THE
COMPETITION TRIBUNAL
Reference: Commissioner of Compefition V. Lafarge S A.
2001 Comp, Trib, 31
File no.:
CT2001004
Registry document
no, 12a
PUBLIC VERSION
IN TBE MATTER of
an application by the Commissioner of Competition for an order pursuant to
sections 92 and 105 of the Competition
Act, P, S.C, 1985, q. C-34- as amended AND IN THE MATTFR of the proposed
acquisition by Lafarge S.A. of Blue Circle Industries PIC,, a company engaged
in the construction materials business.
BETWEEN:
The Commissioner of Competition
(applicant)
and
Lafarge S.A.
(respondent)
Date of hearing.
20010801
Member: McKeown,
J. (Chairman),, C. Lloyd,,
L. Schwartz
Date of reasons:
20010801
Reasons signed
by. McKeown,J.
CONSENT ORDER
[1] UPON THE application of
the Commissioner of Competition (the “Commissioner”), pursuant to sections 92
and 105 of the Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34 as
amended (the “Act”), and pursuant to a notice of application dated June 15,
2001, for a consent order directing the Divestiture of certain Assets and other
remedies as specified in the draft consent order;
[2]AND UPON READING the
notice of application, the statement of grounds and material facts, the consent
order impact statement and the consent of the parties filed;
[3] AND ON CONSIDERING THAT
the Commissioner and Lafarge S.A. (“Lafarge”) have reached an agreement which
is reflected in this order;
[4] AND ON CONSIDERING THAT
by the Interim Consent Order dated June 19, 2001, Lafarge is required, pending
the final Divestiture of the Affected Businesses or further order of the
Competition Tribunal, inter alia, to conduct itself
pursuant to the Interim Consent Order, and, in particular, to hold separate and
not knowingly to take any action to adversely affect the competitiveness,
assets, operations or financial position of the Affected Businesses;
[5] AND ON CONSIDERING THAT
the Commissioner declares himself satisfied that, on the basis of the
considerations outlined in the consent order impact statement, the remedies
provided herein, if ordered, will be sufficient to avoid any substantial
lessening or prevention of competition in the markets described in the
statement of grounds and material facts filed with the notice of application;
[6] AND IT BEING UNDERSTOOD
by the parties that the Commissioner has alleged certain material facts, and
Lafarge does not necessarily agree with all of the facts alleged but does not
contest the statement of grounds and material facts or the consent impact
statement for the purposes of this application and any proceeding initiated by
the Commissioner relating to this consent order, including an application to
vary or rescind;
[7] AND UPON BEING ADVISED
that Lafarge consensually attorns to the jurisdiction of the Competition
Tribunal for the purposes of these applications and any proceeding initiated by
the Commissioner relating to this consent order, including an application to
vary or rescind;
[8] AND UPON HEARING counsel
for the parties in respect of this application; THE TRIBUNAL ORDERS THAT:
Definitions
[9] For the purposes of this
order, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Acquisition” means the proposed acquisition
by Lafarge of Blue Circle as described in a Merger Agreement dated January 8,
2001, between Lafarge and Blue Circle;
(b)
"Affected Businesses” means the Great Lakes Package, Great Lakes
Aggregates Package,
Other Aggregates Package and the Asphalt and
Paving Package, save the assets identified in Schedule “B” (“Excluded Assets”)
hereto, including all rights, titles and interests in and to all assets, properties,
business and goodwill, tangible or intangible, used to operate the said
businesses in the ordinary course and in accordance with past practice,
including but not limited to (i) all real property (together with
appurtenances, licenses and permits) owned, leased or otherwise held by Blue
Circle and used to operate the said businesses; (ii) all personal property
owned, leased or otherwise held by Blue Circle and used to operate the said
businesses; (iii) all intellectual property owned by or licensed to Blue Circle
and used in respect of the operation of the said businesses, including but not
limited to, trademarks, patents, mask works, copyrights, trade secrets,
research materials, technical information, management information systems,
software, inventions, test data, technological know-how, licenses,
registrations, submissions, approvals, technology, specifications, designs,
drawings, processes, recipes, protocols, and formulas, (iv) all rights of Blue
Circle relating to the said businesses under any contract entered into with
customers (together with associated bid and performance bonds), suppliers,
sales representatives, distributors, agents, personal property lessors,
personal property lessees, licensors, licensees, consignors and consignees, and
joint venture partners; (v) all governmental approvals, consents, licenses,
permits, waivers, or other authorizations held by Blue Circle and used to
operate the said businesses; (vi) all rights of Blue Circle relating to the
said businesses under any warranty and guarantee, express or implied; (vii) all
books, records, and files held by Blue Circle relating to the said businesses;
(viii) all plant facilities, machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, tools,
vehicles, transportation and storage facilities, and supplies held by Blue
Circle and used to operate the said businesses; (ix) all rights in and to
inventories of products, raw materials, supplies and parts, including
work-in-process and finished goods held by Blue Circle and used in respect of
the operation of the said businesses; (x) all customer and vendor lists,
catalogues, sales promotion literature, and advertising materials held by Blue
Circle and used in the operation of the said businesses; (xi) all rights in and
to quarries and pits (together with appurtenances, licenses and permits) owned,
leased or otherwise held by Blue Circle and used to operate the said
businesses; and, (xii) all items of prepaid expense held by Blue Circle and
used in respect of the operation of the said businesses;
(c) “Affected Business(es) Employees” means
employees of Blue Circle who worked at least one hundred (100) work days for
the relevant Affected Business(es) during the twelve month period prior to the
date of Divestiture of the Affected Business(es);
(d) “Affected Business(es) Key Employees” means
any Affected Business(es) Employees identified as such between Lafarge and the
Purchaser of the Affected Business(es);
(e) “Asphalt and Paving Package” means all of
the business identified as such in Schedule “A” hereto;
(f) “Blue Circle” means
Blue Circle Industries plc, a corporation existing under the laws of England
and Wales, and affiliates thereof;
(g) “Blue Circle Fonthill Aggregate Operation”
means Blue Circle’s aggregates production facilities located at Fonthill, in
the Town of Pelham, Region of Niagara, including the lands known as the “Haist
Land”, “Haist Parcel A”, “Haist Parcel B”, “Washutta Lands”, “Park Street”,
“Collins Land”, “Woodgate Land”, and “Haun Land”;
(h) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of
Competition appointed pursuant to section 7 of the Competition Act;
(i) “Confidential Information” means
competitively sensitive or proprietary information relating to the Affected
Businesses not independently known to Lafarge or its affiliates, including,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any such customer lists,
price lists, marketing methods or other trade secrets that relate to the said
businesses;
(j) “Consent Proceeding” means the application
of the Commissioner pursuant to sections 92 and 105 of the Act for this order
directing the divestiture of certain assets owned by affiliates of Blue Circle
in Canada and certain other remedies in respect of this matter;
(k) “Divest” means to implement a
Divestiture(s);
(l) “Divestiture(s)” means the sale, transfer,
assignment, redemption or other disposition necessary to ensure that, by
completion of the Divestiture(s), Lafarge has, directly or indirectly, no
remaining right, title or interest in the Affected Business(es) inconsistent with
the terms of this order;
(m) “Excluded Assets” means the assets
identified in Schedule “B” hereto, which need not be included in the
Divestiture of the Affected Businesses;
(n) “Final Divestiture” means the Divestiture
which results in the circumstances described in paragraph 12 of this order;
(o) “Great Lakes Aggregates Package” means all
of the businesses identified as such in Schedule “A” hereto;
(p) “Great Lakes Package” means all of the
businesses identified as such in Schedule “A” hereto, including, for greater
certainty, all of Blue Circle’s rights, titles and interests in and to the
Great Lakes Slag Joint Venture;
(q) “Great Lakes Slag Joint Venture” means the
joint venture between Blue Circle Canada Inc. and St. Lawrence Cement Inc.
