; (iii) expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) changes in global, national or regional political conditions or general economic or market conditions in the United States or the State of Kansas or Oklahoma, including changes in prevailing interest rates, credit availability and liquidity, currency exchange rates, and price levels or trading volumes in the United States or foreign securities markets affecting other companies in the financial services industry; (v) general changes in the credit markets or general downgrades in the credit markets; (vi) actions or omissions of a party taken as required by this Agreement or with the prior informed written consent of the other party or parties in contemplation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (vii) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declared or undeclared acts of war or terrorism; or (viii) the announcement of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that with respect to clauses (i) through (vii), such party is not affected to a greater extent than other Persons, bank holding companies or insured depository institutions in the industry in which such party operates.

Merger” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Merger Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(b)(ii).

Minimum Equity” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(vii).

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.28(j).

OGCA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.02.

Option Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.11.

Order” shall mean any award, decision, decree, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, or verdict entered, issued, made or rendered by any court, administrative agency or any other Governmental Entity.

OREO Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.09.

OSBC” means the Office of the State Bank Commissioner of Kansas.

Owned Real Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.09.

Permitted Encumbrances” shall mean only (i) Liens for taxes not yet due and payable and that do not constitute penalties , (ii) Liens for taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (iii) statutory Liens of landlords, (iv) Liens of carriers,

 

83


warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and repairmen incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and not yet delinquent, (v) zoning, building, or other restrictions, variances, covenants, rights of way, rights of subtenants, encumbrances, easements and other minor irregularities in title, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with the present use of or occupancy of the affected parcel by the Bank, or have a material detrimental effect on the value thereof or its present use.

Per Share Cash Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.06(a)(viii).

Per Share Merger Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(b)(ii).

Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, any other business entity, or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof).

Post-Closing Tax Returns” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.18(b).

Pre-Closing Tax Returns” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.18(a).

Property” or “Properties” shall include all real property currently owned or leased by Cache, including all Owned Real Property, OREO Property and Leased Real Property, as well as the premises and all improvements and fixtures thereon of Cache.

Proprietary Rights” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.15.

Proxy Statement/Prospectus” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(d).

RAP” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05(b).

Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13(a).

Regulatory Agency” means (i) any self-regulatory organization, (ii) the Federal Reserve, (iii) the FDIC, (iv) OSBC, (v) the Oklahoma State Banking Department, (vi) the SEC, or (vii) any other federal or state governmental or regulatory agency or authority having or claiming jurisdiction over a party to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Requisite Cache Vote” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(a).

Retirement Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14(a).

SEC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.37.

Secondary Investigation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.12(a).

 

84


Second Certificate of Merger” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.11.

Second Effective Time” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.11.

Securities Act” shall mean Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Share Adjustment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.05(f).

Shareholders’ Meeting” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(a).

Short S Tax Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.18(a)

SOA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.20(b).

Straddle Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.18(b).

Subsidiary” means, when used with reference to an entity, any corporation, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by such entity or any partnership, joint venture or other enterprise in which any entity has, directly or indirectly, a majority equity interest.

Superior Proposal” means any bona fide written Acquisition Proposal received after the date hereof that Cache’s Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal and financial advisors, to be reasonably likely to be consummated in accordance with its terms and to be more favorable to Cache and its shareholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated hereby (including any adjustment to the terms and conditions proposed by EQBK in response to such proposal pursuant to Section 5.22(e) or otherwise); provided that for purposes of this definition references to “15%” in the definition of “Acquisition Proposal” shall be deemed to be references to “50%”.

Surviving Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01.

Tail Policy” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.13(c).

Tax” or “Taxes” means all (i) United States federal, state or local or non-United States taxes, assessments, charges, duties, levies, interest or other similar governmental charges of any nature, including all income, franchise, profits, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, sales, use, occupation, property, excise, severance, windfall profits, stamp, stamp duty reserve, license, payroll, withholding, ad valorem, value added, alternative minimum, environmental, customs, social security (or similar), unemployment, sick pay, disability, registration and other taxes, assessments, charges, duties, interest, fees, levies or other similar governmental charges of any kind whatsoever, whether disputed or not, together with all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, charges, duties, levies, penalties and interest; (ii) any liability for the payment of any amount of a type described in clause (i) arising as a result of being or having been a member of any consolidated, combined, unitary or other group or being or having been included or required to be included in any Tax Return related thereto; and (iii) any liability for the payment of any amount of a type described in clause (i) or clause (ii) as a result of any obligation to indemnify or otherwise assume or succeed to the liability of any other Person.

