ASSET AND FRANCHISE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT
99.1
This
Asset and Franchise Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of December
5,
2005, between NISSAN
OF NATICK, INC.
a
Massachusetts corporation with an office and principal place of business at
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000 (“Seller”) and HOMETOWN
AUTO RETAILERS, INC.,
a
Delaware corporation with a principal place of business at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx 00000 (“Buyer”).
WHEREAS,
Seller
desires to sell, and Buyer desires to purchase Seller’s Nissan Sales and Service
franchise and certain of Seller’s assets on the terms set forth in this
Agreement;
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration
of the mutual covenants and promises contained
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound,
agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
As
used
in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified or referred
to in this Section 1:
“Applicable
Contract”-- any Contract (a) under which the Company has or may acquire any
rights, (b) under which the Company has or may become subject to any obligation
or liability, or (c) by which the Company or any of its assets is or may become
bound.
“Assets”
-- the specific assets of the Seller being acquired by the Buyer, to wit: the
Nissan Franchise rights, customer lists, business telephone and facsimile
numbers, Nissan point-of-sale materials, Nissan literature and literature
display items and paper copies of the Nissan customer sales and service records
or electronic data facsimile however the case may be, Nissan Special Tools,
Nissan Parts and Accessories and Nissan New Vehicle Inventory. No other asset
of
the Seller not hereinabove specifically described herein shall be included
in
the sale.
“Best
Efforts”-- the efforts that a prudent Person desirous of achieving a result
would use in similar circumstances to ensure that such result is achieved as
expeditiously as possible; provided, however, that an obligation to use Best
Efforts under this Agreement does not require the Person subject to that
obligation to take actions that would result in a materially adverse change
in
the benefits to such Person of this Agreement and the Contemplated
Transactions.
“Xxxx
of
Sale” -- the Xxxx of Sale in the Form attached hereto as Exhibit
“A”.
“Breach”--
a “Breach” of a representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other
provision of this Agreement or any instrument delivered pursuant to this
Agreement will be deemed to have occurred if there is or has been (a) any
inaccuracy in or material breach of, or any failure to perform or comply with,
such representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision, or
(b)
any claim (by any Person) or other occurrence or circumstance that is or was
materially inconsistent with such representation, warranty, covenant,
obligation, or other provision, and the term “Breach” means any such inaccuracy,
breach, failure, claim, occurrence, or circumstance.
“Buyer”
-
Hometown Auto Retailers, Inc.
“Closing”
-- as defined in Section 2.5.
“Closing
Date”-- the date and time as of which the Closing actually takes
place.
“Company”--
Nissan of Natick, Inc.
“Consent”--
any approval, consent, ratification, waiver, or other authorization (including
any required governmental authorization).
“Contemplated
Transactions”-- all of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including:
(a) the
Sale
of Seller’s Franchise;
(b) the
sale
of the Assets by Seller to Buyer; and
(c)
the
performance by Buyer and Seller of their respective covenants and obligations
under this Agreement.
“Contract”--
any agreement, contract, obligation, promise, or undertaking (whether written
or
oral and whether express or implied) that is legally binding.
“Encumbrance”--
any charge, claim, community property interest, condition, equitable interest,
lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or restriction
of any kind, including any restriction on use, voting, transfer, receipt of
income, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.
“Escrow
Agreement” -- the Escrow Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
G.
“Franchise”--
Nissan North America, Inc. Sales and Service Franchise.
“GAAP”--
generally accepted United States accounting principles, applied on a basis
consistent with the basis on which the Balance Sheet and the other financial
statements referred to in Section 3.4(b) were prepared.
“Governmental
Body” -- means any supranational, national, state, municipal, local or foreign
governmental, any instrumentality, subdivision, court, administrative agency,
commission or other authority hereof.
“Knowledge”--
an individual will be deemed to have "Knowledge" of a particular fact or other
matter if:
2
(a) |
such
individual is actually aware of such fact or other matter;
or
|
(b) |
a
prudent individual could be expected to discover or otherwise
become aware
of such fact or other matter in the course of conducting a
reasonably
comprehensive investigation concerning the existence of such
fact or other
matter.
|
“Legal
Requirement”-- any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, international,
multinational, or other administrative order, constitution, law, ordinance,
principle of common law, regulation, statute, or treaty.
“Location”
-- the proposed location at which BUYER will run the Franchise known as Bay
State Lincoln-Mercury, Inc., 000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, XX
00000.
“Nissan”
-- Nissan North America, Inc.
“Nissan
Special Tools” -- those Nissan tools and test equipment referenced in Section
2.2(d).
“Nissan
Parts and Accessories” -- all new, unused, undamaged and returnable parts and
accessories listed in the current Nissan Parts and Accessories catalogues which
have a turn history not exceeding one year referenced in Section
2.2(c).
“Nissan
New Vehicle Inventory” -- all new undamaged 2005 and 2006 Nissan vehicles
originally ordered from Nissan for the Company’s own inventory with less than
250 miles, except any demonstrator vehicles including, without limitation,
those
vehicles in transit to the Seller at the date of Closing.
“Order”--
any award, decision, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, subpoena, or verdict
entered, issued, made, or rendered by any court, administrative agency, or
other
Governmental Body or by any arbitrator.
“Ordinary
Course of Business”-- an action taken by a Person will be deemed to have been
taken in the "Ordinary Course of Business" if such action is consistent with
the
past practices of such Person and is taken in the ordinary course of the normal
day-to-day operations of such Person and such action is not required to be
authorized by the board of directors of such Person (or by any Person or group
of Persons exercising similar authority) and is not required to be specifically
authorized by the parent company (if any) of such Person.
“Organizational
Documents”-- (a) the articles or certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of
a corporation and/or a limited liability company; (b) any charter or similar
document adopted or filed in connection with the creation, formation, or
organization of a Person; and (c) any amendment to any of the
foregoing.
