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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2012.

Registration No. 333-[—]

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

The Securities Act of 1933

 

 

ASML HOLDING N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

N/A

(Translation of registrant name into English)

 

The Netherlands		025566		N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

De Run 6501

5504 DR Veldhoven

The Netherlands

+31 40 268 3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

ASML US Inc.

8555 South River Parkway

Tempe, Arizona 85284, USA

+1 480 383 4005

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies of all communications to:

 

Neil P. Stronski, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Four Times Square New York, New York 10036-6522 Facsimile: +1 917 777 2839		Alison S. Ressler, Esq. Eric M. Krautheimer, Esq. 1888 Century Park East, Suite 2100 Los Angeles, California 90067-1725 Facsimile: + 1 310 712 8800

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As promptly as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ¨

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered(1)		Amount to be Registered(2)		Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Unit		Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(3)		Amount of Registration Fee
ASML ordinary shares, nominal value EUR 0.09 per share		37,829,005		N/A		$2,000,313,055		$272,843

(1)

This registration statement relates to ordinary shares, nominal value EUR 0.09 per share (referred to as the ASML ordinary shares), of ASML Holding N.V., a Netherlands public limited liability company (naamloze vennootschap), to be issued to holders of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Cymer, Inc., a Nevada corporation, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 16, 2012, by and among ASML Holding N.V., Kona Acquisition Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of ASML US Inc., and Cymer, Inc. and, solely for the purposes set forth therein, ASML US Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ASML Holding N.V., and Kona Technologies, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of ASML US Inc.

(2)	Represents the proposed maximum number of ASML ordinary shares expected to be offered and sold in the U.S. registered offering, based on an exchange ratio of 1.1502 ASML ordinary shares for each share of Cymer common stock estimated to be outstanding immediately prior to completion of the merger.

(3)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. The registration fee is required by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (referred to as the Securities Act) and computed pursuant to Rules 457(f) and 457(c) under the Securities Act. Pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the ASML ordinary shares is equal to $2,000,313,055, which was determined by multiplying (a) $80.82, the average of high and low prices of the Cymer common stock as reported on NASDAQ as of November 20, 2012 by (b) 32,889,067, the estimated maximum number of shares of Cymer common stock to be exchanged pursuant to the merger minus (c) $657,781,340, the estimated amount of cash to be paid by ASML to Cymer stockholders in the merger described herein. The cash consideration was calculated as (a) 32,889,067, the estimated maximum number of shares of Cymer common stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger and entitled to receive the merger consideration at the closing multiplied by (b) the cash consideration of US $20.00.

 

 

THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT HEREBY IS AMENDED ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

 

 

 

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The information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This proxy statement/prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of such securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to appropriate registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

 

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION—DATED NOVEMBER 21, 2012

 

To the Stockholders of Cymer, Inc.:

I want to thank all of you for your confidence in Cymer, Inc. (referred to as Cymer) and tell you how much I am looking forward to the next chapter in the company’s history as we become an integral part of ASML Holding N.V. (referred to as ASML). As you know, ASML and Cymer have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 16, 2012, providing for the acquisition of Cymer by ASML, contemplating a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of ASML into Cymer. If the merger is completed, holders of Cymer common stock (referred to as Cymer stockholders) will receive 1.1502 ordinary shares, nominal value EUR 0.09 per share, of ASML (referred to as ASML ordinary shares) and $20.00 in cash, without interest thereon, for each share of common stock, par value US $0.001 per share, of Cymer (referred to as Cymer common stock) owned by them. Based on the closing price of ASML ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (referred to as NASDAQ) on October 16, 2012, the last trading day before public announcement of the merger, the merger consideration represented $81.64 in value for each share of Cymer common stock. Based on the closing price of ASML ordinary shares on NASDAQ on [—], the last trading day before the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration represented $[—] in value for each share of Cymer common stock. ASML ordinary shares currently are traded on NASDAQ under the symbol “ASML,” and Cymer common stock currently is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol “CYMI.” I urge you to obtain current market quotations of ASML and Cymer common stock.

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ASML will be merged with and into Cymer, with Cymer surviving as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ASML. Following the effective time of this merger, we expect that Cymer will merge with and into a wholly owned limited liability company subsidiary of ASML, with the limited liability company subsidiary surviving the second merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of ASML (we refer to the transactions described in this paragraph, collectively, as the merger).

Based on the number of shares of Cymer common stock and ASML ordinary shares outstanding on [—], and assuming that ASML completes its synthetic share buyback, which will result in, among other things, the exchange of each 100 ASML ordinary shares outstanding for 77 ASML ordinary shares, prior to the completion of the merger, former Cymer stockholders will own approximately [—]% of the issued and outstanding ASML ordinary shares immediately after completion of the merger.

Cymer and ASML cannot complete the merger unless Cymer stockholders approve the merger agreement. For the purpose of obtaining this approval, Cymer is holding a special meeting of its stockholders on [—] at [—] local time at Cymer’s offices at 17075 Thornmint Court,. San Diego, California 92127 (referred to as the special meeting). The proposal to approve the merger agreement will be approved if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Cymer common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting vote to approve the merger agreement. No vote of the shareholders of ASML is required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Cymer stockholders also are being asked to vote on a proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the merger agreement and on a non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger. The proposal to adjourn the meeting and the advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of such proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to such proposal, assuming that a quorum is present.

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, please submit a proxy to vote your shares as promptly as possible so that your shares may be represented and voted at the special meeting.

The Cymer board of directors unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby are in the best interests of Cymer and its stockholders and adopted the merger agreement. The Cymer board of directors unanimously recommends that Cymer stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the merger agreement and “FOR” the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger. A failure to vote, failure to instruct a bank, broker or nominee or abstention from voting will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

The obligations of ASML and Cymer to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions. The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus contains detailed information about ASML, Cymer, the special meeting, the merger agreement and the merger. You should read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety before voting, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 37.

Once again, thank you for your support as a Cymer stockholder.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued under this proxy statement/prospectus or determined if this proxy statement/prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This proxy statement/prospectus is dated [—] and is first being mailed to Cymer stockholders on or about [—].

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THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Cymer from documents that Cymer has filed with or furnished to the SEC, but that have not been included in this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/prospectus also incorporates important business and financial information about ASML from documents that ASML has filed with or furnished to the SEC, but that have not been included in or delivered with this proxy statement/prospectus. Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” on pages 133 and 134, respectively, for more details.

You can obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Cymer or ASML at no cost from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also request copies of these documents, including documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, at no cost by contacting either Cymer or ASML.

Cymer will provide you with copies of the documents it has filed with the SEC relating to Cymer, without charge, upon written request to:

Investor Relations, Natalie Badillo: +1 (858) 385 6097

17075 Thornmint Court

San Diego, California 92127

ASML will provide you with copies of the documents it has filed with the SEC relating to ASML, without charge, upon written request to:

Tempe (AZ), United States: Craig DeYoung: +1 (480) 383 4005

8555 South River Parkway

Tempe, Arizona 85284

Wilton (CT), United States: Pete Convertito: +1 (203) 919 1714

77 Danbury Road

Wilton, CT 06897

Veldhoven, Netherlands: Franki D’Hoore: +31 (40) 268 6494

De Run 6501

5504 DR, Veldhoven

The Netherlands

In addition, if you have questions about the merger or the special meeting, need additional copies of this document or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitations, you may contact Morrow & Co., LLC, Cymer’s proxy solicitor, at the following address and telephone number:

470 West Avenue, 3^rd Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

Stockholders, please call: +1 (877) 780 4190

Banks and brokerage firms, please call: +1 (203) 658 9400

In order for Cymer stockholders to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the special meeting, Cymer stockholders must request the documents no later than [—], 2013.

 

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ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

This document constitutes a prospectus of ASML under Section 5 of the Securities Act with respect to the ASML ordinary shares to be issued to Cymer stockholders in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement. This document is also a notice of meeting and a proxy statement under Nevada law with respect to the special meeting at which Cymer stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon proposals to approve the merger agreement and certain related proposals.

No person has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus, and, if given or made, such information must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The distribution or possession of the proxy statement/prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. You should inform yourself about and observe any such restrictions, and neither Cymer nor ASML accepts any liability in relation to any such restrictions.

Neither the distribution of this proxy statement/prospectus nor the issuance by ASML of ASML ordinary shares in connection with the merger shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Cymer or ASML since the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or that the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.

Information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding Cymer has been provided by Cymer and information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding ASML has been provided by ASML.

 

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CYMER, INC.

17075 THORNMINT COURT

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92127

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On [—], 2013

Dear Stockholder:

A special meeting of stockholders of Cymer, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Cymer”), will be held on [—], 2013 at [—] local time at Cymer’s offices at 17075 Thornmint Court, San Diego, California 92127, for the following purposes:

 

1.

to consider and vote on the proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 16, 2012, by and among ASML Holding N.V., a Netherlands public limited liability company (naamloze vennootschap) (“ASML”), Kona Acquisition Company, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, and Cymer and, solely for the purposes set forth therein, ASML US Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ASML (“Holdco”) and Kona Technologies, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, as may be amended, a copy of which is included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus of which this notice forms a part;

 

2.

to consider and vote on a proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the foregoing proposal; and

 

3.

to consider and vote on a non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Cymer will transact no other business at the special meeting except such business as may properly be brought before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. Please refer to the proxy statement/prospectus of which this notice forms a part for further information with respect to the business to be transacted at the special meeting.

The Cymer board of directors (the “Cymer Board”) unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby are in the best interests of Cymer and its stockholders and adopted the merger agreement. The Cymer Board unanimously recommends that Cymer stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the merger agreement and “FOR” the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

The Cymer Board has fixed the close of business on [—] as the record date for determination of Cymer stockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. Only holders of record of Cymer common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. Approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Cymer common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

Your vote is very important. A failure to vote in person, grant a proxy for your shares, or instruct a bank, broker or nominee how to vote at the special meeting will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal to approve the merger agreement. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, we urge you to submit a proxy to vote your shares as promptly as possible by either: (1) logging onto                      and following the instructions on your proxy card; (2) dialing [—] and listening for further directions; or (3) signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, so that your shares may

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be represented and voted at the special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the plan administrator, or record holder, as appropriate.

The enclosed proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the merger and the merger agreement. We urge you to read this proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference, and the annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger or this proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of Cymer common stock, please contact Cymer’s proxy solicitor using the contact instructions on the enclosed proxy card.

 

San Diego, California

[—], 201[—]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS			1
SUMMARY			10
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF CYMER			20
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF ASML			22
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION			24
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION			34
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION			36
RISK FACTORS			37
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			43
THE SPECIAL MEETING			44
DELISTING AND DEREGISTRATION OF CYMER COMMON STOCK			48
NO DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS			48
PROPOSAL 1—APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT			49
THE MERGER			49
THE MERGER AGREEMENT			86
PROPOSAL 2—AUTHORITY TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING			106
PROPOSAL 3—ADVISORY VOTE ON MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION FOR CYMER’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS			106
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES			109
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF ASML SHAREHOLDERS AND CYMER STOCKHOLDERS			111
FUTURE CYMER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS			130
LEGAL MATTERS			131
EXPERTS			132
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			133
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE			134
ANNEX A: MERGER AGREEMENT			A-1
ANNEX B: OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS			B-1
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS			II-1
SIGNATURES			II-4
POWER OF ATTORNEY			II-4
ASML HOLDING N.V. EXHIBIT INDEX			II-6

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are some questions that you, as a stockholder of Cymer, Inc. (referred to as Cymer) may have regarding the merger and the special meeting and the answers to those questions. ASML Holding N.V. (referred to as ASML) and Cymer urge you to read carefully the remainder of this proxy statement/prospectus because the information in this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the merger and the special meeting. Additional important information is also contained in the annexes to and the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. All references in this proxy statement/prospectus to the “merger agreement” mean the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 16, 2012, by and among ASML, Kona Acquisition Company, Inc. (referred to as Merger Sub), and Cymer and, solely for the purposes set forth therein, ASML US Inc. (referred to as Holdco) and Kona Technologies, LLC (referred to as Merger Sub 2), as amended. Generally, references in this proxy statement/prospectus to the “merger” should, unless the context otherwise requires, be read to mean the merger of Merger Sub into Cymer (referred to as the first step merger) and the merger of Cymer into Merger Sub 2 (referred to as the second step merger), as part of an integrated plan, and otherwise be read to mean the first step merger.

 

Q:	What is the proposed merger and why are Cymer and ASML proposing the merger?

A: Cymer, ASML, Holdco, Merger Sub and Merger Sub 2 have entered into the merger agreement pursuant to which Cymer will be acquired by ASML. Under the merger agreement, Merger Sub, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ASML, will merge with and into Cymer, with Cymer continuing as the surviving entity and as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco. Pursuant to the merger agreement, immediately after the first step merger becomes effective, Cymer will merge with and into Merger Sub 2, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, with Merger Sub 2 continuing as the surviving entity and as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco. In addition, Cymer common stock will be delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market (referred to as NASDAQ) and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (referred to as the Exchange Act), and Cymer will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC on account of Cymer common stock.

In the course of reaching their decisions to adopt the merger agreement, each of the board of directors of Cymer (referred to as the Cymer Board) and ASML’s Supervisory Board (referred to as the Supervisory Board) and Board of Management (referred to as the Board of Management) considered a number of important factors in their separate deliberations. For more details on these, see “The Merger—Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Cymer Board” and “The Merger—ASML’s Reasons for the Merger.”

 

Q:	What is this document?

A: This is a proxy statement/prospectus filed by Cymer and ASML. It will have the effect of registering under the U.S. securities laws the ordinary shares, nominal value EUR 0.09 per share, of ASML (referred to as ASML ordinary shares) to be issued in connection with the merger. In addition, it informs holders of Cymer common stock (referred to as Cymer stockholders) of the upcoming special meeting of Cymer stockholders at which Cymer stockholders will vote on a proposal to approve the merger agreement and provides details of the merger agreement and the consideration Cymer stockholders will receive upon completion of the merger. It also provides Cymer stockholders with important details about ASML and their rights as potential holders of ASML ordinary shares, and it will be used to solicit proxy votes for the special meeting.

 

Q:	Why did I receive this proxy statement/prospectus and proxy card?

A: You are receiving this proxy statement/prospectus because you have been identified as a Cymer stockholder and, as such, you are entitled to vote at the special meeting. This document serves as both a proxy statement of Cymer used to solicit proxies for the special meeting, and as a prospectus of ASML used to offer ASML ordinary shares in exchange for shares of Cymer common stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. This document contains important information about the merger and the special meeting, and you should read it carefully.

 

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Q:	How will the merger occur?

A: The merger will be effected by Merger Sub merging with and into Cymer, with Cymer surviving the merger and becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ASML, and Cymer stockholders will be entitled to receive the merger consideration. Immediately thereafter, Cymer will merge with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 surviving the second step merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of ASML.

 

Q:	What will a Cymer stockholder receive in the merger?

A: If the merger is completed, Cymer stockholders will receive 1.1502 ASML ordinary shares and $20.00 in cash, without interest thereon, for each share of Cymer common stock owned by them.

 

Q:	Will I receive fractional interests in ASML ordinary shares?

A: No. In lieu of fractional shares, each Cymer stockholder otherwise entitled to a fractional ASML ordinary share will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the average of the last reported sales price of ASML ordinary shares, as reported on NASDAQ, on each of the last five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the closing date (referred to as the ASML Share Price) by (ii) the fraction of an ASML ordinary share to which such holder would otherwise be entitled.

 

Q:	What will a holder of options to purchase Cymer common stock receive in the merger?

A: At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Cymer stock option that has vested will be cancelled and the holder of each such option will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) $20.00 and (B) the product of (1) the ASML Share Price and (2) 1.1502, over (ii) the per share exercise price of such Cymer stock option.

