KENSINGTON SWAN | AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES IN ELECTROPAR LIMITED
Exhibit 2.1
Agreement for sale and purchase of shares in Electropar
Limited
Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
KENSINGTON SWAN | AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES IN ELECTROPAR LIMITED
Table of contents
Parties |
1 | |||
Background |
1 | |||
Agreement |
1 | |||
1 Interpretation |
1 | |||
2 Sale and purchase of Shares |
10 | |||
3 Purchase Price and payment |
10 | |||
4 Conditions |
12 | |||
5 Purchase Price adjustment |
15 | |||
6 Earn-Out adjustment |
18 | |||
7 Conduct of Business during the Interim Period |
20 | |||
8 Pre-Completion matters |
22 | |||
9 Completion |
24 | |||
10 Warranties |
27 | |||
11 Tax indemnity |
33 | |||
12 Risk |
38 | |||
13 Notice to complete and remedies on default |
39 | |||
14 Restraint of trade |
40 | |||
15 Confidentiality and publicity |
41 | |||
16 Notices |
42 | |||
17 Miscellaneous |
43 | |||
18 Overriding Limitations of Liability |
45 | |||
Execution |
48 | |||
Schedule 1 Warranties and representations |
52 | |||
Schedule 2 Disclosed Information |
65 | |||
Schedule 3 Premises |
66 | |||
Schedule 4 Form of Working Capital Statement |
67 | |||
Schedule 5 Accounting Policies |
68 | |||
Schedule 6 Due Diligence Material |
72 |
KENSINGTON SWAN | AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES IN ELECTROPAR LIMITED
2
Schedule 7 Key Contracts |
73 | |||
Schedule 8 Retention Agreement |
74 | |||
Schedule 9 Target EBITDA Statement |
75 | |||
Schedule 10 Cameron’s Employment Agreement |
76 | |||
Schedule 11 Sensitive Materials |
77 | |||
Schedule 12 QDS Agreement |
78 | |||
Schedule 13 Form of Deeds of Covenant |
79 | |||
Schedule 14 Form of Employment Agreements for Xxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
80 | |||
Schedule 15 EBITDA Inclusions and Exclusions |
81 |
KENSINGTON SWAN | AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES IN ELECTROPAR LIMITED
3
Agreement
dated __________ 2010
Parties
1 | Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx each of Auckland, as
trustees of the Xxxxxxx Family Trust (‘Xxxxxxx Trust’) |
2 | Grant Lachlan Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxx each of Auckland, as
trustees of the T&A Xxxxxxx Family Trust (‘T&A Trust’) |
3 | Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx each of Auckland, as
trustees of the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Trust (‘CW Trust’) |
4 | Preformed Line Products Company a company at 000 Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx, XXX
(‘Purchaser‘) |
Background
A | The Vendors are the owners of the Shares. |
|
B | The Vendors have each agreed to sell and the Purchaser has agreed to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set
out in this Agreement. |
Agreement
1 | Interpretation |
|
1.1 | Definitions: In this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires: |
‘Accounting Date’ means 31 March 2010
‘Accounting Policies’ means the accounting standards, policies and processes set out in
Schedule 5
‘Accounts Receivable’ means all amounts owed to any Group Company by debtors of the Business
at the Completion Date in respect of goods or services sold, supplied or otherwise provided
by that Group Company prior to the close of business on the Completion Date
‘Adjustment Date’ means the date five working days after the Completion Working Capital
Statement is complete in accordance with clause 5.7
‘Agreed Form’ means in a form agreed to by the parties prior to execution of this Agreement
and initialled by or on behalf of the Vendors and the Purchaser for the purposes of
identification
‘Agreement’ means this agreement (including the background, schedules and annexures) as it
may be amended pursuant to clause 17.3
‘Assets’ means all the assets owned by the Group Companies which are utilised in the conduct
of the Business including Inventory, Fixed Assets, Intellectual Property, Accounts
Receivable, rights under Business Contracts and Leases, the Records and, in respect of the
Company, includes shares in the Subsidiary Company
‘Xxxx Rate’ means the mid or “FRA” rate for 90 day bank accepted bills (expressed as a
percentage) as quoted on Reuters page BKBM (or any successor page) at or about 10.45 am on
the first working day of the period in respect of which that rate of interest is to be
calculated, and thereafter at intervals of 90 days from that working day
‘Business’ means the electrical engineering manufacturing and supply business, each as
undertaken by the Group in the period prior to the Completion Date
‘Business Contracts’ means all contracts and agreements entered into by a Group Company
prior to the Completion Date to the extent that those contracts or agreements are in
existence and have not been fully performed at the Completion Date
‘Cameron’s Employment Agreement’ means the employment agreement to be entered into between
the Company and Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx the form of which is annexed to this Agreement at
Schedule 10
‘Company’ means Electropar Limited (Company Number 48108) and when the context permits
includes the Subsidiary Company
‘Companies Act’ means the Companies Xxx 0000
‘Completion’ means completion of the sale and purchase of the Shares pursuant to this
Agreement
‘Completion Date’ means the last working day of the month in which all of the Conditions
have been satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement
‘Completion Notice’ means a notice served under clause 13.1
‘Completion Working Capital Statement’ means a document in the form set out in Part B of
Schedule 4 setting out the Working Capital of the Group at the Completion Date, prepared in
accordance with clauses 5.1 and 5.2
‘Condition Date’ means 14 July 2010
‘Conditions’ means the conditions precedent contained in clause 4.1
‘Confidentiality Agreement’ means a certain agreement dated 18 November 2009 between the
Company and the Purchaser
‘Current Account Balances’ means the total amount of all indebtedness owed by any Group
Company to the Vendors immediately prior to Completion (including interest (if any) thereon
to Completion)
‘Data Room’ means the online data room maintained by or on behalf of the Vendors through
which the Purchaser and its officers, employees, agents, advisors and financiers have had
access to information and material relating to the Shares, Business and Assets
‘Default Interest Rate’ means the Xxxx Rate plus 5%
‘Defaulting Party’ means a party who fails to comply with a Completion Notice
‘Deposit’ means the amount of $1,100,000.00
2
‘Disclosed Information’ means the categories of information specified in Schedule 2
‘Disclosure Letter’ means the Agreed Form letter from the Vendors to the Purchaser executed
and delivered immediately before execution of this Agreement
‘Due Diligence Material’ means:
a | the documents and material contained in the Data Room (including all written
answers to questions) and listed in the index annexed to this Agreement as Schedule 6,
or in the case of written answers to questions contained on a CD ROM and annexed to
this Agreement at Schedule 6; and |
b | the Sensitive Materials |
‘Earn-Out Accounts’ means the consolidated profit and loss statement of the Group for
the Earn-Out Period, to be prepared in accordance with clause 6
‘Earn-Out Amount’ means the amount, if any, calculated under clause 6.8
‘Earn-Out Determination Date’ means the second working day after the date on which the
Earn-Out Accounts and the EBITDA become final and binding on the Vendors and the Purchaser
under clause 6.7 of this Agreement
‘Earn-Out Period’ means the period from the Completion Date to the first anniversary of
the Completion Date
‘EBITDA’ means the consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
of the Group for the Earn-Out Period calculated in accordance with clause 6 and as shown in
the Earn-Out Accounts and agreed by the parties, deemed to be agreed by the parties or
determined by the Independent Accountant (as the case may be) under clause 6.6
‘Employees’ means the employees of the Group from time to time
‘Encumbrance’ includes any present or future mortgage, charge, hire purchase or chattel
lease agreement, pledge or lien, hypothecation, security interest (as defined in section
17(1)(a) of the PPSA), preferential right or any other encumbrance of whatever nature, but
excludes (except in relation to the Shares) any Permitted Encumbrance
‘Environment’ means the environment or surroundings including (without limitation) air,
water and land
‘Environmental Law’ means any law in effect on or prior to Completion relating or pertaining
to the Environment, including the Resource Management Xxx 0000, the Building Act 2004 and
the Hazardous Substances and Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxx 0000
‘External Third Party Debt’ means any amount owed by a Group Company to Westpac New Zealand
Limited as at the Completion Date, including any costs or fees payable as a result of any
early repayment of such amount pursuant to clause 8.3b, but not including (for the avoidance
of doubt) any amount relating to the performance bond facility held by the Group with
Westpac New Zealand Limited
‘Financial Statements’ means the financial statements for the Group for the financial year
ended 31 March 2010 as annexed to this Agreement marked ‘A’
3
‘Fixed Assets’ means all plant, fixtures and fittings, furniture, equipment and machinery
(whether fixed or movable), tools and dies, spares, tools and vehicles owned by each Group
Company, but for the avoidance of doubt does not include Inventory
‘Group’ means the Company and the Subsidiary Company
‘Group Company’ means a member of the Group
‘Independent Accountant’ has the meaning given to that term in clause 5.6a
‘Information Memorandum’ means the information memorandum relating to the Business dated
November 2009 (including any supplement to it or replacement of it)
‘Insurance Policies’ means all existing policies of insurance for the Group as listed in the
Due Diligence Material
‘Intellectual Property’ means all intellectual and industrial property rights owned by any
Group Company including the following:
a | patents and designs including applications and registrations |
b | trade marks, trade names, business names, domain names, logos, websites and
trading indicia |
c | inventions, discoveries and trade secrets owned by the Group, whether or not
