THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S.
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") OR QUALIFIED UNDER
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE,
PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN EFFECT
WITH RESPECT TO THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND QUALIFICATION UNDER
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE
COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of the 1st day of September, 1997, by and between Netter Digital Entertainment,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Optionor"), and H.D. Xxxxx & Co., Inc.
("Optionee") with reference to the following facts:
A. Optionor and Optionee have entered into a financial advisory
agreement pursuant to which Optionor has engaged Optionee to act as an exclusive
financial advisor and consultant for a period of six (6) months commencing
September 1, 1997.
B. Optionor has agreed to grant to Optionee an option to purchase up to
225,000 authorized and unissued shares of Optionor's Common Stock ("Common
Stock").
C. The Board of Directors of Optionor has approved the grant by Optionor
to Optionee of an option to purchase up to 225,000 shares of Common Stock, upon
the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. GRANT OF OPTION; TERM AND CONSIDERATION.
1.1 Grant of Option. In consideration of One Hundred Dollars
($100), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Optionor hereby grants to
Optionee an irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase up to an aggregate of
225,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Option Shares") at the various purchase
prices per Option Share set forth in the table below (collectively, the
"Exercise Prices"), all on the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
Number of Option Shares Purchase Price
----------------------- --------------
50,000 $3.50
75,000 $5.50
100,000 $7.50
1.2 Term. The term of the Option (the "Term") shall commence as
of the date hereof and shall expire at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on the
later of (i) December 31, 1999 or (ii) one hundred eighty (180) days after the
Option Shares have been registered under an appropriate registration statement
which has become effective after filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), unless sooner terminated or sooner exercised, as provided
herein.
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Optionee may exercise the Option, if at all, at
any time during the Term by delivering written notice of exercise to Optionor
specifying the number of Option Shares to be purchased and accompanied by a
certified or bank cashier's check, payable to the order of Optionor in the
amount of the applicable Exercise Price times the number of Option Shares to be
purchased. As soon as practicable after any exercise of this Option in
accordance with the foregoing provisions, Optionor shall deliver to Optionee at
the main office of Optionor, or at such other place as shall be mutually
acceptable, a certificate or certificates representing the Option Shares as to
which the Option has been exercised.
3. RESTRICTION ON ISSUANCE OF OPTION SHARES AND DELIVERY. If
authorization of any regulatory commission or agency is required for the lawful
delivery of any certificate representing Option Shares, Optionor may withhold
delivery of such certificate until such authorization has been granted.
Optionor will make reasonable efforts to obtain such authorizations, but if
Optionor is unable to obtain such authorizations from such regulatory commission
or agency, which counsel for Optionor deems necessary for the lawful delivery of
such certificate, Optionor shall be relieved from any liability for failure to
deliver such certificate until such time that such authorization is obtained or
is obtainable.
4. RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER. Optionee shall have no rights as a
shareholder with respect to any Option Shares covered by the Option until the
date of issuance of a stock certificate to Optionee for such Option Shares. No
adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date
is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued.
5. CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The Exercise Prices and the number of
Option Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Option shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence of certain events described in
this Section 5. Upon each adjustment of the Exercise Prices, Optionee shall
thereafter be entitled to purchase, at each Exercise Price resulting from such
adjustment, the number of shares of Common Stock obtained by multiplying the
applicable Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment by the
number of Option Shares issuable pursuant hereto immediately prior to such
adjustment, and dividing the product thereof by the applicable Exercise Price
resulting from such adjustment.
5.1 Subdivision or Combination of Stock. In case Optionor shall at
any time subdivide its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number
of shares, the Exercise Prices in effect immediately prior to such subdivision
shall be proportionately reduced, and conversely, in case the outstanding shares
of Common Stock of Optionor shall be combined into a smaller number of shares,
the Exercise Prices in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be
proportionately increased.