Each unvested Cymer stock option will be assumed by ASML and will be converted into an option to purchase ASML ordinary shares. Each option to purchase ASML ordinary shares as so assumed and converted will continue to have, and will be subject to, the same terms and conditions as applied to the Cymer stock option immediately prior to completion of the merger, except that each option to purchase ASML ordinary shares as so assumed and converted will be for a number of ASML ordinary shares equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Cymer common stock subject to such Cymer stock option immediately prior to completion of the merger and (ii) the sum of (A) 1.1502 plus (B) (1) $20.00 divided by (2) the ASML Share Price (the sum in (ii) referred to as the Stock Award Exchange Ratio), at an exercise price per ASML ordinary share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the exercise price per share of Cymer common stock subject to such Cymer stock option by (y) the Stock Award Exchange Ratio.

 

Q:	What will a holder of Cymer restricted stock units receive in the merger?

A: At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Cymer restricted stock unit that is not vested will be assumed by ASML and converted into a restricted stock unit award to acquire ASML ordinary shares. Each restricted stock unit as so assumed and converted will continue to have, and will be subject to, the same terms and conditions as applied to the Cymer restricted stock units immediately prior to completion of the merger, except that each restricted stock unit as so assumed and converted will be for that number of ASML ordinary shares equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Cymer common stock underlying such Cymer restricted stock unit multiplied by (ii) the Stock Award Exchange Ratio.

 

Q:	Where are ASML ordinary shares traded?

A: ASML ordinary shares are listed for trading in the form of registered shares on NASDAQ and in the form of registered shares on NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam (referred to as Euronext Amsterdam). The principal trading market of ASML ordinary shares is Euronext Amsterdam.

 

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Q:	If the merger is completed, will Cymer stockholders be able to trade the ASML ordinary shares that they receive in the merger?

A: Yes. The ASML ordinary shares you will receive if the merger is completed will be freely tradable (unless held by an affiliate of ASML) and will be listed on NASDAQ using the symbol “ASML.”

 

Q:	What equity stake will former Cymer stockholders hold in ASML following completion of the merger?

A: Based on the number of shares of Cymer common stock and ASML ordinary shares outstanding on [—] and, assuming that ASML completes the synthetic share buyback prior to completion of the merger, it is anticipated that former Cymer stockholders will own approximately [—]% of the issued and outstanding ASML ordinary shares immediately after completion of the merger.

 

Q:	When do you expect the merger to be completed?

A: ASML and Cymer intend to complete the merger as soon as reasonably possible and expect the completion of the merger to occur in the first half of 2013. However, the merger is subject to certain regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions, and it is possible that factors outside the control of ASML and Cymer could result in the merger being completed at a later time or not at all. There may be a substantial amount of time between the special meeting and the completion of the merger.

 

Q:	Is ASML’s obligation to complete the merger subject to ASML receiving financing?

A: No. ASML is obligated to complete the merger, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement, regardless of whether it has secured any financing it may require in order to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration to Cymer stockholders.

 

Q:	What happens if the merger is not completed?

A: If Cymer stockholders do not approve the proposal to approve the merger agreement or if the merger is not completed for any other reason, Cymer stockholders will not receive any payment for their shares of Cymer common stock in connection with the merger. Instead, Cymer will remain an independent public company and shares of Cymer common stock will continue to be listed and traded on NASDAQ. Under certain circumstances, Cymer may be required to pay ASML a termination fee of $75 million as described in “The Merger Agreement—Expenses and Termination Fees.”

 

Q:	What regulatory approvals are needed to complete the merger?

A: Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (referred to as the HSR Act), ASML and Cymer cannot complete the merger until they have filed certain information and materials with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act has expired or been terminated. Cymer and ASML filed their respective notification and report forms under the HSR Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division on November 9, 2012. Clearances and consents or the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under competition laws in Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan also are conditions to the merger. In addition, ASML and Cymer have agreed that the merger is conditioned upon receipt of approval from the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (referred to as CFIUS).

 

Q:	What other conditions must be satisfied to complete the merger?

A: In addition to receipt of the regulatory approvals described above, Cymer and ASML are not required to complete the merger unless a number of other conditions are satisfied or waived. These conditions include,

 

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among others: (i) approval of the merger agreement by the Cymer stockholders, (ii) the absence of any governmental order, law, or legal restraint prohibiting the consummation of the merger and (iii) the listing of the ASML ordinary shares to be issued to Cymer stockholders as consideration in the merger on NASDAQ having been authorized. Additionally, ASML is not required to complete the merger if there is any pending action or proceeding by any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction challenging or seeking to make illegal, to delay materially or otherwise directly or indirectly to prohibit the consummation of the merger.

For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to completion of the merger, see “The Agreement and Plan of Merger—Conditions to the Merger” beginning on page 101.

 

Q:	Can the value of the merger consideration to be received by Cymer stockholders change between now and the time the merger is completed?

A: Yes. A significant portion of the consideration Cymer stockholders will receive upon completion of the merger will be ASML ordinary shares. The exchange ratio will not change even if the market prices of Cymer common stock or ASML ordinary shares fluctuate. Therefore, the market value of the ASML ordinary shares that Cymer stockholders will receive if the merger is completed will fluctuate up or down with fluctuations in the market price of ASML ordinary shares.

 

Q:	What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to Cymer stockholders?

A: The first step merger and the second step merger are intended to be treated as a single integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, the merger will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (referred to as the Code). Accordingly, U.S. holders of Cymer common stock generally will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the holder’s gain realized (i.e., the excess, if any, of the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of the ASML ordinary shares received over the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of Cymer common stock surrendered) and (ii) the amount of cash received pursuant to the merger.

You should read “The Merger—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 75 for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger.

Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your particular circumstances. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the merger to you.

 

Q:	After the merger is completed, how will I receive the merger consideration?

A: As promptly as practicable after the merger is completed, but no later than five business days following the completion of the merger, ASML will cause the exchange agent to mail to each holder of record of Cymer common stock a form of letter of transmittal and instructions for use in effecting the exchange of Cymer common stock for the merger consideration. Upon the receipt of proper documentation from a Cymer stockholder by the exchange agent, the exchange agent will deliver (i) certificates (or electronic equivalents) representing the number of ASML ordinary shares into which such shares of Cymer common stock shall have been converted in the merger, and (ii) a check for an amount equal to $20.00 multiplied by the number of shares of Cymer common stock to be converted, plus any cash due in lieu of fractional shares.

 

Q:	Where and when will the special meeting be held?

A: The special meeting of Cymer stockholders will be held at Cymer’s corporate headquarters, 17075 Thornmint Court, San Diego, California 92127, on [—], 2013 at [—], local time.

 

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Q:	What matters will be voted on at the special meeting?

A: There are three proposals that require a stockholder vote at the special meeting. First, you will be asked to vote on a proposal to approve the merger agreement. You also will be asked to vote on a proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. You also will be asked to vote on a non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

 

Q:	What is the recommendation of the Cymer Board in regard to each proposal that may be voted on at the special meeting?

A: The Cymer Board unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are in the best interests of Cymer and its stockholders and adopted the merger agreement. The Cymer Board unanimously recommends that Cymer stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

The Cymer Board recommends that Cymer stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

The Cymer Board recommends that Cymer stockholders vote “FOR” the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

 

Q:	Who is entitled to vote at the special meeting?

A: The record date for the special meeting is [—]. Only holders of record of shares of Cymer common stock as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. If you are a registered Cymer stockholder planning on attending the special meeting, please be prepared to provide proper identification, such as a driver’s license. If you hold your shares in “street name,” you will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a recent account statement or letter from your bank, broker or other nominee, along with proper identification to attend the special meeting.

 

Q:	What constitutes a quorum at the special meeting?

A: Cymer stockholders who hold shares of Cymer common stock representing at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Cymer common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting must be present in person or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, Cymer stockholders, by a majority of the voting power represented in person or by proxy may adjourn the special meeting to another time or place without further notice unless a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Cymer stockholder of record entitled to vote at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the number of shares of Cymer common stock represented at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved.

 

Q:	How many votes do I have?

A: Cymer stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of Cymer common stock owned as of the close of business on the record date. As of the close of business on the record date, there were [—] shares of Cymer common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 

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Q:	What vote is required to approve the merger agreement?

A: Approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Cymer common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. As of the record date, [—] shares of Cymer common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting and, as a result, [—] shares of Cymer common stock need to vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement for that proposal to be approved. Failures to vote, votes to abstain and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

 

Q:	What vote is required to approve the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the merger agreement?

A: If a quorum is present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast in opposition to the proposal. In that case, failure to vote, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting may be approved and the special meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the voting power represented at the special meeting in person or by proxy. In that case, broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, although failure to vote and abstentions will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting.

 

Q:	What vote is required to approve the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger?

A: The non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the proposal. Failure to vote, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

 

Q:	If I am a stockholder of record of Cymer common stock, how do I vote?

A: If, on the record date, your shares of Cymer common stock were registered directly in your name with Cymer’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record with respect to those shares.

If you are the stockholder of record with respect to your shares of Cymer common stock, you may vote in person at the special meeting or by proxy.

 

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To vote in person, come to the special meeting, and you will receive a ballot when you arrive.

 

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If you do not wish to vote in person or if you will not be attending the special meeting, you may vote by proxy. You can vote by proxy over the Internet, by mail, or by telephone by following the instructions provided in the proxy card.

Cymer provides Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares of Cymer common stock on-line, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.

 

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Q:	If I am a beneficial owner of Cymer common stock held in street name, how do I vote?

A: If, on the record date, your shares of Cymer common stock were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares of Cymer common stock held in “street name,” and the organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the special meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Cymer common stock registered in the name of your broker, bank, dealer or other similar organization, and you wish to vote in person at the special meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock. If you do not wish to vote in person or you will not be attending the special meeting, you should have received a proxy card and voting instructions with this proxy statement/prospectus from that organization. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank, dealer or other similar organization to ensure that your vote is counted.

 

Q:	What happens if I do not make specific voting choices?

A: Stockholder of Record: If you are a Cymer stockholder of record and you:

 

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indicate when voting on the Internet or by telephone that you wish to vote as recommended by the Cymer Board, or

 

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sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions,

then the proxy holders will vote your shares of Cymer common stock in the manner recommended by the Cymer Board on all matters presented in this proxy statement/prospectus and, therefore, “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting and “FOR” the non-binding proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name: If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Cymer common stock held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock with specific instructions, under the rules of NASDAQ, the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters. If the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares of Cymer common stock on a non-routine matter, such as the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock will inform the inspector of elections for the special meeting that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares of Cymer common stock. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.” When the inspector of elections for the special meeting tabulates the votes for any particular matter, broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, but will not otherwise be counted. In connection with the special meeting, broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal to approve the merger agreement. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting or the non-binding proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger. You should therefore provide voting instructions to the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock by carefully following the instructions provided in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q:	Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy after I have returned a proxy or voting instruction card?

A: Yes. You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the special meeting.

Stockholder of Record: If you are a Cymer stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy in any one of the following ways:

 

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You may send a written notice that you are revoking your proxy to the Corporate Secretary of Cymer, Inc., 17075 Thornmint Court, San Diego, California 92127.

 

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You may send a subsequent properly completed proxy card in accordance with the instructions in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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You may grant a subsequent proxy by telephone or through the Internet.

 

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You may attend the special meeting, revoke the proxy in writing and vote in person. Your attendance at the special meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy unless you vote again at the special meeting or specifically request in writing that your prior proxy be revoked.

The most current proxy card or telephone or Internet proxy the inspector of elections for the special meeting receives is the one that is counted.

Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name: If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Cymer common stock held in street name, you will need to follow the instructions included on the proxy form provided to you by your broker regarding how to change your vote.

 

Q:	What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

A: You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares of Cymer common stock in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold your shares of Cymer common stock. If you are a holder of record and your shares of Cymer common stock are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. In order to ensure that all of your shares of Cymer common stock are voted at the special meeting, please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.

 

Q:	Do I need to do anything with my shares of Cymer common stock other than voting for the proposals at the special meeting?

A: After the merger is completed, each share of Cymer common stock you hold will be converted automatically into the right to receive the merger consideration. You will receive instructions at that time regarding exchanging your shares for ASML ordinary shares and cash. You do not need to take any action at this time. Please do not send your Cymer stock certificates with your proxy card.

 

Q:	Are stockholders entitled to dissenters’ rights of appraisal?

A: No. Pursuant to the Nevada Revised Statutes 92A.390, no dissenter’s rights or rights of appraisal will apply in connection with the merger.

 

Q:	When should I submit my proxy?

A: You should submit your proxy as soon as possible so that your shares of Cymer common stock will be voted at the special meeting.

 

Q:	What do I need to do now?

A: Carefully read through this proxy statement/prospectus. Consider all the consequences that would occur should you vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the proposal to approve the merger agreement or fail to submit a proxy. Confer with any advisors you think necessary to make the best decision. Fill out your proxy card and send it back to Cymer as soon as possible, or plan to attend and vote at the special meeting.

 

Q:	What happens if I sell my shares of Cymer common stock before the special meeting?

A: The record date for the special meeting is earlier than the date of the special meeting and the date that the merger is expected to be completed. If you transfer your shares of Cymer common stock after the record date but before the special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the special meeting, but will have transferred the right to receive the merger consideration in the merger. In order to receive the merger consideration, you must hold your shares of Cymer common stock through the effective date of the merger.

 

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Q:	What happens if I do not respond?

A: Failure to respond will have the effect of a vote against the proposal to approve the merger agreement. Failure to respond will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting or the non-binding proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

 

Q:	Are there risks associated with the merger that I should consider in deciding how to vote?

A: Yes. You should carefully read the detailed description of the risks associated with the merger and ASML’s operations following the merger described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page [—].

 

Q:	Who can help answer my questions?

A: The information provided above in the question-and-answer format is for your convenience only and is merely a summary of some of the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. You should read carefully the entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the information in the annexes. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [—]. If you would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus, without charge, or if you have questions about the merger, including the procedures for voting your shares, you should contact:

Morrow & Co., LLC

470 West Avenue - 3^rd Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

Stockholders, please call: +1 (877) 780 4190

Banks and Brokerage Firms, please call: +1 (203) 658 9400

You also are urged to consult your own legal, tax and/or financial advisors with respect to any aspect of the merger, the merger agreement or other matters discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in ASML ordinary shares involves risks, some of which are related to the merger. In considering whether to vote for the proposal to approve the merger agreement, you should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including ASML’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the risk factors relating to the semiconductor industry and to ASML described therein beginning on page 4 and the risk factors described in Cymer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and Cymer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012. The respective businesses of ASML and Cymer, as well as their respective financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties not currently known to ASML or Cymer or not currently deemed to be material.

Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” on page 133 and 134, respectively, for information on where you can find the documents ASML and Cymer have filed with or furnished to the SEC and which are incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference.

Risks Related to the Merger

The market price of ASML ordinary shares may decline following the completion of the merger or during the period of time between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date on which Cymer stockholders are entitled to receive ASML ordinary shares pursuant to the merger agreement.

At the effective time of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Cymer common stock will be converted into the right to receive fixed consideration consisting of a fixed number of ASML ordinary shares and the cash consideration and, in lieu of fractional shares, an amount in cash equal to the product of the ASML Share Price and the fractional ASML ordinary share to which such holder would otherwise be entitled.

The stock consideration to be delivered to Cymer stockholders under the merger agreement is fixed at 1.1502 ASML ordinary shares for each share of Cymer common stock and will not be adjusted at any time to reflect changes in the market value of ASML ordinary shares.

The market price of ASML ordinary shares may decline at any time following the completion of the merger if, among other reasons:

 

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the synergies expected by ASML and Cymer are not achieved;

 

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the effect of the merger on the financial results of ASML is not consistent with the expectations of financial analysts or investors;

 

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ASML shareholders sell a significant number of ASML ordinary shares after consummation of the merger, or Cymer stockholders who receive ASML ordinary shares under the merger agreement sell a significant number of ASML ordinary shares in the open market; or

 

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ASML’s financial results fail to meet the expectations of financial analysts or investors for any reason.