capable of protection by a patent, and |
d | confidential information, trade secrets and know-how of the Group including in
relation to data, specifications and drawings, technical information, financial
information, sales and marketing information, business systems, customer and supplier
lists |
‘Interest Rate’ means 5% per annum
‘Interim Period’ means the period between the date of this Agreement and the close of
business on the Completion Date
‘Inventory’ means the stock-in-trade of the Business as at the Completion Date including raw
materials, ingredients, work in progress, goods in transit, finished goods, third party
products, stores, consumables, spare parts, promotional, packing and packaging materials,
office supplies and all operating supplies or other maintenance items including fuels and
oils
‘Key Contracts’ means the contracts listed in Schedule 7 to this Agreement
‘Key Personnel’ means Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxx Xxxxxx
‘Material Matter’ means a new matter uncovered by the Purchaser in the Sensitive Materials
during the Sensitive Materials Verification which new matter has a value of $1,000,000 or
more
‘Leased Plant’ means such plant, equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures and fittings,
spares, tools and vehicles used by the Group which are the subject of any equipment leases,
hire purchase or conditional sales agreements
4
‘Leases’ means the leases of the Premises
‘Licences and Permits’ means all licences, consents, approvals and permits (of a statutory
or regulatory nature) which are required for the ongoing operation of the Business
‘Non-Defaulting Party’ means a party who has given a Completion Notice
‘NZGAAP’ means generally accepted accounting practice as defined in the Financial Reporting
Xxx 0000
‘OIO Condition’ means the Condition inserted for the benefit of the Purchaser and the
Vendors pursuant to clause 4.1a, by which the Purchaser obtains approval of the Overseas
Investment Office to the purchase of the Shares on terms and conditions satisfactory in all
respects to the Purchaser and the Vendors each acting reasonably
‘Ordinary Course of Business’ means any activity which is within the usual scope of the
Business when considered over the 24 month period prior to the date of this Agreement
‘Permitted Encumbrance’ means:
a | any security interest in collateral or an interest in goods (or their proceeds)
that falls under clause (a) of the definition of “Purchase Money Security Interest” in
the PPSA, or a security interest incidental thereto; and |
b | any security interest in collateral (including the Assets) securing the
External Third Party Debt, being a general security interest over all present and after
acquired property of the Company |
‘PPSA’ means the Personal Property Securities Xxx 0000
‘Premises’ means the premises occupied by the Group for the purposes of the Business, a list
of which is set out in Schedule 3
‘Purchase Price’ means the purchase price for the Shares as detailed in clause 3.1 and
includes, for the avoidance of doubt, the adjustments in clauses 5.8 and 6.9
‘Purchaser’s Solicitor’ means Xxxxxxx XxXxxxx, Xxxxx 00, 00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx,
attention Xxxxx Xxxxx
‘QDS Agreement’ means that agreement between the Company and the Wallaces in the form
attached at Schedule 12
‘Records’ means all files, records, customer lists and customer records, and all advertising
material, circulars, promotional material, accounting and Inventory records, engineering
drawings and records, employment contracts and employee records, contracts and agreements
evidencing Business Contracts, Leases and other like material relating to the Business, the
Group Companies’ statutory books, registers, accounts, records and Taxation returns
5
‘Related
Party’, in relation to a Restrained Party, means a member of a Restrained Party’s
immediate family, or any trust, company, or other entity controlled by or associated with
the Restrained Party or a member of the Restrained Party’s immediate family
‘Relief’ means, in relation to a Tax Claim, any relief, loss, allowance, credit, deduction
or set-off available to any person, or any right to repayment of Tax
‘Restrained Parties’ means Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and their Related
Parties, but specifically excludes Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
‘Retention Agreement’ means an agreement between the parties and the Vendors’ Solicitor in
relation to the Retention Amount, the form of which is annexed to this Agreement at Schedule
8
‘Retention Amount’ means initially the amount of $3,000,000, reducing in the manner provided
in clause 5.1 of the Retention Agreement
‘Sensitive Materials’ means copies of the materials and information listed in Schedule 11
‘Sensitive Materials Verification’ means the Purchaser’s review of the Sensitive Materials
to be carried out by the Purchaser under clause 4.3
‘Shares’ means all the shares issued by the Company as at the Completion Date (including all
new shares issued to the Vendors prior to the Completion Date pursuant to clause 8.2), which
shares are, as at the date of this Agreement, held by the Vendors in the following manner:
a | 500,000 ordinary shares in the Company held by the T&A Trust |
||
b | 490,000 ordinary shares in the Company held by the Xxxxxxx Trust |
||
c | 10,000 ordinary shares in the Company held by the CW Trust |
‘Subsidiary Company’ means Electropar Pty Limited (ACN 112 297 935)
‘Surviving Clauses’ means each of clauses 7.4, 15, 17.12 and 17.13
‘Target EBITDA Statement’ means that form of document set out in Schedule 9
‘Target Working Capital Statement’ means that document set out in Part A of Schedule 4
setting out the estimated Working Capital of the Business at the Completion Date
‘Tax’ includes any past, present or future form of tax, levy, impost, duty, rate, charge,
fee, deduction or withholding imposed, assessed or levied by any Tax Agency, including any
reassessments thereof, and any interest, penalties, fines, costs, charges, and other
liabilities lawfully imposed by any Tax Agency arising from or payable in respect of such
tax, and ‘Taxation’ shall have a corresponding meaning
6
‘Tax Agency’ means any governmental agency or other person, whether within New Zealand,
Australia or not, and including the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department, Australian Tax
Office, Customs Department or Accident Compensation Corporation (or any equivalent overseas
body) that collects, imposes or otherwise administers Tax
‘Tax Claim’ includes any notice, demand, assessment, letter or other document issued, or
action taken, by or on behalf of any Tax Agency as a result of which any Group Company may
be placed under any or any increased liability for Tax or may be deprived of any Relief
(whether or not within New Zealand) which might otherwise have been available to the
Purchaser or the Group Company
‘Tax Indemnity’ means the indemnity set out in clause 11
‘Tax Warranties’ means the warranties made by the Vendors in clause 18 of Schedule 1 and the
term. ‘Tax Warranty’ has a corresponding meaning
‘Title and Authorisation Warranties’ means the warranties given by the Vendors in clauses
1.1, 1.2, 1.3a, 1.3c, 1.4, 2.1-2.6 (inclusive) and 2.8 of Schedule 1
‘Unconditional Period’ means the period between the day after the date of satisfaction of
the Conditions and the day before the Completion Date
‘Vendors’ means each of the Xxxxxxx Trust, the T&A Trust and the CW Trust, in the
proportions set out in clause 18.1 and otherwise subject to the limitations set out in
clauses 18.2 to 18.6 and each such person is a ‘Vendor‘
‘Vendors’ Solicitor’ means Kensington Swan, Barristers & Solicitors, 00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, attention Xxxxx Xxxxx
‘Wallaces’ means Grant Lachlan Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
‘Warranty’ means the warranties made by the Vendors in Schedule 1 and ‘Warranties’ has a
corresponding meaning
‘Warranty Claim’ means any claim made by the Purchaser arising out of a breach of any
Warranty
‘Working Capital’ means at any given time an amount equal to the Accounts Receivable and
Inventory of the Group (of the types provided for in the Target Working Capital Statement),
minus the accounts payable of the Group (of the types provided for in the Target Working
Capital Statement)
1.2 | Construction of certain references |
In this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to:
an ‘associated person’ of another person means an associated person of that person if deemed
to be so under subpart YB of the Income Tax Xxx 0000
‘governmental agency’ means any government in any jurisdiction whether central, regional,
territorial or local and includes any agency or government department, minister, office,
regulatory board of enquiry or commission, agency, body or organisation whatsoever
a ‘law’ includes common or customary law and any constitution, decree, judgment,
legislation, order, ordinance, regulation, statute, treaty or other legislative measure, in
each case of any relevant jurisdiction (and ‘lawful’ and ‘unlawful’ shall be construed
accordingly)
7
a ‘person’ includes any individual natural person, company, corporation, partnership, firm,
joint venture, association (whether corporate or unincorporated), trust, organisation,
governmental agency, Minister of the Crown, state or agency of a state (in each case,
whether or not having separate legal personality), and includes, in each case, a person’s
executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns
a ‘related company’ means a related company as defined in the Companies Act provided that
the definition of ‘company’ includes a company wherever incorporated
‘Significant’ means sufficiently material to the existing position or the future prospects
of the Group taken as a whole so as to be likely to affect the judgement of a reasonable
purchaser for value of the Shares by causing it to reduce its assessment of the value of the
Shares by an amount in excess of $1,100,000 and ‘Significantly’ has a corresponding meaning
a ‘working day’ means a day (other than Saturday or Sunday) on which registered banks are
open for business in Auckland but excludes any day in the period from 24 December in any
year to 5 January in the following year (both inclusive).