5.2 Dividends In Common Stock, Other Stock Property,
Reclassification. If at any time or from time to time the holders of Common
Stock (or any shares of stock or other securities at the time receivable upon
exercise of the Option) shall have received or become entitled to receive,
without payment thereof,
(a) any shares of Common Stock or any shares of stock or other
securities which are at any time directly or indirectly convertible into or
exchangeable for Common Stock, or any rights or options to subscribe for,
purchase or otherwise acquire any of the foregoing by way of dividend or other
distribution;
(b) any cash paid or payable otherwise than as a regular
periodic cash dividend at a rate which is substantially consistent with
Optionor's Certificate of Incorporation or past practice (or, in the case of an
initial dividend, at a rate which is substantially consistent with industry
practice); or
(c) any Common Stock or other securities or property (including
cash) by way of a spin-off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or
similar corporate rearrangement, (other than shares of Common Stock issued as a
stock split, adjustments in respect of which shall be covered by the terms of
Section 5.1 above),
then and in each such case, Optionee shall, upon the exercise of the Option, be
entitled to receive, in addition to the number of shares of Common Stock
receivable thereupon, and without payment of any additional consideration
thereof, the amount of stock and other securities and property (including cash
in the cases referred to in clauses (b) and (c) above) which Optionee would hold
on the date of such exercise had it been the holder of record of such Common
Stock as of the date on which holders of Common Stock received or became
entitled to receive such shares and/or all other additional stock and other
securities and property.
5.3 Reorganization, Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or
Sale. If any reorganization of the capital stock of Optionor, or any
consolidation or merger of Optionor with another corporation, or the sale of all
or substantially all of its assets to another corporation shall be effected in
such a way that holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock,
securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, then, as a
condition of such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or
sale, lawful and adequate provisions shall be made whereby the Optionee shall
thereafter have the right to purchase and receive (in lieu of the shares of
Common Stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the
exercise of the rights represented hereby) such shares of stock, securities or
assets as may be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number
of outstanding shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of such
stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of
the rights represented hereby. In any such case, appropriate provision shall be
made with respect to the rights and interests of Optionee to the end that the
provisions hereof (including, without limitation, provisions for adjustments of
the Exercise Prices and of the number of Option Shares issuable and receivable
upon the exercise of the Option) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as
may be practical, in relation to any shares of stock, securities or assets
thereafter deliverable upon the exercise of the Option. Optionor will not
effect any such consolidation, merger or sale unless, prior to the consummation
thereof, the successor corporation (if other than Optionor) resulting from such
consolidation or the corporation purchasing such assets shall assume by written
instrument, executed and mailed or delivered to Optionee at the last address of
Optionee appearing on the books of Optionor, the obligation to deliver to
Optionee such shares of stock, securities or assets as, in accordance with the
foregoing provisions, Optionee may be entitled to purchase.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OPTIONEE. Optionee represents and
warrants to Optionor that this Agreement has been duly authorized and approved
by all necessary corporate action on the part of Optionee, has been duly
executed and delivery by Optionee and constitutes a valid and legally binding
obligation of Optionee enforceable in accordance with its terms.
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OPTIONOR. Optionor represents,
warrants and covenants to Optionee that:
(a) this Agreement has been duly authorized and approved by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Optionor, has been duly executed and
delivered by Optionor and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of
Optionor enforceable in accordance with its terms;
(b) Optionor is not subject to or obligated under any provision of
(i) its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, (ii) any contract, (iii) any
license, franchise or permit, or (iv) any law, regulation, order, judgment or
decree that would be breached or violated by its execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby;
(c) no authorization, consent or approval of, or any filing with,
any public body or authority is necessary for consummation by it of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(d) Optionor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement; and
(e) Optionor has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize
and reserve for issuance upon exercise of the Option the Option Shares, and the
Option Shares, when issued and delivered by Optionor to Optionee upon exercise
of the Option, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and will be free and clear of any claims, liens, encumbrances,
security interest and charges of any nature whatsoever incurred by Optionor.
8. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.
8.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, "Registrable Stock"
shall mean the Option Shares and any shares of Common Stock issued by way of a
stock split of the Option Shares. For purposes of this Agreement, any
Registrable Stock shall cease to be Registrable Stock when (i) a registration
statement covering such Registrable Stock has been declared effective and such
Registrable Stock has been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration
statement or (ii) such Registrable Stock is or may be sold or distributed
pursuant to Rule 144 (in the latter case, without being subject to the volume
limitations of Rule 144(e)) or any similar or successor provision (but not Rule
144A) under the Securities Act (as defined below).