 

85


Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes required to be filed with an Governmental Entity, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

Terminated Employee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.07(a).

Termination Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury pursuant to and in respect of provisions of the Code. All references herein to sections of the Treasury Regulations shall include any corresponding provision or provisions of succeeding, similar, substitute proposed or final Treasury Regulations.

Voting Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Welfare Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14(b).

Section 10.13 Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that the other parties would be irreparably damaged and would not have an adequate remedy at Law for money damages if any of the covenants contained in this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its terms or otherwise were materially breached. Each of the parties hereto therefore agrees that, without the necessity of proving actual damages or posting bond or other security, the other party will be entitled to temporary and/or permanent injunction or injunctions which a court of competent jurisdiction concludes is justified to prevent breaches of such performance and to specific enforcement of such covenants in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at Law or in equity.

Section 10.14 Attorneys Fees and Costs. If attorneys’ fees or other costs are incurred to secure performance of any of the obligations herein provided for, or to establish damages for the breach thereof, or to obtain any other appropriate relief, the prevailing party is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred therein and determined by the court to be justified.

Section 10.15 Rules of Construction. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision in this Agreement. Each use herein of the masculine, neuter or feminine gender is deemed to include the other genders. Each use herein of the plural includes the singular and vice versa, in each case as the context requires or as is otherwise appropriate. The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense. Any agreement or instrument defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement or instrument as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by waiver or consent. References to a Person are

 

86


also to its permitted successors or assigns. 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.

Section 10.16 Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules. All articles and sections referred to herein are articles and sections, respectively, of this Agreement and all exhibits and schedules referred to herein are exhibits and schedules, respectively, attached to this Agreement. Descriptive headings as to the contents of particular sections are for convenience only and do not control or affect the meaning, construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any particular section. Any and all schedules, exhibits, certificates or other documents or instruments referred to herein or attached hereto are and will be incorporated herein by reference hereto as though fully set forth herein.

Section 10.17 Public Disclosure. Neither EQBK nor Cache, or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the same, will make any announcement, statement, press release, acknowledgment or other public disclosure of the existence of, or reveal the terms, conditions or the status of, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, condition or delayed); provided, however, that (i) EQBK and Cache are permitted to make any public disclosures or governmental filings as legal counsel may deem necessary to maintain compliance with or to prevent violations of applicable Law, that may be necessary to obtain regulatory approval for the transactions contemplated hereby, or that may be necessary to enforce the obligations under this Agreement and (ii) EQBK may disclose the existence of, or reveal the terms, conditions or the status of, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby to potential investors in EQBK that is bound by a confidentiality agreement.

Section 10.18 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date, the parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document, certificate or writing delivered pursuant hereto, or (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements, covenants or conditions contained herein. Such action will be evidenced by a signed written notice given in the manner provided in Section 10.08. No party to this Agreement will by any act (except by a written instrument given pursuant to Section 10.08) be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise nor any delay in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder by any party hereto will operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder will preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver of any party of any right or remedy on any one occasion will not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy that such party would otherwise have on any future occasion or to any right or remedy that any other party may have hereunder. Any party may unilaterally waive a right which is solely applicable to it.

Section 10.19 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by an instrument in writing executed by each of the parties hereto.