1.3 | General construction |
In interpreting this Agreement the following rules must be applied unless the context
otherwise requires:
a | Headings: Clause and other headings are for reference only and are not an aid
in interpretation. |
b | Statutes: References to statutory provisions will include references to all
regulations, orders, rules or notices made under that statute and references to a
statute or regulation will be construed as references to those statutes or regulations
as they may be amended or re-enacted or as their application is modified by other
provisions from time to time. |
c | Clauses and Schedules: References to clauses, background, schedules or
annexures are to clauses of or schedules, background and annexures to this Agreement,
and the background, schedules and annexures referred to form part of this Agreement and
will have the same effect as if set out in the body of this Agreement. |
d | Currency: References to currency and a reference to ‘$’ or ‘dollar’ are, unless
otherwise stated, to New Zealand currency; |
e | Parties: References to a party are to a party to this Agreement and include
that party’s executors, administrators, successors in title and permitted assigns. |
f | Periods of Time: All periods of time include the day on which the period
commences and also the day on which the period ends. |
g | Non-Working Day: Any date which is not a working day, upon or by which anything
is due to be done by any party, will be deemed to be a reference to the next working
day. |
8
h | Number and Gender: Words importing the plural include the singular and vice
versa and words importing gender include all genders. |
i | Negative Obligations: Any obligation not to do something will be deemed to
include an obligation not to suffer, permit or cause that thing to be done. |
j | Obligations of Vendors: All warranties, representations, indemnities,
covenants, agreements and obligations given or entered into by the Vendors are deemed
to
have been given or entered into by the Vendors in the proportions and subject to the
limitations provided for in clause 18.1. |
k | Including: The word ‘including’ in any form is not a word of limitation. |
||
l | Vendors’ Awareness: |
i | Any reference in this Agreement, the Due Diligence Material, the
Disclosure Letter or in any other of the Disclosed Information to the knowledge,
information, belief or awareness of the Vendors (or any similar expression) is a
reference to the actual knowledge, at the date at which the statement is actually
made, of the Wallaces only and does not include any facts or circumstances of
which any such person has constructive knowledge only. |
ii | In addition to clause i, any reference in clauses 6.2, 6.3, 8.2, 8.3,
8.4, 11.2 and 20.2 of Schedule 1 to the knowledge, information, belief or
awareness of the Vendors (or any similar expression) is also a reference to the
actual knowledge, at the date at which the statement is actually made, of the Key
Personnel (excluding the Wallaces) (and in respect of clause 11.2 only, Key
Personnel is deemed to be Xxxx Xxxxxxx only), and does not include any facts or
circumstances of which any such person has constructive knowledge only. |
m | Best/Reasonable Endeavours: Where any provision of this Agreement requires a
party to use its ‘best endeavours’ or its ‘reasonable endeavours’ to procure that
something is done or happens, such provision will not include any obligation to pay any
consideration or provide any compensation or any financial or other incentive to any
person to procure that the thing be done or happens, unless and to the extent the
actual thing to be done or to happen requires payment of a defined amount. |
n | Interpretation: Nothing in this Agreement is to be interpreted against a party
solely on the ground that the party put forward this Agreement or any part of it. |
o | Consents and approvals: If the doing of any act, matter or thing under this
Agreement is dependent on the consent or approval of a party or is within the
discretion of a party, the consent or approval may be given or the discretion may be
exercised conditionally or unconditionally or withheld by the party in its absolute
discretion, unless expressly provided otherwise. |
9
2 | Sale and purchase of Shares |
2.1 | Agreement |
The Vendors agree to sell, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase and take a transfer of, the
legal and beneficial title to the Shares for the Purchase Price and on the terms and
conditions set out in this Agreement.
2.2 | Clear title |
On Completion each Vendor must give to the Purchaser, in respect of those Shares owned by
that Vendor, clear title to those Shares free from all Encumbrances.
2.3 | Rights attaching to Shares |
On Completion the Shares will pass to the Purchaser together with all rights attaching to
them at the Completion Date.
3 | Purchase Price and payment |
3.1 | Purchase Price |
The purchase price for the Shares is $20,500,000 less the amount of any External Third Party
Debt at the Completion Date, or where such External Third Party Debt is nil then plus any
cash in bank accounts of the Group at the Completion Date, and subject to adjustment in
accordance with clauses 5.8 and 6.9.
3.2 | Payments |
The Purchase Price must be paid as follows:
a | On the date this Agreement is signed by all parties the Purchaser must pay to
the Vendors the Deposit in part payment of the Purchase Price. |
b | On the Completion Date, the Purchaser shall pay: |
i | to the Vendors, the balance of the Purchase Price due after payment
of the Deposit, less the Retention Amount; and |
ii | to the Vendors’ Solicitor, the Retention Amount to be held in
accordance with clause 3.3 and the Retention Agreement. |
c | Any amount payable pursuant to clause 5.8 shall be paid on the Adjustment Date,
together with interest on such amount at the Interest Rate from the Completion Date to
the date of actual payment in accordance with clause 5.9. |
d | Any amount payable pursuant to clause 6.9 shall be paid on the Earn-Out
Determination Date. |
3.3 | Retention terms |
On the Completion Date in accordance with clause 3.2bii the Purchaser will pay the Retention
Amount to the Vendors’ Solicitor to be held on trust for the Purchaser and the Vendors as
security for any claim under or in connection with this Agreement, or at law, made in
accordance with this Agreement, and otherwise subject to the terms set out in the Retention
Agreement.
10
3.4 | Place for payment |
The parties agree that:
a | payment of any amounts due to the Vendors must be made to the Vendors or the
Vendors’ Solicitor or such other person at such place within New Zealand as the Vendors
may reasonably stipulate prior to 3 p.m. on the date that payment is due; and |
b | payments of any amounts due to the Purchaser must be made to the Purchaser or
the Purchaser’s Solicitor or such other person at such place within New Zealand as
the Purchaser may reasonably stipulate prior to 3 p.m. on the date that payment is due. |
3.5 | Lowest Purchase Price |
The parties acknowledge that the Purchase Price is the lowest price that they would have
agreed upon with respect to the Shares at the time this Agreement was executed on the basis
of payment in full at the time at which the first right in the Shares is to be transferred.
For the purposes of this clause the term ‘first right’ in the Shares shall bear the same
meaning as the word ‘right’ in Subpart YA of the Income Tax Xxx 0000. The tax position taken
by both parties in their tax returns will be consistent with the position recorded in this
clause.
3.6 | Non-payment of Deposit |
The Vendors may not cancel this Agreement for non-payment of the Deposit payable in
accordance with clause 3.2a unless the Vendors have first given to the Purchaser 3 working
days notice in writing of the Vendors’ intention to cancel and the Purchaser has failed
within that time to remedy that default. No notice of cancellation will be effective if,
before the expiry of the 3 working day period referred to in the notice, the Deposit has
been paid.
3.7 | Deposit in trust |
The Deposit payable in accordance with clause 3.2a must be paid to the Vendors’ Solicitors,
to be held by them in an interest bearing trust account in the joint names of the Vendors
and the Purchaser and applied as follows:
a | if this Agreement is avoided pursuant to clause 4.4, 10.3 or 12.1, or cancelled
by the Purchaser pursuant to clause 13.3, the Deposit and interest thereon (less any
applicable withholding taxes and administration fees with respect to any interest
thereon) shall immediately be refunded to the Purchaser; |
b | upon Completion or if this Agreement is cancelled by the Vendors pursuant to
clause 13.3, the Deposit and interest thereon (less any applicable withholding taxes
and administration fees with respect to any interest thereon) shall immediately be paid
to the Vendors, |
and the parties hereby irrevocably authorise the Vendors’ Solicitors to so make the above
payments and deductions when necessary.
11
3.8 | Default in payment |
In the event of default by any party in payment of any amount under this Agreement the party
in default must pay to the party to whom payment is due interest on the amount unpaid at the
Default Interest Rate computed on a daily basis from the date on which such amount should
have been paid until the date of actual payment but without prejudice to any other rights or
remedies of the non-defaulting party in respect of such default.
3.9 | Payments |
Each party shall pay all amounts payable under this Agreement in immediately available
cleared funds:
a | free of any restriction or condition; |
b | free of and (except to the extent required by law in respect of any amount of
interest payable) without any deduction or withholding on account of any tax; and |
c | without any deduction or withholding on account of any other amount, whether by
way of set-off, counterclaim or otherwise. |
4 | Conditions |
|
4.1 | Conditions |
|
Completion of this Agreement is conditional upon: |
a | the OIO Condition being satisfied; |
b | a clearance being given under the Commerce Xxx 0000 to the transfer of the
Shares to the Purchaser; |
c | consents having been obtained in a form acceptable to the Purchaser to the
change of control of the Company from the counterparties to each of the Key Contracts
which require such consent; and |
d | the Purchaser undertaking the Sensitive Materials Verification and confirming
(or being deemed to have confirmed) that no Material Matter was identified in
accordance with the process set out in clause 4.3. |
The Conditions in clauses 4.1a and 4.1b have been inserted for the benefit of the Purchaser
and the Vendors and the Conditions in clauses 4.1c and 4.1d have been inserted for the
benefit of the Purchaser.