“Person”--
any individual, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general
or
limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust,
association, organization, labor union, or other entity or Governmental
Body.
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“Proceeding”--
any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation, or suit
(whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or informal) commenced,
brought, conducted, or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any
Governmental Body or arbitrator.
“Related
Person”-- with respect to a particular individual:
(a) |
each
other member of such individual's
Family;
|
(b)
|
any
Person that is directly or indirectly controlled by such individual
or one
or more members of such individual's
Family;
|
(c)
|
any
Person in which such individual or members of such individual's Family
hold (individually or in the aggregate) a Material Interest;
and
|
(d) |
any
Person with respect to which such individual or one or more members
of
such individual's
Family serves as a director, officer, partner, executor, or trustee
(or
in a
similar capacity) -- with respect to a specified Person other than
an
individual:
|
(e)
|
any
Person that directly or indirectly controls, is directly or indirectly
controlled by, or is directly or indirectly under common control
with such
specified Person;
|
(f) |
any
Person that holds a Material Interest in such specified
Person;
|
(g)
|
each
Person that serves as a director, officer, partner, executor, or
trustee
of such specified Person (or in a similar
capacity);
|
(h) |
any
Person in which such specified Person holds a Material
Interest;
|
(i)
|
any
Person with respect to which such specified Person serves as a general
partner or a trustee (or in a similar capacity);
and
|
(f) |
any
Related Person of any individual described in clause (b) or
(c).
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For
purposes of this definition, (a) the "Family" of an individual includes (i)
the
individual, (ii) the individual's spouse, (iii) any other natural person who
is
related to the individual or the individual's spouse within the second degree,
and (iv) any other natural person who resides with such individual, and (b)
"Material Interest" means direct or indirect beneficial ownership (as defined
in
Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of voting securities
or
other voting interests representing at least 10% of the outstanding voting
power
of a Person or equity securities or other equity interests representing at
least
10% of the outstanding equity securities or equity interests in a
Person.
“Representative”--
with respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, employee, agent,
consultant, advisor, or other representative of such Person, including legal
counsel, accountants, and financial advisors.
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“Securities
Act”-- the Securities Act of 1933 or any successor law, and regulations and
rules issued pursuant to that Act or any successor law.
“Seller”--
Nissan of Natick, Inc.
“Tax”,
“Taxes”, “Taxable” -- means all foreign, federal, state, local and other taxes
of any nature, including but not limited to income, gross receipts, sales,
use,
advalorem, value added, transfer, franchise, license, payroll, employment,
property or other taxes, levies, fees, or assessment of any kind whatsoever.
“Tax
Return”-- any return (including any information return), report, statement,
schedule, notice, form, or other document or information filed with or submitted
to, or required to be filed with or submitted to, any Governmental Body in
connection with the determination, assessment, collection, or payment of any
Tax
or in connection with the administration, implementation, or enforcement of
or
compliance with any Legal Requirement relating to any Tax.
“Threatened”--
a claim, Proceeding, dispute, action, or other matter will be deemed to have
been “Threatened” if any demand or statement has been made (orally or in
writing) or any notice has been given (orally or in writing).
2. SALE
AND TRANSFER OF FRANCHISE AND ASSETS; CLOSING
2.1
ASSETS
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller will
sell,
transfer and assign (to the extent assignable) all of its right, title and
interest in the Franchise and the Assets to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase
the
Franchise and the Assets from Seller. To the extent the Franchise is not
assignable, then Nissan must provide in lieu thereof a new franchise type
agreement between it and Buyer in accordance with Section 2.7(a)(ii). A Closing
for the sale of Assets shall occur not more than seven (7) days after
satisfaction of the Buyer’s and Seller’s conditions precedent to closing set
forth in sections 6 and 7, but in no event not later than January 31, 2006.
2.2
PURCHASE
PRICE
The
purchase price (the "Purchase Price") will be the aggregate sum of items (a),
(b), (c) and (d) as follows:
(a) |
$2,000,000
for the goodwill of the Seller;
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(b)
|
an
amount equal to the net invoice price to Seller, adjusted for dealer
installed equipment at cost, holdback, advertising and floor plan
assistance for the Nissan New Vehicle Inventory purchased by Buyer
pursuant hereto;
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(c)
|
the
actual catalog value of the Nissan Parts and Accessories in Seller’s stock
as of the Closing Date. The approximate current value of the Nissan
Parts
and Accessories is estimated at $150,000 which amount may be less
as of
the Closing Date. If the parties cannot mutually agree on the actual
catalogue value, then the actual catalog value shall be determined
by an
audit prior to Closing by a mutually agreeable independent third
party
paid equally by Buyer and Seller and the price for same shall be
adjusted
accordingly.
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(d)
|
the
scaled value of the Nissan Special Tools to be valued as: (i) 100%
of
acquisition price for current tools less than one year old as of
the
Closing Date; (ii) 75% of tools one year, but not less than two years’ old
as of the Closing Date, (iii) 50% for tools two years’ old, but less than
three years’ old as of the Closing Date; and (iv) 25% for tools three
years’ old or more as of the Closing Date. The approximate current value
of the Nissan Special Tools is $20,000. If the parties cannot mutually
agree on the value of the Nissan Special Tools, the actual value
shall be
determined by an audit prior to closing by a mutually agreeable
independent third party paid equally by Buyer and Seller and the
price for
same shall be adjusted accordingly.
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2.3 DEPOSIT
BUYER
has
made an initial deposit toward the Purchase Price in the amount of FORTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($40,000) which is being held by GW Marketing Services, Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx, Xx., (herein referred to as the “Initial Deposit”) and further
agrees that an additional deposit of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000)
shall be made upon execution of this Agreement (herein referred to as the
“Second Deposit”). The Second Deposit shall be made by check payable to Seller’s
counsel, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, LLP, as Trustee, to be held in Escrow, pending Closing
in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement. Upon full execution of
this Agreement, the Initial Deposit will also be transferred to Seller’s counsel
to hold in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement.