In addition, the market price of the ASML ordinary shares may fluctuate or decline during the period of time between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date on which Cymer stockholders entitled to receive ASML ordinary shares pursuant to the merger agreement actually receive ASML ordinary shares. These fluctuations may be caused by changes in the businesses, operations, results and prospects of either Cymer or ASML, market expectations of the likelihood that the merger will be completed and the timing of the completion, general market and economic conditions or other factors. At the time Cymer stockholders cast their votes regarding the proposal to approve the merger agreement, Cymer stockholders will not know the actual market

 

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value of the ASML ordinary shares they will receive when the merger is completed. The actual market value of the ASML ordinary shares, when received by Cymer stockholders, will depend on the market value of those ASML ordinary shares on that date. This market value may be less than the value of the ASML ordinary shares at the time the merger agreement was signed or when the special meeting was held.

Cymer and ASML may be unable to obtain the regulatory approvals required to complete the merger.

Under the HSR Act, the merger may not be completed until notification and report forms have been filed with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (referred to as the FTC), and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (referred to as the Antitrust Division), and the applicable waiting period has expired or been terminated. Cymer and ASML filed their respective notification and report forms under the HSR Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division on November 9, 2012.

At any time before or after the completion of the merger, the Antitrust Division, the FTC, or a state attorney general could take any action under U.S. federal or state antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the merger in federal court or seeking the divestiture of substantial assets of ASML, Cymer, or their subsidiaries and affiliates. State attorneys general and private parties may also bring legal actions under U.S. federal or state antitrust laws under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if a challenge is made, of the result of the challenge.

Clearances and consents or the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under competition laws in Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also are conditions to the merger.

In addition, ASML and Cymer have agreed that the merger is conditioned upon receipt of approval from CFIUS.

Cymer’s executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Cymer stockholders generally.

Cymer’s executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Cymer stockholders generally. These interests include:

 

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some Cymer executives who are parties to change in control agreements with Cymer may become entitled to receive severance benefits, including vesting of their unvested equity, upon or after the closing of the merger in the event of their qualified termination of employment;

 

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equity awards held by Cymer’s outside directors that are unvested at the closing of the merger will accelerate upon the closing of the merger; and

 

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certain Cymer executive officers may enter into employment agreements with ASML or the surviving corporation that would provide for continued employment, and payments and benefits, to these executives following the merger.

The Cymer Board was aware of these interests at the time it approved the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. These interests may cause Cymer’s directors and executive officers to view the merger proposal differently and more favorably than Cymer stockholders may view it. For further information with respect to these interests and arrangements between Cymer and its named executive officers, see the information included under “The Merger—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” beginning on page 70 and “Advisory Vote on Merger—Related Compensation for Cymer’s Named Executive Officers—Golden Parachute Compensation” beginning on page 106.

The merger agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquiror of Cymer.

The merger agreement contains “no solicitation” provisions that, subject to limited exceptions, restrict Cymer’s ability to solicit, initiate, or knowingly encourage, facilitate or induce third-party proposals for the

 

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acquisition of Cymer common stock or assets. See “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Transactions” beginning on page 94. In addition, ASML has an opportunity to offer to modify the terms of the merger in response to any competing acquisition proposals before the Cymer Board may withdraw or qualify its recommendation with respect to the merger. The merger agreement further provides that upon termination of the merger agreement under specified circumstances, including certain terminations in connection with an alternative business combination transaction as permitted by the terms of the merger agreement, Cymer may be required to pay ASML a termination fee of $75.0 million. See “The Merger Agreement—Expenses and Termination Fees” beginning on page 104.

These provisions could discourage a potential third-party acquiror that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant portion of Cymer from considering or proposing that acquisition, even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share cash or market value than the merger consideration. These provisions might also result in a potential third-party acquiror proposing to pay a lower price to Cymer stockholders than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of the added expense of the $75.0 million termination fee that may become payable in certain circumstances.

If the merger agreement is terminated and Cymer determines to seek another business combination, Cymer may not be able to negotiate a transaction with another party on terms comparable to, or better than, the terms of the merger.

Cymer and ASML will incur transaction and integration costs in connection with the merger.

ASML and Cymer have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the merger, including the fees of their respective professional advisors. ASML also will incur integration and restructuring costs following the completion of the merger as Cymer’s operations are integrated with ASML’s operations. The synergies anticipated to arise from the merger may not be achieved in the near term or at all, and if achieved, may not be sufficient to offset the costs associated with the merger. Unanticipated costs, or the failure to achieve expected synergies, may have an adverse impact on the results of operations of the combined company following the completion of the merger (referred to as the combined company).

The rights of Cymer stockholders will change as a result of the merger.

Following the completion of the merger, Cymer stockholders will no longer be stockholders of Cymer, a Nevada corporation, but will instead be shareholders of ASML, a Dutch public limited liability company. There are important differences between your current rights as a stockholder of Cymer, on the one hand, and the rights to which you will be entitled as a shareholder of ASML, on the other hand. For a more complete discussion, see “Comparison of Rights of ASML Shareholders and Cymer Stockholders” beginning on page 111.

ASML is a “foreign private issuer” under the rules and regulations of the SEC and foreign private issuers are exempt from a number of rules under the Exchange Act and are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the United States.

As a “foreign private issuer” under the Exchange Act, ASML is exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act, and is not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, or to comply with Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material nonpublic information. In addition, ASML will be exempt from certain disclosure and procedural requirements applicable to proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. ASML’s officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning ASML than there is for Cymer prior to the merger, and such information may not be provided as promptly as it is provided by Cymer prior to the merger.

 

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Failure to timely complete the proposed merger could disrupt Cymer’s and ASML’s business plans and operations.

Although ASML and Cymer expect to complete the merger promptly after receiving Cymer stockholder approval at the special meeting, the transaction also is subject to governmental regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The companies’ inability to complete the merger on the expected schedule or at all likely would disrupt their operations and require the companies to revise their respective business plans, and otherwise could have a material adverse effect on each company’s business and on the trading price of ASML ordinary shares and Cymer common stock. Moreover, if the merger is not completed, both companies will be subject to several risks, including having to pay certain costs relating to the merger and diverting the focus of their respective management teams from pursuing other opportunities that could be beneficial to ASML or Cymer, in each case, without realizing any of the benefits that might have resulted had the merger been completed.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus is preliminary and the actual financial condition and results of operations after the merger may differ materially.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information in this proxy statement/prospectus is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what ASML’s actual financial condition or results of operations would have been had the merger been completed on the dates indicated. The pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects adjustments, which are based upon preliminary estimates, to record the Cymer identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value and the resulting goodwill and intangible assets recognized. The purchase price allocation reflected in this proxy statement/prospectus is preliminary, and final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the actual purchase price and the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Cymer as of the date of completion of the merger. Accordingly, the final acquisition accounting adjustments may differ materially from the pro forma adjustments reflected in this proxy statement/prospectus. For more information, see “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” beginning on page 24. In addition, ASML performed a preliminary assessment of accounting policies and financial statement presentation. The review of the accounting policies and presentation is not yet complete and additional policy differences may be identified when completed, which may affect certain pro forma calculations.

Cymer stockholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the merger.

Cymer stockholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the members of the Cymer Board and on other matters affecting Cymer. Upon the completion of the merger, each Cymer stockholder that receives ASML ordinary shares will become a shareholder of ASML with a percentage ownership of the combined company that is much smaller than such Cymer stockholder’s percentage ownership of Cymer. It is expected that the former Cymer stockholders as a group will receive shares in the merger constituting less than 10% of the outstanding ASML ordinary shares immediately after the merger.

Risks Related to the Combined Business

Cymer and ASML may not achieve the expected benefits of the proposed transaction.

ASML and Cymer entered into the merger agreement with the expectation that the proposed transaction will result in various benefits, including with respect to the development of EUV technologies. See “The Merger—Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of Cymer’s Board” beginning on page 55 and “The Merger—ASML’s Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 73. Some of those benefits may not be achieved or, if achieved, may not be achieved in the time frame in which they are expected. Whether the combined company will actually realize these anticipated benefits depends on future events and circumstances, some of which are beyond the parties’ control. EUV sources are still under development, and it is not certain that the combined company will be able to introduce commercial EUV systems on time or at all. In addition, future growth in revenues, earnings and cash flow will be partly dependent on future economic conditions and conditions in the

 

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semiconductor industry. Also, the potential synergies that ASML and Cymer anticipate, including the expectation that the merger will make EUV development more efficient, may not be realized. In addition, other risk factors discussed below may prevent the achievement of the expected advantages of the proposed merger.

ASML’s inability to effectively integrate the business and operations of Cymer with its own could disrupt its operations and force ASML to incur unanticipated costs.

ASML’s ability to integrate Cymer’s operations with its own will be important to the future success of the combined company. Successful integration is subject to numerous factors beyond ASML’s control, including adverse general and regional economic conditions, general industry trends and competition. ASML’s future performance will depend, in part, on ASML’s ability to effectively integrate Cymer’s operations with its own. The failure to do so could disrupt ASML’s ongoing business, force ASML to incur unanticipated costs and adversely affect the trading price of ASML ordinary shares. If ASML is unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger due to its inability to address the challenges of integrating Cymer’s business or for any other reason, it could have a material adverse effect on the combined company’s financial condition and results of operations and require significant additional time on the part of its senior management dedicated to attempting to resolve integration issues.

If ASML is unable to retain key Cymer and/or ASML personnel after the merger is completed, ASML’s business may suffer.

The success of the merger will depend in part on ASML’s ability to retain key personnel currently employed by ASML and Cymer. There is no assurance that ASML will be able to retain key employees of either ASML or Cymer after the merger. Current and prospective employees of ASML and Cymer may experience uncertainty about their future roles with their company until after the merger is completed. This may adversely affect the ability of both companies to attract and retain key personnel. If key employees terminate their employment, or if insufficient numbers of employees are retained to maintain effective operations, management’s attention might be diverted from successfully integrating Cymer’s operations to hiring suitable replacements, and ASML’s business might suffer. In addition, ASML might not be able to locate suitable replacements for any key employees that leave ASML or Cymer.

Risks Related to an Investment in ASML Ordinary Shares

ASML may not declare cash dividends at all or in any particular amounts in any given year.

ASML aims to pay an annual dividend that will be stable or growing over time. Annually, the Board of Management will, upon prior approval from the Supervisory Board, submit a proposal to the general meeting of ASML shareholders (referred to as the General Meeting) with respect to the amount of dividend to be declared with respect to the prior year. The dividend proposal in any given year will be subject to the availability of distributable profits or retained earnings and may be affected by, among other factors, the Board of Management’s views on the potential future liquidity requirements, including for investments in production capacity, the funding of ASML’s research and development programs and for acquisition opportunities that may arise from time to time; and by future changes in applicable income tax and corporate laws. Accordingly, it may be decided to propose not to pay a dividend or pay a lower dividend with respect to any given year, which could have a negative effect on the price of ASML ordinary shares.

The price of ASML ordinary shares is volatile.

The current market price of ASML ordinary shares may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the future. In particular, the market price of ASML ordinary shares has in the past experienced significant fluctuation, including fluctuation that is unrelated to ASML’s performance. This fluctuation may continue in the future.

 

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Restrictions on shareholder rights may dilute voting power.

ASML’s articles of association (referred to as the articles of association) provide that ASML is subject to the provisions of Dutch law applicable to large corporations, called “structuurregime.” These provisions have the effect of concentrating control over certain corporate decisions and transactions in the hands of the Supervisory Board. As a result, holders of ASML ordinary shares may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by members of the Supervisory Board than if ASML was incorporated in the United States or another jurisdiction.

ASML’s authorized share capital also includes a class of cumulative preference shares and ASML has granted the ASML preference share foundation (Stichting Preferente Aandelen ASML), an option to acquire, at their nominal value of EUR 0.09 per share, such cumulative preference shares (referred to as the preference share option). Exercise of the preference share option would effectively dilute the voting power of outstanding ASML ordinary shares by one-half, which may discourage or significantly impede a third party from acquiring a majority of voting shares.

The participating customers together own a significant amount of ASML ordinary shares.

In the customer co-investment program, Intel Corporation, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. and Samsung Electronics Corporation (collectively referred to as the participating customers) through certain wholly owned subsidiaries, acquired an interest in the share capital of ASML of 15%, 5% and 3%, respectively (following the synthetic share buyback).

The interests of the participating customers may not always coincide with the interests of other ASML shareholders. The listing shares acquired by the participating customers are held by Dutch foundations which have issued depositary receipts to wholly owned subsidiaries of the participating customers and the participating customers may only vote in General Meetings in exceptional circumstances. When such exceptional circumstances occur, the participating customers will be able to influence matters requiring approval by the General Meeting and may vote their ASML ordinary shares in a way with which other ASML shareholders may not agree.

The participating customers have also agreed that they will not, without the prior written consent of ASML, transfer any ASML ordinary shares or depositary receipts until two years and six months after the date of their respective shareholder agreement. Upon expiry of such period the ASML ordinary shares held by customers participating in the customer co-investment program are freely transferable, subject to orderly market arrangements and certain other restrictions.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the merger, the future operations, economic performances and financial conditions of ASML and Cymer, including such things as goals and business and operations and references to future success. These statements, as they relate to Cymer or ASML, the merger or the expected benefits of the merger, involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance” and similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the business and future financial results of ASML and Cymer, and readers should not place undue reliance on them. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the inability to obtain Cymer stockholder approval or regulatory approval for the merger, the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the merger, the possibility that the length of time necessary to complete the merger may be longer than anticipated, the achievement of the expected benefits of the merger, risks associated with integrating the businesses of Cymer and ASML, the possibility that the businesses of ASML and Cymer may suffer as a result of uncertainty surrounding the merger, the expected capacity and capability developments in extreme ultraviolet (referred to as EUV) systems, the anticipated effect of the merger on ASML’s earnings per share and EUV margins, the benefits of the deep ultraviolet (referred to as DUV) and installed base products (referred to as IBP) businesses and other risks associated with the development of EUV technology.

The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. You should consider carefully the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the businesses of ASML and Cymer described in the risk factors set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 37 and the risk factors included in ASML’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011 and Cymer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Cymer’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, and other documents filed by ASML or Cymer from time to time with the SEC. The parties disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable federal securities laws.

Cymer and ASML caution against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect their current beliefs and are based on information currently available to them as of the date a forward-looking statement is made. Forward-looking statements set forth or incorporated by reference herein speak only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or the date of the applicable document incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as the case may be, and will only be updated in this proxy statement/prospectus or the document incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as the case may be, to the extent required by applicable federal securities law. Any corrections or revisions and other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, including discussions of significant risk factors, may appear in Cymer’s or ASML’s public filings with the SEC, which are accessible at www.sec.gov, and which you are advised to consult. For additional information, please see the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on pages 133 and 134, respectively.

 

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THE SPECIAL MEETING

This proxy statement/prospectus is being provided to the Cymer stockholders as part of a solicitation of proxies by the Cymer Board for use at the special meeting that has been called to approve the merger agreement, approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement, and approve the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger, and at any properly convened meeting following an adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement/prospectus provides Cymer stockholders with the information they need to know to be able to vote or instruct their vote to be cast at the special meeting.

Date, Time and Place

The special meeting is scheduled to be held at Cymer’s corporate headquarters, 17075 Thornmint Court, San Diego, California 92127 on [—], 2013 at [—], local time.

Purpose of the Special Meeting

At the special meeting, Cymer stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on:

 

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the proposal to approve the merger agreement;

 

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a proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the foregoing proposal; and

 

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a non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Cymer

The Cymer Board unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby are in the best interests of Cymer and its stockholders and adopted the merger agreement.

The Cymer Board unanimously recommends that Cymer stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement; “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the foregoing proposal; and “FOR” the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Record Date; Stockholders Entitled to Vote

Only holders of record of Cymer common stock at the close of business on [—], the record date for the special meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the close of business on the record date, [—] shares of Cymer common stock were issued and outstanding. Holders of record of Cymer common stock on the record date are entitled to one vote per share at the special meeting on each proposal.