4.2 | Reasonable endeavours |
Each of the parties must co-operate with the others and (as appropriate) use their
reasonable endeavours to ensure that the Conditions are fulfilled. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing:
a | Each party must in a timely manner make all necessary and appropriate
applications and supply all necessary and appropriate information for the purpose of
enabling the Conditions to be fulfilled, it being acknowledged that within one working
day of the date of this Agreement the applications necessary under clauses 4.1a and
4.1b will be submitted. |
12
b | No party may withdraw or procure the withdrawal of any application made or
information supplied under clause 4.2a. |
c | No party may take any action that would or would be likely to prevent or hinder
the fulfilment of the Conditions. |
d | Each party must: |
i | supply to the other party copies of all applications made and all
information supplied for the purposes of enabling the Conditions to be fulfilled
(subject to the terms of any previously agreed confidentiality protocol between
the parties); |
ii | keep the other party informed in a timely manner of the status of any
discussions or negotiations with relevant third parties regarding the Conditions;
and |
iii | promptly notify the other party on becoming aware of the fulfilment
of any Condition or of any Condition becoming incapable of being fulfilled, and in
each case provide the other party with reasonable evidence as to such satisfaction
or not. |
4.3 | Sensitive Materials Verification |
a | Immediately following the date of this Agreement, the Vendors shall provide the
Purchaser with access to the Sensitive Materials to enable the Purchaser to conduct the
Sensitive Materials Verification. The parties agree that access to the Sensitive
Materials is given for verification purposes only, and on the good faith understanding
that the Purchase Price is fixed, and will not change unless a Material Matter is
identified by the Purchaser from the Sensitive Materials during the Sensitive Materials
Verification. |
b | The Purchaser must complete the Sensitive Materials Verification and notify the
Vendors by no later than 5pm on the fifth working day following the date the Sensitive
Materials are provided to the Purchaser, whether or not it considers it has identified
a Material Matter (‘Material Matters Notice’). |
c | If the Purchaser considers that it has identified a Material Matter, the
Material Matters Notice must specify the matter or matters in detail together with: |
i | the Purchaser’s reasons for believing that the matter is a Material
Matter, including the quantum of the value assessed by the Purchaser in respect of
the relevant Material Matter; and |
ii | such other information as the Vendors reasonably request to assist
them to consider the matter identified. |
d | If the Purchaser does not specify any Material Matters in the Material Matters
Notice, or does not give a Material Matters Notice prior to or on the date specified
in clause 4.3b, the Purchaser shall be deemed not to have identified any Material
Matters and the Condition in clause 4.1d is deemed to have been satisfied in all
respects. |
13
e | The Vendors shall, within 5 working days of receipt of all information required
under clause 4.3c, notify the Purchaser whether or not they agree that the matter or
matters identified by the Purchaser constitute a Material Matter. If the Vendors agree,
the Condition in clause 4.1d is deemed to have not been satisfied and clause 4.4 will
apply. The Vendors shall be deemed to have agreed with the Purchaser, and the
Purchaser’s reasons under clause 4.3c, if no notice is given by them within the period
specified in this clause 4.3e. |
f | If the Vendors give notice to the Purchaser within the period specified in
clause 4.3e that they do not agree that the matter or matters identified by the
Purchaser
constitute a Material Matter, then the parties shall endeavour to reach agreement on
the dispute. If the dispute is not resolved within 5 working days of the Vendors’
notice, either party may require by written notice that the dispute be settled by
determination in accordance with clause 5.6, in which case the role of the Independent
Accountant under that procedure will be to determine whether or not the matter or
matters identified constitute a Material Matter. |
g | If the Independent Accountant appointed in accordance with clause 4.3f
determines that the matter or matters identified in the Material Matters Notice
constitutes a Material Matter, the condition in clause 4.1d will not be satisfied and
clause 4.4 shall apply. |
h | If the Independent Accountant determines that the matter or matters identified
in the Material Matters Notice do not constitute a Material Matter, the condition in
clause 4.1d shall be deemed to have been satisfied on the date of the Independent
Accountant’s decision. |
4.4 | Termination |
If:
a | either of the Conditions in clauses 4.1a or 4.1b have not been fulfilled or (to
the extent that they are capable of waiver) waived by both parties by the Condition
Date; |
b | the Condition in clause 4.1c has not been fulfilled or (to the extent that it
is capable of waiver) waived by the Purchaser by the Condition Date; or |
c | the Condition in clause 4.1d has not been fulfilled or (to the extent that it
is capable of waiver) waived by the Purchaser by the date five working days following
the date of this Agreement, or if a Material Matters Notice is given by the Purchaser
under clause 4.3c, stating that it has identified a Material Matter, then the date on
which the Condition in clause 4.1d is deemed to be satisfied or not in accordance with
clause 4.3, |
either party may by notice in writing to the other parties at any time after the Condition
Date terminate this Agreement. Upon such termination:
d | this Agreement will, except as set out in the Surviving Clauses, be of no
further force or effect; and |
e | the parties will be released from their respective obligations under it and,
except as otherwise expressed or implied in this Agreement, no party will have any
claim against any other party arising under or in connection with this Agreement except
in respect of any breach arising prior to the date of termination; and |
f | the Deposit shall immediately be returned to the Purchaser in accordance with
clause 3.7a. |
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5 | Purchase Price adjustment |
5.1 | Completion Working Capital Statement |
As soon as practicable after the Completion Date, but in any event not later than 30 working
days following the Completion Date, the Vendors will procure the preparation of the
Completion Working Capital Statement to determine the value of the Working Capital of the
Group at the Completion Date and any adjustment to the Purchase Price required pursuant to
clause 5.8.
5.2 | Basis of preparation |
The Completion Working Capital Statement will be prepared, and the Working Capital at the
Completion Date must be calculated, using the following principles and practices applied in
the following order of priority:
a | in accordance with the Accounting Policies and (to the extent not inconsistent)
the Financial Statements; and |
b | on a basis consistent with the preparation of, and in the same format as
(including the same line items), the Target Working Capital Statement. |
5.3 | Access to information |
The Purchaser must in connection with the preparation of the Completion Working Capital
Statement by the Vendors:
a | provide or ensure the timely provision of all information and assistance,
including making available (at no cost to the Vendors) Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx and such other
personnel which may be requested by the Vendors; |
b | permit the Vendors and their representations to have access to and take
extracts from or copies of any of the Records, together with the Purchaser’s and the
Groups’ Inventory, accounting and computer systems as necessary to prepare the
Completion Working Capital Statement, and for such purpose the Purchaser must, and must
procure that the Company does, continue to maintain and operate all such relevant
Records, systems and the like; |
c | at no charge to the Vendors provide to the Vendors sufficient office space at
the Company’s head office from which to prepare and calculate the Completion Working
Capital Statement. |
5.4 | Delivery of Completion Working Capital Statement |
Once the Completion Working Capital Statement has been prepared the Vendors will deliver the
Completion Working Capital Statement to the Purchaser for review.
15
5.5 | Dispute Notice |
a | If the Purchaser disputes or disagrees with any aspect of the delivered
Completion Working Capital Statement, which aspect the Purchaser reasonably considers
will have a material effect (being an amount in excess of $50,000) on the calculation
of the value of the Working Capital at the Completion Date, the Purchaser must, not
later than thirty working days after the date of delivery of the Completion Working
Capital Statement by the Vendors to the Purchaser, deliver to the Vendors a written
report (‘Working Capital Dispute Notice’) setting out, to the extent the Purchaser is
able to: |
i | full details of each of the matters in dispute or disagreement
(‘Working Capital Dispute’); |
ii | a separate dollar value for each of those matters; and |
iii | full details of the reasons why each of those matters is disputed. |
b | During the thirty working day period following the delivery of any Working
Capital Dispute Notice the Purchaser and the Vendors will procure that their respective
advisors consult in good faith with a view to resolving any Working Capital Dispute. |
5.6 | Dealing with a Working Capital Dispute Notice |
a | If the Purchaser and the Vendors are unable (whether through their respective
advisors or directly) to resolve any Working Capital Dispute within thirty working days
(or such longer period as the parties agree) of the delivery of a Working Capital
Dispute Notice, either party may thereafter by notice in writing to the other party
elect to have the Working Capital Dispute resolved by an independent accounting firm to
be agreed on by the parties (or, failing agreement within five working days, chosen by
the President for the time being of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of
Chartered Accountants or nominee) (‘Independent Accountant’). |
b | The Independent Accountant will be engaged by the parties jointly. The
Independent Accountant shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator, and accordingly
the provisions of the Arbitration Xxx 0000 shall not apply or govern the resolution of
any Working Capital Dispute by the Independent Accountant. |
c | The matters in Working Capital Dispute must be referred to the Independent
Accountant by written submissions of the Vendors and the Purchaser which must attach: |
i | the Completion Working Capital Statement (together with any working papers); |
||
ii | the Working Capital Dispute Notice; |
||
iii | a written response from the Vendors to the Working Capital Dispute Notice; and |
||
iv | an extract of the relevant provisions of this Agreement. |
d | Each party shall be entitled to make one submission in writing to the
Independent Accountant (‘Party Submission’), which must be delivered within ten working
days after the date of appointment of the Independent Accountant, and shall be entitled
to make one reply in writing to the Party Submission of the other party, which reply
must be delivered within five working days of the delivery of that Party Submission.