The
Initial Deposit and the Second Deposit (together the “Deposits”) will be paid to
Seller upon the Closing with a credit to the Buyer for such amounts toward
the
satisfaction of the Purchase Price. It is expressly understood that both
Deposits and all interest earned thereon are fully refundable should there
be no
Closing due to the fact that any conditions precedent to BUYER’S obligation to
close (as set forth in Section 6, including but not limited to the contingencies
in Sections 2.7(a) or 6.8) are not met. If there is no Closing, due to the
Buyer’s failure to close except as a result of the failure of the conditions
precedent in Sections 6.8 and 2.7(a), then the Deposits and all interest earned
thereon may be retained by the Seller and retention of such Deposits shall
be
Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy for Buyer’s Breach.
6
2.4 PAYMENT
The
Purchase Price shall be payable as follows:
(a)
|
The
2,000,000 provided for in Section 2.2(a) plus the value determined
for the
Nissan Parts and Accessories pursuant to 2.2(c), plus the value determined
for the Nissan Special Tools pursuant to 2.2(d) shall be payable
in
certified funds drawn on Boston area banks or by wire transfer, less
credit to the Buyer for the Deposits made pursuant to 2.3. Seller
may
apply a portion of the purchase price to the payoff existing financing
facilities with discharge of any liens arranged at the Closing between
the
lenders or their counsel with arrangements for UCC-3 Termination
Statements to be delivered and filed
post-closing.
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(b)
|
The
net value of the Nissan New Vehicle Inventory determined pursuant
to
2.2(b), with payment to be coordinated with Seller’s and Buyer’s floor
plan lenders with payment by Buyer’s floor plan lenders to Seller’s floor
plan lenders effectuated at the date of Closing. If the net value
exceeds
the Seller’s floor plan loan balances the net amount shall be paid by
Buyer to Seller as set forth in Section 2.4(a) above. If Seller’s floor
plan balance exceeds the net value, payment of such balance shall
be
Seller’s sole responsibility. It is understood and agreed that all per car
Floor Plan Credits shall remain the property of Seller except Buyer
shall
receive Floor Plan Credits on any non-sold new cars received at Seller’s
dealership within the last fifteen (15) days prior to
Closing.
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2.5
CLOSING
The
Closing will take place at the offices of Seller’s counsel or at a mutually
acceptable location in accordance with Section 2.1 above. Subject to the
provisions of Section 8, failure to consummate the purchase and sale provided
for in this Agreement on the date and time and at the place determined pursuant
to this Section 2.5 will not result in the termination of this Agreement and
will not relieve any party of any obligation under this Agreement.
2.6 EXCLUSIONS
Buyer
is
purchasing only those assets specifically described herein. All other assets
of
the Seller not specifically included herein shall remain the property of Seller.
Additionally, no purchase of used vehicles is contemplated as part of this
transaction. Buyer is assuming no liabilities of Seller, and Seller shall be
solely responsible for all its liabilities of any nature, including but not
limited to payments due Seller’s vendors, consultants and taxing authorities for
any Tax, including without limitation sales and use taxes relating to the
operation of Seller’s business.
2.7
CLOSING
OBLIGATIONS
At
the
Closing:
(a) |
Seller
will deliver to Buyer:
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7
(i)
|
a
Warranty Xxxx of Sale and other related documents for the Assets
including
a recitation that the Assets are being sold free and clear of all
liens
and encumbrances;
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(ii)
|
Assignment
of Seller’s Franchise Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to Buyer
and/or Nissan. In the alternative, Seller’s obligation under this item
shall be deemed satisfied if Nissan shall determine, in its discretion,
to
issue to Buyer a new Franchise type Agreement in lieu of permitting
an
assignment.
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(iii)
|
Such
further documents as are reasonably necessary to effectuate the sale
and
transfer of the Assets and Franchise as herein
contemplated.
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(iv)
|
Waiver
of Massachusetts Department of Revenue under MGL, Chapter 62C, Sections
51
and 52.
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(b)
Buyer
will deliver to Seller:
(i)
|
A
bank cashier's or certified check (each drawn on Boston area banks)
or
wired funds payable to the order of Seller or its designee, in those
amounts determined in accordance with Sections 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4.
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(ii)
|
Payment
to Seller’s floor plan lender and/or to Seller as determined in accordance
with Section 2.4(b).
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3.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller
represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:
3.1
ORGANIZATION
AND GOOD STANDING
The
Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing
under the laws of Massachusetts, with full corporate power and authority to
conduct its business as it is now being conducted and to perform all its
obligations under this Agreement.
3.2
AUTHORITY
This
Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Seller,
enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms. Upon the execution
and
delivery by Seller of the documents identified in Article 2.7 (collectively,
the
“Seller’s Closing Documents”), the Seller’s Closing Documents will constitute
the legal, valid, and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against Seller
in accordance with their respective terms. Seller has the absolute and
unrestricted right, power, authority, and capacity to execute and deliver this
Agreement and the Seller’s Closing Documents and to perform their obligations
under this Agreement and the Seller’s Closing Documents.
8
Additionally,
neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller nor the
consummation or performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions by Seller
will give any Person the right to prevent, delay, or otherwise interfere with
any of the Contemplated Transactions pursuant to:
(i)
any
provision of Seller's Organizational Documents;
(ii)
any
resolution adopted by the board of directors or the stockholders of
Seller;
(iii)
any
Legal
Requirement or Order to which Seller may be subject; or
(iv)
any
Contract to which Buyer is a party or by which Seller may be bound.
Seller
is
not and will not be required to obtain any Consent from any Person in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation or
performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions, except for the consent
and
approval of Nissan and Seller’s Board of Directors.
