PUBLIC VERSION CT-2016-011 COMPETITION TRIBUNAL
IN THE MATTER OF the Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34, as amended, and the Competition Tribunal Rules, SOR/2008-141;
AND IN THE MATTER OF the proposed acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Distributions pétrolières Therrien Inc. by Le Groupe Harnois inc.;
AND IN THE MATTER OF the filing and registration of a consent agreement pursuant to sections 92 and 105 of the Competition Act.
B E T W E E N : THE COMMISSIONER OF COMPETITION Applicant
– and – LE GROUPE HARNOIS INC. Respondent
CONSENT AGREEMENT RECITALS: A. Le Groupe Harnois inc. (“Harnois”) proposes to acquire substantially all of the intangible assets and other assets used in the operation of Distributions pétrolières Therrien Inc. (“DPT”) under the terms of an offer to purchase made on November 9, 2015 (the “Transaction”).
B. The Commissioner has concluded that the Transaction is likely to result in a substantial lessening and/or prevention of competition in the retail sale of fuel in the areas of Coaticook, Quebec and Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, and that the implementation of this Agreement is necessary to ensure that any substantial lessening and/or prevention of competition will not result from the Transaction.
C. Respondent does not admit but will not for the purposes of this Agreement, including execution, registration, enforcement, variation or rescission, contest the
PUBLIC VERSION Commissioner’s conclusions that (i) the Transaction is likely to result in a substantial lessening and/or prevention of competition in the retail sale of fuel in the areas of Coaticook, Québec and Lac-Mégantic, Quebec; and (ii) the implementation of this Agreement is necessary to ensure that any substantial lessening and/or prevention of competition will not result from the Transaction.
D. Nothing in this Agreement affects any investigation, inquiry or proceeding other than under section 92 of the Act in respect of the Transaction.
THEREFORE Respondent and the Commissioner agree as follows: I. DEFINITIONS [1] Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and terms have the meanings set out below:
(a) “Act” means the Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34, as amended; (b) “Affected Areas” means the Divestiture Areas and the Affected Dealer Areas;
(c) “Affected Dealers” means the dealers referred to in Confidential Schedule B to this Agreement;
(d) “Affected Dealer Areas” means, for the purposes of this agreement, the areas within a radius of 10 kilometres from each retail gasoline site in or around Coaticook, Quebec, listed in Confidential Schedule B to this Agreement
(e) “Affiliate” means, in respect of a Person, any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such first Person, whether directly or indirectly, and “control” means directly or indirectly hold securities or other interests in a Person (i) to which are attached more than 50% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors or persons exercising similar functions or (ii) entitling the holder to receive more than 50% of the profits of the Person or more than 50% of its assets on dissolution;
(f) “Agreement” means this Consent Agreement, including the schedules hereto, and references to a “Part”, “Section”, “Paragraph” or “Schedule” are, unless otherwise indicated, references to a part, section, paragraph or schedule of or to this Agreement;
(g) “Business Day” means a day on which the Competition Bureau’s Gatineau, Quebec office is open for business;
(h) “Closing” means the completion of the Transaction under the Transaction Agreement;
PUBLIC VERSION (i) “Closing Date” means the date on which Closing occurs; (j) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Competition appointed under the Act and includes his authorized representatives;
(k) “Confidential Information” means competitively sensitive, proprietary and all other information that is not in the public domain, and that is owned by or pertains to Respondent, Respondent’s business, DPT or DPT’s business; confidential information includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, operations and financial information, customer lists, price lists, contracts, cost and revenue information, marketing methods, patents, technologies, processes, or other trade secrets;
(l) “Divested Business” means a business of Harnois or, at its election, DPT, as applicable, relating to a corporate retail gasoline site or a fuel supply agreement, as listed in Confidential Schedule C to this Agreement;
(m) “Divestiture” means the sale, conveyance, transfer, assignment or other disposal of the Divestiture Assets to a Purchaser or Purchasers pursuant to this Agreement and with the prior approval of the Commissioner, such that Respondent will have no direct or indirect interest in the Divestiture Assets; “divest” or “divesting” means to implement and complete the Divestiture;
(n) “Divestiture Agreement” means a binding and definitive agreement between Respondent and a Purchaser to effect the Divestiture pursuant to this Agreement and subject to the prior approval of the Commissioner;
(o) “Divestiture Applicant” means Respondent during the Initial Sale Period or the Divestiture Trustee during the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period;
(p) “Divestiture Areas” means, for the purposes of this Agreement, the areas within a radius of 10 kilometres from each retail gasoline site in or around Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, listed Agreement;
(q) “Divestiture Assets” means all of the right, title and interest in, to and under, or relating to the assets and property owned or used by Harnois or DPT, as applicable, in the operation of businesses affected by the Divestiture;
(r) “Divestiture Process Agreement” means the agreement described in Section 6 of this Agreement;
(s) “Divestiture Trustee” means the Person appointed pursuant to Part [III] of this Agreement (or any substitute appointed thereto) and any employees, agents or other Persons acting for or on behalf of the Divestiture Trustee;
in Confidential Schedule C to this
PUBLIC VERSION (t) “Divestiture Trustee Sale” means the Divestiture to be conducted by the Divestiture Trustee pursuant to Part III of this Agreement;
(u) “Divestiture Trustee Sale Period” means the 6 month period commencing upon expiry of the Initial Sale Period;
(v) “DPT” means Distributions pétrolières Therrien Inc. and its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns; and all joint ventures, subsidiaries, divisions, groups and Affiliates controlled by DPT, and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns of each;
(w) “First Reference Date” shall have the meaning set out in Paragraph 22(d) of this Agreement;
(x) “Harnois” means Le Groupe Harnois inc. and its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns; and all joint ventures, subsidiaries, divisions, groups and Affiliates controlled by Harnois, and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns of each;
(y) “Initial Sale Period” means the period that commences at Closing and ends at the time set out in Confidential Schedule A to this Agreement;
(z) “Monitor” means the Person appointed pursuant to Part [IX] of this Agreement (or any substitute appointed thereto), and any employees, agents or other Persons acting for or on behalf of the Monitor; in the event that no Monitor is appointed, the Monitor will be the Commissioner;
(aa) “Monitor Agreement” means the agreement described in Section 33 of this Agreement;
(bb) “Parties” means the Commissioner and Respondent collectively; “Party” means any one of them;
(cc) “Person” means any individual, corporation or partnership, sole proprietorship, trust or other unincorporated organization capable of conducting business, and any Affiliates thereof;
(dd) “Purchaser” means a Person that acquires Divestiture Assets pursuant to this Agreement and a Divestiture Agreement;
(ee) “Records” means records within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Act;
PUBLIC VERSION (gg) “Second Reference Date” shall have the meaning set out in Paragraph 22(e) of this Agreement;
(hh) “Supply Agreement Amendment” means the supply amendment agreement between Respondent and the Affected Dealers of each of the gas stations described in Confidential Schedule B to this Agreement in accordance with Section 30 of this Agreement;
(ii) “Third Party” means any Person other than the Commissioner, Respondent or a Purchaser;
(jj) “Transaction” means the transaction described in the first recital to this Agreement;
(kk) “Transaction Agreement” means the offer to purchase made on November 9, 2015; and
(ll) “Tribunal” means the Competition Competition Tribunal Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.19 (2nd Supp.).