Quorum

No business may be transacted at the special meeting unless a quorum is present. Attendance in person or by proxy at the special meeting of holders of record of a majority of the shares of Cymer common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, or if fewer shares of Cymer common stock are voted in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement than the number required for

 

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its approval, the special meeting may be adjourned to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies or votes. At any subsequent reconvening of the special meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been voted at the original convening of the special meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn prior to the subsequent meeting.

Abstentions (shares of Cymer common stock for which proxies have been received but for which the holders have abstained from voting) and broker non-votes (as discussed below) will be included in the calculation of the number of shares of Cymer common stock represented at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved. However, as discussed below under “—Required Vote,” abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as voting against the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

Required Vote

You may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” or you may “ABSTAIN” from voting on each proposal.

If, on the record date, your shares of Cymer common stock were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares of Cymer common stock held in “street name,” and the organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the special meeting. In that case, this proxy statement/prospectus has been forwarded to you by the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock. If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Cymer common stock held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock with specific instructions, under the rules of NASDAQ, the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters. If the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares of Cymer common stock on a non-routine matter, such as the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock will inform the inspector of elections for the special meeting that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares of Cymer common stock. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.”

The proposal to approve the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Cymer common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. Because the vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement is based on the total number of shares outstanding, rather than the number of actual votes present or cast, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as voting against the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

If a quorum is present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast in opposition of the proposal. In that case, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting may be approved and the special meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the voting power represented at the special meeting in person or by proxy. In that case, broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, although abstentions will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting.

The non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

 

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Voting by Cymer’s Directors and Executive Officers

At the close of business on the record date, directors and executive officers of Cymer and their affiliates were entitled to vote [—] shares of Cymer common stock, or approximately [—] % of the shares of Cymer common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on that date. Each of Cymer’s directors and officers has indicated his or her present intention to vote their shares of Cymer common stock in favor of each of the proposals to be presented at the special meeting, although none of them has entered into any agreement obligating them to do so.

Voting at the Special Meeting

If, on the record date, your shares of Cymer common stock were registered directly in your name with Cymer’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and you may vote in person at the special meeting or by proxy. If your shares are held in “street name,” you must follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to vote.

Voting in Person

If you plan to attend the special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares of Cymer common stock are held in “street name,” and you wish to vote at the special meeting, you must bring to the special meeting a proxy executed in your favor from the record holder (your broker, bank or other nominee) of the shares authorizing you to vote at the special meeting, along with proper identification.

Voting by Proxy

If you are a Cymer stockholder of record, a proxy card is enclosed for your use. Cymer requests that you submit a proxy via Internet by logging onto [www.proxyvote.com] and following the instructions on your proxy card or by telephone by dialing [—] and listening for further directions or by signing the accompanying proxy and returning it promptly by mail. You should vote your proxy in advance of the special meeting even if you plan to attend the special meeting. You can always change your vote at the special meeting.

Stockholders of record of Cymer may submit their proxies through the mail by completing their proxy card, and signing, dating and returning it. To be valid, a returned proxy card must be signed and dated. If you hold your shares of Cymer common stock in street name, you will receive instructions from the organization that holds your shares of Cymer common stock that you must follow in order to vote your shares. If you vote by Internet or telephone, you need not return a proxy card by mail, but your vote must be received by [11:59 p.m., eastern time], on [—].

How Proxies are Counted

All shares represented by properly executed proxies received in time for the special meeting will be voted at the special meeting in the manner specified by the stockholders giving those proxies. Properly executed proxies that do not contain voting instructions will be voted in the manner recommended by the Cymer Board on all matters presented in this proxy statement/prospectus and, therefore, “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting and “FOR” the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the proposal to approve the merger agreement. If a quorum is present at the special meeting, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, although abstentions will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for Cymer’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.

 

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Revocation of Proxies

If you are the record holder of stock, you can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting. You can do this in any one of the following ways:

 

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You may send a written notice that you are revoking your proxy to the Corporate Secretary of Cymer, Inc., 17075 Thornmint Court, San Diego, California 92127.

 

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You may send a subsequent properly completed proxy card in accordance with the instructions in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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You may grant a subsequent proxy by telephone or through the Internet.

 

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You may attend the special meeting, revoke the proxy in writing and vote in person. Your attendance at the special meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy unless you vote again at the meeting or specifically request in writing that your prior proxy be revoked.

 

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The most current proxy card or telephone or Internet proxy the inspector of elections for the special meeting receives is the one that is counted.

 

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If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you will need to follow the instructions included on the proxy form provided to you by your broker regarding how to change your vote.

Solicitation of Proxies

Cymer is soliciting proxies for the special meeting from its stockholders. Cymer will pay its own cost of soliciting proxies, including the cost of mailing this proxy statement, from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by each of Cymer’s directors and executive officers, each of whom is a participant in this solicitation, in person or by telephone or other means of communication. These persons will not receive additional compensation, but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this solicitation.

Cymer has retained the services of Morrow & Co., LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies for an estimated fee of $[—], plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Cymer will make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners of shares held of record by them. Cymer will also reimburse these brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the proxy materials.

Adjournments

Any adjournment of the special meeting may be made from time to time by Cymer stockholders. If a quorum is present at the special meeting, the special meeting may be adjourned if the votes cast in favor of adjournment exceed the number of votes cast in opposition. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, the special meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the voting power represented at the special meeting, whether in person or by proxy.

In either case, the adjourned meeting may take place without further notice other than by an announcement made at the special meeting unless a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, or if a quorum is present at the special meeting but there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger agreement, then Cymer may seek to adjourn the special meeting so as to permit the further solicitation of proxies.

 

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DELISTING AND DEREGISTRATION OF CYMER COMMON STOCK

Upon completion of the merger, the Cymer common stock currently listed on NASDAQ will cease to be listed on NASDAQ and will subsequently be deregistered under the Exchange Act.

NO DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS

Under Nevada law, Cymer stockholders are not entitled to dissenters’ rights of appraisal in connection with the merger.

 

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PROPOSAL 1—APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT

THE MERGER

Background of the Merger

The light sources manufactured by Cymer are an important component of the lithography system. Therefore, Cymer has worked closely with its lithography tool manufacturer customers, including ASML, and with semiconductor manufacturers who use lithography systems that include light sources provided by ASML, to develop and refine DUV products that meet their needs. ASML has been a customer of Cymer’s since the early 1990s, and, in 2011, and through the first three quarters of 2012, ASML was Cymer’s largest customer, accounting for approximately 35% and 27%, respectively, of Cymer’s revenue. Throughout their relationship, ASML and Cymer have worked together closely and Cymer has provided ASML with products that meet its and its customers’ needs, as well as to position the companies to provide next-generation technology.

The evolution of semiconductor manufacturer needs have forced the development of a new source and lithography system technology based on EUV light. This technology is more complex and expensive to develop than existing commercial technologies. EUV technology is vital to support the semiconductor industry’s transition to manufacturing technology that will enable the production of computer chips with more functionality at a lower cost, and that are more energy efficient. Computer chips produced with EUV light sources are expected to be as much as 100 times faster than, with 1,000 times the memory capacity of, today’s most powerful computer chips.

In light of the importance of EUV technology, and given the technological complexity, magnitude of the necessary investment, and the delays that Cymer has experienced in developing EUV technologies suitable for commercial purposes, Cymer and ASML have increased their cooperation. Cymer and ASML began negotiations in September 2011 of a cooperation arrangement regarding the joint development of EUV technologies, aiming at pooling more resources and achieving more efficient development. On December 15, 2011, Cymer and ASML entered into a non-binding Shared Vision of EUV Source Cooperation agreement (referred to as the cooperation agreement), which, subject to agreement upon and execution of definitive documentation, provided for joint funding of a separate division of Cymer dedicated solely to development of EUV technology.

Throughout the first half of 2012 ASML and Cymer continued to conduct activities related to the joint development of EUV technology, including having ASML employees work with Cymer employees at Cymer business locations, development of a business model for the proposed joint development of EUV technology, and discussing drafts of definitive documentation with respect to the joint development of EUV technology as contemplated by the cooperation agreement. Mr. Eric Meurice, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Management of ASML, Mr. Robert P. Akins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cymer, and other members of the senior management of ASML and Cymer communicated frequently on the progress of these activities. Recognizing the challenges in the development of EUV sources, including the technical challenges and magnitude of investment needed to enable the development of EUV technologies on a timeframe required by semiconductor manufacturers, as early as January 2012 the Cymer Board discussed that an acquisition of Cymer by ASML might be the best solution to facilitate the development of EUV technology and offer the greatest value to Cymer stockholders. During that time period, the Cymer Board was kept apprised of the status of negotiations on definitive agreements to implement the terms of the cooperation agreement with ASML, and the Cymer Board expressed concerns about the economic terms and terms regarding the sharing of intellectual property on which ASML was prepared to proceed and the impact on Cymer. As a result of these concerns and the challenges inherent in the proposed model of cooperation and the terms being proposed by ASML, the Cymer Board continued to consider and discuss a potential acquisition of Cymer by ASML. At a meeting on May 9, 2012 to discuss progress on EUV development and the issues arising from the negotiation of definitive documents concerning the cooperation agreement, Mr. Akins asked Mr. Meurice if ASML would be interested in an acquisition of Cymer. Mr. Meurice indicated that this could be of interest as a possible solution to the current delays in developing EUV technologies and could be attractive to ASML’s shareholders and customers.

 

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On May 17, 2012, the Cymer Board met to discuss the May 9, 2012 meeting between executives of ASML and Cymer. At that meeting, the Cymer Board was briefed by Mr. Akins on the meeting with ASML and ASML’s suggestion to have an in-person meeting with ASML management and some or all of the members of the Cymer Board to discuss possible alternatives to the proposed joint development of EUV technologies.

On May 21, 2012, the Cymer Board met again and discussed possible alternatives to the contemplated joint development activities with respect to EUV with ASML, including the possible acquisition of Cymer by ASML or another third party. The Cymer Board also discussed the need to engage a financial advisor to assist Cymer in an analysis of its strategic alternatives. At that meeting, the Cymer Board requested that management of Cymer contact Goldman Sachs based on its familiarity with Cymer and expertise in merger and acquisition transactions. The next day, on May 22, 2012, the Cymer Board met with a representative of Goldman Sachs and discussed the potential engagement of Goldman Sachs with respect to Cymer’s analysis of its strategic alternatives. In addition, at this meeting, the Cymer Board established a committee of the Cymer Board composed of Mr. Charles J. Abbe, Mr. Edward H. Braun and Mr. Young K. Sohn (referred to as the Transaction Committee) and authorized the Transaction Committee to, among other things, establish, approve, modify, monitor and direct the processes and procedures related to a review of Cymer’s strategic alternatives, and review and approve the terms of Goldman Sachs’ engagement and to engage such legal, financial and other advisors as the Transaction Committee deemed necessary or appropriate. Following this meeting, Mr. Akins contacted Mr. Meurice about meeting with him, the Transaction Committee and Mr. Edward J. Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Cymer, on June 13, 2012.

On June 5, 2012, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, with members of Cymer management and representatives of Goldman Sachs in attendance, where they discussed the terms and conditions of Goldman Sachs’ engagement and representatives of Goldman Sachs provided background information on its transaction team and their experience. Goldman Sachs also discussed preliminary financial analyses and process considerations, including preparation for the June 13, 2012 meeting with ASML, preparation of financial analyses, regulatory considerations and the need to retain legal counsel.

On June 8, 2012, the Transaction Committee held a meeting at which representatives from Goldman Sachs reviewed illustrative financial analyses and discussed strategies for engaging with and negotiating a transaction with ASML. On June 11, 2012, Cymer retained Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (referred to as S&C) to serve as its legal counsel. In addition, Cymer entered into an engagement letter dated June 11, 2012, with Goldman Sachs to act as financial advisor in connection with the possible sale of all or a majority of Cymer. On June 12, 2012, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, with members of Cymer management and Goldman Sachs in attendance, at which they reviewed various preliminary financial analyses, talking points for the meeting with Mr. Meurice scheduled to take place the next day, and process considerations, including a potential timeline for a transaction with ASML, arranging meetings between ASML’s and Cymer’s respective legal and financial advisors and the due diligence process.

On June 13, 2012, Mr. Akins and Mr. Brown, and the members of the Transaction Committee met with Mr. Meurice and Mr. Peter Wennink, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a Member of the Board of Management of ASML, in New York to discuss the potential merger transaction. At this meeting the parties discussed why they thought a merger of the two companies would be mutually beneficial and had a high-level discussion as to how the business model would work for DUV, installed base products, silicon crystallization tools and EUV. At this meeting, both parties discussed the potential value of such a transaction as a way to reduce the risk and cost of execution of EUV and as a way to manage better the mix of DUV (current technology and future standard layer technology) and EUV (future critical layer technology). Mr. Meurice highlighted that the Cymer valuation would need to be at least as attractive to ASML as ASML’s alternatives for developing EUV technology. Specifically, in view of the current execution delays, ASML was considering the possibility of developing EUV source technology independently from Cymer. Mr. Meurice indicated that ASML likely would not be willing to participate in a process that involved Cymer seeking other bidders and highlighted that the Cymer valuation would need to be at least as attractive to ASML as ASML’s alternatives for developing EUV technology.

 

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On June 20, 2012, the Cymer Board held a meeting at which Mr. Akins provided an update on the in-person discussions with ASML management and discussed activities expected to take place in the coming weeks. In addition, a representative of S&C discussed the fiduciary duties and other legal rights and obligations of the Cymer Board. The Cymer Board authorized Cymer management and the Transaction Committee, with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors, to continue to explore a potential merger with ASML. The Cymer Board also discussed its belief that a combination with ASML was a natural evolution of the companies’ relationship given the importance of EUV development to Cymer’s prospects, and their belief that there were no other parties that would be willing to enter into a transaction at a better value to Cymer’s stockholders, particularly given Cymer’s relationship with ASML. As a result, the Cymer Board concluded at that meeting not to seek out an acquisition of Cymer by another party.

Members of ASML’s Board of Management regularly apprised ASML’s Supervisory Board of the ongoing discussions with Cymer relating to a possible merger. On June 20, 2012, ASML’s Supervisory Board held a meeting, at which members of the Board of Management were present. The Board of Management provided an update on discussions with Cymer. After further discussion, the Supervisory Board asked the Board of Management to further explore the possibility of an acquisition of Cymer, but determined that a final decision regarding the potential acquisition would not be made until the fourth quarter of 2012 because ASML was focusing on its customer co-investment program.

Between June 20, 2012 and July 6, 2012, Cymer, ASML and their respective counsel negotiated the terms of a mutual non-disclosure agreement. On July 6, 2012, Cymer and ASML executed a mutual non-disclosure agreement that includes a standstill provision with respect to Cymer securities.

On July 2, 2012, ASML entered into an engagement letter with Greenhill & Co. (referred to as Greenhill) to act as financial advisor in connection with the possible merger.

On July 9, 2012, ASML publicly announced that it had established a program (referred to as the customer co-investment program) to enable minority equity investments in ASML by its largest customers, in addition to commitments to fund ASML’s research and development spending for future programs, the objective of which was to accelerate development of 450 mm and EUV technology. Simultaneously with that announcement, ASML announced an investment in it by Intel Corporation (referred to as Intel) as part of the customer co-investment program, as well as execution of two research and development engineering funding agreements and a commercial agreement.

Representatives of Cymer, Goldman Sachs, ASML and Greenhill met on July 12, 2012 in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego to review Cymer’s business and its prospects and to review Cymer’s financial models. At that meeting, ASML indicated its belief that the financial models provided to ASML and presented by Cymer and Goldman Sachs were overly aggressive. In addition, ASML proposed at that meeting that Cymer and ASML reengage in September, as ASML would be focusing on completing its customer co-investment program until then.