3.3
TITLE
TO ASSETS; ENCUMBRANCES
Except
for those obligations to be paid from the proceeds of sale, Seller has good
and
marketable title to all the Assets and the Assets will be conveyed free and
clear of all Encumbrances or rights of any kind in third parties. A complete
and
accurate list of the Assets, including the list of customers over the past
five
(5) years only, is included in the sale. The customer list will be provided
at
the Closing. The customer list shall include the following information: (1)
customer name; (2) mailing address; (3) telephone number, if any; (4) vehicle
identification number; and (5) date of sale. Seller has delivered or will make
available to Buyer copies of the titles (e.g. invoices and manufacturer’s
certificate of origin) by which the Company acquired the Nissan New Vehicle
Inventory and invoices or other reasonably acceptable evidence (including
computer inventories or Nissan confirmations) relative to the Nissan Special
Tools and Nissan Parts and Accessories.
3.4
TAXES
There
are
no, and by reason of the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions, there
will be no Tax liabilities which could result in any liability to Buyer or
could
attach to the Assets. The Company has filed or will cause to be filed all Tax
Returns that are or were required to be filed. The Company has paid, or made
provision for the payment of, all Taxes that have or may have become due
pursuant to those Tax Returns or otherwise, or pursuant to any assessment
received by Seller or any Company, except such Taxes, if any, as are being
contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves (determined in
accordance with GAAP) have been provided. To the best of Seller’s knowledge, all
Tax Returns filed by (or that include on a consolidated basis) the Company
are
true, correct, and complete in all material respects. There is no tax sharing
agreements that will require any payment by the Company after the date of this
Agreement. Evidence that Seller’s sales tax obligations through December 31,
2005 have been met shall be provided at Closing. Funds shall be placed in escrow
at Closing with Seller’s counsel, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, LLP, in an amount equal to 125%
of the monthly average of Seller’s previous quarter sales tax returns on parts
and service to be applied to any sales tax due and owing. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, LLP
is
authorized to apply the escrowed funds to the sales taxes due for the month
that
Closing occurs and may remit any balance to the Seller.
9
3.5 NO
MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE
Since
the
date of this Agreement and the Closing, there has not been any material adverse
change in the business, operations, properties, assets, or condition of the
Company, and no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may result in
such a material adverse change or on the ability of the Seller to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions.
3.6 RESERVED
3.7
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS; ORDERS
There
is
no pending Proceeding that has been commenced by or against the Company or
that
otherwise relates to or may materially affect the business of, or any of the
assets owned or used by the Company, nor is Seller in default under any contract
or in payment of any of its business creditors. Pursuant to Section 9 herein,
seller will indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from any liabilities relating
to
such litigation, if any.
3.8
ABSENCE
OF CERTAIN CHANGES AND EVENTS
Since
the
date of the execution of this Agreement, the Company has conducted its business
in the Ordinary Course of Business.
3.9
CONTRACTS;
NO DEFAULTS
The
Franchise agreement identified is in full force and effect and is valid and
enforceable by Seller in accordance with its terms and the Company subject
to
Nissan’s rights under said agreement. The parties acknowledge that the Seller
has disclosed that it has received notices of Franchise deficiency. Seller
states to the best of its knowledge that such notices are not relevant to the
Contemplated Transaction as the Buyer is moving the Franchise to the Location
and Buyer will be subject to new performance standards to be determined by
Nissan.
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3.10 CONDITION
OF VEHICLES TO BE TRANSFERRED
Seller
has not removed any equipment or accessories to the vehicles in the Nissan
New
Vehicle Inventory, except for dealer installed equipment installed in the
ordinary course of Seller’s business, each such vehicle is equipped per the
manufacturer’s invoice, and is free from scratches and body damage.
3.11 DEALER
TERMINATION LETTER
On
the
Closing Date and upon receipt by Seller of the full Purchase Price, Seller
shall
cause to be executed and delivered to Nissan a dealer termination letter and/or
such further documentation as Nissan shall reasonably require with respect
to
the Franchise in order to facilitate Buyer’s application for assignment of the
Franchise (or issuance of a new Franchise) with Nissan.
3.12 DECLINATION
OF WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS
It
is
specifically understood and agreed that Buyer has conducted its own due
diligence and investigations with respect to the purchase of the Assets set
forth herein and has not
relied
on any warranty and representation of Buyer except those specifically set forth
herein. Specifically, no warranty or representation has been made by Seller
or
upon which Buyer has relied with respect to any past, present and future level
of automobile sales, sales of parts or service and/or the operating costs of
the
Company. The parties also specifically acknowledge that due to the prospective
movement by Buyer to the Location that any such past, present or future sales
or
costs estimates are irrelevant and cannot be effectively used by Buyer in making
any financial analysis or estimates.
4.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer
represents and warrants to Seller as follows:
4.1
ORGANIZATION
AND GOOD STANDING
Buyer
is
a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Delaware, with full corporate power and authority to conduct
its business as it is now being conducted, including in Massachusetts, and
to
perform all its obligations under this Agreement.
4.2
AUTHORITY
This
Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Buyer,
enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms. Upon the execution
and
delivery by Buyer of documents required herein (the “Buyer's Closing Document”)
the Buyer’s Closing Documents will constitute the legal, valid, and binding
obligations of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms
and
conditions. Buyer has the absolute and unrestricted right, power, and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Buyer's Closing Document and
to
perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Buyer's Closing
Document.
Additionally,
neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer nor the
consummation or performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions by Buyer
will give any Person the right to prevent, delay, or otherwise interfere with
any of the Contemplated Transactions pursuant to:
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(i)
any
provision of Buyer's Organizational Documents;
(ii)
any
resolution adopted by the board of directors or the stockholders of
Buyer;
(iii)
any
Legal
Requirement or Order to which Buyer may be subject; or
(iv)
any
Contract to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer may be bound.