(“St. Lawrence”) as set forth in the Share Purchase and Shareholder Agreement
by and among St. Lawrence, Blue Circle Canada Inc. and Great Lakes Slag Inc.,
dated March 27, 2000;
(r) “Independent Manager(s)” means the
Independent Manager(s) of the Affected Business(es) appointed pursuant to
paragraphs 7 or 8 of the Interim Consent Order dated June 19, 2001, and any
employees, agents or other persons acting for or on behalf of the Independent
Manager(s) with respect to any matter referred to in the Interim Consent Order
dated June 19, 2001;
(s) “Lafarge” means Lafarge S.A., a corporation
existing under the laws of France;
(t) “Monitor” means any Monitor appointed
pursuant to paragraphs 21–22 of the Interim Consent Order dated June 19, 2001,
and any employees, agents or other persons acting for or on behalf of the
Monitor with respect to any matter referred to in the Interim Consent Order
dated June 19, 2001;
(u) “Other Aggregates Package” means all of the
businesses identified as such in Schedule “A” hereto;
(v) “Person” means any natural person,
corporation, association, firm, partnership or other business or legal entity;
(w) “Purchaser(s)” means the person(s) or
entity(ies) who will purchase any, or all, of the Affected Businesses in
accordance with the procedure for Divestiture set out in this order;
(x) “Respondent” means Lafarge;
(y) “Trustee” means any trustee appointed
pursuant to paragraph 27 or 30 of this order, and any employees, agents, or
other Persons acting for or on behalf of the Trustee with respect to any matter
referred to in this order.
Continuation of the Interim Consent Order
[10] Paragraphs 7 to 31 and
35 to 38 of the Interim Consent Order dated June 19, 2001, are attached hereto
as Schedule “C” and are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this order
and expressions not defined therein shall have the meanings set out in
paragraph 9 of this order. Reference to “this order” in such incorporated
paragraphs of the Interim Consent Order shall be read as references to the
present order, except in relation to paragraph references, which references
shall be to the numbers of the incorporated paragraphs. Except to the extent
incorporated hereby, the Interim Consent Order is hereby rescinded as of the
date of the making of this order.
Application
[11] The provisions of this
order apply to:
(a) the
Respondent;
(b) each division,
subsidiary, or other Person controlled by the Respondent and each officer,
director, employee, agent or other Person acting for or on behalf of the
Respondent with respect to any of the matters referred to in this order save
the Affected Businesses;
(c) the successors and assigns of the
Respondent, and all other Persons acting in concert or participating with any
of them with respect to the matters referred to in this order, save the
Affected Businesses, who shall have received actual notice of this order;
(d) the Independent Manager(s) of the Affected
Businesses or any substitute Independent Manager(s) appointed pursuant to
paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Interim Consent Order dated June 19, 2001, and each
employee, agent or other Person acting for or on behalf of the Independent
Manager with respect to any matter referred to in this order;
(e) Daniel E. Somes or any other individual
appointed herein as Monitor pursuant to paragraph 21 of the Interim Consent
Order dated June 19, 2001, or any substitute Monitor(s) appointed pursuant to
paragraph 22 of the Interim Consent Order dated June 19, 2001, and each
employee, agent or other Person acting for or on behalf of such Monitor with
respect to any matter referred to in this order;
(f) the Trustee; and,
(g) the Purchaser(s) and the Purchaser’s
successors and assigns.
Divestiture of the Affected Businesses
[12] Lafarge shall use its
best efforts to Divest the Affected Businesses as soon as possible, but in any
event no later than one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of closing
of the Acquisition, in accordance with the procedure for Divestiture set out
herein. To the extent that the Divestiture(s) of an Affected Business(es)
required hereby was completed prior to the issuance of this order, to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall waive compliance with
the obligations herein and the Divestiture will be deemed to have been
implemented in accordance with this order. To the extent that the
Divestiture(s) of an Affected Business(es) required hereby was commenced, but
not completed, prior to the issuance of this order, to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner, the Commissioner may waive compliance with the obligations in
paragraphs 23, 24 and/or 26 herein and the Divestiture(s) procedures undertaken
to that date will be deemed to have been undertaken in accordance with this
order. If the Divestiture of any, or all, of the Affected Businesses is not
completed by Lafarge within one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of
the closing of the Acquisition, the Divestiture(s) of such remaining Affected
Business(es) shall be carried out by the Trustee in accordance with the
procedure set out hereafter.
Divestiture Procedure
[13] Lafarge shall
Divest the Great Lakes Package to a Purchaser approved by the Commissioner.
[14] Lafarge shall offer to
Divest all of the Great Lakes Aggregates Package to the proposed Purchaser of
the Great Lakes Package, as approved by the Commissioner per paragraph 13
above, and shall divest to such Purchaser any, or all, of the Great Lakes
Aggregates Package which such Purchaser wishes to acquire.
[15] Lafarge shall offer to
Divest all of the Great Lakes Aggregates Package, not divested pursuant to
paragraph 14 above, and all of the Other Aggregates Package, to prospective
Purchaser(s), including, but not limited to, the Purchaser referenced in
paragraph 14 above, all of whom will be free to bid on any or all of the
businesses within these Packages. Lafarge may Divest all, or any, of these
businesses to a Purchaser(s) approved by the Commissioner. If the Purchaser of
the Great Lakes Package, referenced in paragraph 14 above offers the most
advantageous terms, including but not limited to price, for the Other
Aggregates Package, or any part thereof, Lafarge shall divest the Other
Aggregates Package, or such parts thereof, to such Purchaser.
[16] Lafarge shall offer to
Divest the Asphalt and Paving Package to a prospective Purchaser(s). The said
prospective Purchaser(s) will be free to bid on any or all of the Asphalt and
Paving Package. Lafarge will Divest all, or any, of the Asphalt and Paving
Package to a Purchaser(s) approved by the Commissioner.
[17] Lafarge shall not,
without the consent of the Commissioner, provide financing for all or any part
of any Divestiture under this order which would permit Lafarge to influence or
control, directly or indirectly, the relevant businesses after the Divestiture.
[18] Lafarge need not divest
any of the assets of the Affected Businesses, referenced in paragraphs 13-16
above, if the Purchaser(s) chooses not to acquire such businesses and the
Commissioner approves the Divestiture without such businesses.