On July 16, 2012, ASML’s Supervisory Board held a telephonic meeting at which Mr. Meurice updated the Supervisory Board on discussions with Cymer and indicated that Cymer had expressed interest to continue discussions regarding a possible merger.

On July 20, 2012, the Transaction Committee met with members of Cymer management, representatives of Goldman Sachs and representatives of S&C. At this meeting, Goldman Sachs updated the Transaction Committee on its discussions with Greenhill, and Cymer management updated the Transaction Committee with respect to the customer co-investment program and ASML’s indication that it would not be prepared to engage in further discussions on a possible merger until September 2012.

 

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Between July 20, 2012 and September 18, 2012, ASML and Cymer continued to engage with each other in connection with their ongoing commercial arrangements, including the development of EUV, but had no substantive discussions regarding the proposed merger. ASML continued to pursue a definitive agreement between it and Cymer to implement the parties’ previously agreed cooperation arrangement, and discussed the terms of that agreement, including pricing terms and the terms under which ASML would be reimbursed for its assistance, including the application of its know-how. On July 23, 2012, ASML sent a proposed term sheet relating to the parties’ cooperation in the development of EUV technology.

The Transaction Committee met with members of Cymer management on July 27, 2012 to discuss the term sheet. At that meeting, the Transaction Committee raised issues regarding the advisability of entering into the definitive agreement due to the economic terms and terms regarding the sharing of intellectual property being proposed. In addition, in light of the potential for a merger of the companies, which could be a far more attractive opportunity for Cymer stockholders given the increased certainty of value to Cymer stockholders and the challenges in the development of EUV technology, the Transaction Committee expressed the view that immediately entering into a commercial agreement relating to the parties’ cooperation in the development of EUV technology was not optimal.

Cymer management, representatives of Goldman Sachs and S&C, and the Transaction Committee also met on August 3, 2012, August 10, 2012 and August 13, 2012, to develop and refine a negotiation strategy and discuss and develop financial analyses in order to come to a view on valuation for purposes of future negotiations with ASML on the terms of a transaction. On August 10, 2012, there was a conference call between the Transaction Committee, Cymer management and ASML management. On this call, ASML continued to press for a commercial agreement relating to the development of EUV technology, regardless of whether or not a merger could ultimately be agreed. In addition, the parties agreed to meet on September 18, 2012 to resume discussions with respect to a merger. On August 13, 2012, ASML supplied Cymer with another draft of a commercial agreement relating to the parties’ cooperation in the development of EUV technology.

At the August 15-17, 2012 meeting of the Cymer Board, representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed financial information with respect to Cymer and ASML with the Cymer Board and Cymer management. Members of Cymer management also discussed Cymer’s standalone prospects if a merger with ASML was not pursued or consummated. A representative of S&C led a discussion regarding fiduciary duties and other legal issues related to a potential merger. In addition, Goldman Sachs discussed with the Transaction Committee and management the various financial models developed and reviewed by management and the sensitivity around assumptions relating to the prospects for the EUV business, as well as the perspective that Goldman Sachs expected ASML would have on the financial models given the fact that the volume of units and the pricing for such units that would actually be achieved would be subject to negotiation and agreement with ASML, and provided guidance concerning the range of values implied by the financial scenarios analyzed. The Cymer Board and Cymer management then asked questions and engaged in a discussion with respect to the matters presented at the meeting.

Cymer management, representatives of Goldman Sachs and S&C, and the Transaction Committee also held meetings on August 31, 2012 and September 10, 2012 to further refine their financial analyses and negotiating positions for purposes of a meeting with ASML scheduled for September 18, 2012.

On September 18, 2012, Mr. Meurice, Mr. Wennink, Mr. Akins, Mr. Brown, the members of the Transaction Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs and a representative of Greenhill held an in-person meeting in New York. After a series of back and forth negotiations, the parties agreed to recommend proceeding with a merger in which ASML would acquire all the outstanding shares of Cymer common stock for consideration comprised of a fixed exchange ratio of 1.1502 ASML ordinary shares and $20.00 in cash per share of Cymer common stock, which, based on the prices of ASML ordinary shares and Cymer common stock at that time, represented a significant premium over the price of Cymer common stock. The parties also discussed the next steps in the negotiations and the due diligence process with a view to determining whether a transaction

 

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could be completed at or before ASML’s earnings conference call on October 17, 2012. The Transaction Committee and Cymer management each indicated that they would support such a transaction and would discuss it with the Cymer Board over the next few days. ASML indicated that it would need the support of its Supervisory Board before it would be able to move forward with a transaction. Later that day Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (referred to as Skadden), counsel to ASML, and S&C discussed how the process would develop from that point forward.

On September 21, 2012, the Cymer Board met to discuss the economic terms discussed at the September 18, 2012 meeting between Cymer and ASML management, their respective financial advisors and the Transaction Committee. Mr. Akins reported on the evolving business conditions facing Cymer and ASML, including the difficulties Cymer would have in commercializing EUV on its own on an acceptable timeframe. After additional discussion, the Cymer Board authorized Cymer management and the Transaction Committee to proceed with negotiation of definitive documentation and completion of the due diligence process, including due diligence on ASML in light of the portion of the consideration consisting of ASML ordinary shares.

On September 22, 2012, ASML delivered to Goldman Sachs a preliminary due diligence request list requesting certain information about Cymer’s business. Cymer provided a due diligence request list with respect to ASML on September 24, 2012. Cymer granted ASML and its advisors access to a virtual data room containing non-public information about Cymer and its subsidiaries beginning on September 25, 2012. On September 28, 2012, Skadden provided Cymer and its advisors certain materials responsive to items on the due diligence list provided by Cymer and its advisors. Also on September 28, 2012, the parties participated on a diligence call with respect to ASML’s third-quarter results and near-term financial prospects. The parties continued reviewing due diligence materials and had frequent discussions on diligence matters until the signing of the merger agreement.

On October 1 and October 2, 2012, ASML’s Supervisory Board met in Belgium. Members of the Board of Management were also present and representatives of Greenhill joined the meeting in person when discussions about the proposed merger started. The parties discussed the strategic rationale and value for ASML with respect to the merger with Cymer and the next steps in the merger process. The Supervisory Board authorized ASML management to proceed with negotiation of definitive documentation and completion of the due diligence process.

During the evening of October 3, 2012, representatives from Skadden delivered a draft merger agreement and a draft voting agreement to Cymer. The draft voting agreement contemplated that affiliates of Tinicum, Inc. (referred to as Tinicum) would, among other things, vote in favor of a merger agreement should Cymer and ASML reach a definitive agreement. S&C provided comments to the draft merger agreement and the draft voting agreement to Skadden on October 6, 2012. On October 8, 2012, S&C and Skadden discussed issues in the draft merger agreement, including, among other things, the structure of the proposed merger, the standard for securing antitrust approval in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions, as well as CFIUS approval, the scope of the representations and warranties, certain interim operating covenants, the provisions allowing Cymer to discuss and negotiate acquisition proposals with third parties and to change its recommendation of the merger (including for intervening events), conditions to closing, the termination rights, the events that would give rise to the payment of a termination fee and the size of the termination fee, including the proposal for an increased termination fee for certain termination events and the necessity of a voting agreement with Tinicum. On October 9, 2012, Skadden circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement.

During the week of October 8, 2012, Mr. Akins and Mr. Brown visited the Netherlands and held in-person meetings with ASML management relating to their on-going business as part of a trip that was scheduled before the renewed merger discussions. During these meetings, the parties discussed a number of open points related to the potential merger, including employee retention, regulatory issues and integration issues. The parties also, at these meetings and throughout the period prior to execution of the merger agreement, continued to negotiate and discuss the commercial agreements relating to the parties’ cooperation in the development of EUV technology, as ASML required additional clarity on the rights and obligations of the parties in connection with its purchase

 

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order for 12 additional EUV light source units. In addition, members of Cymer management participated in calls with ASML and its legal and financial advisors regarding a variety of diligence matters, including finance, environmental, intellectual property, employee benefits and international trade.

At a Cymer Board meeting on October 9, 2012, Mr. Akins updated the Cymer Board on the recent in-person meetings with ASML management. Mr. Akins also informed the Cymer Board that ASML management continued to express ASML’s desire to enter into the commercial agreements relating to the parties’ cooperation in the development of EUV technology regardless of whether or not Cymer and ASML were able to agree on a merger. S&C then updated the directors with respect to the negotiations of the merger agreement. This update included reviewing the terms of the current draft merger agreement and highlighting the significant ongoing negotiations including the standards for securing regulatory approval, the conditions to closing, the provisions that enable the directors to change their recommendation of the merger under certain circumstances and the termination fee payable by Cymer upon termination for specified reasons. S&C then reviewed the Cymer Board’s fiduciary duties generally and in the context of the proposed merger. Goldman Sachs discussed the proposed consideration and reviewed the projections for Cymer and ASML, individually and as a combined company. Mr. Akins reviewed with the Cymer Board the list of strategic reasons for the proposed merger including those discussed in “—Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Cymer Board” and compared the proposed merger with other options including pursuing their standalone plan or seeking another strategic partner. Following these discussions, the Cymer Board authorized Cymer management to proceed with negotiations on substantially the same terms presented at the meeting.

On October 12, 2012, members of Cymer management, along with representatives of S&C and Goldman Sachs, participated in a due diligence call with Mr. Meurice, Mr. Wennink, as well as other representatives of ASML, Skadden and Greenhill to review ASML’s quarterly results and business outlook.

Early in the morning on October 12, 2012, S&C circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement, as well as an initial draft of the Cymer disclosure schedules. Later that afternoon, S&C and Skadden discussed various issues relating to the merger agreement and ASML’s ongoing due diligence review of Cymer, during which Skadden informed S&C that ASML would withdraw its request for Tinicum to enter into a voting agreement in connection with the merger agreement. Skadden then circulated a further revised draft of the merger agreement later that day. On October 13, 2012, S&C and Skadden discussed various open issues reflected in the draft merger agreement and S&C circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement later that evening.

In addition, on October 13, 2012, the Cymer Board held a special telephonic meeting with members of Cymer management and representatives of S&C and Goldman Sachs also in attendance. At the meeting, Cymer management informed the Cymer Board about recent discussions with ASML and updated the directors on the negotiation process. Representatives of S&C updated the Cymer Board on the ongoing negotiations with respect to the structure of the transaction and other provisions in the draft merger agreement. Cymer management then reviewed the terms of the proposed EUV source R&D cooperation agreement and EUV source supply agreement—the commercial agreements relating to the parties’ cooperation in the development of EUV technology. Following these discussions, the Cymer Board authorized Cymer management to proceed with discussions to complete the proposed merger agreement and the associated transactions on substantially the terms discussed.

On the morning of October 14, 2012, Skadden circulated comments to the Cymer disclosure schedules, and later that afternoon, Skadden circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement and an initial draft of the ASML disclosure schedules. S&C provided a further revised draft of the merger agreement later that evening. Skadden and S&C continued to provide revised drafts of the merger agreement and the Cymer disclosure schedules and discuss open issues with Skadden over the course of October 15 and 16, 2012.

On October 15, 2012, ASML’s Supervisory Board held a telephonic meeting at which members of the Board of Management were present. ASML’s Board of Management provided an update on the developments

 

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with respect to the acquisition of Cymer and the main terms of the merger agreement. Following discussion, the Supervisory Board unanimously determined to proceed with the proposed merger. The following day, the Board of Management adopted a resolution approving the merger agreement.

On October 16, 2012, the Cymer Board held a meeting including all members of the Cymer Board, certain members of Cymer management, as well as representatives of S&C and Goldman Sachs. Mr. Akins provided an update to the Cymer Board regarding discussions related to the merger, the EUV source R&D cooperation agreement and the EUV source supply agreement. Representatives of S&C then summarized the principal terms and conditions contained in the merger agreement. Representatives of S&C again reviewed with the Cymer Board its fiduciary duties with respect to the merger. Goldman Sachs then reviewed their financial analysis of the transaction and rendered an oral opinion to the Cymer Board, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated October 16, 2012, to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations, qualifications and factors set forth in its opinion, the consideration to be paid to holders (other than ASML and its affiliates) of Cymer common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders. See “—Opinion of Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor to Cymer.” After further discussion, the Cymer Board unanimously determined that the merger is in the best interests of Cymer and its stockholders, adopted the merger agreement, and resolved to recommend that the Cymer stockholders vote in favor of the merger.

Later in the evening on October 16, 2012, the parties executed the merger agreement, the EUV source R&D cooperation agreement and the EUV source supply agreement, and thereafter, the parties issued a joint press release announcing the parties’ entry into the merger agreement.

Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Cymer Board

At its meeting held on October 16, 2012, the Cymer Board unanimously (i) adopted the merger agreement, (ii) determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are in the best interests of Cymer and its stockholders, (iii) directed that the merger agreement be submitted to the Cymer stockholders for approval at the special meeting, and (iv) determined to recommend that Cymer stockholders vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.

THE CYMER BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT CYMER STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT, “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING, IF IT IS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND “FOR” THE NON-BINDING ADVISORY PROPOSAL TO APPROVE CERTAIN COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR CYMER’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER.

The Cymer Board consulted with the Transaction Committee and Cymer’s senior management and Cymer’s outside financial and legal advisors and considered a number of factors in connection with the adoption of the merger agreement, including the following:

 

•

Premium over historical share price. Based on the closing price of ASML ordinary shares on October 15, 2012, the merger consideration to be received by Cymer stockholders represented a value of $80.74 per share of Cymer common stock, which represents a premium over historical prices of Cymer common stock of approximately:

 

•

73.1%, based on the closing price of Cymer common stock on October 15, 2012 (the last closing price prior to the time the Cymer Board met to consider the adoption of the merger agreement);

 

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64.2%, 52.2%, 44.8%, and 57.8%, based on the average of the closing prices of Cymer common stock for the 10-trading day, 30-trading day, 60-trading day and one year periods, respectively, preceding October 15, 2012; and

 

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•

30.1%, based on the highest closing price of Cymer common stock for the 52-week period ending October 15, 2012.

 

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Fixed Exchange Ratio. The stock component of the merger consideration is a fixed exchange ratio which will not fluctuate as a result of changes in the price of ASML ordinary shares prior to the merger, which provides Cymer stockholders with certainty as to the number of ASML ordinary shares they will receive in the merger.

 

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Participation in Future Appreciation. The stock component of the merger consideration will enable Cymer stockholders to share in any synergies, including those discussed below in “—Opinion of Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor to Cymer,” and to participate in any future appreciation of ASML ordinary shares following the consummation of the merger (including any related to Cymer).

 

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Liquidity. A portion of the merger consideration will be in cash, which will provide Cymer stockholders with liquidity and some certainty of value while retaining the ability to participate in any future appreciation of ASML ordinary shares following the consummation of the merger.

 

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Development of EUV Technologies. The challenges involved in Cymer successfully commercializing EUV technologies (which is critical to Cymer’s future success) that could be mitigated by merging with ASML, including that:

 

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ASML’s resources will enable the combined company to continue to develop and successfully commercialize EUV technologies on a timeframe required by semiconductor manufacturers, which Cymer may not be able to do on a standalone basis or with any other acquirer;

 

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the ability of the combined company to manage and direct all activities relating to the development of EUV technologies will enable the more effective development of those technologies than Cymer could on a stand-alone basis; and

 

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a merger with ASML will increase the industry’s confidence in the potential success of EUV technologies.

 

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Business and Financial Condition and Prospects. The Cymer Board’s understanding of the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of Cymer as an independent entity, including:

 

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that lower forecast demand from semiconductor manufacturers in the near term would likely have a negative impact on the price of Cymer common stock, and such impact would likely be greater than that on the price of ASML ordinary shares;

 

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that Cymer will not have sufficient resources on a standalone basis to continue to develop and commercialize EUV technologies on a timeframe required by semiconductor manufacturers;

 

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Cymer’s dependence on ASML as a customer, as discussed below under “—ASML as Acquirer”;

 

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the decrease in the near-term outlook in Cymer’s business and earnings prospects.