 

87


Section 10.20 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Section 6.13(e), nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Persons, other than the parties hereto or their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

88


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
By:                                                                                                  
Name: Brad S. Elliott
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
CACHE HOLDINGS, INC.
By:                                                                                                  
Name: Michael E. Bezanson
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization]


EXHIBIT A

Attached hereto


VOTING AGREEMENT

This VOTING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of July 14, 2017 is executed by and among Equity Bancshares, Inc. (“EQBK”), a Kansas corporation and registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), Cache Holdings, Inc. (“Cache”), an Oklahoma corporation and registered bank holding company under the BHCA, Brad S. Elliott (“Proxy Holder”), as proxy, and the Shareholders of Cache listed on the signature page to this Agreement (referred to herein individually as a “Shareholder” and collectively as the “Shareholders”). Terms with their initial letters capitalized and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given them in the Reorganization Agreement (as defined below).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, EQBK and Cache have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of the date hereof (the “Reorganization Agreement”), providing for EQBK’s acquisition of Cache through the merger of Cache with and into EQBK (the “Merger”);

WHEREAS, the Reorganization Agreement provides that all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Cache (the “Common Stock”), other than Cancelled Shares and Dissenting Shares, will be exchanged for such consideration as set forth in the Reorganization Agreement;

WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to EQBK’s willingness to enter into the Reorganization Agreement, each of the Shareholders have agreed to vote their shares of Common Stock in favor of approval of the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby; and

WHEREAS, EQBK is relying on the agreements set forth herein in incurring expenses in reviewing the business of Cache and its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Patriot Bank, an Oklahoma state bank with its principal office in Tulsa, Oklahoma (the “Bank”), in proceeding with the filing of applications for regulatory approvals, and in undertaking other actions necessary for the consummation of the Merger, and the Shareholders are benefiting both from such expenditures by EQBK and by the terms of the Reorganization Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Cache, EQBK, the Proxy Holder (as defined below) and the Shareholders undertake, promise, covenant and agree with each other as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Each Shareholder, being the registered owner of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth below the Shareholder’s name on the signature pages hereto (for each such Shareholder, the “Shares”), will vote, direct to vote, or act by consent with respect to:

 

  (a) the Shares;


  (b) all Common Stock the Shareholder owns as of the record date of any meeting of the Shareholders of Cache or otherwise as of the date of such vote or consent; and

 

  (c) all Common Stock the Shareholder owns beneficially and has the power and authority to direct the voting thereof as of the record date of any meeting of the Shareholders of Cache or otherwise as of the date of such vote or consent

(clauses (a), (b) and (c), collectively, the “Proxy Shares”), in favor of approval of the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement.

2. If Cache conducts a meeting of or otherwise seeks approval of its Shareholders with respect to any Acquisition Proposal (as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) or any other matter that may contradict this Agreement or the Reorganization Agreement or may prevent EQBK or Cache from completing the Merger, then the Shareholders will vote the Proxy Shares against the approval of the Acquisition Proposal or otherwise act in the manner most favorable to completing the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement.

3. Each Shareholder shall not invite or seek any Acquisition Proposal, support (or publicly suggest that anyone else should support) any Acquisition Proposal that may be made, or ask the Cache Board to consider, support or seek any Acquisition Proposal or otherwise take any action designed to make any Acquisition Proposal more likely. None of the Shareholders shall meet or otherwise communicate with any Person that makes or is considering making an Acquisition Proposal or any representative of such Person after becoming aware that the Person has made or is considering making an Acquisition Proposal. Each Shareholder shall promptly advise Cache of each contact the Shareholder or any of the Shareholder’s representatives may receive from any Person relating to any Acquisition Proposal or otherwise indicating that any Person may wish to participate or engage in any transaction arising out of any Acquisition Proposal and will provide Cache with all information EQBK requests that is available to the Shareholder regarding any such Acquisition Proposal or possible Acquisition Proposal. Each Shareholder will not make any claim or join in any litigation alleging that the Cache Board is required to consider, endorse or support any Acquisition Proposal or to invite or seek any Acquisition Proposal. Each Shareholder shall not take any other action that is reasonably likely to make consummation of the Merger less likely or to impair EQBK’s ability to exercise any of the rights granted by the Reorganization Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing and for purposes of clarity, nothing contained herein shall prevent any Shareholder from taking actions on behalf of Cache, solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of Cache, that are expressly permitted by Section 5.22 of the Reorganization Agreement.

4. Each Shareholder, severally, but not jointly, represents and warrants to EQBK that:

 

  (a) Shareholder (i) owns beneficially (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) all of the Shares free and clear of all liens or encumbrances, and (ii) except pursuant hereto, there are no options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character to which Shareholder is a party relating to the pledge, disposition or voting of any of the Shares and there are no voting trusts or voting agreements with respect to the Shares.