Neither party shall be entitled to make any further submission or reply unless the
Independent Accountant requests both parties to provide a submission or reply, and
neither party shall be entitled to make any submission except in writing. |
16
e | The Independent Accountant will be instructed to, as soon as practicable, and
where reasonably possible within ten working days of receipt by the Independent
Accountant of all the Party Submissions, to determine all Working Capital Disputes
and conclude the form of the Completion Working Capital Statement. In so doing, the
Independent Accountant shall apply the principles for preparation of the Completion
Working Capital Statement set out in clause 5.2. |
f | The Vendors and the Purchaser must promptly supply the Independent Accountant
with any information, assistance and co-operation requested in writing by the
Independent Accountant in connection with its determination. All correspondence between
the Independent Accountant and a party must be copied to the other party. |
g | The determination of the Independent Accountant pursuant to clause 5.6e will be
conclusive and binding on the parties, and will not be subject to further review,
challenge or adjustment by either party except in the case of manifest error. |
h | The costs and expenses of the Independent Accountant will: |
i | where any Working Capital Dispute Notice is upheld, be paid by the Vendors; |
ii | where any Working Capital Dispute Notice is rejected, be paid for by
the Purchaser. |
5.7 | Completion Working Capital Statement complete |
The Completion Working Capital Statement will be deemed to be complete, conclusive and
binding on the parties, and will not be subject to further review, challenge or adjustment
by either party:
a | If no Working Capital Dispute Notice is submitted within the time period
referred to in clause 5.5a, on the expiry of that period; or |
b | If a Working Capital Dispute Notice is submitted within the time period
referred to in clause 5.5a, then on the sooner of: |
i | the Vendors and the Purchaser resolving the relevant Working Capital
Dispute(s) the subject of the Working Capital Dispute Notice by agreement; or |
ii | the Independent Accountant delivering to the Purchaser and the
Vendors its determination pursuant to clauses 5.6e and 5.6g. |
17
5.8 | Adjustment payments |
On the Adjustment Date:
a | if the amount of the Working Capital as disclosed in the Completion Working
Capital Statement exceeds $7,000,000, then the Purchaser will pay the amount of the
excess to the Vendors; or |
b | if the amount of the Working Capital as disclosed in the Completion Working
Capital Statement is less than $7,000,000, then the Vendors will refund the amount of
such shortfall to the Purchaser. |
A payment made by the Vendors under this clause is to be treated as a reduction in the
Purchase Price and a payment made by the Purchaser under this clause is to be treated as an
increase in the Purchase Price.
5.9 | Interest on Adjustment Payments |
The party making any payment on the Adjustment Date under clause 5.8 shall, in addition to
such sum due, make payment of interest on such sum due at the Interest Rate from the
Completion Date until the date such sum is actually paid.
6 | Earn-Out adjustment |
6.1 | Preparation of Earn-out Accounts |
As soon as practicable following the expiry of the Earn-Out Period, but in any event not
later than 30 working days following the expiry of the Earn-Out Period, the Purchaser must
procure the preparation of the Earn-Out Accounts to determine the value of the EBITDA of the
Group over the Earn-Out Period, and whether any additional Purchase Price is payable to the
Vendors pursuant to clause 6.9.
6.2 | Basis of preparation |
The Earn-Out Accounts will be prepared, and the EBITDA for the Earn-Out Period must be
calculated, using the following principles and practices applied in the following order of
priority:
a | taking into account each of the EBITDA inclusions, and specifically excluding
each of the EBITDA exclusions, set out in Schedule 15 to this Agreement; |
b | in accordance with the
Accounting Policies and (to the extent not inconsistent)
the Financial Statements; |
c | on a basis consistent with the preparation of, and in the same format
(including the same line items) as, the Target EBITDA Statement; |
d | to the extent not inconsistent with the above, on a basis consistent with past
practice of the Group in the period prior to the date of this
Agreement; and
|
e | to the extent not inconsistent with the above, in accordance with NZGAAP. |
6.3 | Delivery of Completion Working Capital Statement |
Once the Earn-Out Accounts have been prepared the Purchaser will deliver the Earn-Out
Accounts to the Vendors for review.
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6.4 | Access to information to review draft Earn-Out Accounts |
The Purchaser must ensure the Vendors and their representatives are allowed to examine all
working papers, accounts and Records relating to the draft Earn-Out Accounts reasonably
required by them for the purpose of reviewing and assessing the draft Earn-Out Accounts and
the calculation of the EBITDA.
6.5 | Earn-Out Dispute Notice |
a | If the Vendors dispute or disagree with any aspect of the delivered Earn-Out
Accounts, the Vendors must, not later than thirty working days after the date of
delivery of the Earn-Out Accounts by the Purchaser to the Vendor, deliver to the
Purchaser a written report (‘Earn-Out Dispute Notice’) setting out, to the extent the
Vendors are able to: |
i | full details of each of the matters in dispute or disagreement
(‘Earn-Out Dispute’); |
ii | a separate dollar value for each of those matters; and |
||
iii | full details of the reasons why each of those matters is disputed. |
b | During the fifteen working day period following the delivery of any Earn-Out
Dispute Notice the Purchaser and the Vendors will themselves, and will procure that
their respective advisors, consult in good faith with a view to resolving any Earn-Out
Dispute. |
6.6 | Dealing with an Earn-Out Dispute Notice |
If the Purchaser and the Vendors are unable (whether through their respective advisors or
directly) to resolve any Earn-Out Dispute within fifteen working days (or such longer period
as the parties agree) of the delivery of an Earn-Out Dispute Notice, either party may
thereafter by notice in writing to the other party elect to have the Earn-Out Dispute
resolved by an independent accounting firm and if so, the terms of clause 5.6 will apply
with all references to ‘Working Capital Dispute’ changed to ‘Earn-Out Dispute’ and all
references to ‘Working Capital Dispute Notice’ changed to ‘Earn-Out Dispute Notice’.
6.7 | Earn-Out Accounts complete |
The Earn-Out Accounts will be deemed to be complete, conclusive and binding on the parties,
and will not be subject to further review, challenge or adjustment by either party:
a | If no Earn-Out Dispute Notice is submitted within the time period referred to
in clause6.5a, on the expiry of that period; or |
b | If an Earn-Out Dispute Notice is submitted within the time period referred to
in clause 6.5a then on the sooner of: |
i | the Vendors and the Purchaser resolving the relevant Earn-Out
Dispute(s) the subject of the Earn-Out Dispute Notice by agreement; or |
ii | the Independent Accountant delivering to the Purchaser and the
Vendors its determination pursuant to clauses 6.6, 5.6e and 5.6g. |
19
6.8 | Calculation of Earn-Out Amount |
a | The Earn-Out Accounts will include a calculation of the additional amount of
Purchase Price to be paid by the Purchaser using the following formula: |
X = | (A-B)
|
x $1,500,000 |
Where:
X = the Earn-Out Amount, being the additional Purchase Price (if any) payable to the
Vendors
A = EBITDA as disclosed in the Earn-Out Accounts
B = $3,500,000
C = $5,200,000
Subject to subclause 6.8b, in no event shall X exceed $1,500,000.
b | If A, as defined under subclause 6.8a above is greater than $5,200,000, then
the Earn-Out Amount shall be the amount of $1,500,000 (calculated pursuant to subclause
6.8a) plus an additional 50 cents for every dollar of EBIDTA earned by the Company
above $5,200,000 as disclosed in the Earn-Out Accounts (‘Additional Earn-Out’). In no
event shall the Additional Earn-Out exceed $500,000. |
c | Notwithstanding the rest of this clause 6.8, in no event shall the total
Earn-Out Amount calculated pursuant to subclauses 6.8a and b exceed $2,000,000. |
6.9 | Payment of Earn-Out |
On the Earn-Out Determination Date the Purchaser must pay to the Vendors the applicable
Earn-Out Amount (if any) calculated in accordance with clause 6.8. A payment made by the
Purchaser under this clause is to be treated as an increase in the Purchase Price.
6.10 | Purchaser’s obligations following Completion |
During the Earn-Out Period the Purchaser will not, without the written agreement of the
Vendors, take any step or action, or omit to take any step or action, the substantial
purpose or effect of which is intended to lead to or which may result in an artificial
decrease in EBITDA.