8.2 Piggyback Registration Rights.
(a) If Optionor shall determine to register any of its
securities, for its own account or the account of any of its shareholders (other
than in connection with an exchange offer or dividend reinvestment plan or
pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or Form S-8, or any successor
forms thereto), Optionor will: (i) promptly give to Optionee written notice
thereof; and (ii) use its best efforts to include in such registration (and any
related qualification under state securities or Blue Sky laws or other
compliance), and in any underwriting involved therein, all of the Registrable
Stock specified in a written request or requests, made within fifteen (15) days
of receipt of such written notice from Optionor, by Optionee.
(b) If the registration of which Optionor gives notice
pursuant to Section 8.2 is for a registered public offering involving an
underwriting, Optionor shall so advise Optionee as a part of the written notice.
In such event, the right of Optionee to registration pursuant to Section 8.2
shall be conditioned upon Optionee's participation in such underwriting and the
inclusion of Optionee's Registrable Stock in the underwriting to the extent
provided herein. Optionee shall (together with Optionor) enter into an
underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters
selected for such underwriting by Optionor. If Optionee disapproves of the
terms of any such underwriting, Optionee may elect to withdraw therefrom by
written notice to Optionor and the underwriter. Any Registrable Stock excluded
or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be withdrawn from such registration.
8.3 Mandatory Registration Rights.
(a) If Optionor has not filed a registration statement under
paragraph 8.2 including the Registrable Stock on or before December 31, 1998,
Optionor shall, upon the written request of Optionee, as soon as practicable
thereafter but in any event by June 30, 1999 (or, if Optionor is not eligible to
use Form S-3 at that time, within 20 business days from the time that Optionor
thereafter becomes eligible to use Form S-3 for the registration of the
Registrable Stock):
(i) file under the Securities Act a Registration
Statement on Form S-3 covering all of the Registrable Stock not so previously
registered (the "Registration Statement"); and
(ii) cause the Registration Statement to be declared
effective as soon as possible after filing. If the SEC has notified Optionor
that it will respond favorably to any request for acceleration of the
Registration Statement, then Optionor will provide notice of such fact to
Optionee, and as soon as practicable file a request with the SEC for
acceleration of the Registration Statement. Except as set forth below, Optionor
will use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain
effective under the Securities Act, and will prepare and file with the SEC any
amendments or post-effective amendments as may be necessary to keep the
Registration Statement effective under the Securities Act. Optionor will
promptly notify the Optionee in writing of the date on which the Registration
Statement is declared effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Optionor shall
not be required to keep the Registration Statement effective for purposes of the
sale of Registrable Stock thereunder at any time after the earlier of the date:
(i) on which all shares of Registrable Stock have been sold or are no longer
outstanding, or (ii) on which the Term expires (the "Effectiveness Period").
8.4 Contingent Obligations. If Optionor is required by Section 8.2
or 8.3 to effect the registration of Registrable Stock, then Optionor, in
addition, shall:
(a) furnish to Optionee a copy of the required Registration
Statement, the prospectus, if any, which is a part of the Registration
Statement (the "Prospectus") and any amendments and supplements thereto any
exhibits to, or documents incorporated by reference in, the Registration
Statement as Optionee shall reasonably request; and
(b) register or qualify or cooperate with Optionee in
connection with the notification, coordination, registration or qualification of
(or obtain exemption from the registration or qualification of) the Registrable
Stock under the securities or blue sky laws of such other jurisdiction in the
United States as Optionee reasonably shall request and do any and all other acts
and things which may be reasonably necessary to enable Optionee to consummate
the disposition of the Registrable Stock by it under the Registration Statement
in such jurisdiction; provided, however, that in no event shall Optionor be
required to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction
where it is not so qualified, to subject itself to taxation in any jurisdiction
where it has not theretofore done so or to take any action which would subject
it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then
so subject.