[19] The Divestiture(s) of
the Affected Business(es) shall be completed on the following terms:
(a) by way of
disposition of the Affected Businesses for use as a going concern;
(b) to an arm’s
length Purchaser(s) who will meet the following objective criteria:
(i) effect the purchase with the expressed
intention of carrying on the relevant business(es);
ii) have the managerial, operational and
financial capability to so carry on the relevant
business(es);
(c) by way of a
commercially reasonable procedure; and
(d) on usual commercial
terms for transactions of the size and nature of that contemplated in this
order and in the circumstances contemplated by this order.
[20] In connection with any
Divestiture made pursuant to this order, Lafarge will not require or otherwise
cause to be instituted, any restrictions, whether in the form of restrictive
covenants, non-compete agreements or other terms or conditions, which in any
way limit or impair the ability of any Person(s) acquiring any of the Affected
Businesses to operate those businesses as a going concern.
[21] The Affected Businesses
shall not be Divested on the condition that the Purchaser enter into any joint
venture, marketing, co-packing, swap or other collaborative arrangement with
Lafarge, but this provision shall not preclude Lafarge and the Purchaser from
entering into mutually agreeable transitional arrangements necessary or
desirable to facilitate the sale of the Affected Businesses, subject to the
approval of the Commissioner.
[22] For a period of up to
six (6) months from the date of Divestiture of the Affected Business(es):
(a) at the request of the Purchaser of the
Affected Business(es), Lafarge shall provide technical assistance and advice
sufficient to enable the Purchaser of the Affected Business(es) to obtain
government approvals necessary to operate the Affected Business(es);
(b) at the request of the Purchaser of the
Affected Business(es), Lafarge shall provide such technical assistance as is
necessary to enable the Purchaser of the Affected Business(es) to conduct the
Affected Business(es) in substantially the same manner as Blue Circle operated
the Affected Business(es) at the time of the announcement of the Acquisition;
and,
(c) Lafarge shall receive no compensation for
providing the assistance required that exceeds the out-of-pocket costs
associated with providing such technical assistance and the direct cost of the
material and labor to provide such assistance.
[23] Lafarge shall allow the
Purchaser of the Affected Business(es) an opportunity to employ the Affected
Business(es) Employees as follows:
(a) not later than thirty (30) days before the
date of Divestiture of the Great Lakes Package, and not later than seven (7) days before the date of
Divestiture of the Great Lakes Aggregates Package, Other Aggregates Package
and/or the Asphalt and Paving Package, Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible
under applicable laws, (i) provide to the Purchaser of the Affected
Business(es) a list of all the relevant Affected Business(es) Employees, (ii)
allow the Purchaser of such Affected Business(es) an opportunity to interview
such Affected Business(es) Employees, and (iii) allow the Purchaser of such
Affected Business(es) to inspect the personnel files and other documentation
relating to such Affected Business(es) Employees.
(b) Lafarge shall, to the extent permissible
under applicable laws, (i) not offer any incentive to any Affected Business(es)
Employee to decline employment with the Purchaser of such Affected
Business(es), (ii) remove any contractual impediments with Lafarge that may
deter any Affected Business(es) Employee from accepting employment with the
Purchaser of such Affected Business(es), including, but not limited to, any
non-compete or confidentiality provisions of employment or other contracts with
Lafarge that would affect the ability of the Affected Business(es) Employee to
be employed by the Purchaser of such Affected Business(es), (iii) not interfere
with the employment by the Purchaser of the Affected Business(es) of any
Affected Business(es) Employee, (iv) continue employee benefits offered by
Lafarge until the divestiture has been completed, including regularly scheduled
raises and bonuses, and regularly scheduled vesting of all pension benefits,
and (v) pay a bonus to Affected Business(es) Key Employees who accept an offer
of employment from the Purchaser of the Affected Business(es) no later than
thirty (30) days from the date Lafarge divests the Affected Business(es)
pursuant to the terms set forth in Confidential Schedule “D” to this order.
(c) For a period of one year from the earlier of
the date this order is issued or the Decision and Order of the Federal Trade
Commission in respect of this matter becomes final, Lafarge shall not, directly
or indirectly, solicit, hire or enter into any arrangement for the services of
any Affected Business(es) Employee employed by the Purchaser of such Affected
Business(es), unless the Affected Business(es) Employee’s employment has been
terminated by the Purchaser of such Affected Business(es).
[24] Any Person making a bona fide
inquiry
of Lafarge or its agent regarding the possible purchase by that Person or its
principal of an Affected Business(es) shall be notified that the Divestiture(s)
is being made pursuant to this order and provided with a copy of the public
version of this order. Any bona fide prospective Purchaser
shall be furnished, subject to the execution by such Person of a customary
confidentiality agreement, with all pertinent information regarding the
relevant businesses, such information to be provided to the Commissioner on
request. Any bona fide prospective Purchaser
shall, subject to the execution by such Person of an appropriate
confidentiality agreement, be permitted to make such inspection of the relevant
assets and of all financial, operational or other documents and information as
may be relevant to the Divestiture(s) of the relevant business(es) as are in
the possession or control of Lafarge, except for all documents which have been
or shall be made the subject of an order of confidentiality of the Competition
Tribunal.
[25] Lafarge shall use its
best efforts to accomplish the Divestiture(s) of the Affected Businesses within
the time period specified in this order.
[26] Lafarge shall, at a
minimum every thirty (30) days, report to the Commissioner, in writing, of the
progress of its efforts to accomplish the Divestiture of the Affected
Businesses, including a description of contacts or negotiations and the
identity of all parties contacted and prospective Purchasers who have come
forward, all with reasonable details. The Commissioner has the right to request
additional information from Lafarge regarding the Divestiture efforts and
Lafarge shall respond forthwith.