7 | Conduct of Business during the Interim Period |
7.1 | Ordinary Course of Business |
Subject at all times to and without restricting the Vendors obligations under clause 8.2,
throughout the Interim Period the Vendors must procure that the Business is carried on in
its Ordinary Course of Business and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Vendors must procure that, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (not to be
unreasonably withheld), none of the Group Companies:
a | enter into any major transaction (as defined in the Companies Act); |
||
b | buy back, issue or redeem any shares, options or other securities; |
||
c | make any change to its constitution; |
20
d | grant any Encumbrance over any of the Assets other than (for the avoidance of
doubt) the creation and issue of any performance bond by a Group Company in the
Ordinary Course of its Business; |
e | increase the salary or wage or vary the terms or conditions of employment of
any Employee unless obligated to do so by law or under the terms of any Employee’s
individual or collective employment contract; |
f | do any act or make any omission which constitutes, and must do anything
reasonably necessary to prevent, a material breach or default under any Lease or
Business Contract or any other breach or default which entitles the counterparty to
that Lease or Business Contract to terminate that Lease or Business Contract; |
g | enter into any agreement for the purchase, disposal or lease of plant or
equipment nor incur or commit to any item of capital expenditure with (in either case)
a value in excess of $50,000; |
h | licence, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any Intellectual Property; |
i | terminate or vary in any material respect any Lease or Business Contract or
enter into (or renew) any agreement or commitment which is not entered into in the
Ordinary Course of Business or where the entry into of such agreement or commitment
imposes a liability on the relevant Group Company in excess of $250,000; |
j | employ any new employee with an annual remuneration package in excess of
$100,000, or terminate the employment of any Employee except for the termination of any
Employee’s employment for cause; |
k | create or incur any liabilities or indebtedness (whether contingent or
otherwise) except normal liabilities or indebtedness incurred in the Ordinary Course of
Business; |
l | pay or make any dividend or other distribution; |
m | pay any fees or provide any benefit to any director other than salaries and
other benefits payable to such directors as employees of the Company to the levels paid
prior to execution of this Agreement and disclosed to the Purchaser; |
n | sell, lease, license, abandon or otherwise dispose of any material assets
except in the Ordinary Course of Business, |
it being acknowledged and agreed the Purchaser has consented to certain activities intended
to be carried out by the Company during the Interim Period as outlined in a memorandum from
Xxxx Xxxxxxx dated 3 May 2010 disclosed to the Purchaser in the Data Room.
7.2 | Purchaser’s consent |
Where the Vendors are required to seek the consent of the Purchaser to any of the matters
set out in clause 7.1, such consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and the
Purchaser will use its best endeavours to provide a response to the Vendors as soon as
reasonably possible, but not later than three working days after having first received such
request from the Vendors. Where the Purchaser has not responded to the Vendors within three
working days, the Purchaser will be deemed to have given its consent to such matter. The
parties acknowledge for the purposes of this clause, all requests for consent of the
Purchaser must be sent to Xxxxxx X. XxXxxxx and the Purchaser confirms Xxxxxx X. XxXxxxx has
all necessary power and authority to act on behalf of the Purchaser in this respect.
21
7.3 | Purchaser’s access/actions |
Throughout the Interim Period the Vendors must:
a | allow the Purchaser and its representatives reasonable access during normal
business hours to any of the Premises, the Employees and the Records; |
b | promptly give to the Purchaser all information the Purchaser may reasonably
require concerning the affairs of the Business; |
c | promptly notify the Purchaser of any legal claims, proceedings or
investigations which may occur, be threatened or commenced against any Group Company;
and |
d | without limiting the Vendors’ obligations under clauses 7.3a to 7.3c, procure
that the Group Companies consult with the Purchaser whenever reasonably required by the
Purchaser in relation to the management, operations and affairs of the Business, |
provided that in so doing the Purchaser will not unreasonably interfere with the day to day
operation of the Business.
7.4 | Return of information |
If this Agreement is terminated, the Purchaser shall promptly return to the Vendors all
written or recorded information relating to the Group and the Business which the Purchaser
has obtained and thereafter each party:
a | shall maintain confidentiality in respect of all information provided by or on
behalf of the other party prior to or following signing of this Agreement; and |
b | shall not use any such information for any purpose or disclose any such
information to any other person without the prior written consent of the party from
whom the information was obtained, |
and the above covenants are in addition to and not in substitution for any covenants given
by the Purchaser (or any related company of the Purchaser) pursuant to the Confidentiality
Agreement.
8 | Pre-Completion matters |
8.1 | Third party consents |
The parties acknowledge and agree that:
a | The provisions of certain of the Leases and some of the Business Contracts deem
a change in ownership of the Company or a change in control of the relevant Group
Company to be an assignment of its interest in the relevant lease or contract and/or
entitle the relevant counter party to exercise its rights of termination, unless the
consent of the counter party is given to such change of ownership or control. |
22
b | During the Interim Period, each of the parties will use their reasonable
endeavours to obtain such consents provided however that nothing in this clause 8.1b
will require any party to: |
i | Make any payment to a counter party under any such Lease or Business
Contract or to any other person so as to obtain such consent other than any
payment required under the relevant Lease in connection with that consent; |
ii | procure any guarantee in relation to any such Lease or Business
Contract (except to the extent such Lease or Business Contract may (pursuant to
its terms) require the assignee to provide any guarantee); or |
iii | agree to any amendment, alteration or waiver of any Business Contract
or Lease. |
c | Subject to clause 4.4 in respect of Key Contracts only, should any consent not
be forthcoming the Purchaser is not entitled to cancel this Agreement or seek any
compensation from the Vendors, or otherwise claim any breach of this Agreement by the
Vendors. |
8.2 | Current Account Balances |
On or prior to Completion the Vendors will take such steps as are reasonably necessary to
capitalise the Current Account Balances by the issue of further ordinary shares by the
Company to the Vendors equal to the amount of the Current Account Balances.
8.3 | External Third Party Debt |
The Purchaser acknowledges that, subject to the consent of Westpac New Zealand Limited being
forthcoming on terms reasonably acceptable to the parties, all External Third Party Debt
shall remain in place at the Completion Date and will thereafter remain the obligation of
the Group Companies and the Purchaser, provided that:
a | the Wallaces are fully released from all guarantees, indemnities and other
similar obligations they may have given as at the Completion Date to Westpac New
Zealand Limited in respect of the External Third Party Debt; and |
b | if consent of Westpac New Zealand Limited is not able to be obtained in a form
reasonably acceptable to the parties, and/or the required releases are not forthcoming,
then all External Third Party Debt must be repaid by the Purchaser simultaneous with or
prior to Completion. |
8.4 | Repayment of Debt |
The Vendors shall ensure that:
a | all amounts owed by the Vendors, Electropar Africa (Proprietary) Limited, the
Restrained Parties or their Related Parties (if any) to any Group Company have been
repaid in full on or prior to the Completion Date; and |
b | all amounts owed by any Group Company to the Vendors, Electropar Africa
(Proprietary) Limited, the Restrained Parties or their Related Parties (if any) have
been repaid in full on or prior to the Completion Date, or in the case of the Current
Account Balances have been capitalised in accordance with clause 8.2, excluding any
amounts owed in the Ordinary Course of Business to the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Trust or GLT
Properties Limited, which amounts will be paid in accordance with the arrangements in
place between those persons and the relevant Group Company or Group Companies and
excluding any amounts owed to the Wallaces pursuant to the QDS Agreement which amounts
will be paid in accordance with the QDS Agreement. |
23
8.5 | Release of Guarantees |
a | The Vendors and the Purchaser will respectively use their best endeavours to
obtain a release of the Vendors, or the Wallaces, from all guarantees, indemnities and
other similar obligations which any Vendor or Xxxxxxx may have given at or at any time
prior to the Completion Date in respect of the obligations of the Group. In so doing,
the Purchaser acknowledges that it may be obliged to, and will if required, arrange or
provide satisfactory alternative security. |
b | If a release cannot be obtained, the Purchaser will thereafter irrevocably and
unconditionally indemnify the Vendors and each of the Wallaces against all liability
arising in respect of the period after the Completion Date under any guarantee,
indemnity or other obligation in respect of which a release cannot be obtained. |
The parties agree that the acknowledgements and agreements given in this clause 8.5 are
promises which confer, and are intended to confer, a benefit upon each of the Wallaces (as
well as the Vendors) and accordingly the provisions of the Contracts (Privity) Xxx 0000
shall apply, and such promises will be enforceable by the Wallaces directly against the
Purchaser.
9 | Completion |
9.1 | Day and place |
Completion must take place prior to 4 pm on the Completion Date at the offices of the
Vendors’ Solicitor.