All other terms defined in this Agreement have the meanings established elsewhere in this Agreement.
II. OBLIGATION TO COMPLETE DIVESTITURE [2] Respondent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the Divestiture. [3] During the Initial Sale Period, Respondent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the Divestiture in accordance with the provisions of this Part and Confidential Schedule A and subject to Part [IV].
[4] During the Initial Sale Period, Respondent shall: (a) provide to the Commissioner and to the Monitor, at the end of each month, a written report describing the progress of its efforts to effect the Divestiture. The report shall negotiations, due diligence and offers regarding the Divestiture Assets, the name, address and phone number of all parties contacted and of prospective Purchasers who have come forward. Respondent shall, within 3 Business Days, respond to any request by the Commissioner for additional information regarding the status of Respondent’s efforts to complete the Divestiture. representative of Respondent shall certify that he or she has examined the information provided in any such response and that such information is, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, correct and complete in all material respects.
include a description of contacts, An officer or other duly authorized
PUBLIC VERSION III. DIVESTITURE TRUSTEE SALE PROCESS [5] In the event that Respondent fails to complete the Divestiture during the Initial Sale Period, the Commissioner shall appoint a Divestiture Trustee to complete the Divestiture in accordance with this Agreement. Such appointment may be made at any time prior to the expiry of the Initial Sale Period or on such later date as the Commissioner determines.
[6] Within 5 Business Days after the appointment of the Divestiture Trustee, Respondent shall submit to the Commissioner for approval the terms of a proposed Divestiture Process Agreement with the Divestiture Trustee and the Commissioner that confers on the Divestiture Trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the Divestiture Trustee to effect the Divestiture.
[7] Within 5 Business Days after receipt of the proposed Divestiture Process Agreement referred to in Section 6, the Commissioner shall advise Respondent whether or not he approves the terms of the proposed Divestiture Process Agreement. If the Commissioner does not approve the terms of the proposed Divestiture Process Agreement, he shall prescribe alternative terms that confer on the Divestiture Trustee all rights and powers necessary to permit the Divestiture Trustee to effect the Divestiture, and that Respondent shall incorporate these alternative terms into a final Divestiture Process Agreement with the Divestiture Trustee and the Commissioner.
[8] Without limiting the Commissioner’s discretion to require additional terms, Respondent consents to the following terms and conditions regarding the Divestiture Trustee’s rights, powers and duties, and shall include such terms in the Divestiture Process Agreement:
(a) The Divestiture Trustee shall complete the Divestiture as expeditiously as possible, after the Initial Sale Period but prior to expiry of the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period.
(b) The Divestiture Trustee shall use reasonable efforts to negotiate terms and conditions for the Divestiture that are as favourable to Respondent as are reasonably available at that time; however, the Divestiture shall not be subject to any minimum price. The Divestiture Trustee’s opinion of what constitutes favourable terms and conditions and what constitutes reasonably available terms and conditions, is subject to review and approval by the Commissioner.
(c) Subject to oversight and approval by the Commissioner, the Divestiture Trustee shall have full and exclusive authority during the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period:
(i) to complete the Divestiture in accordance with the provisions of this Part;
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PUBLIC VERSION (ii) to solicit interest in a possible Divestiture by whatever process or procedure the Divestiture Trustee believes is suitable to allow a fair opportunity for one or more prospective good faith Purchasers to offer to acquire the Divestiture Assets, and for greater certainty, in determining whether to pursue negotiations with a prospective Purchaser, may have regard to the approval criteria in Section [23];
(iii) to enter into a Divestiture Agreement with a Purchaser that will be legally binding on Respondent;
(iv) to negotiate reasonable commercial covenants, representations, warranties and indemnities to be included in a Divestiture Agreement; and
(v) to employ, at the expense of Respondent, such consultants, accountants, legal counsel, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants as the Divestiture Trustee believes are necessary to carry out the Divestiture Trustee’s duties and responsibilities.
(d) Where any Person makes a good faith inquiry respecting a possible purchase of Divestiture Assets, the Divestiture Trustee shall notify such Person that the Divestiture is being made and shall provide to such Person a copy of this Agreement, with the exception of the provisions hereof that are confidential pursuant to Section [66] of this Agreement.