Trustee Sale
[27] If the Divestiture of
the Affected Businesses is not completed by Lafarge within one hundred and
eighty (180) days from the date of closing of the Acquisition, the Commissioner
may appoint Daniel E. Somes as Trustee to effect the Divestiture (the “Trustee
sale”) of one or more of the Affected Businesses. The
Commissioner may select someone other than Daniel E. Somes to serve as the
Trustee, subject to the consent of Lafarge, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Lafarge shall be deemed to have consented to the
appointment of such person as Trustee if Lafarge has not opposed the
appointment, in writing, within ten (10) days of Lafarge’s receipt of written
notice by the Commissioner of the identity of the proposed Trustee. The Trustee
appointed pursuant to the above shall be appointed on the following terms:
(a) the Great Lakes Package shall be
sold by the Trustee within twelve (12) months of the Trustee’s appointment by
the Commissioner and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, at a price and on terms
and conditions most advantageous to Lafarge then reasonably available, in the
opinion of the Trustee, but with no minimum price;
(b) the Great Lakes Aggregates
Package, the Other Aggregates Package, and the Asphalt and Paving Package shall
be sold by the Trustee [ ] of the
Trustee’s appointment by the Commissioner and the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission, at a price and on terms and conditions most advantageous to Lafarge
then reasonably available, in the opinion of the Trustee, but with no minimum
price;
(c) the Trustee sale shall be
considered to have been completed when the proposed Purchaser(s) has signed a
binding agreement that has not been the subject of objection by the
Commissioner pursuant to paragraph 36, by Lafarge pursuant to paragraph 38, or
has been approved by the Competition Tribunal pursuant to paragraph 38 hereinafter;
(d) after the appointment of the
Trustee becomes effective, only the Trustee shall have the sole right to effect
the Divestiture of the Affected Businesses;
(e) the Trustee shall have full
power and authority to effect the Trustee sale and shall use best efforts to
accomplish it;
(f) Lafarge shall use its reasonable
best efforts to assist the Trustee in accomplishing the Trustee sale. In
connection therewith, the Trustee shall have full and complete access, as is
reasonable in the circumstances, subject to any legally recognized privilege
and an appropriate confidentiality agreement, to the personnel, books, records
and facilities of Lafarge relating to the Affected Businesses, who shall take
no action to interfere with or impede the Trustee’s accomplishment of the
Trustee sale;
(g) after his appointment, the
Trustee shall, at a minimum, every sixty (60) days, file reports with the
Commissioner and Lafarge, setting forth the Trustee’s efforts to accomplish the
Trustee sale;
(h) the
Trustee shall promptly notify Lafarge and the Commissioner of any negotiations
with a prospective Purchaser that, in the opinion of the Trustee, may lead to a
Trustee sale;
(i) all expenses reasonably and properly
incurred by the Trustee in the course of the Trustee sale shall be paid by
Lafarge and the proceeds of the Trustee sale shall be paid to Lafarge or as
Lafarge may direct; and
(j) the Trustee shall have such other powers as
the Competition Tribunal may grant to the Trustee upon the request of the
Commissioner or Lafarge.
[28] Lafarge shall not object
to the Trustee sale on any grounds other than the Trustee’s malfeasance, gross
negligence, bad faith or breach of this order and any such objection shall be
made in accordance with provisions of paragraph 38 hereinafter. Lafarge shall
hold the Trustee harmless against any losses, claims damages, liabilities or
expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of Trustee’s
duties under this order except to the extent that such liabilities, losses, damages,
claims or expenses result from malfeasance, gross negligence, bad faith or
breach of this order.
[29] If the Trustee has not
accomplished the Trustee sale within the time period specified in paragraph 27
above, the Trustee shall thereupon promptly file with the Competition Tribunal,
on a confidential basis, a report setting forth: (1) the Trustee’s efforts to
accomplish the required sale; (2) the reasons, in the Trustee’s judgment, why
the required sale has not been accomplished, and (3) the Trustee’s
recommendations. The Trustee shall, at the same time, furnish such report to
the Commissioner and Lafarge, who shall have the right to be heard by, and to
make additional recommendations to, the Competition Tribunal consistent with
the purpose of the Trustee sale(s). The Competition Tribunal may thereafter
make such orders as it deems appropriate in order to effect the Trustee sale.
[30] If the Trustee appointed
pursuant to paragraph 27 above has ceased to act or failed to act diligently or
otherwise in accordance with this order, the Commissioner may appoint a
substitute Trustee to carry out the functions of the Trustee in accordance with
this order. This order shall apply to any substitute Trustee appointed pursuant
to this paragraph.
Extension of Time
[31] Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary herein, if, prior to the expiry of a time period for a
Divestiture(s) herein, Lafarge or the Trustee, as the case may be, and a
prospective Purchaser(s) of some or all of the Affected Businesses enter into a
letter of intent, or Lafarge or the Trustee, as the case may be, receive an
offer or similar written communication of intention to purchase such Affected
Business(es), Lafarge or the Trustee, as the case may be, shall, advise the
Commissioner and shall have an additional thirty (30) days within which to
complete such Divestiture.
[32] The
Commissioner and Lafarge may agree to extend any of the time periods applicable
herein.
Commissioner’s Approval
[33] The Divestiture(s) of
the Affected Businesses by Lafarge or the Trustee, pursuant to the order, is
subject to the approval of the Commissioner, which shall be based on criteria
outlined in paragraph 19 herein above and shall be obtained in accordance with
the notification procedure set out in paragraphs 34 to 39 hereinafter. If the
proposed Purchaser(s) is an existing or planned participant in the relevant
market identified in the statement of grounds and material facts, the
Commissioner may also take into account the likely impact of the Divestiture on
competition in that market as a consideration in approving the Divestiture.
Notification
[34] Lafarge or the Trustee,
whichever is then responsible for effecting the Divestiture of all or part of
the Affected Businesses, shall notify the Commissioner of any proposed
Divestiture. If the Trustee is responsible, it shall similarly notify Lafarge.
The notice shall include:
(a) the identity of the proposed Purchaser(s);
(b) the details of the proposed transaction;
(c) information concerning whether the proposed
Purchaser(s) would satisfy the terms of paragraph 19 herein above;
(d) an update to
the last report provided pursuant to paragraphs 26 or 27(g) herein above; and
(e) (e) the
agreement of the proposed Purchaser that it will respond within ten (10) days
to a request by the Commissioner for additional information regarding the
proposed Divestiture.
[35] Within ten (10) days
after receipt of the notice referred to in paragraph 34 herein above, the
Commissioner and, in the case of a Trustee sale, Lafarge may request additional
information concerning the proposed Divestiture(s), the proposed Purchaser(s)
and any other potential Purchaser(s). Lafarge, the Trustee, or the proposed
Purchaser(s), as the case may be, shall provide the additional information
within ten (10) days of the receipt of the request, unless the Commissioner
agrees in writing to extend the time.
[36] Within fifteen (15) days
after receipt of the notice pursuant to paragraph 34 herein above or, if the
Commissioner has requested additional information pursuant to paragraph 35,
within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the said information, the
Commissioner shall notify, in writing, Lafarge and the Trustee, if there is
one, if the Commissioner objects to the proposed Divestiture(s) on the ground
that it does not conform to the terms of this order, and shall give detailed
reasons therefore. If the Commissioner objects, Lafarge may apply to the
Competition Tribunal for an order approving the proposed Divestiture(s).
[37] If the Commissioner
fails to object within the period set out in paragraph 36 herein above and on
the grounds set out in paragraph 36, or if the Commissioner notifies, in
writing, Lafarge and the Trustee, if there is one, that he does not object,
then the Divestiture(s) of the Affected Businesses may be completed, subject to
paragraph 38 and 39 hereinafter.
[38] Within ten (10) days
after receipt of the notice pursuant to paragraph 34 herein above or if Lafarge
has requested additional information pursuant to paragraph 35, within ten (10) days
after receipt of said information, Lafarge shall notify the Commissioner and
the Trustee in writing if it objects to the proposed Trustee sale pursuant to
paragraph 28 herein above, and the grounds for its objection. Upon objection by
Lafarge pursuant to paragraph 28, the proposed Trustee sale shall not be
completed unless approved by the Competition Tribunal.
[39] Lafarge or the Trustee,
as the case may be, shall notify the Commissioner forthwith after the
Divestiture of the Affected Businesses required by this order has been
completed.