9.2 | Transfer |
On the Completion Date, the Vendors must:
a | deliver to the Purchaser: |
i | transfers of the Shares to the Purchaser duly executed by each of the
Vendors and in registrable form; |
ii | the share certificates for the Shares or a certificate by a director
of the Company that no certificates have been issued for the Shares; |
iii | an original resolution of the directors of the Company approving the
transfer of the Shares to the Purchaser and directing that upon receipt of such
share transfer the name of the Purchaser be entered in the register of members of
the Company; |
iv | original resolutions of the directors of each Group Company revoking
all mandates to bankers and giving authority in favour of the persons nominated by
the Purchaser by notice in writing to the Vendors not later than five working days
prior to Completion to operate the bank accounts of the relevant Group Company; |
24
v | the written resignations of the directors of each Group Company and
an acknowledgement from each of them that none of them has any claim against that
Group Company on any account whatsoever; |
vi | an original resolution of the shareholders of the Company and of each
Group Company appointing such persons to be the directors of the Company and
relevant Group Company from Completion as are nominated by the Purchaser by notice
in writing to the Vendors not later than five working days prior to Completion; |
vii | reasonable evidence that the Vendors have satisfied their obligations
pursuant to clause 8.2; |
viii | unconditional releases of all Encumbrances over the Shares and/or the
Assets; |
ix | evidence of such consents (as are available at Completion) given in
accordance with clause 8.1 by the landlord(s) of the Premises or any counter party
to a Business Contract; |
x | executed forms of the deeds of covenant as provided for in clause
14.6; |
xi | reasonable evidence that, in relation to Electropar Africa
(Proprietary) Limited (‘Electropar Africa’): |
A | the Company has completed a transfer of its shares in
Electropar Africa to any person other than a Group Company; |
B | Electropar Africa has changed its company name to a name
that does not include ‘Electropar’; and |
C | the Wallaces have resigned as directors of Electropar
Africa; |
xii | reasonable evidence that Electropar Pte. Limited (company number
201004704N) (“Electropar Singapore”) has been wound up or that all steps necessary
to wind up Electropar Singapore have been taken, and that all of the assets of
Electropar Singapore, including, without limitation: |
A | all Intellectual Property (including, without limitation,
technical data, information and know-how) concerning the drawing, design,
manufacturing procedure, installation and use of the “Quick Disconnect”
device described in Schedule 1 to the QDS Agreement; and |
B | New Zealand patent application no. 583865, |
has been transferred to the Company;
xiii | two copies of Cameron’s Employment Agreement signed by Cameron
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx; |
xiv | two copies of the Retention Agreement duly signed by the Vendors and
the Vendors’ Solicitor; |
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xv | two copies of the QDS Agreement duly signed by the Wallaces; |
xvi | two copies of the employment agreement for Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, in
the form set out in Schedule 14 to this Agreement, signed by Grant Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx; |
xvii | two copies of the employment agreement for Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, in
the form set out in Schedule 14 to this Agreement, signed by Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx. |
b | cause to be delivered into the control of the new directors of the Company
appointed under the resolution referred to in clause 9.2avi the share register, minute
books, all books of account and all other Records of and relating to each Group Company
as are available, provided that ‘delivery’ of such items shall be deemed to be
satisfied by leaving such items at the relevant Group Company’s registered office. |
9.3 | Vendors’ access to records following Completion |
Following Completion, the Purchaser shall allow the Vendors and the Vendors’ employees and
advisors such access to the Records as shall be reasonably required by the Vendors to allow
the Vendors or their employees or advisors to complete taxation returns, to comply with
other statutory obligations, to defend third party claims and to exercise rights pursuant to
this Agreement, and for such purpose the Purchaser agrees to preserve all the Records for a
period of at least 6 years following Completion.
9.4 | Purchaser’s obligations |
In addition to its obligations under clause 3.2b, the Purchaser will deliver to the Vendors
on the Completion Date:
i | two copies of the Retention Agreement duly signed by the Purchaser; |
||
ii | a copy of Cameron’s Employment Agreement duly signed by the Company; |
||
iii | two copies of the QDS Agreement duly signed by the Company. |
iv | a copy of the employment agreement for Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, in the
form set out in Schedule 14 to this Agreement, signed by the Company; and |
v | a copy of the employment agreement for Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, in the
form set out in Schedule 14 to this Agreement, signed by the Company. |
9.5 | Completion simultaneous |
The actions to take place specified in clauses 3, 9.2 and 9.4 must take place on the same
day. If one action does not take place on the Completion Date, then without prejudice to
any rights available to any party as a consequence:
a | there is no obligation on any party to undertake or perform any of the other
actions; |
b | to the extent that such actions have already been undertaken, the parties must
do everything reasonably required to reverse those actions; and |
c | the Vendors and the Purchaser must each return to the other all documents
delivered to it under clause 9.2 and 9.4 and must each repay to the other all payments
received under clause 3, without prejudice to any other rights any party may have in
respect of that failure. |
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10 | Warranties |
10.1 | Vendors Warranties |
The Vendors hereby give the Warranties and will (subject to any matter specific in the
Warranties to the contrary) be deemed to repeat those Warranties again on the Completion
Date.
10.2 | Separate and independent |
Each of the Warranties are separate and independent and except as expressly provided, will
not be limited by reference to any other paragraph or anything in this Agreement and will
continue to subsist notwithstanding Completion.
10.3 | Breach |
If it should become apparent at any time prior to or at Completion that there has been a
breach of any Warranty or any other term of this Agreement by the Vendors then:
a | if such breach of Warranty or breach of this Agreement is Significant, then the
Purchaser may cancel this Agreement by notice in writing to the Vendors prior to or at
Completion and upon such cancellation the Vendors shall refund to the Purchaser the
Deposit and any other moneys paid on account of the Purchase Price, and thereafter this
Agreement shall (except for the Surviving Clauses) be of no further force or effect,
the parties will be released from their respective obligations under it and except as
expressed or implied in this Agreement no party will have any claim against any other
party arising under or in connection with this Agreement; |
b | if such breach of Warranty or breach of this Agreement is not Significant, or
the Purchaser does not give notice of termination in accordance with clause 10.3a prior
to or at the time for Completion, then the Purchaser shall not be entitled to cancel
this Agreement or withhold any amount due on Completion, but must proceed to Completion
without prejudice to any other right or remedy available to the Purchaser arising under
this Agreement. |
10.4 | Disclosed information |
The Warranties (other than the Tax Warranties) are given subject to, and the Vendors are not
liable to make any payment for any Warranty Claim (other than in respect of the Tax
Warranties), to the extent of:
a | any exception, qualification, information, fact, matter, liability or thing
fairly disclosed in the Disclosed Information; and |
b | any matter or thing done, or omitted to be done, in accordance with any
provision of this Agreement, or at the request in writing or with the approval in
writing of the Purchaser. |
27
10.5 | Exclusions from Warranty Claims |
No fact, event or circumstance will give rise to, and the Vendors are not liable to make any
payment for, a Warranty Claim (other than in respect of the Tax Warranties), to the extent
the relevant facts, events or circumstances:
a | are expressly provided for under the terms of this Agreement; |
b | arise because of a change or changes in any law or accounting policies, or the
introduction of any new law or accounting policies, after the date of this Agreement,
or the withdrawal or change of any law or administrative practice of any governmental
agency, including any law or change to a law which takes effect retrospectively, or the
imposition of any Tax not imposed, or the increase in any Tax imposed, as at the date
of this Agreement; |
c | are made good or have been made good without cost, loss or liability to the
Purchaser or any Group Company; |
d | would not have arisen but for: |
i | a breach of law or contract, or commission of a tort by the Purchaser
or (after Completion) any Group Company which is not caused by any act or omission
by or on behalf of any Vendor (which shall include, without limitation, the breach
of any Warranty) or by or on behalf of any Group Company prior to Completion; |
ii | any other obligation or commitment entered into by or on behalf of
the Purchaser or any related company of the Purchaser (including any Group
Company) after Completion; or |
iii | the Purchaser or any related company of the Purchaser (including any
Group Company) after Completion admitting liability in respect thereof other than
in accordance with clause 10.9; |
e | relate to or are connected with any future or prospective financial
information, forecasts, estimates or projections in respect of which, notwithstanding
any term of this Agreement, the Vendors make no warranty or representation (whether as
to reasonableness, accuracy, completeness or otherwise) or accept any liability
whatsoever, whether in respect of any Warranty Claim or for any other loss, claim or
damage whatsoever and whether under or in respect of any matter arising from this
Agreement or otherwise in relation to the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser; |
f | result in a savings in Tax to the Purchaser or any Group Company (“Tax
Saving”), but where the Group is unable to utilise the Tax Saving in the income year in
which the claim is made, the value of such Tax Savings is to be calculated on a net
present value basis applying the following assumptions that (i) the relevant rate of
Tax referable to the Tax Saving will be that applying at the date of the claim, unless
a new rate of Tax has been enacted or announced, in which case that new rate will
apply; (ii) the discount rate will be 5% per annum; and (iii) each item of the Tax
Saving is deemed to have arisen six months following the first day of each relevant
period in which the Tax Saving is predicted by the Purchaser to arise; or |
g | relate to any liability, loss, claim or damage in respect of which there is a
specific provision or reserve for that amount in the Completion Working Capital
Statement. |
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10.6 | Time Limits on Claims |
The Vendors will have no obligation or liability to the Purchaser or any other person
whatsoever in respect of any Warranty Claim, or for any other loss, claim or damage
whatsoever under or in respect of any matter arising from this Agreement or otherwise in
relation to the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser (other than in respect of the Tax
Indemnity and Tax Warranties in respect of which clause 11.3 applies, and any breach of
clause 14), unless:
a | written notice of the relevant Warranty Claim or other claim under or in
respect of any matter arising from this Agreement or the sale of the Shares setting out
specific details of the relevant claim is received by the Vendors not later than 24
months after the Completion Date; and |
b | the Purchaser has notified the Vendors of the relevant Warranty Claim or other
claim (including giving reasonable details of the nature of the relevant claim) as soon
as reasonably practicable after the Purchaser becomes aware that a matter, information,
event or circumstance is reasonably likely to give rise to such a claim, and in any
event not more than 40 working days after the Purchaser becomes aware that the matter,
information, event or circumstance is reasonably likely to give rise to such a claim.