(e) Where, in the opinion of the Divestiture Trustee, a Person has a good faith interest in purchasing Divestiture Assets and has executed a confidentiality agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner, with the Divestiture Trustee protecting any Confidential Information that such Person may receive in the course of its due diligence review of the Divestiture Assets, the Divestiture Trustee shall:
(i) promptly provide to such Person all information respecting the Divestiture Assets that is determined by the Divestiture Trustee to be relevant and appropriate;
(ii) permit such Person to make reasonable inspection of the Divestiture Assets and of all financial, operational or other non-privileged Records Information, that may be relevant to the Divestiture; and
(iii) give such Person as full and complete access as is reasonable in the circumstances to the Divestiture Assets.
(f) The Divestiture Trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the Divestiture Assets.
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and information, including Confidential
personnel involved in managing the
PUBLIC VERSION (g) The Divestiture Trustee shall provide to the Commissioner and to the Monitor, within 14 days after the later of the Divestiture Trustee’s appointment and the commencement of the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period and thereafter every 21 days, a written report describing the progress of the Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to complete the Divestiture. The report shall include a description of contacts, negotiations, due diligence and offers regarding the Divestiture Assets, the name, address and phone number of all parties contacted and of prospective Purchasers who have come forward. The Divestiture Trustee shall, within 3 Business Days, respond to any request by the Commissioner for additional information regarding the status of the Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to complete the Divestiture.
(h) The Divestiture Trustee shall notify Respondent and the Commissioner immediately upon the signing of any letter of intent or agreement in principle relating to the Divestiture Assets, and shall provide to Respondent a copy of any executed Divestiture Agreement upon receipt of the Commissioner’s approval of the Divestiture contemplated in such Divestiture Agreement.
[9] Respondent shall not be involved in the Divestiture process during the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period or in any negotiations with prospective Purchasers undertaken by the Divestiture Trustee, nor will Respondent have contact with prospective Purchasers during the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period, except with the prior approval of the Commissioner; however, the Divestiture Trustee may consult with Respondent in the presence of a representative of the Commissioner when the Divestiture Trustee considers such consultation to be appropriate and the Commissioner consents.
[10] Subject to any legally recognized privilege, Respondent shall provide to the Divestiture Trustee full and complete access to all personnel, Records, information (including Confidential Information) and facilities relating to the Divestiture Assets, to enable the Divestiture Trustee to conduct its own investigation of the Divestiture Assets and to provide access and information to prospective Purchasers.
[11] Respondent shall take no action that interferes with or impedes, directly or indirectly, the Divestiture Trustee’s efforts to complete the Divestiture.
[12] Respondent shall fully and promptly respond to all requests from the Divestiture Trustee and shall provide all information the Divestiture Trustee may request. Respondent shall identify an individual who shall have primary responsibility for fully and promptly responding to such requests from the Divestiture Trustee on behalf of Respondent.
[13] Respondent will do all such acts and execute all such documents, and will cause the doing of all such acts and the execution of all such documents as are within its
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PUBLIC VERSION power to cause the doing or execution of, as may be reasonably necessary to ensure that the Divestiture Assets are divested in the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period and that agreements entered into by the Divestiture Trustee are binding upon and enforceable against Respondent.
[14] Respondent shall be responsible for all reasonable fees and expenses properly charged or incurred by the Divestiture Trustee in the course of carrying out the Divestiture Trustee’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Divestiture Trustee shall serve without bond or security, and shall account for all fees and expenses incurred. Respondent shall pay all reasonable invoices submitted by the Divestiture Trustee within 30 days after receipt and, without limiting this obligation, Respondent shall comply with any agreement it reaches with the Divestiture Trustee regarding interest on late payments. In the event of any dispute: (i) such invoice shall be subject to the approval of the Commissioner; and (ii) Respondent shall promptly pay any invoice approved by the Commissioner. Any outstanding monies owed to the Divestiture Trustee by Respondent shall be paid out of the proceeds of the Divestiture.
[15] Respondent shall indemnify the Divestiture Trustee and hold the Divestiture Trustee harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation or defence of any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses result from malfeasance, gross negligence or bad faith by the Divestiture Trustee.
[16] Respondent shall indemnify the Commissioner and hold the Commissioner harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation or defence of any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability.
[17] If the Commissioner determines that the Divestiture Trustee has ceased to act or has failed to act diligently, the Commissioner may remove the Divestiture Trustee and appoint a substitute Divestiture Trustee. The provisions of this Agreement respecting the Divestiture Trustee shall apply in the same manner to any substitute Divestiture Trustee.
[18] Respondent may require the Divestiture Trustee and each of the Divestiture Trustee’s consultants, accountants, legal counsel, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants to sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner; provided, however, that such agreement shall not restrict the Divestiture Trustee from providing any information to the Commissioner.
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PUBLIC VERSION [19] The Commissioner may require the Divestiture Trustee and each of the Divestiture Trustee’s consultants, accountants, legal counsel, investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and assistants to sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement relating to materials and information the Divestiture Trustee may receive from the Commissioner in connection with the performance of the Divestiture Trustee’s duties.
[20] Notwithstanding any term of this Agreement, the rights, powers and duties of the Divestiture Trustee under this Agreement shall not expire until the Divestiture is completed.
IV. COMMISSIONER APPROVAL OF DIVESTITURE [21] The Divestiture may proceed only with the prior approval of the Commissioner in accordance with this Part. For greater certainty, if a Divestiture is a notifiable transaction nothing in this Agreement affects the operation of Part IX of the Act.
[22] The Divestiture Applicant shall comply with the following process for seeking and obtaining a decision of the Commissioner regarding his approval of a proposed Divestiture:
(a) The Divestiture Applicant shall promptly: (i) inform the Commissioner of any negotiations with a prospective Purchaser that may lead to a Divestiture; and
(ii) forward to the Commissioner copies of any agreement that is signed with a prospective Purchaser, including non-binding expressions of interest.