Compliance Inspection
[40] For the purpose of
determining or securing compliance with this order, subject to any valid claim
to a legally recognized privilege, and upon written request, the Respondent
shall permit any duly authorized representative of the Commissioner:
(a) upon a minimum of three (3) days notice to
the Respondent, access during office hours of the Respondent to inspect and
copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda, and other records
and documents in the possession or under control of the Respondent relating to
compliance with this order; and
(b) upon a minimum of eight (8) days notice to
the Respondent, and without restraint or interference from the Respondent, to
interview directors, officers or employees of the Respondent on matters in the
possession or under control of the Respondent relating to compliance with this
order.
Notice
[41] Notices and reports
required to be given pursuant to any of the terms of this order, shall be considered
given if dispatched by personal delivery, registered mail or facsimile to the
address or facsimile number below:
(a) If to the Commissioner:
The Commissioner of Competition
Competition Bureau
Industry Canada
Place du Portage
Phase I, 50 Victoria Street,
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0C9
Attention: André Brantz
John Symes
Fax: (819) 953-9267
(b) If to Lafarge
Lafarge S.A.
61, rue des Belles Feuilles
B.P. 4075782
Paris, Cedex 16 France
Attention: Dominique Hooreman
Fax: (011) 331 44 34 1148
With a copy to:
Stikeman Elliott
Barristers & Solicitors
1600-50 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2
Attention: Lawson A.W. Hunter, Q.C.
Susan Hutton
Randall J. Hofley
Fax: (613) 230-8877
Further Provision
[42] Lafarge shall require,
as a condition of sale of the Blue Circle Fonthill Aggregate Operation to
Lafarge Corp. or an affiliate thereof, that Lafarge Corp. or an affiliate
thereof offer to supply aggregate products produced at the Blue Circle Fonthill
Aggregate Operation to all purchasers at commercially reasonable and
non-discriminatory prices and terms, provided that Lafarge Corp. or an
affiliate thereof, as the case may be, shall not be required to offer to supply
any purchaser which is in default of payment under any supply arrangement with
Lafarge Corp. or an affiliate thereof. Lafarge, should it maintain the Blue
Circle Fonthill Aggregate Operation, shall offer to supply aggregate products
produced at the Blue Circle Fonthill Aggregate Operation to all purchasers at
commercially reasonable and non-discriminatory prices and terms, provided that
Lafarge shall not be required to offer to supply any purchaser which is in
default of payment under any supply arrangement with Lafarge or an affiliate
thereof.
General
[43] Jurisdiction shall be
retained by the Competition Tribunal for the purpose of any application by the
Commissioner or Lafarge to rescind or vary any of the provisions of this order
in the event of a change of circumstances or otherwise.
[44] In the event of a
dispute as to the interpretation of this order, the Commissioner, the Trustee
or Lafarge shall be at liberty to apply to the Competition Tribunal for a
further order interpreting any of the provisions of this order.
DATED at , this day of 2001.
SIGNED on behalf of the
Competition Tribunal by the presiding judicial member.
[45] SCHEDULE “A”
AFFECTED BUSINESSES
A. GREAT LAKES PACKAGE
Cement Assets
1.
The cement plant located at Bowmanville, Ontario, including any
pits, quarries and lands located at Bowmanville, Ontario
2.
The cement plant located at St. Marys, Ontario including any
pits, quarries and lands located at St. Marys, Ontario
3.
The grinding facilities and terminal located at Detroit,
Michigan;
4.
The following
Terminals:
Buffalo, New York
Cleveland, Ohio
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Schoolcraft, Michigan
Waukegan, Illinois;
Barges:
Lewis G. Harriman (U.S. Flag)
St. Marys Barge #1 (Canadian Flag)
St. Marys Barge #2 (Canadian Flag)
St. Marys Barge #3 (Barbados Flag)
Tugs:
“Sea Eagle II” Tug for St. Marys Barge #2; and
5.
Hutton Transport Limited
Ready Mix Assets
1. Barrie, Ontario
2. Belleville, Ontario
3. Blenheim, Ontario
4. Bowmanville, Ontario
5. Brampton, Ontario
6. Brantford, Ontario
7. Burlington, Ontario
8. Caledon, Ontario
9. Cambridge, Ontario
10. Cobourg, Ontario
11. Elora, Ontario
12. Guelph, Ontario
13. Hamilton, Ontario
14. Hanover, Ontario
15. Hull, Quebec
16. Ingersoll, Ontario
17. Kingston, Ontario
18. London, Ontario
19. Maple, Ontario
20. Milton, Ontario
21. Mount Forest, Ontario
22. New Hamburg, Ontario
23. Newmarket, Ontario
24. Niagara (Thorold),
Ontario
25. Ottawa (Gloucester), Ontario
26. Ottawa (Kanata), Ontario
27. Perth, Ontario
28. Peterborough, Ontario
29. Sarnia, Ontario
30. Scarborough, Ontario
31. St. Thomas, Ontario
32. Sutton, Ontario
33. Toronto (Bathurst and Etobicoke), Ontario
34. Toronto (Leaside), Ontario
35. Wallaceburg, Ontario
36. West Lorne, Ontario
37. Whitby, Ontario
38. Windsor, Ontario
39. Woodstock, Ontario
B. GREAT LAKES AGGREGATES PACKAGE
1. Mississauga, Ontario, being the leased Blue
Circle Aggregates Canada head office located at 7145 West Credit Avenue,
Building 1, Suite 200; and The aggregates operations and/or lands located at:
2. Cambridge, Ontario, being the owned or leased
lands known as “KW Blair”, “Ayr”, “Brown”, “Dance”, “Dabrowski” and “David”,
all located in the Township of North Dumfries, Regional Municipality of
Waterloo;
3 Sunderland, Ontario, being the “Sunderland Plant”
and the “Cannington Pit” located in Brock Township, Municipality of Durham and
the owned land known as “Woodville” located in the City of Kawartha Lake,
Township of Mariposa, County of Victoria;
4. Aberfoyle, Ontario, being the “South Pit”, “Silt
Pond”, “Main Pit” and the owned or leased lands known as “Mason”, “Guthrie”, “Coburn”,
“Edgington”, “Mast”, “Duscharme”, “McMillan”, “McNally”, “Martinello” and
“Tikal” all located in the Township of Puslinch, County of Wellington;
5. Brighton, Ontario, being the “Main Plant”,
“South Plant” and the lands known as “McDonnell”, “Whitehouse” and “Widdicks”
all located in the Township of Brighton, County of Northumberland; and
6. North London, Ontario, being the owned or leased
lands known as “Crich”, “Fanshawe”, “Takla/Cooper”, and “Fanshawe Heights”, all
located in the City of London, County of Middlesex, and “Dehaan (Purple Hill
Pit)”, “McLaughlin”, “Mills”, “McKay”, “UTRCA (Archery)”, “UTRCA (Fanshawe
Heights)”, “McGuffin”, ”Stone”, “Thamesford” and “Dorchester” all located in
the Municipality of Thames Centre, County of Middlesex, and the licensed lands
known as “D. Kittmer-Harrington 1”, and “F. Kittmer-Harrington 2” both located
in the Township of Zorra, County of Oxford, and as “Diocese”, “UTCRA-Sugarbush”
and “Sims” located in the Municipality of Thames Centre, County of Middlesex.