 

2


  (b) Shareholder does not beneficially own any Common Stock other than (i) the Shares and (ii) any options, warrants or other rights to acquire any additional shares of Common Stock or any security exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock, set forth on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

  (c) Shareholder has full power and authority and legal capacity to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform fully Shareholder’s obligations hereunder (including the proxy described in Section 5 below). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms.

 

  (d) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Shareholder, the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by Shareholder with any of the provisions hereof will conflict with or result in a breach, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of, any trust agreement, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument or law applicable to Shareholder or to Shareholder’s property or assets.

 

  (e) No consent, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity or other Person on the part of Shareholder is required in connection with the valid execution and delivery of this Agreement. No consent of Shareholder’s spouse is necessary under any “community property” or other laws in order for Shareholder to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  (f) Shareholder hereby (a) confirms his or her knowledge of the availability of the rights of dissenting shareholders under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act (the “OGCA”) with respect to the Merger and (b) confirms receipt of a copy of the provisions of the OGCA related to the rights of dissenting shareholders. Each Shareholder hereby waives and agrees not to assert, and shall use its best efforts to cause any of its Affiliates who hold of record any of the Shareholder’s Shares to waive and not to assert, any appraisal rights with respect to the Merger that the Shareholder or such Affiliate may now or hereafter have with respect to any Shares (or any other shares of capital stock of Cache that the Shareholder shall hold of record at the time that the Shareholder may be entitled to assert appraisal rights with respect to the Merger) whether pursuant to the OGCA or otherwise.

 

3


5. In order to better effect the provisions of Sections 1 and 2 of this Agreement, each Shareholder hereby revokes any previously executed proxies and hereby constitutes and appoints Proxy Holder, with full power of substitution, his true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact (the “Proxy Holder”) to vote at any meeting of the Shareholders of Cache all of the Proxy Shares in favor of the approval of the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement (including the termination of any voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements other than this Agreement), with such modifications to the Reorganization Agreement as the parties thereto may make; but this proxy will not apply with respect to any vote on approval of the Merger contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement if the Reorganization Agreement is modified so as to (i) reduce the amount of consideration or the form of consideration to be received by the Shareholder or (ii) materially alter the tax consequences of the receipt thereof under the Reorganization Agreement in its present form. This proxy shall be limited strictly and solely to the power and authority to vote the Proxy Shares in the manner and for the purpose set forth in Sections 1 and 2 of this Agreement and shall not extend to any other matters.

6. Each Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, each Shareholder will not, and will not agree to, without the consent of EQBK, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate, cause to be redeemed or otherwise dispose of (any such transaction, a “Transfer”) any of the Shares or grant any proxy or interest in or with respect to any Shares or deposit any such Shares into a voting trust or enter into another voting agreement or arrangement with respect to such Shares except as contemplated by this Agreement. Any attempted Transfer of Shares or any interest therein in violation of this Section shall be null and void. This Section shall not prohibit a Transfer of the Shares to any member of Shareholder’s immediate family, to another Shareholder, to a trust for the benefit of Shareholder or any member of Shareholder’s immediate family, or upon the death of Shareholder; provided, that a Transfer referred to in this sentence shall be permitted only if, as a precondition to such Transfer, the transferee agrees in a writing, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to EQBK, to be bound by all of the terms of this Agreement.

7. Proxy Holder, by his execution below, agrees to (A) vote all of the Shareholders’ Proxy Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders of Cache, in favor of the approval of the Merger and any other transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement (including the termination of any prior voting trusts, voting agreements, shareholders’ agreements or similar arrangements other than this Agreement), with such modifications to the Reorganization Agreement as the parties thereto may make; but this proxy will not apply with respect to any vote on approval of the Merger contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement if the Reorganization Agreement is modified so as to (i) reduce the amount of consideration or the form of consideration to be received by the Shareholder or (ii) materially alter the tax consequences of the receipt thereof under the Reorganization Agreement in its present form and (B) in the event of an Acquisition Proposal, to vote all of the Shareholders’ Proxy Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders of Cache, against the approval of the Acquisition Proposal or otherwise act in the manner most favorable to completing the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement.