(b) The Divestiture Applicant shall immediately notify the Commissioner that it intends to enter a Divestiture Agreement with a prospective Purchaser, or has entered into an agreement that, if approved by the Commissioner, will be a Divestiture Agreement within the meaning of this Agreement. If the Divestiture Applicant has entered into or intends to enter into more than one agreement in respect of the same Divestiture Assets, the Divestiture Applicant shall identify the agreement in respect of which it seeks the Commissioner’s approval and the remainder of this Part shall apply only to that agreement unless the Divestiture Applicant designates a substitute agreement.
(c) The notice described in Paragraph 22(b) shall be in writing and shall include: the identity of the proposed Purchaser; the details of the proposed Divestiture Agreement and any related agreements; and information concerning whether and how the proposed Purchaser would, in the view of the Divestiture Applicant, likely satisfy the terms of this Agreement.
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PUBLIC VERSION (d) Within 10 days following receipt of the notice described in Paragraph 22(b), the Commissioner may request additional information concerning the proposed Divestiture from any or all of Respondent, the Monitor, the prospective Purchaser and, in the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period, the Divestiture Trustee. These Persons shall each provide a complete response to any request from the Commissioner by providing any information requested from them in compliance with the following procedures:
(i) the Divestiture Trustee shall provide written confirmation to the Commissioner that the Divestiture Trustee has provided to the Commissioner all additional information requested from the Divestiture Trustee;
(ii) the Monitor shall Commissioner that the Monitor has provided to the Commissioner all additional information requested from the Monitor;
(iii) an officer or other duly authorized representative of Respondent shall certify that he or she has examined the additional information provided by Respondent to the Commissioner and that such information is, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, correct and complete in all material respects; and
(iv) an officer or other duly authorized representative of the prospective Purchaser shall certify that he or she has examined the additional information Commissioner’s request and that such information is, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, correct and complete in all material respects.
The date on which the last of the Divestiture Trustee, Respondent, the Monitor and the prospective Purchaser provides to the Commissioner a confirmation or certification required under this Paragraph is the “First Reference Date”.
(e) Within 7 days after the First Reference Date, the Commissioner may request further additional information concerning the proposed Divestiture from any or all of the Persons identified in Paragraph 22(d). These Persons shall each provide any further additional information requested from them. When they have provided a complete response to the Commissioner’s request, if any, these Persons shall comply with the procedures outlined in Paragraph 22(d) in regard to the further additional information provided. The date on which the last of the Divestiture Trustee, Respondent, the Monitor and the prospective Purchaser provides to the Commissioner a confirmation or certification required under this Paragraph is the “Second Reference Date”.
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provide written confirmation to the
provided by the prospective to the
PUBLIC VERSION (f) The Commissioner shall notify the Divestiture Applicant of the approval of, or the objection to, the proposed Divestiture as soon as possible, and in any event within 10 days after the date on which the Commissioner receives the notice described in Paragraph 22(b) or, if he requests any additional information under Paragraph 22(d) or further additional information under Paragraph 22(e), within 14 days after the later of:
(i) the First Reference Date; and (ii) the Second Reference Date, if any. (g) The Commissioner’s determination as to whether to approve a proposed Divestiture shall be in writing.
[23] In exercising his discretion to determine whether to approve a proposed Divestiture, the Commissioner shall take into account the likely impact of the Divestiture on competition, and may consider any other factor he considers relevant. Prior to granting his approval, the Commissioner must also be satisfied that:
(a) the proposed Purchaser is fully independent of and operates at arm’s length from Respondent;
(b) Respondent will have no direct or indirect interest in the Divestiture Assets following the Divestiture;
(c) the proposed Purchaser is committed to carrying on the Divested Business; (d) the proposed Purchaser has the managerial, operational and financial capability to compete effectively in the retail sale of fuel, or, as applicable, the supply of fuel to gas stations; and
(e) the proposed Purchaser will (i) if the Commissioner grants his approval during the Initial Sale Period, complete the Divestiture prior to the expiry of the Initial Sale Period; or (ii) if the Commissioner grants his approval during the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period, complete the Divestiture during the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period.
V. PRESERVATION OF DIVESTITURE ASSETS [24] In order to preserve the Divestiture Assets pending completion of the Divestiture, Respondent shall maintain their economic viability, marketability and competitiveness, shall comply with any decision of or direction given by the Monitor that, in the view of the Monitor, is required to preserve the Divestiture Assets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Respondent shall:
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PUBLIC VERSION (a) maintain and hold the Divestiture Assets in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted, and to standards that are, in the view of the Monitor, at least equal to those that existed at Closing;
(b) ensure that the management and operation of the Divesture Assets continues in the ordinary course of business and in a manner that is, in the view of the Monitor, reasonably consistent in nature, scope and magnitude with past practices and generally accepted industry practices, and in compliance with all applicable laws;
(c) not knowingly take or allow to be taken any action that, in the view of the Monitor, adversely affects the competitiveness, operations, financial status or value, viability and saleability of the Divestiture Assets;
(d) ensure that the Divestiture Assets are not engaged in any type of business other than the type of business conducted as of the date of this Agreement, except with the prior approval of the Monitor and the Commissioner;
(e) maintain all approvals, including product approvals, registrations, consents, licences, permits, waivers, and other authorizations that are, in the Monitor’s view, subject to consultation with Respondent, desirable or required for the operation of the Divestiture Assets;
(f) take commercially reasonable steps to honour all customer contracts and to maintain quality and service standards for customers of the Divestiture Assets that are, in the view of the Monitor, at least equal to the standards that existed during the fiscal year prior to this Agreement;
(g) not curtail marketing, sales, promotional or other activities of the Divestiture Assets, except with the prior approval of the Monitor;
(h) establish any prices, draws, discounts or allocations in accordance with policies equivalent to those that apply to gas stations controled or supplied by Respondent that are not Divestiture Assets;
(i) not alter, or cause to be altered, the management of the Divestiture Assets as it existed during the fiscal year prior to the date of this Agreement, except with the prior approval of the Monitor;
(j) not terminate or alter any employment, salary or benefit agreements, as they existed at the date of this Agreement, for Persons employed in connection with the Divestiture Assets, except (i) in accordance with preexisting plans expressly disclosed to the Commissioner and only in a manner that does not impair the value of the Divestiture Assets, or (ii) with the prior approval of the Monitor;
(k) ensure that the Divestiture Assets are staffed with sufficient employees to ensure their viability and competitiveness, including by replacing any
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PUBLIC VERSION departing employees with other qualified employees provided that the Monitor has approved both the qualifications and the need for such replacement employees;
(l) maintain inventory levels and payment terms consistent with the practices of Respondent that existed, with respect to the Divestiture Assets, during the fiscal year prior to the date of this Agreement; and
(m) maintain in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, separate and adequate financial ledger books and records of material financial information with respect to the Divestiture Assets.