8.5 Notification. During the Effectiveness Period, Optionor
shall notify Optionee promptly, and (if requested by Optionee) confirm such
notice in writing,
(a) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements
tothe Registration Statement of the Prospectus or for additional information
relating thereto,
(b) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any
proceedings for that purpose,
(c) of the receipt by Optionor of any notification with
respect to the suspension of the registration, qualification or exemption from
registration or qualification of any of the shares of Registrable Stock covered
by the Registration Statement for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or
threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and
(d) of the happening of any event which makes any statement
made in such Registration Statement or in the Prospectus or any document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any
material respect or which requires the making of any changes in such
Registration Statement or Prospectus so that such documents will not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
8.6 Settlements and Post-Effective Amendments. During the
Effectiveness Period, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Sections
8.5(a) or 8.5(d) above, Optionor will promptly prepare and file a supplement or
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the
Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other
document (i) required by the SEC to entitle such supplement or amendment to be
declared effective and (ii) necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the
purchasers of the Registrable Stock being sold thereunder, the Prospectus will
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
8.7 Obligations of Optionee. Following the filing of the
Registration Statement and during any period that the Registration Statement is
effective, Optionee shall:
(a) not effect any stabilization transactions or engage in
any stabilization activity in connection with Optionor's common shares in
contravention of Rule 10b-7 under the Exchange Act;
(b) furnish each broker through whom Optionee offers
Registrable Stock such number of copies of the Prospectus as the broker may
require and otherwise comply with prospectus delivery requirements under the
Securities Act;
(c) report to Optionor each month all sales, pledges and other
dispositions of Registrable Stock made by Optionee;
(d) not bid for or purchase (and not permit any Affiliated
Purchaser, as defined in Rule 10b-6 under the Exchange Act, to bid for or
purchase) any account in which Optionee has a beneficial interest, or attempt to
induce any other person to purchase any Optionor common shares in contravention
of Rule 10b-6 under the Exchange Act;
(e) cooperate with Optionor as Optionor fulfills its
obligations under Section 8.4 hereof;
(f) furnish such information concerning Optionee as Optionor
may from time to time reasonably request; and
(g) not sell under the Registration Statement during any
period after Optionor has provided notice to Optionee pursuant to Section 8.5(d)
above and until Optionor provides to Optionee notice that the Registration
Statement no longer fails to state a material fact required to be stated
therein, misstates a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made not misleading.
8.8 Expenses. Optionor shall pay all costs, fees and expenses in
connection with all post-effective amendments or new registration statements
under Section 8 hereof, including, without limitation, Optionor's legal and
accounting fees, printing expenses, blue sky fees and expenses, except that
Optionor shall not pay for any of the following costs and expenses: (a)
underwriting discounts and commissions allocable to the Registrable Stock, (b)
state transfer taxes, (c) brokerage commissions, (d) fees and expenses of
counsel and accountants for Optionee.
8.9 Indemnification.
8.9.1 Indemnity by Optionor. Optionor shall
(a) indemnify and hold harmless Optionee and its
employees, agents, directors and officers, if any, each person
who participates in the offer of such Registrable Stock,
including underwriters (as defined in the Securities Act) and
each person, if any, who controls Optionee or participating
person (as defined in the Securities Act) (collectively, the
"Shareholder Indemnitees") against any losses, claims, damages
or liabilities ("Losses"), to which such Shareholder
Indemnitees may become subject, under the Securities Act or
otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
any Registration Statement or Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented if Optionor has furnished any supplements or
amendments thereto, or any other document filed or delivered
in connection therewith under a state securities or blue sky
law (collectively, "Registration Documents") or insofar as any
Losses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are
based upon (i) the omission or alleged omission to state in
any Registration Document, as amended or supplemented if
Optionor has furnished any supplements or amendments thereto,
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements made therein (in the case of a prospectus,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made),
not misleading, or (ii) any violation or alleged violation of
any securities law by Optionor, its officers or employees in
connection with the Registration Documents, and
(b) reimburse each Shareholder Indemnitee for all legal
or other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with
investigating or defending any Loss, including any amounts
paid in settlement of any litigation, commenced or threatened,
if such settlement is effected with the prior written consent
of Optionor, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed; provided, however, that Optionor shall not be liable
for any such indemnification or reimbursement to the extent
that any such Losses arise out of or are based upon any untrue
statement or omission made in any Registration Document in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to Optionor by or on behalf of any Shareholder
Indemnitee for use in the preparation of the Registration
Document; and provided, further, that Optionor shall not be
liable to a particular Shareholder Indemnitee under the
indemnity agreement in this Section 8.9.1 with respect to the
Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, to the extent that the
Loss arises from the sale of any shares of Registrable Stock
by such Shareholder Indemnitee to the person asserting Loss
and to which there was not sent or given, within the time
required by the Securities Act, a copy of the Prospectus as
then amended or supplemented, if Optionor has previously and
timely furnished copies thereof to such indemnified party and
such Prospectus as then amended or supplemented has corrected
the misstatement or omission at issue.