Buyer
is
not and will not be required to obtain any Consent from any Person in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation or
performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions, except for the consent
and
approval of Ford Motor Company and Nissan as set forth in Section
6.8.
4.3
CERTAIN
PROCEEDINGS
There
is
no pending Proceeding that has been commenced against Buyer or affiliated
parties and that challenges, or may have the effect of preventing, delaying,
making illegal, or otherwise interfering with, any of the Contemplated
Transactions. To Buyer's Knowledge, no such Proceeding has been threatened.
Buyer will indemnify and hold Seller harmless from any liabilities relating
to
such proceedings, if any.
4.4
BROKERS
OR FINDERS
It
is
understood by both parties that G W Marketing Services, namely Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx, Xx. (collectively, the “Broker”), is responsible for introducing the
parties and facilitating the agreement between BUYER and SELLER in the sale
of
said ASSETS and the transfer of the Franchise and a commission shall be due
from
SELLER by previous agreement when all contingencies precedent to closing are
satisfied and the full Purchase Price is received by SELLER. BUYER shall also
pay a finders fee to Broker by previous agreement when all contingencies
precedent to closing are satisfied. Buyer’s and Seller’s obligations to Broker
are mutually exclusive.
5.
COVENANTS
OF SELLER PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE
5.1
OPERATION
OF THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
Between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will, and will cause
the
Company to:
(i) |
conduct
its business only in the Ordinary Course of Business;
|
(ii)
|
use
their Best Efforts to preserve intact the current business organization
of
the Company, keep available the services of the current officers,
and
agents of the Company, and maintain the relations and good will with
suppliers, customers, landlords, creditors, agents, and others having
business relationships with the Company, provided however, nothing
herein
shall prevent the Seller from reducing staff whether by attrition
or
otherwise; and
|
(iii)
|
obtain
appropriate consents (e.g.
Board of Directors’ approval).
|
12
5.2
REQUIRED
APPROVALS
Prior
to
the Closing, Seller will, to the extent Seller will have any input into the
approval process, assist Buyer in receiving approval from Nissan to operate
the
Franchise and to satisfy the other conditions precedent to Buyer’s obligation to
close. A copy of the subject Franchise Agreement is attached hereto as
Exhibit
“B”.
Buyer
acknowledges that the Nissan approval will be primarily based on Nissan’s
evaluation of Buyer’s financial condition, Buyer’s qualifications and experience
in the automobile business and of the proposed Location. Further, it is
acknowledged that Exhibit
“B”
(as some
may have been amended) may not be the operative franchise agreement as
determined by Nissan.
5.3 DUE
DILIGENCE ACCESS
During
the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing through January 15,
2006
thereafter, subject to extensions mutually agreed upon by the parties (“Due
Diligence”), Seller shall afford to Buyer and Buyer’s accountants, counsel,
consultants and other representatives, reasonable access to dealership records
relating to the Nissan Special Tools, Nissan Parts and Accessories, Nissan
New
Vehicle Inventory, and such other information relevant to the Assets being
sold
hereunder as the Buyer and its representatives may reasonably request in
connection with Buyer’s efforts to satisfy its conditions precedent to Closing
and/or to estimate values for the Nissan Special Tools and Nissan Parts and
Accessories. Such access shall be subject to existing Confidentiality Agreements
between the parties hereto. Seller may make copies of such information available
to Buyer at a location other than at the dealership location.
5.4 INVENTORY
It
is
understood that the Nissan Parts and Accessories and Nissan Special Tools being
acquired are to be inventoried and valued prior to Closing in accordance with
section 2.2(c) and 2.2(d). The risk of loss to the Nissan Parts and Accessories
and the Nissan Special Tools between the date hereof and the date of Closing
is
expressly borne by the Seller. There shall be no change in the Nissan Parts
and
Accessory Inventory other than in the ordinary course of business from the
date
hereof up to and including the Closing date.
6.
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE
Buyer's
obligation to purchase the Franchise and Assets and to take the other actions
required to be taken by Buyer at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction
as a
condition precedent, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following
conditions set forth in this Section 6 (any of which may be waived by Buyer,
in
whole or in part), and in the event that any condition is not met, then the
deposits made by BUYER are fully refundable (unless otherwise specified herein)
in accordance with Section 2.3.
13
6.1
ACCURACY
OF REPRESENTATIONS
All
of
Seller’s and Buyer’s representations and warranties in this Agreement
(considered collectively), and each of these representations and warranties
(considered individually), must have been accurate in all material respects
as
of the date of this Agreement, and must be accurate in all material respects
as
of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.
6.2
SELLER’S
PERFORMANCE
All
of
the covenants and obligations that Seller is required to perform or to comply
with pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing (considered
collectively), and each of these covenants and obligations (considered
individually), must have been duly performed and complied with in all material
respects.
6.3
ADDITIONAL
DOCUMENTS
Each
of
the following documents must have been delivered to Buyer:
(i)
|
an
opinion of Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, LLP dated the Closing Date, in the form
of
Exhibit
“C”
attached hereto;
|
(ii)
|
Seller’s
Board of Directors’ approval; and
|
(iii)
|
such
other documents as Buyer may reasonably request for the purpose of
(a)
enabling its counsel to provide the opinion referred to in Section
7.2,
(b) evidencing the accuracy of any of Seller’s representations and
warranties, (c) evidencing the performance by either Seller of, or
the
compliance by either Seller with, any covenant or obligation required
to
be performed or complied with by such Seller, or (d) evidencing the
satisfaction of any condition referred to in this Section
6.
|
6.4
NO
PROCEEDINGS
Since
the
date of this Agreement, there must not have been commenced or Threatened against
Buyer, or against any Person affiliated with Buyer, any Proceeding involving
any
challenge to, or seeking damages or other relief in connection with, any of
the
Contemplated Transactions that may have the effect of preventing, delaying,
making illegal, or otherwise interfering with any of the Contemplated
Transactions.