[25] Pending completion of the Divestiture, Respondent shall not, without the Commissioner's prior written approval:
(a) create any new encumbrances on the Divestiture Assets, other than ordinary course obligations that are not due or delinquent;
(b) enter into, withdraw from, amend or otherwise take steps to alter any obligations in material contracts relating to the Divestiture Assets, except as necessary to comply with this Agreement; or
(c) make any material changes to the Divestiture Assets, except as required to comply with this Agreement.
[26] Respondent shall provide sufficient financial resources, including general funds, capital funds, working capital and reimbursement for any operating, capital or other losses, to maintain the Divestiture Assets in accordance with this Section. If the Monitor believes that Respondent has not provided, is not providing or will not provide sufficient financial and other resources under this Section, the Monitor shall forthwith refer the matter to the Commissioner, who shall make a final determination respecting the financial and other resources that Respondent must provide. The Commissioner may also make such a determination in circumstances where no Monitor has been appointed. Respondent shall comply with any determination made by the Commissioner on this issue.
VI. THIRD PARTY CONSENTS [27] It shall be a condition in any Divestiture Agreement (whether negotiated by Respondent or by the Divestiture Trustee) that Respondent shall, as a condition of closing, obtain any consents and waivers from Third Parties that are necessary to permit the assignment of the Divestiture Assets to a Purchaser, as applicable, or for ongoing research, development, manufacture, distribution, marketing or sales regarding the Divestiture Assets, provided that Respondent may satisfy this requirement by certifying that the Purchaser has executed agreements directly with one or more Third Parties which make such assignment and assumption unnecessary.
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PUBLIC VERSION VII. FAILURE OF DIVESTITURE TRUSTEE SALE [28] If, by the end of the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period, the Divestiture has not been completed, or if the Commissioner is of the opinion that the Divestiture likely will not be completed prior to the end of the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period, the Commissioner may, at his discretion, apply to the Tribunal, at his election, for either (i) such order as is necessary to complete the Divestiture; or (ii) such order as is necessary to ensure that the Transaction is not likely to prevent or lessen competition substantially.
VIII. AFFECTED DEALER AREA REMEDY [29] Respondent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any consents from Third Parties necessary for Supply Agreement Amendments between Respondent and the Affected Dealers.
[30] Once the consents described in Section 29 of this Agreement have been obtained, Respondent shall amend the supply agreements to bring them into compliance with Section 31(a) of this Agreement. It is understood that any such amendments will apply to all future fuel supply agreements with respect to the same gas station during the 6-year period following the registration of this Agreement.
[31] In respect of any current fuel supply agreement with a dealer in an Affected Dealer Area listed in Confidential Schedule B to this Agreement and any subsequent fuel supply agreement in respect of the same station, during the 6-year period following registration of this Agreement:
(a) Respondent’s gasoline and diesel prices to dealers shall not consist of any amounts other than the refiner rack price, the rack forward margin, delivery fees and applicable taxes;
(b) Respondent shall not charge dealers a rack forward margin in excess of that charged as of the date of this Agreement, as listed in Confidential Schedule B to this Agreement, provided that any subsequent fuel supply agreement may specify a different maximum rack forward margin;
(c) Respondent shall not charge dealers delivery fees in excess of those charged as of the date of this Agreement, as listed in Confidential Schedule B to this Agreement, provided that Respondent may increase such delivery fees (i) up to the amount of any increase in costs paid by Respondent in respect of fuel delivery to a dealer, including any fuel surcharge imposed by the carrier, and/or (ii) by the amount of any province-wide increase in delivery fees implemented by Respondent. For greater certainty, if a province-wide increase in delivery fees is implemented in response to an increase in costs, Respondent shall not impose both the province-wide increase and an additional cost-recovery
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PUBLIC VERSION increase in an Affected Dealer Area in respect of the same cost increase; and
(d) Respondent shall provide to its dealers and the Monitor monthly confirmation of compliance with this Section, until the Supply Agreement Amendment is completed. For greater certainty, the monthly confirmation of compliance includes a confirmation and supporting documentation for each of the pricing components described in Section 31(a) of this Agreement.
IX. MONITOR [32] The Commissioner may appoint a Monitor, responsible for monitoring compliance by Respondent with this Agreement. Such appointment may occur at any time following registration of this Agreement. A reference in this Agreement to specific monitoring functions or tasks that are to be undertaken by the Monitor shall in no way detract from the Monitor’s general right, power and duty to monitor all aspects of Respondent’s compliance with this Agreement.