8.9.2 Indemnity by Optionee. Optionee shall
(a) indemnify and hold harmless Optionor, any officer,
director, employee or agent of Optionor, and each other
person, if any, who controls Optionor within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act (collectively, the "Optionor
Indemnitees") against any Losses to which each such Optionor
Indemnitees may become subject under the Securities Act or
otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in any Registration Document, or arise out of or are
based upon the omission or alleged omission to state in any
Registration Document a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements made therein (in
the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made) not misleading, or (ii) any
violation or alleged violation of any securities law by or on
behalf of any Optionee in connection with the sale or transfer
of any shares included in the Registration Statement, and
(b) reimburse each Optionor Indemnitee for all legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with
investigating or defending any such Losses or action,
including any amounts paid in settlement of any litigation,
commenced or threatened, if such settlement is effected with
the prior written consent of Optionee;
provided, however, that such indemnification or reimbursement shall be payable
only if, and to the extent that, any Losses arise out of or are based upon an
untrue statement or omission made in any Registration Document in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to Optionor by Optionee for
use in the preparation thereof and provided, further, that the obligation of
Optionee under this Section 8.9.2 shall be limited to an amount equal to the
proceeds to the Optionee (including, for such purpose, proceeds to any
transferee of Optionee) from the Registrable Securities sold in such registered
offering.
8.9.3 Procedure for Indemnification. Promptly after receipt
by an indemnified party, under Section 8.9.1 or 8.9.2, of notice of the
commencement of any action, the indemnified party shall notify the indemnifying
party in writing of the commencement thereof, if a claim in respect thereof is
to be made against an indemnifying party under any of these Sections; but the
omission of such notice shall not relieve the indemnifying party from liability
which it may have to the indemnified party under this Section 8.9, except to the
extent that the indemnifying party is actually prejudiced by such failure to
give notice, and shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability
which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section
8.9. In case any action is brought against the indemnified party, it shall
notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying
party shall be entitled to participate in, and to the extent that it chooses, to
assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party shall not be
liable for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified
party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that if the
indemnifying party fails to take reasonable steps necessary to defend diligently
the claim within twenty (20) days after receiving notice from the indemnified
party that the indemnified party believes the indemnifying party has failed to
take such reasonable steps, or
(a) if the indemnified party who is a defendant in
any action or proceeding which is also brought against the
indemnifying party reasonably shall have concluded that there
are legal defenses available to the indemnified party which
are not available to the indemnifying party, or
(b) if representation of both parties by the same
counsel is otherwise inappropriate under applicable standards
of professional conduct, then the indemnified party shall have
the right to assume or continue its own defense as set forth
above. In no event shall the indemnifying party be
responsible for more than one firm or counsel for all
indemnified parties unless it is inappropriate under
applicable standards of professional conduct for one firm or
counsel to represent all indemnified parties.
8.9.4 Non-Exclusive Indemnity. Any indemnity agreements
contained herein shall be in addition to any other rights to indemnification or
contribution which any indemnified party may have pursuant to law or contract
and shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made or omitted by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
8.9.5 Contribution. If for any reason the foregoing
indemnity is unavailable, or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified
party, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or
payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses,
(a) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the
indemnified party on the other (determined by reference to, among
other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a
material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying
party or the indemnified party and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such untrue statement or omission), or
(b) if the allocation provided by Section (a) above is not
permitted by applicable law or provides a lesser sum to the
indemnified party than the amount hereinafter calculated, in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative fault
of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, but also the
relative benefits received by the indemnifying party on the one
hand and the indemnified party on the other, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
9. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY; COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES ACT.