 

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ASML as Acquirer. The Cymer Board’s belief that ASML was the most logical acquirer of Cymer given, among other things, Cymer’s dependence on ASML as a customer. In particular, the Cymer Board considered the following:

 

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no other strategic buyer would be likely to realize the same synergies as ASML from an acquisition of Cymer given ASML’s status as Cymer’s largest customer and the existing relationship with respect to EUV development;

 

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ASML is Cymer’s largest customer and any potential decrease in orders for light sources by ASML could have a significant negative effect on Cymer’s business;

 

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no other participant in the lithography industry is investing in a meaningful way in EUV technologies, making ASML the best positioned partner to facilitate the success of Cymer’s EUV strategy;

 

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•

Cymer’s understanding, based on its relationship with ASML, that, absent an agreed framework for EUV development with Cymer, ASML expected that it might delay introducing commercial EUV technologies, and Cymer would therefore experience a corresponding decrease in demand for Cymer products, which would likely have a negative impact on the price of Cymer common stock;

 

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the potential for ASML, Cymer’s largest customer, to pursue on its own multiple avenues for enhancing the prospects for success of EUV technologies, including possible development of EUV technologies on its own, establishing direct relationships with various suppliers of critical EUV components and working with other developers of alternative EUV technologies; and

 

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ongoing negotiations between Cymer and ASML regarding a reasonable price for EUV light sources.

 

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Prospects of Combined Business. The potential synergies from combining Cymer’s and ASML’s businesses, including:

 

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an expected increase in the use of Cymer light sources in ASML’s installed based products and a related increase in installed base product revenue;

 

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increased effectiveness of the integration of Cymer light sources into ASML scanners; and

 

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increased ability of Cymer to retain and attract key employees due to the financial strength and prospects of a combined ASML and Cymer.

 

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Terms of the Merger Agreement. The Cymer Board considered the terms of the merger agreement that permit it to terminate the merger agreement under specified conditions, as well as the amount of the termination fee. The Cymer Board has the ability to change its recommendation in favor of the merger and terminate the merger agreement upon receipt of a superior acquisition proposal or upon the occurrence of an intervening event, if, after a negotiation period with ASML, failure to take such action would be reasonably likely to constitute a breach of the directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable law and after compliance with the other requirements set forth in the merger agreement. The Cymer Board considered that the termination fee of $75.0 million was equal to approximately 2.8% of the equity value of the transaction (based on the closing price of ASML ordinary shares on October 15, 2012).

 

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Opinion of Financial Advisor. The analyses of Goldman Sachs and the oral opinion of Goldman Sachs, rendered on October 16, 2012 and subsequently confirmed in writing on the same day, to the Cymer Board that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the various assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth in the written opinion, the merger consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to the Cymer stockholders (other than ASML and its affiliates). See “—Opinion of Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor to Cymer.”

 

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Familiarity with Businesses. The familiarity, given the fact that ASML is Cymer’s largest customer, that the management teams of Cymer and ASML have with the business, operations, financial conditions, earnings and prospects of the other party, as well as their respective knowledge of the current and prospective environment in which Cymer and ASML operate, including general economic and market conditions and the more specific conditions of the semiconductor and semiconductor equipment businesses, as well as the challenges involved in developing and commercializing new technologies.

 

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Potential for Consummation. The Cymer Board’s view, after consultation with its legal counsel, concerning the likelihood that regulatory approvals and clearances necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement would be obtained on the terms specified in the merger agreement.

 

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The Cymer Board also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the merger agreement and the merger, including the following:

 

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the fact that the stock portion of the merger consideration has a fixed exchange ratio which will not adjust as a result of changes in the price of ASML ordinary shares prior to the merger, which means that the value of the merger consideration would decrease prior to the consummation of the merger if the trading price of ASML ordinary shares decreases;

 

•

the fact that the termination fee to be paid to ASML under the circumstances specified in the merger agreement and the last look rights may discourage other companies that might otherwise have an interest in a business combination with, or an acquisition of, Cymer (see “The Merger Agreement—Expenses and Termination Fees”);

 

•

the terms of the merger agreement placing limitations on the ability of Cymer to solicit alternative business combination transactions and to provide confidential due diligence information to, or engage in discussions with, a third party interested in pursuing an alternative business combination transaction (see “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Transactions”);

 

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the potential risk of diverting management focus and resources from operational matters while working to implement the merger;

 

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the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the transaction, including the transaction expenses arising from the merger that Cymer would have to bear if the merger is not completed;

 

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the restrictions on the conduct of Cymer’s business pending the completion of the merger;

 

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the potential effect of the merger on Cymer’s business and relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, distributors, regulators and the communities in which it operates, including those customers that are direct competitors with ASML;

 

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the risk that certain key members of senior management might choose not to remain employed with Cymer prior to the completion of the merger or with the combined company after the merger;

 

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the possibility that the merger might not be completed, or that completion might be unduly delayed, for reasons beyond Cymer’s and/or ASML’s control and the potential negative impact that may have on Cymer’s business and relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and the communities in which it operates;

 

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the terms of the merger agreement that limit the actions that ASML must take in the event that governmental entities seek to impose conditions on Cymer and/or ASML in order to gain approval for the merger; and

 

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the risks of the type and nature described under “Risk Factors,” and the matters described under “Forward-Looking Statements.”

The Cymer Board also was apprised of certain interests in the merger of executive officers and the directors that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Cymer stockholders generally as discussed in “—Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.”

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Cymer Board in reaching its conclusions and recommendations is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by the Cymer Board. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and the complexity of these matters, the Cymer Board did not find it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify, rank or assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors considered in reaching its determination and making its recommendation. In addition, individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The Cymer Board considered all of the foregoing factors as a whole.

 

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Opinion of Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor to Cymer

Goldman Sachs rendered its opinion to the Cymer Board that, as of October 16, 2012, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the merger consideration to be paid to holders (other than ASML and its affiliates) of shares of Cymer common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders.

The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated October 16, 2012, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex B. Goldman Sachs provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the Cymer Board in connection with its consideration of the merger. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any Cymer stockholder should vote with respect to the merger agreement, or any other matter.

In connection with rendering the opinion described above and performing its related financial analyses, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other things:

 

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the merger agreement;

 

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annual reports on Form 10-K of Cymer for the five years ended December 31, 2011 and annual reports on Form 20-F of ASML for the five years ended December 31, 2011;

 

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certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Cymer;

 

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certain interim reports to stockholders and Reports of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K of ASML;

 

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certain other communications from Cymer and ASML to their respective stockholders;

 

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certain publicly available research analyst reports for Cymer and ASML;

 

•

certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for Cymer and certain financial analyses and forecasts for ASML, in each case as prepared by Cymer’s management and approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by Cymer, (referred to as the Forecasts); and

 

•

certain cost savings and operating synergies projected by Cymer’s management to result from the merger, as approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by Cymer, (referred to as the Synergies).

Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior managements of Cymer and ASML regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the merger and the past and current business operations, financial condition, and future prospects of their respective companies. In addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price and trading activity for Cymer common stock and for ASML ordinary shares, compared certain financial and stock market information for Cymer and ASML with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the semiconductor industry and in other industries, and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as it deemed appropriate.

For purposes of rendering this opinion, Goldman Sachs, with Cymer’s consent, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by it, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed with Cymer’s consent that the Forecasts and the Synergies were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of Cymer. Goldman Sachs did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of Cymer or ASML or any of their respective subsidiaries and it was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. Goldman Sachs has also assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger will be obtained without any adverse effect on Cymer or ASML or on the expected benefits of the merger in any way meaningful to its analysis. Goldman Sachs has also assumed that the merger will be consummated on the terms set forth in the merger agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to its analysis.

 

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Goldman Sachs’ opinion does not address the underlying business decision of Cymer to engage in the merger or the relative merits of the merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to Cymer; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. Goldman Sachs was not requested to solicit, and did not solicit, interest from other parties with respect to an acquisition of, or other business combination with, Cymer or any other alternative transaction. Goldman Sachs’ opinion addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than ASML and its affiliates) of shares of Cymer common stock, as of the date of the opinion, of the merger consideration pursuant to the merger agreement. Goldman Sachs’ opinion does not express any view on, and does not address, any other term or aspect of the merger agreement or any other term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the merger agreement or entered into or amended in connection with the merger, including, without limitation, the fairness of the merger to, or any other consideration received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Cymer; nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of Cymer, or class of such persons in connection with the merger, whether relative to the merger consideration to be paid to Cymer stockholders (other than ASML and its affiliates) pursuant to the merger agreement or otherwise. Goldman Sachs’ opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to it as of, the date of the opinion and Goldman Sachs assumed no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming its opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date of its opinion. In addition, Goldman Sachs does not express any opinion as to the prices at which ASML ordinary shares will trade at any time or as to the impact of the merger on the solvency or viability of Cymer or ASML or the ability of Cymer or ASML to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Goldman Sachs’ opinion was approved by a fairness committee of Goldman Sachs.

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses delivered by Goldman Sachs to the Cymer Board in connection with rendering the opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Goldman Sachs, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Goldman Sachs. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read together with the full text of each summary and are alone not a complete description of Goldman Sachs’ financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before October 15, 2012, the last trading day prior to the date on which the Cymer Board adopted the merger agreement, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

Historical Stock Price Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed the historical trading prices for Cymer common stock for the ten-year period ended October 15, 2012. In addition, Goldman Sachs noted that based on the closing price of Cymer common stock of $46.65 per share on October 15, 2012, and the closing price of ASML ordinary shares of $52.81 on that date, the implied value of the stock consideration pursuant to the merger agreement of 1.1502 ASML ordinary shares was $60.74, and together with $20.00 to be paid in cash, the implied value of the merger consideration to be paid for each share of Cymer common stock was $80.74, which is referred to as the “implied per-share value.” In addition, Goldman Sachs analyzed the implied per-share value to be paid to Cymer stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement in relation to the average closing prices of Cymer common stock for the 10-trading day, 30-trading day, 60-trading day and one-year periods ended October 15, 2012, and the 52-week high closing price to calculate the implied premium of the implied per-share value to the respective historical prices per share of Cymer common stock. The following table presents the results of these calculations:

 

Historical Date or Period		Closing Price or Average Closing Price of Cymer Common  Stock				Implied Premium of Implied Per-Share Value to Price of Cymer Common Stock
October 15, 2012		$	46.65				73.1	%
10-trading day mean		$	49.17				64.2	%
30-trading day mean		$	53.06				52.2	%
60-trading day mean		$	55.75				44.8	%
1-year mean		$	51.16				57.8	%
52-week high		$	62.05				30.1	%

 

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Selected Companies Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed and compared certain financial information for Cymer and ASML to corresponding financial information, ratios and public market multiples for the following publicly traded corporations in the semiconductor industry:

 

•

Applied Materials, Inc.

 

•

Lam Research Corporation

 

•

Canon Inc.

 

•

Tokyo Electron Limited

 

•

Cognex Corporation

 

•

Coherent, Inc.

 

•

Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.

 

•

FEI Company

 

•

Newport Corporation

 

•

IPG Photonics Corporation

 

•

FLIR Systems, Inc.

 

•

Veeco Instruments Inc.

 

•

Nikon Corporation

 

•

Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc.

 

•

Ultratech, Inc.

Although none of the selected companies is directly comparable to Cymer or ASML, the companies included were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with operations that for purposes of analysis may be considered similar to certain operations of Cymer and ASML.

Goldman Sachs also calculated and compared various financial multiples and ratios based on information it obtained from SEC filings, Institutional Brokers’ Estimate System (referred to as IBES) medians and the Forecasts. The multiples and ratios of Cymer were calculated using the closing price of Cymer common stock on October 15, 2012 and the multiples and ratios of ASML were calculated using the closing price of ASML ordinary shares on October 15, 2012. The multiples and ratios of Cymer were based on the Forecasts and IBES estimates, and current share, options and cash balance information provided by Cymer management. The multiples and ratios for ASML were based on IBES estimates, and subject to pro forma adjustments such that share count and cash balance reflect the issuance of shares to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and the synthetic share buyback pursuant to ASML’s customer co-investment program, as announced by ASML by press release on September 13, 2012. The multiples and ratios for each of the selected companies were based on IBES estimates and the most recent publicly available information. With respect to the selected companies, Goldman Sachs calculated:

 

•

enterprise value, which is the market value of common equity plus book value of debt less cash and cash equivalents, as a multiple of estimated calendar year 2012 revenues;

 

•

enterprise value as a multiple of estimated calendar year 2013 revenues; and

 

•

enterprise value as a multiple of estimated calendar year 2014 revenues.

 

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The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:

 

Selected Companies’ Medians

ASML IBES Estimates

Cymer

Enterprise value as a multiple of:

Forecasts

IBES Estimates

CY2012E Revenue

1.2x

3.0x

2.2x

2.0x

CY2013E Revenue

1.1x

2.6x

1.6x

1.6x

CY2014E Revenue

1.0x

2.4x

1.2x

1.4x

Goldman Sachs also calculated the selected companies’ enterprise value as a multiple of estimated earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, for calendar years 2012, 2013 and 2014, and compared it to the results for Cymer and ASML. The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:

 

Selected Companies’ Medians

ASML IBES Estimates

Cymer

Enterprise value as a multiple of:

Forecasts

IBES Estimates

CY2012E EBITDA

7.3x

9.9x

20.7x

21.1x

CY2013E EBITDA

6.2x

8.5x

17.8x

11.9x

CY2014E EBITDA

5.3x

7.4x

8.7x

8.6x

Goldman Sachs also calculated the selected companies’ estimated price/earnings ratios for calendar years 2012, 2013 and 2014, and compared it to the results for Cymer and ASML. The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:

 

Selected Companies’ Medians

ASML IBES Estimates

Cymer

Price as a multiple of:

Forecasts

IBES Estimates

CY2012E Earnings per share

15.6x

15.3x

47.5x

40.2x

CY2013E Earnings per share

14.2x

12.5x

38.3x

27.4x

CY2014E Earnings per share

10.3x

10.6x

16.7x

15.2x

Implied Multiples Analysis. Assuming a price of $46.65 per share of Cymer common stock and a price of $52.81 per ASML ordinary share, which were the closing prices for Cymer common stock and ASML ordinary shares on October 15, 2012, Goldman Sachs performed certain analyses, based on the Forecasts and IBES estimates, using the implied per-share value of the merger consideration offered pursuant to the merger agreement of $80.74. Goldman Sachs calculated for Cymer the implied equity value, the implied enterprise value, the ratio of implied enterprise value to revenue, the ratio of implied enterprise value to EBITDA and the ratio of price to earnings. The following tables present the results of Goldman Sachs’ analysis (dollar amounts in millions, except for price per share):

 

		Cymer
		Closing Price on October 15, 2012				Offer
Implied price per share (as of October 15, 2012)		$	46.65			$	80.74
Implied equity value		$	1,538			$	2,681
Implied enterprise value		$	1,233			$	2,376

 

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Closing Price on October 15, 2012

Offer

Forecasts

IBES Estimates

Forecasts

IBES Estimates

Implied enterprise value / revenues

CY2012E

2.2x

2.0x

4.3x

3.9x

CY2013E

1.6x

1.6x

3.2x

3.1x

CY2014E

1.2x

1.4x

2.3x

2.7x

Implied enterprise value / EBITDA

CY2012E

20.7x

21.1x

39.8x

40.6x

CY2013E

17.8x

11.9x

34.3x

22.8x

CY2014E

8.7x

8.6x

16.7x

16.5x

Price to earnings ratio

CY2012E

47.5x

40.2x

82.3x

69.6x

CY2013E

38.3x

27.4x

66.3x

47.5x

CY2014E

16.7x

15.2x

28.9x

26.3x

Illustrative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative discounted cash flow analysis on Cymer using the Forecasts for Cymer. Goldman Sachs calculated indications of net present value of free cash flows for Cymer for the years 2013 through 2020 using discount rates ranging from 11.7% to 13.7%, reflecting estimates of Cymer’s weighted average cost of capital. Goldman Sachs calculated implied prices per share of Cymer common stock using illustrative terminal values based on perpetuity growth rates ranging from 0% to 2% (which implied terminal year EBITDA multiples ranging from 5.4x to 7.2x). The illustrative terminal values were then discounted to calculate implied indications of present values using illustrative discount rates ranging from 11.7% to 13.7%. This analysis resulted in a range of implied present values per share of Cymer common stock of $68.36 - $82.35 per share.