 

4


8. Each Shareholder acknowledges that EQBK and Cache are relying on this Agreement in incurring expenses in connection with EQBK’s reviewing Cache and the Bank’s business, in Cache’s cooperation with EQBK’s preparation of a proxy statement and Registration Statement on Form S-4, in EQBK’s proceeding with the filing of applications for regulatory approvals, and in their undertaking other actions necessary for completing the Merger and that THE PROXY GRANTED HEREBY IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND IS IRREVOCABLE TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE, SECTION 1057 OF THE OKLAHOMA GENERAL CORPORATION ACT. The Shareholders and Cache acknowledge that the performance of this Agreement is intended to benefit EQBK.

9. This Agreement shall remain in effect until the earlier to occur of (a) the termination of the Reorganization Agreement, as it may be amended or extended from time to time, pursuant to the terms and conditions contained therein, or (b) completion of the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement.

10. Proxy Holder may, in his sole discretion, appoint a substitute proxy to act as Proxy Holder under this Agreement; provided, that any substitute proxy shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In the event of the death, disability or incapacity of Proxy Holder, EQBK, in its sole discretion, may appoint a substitute proxy to act as Proxy Holder under this Agreement.

11. The vote of the Proxy Holder will control in any conflict between his vote of the Proxy Shares and a vote by the substitute proxy holder or the Shareholders of the Proxy Shares, and Cache agrees to recognize the vote of the Proxy Holder instead of the vote of substitute proxy holder or the Shareholders if the substitute proxy holder or the Shareholders do not vote in accordance with Sections 1 and 2 of this Agreement.

12. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented with respect to a particular Shareholder only by an instrument in writing executed by EQBK, Cache and that Shareholder. Any such amendment, modification or supplement shall only apply to the Shareholder(s) executing such written agreement and this Agreement will remain in full force and effect with respect to Shareholders who do not execute such written agreement.

13. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all counterparts hereof so signed by the parties hereto, whether or not such counterpart will bear the execution of each of the parties hereto, will be deemed to be, and is to be construed as, one and the same Agreement. An email or electronic scan in “PDF” format of a signed counterpart of this Agreement will be sufficient to bind the party or parties whose signature(s) appear thereon.

14. This Agreement, the Reorganization Agreement and the other agreements, documents, schedules and instruments signed and delivered by the parties to each other at the Closing are the full understanding of the parties, a complete allocation of risks between them and a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of their agreement relating to the

 

5


subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, that may exist between the parties with respect thereto. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no conditions, usage of trade, course of dealing or performance, understanding or agreement purporting to modify, vary, explain or supplement the terms or conditions of this Agreement is binding unless hereafter made in writing and signed by the party to be bound, and no modification will be effected by the acknowledgment or acceptance of documents containing terms or conditions at variance with or in addition to those set forth in this Agreement.

15. Any and all notices, requests, instructions and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement after the date of this Agreement by any party hereto to any other party may be delivered personally or by nationally recognized overnight courier service or sent by U.S. mail or (except in the case of payments) by email, at the respective addresses or transmission numbers set forth below and is deemed delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or email, when received; (b) in the case of mail, upon the earlier of actual receipt or five (5) Business Days after deposit in the United States Postal Service, first class certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; and (c) in the case of an overnight courier service, one (1) Business Day after delivery to such courier service with and instructions for overnight delivery. The parties may change their respective addresses and transmission numbers by written notice to all other parties, sent as provided in this Section. All communications must be in writing and addressed as follows:

IF TO CACHE OR THE SHAREHOLDERS:

Michael E. Bezanson

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Cache Holdings, Inc.

9292 S. Delaware Ave

Tulsa, OK 74137

Email: ***@***

WITH A COPY (WHICH SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE NOTICE) TO:

C. Bruce Crum, Esq.

McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation

10th Floor, Two Leadership Square

211 N. Robinson

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Email: ***@***

and

Gentner F. Drummond, Esq.