9.1 Restrictions on Transferability. The Option and the Option
Shares shall not be transferable except upon the conditions specified in the
legend set forth at the beginning of this Agreement, which conditions are
intended to insure compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act.
Optionee will cause any proposed transferee of the Option or Option Shares to
agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the
conditions specified in such legend.
9.2 Restrictive Legend. Each certificate representing (a) the
Option, (b) the Option Shares, and (c) any other securities issued in respect of
the Option Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with the legend
materially similar to the legend set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.
10. OPTION TRANSFERABLE. Subject to the terms of the legend described
in Section 9, the Option and all rights under the Option are transferable, in
whole or in part, without charge to Optionee (except for transfer taxes), upon
surrender of the Option properly endorsed. Each taker and holder of the Option,
by taking or holding the same, consents and agrees that the Option, when an
appropriate instrument of transfer is endorsed in blank, shall be deemed
negotiable, and that the holder thereof, when the Option shall have been so
endorsed, may be treated by Optionor and a other persons dealing with the Option
as the absolute owner of the Option for any purpose and as transferee of the
Option on the books of Optionor any notice to the contrary notwithstanding, but,
until such transfer on such books, Optionor may treat the registered owner of
the Option as the owner for all purposes.
11. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS SURVIVE EXERCISE OF OPTION. The rights and
obligations of Optionor and of Optionee contained in Sections 8 and 9 shall
survive the exercise of the Option.
12. FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional shares shall be issued upon
exercise of the Option. Optionor shall, in lieu of issuing any fractional
share, pay Optionee a sum in cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the then
effective applicable Exercise Price.
13. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or sent by facsimile
(and promptly confirmed by mail) to the parties as follows (or at such other
address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance
herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall only be effective upon
receipt):
If to Optionor to:
Netter Digital Entertainment, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxxx, Xxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
If to Optionee to:
H.D. Xxxxx & Co., Inc.
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx & Xxxxxx LLP
00000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
14. NUMBER AND GENDER. Terms used herein in any number or gender
include other numbers or genders, as the context may require.
15. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
16. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and performance under it, shall be
construed in accordance with and under the laws of the State of California.
Should a court or other body of competent jurisdiction determine that any term
or provision of this Agreement is excessive in scope, such term or provision
shall be adjusted rather than voided and interpreted so as to be enforceable to
the fullest extent possible, and all other terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall be deemed valid and enforceable to the fullest extent possible.
17. BINDING EFFECT; PARTIES IN INTEREST. This Agreement shall be
binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the successor and
assigns of the parties hereto. Nothing expressed or referred to in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person other than the
parties to this Agreement, or their respective successors or assigns, any legal
or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any
provision contained herein.
18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof. No amendment, change or modification of
this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing, is signed by all of the
parties hereto, and expressly states that an amendment, change or modification
of this Agreement is being made. No claim of waiver, consent or acquiescence
with respect to any provision of this Agreement shall be made against any party
hereto except on the basis of a written instrument executed by or on behalf of
such party. The party hereto for whose benefit a condition is herein inserted
shall have the unilateral right to waive such condition.
19. TAXES. All taxes resulting from the issuance or exercise of the
Option are the responsibility of the Optionee. Optionor assumes no
responsibility for any taxes resulting from such issuance or exercise.
20. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each of the parties hereto shall execute and
deliver any and all additional papers and documents, and shall do any and all
further acts and thing, as may be reasonably necessary in connection with the
performance of their obligations hereunder and to carry out the intent of this
Agreement.
21. ATTORNEYS FEES. In the event that any party hereto brings an action
or proceeding for a declaration of the rights of the parties under this
Agreement, for injunctive relief, for an alleged breach or default, or any other
action arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or
in the event that any party is in default of its obligations pursuant hereto,
whether or not suit is filed or prosecuted to final judgement, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees, in addition to any other
court costs incurred and any other damages or relief awarded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Optionor and Optionee have executed this Agreement as
of the date first above written.
"OPTIONOR"
NETTER DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
a Delaware corporation
By:/s/Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
-----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Its: Chairman
"OPTIONEE"
H.D. XXXXX & CO., INC.
By:/s/Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Its: Authorized Representative