Goldman Sachs also performed a sensitivity analysis to illustrate the effect of different assumptions for changes in annual revenue growth and operating margin for Cymer for 2013 and beyond. The sensitivity adjustments to projected annual revenue growth ranged from (4.0%) to 4.0% of incremental growth. The sensitivity adjustments to projected annual operating margin ranged from (5.0%) to 5.0% of incremental operating margin. This analysis, assuming a 12.7% discount rate and a perpetuity growth rate of 1.0%, resulted in a range of illustrative implied present values of $47.50 to $108.07 per share of Cymer common stock.

Selected Transactions Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed certain information relating to the following selected transactions in the semiconductor equipment industry since February 2006:

 

Acquiror—Target		Date of Announcement
Tokyo Electron Limited—FSI International, Inc.		August 13, 2012
Lam Research Corporation—Novellus Systems, Inc.		December 14, 2011
Applied Materials, Inc.—Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.		May 4, 2011
Advantest Corporation—Verigy Ltd.		December 5, 2010
Danaher Corporation—Keithley Instruments, Inc.		September 29, 2010
Applied Materials, Inc.—Semitool, Inc.		November 17, 2009
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.—Zygo Corporation		October 15, 2008
Teradyne, Inc.—Eagle Test Systems, Inc.		September 2, 2008
GSI Group Inc.—Excel Technology, Inc.		July 9, 2008
Orbotech Ltd.—Photon Dynamics, Inc.		June 26, 2008
LTX Corporation—Credence Systems Corporation		June 20, 2008
KLA-Tencor Corporation—ICOS Vision Systems Corporation N.V.		February 20, 2008
Teradyne, Inc.—Nextest Systems Corporation		December 11, 2007
Lam Research Corporation—SEZ Holding AG		December 10, 2007
KLA-Tencor Corporation—Therma-Wave, Inc.		January 7, 2007
Sponsor Group—Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.		November 24, 2006
Applied Materials, Inc.—Applied Films Corporation		May 4, 2006
KLA-Tencor Corporation—ADE Corporation		February 22, 2006

 

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For each of the selected transactions, Goldman Sachs calculated and compared the aggregate consideration as a multiple of next calendar year’s revenues and offer price as a multiple of next calendar year’s earnings. While none of the companies that participated in the selected transactions is directly comparable to Cymer, the companies that participated in the selected transactions are companies with operations that, for the purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain of Cymer’s results, market size and product profile. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

		Median
Consideration as a Multiple of:
Next Calendar Year Revenues			1.7x
Next Calendar Year Earnings			17.8x

Goldman Sachs also performed similar analyses with respect to the following selected transactions in the semiconductor industry since February 2009:

 

Acquiror—Target		Date of Announcement
Apple Inc.—Authentec, Inc.		July 27, 2012
Micron Technology, Inc.—Elpida Memory, Inc.		July 2, 2012
Micron Technology, Inc.—Rexchip Electronics Corporation		July 2, 2012
MediaTek Inc.—Mstar Semiconductor, Inc.		June 22, 2012
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.—PLX Technology, Inc.		April 30, 2012
Microchip Technology Incorporated—Standard Microsystems Corporation		May 2, 2012
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.—Advanced Analogic Technologies Incorporated		May 26, 2011
Synopsys, Inc.—Magma Design Automation, Inc.		November 30, 2011
Sterling Partners—MOSAID Technologies Inc.		October 27, 2011
Microsemi Corporation—Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc.		July 20, 2011
Broadcom Corporation—NetLogic Microsystems, Inc.		September 12, 2011
Silver Lake Partners—SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc.		April 26, 2011
Texas Instruments Incorporated—National Semiconductor Corporation		April 4, 2011
MediaTek Inc.—Ralink Technology Corp.		March 16, 2011
Golden Gate Capital—Conexant Systems, Inc.		February 7, 2011
CSR plc—Zoran Corporation		February 21, 2011
Qualcomm Incorporated—Atheros Communications, Inc.		January 5, 2011
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated—DALSA Corporation		December 22, 2010
Microsemi Corporation—Actel Corporation		October 4, 2010
Zoran Corporation—Microtune, Inc.		September 8, 2010
Intel Corporation—McAfee, Inc.		August 18, 2010
Synopsys, Inc.—Virage Logic Corporation		June 10, 2010
Microsemi Corporation—White Electronic Designs Corporation		March 30, 2010
Intersil Corporation—Techwell, Inc.		March 22, 2010
Microchip Technology Incorporated—Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.		February 3, 2010
ON Semiconductor—California Micro Devices Corporation		December 14, 2009
Atheros Communications, Inc.—Intellon Corporation		September 8, 2009
Intel Corporation—Wind River Systems, Inc.		June 4, 2009
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.—Tundra Semiconductor Corporation		April 30, 2009
Exar Corporation—hi/fn, inc.		February 23, 2009
CSR plc—SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.		February 10, 2009

 

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While none of the companies that participated in the selected transactions is directly comparable to Cymer, the companies that participated in the selected transactions are companies with operations that, for the purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain of Cymer’s results, market size and product profile. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

		Median
Consideration as a Multiple of:
Next Calendar Year Revenues			1.9x
Next Calendar Year Earnings			20.8x

Illustrative Contribution Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed estimated future operating and financial information including, among other things, revenues, gross profit, operating income, EBITDA and net income for Cymer, ASML and the combined company, based on the Forecasts. The analysis indicated that Cymer stockholders would receive 11.0% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the combined company following completion of the merger assuming for illustrative purposes an all stock consideration transaction at an implied exchange ratio of 1.529, based on the $80.74 implied value of the merger consideration as of October 15, 2012. Goldman Sachs then analyzed the relative income contributions of Cymer and ASML to the combined company following completion of the merger, without taking into account any of the Synergies, based on estimated calendar years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 using the Forecasts and the assumptions provided to Goldman Sachs by Cymer management. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

		Cymer Contribution to Combined Company
		Revenues				Gross Profit				Operating Income				EBITDA				Net Income
CY2012E			8.3	%			9.9	%			1.8	%			3.2	%			2.3	%
CY2013E			10.8				11.1				3.2				3.6				2.8
CY2014E			12.4				12.0				6.6				6.3				5.6
CY2015E			15.3				16.0				13.7				12.5				11.6

Goldman Sachs also analyzed the implied equity contributions of Cymer and ASML to the combined company, by applying the weighted average multiples of revenue, gross profit, operating income, EBITDA and net income, respectively, to Cymer and ASML metrics to obtain an enterprise value, and then adjusting for each company’s net debt position. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

		Cymer Implied Equity Contribution to Combined Company
		Revenues				Gross Profit				Operating Income				EBITDA				Net Income
CY2012E			8.4	%			9.8	%			2.8	%			4.0	%			2.3	%
CY2013E			10.5				10.8				4.0				4.4				2.8
CY2014E			11.9				11.5				6.9				6.7				5.6
CY2015E			14.3				15.0				13.0				12.0				11.6

Goldman Sachs also analyzed the implied equity contributions of Cymer and ASML to the combined company, based on the actual transaction structure. The analysis indicated that Cymer stockholders would receive 8.5% of the outstanding ordinary shares of the combined company following completion of the merger. The weighted average multiples of revenue, gross profit, operating income, EBITDA and net income, respectively, were applied to Cymer and ASML metrics to obtain an enterprise value, which was adjusted for the cash consideration of $20.00 per share and each company’s net debt position. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

		Cymer Implied Equity Contribution to Combined Company per  Transaction Structure
		Revenues				Gross Profit				Operating Income				EBITDA				Net Income
CY2012E			5.7	%			7.1	%			0.0	%			1.2	%			2.3	%
CY2013E			7.9				8.2				1.2				1.6				2.8
CY2014E			9.3				8.9				4.2				4.0				5.6
CY2015E			11.8				12.5				10.4				9.4				11.6

 

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Illustrative Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Goldman Sachs prepared illustrative pro forma analyses of the potential financial impact of the merger using the Forecasts for Cymer and ASML both taking into account and excluding the Synergies. For each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, Goldman Sachs compared the projected earnings per share of ASML ordinary shares, in each case, on a standalone basis, to the projected earnings per share of the combined company on a pro forma basis. Goldman Sachs performed this analysis based on the closing price of Cymer common stock and ASML ordinary shares on October 15, 2012. Based on such analyses, the proposed transaction would be dilutive to ASML’s shareholders on an earnings per share basis in both of the above scenarios in the years 2013 and 2014, and the proposed transaction would be accretive to ASML shareholders on an earnings per share basis in both of the above scenarios in the year 2015.

Goldman Sachs also calculated the estimated price/earnings ratios of the combined company for calendar years 2013, 2014 and 2015 on a pro forma basis, including and excluding Synergies, at various trading prices that ranged from a (25.0%) to a 25.0% premium to the $52.81 closing price of ASML ordinary shares on October 15, 2012. The results of these analyses are summarized as follows:

 

Premium (Discount) to October 15, 2012 ASML Closing Price

Price/Earnings Ratio:

(25.0%)

0.0%

25.0%

CY2013E (ex. Synergies)

12.3x

16.4x

20.5x

CY2014E (ex. Synergies)

10.0x

13.3x

16.6x

CY2015E (ex. Synergies)

8.5x

11.3x

14.1x

CY2013E (incl. Synergies)

12.3x

16.4x

20.5x

CY2015E (incl. Synergies)

9.7x

13.0x

16.2x

CY2015E (incl. Synergies)

8.2x

10.9x

13.6x

Illustrative Present Value of Future Share Price Analysis. Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative analysis of the implied present value of the future price per share of Cymer common stock, which is designed to provide an indication of the present value of a theoretical future value of a company’s equity as a function of the company’s estimated future earnings and its assumed price to future earnings per share multiple. For this analysis, Goldman Sachs used the Forecasts for Cymer for each of the fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Goldman Sachs first calculated the implied values per share of Cymer common stock as of December 31 for each of the fiscal years 2014 and 2015, by applying illustrative price to forward earnings per share multiples of 13.0x to 17.0x to estimated earnings per share of Cymer common stock for each of the calendar years 2014 and 2015, and then discounted 2014 and 2015 values back to December 31, 2012 using illustrative discount rates ranging from 10.5% to 12.5%, reflecting an estimate of Cymer’s cost of equity. This analysis resulted in a range of implied present values reflected in the table below:

 

		Implied Present Value per Cymer Share
2014E		$	32.26 - $42.94
2015E		$	68.26 - $92.52

 

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Goldman Sachs also performed illustrative analyses of the implied value of the price per share of Cymer common stock on a pro forma basis for the combined company, both taking into account and excluding the Synergies. For these analyses, Goldman Sachs used the Forecasts for the combined company on a pro forma basis for each of the calendar years 2014 and 2015. Goldman Sachs first calculated the implied values per ordinary share of the combined company as of December 31 for each of the calendar years 2014 and 2015, by applying illustrative price to forward earnings per share multiples of 12.0x to 16.0x to estimated earnings per share of the combined company (both taking into account and excluding the Synergies) on a pro forma basis. The implied values per share were then discounted back to December 31, 2012 using illustrative discount rates ranging from 9.8% to 11.8%, reflecting an estimate of the cost of equity of the combined company. The implied value per share of Cymer common stock was calculated by multiplying the resulting value by the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement of 1.1502 and adding the resulting product to the $20.00 per share cash consideration. This analysis resulted in a range of implied present values reflected in the table below:

 

		Implied Present Value per Cymer Share
2014E (ex. Synergies)		$	69.08 - $86.63
2014E (incl. Synergies)		$	70.22 - $88.18
2015E (ex. Synergies)		$	71.61 - $91.34
2015E (incl. Synergies)		$	73.40 - $93.82

The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Goldman Sachs’ opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, Goldman Sachs made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to Cymer or ASML, respectively, or the contemplated transaction.

Goldman Sachs prepared these analyses for purposes of providing its opinion to the Cymer Board as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the merger consideration pursuant to the merger agreement. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Because these analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of Cymer, ASML, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes responsibility if future results are materially different from those forecast.

The merger consideration was determined through arm’s-length negotiations between Cymer and ASML and was approved by the Cymer Board. Goldman Sachs provided advice to Cymer during these negotiations. Goldman Sachs did not, however, recommend any specific consideration to Cymer or the Cymer Board or that any specific consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the merger.

As described above, Goldman Sachs’ opinion to the Cymer Board was one of many factors taken into consideration by the Cymer Board in making its determination to approve the merger agreement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs in connection with the fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex B.

Goldman Sachs and its affiliates are engaged in commercial and investment banking and financial advisory services, market making and trading, research and investment management (both public and private investing), principal investment, financial planning, benefits counseling, risk management, hedging, financing, brokerage activities and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman

 

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Sachs and its affiliates, and funds or other entities in which they invest or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of Cymer, ASML, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including Tinicum, and its affiliates and portfolio companies, or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement for the accounts of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and their customers. Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisor to Cymer in connection with, and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Goldman Sachs has provided certain investment banking services to Cymer and its affiliates from time to time. Goldman Sachs has also provided certain investment banking services to Tinicum, its affiliates and its portfolio companies from time to time. Goldman Sachs may also in the future provide investment banking services to Cymer, ASML and their respective affiliates and Tinicum and its affiliates and portfolio companies for which the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs may receive compensation. Affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. may also have co-invested with Tinicum and its affiliates from time to time and may have invested in limited partnership units of affiliates of Tinicum from time to time, and may do so in the future.

The Cymer Board selected Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because it is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar to those contemplated by the merger agreement. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated June 11, 2012, Cymer engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with the contemplated transaction. Pursuant to this engagement letter, Cymer has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a transaction fee based on a percentage of the aggregate consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger agreement. As of November 19, 2012, such fee is estimated to be approximately $31 million, based on the closing price of ASML ordinary shares for the five trading days ending November 19, 2012, $6 million of which became payable upon execution of the merger agreement and the remainder of which is payable immediately prior to consummation of the merger. In addition, Cymer has agreed to reimburse Goldman Sachs for certain of its expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs and related persons against various liabilities, including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Certain Financial Forecasts of Cymer

In performing its financial analysis for purposes of rendering the opinion described and summarized above in “—Opinion of Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor to Cymer,” at the direction of Cymer management and the Cymer Board, Goldman Sachs used the Forecasts for Cymer (referred to as the Cymer Forecasts). The Cymer Forecasts were prepared by Cymer management and presented to the Cymer Board. Cymer is electing to provide the Cymer Forecasts in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus to provide Cymer stockholders access to certain non-public unaudited prospective financial information that was made available to the Cymer Board for the purpose of considering and evaluating the merger. Neither Cymer nor any other person has made, or makes, any representation regarding the Cymer Forecasts, which are set forth below.

Cymer does not as a matter of course publicly disclose detailed financial forecasts or projections, and Cymer does not disclose forecasts for extended periods due to the unpredictability of the underlying assumptions and estimates. However, certain prospective financial information, which we refer to as the Cymer Forecasts, was prepared by Cymer’s management, reviewed with and discussed among members of the Cymer Board in connection with its consideration of the merger, and made available to Goldman Sachs in connection with the delivery of its opinion described in the section titled “—Opinion of Goldman Sachs as Financial Advisor to Cymer,” beginning on page 59. The Cymer Forecasts included information for the years 2012 through 2020, and did not include any consideration, impact or benefit from the merger with ASML. Cymer has provided below certain information included in the Cymer Forecasts to give stockholders and investors access to certain non-public information that was furnished to third parties.