C. OTHER AGGREGATES PACKAGE
The aggregates operations and/or lands located at:
1. Acton, Ontario, being the “Acton Quarry” and the
owned lands known as “Taro” both located in the Town of Halton Hills, Regional
Municipality of Halton;
2. Putnam, Ontario, being the owned lands known as
“Wallis” and the licensed land known as “Szorenyi” both located in the Township
of North Dorchester, County of Middlesex, and the leased “Woodstock Pit” and
the owned lands known as “Ross”, “Langford” and “Willford” all located in the
Township of Southwest Oxford, County of Oxford;
3. Brantford, Ontario, being the owned or leased
lands known as “Brittain”, “Johnson”, “Reid”, “Cornell”, “Henniger”,
“Greenwood”, “Scoffield”, the “Western Region Office”, “Nemeth”, “Galt Malleable”,
“Moon”, “Johnson Nemeth”, “Wilde”, “Chowhan”, “Bluebird”, “Grisenthwaite”,
“Leach”, “Pottruff”, “Ruttan” and “Potruff (Garth)” all located in the City of
Brantford, County of Brant;
4. Mosport, Ontario, being the owned land located
in the Municipality of Clarington (formerly Township of Clarke), Regional
Municipality of Durham; and
5. Wakefield, Quebec, being the owned “Wakefield
Pit” located in the Township of Wakefield, Registration Division of Gatineau.
D. ASPHALT AND PAVING (ROAD CONSTRUCTION) PACKAGE
1. TCG Asphalt & Construction Inc., including
leased lands known as “Brittain” in the City of Brantford, County of Brant,
leased lands on Jetstream Road and on Clarke Road both in the City of London,
County of Middlesex, and leased lands known as “Takla/Cooper” in the City of
London, County of Middlesex.
[47] SCHEDULE “B”
EXCLUDED ASSETS
1.
cash and cash equivalents;
2. any U.S. insurance policies that do not apply
exclusively to the Affected Business(es) and prepaid expenses for any such U.S.
insurance policies;
3. sporting tickets (to the Toronto Blue Jays,
Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators) and any interest in the
Ottawa Senators hockey
club;
4. the following pension plans: (i) Blue Circle
Inc. Savings Plan for Salaried Employees; (ii) Blue Circle Inc. Savings Plan
for Blue Circle Cement Hourly Employees; and (iii) Blue Circle Inc. Pension
Plan;
5. subject to item 6 below, intellectual property
that is not used exclusively in the Affected Business(es), provided, however,
that, to the extent such intellectual property is used in the Great Lakes
Package, Lafarge shall grant the Purchaser of the Great Lakes Package a
perpetual nonexclusive, paid-up (royalty-free) license to use such intellectual
property in the operation of the businesses in the Great Lakes Package;
6. all rights, including the right to use, in or to
any trade name and trademark whether or not registered in any country in the
world which includes the term “BLUE CIRCLE” or the “BLUE CIRCLE” design or the
term “NEWCEM” or the “NEWCEM” design; provided, however, that the Purchaser of
the Great Lakes Package shall have rights to use the “BLUE CIRCLE” trade name
and trademark and the “NEWCEM” trade name and trademark for a transition period
of three months following the Divestiture of the Great Lakes Package;
7. any titles, leases, licenses or other rights to
or in real property other than the real property comprising the assets
identified as the Affected Business(es) at Schedule “A” hereto;
8. any books and records related to assets not
being divested to the Purchaser of the Affected Business(es);
9. any books and records that Lafarge is required
by law to retain, so long as Blue Circle delivers at least one copy thereof to
the Purchaser of the Affected Business(es);
10. all refunds, rebates or similar payments of
taxes to the extent such taxes were paid by or on behalf of Blue Circle prior
to the date of Divestiture of the Affected Business(es); and,
11. QPR Corp., including the leased lands known as
“Brittain” and “Western Region Office” in the City of Brantford, County of
Brant.
[48] SCHEDULE “C”
PARAGRAPHS 7 to 31 and 35 to 38 OF INTERIM
CONSENT ORDER DATED JUNE 19, 2001
Independent Manager(s)
[7] Effective immediately
upon the date that the Acquisition is closed, the Commissioner shall appoint an
independent manager(s) (the “Independent Manager(s)”) of the Affected
Businesses to manage and operate the said businesses independently of the
Respondent, as specified herein, pending the Divestiture of the said businesses
and/or a final determination of the Consent Proceeding. Lafarge shall be
responsible for all fees and expenses properly charged or incurred by the
Independent Manager(s), which may include economic incentives dependent on the
financial performance of the Affected Businesses if there are also sufficient
incentives for the Independent Manager to operate the Affected Businesses
pursuant to the terms set out in paragraph 9 below.
[8] In the event an
Independent Manager ceases to act in his or her capacity as such then the
Respondent shall select a substitute(s) Independent Manager, subject to the
approval of the Monitor. This order shall apply to any substitute Independent
Manager appointed pursuant to this paragraph.
Independent Management of the Affected
Businesses
[9] Pending final
determination of the Consent Proceeding, or until further order of the
Competition Tribunal, the Independent Manager(s)
shall take all necessary steps and give all necessary instructions to cause the
Affected Businesses under his or her management, and any servants or agents of
such Affected Businesses or the Independent Manager(s), to:
(a) operate such
Affected Businesses independently of the Respondent;
(b) operate such Affected Businesses in
compliance with all applicable laws;
(c) maintain all material permits and approvals
necessary for the operation of such
Affected Businesses;
(d) use commercially reasonable efforts to
maintain and enhance the competitiveness and the customer base of such Affected
Businesses and in particular, continue to solicit business and to submit bids
in response to tenders as they arise;
(e) maintain and hold such Affected Businesses
in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted, and to standards
at least equal to those maintained by Blue Circle prior to the date of this
order;
(f) establish all fees, deductions, discounts,
credits or allowances with respect to the goods and services provided by such
Affected Businesses;
(g) take all commercially reasonable steps to
honour all customer contracts and to maintain quality and service standards for
customers of such Affected Businesses at the level that existed prior to the
date of this order, save as required by prudent management of such Affected
Businesses;
(h) ensure that such Affected Businesses do not
engage in any type of business other than the type of business conducted by
those businesses as of the date of this order;
(i) not communicate any Confidential Information
related to such Affected Businesses to the Respondent, including each division,
subsidiary or other Person controlled by the Respondent, or any other Person,
save the Commissioner, except as permitted herein;
(j) not knowingly take or allow to be taken any
action that materially and adversely affects the competitiveness, assets,
operations or financial status of such Affected Businesses;
(k) not materially curtail marketing, sales,
promotional or other activities of such Affected Businesses in connection with
the solicitation of existing or prospective customers save as required by
prudent management of such Affected Businesses;
(l) not, to any material extent, relocate,
destroy or dismantle any fixed assets of such Affected Businesses;
(m) not, to any material extent, enter into any
agreement to lease or otherwise encumber any assets of such Affected
Businesses, or real property occupied by such Affected Businesses to or in
favour of any other Person save as required by prudent management of such
Affected Businesses;
(n) not, to any material extent, alter, or cause
to be altered, the management of such Affected Businesses as it existed prior
to the date of this order, except as may be necessary to comply with the terms
of this order or to replace employees that may resign, and save as required by
prudent management of such Affected Businesses; or
(o) not terminate or alter any current
employment, salary or benefit agreements for any employees working in such
Affected Businesses, to any material extent, save as required by prudent
management of such Affected Businesses.