[33] Within 5 Business Days after the appointment of the Monitor, Respondent shall submit to the Commissioner for approval the terms of a proposed Monitor Agreement with the Monitor and the Commissioner that confers on the Monitor all rights and powers necessary to permit the Monitor to monitor compliance by Respondent with this Agreement.
[34] Within 5 Business Days after receipt of the proposed Monitor Agreement referred to in Section [40], the Commissioner shall advise Respondent whether or not he approves the terms of the proposed Monitor Agreement. If the Commissioner does not approve the terms of the proposed Monitor Agreement, he shall prescribe alternative terms that in the Commissioner’s view are necessary to permit the Monitor to monitor compliance by the Respondent with this Agreement and these terms shall be incorporated into a final Monitor Agreement with the Monitor and the Commissioner.
[35] Respondent consents to the following terms and conditions regarding the Monitor’s rights, powers, authority, duties and responsibilities and shall include such terms in the Monitor Agreement:
(a) The Monitor shall have the power and authority to monitor Respondent’s compliance with this Agreement, and shall exercise such power and authority and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Monitor in a manner consistent with this Agreement and in consultation with the Commissioner.
(b) The Monitor shall have the authority to employ, at the expense of Respondent, such consultants, accountants, legal counsel and other
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PUBLIC VERSION representatives and assistants as the Monitor believes are necessary to carry out the Monitor’s duties and responsibilities.
(c) The Monitor shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the Divestiture Assets.
(d) The Monitor shall act for the sole benefit of the Commissioner, maintain all confidences and avoid any conflict of interest.
(e) The Monitor shall have no duties of good faith, of a fiduciary nature, or otherwise, to Respondent.
(f) The Monitor shall provide to the Commissioner every 30 days after the date of the Monitor’s appointment until the Divestiture is complete and thereafter on or before every six month anniversary of the Divestiture, a written report concerning performance by Respondent of its obligations under this Agreement. The Monitor shall, within 3 Business Days, respond to any request by the Commissioner for additional information regarding Respondent’s compliance.
(g) In accordance with applicable accounting principles and for a period of 6 years after the date of registration of this Agreement, the Monitor shall conduct:
(i) a review of Respondent’s compliance with Part VIII of this Agreement every 3 Amendment is completed; and
(ii) a full audit of Respondent’s compliance with Part VIII of this Agreement annually.
(h) If the Monitor is of the view that Respondent has failed to comply with Part VIII of this Agreement, the Monitor shall notify Respondent, the Commissioner and the Affected Dealer(s). On receipt of such notice an Affected Dealer shall have the right to terminate the relevant fuel supply agreement with Respondent without penalty by providing written notice to Respondent of such termination:
(i) until the Supply Agreement Amendment is competed; or (ii) for a period of 6 years after the date of registration of this Agreement, if the Supply Agreement Amendment has not been completed.
Respondent shall notify the Commissioner within 3 Business Days after receipt of such a notice.
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months, until the Supply Agreement
PUBLIC VERSION [36] Subject to any legally recognized privilege, Respondent shall provide to the Monitor full and complete access to all personnel, Records, information (including Confidential Information) and facilities relevant to monitoring Respondent’s compliance with this Agreement.
[37] Respondent shall take no action that interferes with or impedes, directly or indirectly, the Monitor’s efforts to monitor Respondent’s compliance with this Agreement.
[38] Respondent shall fully and promptly respond to all requests from the Monitor and shall provide all information the Monitor may request. Respondent shall identify an individual who shall have primary responsibility for fully and promptly responding to such requests from the Monitor on behalf of Respondent.
[39] Respondent may require the Monitor and each of the Monitor’s consultants, accountants, legal counsel and other representatives and assistants to sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner; provided, however, that such agreement shall not restrict the Monitor from providing any information to the Commissioner.
[40] The Commissioner may require the Monitor and each of the Monitor’s consultants, accountants, legal counsel and other representatives and assistants to sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement relating to materials and information the Monitor may receive from the Commissioner in connection with the performance of the Monitor’s duties.
[41] Respondent shall be responsible for all reasonable fees and expenses properly charged or incurred by the Monitor in the course of carrying out the Monitor’s duties under this Agreement. The Monitor shall serve without bond or security, and shall account for all fees and expenses incurred. Respondent shall pay all reasonable invoices submitted by the Monitor within 30 days after receipt and, without limiting this obligation, Respondent shall comply with any agreement it reaches with the Monitor regarding interest on late payments. In the event of any dispute: (i) such invoice shall be subject to the approval of the Commissioner; and (ii) Respondent shall promptly pay any invoice approved by the Commissioner. Any outstanding monies owed to the Monitor by Respondent shall be paid out of the proceeds of the Divestiture.
[42] Respondent shall indemnify the Monitor and hold the Monitor harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of the Monitor’s duties, including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation or defence of any claim, whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses result from malfeasance, gross negligence, intentional or gross fault or bad faith by the Monitor.
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PUBLIC VERSION [43] If the Commissioner determines that the Monitor has ceased to act or has failed to act diligently, the Commissioner may remove the Monitor and appoint a substitute Monitor. The provisions of this Agreement respecting the Monitor shall apply in the same manner to any substitute Monitor.
[44] The Monitor shall serve until such time as the Commissioner considers necessary to monitor Respondent’s compliance with this Agreement.
X. COMPLIANCE [45] Within 5 Business Days after the Closing Date, Respondent shall provide written confirmation to the Commissioner of the date on which the Transaction was completed.
[46] Respondent shall provide a copy of this Agreement to each of its own and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents having managerial responsibility for any obligations under this Agreement, [and affected Third Parties,] within 3 Business Days after the date of registration of this Agreement. Respondent shall ensure that its directors, officers, employees and agents with responsibility for any obligations under this Agreement receive sufficient training respecting Respondent’s responsibilities and duties under this Agreement, and the steps that such individuals must take in order to comply with this Agreement.