14
6.5
RESERVED
6.6
RESERVED
6.7 RESERVED
6.8 CONTINGENCIES
(a) BUYER
must be accepted as a Dealer Operator by Nissan for the FRANCHISE.
(b) Nissan
must transfer/assign all of the present Nissan Franchise Natick PMA census
tracts to BUYER as determined or allocated by Nissan in its
discretion.
(c) Nissan
must agree to reimburse BUYER, in an amount mutually agreeable to Buyer, for
the
required Nissan facility renovations and current Nissan image program upgrade
to
meet Nissan guidelines within the standard guidelines of Nissan’s “NReady
Program”.
(d) BUYER
shall secure floor plan financing and a capital loan in amounts satisfactory
to
Nissan and as needed to satisfy BUYER’S obligations set forth in Section
2.4.
(e) RESERVED
(f) RESERVED
(g) RESERVED
(h) BUYER
must obtain the necessary approvals from Ford Motor Company (herein referred
to
as “FMC”), and/or a Division as the case may be, to remove the real
estate/franchise site control from the LOCATION.
(i) BUYER
shall have obtained approval from Nissan to relocate the Nissan business and
Franchise to the LOCATION concomitant with the closing of this
AGREEMENT.
(j) RESERVED
It
is
agreed that Buyer shall have until December 31, 2005, to satisfy Contingencies
(d) and (h). In the event Buyer has not notified Seller in writing by December
31, 2005, of its inability to satisfy said contingencies, then said
contingencies shall be deemed to have been waived by Buyer. It is agreed that
Buyer shall have until January 15, 2006, to satisfy contingencies (a), (b),
(c)
and (i). In the event Buyer has not notified Seller in writing by January 15,
2006, of its inability to satisfy said contingencies, then said contingencies
shall be deemed to have been waived by Buyer.
7.
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO SELLER’S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE
Seller’s
obligation to sell the franchise and assets and to take the other actions
required to be taken by Seller at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction,
at
or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions (any of which
may
be waived by Seller, in whole or in part):
15
7.1
ACCURACY
OF REPRESENTATIONS
All
of
Buyer's representations and warranties in this Agreement (considered
collectively), and each of these representations and warranties (considered
individually), must have been accurate in all material respects as of the date
of this Agreement and must be accurate in all material respects as of the
Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.
7.2
ADDITIONAL
DOCUMENTS
Buyer
must have caused the following documents to be delivered to Seller:
(i)
|
an
opinion of Yamin & Grant, LLC, dated the Closing Date, in the form of
Exhibit “D”;
|
(ii)
|
Buyer’s
Board of Director’s approval; and
|
(iii)
|
such
other documents as Seller may reasonably request for the purpose
of (i)
enabling its counsel to provide the opinion referred to in Section
6.4,
(ii) evidencing the accuracy of any representation or warranty of
Buyer,
(iii) evidencing the performance by Buyer of, or the compliance by
Buyer
with, any covenant or obligation required to be performed or complied
with
by Buyer, or (ii) evidencing the satisfaction of any condition referred
to
in this Section 7.
|
7.3
NO
INJUNCTION
There
must not be in effect any Legal Requirement or any injunction or other Order
that (a) prohibits the sale of the Assets by Seller to Buyer, and (b) has been
adopted or issued, or has otherwise become effective, since the date of this
Agreement.
7.4 NISSAN
CAPITAL REIMBURSEMENT
Nissan
must agree to reimburse Seller for its capital expenditures, unamortized tenant
improvements, and lease obligations (if any) in an amount mutually agreeable
between Seller and Nissan.
8.
TERMINATION
8.1
TERMINATION
EVENTS
This
Agreement may, by notice given prior to or at the Closing, be
terminated:
(i)
|
by
either Buyer or Seller if a material Breach of any provision of this
Agreement has been committed by the other party and such Breach has
not
been waived. Each party agrees to give the other party written notice
and
a ten (10) day opportunity to cure such
breach;
|
(ii)
|
(a)
by Buyer if any of the conditions in Section 6 has not been satisfied
as
of the Closing Date (or earlier date as set forth herein) or if
satisfaction of such a condition is or becomes impossible (other
than
through the failure of Buyer to comply with its obligations under
this
Agreement) and Buyer has not waived such condition on or before the
Closing Date; or (b) by Seller, if any of the conditions in Section
7 has
not been satisfied as of the Closing Date or if satisfaction of such
a
condition is or becomes impossible (other than through the failure
of
Seller to comply with their obligations under this Agreement) and
Seller
has not waived such condition on or before the Closing
Date;
|
16
(iii)
|
by
mutual consent of Buyer and Seller;
or
|
(iv)
|
by
either Buyer or Seller if the Closing has not occurred (other than
through
the failure of any party seeking to terminate this Agreement to comply
fully with its obligations under this Agreement) on or before January
31,
2006, or such later date as the parties may agree upon in
writing.
|
8.2
EFFECT
OF TERMINATION
Each
party's right of termination under Section 8.1 is in addition to any other
rights it may have under this Agreement or otherwise, and the exercise of a
right of termination will not be an election of remedies. If this Agreement
is
terminated pursuant to Section 8.1, all further obligations of the parties
under
this Agreement will terminate, except that the obligations in Sections 10.1
and
10.3 will survive; provided, however, that if this Agreement is terminated
by a
party because of the Breach of the Agreement by the other party or because
one
or more of the conditions to the terminating party's obligations under this
Agreement is not satisfied as a result of the other party's failure to comply
with its obligations under this Agreement, the terminating party's right to
pursue all legal remedies will survive such termination unimpaired.
9.