[10] Subject to the approval
of the Monitor, the Independent Manager shall have authority to enter into or
renew customer contracts in relation to the Affected Businesses under his or
her management, in the name of the business(es).
[11] The Respondent shall, if
necessary, contribute working capital with respect to the Affected Businesses
to permit the applicable Affected Business(es) to continue to operate at
standards at least equal to those existing at the date of the Acquisition and may
contribute funds for significant capital expenditures in consultation with the
Independent Manager of the applicable Affected Business(es) and any Monitor
thereof.
[12] Notwithstanding any
other provision of this order, the Independent Manager is permitted, with the
approval of the Monitor, to use the managerial, administrative and operational
(including maintenance) resources of the Respondent for the following services:
(a) public affairs/media relations services;
(b) legal services;
(c) information systems services, including
construction, maintenance and support of all SAP and other computer systems;
(d) to maintain, in accordance with Canadian and
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable), separate and
adequate financial ledger books and records of material financial information
with respect to the Affected Businesses;
(e) preparation of tax returns and other audit
services;.
(f) human resources and payroll services;
(g) processing of accounts payable;
(h) security services;
(i) technical support;
(j) occupational health and safety, including
medical services such as drug testing;
(k) environmental permitting and liability, and
any other regulatory compliance services;
(l) insurance, including notification of claims
for which coverage is sought;
(m) financial accounting services, including
banking;
(n) engineering services, including engineering,
design and maintenance of plants and terminals;
(o) real estate services, including the
identification and development of new sites;
(p) procurement of goods and services utilized
in the ordinary course of business by the Affected Business(es); and
(q) transportation and other logistics services.
The Respondent shall ensure that all personnel
providing such services retain and maintain all Confidential Information
received for purposes of providing the above services on a confidential basis,
and, except as is permitted by this order, such Persons shall be prohibited
from providing, discussing, exchanging, circulating, or otherwise furnishing
any such information to or with any Person whose employment involves any of
Respondent’s businesses other than the applicable Affected Businesses. Such
personnel shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement to said
effect. Nothing in this order, however, shall require the Respondent or the
Independent Manager to hold separate the operations, assets or personnel used
to provide such services.
[13] The Independent
Manager(s) shall not communicate any Confidential Information acquired in the
performance of the Independent Manager’s duties under this order to any Person
except to the extent required or permitted by this order. The Independent
Manager will execute a customary confidentiality agreement in this respect.
[14] The Independent
Manager(s) may provide Confidential Information to the following Persons: (a)
any Person employed by Ernst and Young, the external auditors of Blue Circle;
(b) any Person employed by Deloitte & Touche, the external auditors of
Lafarge and (c) senior accountants employed by Lafarge or Blue Circle or their
affiliates (the “Permitted Persons”) only for the purposes of preparing
standard financial and regulatory reports, tax returns and benefits
administration and to comply with applicable law and governmental authorities
in Canada, the United States, France and the United Kingdom (the “Permitted
Purposes”) and provided that:
(i) prior to disclosure of any Confidential
Information, each Permitted Person shall execute a confidentiality undertaking
in the form of the Confidentiality Annex attached hereto; and
(ii) the Permitted Persons shall use the
Confidential Information only for the Permitted Purposes and shall not disclose
such information to any other Person, whether or not an employee of the
Respondent.
[15] Each Independent Manager
is bound by the terms of this order but shall otherwise not be subject to
liability for any act or omission arising out of his or her Independent Manager
duties pursuant to this order, save to the extent such liability results from
malfeasance, gross negligence or bad faith by the Independent Manager and
subject to paragraph 13.
[16] The Respondent shall not
directly or indirectly receive or have access to, or use or continue to use any
Confidential Information relating to the Affected Businesses, except as may be
necessary to comply with the terms of this order or as permitted by this order,
and except to the extent that necessary information is exchanged in the course
of consummating the Acquisition, defending investigations, defending or
prosecuting litigation, obtaining legal advice, negotiating and meeting
obligations under agreements to Divest assets pursuant to the Consent Order and
engaging in related due diligence.
[17] Notwithstanding the
above, this order does not preclude disclosure to, or receipt by, the
Respondent of summaries in aggregate form such as revenue summaries, cash
receipt summaries and tonnage summaries, provided that no Confidential
Information is disclosed.
[18] The Respondent shall:
(a) take all reasonable steps to ensure that the
Affected Businesses are independent of the Respondent, including transferring
to the Independent Manager all rights, powers and authorities necessary for the
Independent Manager to perform his or her duties and responsibilities under
this order;
(b) not exercise any direction or control,
direct or indirect, over the management or operations of the Affected
Businesses or influence the marketing of the Affected Businesses except to the
extent that the Respondent must exercise such direction and control to assure
compliance with this order and except as otherwise provided in this order; and
(c) cause the operational manager(s) of the
Affected Businesses to follow the reasonable instructions and directions of the
Independent Manager given pursuant to the provisions of this order.
[19] Except as provided in
this order and the Draft Consent Order, the Respondent shall not employ or make
offers of employment to any Affected Business(es) Employee during the term of
this order. The Purchaser of the Affected Business(es) shall have the option of
offering employment to such Affected Business(es) Employees pursuant to the
terms of the Draft Consent Order. After the expiry of this order, the
Respondent may offer employment to the Affected Business(es) Employees who have
not been offered employment or have been terminated by the Purchaser of such
Affected Business(es). The Respondent shall not interfere with the employment
of the Affected Business(es) Employees by the Purchaser of such Affected Business(es);
shall not offer any incentive to said employees to decline employment with the
Purchaser of such Affected Business(es) or accept other employment with the
Respondent; and shall remove any impediments that may deter Affected
Business(es) Employees from accepting employment with the Purchaser of such
Affected Business(es) including, but not limited to, any non-compete or
confidentiality provisions of employment or other contracts with the Affected
Business(es) Employees that would affect the ability of such Affected
Business(es) Employees to be employed by the Purchaser of such Affected
Business(es).
[20] For a period of one (1)
year commencing on the date of the Divestiture of the Affected Business(es),
the Respondent shall not employ or make offers of employment to any Affected
Business(es) Employees who have been offered employment with the Purchaser of
such Affected Business(es), unless such individuals have been terminated by the
Purchaser of such Affected Business(es).