[47] Respondent shall not, for a period of 10 years after the date when the Divestiture is completed, directly or indirectly acquire any interest in the Divestiture Assets, without the prior written approval of the Commissioner.
[48] For a period of 2 years after the date when the Divestiture is completed, Respondent shall not, without providing advance written notification to the Commissioner in the manner described in this Section, directly or indirectly:
(a) acquire, in an Affected Area, any assets or shares of, or any other interest in, any business engaged in the retail sale of fuel or the wholesale distribution of gasoline to gas stations; or
(b) consummate any merger or other combination relating to the [relevant business] business in [geographic market].
If a transaction described in (a) or (b) is one for which notice is not required under section 114 of the Act, Respondent shall supply to the Commissioner the information described in section 16 of the Notifiable Transactions Regulations at least 30 days before completing such transaction. Respondent shall certify such information in the same manner as would be required if section 118 of the Act applied. The Commissioner may accept a competitive impact brief from Respondent instead of such information. The Commissioner may, within 30 days after receiving the information described in this Section, request that Respondent supply additional information that is relevant to the Commissioner’s assessment
PUBLIC VERSION of the transaction. In the event that the Commissioner issues such a request for additional information, Respondent shall supply information to the Commissioner in the form specified by the Commissioner and shall not complete such transaction until at least 30 days after Respondent has supplied all such requested information in the form specified by the Commissioner.
[49] Six months after the date of registration of this Agreement and annually on the 6 month anniversary of the date of registration, and at such other times as the Commissioner may require, Respondent shall file an affidavit or certificate, substantially in the form of Schedule D to this Agreement, certifying its compliance with Part X of this Agreement and setting out the following information in detail:
(a) the steps taken to ensure compliance; (b) the controls in place to verify compliance; and (c) the names and titles of employees who have oversight of compliance. [50] If any of Respondent, the Divestiture Trustee or the Monitor becomes aware that there has been a breach or possible breach of any of the terms of this Agreement, such Person shall, within 5 Business Days after becoming aware of the breach or possible breach, notify the Commissioner thereof, and shall provide details sufficient to describe the nature, date and effect (actual and anticipated) of the breach or possible breach, provided that notification of a possible breach is not required if such Person determines within those 5 Business Days that it could not reasonably be considered a breach of any of the terms of this Agreement. Respondent shall provide confirmation of its compliance with this provision in all affidavits and certificates of compliance filed with the Commissioner pursuant to Section 49 of this Agreement.
[51] Respondent shall notify the Commissioner at least 30 days prior to: (a) any proposed dissolution of Respondent; or (b) any other change in Respondent if such change may affect compliance obligations arising out of this Agreement including, but not limited to, a reorganization, material acquisition, disposition or transfer of assets, or any fundamental change for purposes of Respondent’s incorporating statute, if such change may affect compliance obligations arising out of this Agreement.
[52] For the period commencing when this Agreement is registered and ending 10 years after the Divestiture is completed, for purposes of determining or securing compliance with this Agreement, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, Respondent shall, upon written request given at least 5 Business Days in advance to Respondent, permit any authorized representative(s) of the Commissioner, without restraint or interference:
PUBLIC VERSION (a) to access, during regular office hours of Respondent on any Business Day(s), all facilities and to inspect and copy all Records in the possession or control of Respondent related to compliance with this Agreement, which copying services shall be provided by Respondent at its expense; and
(b) to interview such officers, directors or employees of Respondent as the Commissioner requests regarding such matters.
XI. DURATION [53] This Agreement shall become effective on the date when it is registered, and shall remain in effect for 10 years following the Divestiture, except that:
(a) Parts II to VII of this Agreement shall be effective only until the Divestiture is completed;
(b) Part VIII of this Agreement shall be effective for 6 years following the date when this Agreement is registered.
XII. NOTICES [54] A notice or other communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement is valid if it is:
(a) in writing and delivered by personal delivery, registered mail, courier service, facsimile or electronic mail; and
(b) addressed to the receiving party at the address(es) listed below, or to any other address designated by the receiving party in accordance with this Section.
if to the Commissioner: Commissioner of Competition Competition Bureau Canada Place du Portage, 21st Floor 50 Victoria Street, Phase I Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0C9
Attention: Commissioner of Competition Fax: (819) 953-5013 Email address: ic.avisdefusionmergernotification.ic
with copies to: Executive Director and Senior General Counsel
PUBLIC VERSION Competition Bureau Legal Services Department of Justice Place du Portage, 22nd Floor 50 Victoria Street, Phase I Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0C9 Fax: (819) 953-9267 Email address: ic.cb_lsu_senior_general_counsel- avocat_general_principal_usj_bc.ic@canada.ca
if to Respondent: [Respondent’s address and contact person] with a copy to: [Respondent’s counsel] [55] A notice or other communication under this Agreement is effective on the day that it is received by the receiving party and is deemed to have been received as follows:
(a) if it is delivered in person, by registered mail or by courier, upon receipt as indicated by the date on the signed receipt;
(b) if it is delivered by facsimile, upon receipt as indicated by the time and date on the facsimile confirmation slip; or
(c) if it is delivered by electronic mail, when the recipient, by an email sent to the email address for the sender stated in this Section or by a notice delivered by another method acknowledges having received that email, with an automatic “read receipt” not constituting acknowledgment of an email for purposes of this Section.
If a notice or other communication is received after 5:00 p.m. local time, or on a day that is not a Business Day, it shall be deemed to have been received on the next Business Day.
[56] Notwithstanding Sections 54 and 55, a notice or other communication that is not communicated in accordance with Sections 54 and 55 is valid if a representative of the party to this Agreement that is the recipient of such communication confirms the receipt of such communication and does not, at the time of such confirmation, request that it be delivered differently.