INDEMNIFICATION;
REMEDIES
9.1
|
SURVIVAL;
RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION NOT AFFECTED BY
KNOWLEDGE
|
All
representations, warranties, covenants, and obligations in this Agreement will
survive the Closing for a period of eighteen (18) months only. The waiver of
any
condition based on the accuracy of any representation or warranty, or on the
performance of or compliance with any covenant or obligation, will not affect
the right to indemnification, payment of Damages, or other remedy based on
such
representations, warranties, covenants, and obligations.
17
9.2
INDEMNIFICATION
AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY SELLER
To
the
extent any Damages exceed $50,000.00 in the aggregate, Seller will indemnify
and
hold harmless Buyer (the "Indemnified Persons") for, and will pay to the
Indemnified Persons the amount of, any loss, liability, claim, damage (including
any incidental, punitive, special or consequential damages only if awarded
against Buyer in a third party claim), expense (including defense and reasonable
attorneys' fees), whether or not involving a third-party claim (collectively,
"Damages"), arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection
with:
(a)
|
any
material Breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller
in this
Agreement; and
|
(b)
|
to
the extent not covered by insurance or the obligation of Nissan or
other
manufacture or supplier, any product shipped or manufactured by,
or any
services provided by, the Company prior to the Closing
Date.
|
The
remedies provided in this Section 9.2 will not be exclusive of or limit any
other remedies that may be available to Buyer.
9.3
INDEMNIFICATION
AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY BUYER
To
the
extent any Damages exceed $50,000.00 in the aggregate, Buyer will indemnify
and
hold harmless Seller (the "Indemnified Persons") for, and will pay to the
Indemnified Persons the amount of, any loss, liability, claim, damage (including
incidental, punitive, special or consequential damages only if awarded against
Seller in a third party claim), expense (including defense and reasonable
attorneys' fees) whether or not involving a third-party claim (collectively,
"Damages"), arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection
with:
(a)
|
any
material Breach of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in
this
Agreement; and
|
(b)
|
to
the extent not covered by insurance or the obligation of Nissan or
other
manufacture or supplier, any product shipped or manufactured by,
or any
services provided by, the Company prior to the Closing
Date.
|
The
remedies provided in this Section 9.3 will not be exclusive of or limit any
other remedies that may be available to Seller or the other Indemnified
Persons.
9.4
PROCEDURE
FOR INDEMNIFICATION--THIRD PARTY CLAIMS
Promptly
after receipt by an Indemnified Person under Section 9.2 and 9.3, of notice
of
the commencement of any Proceeding against it, such indemnified party will,
if a
claim is to be made against an indemnifying party under such Section, give
notice to the indemnifying party of the commencement of such claim, failure
to
notify the indemnifying party will relieve the indemnifying party of any
liability that it may have to any indemnified party.
18
If
any
Proceeding is brought against an indemnified party and it gives notice to the
indemnifying party of the commencement of such Proceeding, the indemnifying
party will, unless the claim involves Taxes, be entitled to participate in
such
Proceeding and, to the extent that it wishes (unless (i) the indemnifying party
is also a party to such Proceeding and the indemnified party determines in
good
faith that joint representation would be inappropriate, or (ii) the indemnifying
party fails to provide reasonable assurance to the indemnified party of its
financial capacity to defend such Proceeding and provide indemnification with
respect to such Proceeding), to assume the defense of such Proceeding with
its
counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party and, after notice from the
indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the
defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party will not, as long as it
diligently conducts such defense, be liable to the indemnified party for any
fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the defense of
such
Proceeding, in each case subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in
connection with the defense of such Proceeding. If the indemnifying party
assumes the defense of a Proceeding, (i) it will be conclusively established
for
purposes of this Agreement that the claims made in that Proceeding are within
the scope of and subject to indemnification; (ii) no compromise or settlement
of
such claims may be effected by the indemnifying party without the indemnified
party's consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed)
unless (A) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Legal
Requirements or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on
any
other claims that may be made against the indemnified party, and (B) the sole
relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the indemnifying
party; and (iii) the indemnified party will have no liability with respect
to
any compromise or settlement of such claims effected without its consent. If
notice is given to an indemnifying party of the commencement of any Proceeding
and the indemnifying party does not, within ten days after the indemnified
party's notice is given, give notice to the indemnified party of its election
to
assume the defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party will be bound
by
any determination made in such Proceeding or any compromise or settlement
effected by the indemnified party.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if an indemnified party determines in good faith that there
is a
reasonable probability that a Proceeding may adversely affect it or its
affiliates other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be
entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the indemnified party may,
by
notice to the indemnifying party, assume the exclusive right to defend,
compromise, or settle such Proceeding, but the indemnifying party will not
be
bound by any determination of a Proceeding so defended or any compromise or
settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably
withheld).
10.
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
10.1
EXPENSES
Except
as
otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each party to this Agreement
will bear its respective expenses incurred in connection with the preparation,
execution, and performance of this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions,
including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, counsel, and
accountants in connection with this Agreement, due diligence conducted prior
to
Closing, and the Contemplated Transactions.
19
10.2
PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The
Buyer
and Seller shall mutually prepare a press release for dissemination. Such press
releases or other public filings shall comply with Buyer’s S.E.C. reporting
requirements and will include that level of detail necessary to satisfy such
requirements. Buyer has been advised by its S.E.C. counsel that such release
or
filings are required by law or regulation prior to closing. Buyer’s S.E.C.
counsel shall provide a written opinion to this effect if requested by Seller.
10.3
CONFIDENTIALITY
Prior
to
Closing, subject to the provisions of Section 10.2, Buyer and Seller shall
abide
by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit
”E”.
10.4
NOTICES
All
notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered
by
hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by certified registered
mail, return receipt requested, or (c) when received by the addressee, if sent
by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (receipt requested),
in
each case to the appropriate addresses set forth below (or to such other
addresses as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):
Seller:
Nissan of Natick, Inc.
c/o
Woburn Foreign Motors, Inc.