Monitor
[21] Upon issuance of this
order, the Commissioner shall appoint Daniel E. Somes to serve as the person
responsible for monitoring Lafarge’s and the Independent Manager(s)’ compliance
with this order in respect of the Affected Businesses. Lafarge shall be
responsible for all fees or expenses properly charged or incurred by Monitor
Somes, or any substitute for Monitor Somes, appointed pursuant to paragraph 22
herein below.
[22] In the event that the
Monitor, appointed pursuant to paragraphs 21 above, is unable to perform
monitoring duties under the terms of this order because of death, disability,
termination for cause or any other reason, the Commissioner may appoint a
substitute Monitor(s), provided that such appointment occurs more than 10 days
after the Commissioner notifies Lafarge of the proposed substitute Monitor,
including sufficient details for purposes of Lafarge’s consideration of the
proposed appointment. In the event that Lafarge objects to the Commissioner’s
appointment of a proposed substitute Monitor, Lafarge may apply to the
Competition Tribunal for appropriate relief on five days notice to the
Commissioner setting out the grounds for the objection. This order shall apply
to any substitute Monitor appointed pursuant to this paragraph.
[23] For the purposes of
monitoring compliance by the Respondent and the Independent Manager(s) with
this order, subject to any valid claim to a legally recognized privilege, the
Respondent and the Independent Manager(s) shall respond to requests for
information by a Monitor appointed pursuant to paragraphs 21-22 above, and
shall give the Monitor access to all information, records and documents of the
Respondent relating to the Affected Businesses for which the Monitor is
responsible, in the manner described below.
[24] For the purposes of
monitoring the compliance by the Respondent and the Independent Manager(s) with
this order, subject to any valid claim to a legally recognized privilege, the
Monitor may request access to:
(a) the premises
of the Affected Businesses for which he or she is responsible;
(b) any information relating to the financial
records, operations and assets of the Affected Businesses for which he or she
is responsible; and
(c) meetings of the management of the Affected
Businesses for which he or she is responsible.
[25] Where a request under
paragraph 24 is made, the Respondent and the Independent Manager shall, if
necessary, take all reasonable steps to promote compliance with the request.
[26] The Respondent shall not
exert or attempt to exert any influence, direction or control over a Monitor
appointed pursuant to paragraphs 21-22 which may adversely affect the discharge
of the Monitor’s duties under the terms of this order.
[27] If a Monitor appointed
pursuant to paragraphs 21-22 considers that the Respondent or the Independent
Manager(s) is in default of any of the terms of this order, the Monitor shall
immediately notify the Commissioner of the breach, who shall forthwith give
notice to the Respondent and the Independent Manager setting out the particulars
of such default.
[28] A Monitor appointed
pursuant to paragraphs 21-22 shall provide to the Commissioner, upon request, a
written report in affidavit form relating to the Monitor’s efforts to carry out
the terms of this order and the Respondent’s and the Independent Manager(s)’
compliance with this order.
[29] A Monitor appointed
pursuant to paragraphs 21-22 is bound by the terms of this order but shall not
otherwise be subject to liability for any act or omission pursuant to the terms
of this order, save to the extent that such liability results from malfeasance,
gross negligence or bad faith by the Monitor and subject to Paragraph 30. This
order shall not be construed as providing the Monitor with ownership,
management, possession, charge or control of the Affected Businesses.
[30] A Monitor appointed
pursuant to paragraphs 21-22 shall execute a customary confidentiality
agreement in which the Monitor will undertake not to disclose any Confidential
Information acquired in the performance of the Monitor’s duties to any Person
except to the extent required or permitted by this order.
[31] If the Monitor advises
the Commissioner that the Respondent is in default of any of the terms of this
order, or if the Commissioner otherwise believes such to be the case, then for
the purpose of determining or securing compliance with this order, subject to
any valid claim to a legally recognized privilege, and upon written request,
the Respondent shall permit any duly authorized representative of the
Commissioner:
(a) upon a minimum of three (3) days notice to
the Respondent, access during office hours of the Respondent, to inspect and
copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memorandum, and other
records and documents in the possession or under control of the Respondent
relating to compliance with this order; and
(b) upon a minimum of eight (8) days notice to
the Respondent, and without restraint or interference from the Respondent, to
interview directors, officers or employees of the Respondent on matters in the
possession or under the control of the Respondent relating to compliance with
this order.…..
[35] Notices, reports or
other communications required or permitted pursuant to this order shall be in
writing and shall be considered to be given if dispatched by confirmed personal
delivery or facsimile transmission to the parties listed in the Service List
Annex to this order.
[36] This order does not
prohibit anyone from providing Confidential Information to the Commissioner for
purposes of the administration or enforcement of the Competition
Act,
including for the purposes of this proceeding.
[37] If the Commissioner’s
approval is sought pursuant to this order and such approval is not granted, or
if a decision of the Commissioner is unreasonably delayed or withheld, the
Respondent may apply to the Competition Tribunal for approval.
[38] The parties are at
liberty to apply to the Competition Tribunal with respect to any issue
concerning this order.
File No.
CONFIDENTIALITY
ANNEX
COMPETITION
TRIBUNAL
COMMISSIONER OF
COMPETITION
v.
LAFARGE S.A.
CONFIDENTIALITY
UNDERTAKING
IN CONSIDERATION of being
provided with Confidential Information relating
to the Affected Businesses as defined in the
Consent Order of the Competition Tribunal dated
................., 2001 (the “Order”),
I, ______________________, of the City of
_________________________, in
the _____________________ of
____________________, agree to strictly maintain the
confidentiality of all such documents and
information.
I HEREBY CONFIRM that I have
read the Order and I agree to be bound by the Order.
I HEREBY UNDERTAKE that I shall
not disclose any confidential documents or information that relate to this
Affected Business(es) that may be provided to me to any other person, except as
expressly permitted by the Order, and that I shall not use any such documents
or information for any purpose other than those expressly permitted by the
Order.
I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE that any
breach of this undertaking by me will be
considered to be a breach of the Order.
DATED at this day of , 2001.
Witness:
______________________ ______________________
Print Witness Name Print
Name
SERVICE LIST ANNEX
SERVICE LIST
THE COMMISSIONER:
André Brantz
John Symes
Department of Justice
Competition Law Division
Place du Portage, Phase 1
50 Victoria Street, 22 nd Floor
Hull, Quebec K1A 0C9
Telephone: (819) 997-3325
Facsimile: (819) 953-9267
Counsel to the Commissioner of Competition
THE RESPONDENT:
Lawson A. W. Hunter, Q.C.
Randall J. Hofley
Susan M. Hutton
Stikeman Elliott
1600 – 50 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2
Telephone: (613) 234-4555
Facsimile: (613) 230-8877
Counsel to Lafarge S.A.
THE MONITOR:
Daniel E. Somes
4287 Marin Woods, Apt. E
Port Clinton, Ohio
U.S.A. 43452
CONFIDENTIAL SCHEDULE “D”
AFFECTED BUSINESS(ES) KEY EMPLOYEE BONUS
APPEARANCES
For the applicant:
The Commissioner of Competition
André Brantz
John Symes
For the respondent:
Lafarge, S.A.
Lawson A.W. Hunter, Q.C
Randall J. Hofley
Susan M. Hutton