Drummond Law, PLLC

1500 South Utica Avenue, Suite 400

Tulsa, OK 74104

Email: ***@***

 

6


IF TO EQBK OR PROXY HOLDER:

Brad S. Elliott

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Equity Bancshares, Inc.

7701 East Kellogg Drive, Suite 200

Wichita, Kansas 67207

Email: ***@***

WITH A COPY (WHICH SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE NOTICE) TO:

Michael G. Keeley, Esq.

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600

Dallas, Texas ###-###-####

Email: ***@***

16. THIS AGREEMENT IS TO BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE PROVISIONS THEREOF REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW THAT WOULD APPLY THE LAW OF A DIFFERENT JURISDICTION. VENUE FOR ANY CAUSE OF ACTION BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT WILL LIE IN SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16.

17. All of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors, representatives and permitted assigns. No party to this Agreement may assign this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any purported assignment made or attempted in violation of this Section shall be null and void. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Persons, other than the parties hereto or their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

7


18. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, then (a) this Agreement is to be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision were not a part hereof; (b) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement; and (c) there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a provision mutually agreed to which is similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and still be legal, valid and enforceable.

19. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that the other parties would be irreparably damaged and would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages if any of the covenants contained in this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its terms or otherwise were materially breached. Each of the parties hereto therefore agrees that, without the necessity of proving actual damages or posting bond or other security, the other party will be entitled to temporary and/or permanent injunction or injunctions which a court of competent jurisdiction concludes is justified to prevent breaches of such performance and to specific enforcement of such covenants in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
By:                                                                                                  
Name: Brad S. Elliott
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
PROXY HOLDER:

 

Brad S. Elliott

CACHE HOLDINGS, INC.
By:                                                                                                  
Name: Michael E. Bezanson
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

[Name]
Number of Shares:

 

[Name]
Number of Shares:


EXHIBIT B

Attached hereto


DIRECTOR SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This DIRECTOR SUPPORT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 14, 2017, by and between Equity Bancshares, Inc. (“EQBK”), a Kansas corporation and registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), and [                    ], an individual resident of the State of Oklahoma (“Director”). Terms with their initial letters capitalized and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Reorganization Agreement (as defined below).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, EQBK and Cache Holdings, Inc. (“Cache”), an Oklahoma corporation and registered bank holding company under the BHCA, have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of the date hereof (the “Reorganization Agreement”), providing for EQBK’s acquisition of Cache through the merger of Cache with and into EQBK (the “Merger”);

WHEREAS, EQBK will acquire all of the assets and liabilities of Cache, including all of the goodwill of Cache, pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement which provides, among other things, that (i) Cache will merge with and into EQBK and (ii) that all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Cache (the “Cache Common Stock”), other than Cancelled Shares and Dissenting Shares, will be exchanged for cash and stock of EQBK to be paid to the Cache shareholders, which includes a premium to the fair market value and includes the goodwill of Cache (the “Merger Consideration”); and

WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to EQBK’s willingness to enter into the Reorganization Agreement, EQBK and Director have agreed to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for receipt of such confidential information and trade secrets and in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and in the Reorganization Agreement intending to be legally bound hereby, EQBK and Director agree as follows;

AGREEMENT

1. Director Support. Director agrees to use his or her best efforts to refrain from harming the goodwill of Cache, any Subsidiary of Cache (“Cache Subsidiary”), EQBK or any Subsidiary of EQBK, and their respective customer, client and vendor relationships. During the term of this Agreement, Director agrees also to consider Equity Bank, a Kansas state bank with its principal office in Andover, Kansas (“Equity Bank”), when obtaining banking products or services for his or her personal or business needs; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not require Director to contact Equity Bank for a proposal on any such needs.