XIII. GENERAL [57] In this Agreement: 22
in accordance with this Section,
PUBLIC VERSION (a) Number and Gender – Unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa and words importing gender include all genders.
(b) Time Periods – Computation of time periods shall be in accordance with the Interpretation Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. I-21, and the definition of “holiday” in the Interpretation Act shall include Saturday.
[58] The Commissioner shall file this Agreement with the Tribunal for registration in accordance with section 105 of the Act. Respondent hereby consents to such registration. Following the filing of this Agreement, the Commissioner shall promptly issue a letter to Respondent indicating that, subject to the implementation of this Agreement, the Commissioner does not intend to make an application under section 92 of the Act in respect of the Transaction.
[59] Information in Confidential Schedule A shall be made public upon the expiry of the Initial Sale Period. Information in Confidential Schedule B shall be made public after the expiry of this Agreement. Information in Confidential Schedule C shall be made public after the Divestiture.
[60] The Commissioner may, after informing Respondent, extend any of the time periods contemplated by this Agreement other than Sections [54], [55] and [60]. If any time period is extended, the Commissioner shall promptly notify Respondent of the revised time period.
[61] Nothing in this Agreement precludes Respondent or the Commissioner from bringing an application under section 106 of the Act. Respondent will not, for the purposes of this Agreement, including execution, registration, enforcement, variation or rescission, contest the Commissioner’s conclusions written in the second paragraph of the recital to this Agreement.
[62] Respondent attorns to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal for the purposes of this Agreement and any proceeding initiated by the Commissioner relating to this Agreement.
[63] Until Closing, Respondent shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that DPT preserves the Divestiture Assets in a manner consistent with Part V of this Agreement.
[64] This Agreement, together with the Monitor Agreement and any remedial agreements, constitutes the entire agreement between the Commissioner and Respondent, and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
[65] This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Quebec and the laws of Canada applicable therein, without applying any otherwise applicable conflict of law rules.
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PUBLIC VERSION [66] In the event of a dispute regarding compliance with or the interpretation, implementation or application of this Agreement, the Commissioner or Respondent may apply to the Tribunal for directions or an order. In the event of any discrepancy between the English language version of this Agreement and the French language version of this Agreement, the English language version of this Agreement shall prevail. In no event shall any dispute suspend the Initial Sale Period or the Divestiture Trustee Sale Period.
[67] This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original instrument, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
The undersigned hereby agree to the filing of this Agreement with the Tribunal for registration.
DATED this 21st day of June, 2016 COMMISSIONER OF COMPETITION
__________________________ Name: [original version signed by Jeanne Pratt] Title: for John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition
[RESPONDENT] ___________________________________ I have authority to bind the corporation
Name: [original signed by Serge Harnois] Title: President 24
PUBLIC VERSION CONFIDENTIAL SCHEDULE A [CONFIDENTIAL]
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PUBLIC VERSION CONFIDENTIAL SCHEDULE B [CONFIDENTIAL]
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PUBLIC VERSION CONFIDENTIAL SCHEDULE C [CONFIDENTIAL]
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PUBLIC VERSION SCHEDULE D FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION/AFFIDAVIT I, [name], of [place], hereby certify / solemnly affirm in accordance with the terms of the Registered Consent Agreement dated ● between [Respondent] and the Commissioner of Competition, that:
1. I am the [title] of [Respondent], and have personal knowledge of the matters deposed to herein, unless they are stated to be on information and belief, in which cases I state the source of such information and believe it to be true.
2. On [date], [Respondent] entered into a Consent Agreement (the “Consent Agreement”) with the Commissioner of Competition (the “Commissioner”) in connection with the proposed acquisition of substantially all of the assets of DPT by Harnois or its direct or indirect subsidiaries (the “Transaction”).
3. The Transaction closed on [date] (the “Closing Date”).1 4. The Divestiture (as defined in the Consent Agreement) to [Purchaser] was completed on [date].
5. Pursuant to Section 49 of the Consent Agreement, Respondent is required to file an affidavit or certificate certifying its compliance with Part X of the Consent Agreement.
Oversight of Compliance 6. [Names/titles] have primary responsibility for overseeing compliance with this Agreement.
Closing Date 7. Pursuant to Section [52] of the Consent Agreement, Respondent is required to provide written confirmation to the Commissioner of the date on which the Transaction was completed. Such notice was provided on [date].
Circulation of Consent Agreement 8. Pursuant to Section 46 of the Consent Agreement, Respondent is required to provide a copy of the Consent Agreement to each of its own and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents having managerial responsibility for any obligations under the Consent Agreement, within 3 Business Days after the date of registration of the Consent Agreement. The Consent Agreement was circulated by [whom] to [provide list] on [dates].
1 Paragraphs 3, 4, 7 and 8 need only be included in the first certification/affidavit. 28
PUBLIC VERSION 9. Pursuant to Section 46 of the Consent Agreement, Respondent is required to ensure that its directors, officers, employees and agents with responsibility for any obligations under the Consent Agreement receive sufficient training respecting Respondent’s responsibilities and duties under the Consent Agreement. The following training has been provided: [provide list of who was trained and by whom as well as a general statement of the content of the training]
Affected Dealer Area Remedy 10. Pursuant to Part VIII of this Consent Agreement, Respondent is required to comply with certain obligations in respect of Affected Dealer Area contracts. Respondent has fully complied with the conditions set out in this section.
Notification of Breach 11. Based on my personal knowledge and my inquiries of [provide names], I am not aware of any breach or possible breach of any of the terms of the Consent Agreement within the meaning of Section 50 of the Consent Agreement.
DATED . Commissioner of Oaths Name and Title of Certifying Officer 29