The Cymer Forecasts have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, the management of Cymer. The Cymer Forecasts were not prepared with a view toward public disclosure or compliance with published

 

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guidelines of the SEC or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information or with GAAP. The Cymer Forecasts include certain non-GAAP financial measures. The footnotes to the tables below provide certain supplemental information with respect to the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures. Certain of this supplemental information may not have been included in the Cymer Forecasts. In addition, the Cymer Forecasts are unaudited and neither Cymer’s independent registered public accounting firm, nor any other independent auditor, has compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to the Cymer Forecasts, nor have they expressed any opinion or given any form of assurance on the Cymer Forecasts or their achievability. The report of Cymer’s independent registered public accounting firm incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to Cymer’s historical financial statements. The report does not extend to the Cymer Forecasts and should not be read to do so.

Information from the Cymer Forecasts is not being included in this proxy statement/prospectus to influence your decision about whether to vote for the proposal to approve the merger agreement, but because the Cymer Forecasts were provided to Cymer’s financial advisor and to ASML.

Furthermore, the Cymer Forecasts:

 

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were based upon numerous variables and assumptions (including but not limited to those related to industry performance and competition and general business, economic, market and financial conditions) that are inherently uncertain, may be beyond the control of Cymer and may not prove to be accurate;

 

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do not necessarily reflect current estimates or assumptions that the management of Cymer may have about prospects for Cymer’s businesses (including Cymer’s ability to achieve strategic goals, objectives and targets over applicable periods), changes in general business or economic conditions, industry performance, the regulatory environment and other factors described under the section titled “Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page 43; and

 

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reflect assumptions as to certain business decisions that are subject to change.

As a result, actual results may differ materially from those contained in the Cymer Forecasts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Cymer Forecasts will be realized.

The inclusion of the Cymer Forecasts in this proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that Cymer or its affiliates, advisors, representatives or any other recipient of this information, including ASML or its affiliates, advisors, or representatives, considered, or now considers, the Cymer Forecasts to be predictive of actual future results, and the Cymer Forecasts should not be relied upon as such. Neither Cymer nor ASML nor any of their respective affiliates, advisors, officers, directors, partners or representatives can give you any assurance that actual results will not differ from the Cymer Forecasts, and none of them undertakes any obligation to update or otherwise revise or reconcile the Cymer Forecasts to reflect circumstances existing after the date the Cymer Forecasts were generated or to reflect the occurrence of future events even in the event that any or all of the assumptions underlying the Cymer Forecasts are shown to be in error. Cymer and ASML do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revision to the Cymer Forecasts. Further, the inclusion of the Cymer Forecasts in this proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an admission or representation by Cymer or ASML that this information is material. Neither Cymer nor ASML nor any of their respective affiliates, advisors, officers, directors, partners or representatives has made or makes any representation to any stockholder or other person regarding Cymer’s ultimate performance compared to the information contained in the Cymer Forecasts or that forecasted results will be achieved. Cymer has made no representation to ASML, in the merger agreement or otherwise, concerning the Cymer Forecasts. The Cymer Forecasts were, in general, prepared solely for use by the Cymer Board and are subjective in many respects and thus subject to interpretation.

The Cymer Forecasts are forward-looking statements. For additional information on factors which may cause Cymer’s future financial results to materially vary from the Cymer Forecasts, see the sections titled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors,” beginning on pages 43 and 37, respectively.

 

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The following table presents certain information included in the Cymer Forecasts:

 

		2012				2013				2014				2015				2016				2017				2018				2019				2020
		($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Revenue		$	552			$	752			$	1,020			$	1,430			$	1,802			$	2,038			$	2,250			$	2,429			$	2,663
Gross Profit			285				331				406				636				814				907				990				1,058				1,150
Operating Income			28				52				128				315				453				482				529				564				618
EBITDA(1)			60				69				142				325				459				494				542				578				633
Net Income			31				39				93				228				328				350				385				412				453
Earnings per share		$	0.98			$	1.22			$	2.79			$	6.65			$	9.35			$	9.74			$	10.46			$	10.94			$	11.75
Free Cash Flow(2)			N/A			$	(66.6	)		$	(66.4	)		$	55.1			$	144.9			$	223.2			$	272.0			$	316.2			$	329.4

 

(1)

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. It is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income, net income or other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

(2)	Free Cash Flow is calculated as Operating Income, minus the provision (benefit) for income taxes, capital expenditures and changes in working capital, plus depreciation and amortization, and includes stock based compensation expense.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

Interests of Cymer Officers and Directors in the Merger

Cymer executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of Cymer stockholders generally. The Cymer Board was aware of these potentially differing interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and to recommend that you vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

For further information with respect to arrangements between Cymer and its named executive officers, see the information included under “Advisory Vote on Merger–Related Compensation for Cymer’s Named Executive Officers–Golden Parachute Compensation” beginning on page 106.

Outstanding Equity Compensation Awards

Upon consummation of the merger, each option to acquire shares of Cymer common stock that has vested will be converted into an amount in cash, without interest thereon, for each share of Cymer common stock underlying such option equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) $20.00 and (B) the product of (1) 1.1502 and (2) the ASML Share Price, over (ii) the per share exercise price of such Cymer stock option. Each unvested option to purchase Cymer common stock will be assumed by ASML and converted into an option to purchase a number of ASML ordinary shares equal to the number of shares of Cymer common stock subject to such option multiplied by the Stock Award Exchange Ratio, and the exercise price for each ASML ordinary share underlying such option will be equal to the exercise price per share of Cymer common stock subject to such Cymer stock option divided by the Stock Award Exchange Ratio.

Other than with respect to restricted stock units held by outside directors, upon consummation of the Merger, each restricted stock unit of Cymer that has vested will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration. In addition, other than with respect to restricted stock units held by outside directors, each unvested restricted stock unit of Cymer will be assumed by ASML and converted into a number of ASML restricted stock units equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Cymer common stock underlying such Cymer restricted stock unit multiplied by (ii) the Stock Award Exchange Ratio.

The unvested options and restricted stock units are not subject to “single-trigger” vesting (i.e., vesting is not triggered merely upon a change in control) in connection with the merger, so there is no acceleration of the vesting upon completion of the merger. However, four of the executives, Robert P. Akins, Edward J. Brown, Jr., Paul B. Bowman and Karen K. McGinnis, are entitled to “double-trigger” vesting (i.e., vesting is triggered upon a termination of an executive’s employment without cause or a resignation for good reason within 18 months

 

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following the merger or a resignation for any reason during the 30-day period beginning one year after the merger) of their unvested options and unvested restricted stock units, as detailed further in the section titled “Employment Agreements with Robert P. Akins, Edward J. Brown, Jr., Paul B. Bowman and Karen K. McGinnis.”

Outside directors will be entitled to receive in respect of each restricted stock unit that is outstanding at the time of the merger, whether vested or unvested, a cash payment equal to the sum of (i) $20.00 plus (ii) the product of 1.1502 and the ASML Share Price. Based on the outstanding equity held as of November 21, 2012, and assuming the merger closes on March 1, 2013, there would be 1,395 unvested director restricted stock units cashed out (all other director restricted stock units would be vested).

2013 Equity Compensation Grants

Cymer expects to make 2013 equity compensation grants before the merger. Cymer and ASML have agreed that Cymer will present its 2013 Operating Plan to the Cymer Board in November 2012 for approval. The 2013 Operating Plan will include, among other things, proposed 2013 equity grants per individual and the terms and value of such grants. The 2013 equity grants are intended to be generally consistent with the value of 2012 equity grants. Following approval of the Cymer Board, the 2013 Operating Plan will be submitted to ASML for its approval, which approval is not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If 2013 equity compensation grants are awarded to outside directors those grants would be subject to accelerated vesting at the time of the merger.

Employment Agreements with Robert P. Akins, Edward J. Brown, Jr., Paul B. Bowman and Karen K. McGinnis

Cymer previously entered into employment agreements with Robert P. Akins, Edward J. Brown, Jr., Paul B. Bowman and Karen K. McGinnis. The employment agreements provide these executives with certain severance protections in the event of their termination of employment in connection with a change in control. Consummation of the merger would constitute a change in control for purposes of such employment agreements.

If employment is terminated by Cymer or ASML without “cause” or if the executive terminates his or her employment for “good reason” in either case within 18 months after the closing of the merger, or if the executive terminates his or her employment for any reason during the 30-day period beginning one year after the merger (all of such events referred to as a “qualifying termination”), the executive would be entitled to receive immediate vesting of all of his or her unvested restricted stock units and options, monthly severance payments for 24 months for Messrs. Akins and Brown, 18 months for Mr. Bowman, and 12 months for Ms. McGinnis, equal to the executive’s monthly base salary, plus the average monthly bonus and incentive program payments he or she has received for the past three calendar years, a payout of a percentage of the maximum amount of short term incentive bonus he or she could receive for the year in which the qualifying termination occurs, and continuation of health benefit premium payments under COBRA for 24 months for Messrs. Akins and Brown, 18 months for Mr. Bowman, and 12 months for Ms. McGinnis.

“Cause” is defined in each of the employment agreements generally as acts of personal dishonesty, conviction of a felony that is injurious to Cymer, a willful act of gross misconduct that is injurious to Cymer, and continued violations of the duties and scope of employment.

“Good Reason” is defined in each of the employment agreements and generally arises if Cymer or ASML significantly reduces the executive’s duties, responsibilities (including, when Cymer becomes a non-publicly traded company due to the merger, the executive not becoming the Chief Executive Officer (Mr. Akins), Chief Operating Officer (Mr. Brown), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Bowman), or Chief Accounting Officer (Ms. McGinnis) of ASML, its then-publicly traded parent), base compensation or target incentive compensation, or relocates the executive to a facility more than 50 miles from his or her present location, or if ASML fails to assume the executive’s employment agreement.

 

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The employment agreements further provide that if the payments and benefits provided to the executive under his or her employment agreement, or otherwise, would constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, then the executive will have his or her payments and benefits either (i) paid in full, or (ii) reduced to the highest amount that could be paid without triggering Section 280G of the Code, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account all applicable taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, would result in the receipt by the executive of the higher after-tax amount.

Based on the executives’ compensation levels and equity holdings as of November 21, 2012, an assumed closing and termination of employment date of March 1, 2013, a $79.75 price for Cymer common stock (derived from an average ASML stock price for the first 5 days after public announcement of the merger) and 2012 performance-based restricted stock units paying out at a 138% level for revenue/net income performance and a 150% level for market share performance (based on performance through September 30, 2012), the executives would receive approximately the following: (1) Mr. Akins: $9,582,681 in value of unvested equity, $3,104,999 in cash severance and $17,113 in COBRA benefits; (2) Mr. Brown: $5,018,668 in value of unvested equity, $2,283,435 in cash severance and $52,546 in COBRA benefits; (3) Mr. Bowman: $2,832,561 in value of unvested equity, $1,056,439 in cash severance and $27,710 in COBRA benefits; (4) Ms. McGinnis: $1,393,574 in value of unvested equity, $425,056 in cash severance and $26,273 in COBRA benefits.

On October 16, 2012, Mr. Akins and Mr. Brown each entered into a letter agreement with ASML in connection with Cymer entering into the merger agreement. The letters provide that if the executive is offered the positions of Chief Technology Strategist of ASML and Senior Vice President of the Cymer Technologies Division for Mr. Akins, and the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Cymer Light Source Division for Mr. Brown, following the merger, then the change in the executive’s duties and responsibilities will not be treated as good reason as defined in Mr. Akins and Mr. Brown’s employment agreements with Cymer, and that any claim for “good reason” after the merger having to do with the reduction in the duties and responsibilities portion of their good reason definition will be based off their new duties and responsibilities. The letters further provide that the executives and ASML will work together in good faith to try to reach agreement on the post-closing terms of their employment. The letters do not alter Mr. Akins’ and Mr. Brown’s right to terminate their employment for any reason during the 30-day period beginning one year after the merger and have such a termination be deemed a “qualifying termination.” As of November 21, 2012, Mr. Bowman and Ms. McGinnis have not yet entered into employment letters with ASML.

2012 Short Term Incentive Plan Payments

ASML and Cymer have agreed that Cymer will pay 2012 annual bonuses on the closing date of the merger. Each executive in good standing as of closing will be entitled to receive 50% of their 2012 target short term incentive plan bonus award. Executives are entitled to receive the following bonus amounts: $342,570 for Mr. Akins; $265,532 for Mr. Brown; $148,526 for Mr. Bowman; $66,950 for Ms. McGinnis; and $114,330 for Thomas J. Bondur.

Indemnification and Insurance

For a period of six years after consummation of the merger, the limited liability company agreement of the surviving entity shall contain equivalent provisions with respect to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses to those set forth in Cymer’s articles of incorporation and bylaws as of the date of the merger agreement. Such provisions may not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years after consummation of the merger in a manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or prior to the effective time of the merger, were directors, officers or employees of Cymer or any of its subsidiaries, unless required by applicable law and then only to the minimum extent required by applicable law.

For a period of six years after consummation of the merger, the surviving entity and ASML will, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless, each of Cymer’s and its subsidiaries’

 

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present and former directors, officers and employees against all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and settlement amounts paid in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation to the extent they were indemnified under Cymer’s articles, bylaws and indemnification contracts in effect as of the date of the merger agreement with respect to any action or omission in their capacity as an officer, director or employee, at or prior to the consummation of the merger.

Prior to consummation of the merger, Cymer shall and, if it is unable to, ASML shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the surviving entity as of the effective time of the merger, purchase a six-year prepaid “tail” policy, with a claims period of six years from the consummation of the merger, on the current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by Cymer covering acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the consummation of the merger with respect to those persons who are covered by Cymer’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy on terms and scope with respect to such coverage, and in amount, not less favorable to such individuals than those of such policy in effect on the date of the merger agreement. If Cymer and the surviving entity for any reason fail to obtain such “tail” policy, then the surviving entity will maintain for six years from the consummation of the merger the current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by Cymer (or the surviving entity may substitute policies issued by an insurance carrier with the same or better credit rating as Cymer’s current insurance carrier, of at least the same coverage with respect to matters occurring prior to the consummation of the merger containing terms and conditions that are not less favorable in the aggregate). The surviving entity’s obligation to purchase this “tail” policy is subject to a cap of 300% of the annual premiums paid by Cymer for such coverage on the date of the merger agreement per year of coverage. If any “tail” policy described above is put in place, then from and after the effectiveness of such “tail” policy, neither ASML nor any of its subsidiaries will have any further obligations to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

ASML’s Reasons for the Merger

At a meeting held on October 15, 2012, the Supervisory Board unanimously determined to approve the merger agreement, and, in a resolution dated October 16, 2012, the Supervisory Board approved the merger agreement. In a resolution dated October 16, 2012, the Board of Management approved the merger agreement.

The Supervisory Board and the Board of Management each consulted with ASML’s outside financial and legal advisors and considered a number of factors in connection with their respective approvals of the merger agreement, including the following:

 

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Fundamental Objective. An acquisition of Cymer is critical to achieving ASML’s strategic objective of delivering an economically viable EUV scanner to semiconductor manufacturers as soon as possible. Absent the acquisition, ASML believed that Cymer would not have sufficient resources to complete the development of the EUV source. In addition, ASML’s history of working collaboratively with Cymer to help Cymer develop the EUV source has proven to be inefficient, difficult to manage and has led to delays in EUV source development. The merger will allow ASML to more effectively partition responsibilities between Cymer, its suppliers and ASML, reducing risks and increasing development speed.

 

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Development of EUV Technologies. The potential for success of commercializing EUV technologies, including:

 

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the fact that ASML and Cymer have collaborated closely for over a year, and the merger is the natural evolution of their existing cooperation in developing EUV technology;

 

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the belief that combining Cymer’s expertise in EUV light sources with ASML’s expertise in lithography systems design and integration will reduce the risks related to the successful development of, and accelerate the introduction of, EUV technology;