2. Director Covenants.

(a) Director acknowledges that he has received substantial, valuable consideration, including confidential trade secret and proprietary information relating to the identity and special needs of current and prospective customers of Cache or any Cache Subsidiary, Cache’s and any Cache Subsidiary’s current and prospective services,


Cache’s and any Cache Subsidiary’s business projections and market studies, Cache’s and any Cache Subsidiary’s business plans and strategies, Cache’s and any Cache Subsidiary’s studies and information concerning special services unique to Cache or any Cache Subsidiary. Director further acknowledges and agrees that this consideration, including the Merger Consideration, constitutes fair and adequate consideration for the execution of the non-solicitation and non-competition restrictions set forth below. Accordingly, other than in any capacity for or on behalf of EQBK or any subsidiary of EQBK, Director agrees that Director will not, directly or indirectly, individually or as an employee, partner, officer, director or shareholder or in any other capacity whatsoever:

i. solicit the business of any person or entity who is a customer of Cache or any Cache Subsidiary as of the date of this Agreement or as of the Closing Date on behalf of any other insured depository institution for the purpose of providing financial services to such person or entity;

ii. acquire any interest in (directly or indirectly), charter, operate or enter into any franchise or other management agreement with any insured depository institution that has a location (A) in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, or (B) any county that is contiguous to Tulsa County, Oklahoma (the “Noncompete Area”) (but notwithstanding the foregoing, Director may (1) retain any existing ownership interest in any insured depository institution as disclosed on Schedule 1 attached hereto, (2) acquire an ownership interest in any publicly-traded depository institution, so long as that ownership interest does not exceed 1% of the total number of shares outstanding of that depository institution, and (3) invest in an existing mutual fund that invests, directly or indirectly, in such insured depository institutions);

iii. from and after the Effective Time, serve as an officer, director, employee, agent or consultant to any insured depository institution that has a location within the Noncompete Area;

iv. establish or operate a branch or other office of an insured depository institution within the Noncompete Area; or

v. recruit, hire, assist others in recruiting or hiring, discuss employment with, or refer others concerning employment, any person who is, or within the 12 months preceding the Closing Date was, an employee of Cache or any Cache Subsidiary; but nothing in this Section 2(a)(v) applies to employment other than in financial services.

Director may not avoid the purpose and intent of this Section 2(a) by engaging in conduct within the Noncompete Area from a remote location through means such as telecommunications, written correspondence, computer generated or assisted communications, or other similar methods.

 

2


(b) If any court of competent jurisdiction should determine that the terms of this Section 2 are too broad in terms of time, geographic area, lines of commerce or otherwise, that court is to modify and revise any such terms so that they comply with applicable law.

(c) Director agrees that (i) this Agreement is entered into in connection with the sale to EQBK of Cache and Patriot Bank, an Oklahoma state bank with its principal offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma (collectively, the “Bank”), (ii) Director is receiving valuable consideration for this Agreement, (iii) the restrictions imposed upon Director by this Agreement are essential and necessary to ensure EQBK acquires the goodwill of the Bank, and (iv) all the restrictions (including particularly the time and geographical limitations) set forth in this Agreement are fair and reasonable.

3. Shareholder Representation. Director hereby represents and warrants that he or she is the registered owner of the number of shares of Cache Common Stock set forth below the Director’s name on the signature page hereto.

4. Early Resolution Conference. This Agreement is understood to be clear and enforceable as written and is executed by both parties on that basis. However, should Director later challenge any provision as unclear, unenforceable, or inapplicable to any competitive activity that Director intends to engage in, Director will first notify EQBK in writing and meet with a EQBK representative and a neutral mediator (if EQBK elects to retain one at its expense) to discuss resolution of any disputes between the parties. Director will provide this notice at least twenty-one (21) days before Director engages in any activity on behalf of a competing business or engages in other activity that could foreseeably fall within a questioned restriction. If Director fails to comply with this requirement, Director waives his right to challenge the reasonable scope, clarity, applicability or enforceability of this Agreement and its restrictions at a later time.

5. Termination. This Agreement and all obligations hereunder will terminate on the earlier of (a) the date the Reorganization Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Reorganization Agreement or (b) the date that is twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date.

6. Waiver, Amendment and Modification. Any party may unilaterally waive a right which is solely applicable to it. Such action will be evidenced by a signed written notice. No failure to exercise nor any delay in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder by any party hereto will operate as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder will preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. A waiver of any party of any right or remedy on any one occasion will not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy that such party would otherwise have on any future occasion or to any right or remedy that any other party may have hereunder. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by an instrument in writing executed by each of the parties hereto.