000
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
with
a
copy to:
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Esquire
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx LLP
000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx,
XX 00000
Buyer:
Hometown Auto Retailers, Inc.
0000
Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
with
a
copy to:
Yamin
& Grant, LLC
Grand
Professional Building
000
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
20
10.5
JURISDICTION;
SERVICE OF PROCESS
Any
action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right
arising out of, this Agreement may be brought against any of the parties in
the
courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Middlesex, or, if it
has
or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the
District of Massachusetts, and each of the parties consents to the jurisdiction
of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action
or
proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any action
or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party
anywhere in the world. The prevailing party in any action or proceeding shall
be
entitled to all or part of its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs if so
determined by a Court of competent jurisdiction in its discretion. The parties
hereby do hereby waive any compensatory, punitive, special or consequential
damages in any action or proceeding hereunder.
THE
UNDERSIGNED KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION, ACTION
OR
PROCEEDING WHICH ARISES OUT OF, OR IS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT
OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OR
ANY
OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY
CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, EMPLOYEE, AGENT OR COUNSEL OF THE UNDERSIGNED
HAS REPRESENTED, WHETHER EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT THE UNDERSIGNED WOULD
NOT
IN THE EVENT OF SUCH LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THIS
WAIVER OF RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY.
10.6
FURTHER
ASSURANCES
The
parties agree (a) to furnish upon request to each other such further
information, (b) to execute and deliver to each other such other documents,
and
(c) to do such other acts and things, all as the other party may reasonably
request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Agreement and the
documents referred to in this Agreement.
10.7
WAIVER
The
rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not
alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any
right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to
in
this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege,
and
no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will
preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or
the
exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement
or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party,
in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless
in
writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party
will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and
(c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any
obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or
demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this
Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.
21
10.8
ENTIRE
AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION
This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties with respect
to
its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in
this
Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement
between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may
not
be amended except by a written agreement executed by the party to be charged
with the amendment.
10.9
ASSIGNMENTS,
SUCCESSORS, AND NO THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS
Buyer
shall have one (1) option to assign its rights under this Agreement to one
of
its affiliates or successors only with the prior consent of the Seller (not
to
be unreasonably withheld) and Nissan and provided that said assignee shall
agree
in writing with Seller to assume the obligations of the Buyer hereunder. Seller
may not make any assignment of its rights and obligations hereunder. Subject
to
the preceding sentence, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects
upon, and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the
parties. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed
to
give any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable
right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision
of this Agreement. This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions
are
for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their
successors and assigns.
10.10
SEVERABILITY
If
any
provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain
in
full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or
unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to
the
extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
10.11
SECTION
HEADINGS, CONSTRUCTION
The
headings of Sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and
will not affect its construction or interpretation. All references to "Section"
or "Sections" refer to the corresponding Section or Sections of this Agreement.
All words used in this Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or
number as the circumstances require. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the
word "including" does not limit the preceding words or terms.
10.12
TIME
OF ESSENCE
With
regard to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement,
time is of the essence.
22
10.13 GOVERNING
LAW
This
Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
without regard to conflicts of laws principles.
10.14 COUNTERPARTS
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be
deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken
together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.
11. OTHER
AGREEMENTS
11.1 NON-SOLICITATION
BY SELLER
At
the
Closing, SELLER will provide Buyer with a Non-Solicitation agreement in the
form
attached hereto as Exhibit
“F”
which
provides for the non-solicitation of Nissan of Natick, Inc.’s sales and service
customers. Such agreement shall be for a period of five (5) years and shall
prohibit the solicitation of SELLER’S sales and service customers. SELLER (or
its affiliates) will be allowed to do mass mailing non targeted advertising
without the use of Nissan of Natick Inc.’s customer lists or database
information as such information is being acquired by BUYER in this transaction.
SELLER may deal with such customers if they fortuitously present at SELLER’S
affiliate location.
11.2 NON
RE-LOCATION BY BUYER
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 93B, neither BUYER or
its
affiliates, successor or assigns shall not, within three (3) years of the date
of Closing, relocate the Nissan dealership from the LOCATION without the written
consent of SELLER or its assignee which consent may be withheld at SELLER’S sole
discretion. After said three (3) year period, neither the BUYER or its
successors or assigns shall relocate the Nissan dealership from the LOCATION
to
a location any closer than six (6) miles to the Nissan Automobiles of
Marlborough, Inc. located at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
(the “Marlborough Dealership”). Nothing herein is intended, nor shall it be
interpreted as waiving the rights of the SELLER or its principals under
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 93B, which may prohibit the moving of the
Nissan dealership within the distances prescribed by said statute as it is
amended from time to time.
11.3 RESERVED
[SIGNATURES
ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
23
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written
above.
BUYER:
HOMETOWN AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
By:
___________________________
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, duly authorized
Its
President
Before
me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared,_________, signer
of
the foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed
on behalf of Hometown Auto Retailers, Inc. and that he has authority to execute
this instrument and bind Hometown Auto Retailers, Inc. thereby.
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/s/ | ||
Notary Public |
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My commission expires: |
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SELLER:
NISSAN OF NATICK, INC.
By:
___________________________
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, duly authorized
Its
President
Before
me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared,________________,
signer
of the foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act and
deed on behalf of Nissan of Natick, Inc. and that he has authority to execute
this instrument and bind Nissan of Natick, Inc. thereby.
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/s/ | ||
Notary Public |
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My
commission expires:
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SCHEDULE
OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
“A” Xxxx
of Sale
EXHIBIT
“B” Franchise
Agreement
EXHIBIT
“C” Opinion
of Xxxxxx Xxxxxx LLP
EXHIBIT
“D” Opinion
of Yamin & Grant, LLC
EXHIBIT
“E” Confidentiality
Agreement
EXHIBIT
“F” Non-Solicitation
Agreement
EXHIBIT
“G” Escrow
Agreement-
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