 

3


7. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT IS TO BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA. VENUE FOR ANY CAUSE OF ACTION BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT WILL LIE IN SEDGEWICK COUNTY, KANSAS. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF A LEGAL ACTION, (B) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 7.

8. Binding Effect; Assignment. All of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors, representatives and permitted assigns. No party to this Agreement may assign this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any purported assignment made or attempted in violation of this Section shall be null and void.

9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Persons, other than the parties hereto or their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

10. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, then (a) this Agreement is to be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision were not a part hereof; (b) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement; and (c) there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a provision mutually agreed to which is similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and still be legal, valid and enforceable.

11. Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that the other parties would be irreparably damaged and would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages if any of the covenants contained in this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its terms or otherwise were materially breached. Each of the parties hereto therefore agrees that, without the necessity of proving actual damages or posting bond or other security, the other party will be entitled to temporary and/or permanent injunction or injunctions which a court of competent jurisdiction concludes is justified to prevent breaches of such performance and to specific enforcement of such covenants in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity.

 

4


12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Reorganization Agreement, the Voting Agreement and the other agreements, documents, schedules and instruments signed and delivered by the parties to each other at the Closing are the full understanding of the parties, a complete allocation of risks between them and a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of their agreement relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, that may exist between the parties with respect thereto. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no conditions, usage of trade, course of dealing or performance, understanding or agreement purporting to modify, vary, explain or supplement the terms or conditions of this Agreement is binding unless hereafter made in writing and signed by the party to be bound, and no modification will be effected by the acknowledgment or acceptance of documents containing terms or conditions at variance with or in addition to those set forth in this Agreement.

13. Rules of Construction. Descriptive headings as to the contents of particular sections are for convenience only and do not control or affect the meaning, construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any particular section. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision in this Agreement. Each use herein of the masculine, neuter or feminine gender is deemed to include the other genders. Each use herein of the plural includes the singular and vice versa, in each case as the context requires or as is otherwise appropriate. The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense. Any agreement or instrument defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement or instrument as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by waiver or consent. References to a Person are also to its permitted successors or assigns. 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.

14. Notice. Any and all notices, requests, instructions and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement after the date of this Agreement by any party hereto to any other party may be delivered personally or by nationally recognized overnight courier service or sent by U.S. mail or (except in the case of payments) by facsimile transmission, at the respective addresses or transmission numbers set forth below and is deemed delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery, facsimile transmission, when received; (b) in the case of mail, upon the earlier of actual receipt or five (5) Business Days after deposit in the United States Postal Service, first class certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; and (c) in the case of an overnight courier service, one (1) Business Day after delivery to such courier service with and instructions for overnight delivery. The parties may change their respective addresses and transmission numbers by written notice to all other parties, sent as provided in this Section. All communications must be in writing and addressed as follows:

 

5


If to Director:

                                                             

                                                             

                                                             

If to EQBK:

Brad S. Elliott

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Equity Bancshares, Inc.

7701 East Kellogg Drive, Suite 200

Wichita, Kansas 67207

Facsimile: (316) 681-0839

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Michael G. Keeley, Esq.

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3600

Dallas, Texas ###-###-####

Facsimile: (214)  ###-###-####

15. Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules. All articles and sections referred to herein are articles and sections, respectively, of this Agreement and all exhibits and schedules referred to herein are exhibits and schedules, respectively, attached to this Agreement. Descriptive headings as to the contents of particular sections are for convenience only and do not control or affect the meaning, construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any particular section. Any and all schedules, exhibits, certificates or other documents or instruments referred to herein or attached hereto are and will be incorporated herein by reference hereto as though fully set forth herein.

16. Multiple Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all counterparts hereof so signed by the parties hereto, whether or not such counterpart will bear the execution of each of the parties hereto, will be deemed to be, and is to be construed as, one and the same Agreement. A facsimile or electronic scan in “PDF” format of a signed counterpart of this Agreement will be sufficient to bind the party or parties whose signature(s) appear thereon.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

DIRECTOR

 

[NAME]
Number of Shares:                                                         
EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.
By:                                                                                                  
Name: Brad S. Elliott
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Director Support Agreement]


SCHEDULE I