If the Purchaser does not comply with this obligation, the Vendors will not be liable
to the Purchaser to the extent that such failure increases the amount of the claim or
the Vendors’ liability in respect of the claim. |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and to the fullest extent permitted
by law, the Vendors are not liable under any Warranty Claim or other claim under or in
respect of any matter arising from this Agreement or the sale of the Shares (other than in
respect of the Tax Indemnity and Tax Warranties in respect of which clause 11.3 applies, and
any breach of clause 14), unless, within 12 months of the date the Vendors are notified of
the relevant Warranty Claim or other claim in accordance with clause 10.6a either:
i | the Purchaser has issued or served legal proceedings against the
Vendors in respect of the Warranty Claim or other relevant claim; or |
ii | the Warranty Claim or other relevant claim has been agreed,
compromised or settled or the Vendors have assumed conduct of a Third Party Claim
under clause 10.9 in connection with the relevant claim. |
10.7 | Dollar Thresholds on Claims |
The Vendors will have no obligation or liability to the Purchaser or any other person
whatsoever in respect of any Warranty Claim (other than in respect of the Tax Warranties),
unless:
a | the resultant loss to the Purchaser in respect of the Warranty Claim exceeds
$30,000; and |
b | the total of all qualifying Warranty Claims exceeds $300,000 but, for the
avoidance of doubt, if such amount is exceeded the Vendors’ liability will (subject at
all times to clause 18) be for the total amount of the relevant claims and will not be
limited to the excess over $300,000 provided for in this clause. |
In calculating whether such thresholds are reached any associated claims for interest, goods
and services tax and legal and other professional costs and expenses should be excluded.
29
10.8 | Aggregate maximum liability |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, but subject at all times to clause
18, the Vendors’ total aggregate liability in respect of:
a | all Warranty Claims (other than in respect of the Tax Warranties and the Title
and Authorisation Warranties) and for any other loss, claim or damage whatsoever and
whether under or in respect of any matter arising from this Agreement or the sale of
the Shares (other than in respect of the Tax Indemnity and any breach of clause 2.1,
2.2, 8.4, 14 or 15) will be limited to an aggregate maximum sum equivalent to
$5,000,000; and |
b | all claims to which clause 10.8a does not apply will be limited to an aggregate
maximum sum equivalent to the Purchase Price, |
provided that, at no such time shall the Vendors’ total aggregate liability to the Purchaser
in respect of (and subject to the individual claim limits set out within) clauses 10.8a. and
10.8b. ever exceed the Purchase Price.
10.9 | Third Party Claims |
The parties agree and acknowledge that:
a | Subject to clause 11.7 which will prevail in relation to any Tax Claim, should
any event occur or any claim arise against the Purchaser or any Group Company in
respect of which the Purchaser may seek to make a Warranty Claim against the Vendors or
in respect of which the Purchaser may seek to make any other claim against the Vendors
and which relates to a claim by, or a liability to, any third party (‘Third Party
Claim’) the following provisions will apply: |
i | the Purchaser must promptly give notice to the Vendors of such matter
(including reasonable details thereof) and the Purchaser must not itself, and will
procure that no Group Company shall, make any payment or admission of any
liability in respect of the Third Party Claim, or take any other steps which may
in any way prejudice the defence of the Third Party Claim, without the prior
written consent of the Vendors; |
ii | the Vendors may, at their option, in the name of the Purchaser or the
relevant Group Company, but in full consultation at all times with the Purchaser
so that the reputation of the Purchaser and the relevant Group Company are not
unreasonably harmed, prosecute or defend any proceedings relating to any such
liability or claim and for such purpose the Purchaser will at the Vendors’ cost
(except in relation to costs of making employees available for short intervals
which does not unduly interfere with their normal employee responsibilities, which
will be met by the Group) provide reasonable assistance to the Vendors in respect
of such proceedings including making available to the Vendors all such
information, books and Records and employees as the Vendors may reasonably require
for the purposes of such proceedings. |
b | If the Vendors or the Purchaser and/or the relevant Group Company is wholly
successful in defending the proceedings, the reasonable costs of the defence shall be
borne by the Purchaser and/or the relevant Group Company. |
30
c | If the Vendors or the Purchaser and/or the relevant Group Company is not wholly
successful in defending the proceedings, the costs of the defence shall be borne
entirely by the Vendors. |
d | Where the Vendors are liable for the costs of the defence and have paid all
amounts required to be paid to the Purchaser in respect of such defence, then any costs
or other judgment proceeds in favour of the Purchaser, any Group Company or the Vendors
in relation to the Third Party Claim are immediately payable to the Vendors without
withholding or deduction (except as required by law in respect of any amount of
interest payable) and to the extent of the Vendors’ aggregate liability for those costs
and in respect of that claim. In all other circumstances such costs or other proceeds
may be retained by, and shall be payable to, the Purchaser or the relevant Group
Company. |
10.10 | Assignment of cause of action |
a | If any payment has been made by the Vendors to the Purchaser or any Group
Company in respect of any Third Party Claim or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement,
the Purchaser and/or the Group Company concerned will (at the request of the Vendors,
and the Purchaser agrees to procure any Group Company to comply with such request)
assign to the Vendors (or nominee) or otherwise hold in trust for it to the extent of
such payment, the relevant benefit or part thereof of any debt, claim, cause of action,
rights or other matter (if capable of assignment) in respect of which the payment has
been made. |
b | If the rights to the claim against the third party cannot be assigned to the
Vendors (or nominee), the Purchaser shall (at the request of the Vendors) comply, and
cause any Group Company to comply, with all reasonable directions of the Vendors (or
nominee) in pursuing such claim, provided that the Vendors shall indemnify the
Purchaser and the Group Company against all reasonable costs, charges, liabilities and
expenses (except in relation to costs of making employees available for short intervals
which does not unduly interfere with their normal employee responsibilities, which will
be met by the Group) that they may incur as a result of their complying with the
Vendors’ (or nominee’s) directions. |
10.11 | Reimbursement for amounts recovered |
a | If, in respect of any matter which would give rise to a breach of Warranty or
any other claim under this Agreement in excess of $100,000, any Group Company is
entitled to claim under any policy of insurance of that Group Company, the Purchaser
shall use, and will procure that each Group Company uses, its reasonable endeavours to
recover all such claims from the insurers of the applicable Group Company. |
b | The Purchaser will reimburse the Vendors in cash for amounts paid by the
Vendors to the Purchaser or any Group Company in respect of any claim, action or
proceeding taken by the Purchaser in relation to this Agreement, whether in relation to
a Warranty Claim or otherwise, to the extent to which the same is recovered by the
Purchaser or any Group Company from any third party, provided that the Purchaser and
the Company shall be entitled to first deduct from such amount its reasonable costs and
expenses in pursuing any such claim, action or proceeding against any third party. |
31
10.12 | Duty to mitigate |
The Purchaser acknowledges that it has a common law duty to mitigate any loss in respect of
any Warranty Claim (or any other claim, action or proceeding under or in respect of this
Agreement) and will take, and will procure that each Group Company takes, all such steps as
are reasonable to fulfil that common law duty.
10.13 | Payment of Warranty Claims |
A payment made by the Vendors for any breach of Warranty, or in respect of any other breach
of this Agreement, is to be treated as a reduction in the Purchase Price.
10.14 | No double claim |
The Purchaser must not recover more than once in respect of any one loss under this
Agreement.
10.15 | Purchaser Warranties |
The Purchaser hereby warrants to the Vendors that:
a | The Purchaser has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and
(subject to satisfaction of the Conditions) to carry out the transactions provided for
in this Agreement. |
b | The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the confirmation
of these transactions by the Purchaser has been duly authorised. |
c | This Agreement has been duly executed by the Purchaser and is valid and binding
upon the Purchaser. |
d | Neither the entry into this Agreement, nor the exercise of any right or the
performance of any obligation under it will: |
i | contravene any law to which the Purchaser is subject; |
ii | conflict with, or result in the breach of, any agreement,
arrangement, obligation or duty to which the Purchaser is party, or by which the
Purchaser may be bound; or |
iii | breach any of the documents constituting the Purchaser or cause any
limitation on any of the Purchaser’s powers. |
e | The Purchaser has obtained or will by Completion have obtained (as the case may
be) all requisite or necessary clearances, authorisations or consents from such
regulatory authorities as may be necessary, whether in New Zealand or overseas, for the
entry into this Agreement and Completion. |
f | The Purchaser is not insolvent or unable to pay its debts as they fall due and
will not become so as a result of entry into this Agreement or performance of its
obligations under this Agreement. |
32
10.16 | No reliance on matters outside of Agreement |
The Purchaser acknowledges and warrants to the Vendors that, except for the Warranties
expressly provided for in this Agreement:
a | It enters into this Agreement solely as a result of, and it relies solely upon,
its own judgment, due diligence, inquiries, advice and knowledge concerning the
Business, each Group Company and the Shares. |
b | None of the Vendors, any associated person of the Vendors nor any of their
respective advisers, employees, officers or agents has given, or will give, any
representation or warranty as to the future prospects of, or any forecast information
in relation to, the Group or the Business, and the Purchaser has not relied upon any
such information. |
c | It has not relied on any statement, representation or warranty, whether express
or implied, made by or on behalf of the Vendors, any associated person of the Vendors
or any of their respective advisers, employees, officers or agents, or arising from any
conduct by or on behalf of the Vendors, any associated persons of the Vendors or any of
their respective advisers, employees, officers or agents, which is not set out in this
Agreement. |
d | It accepts that none of the Vendors, any associated persons of the Vendors, or
any of their respective advisers, employees, officers or agents has made or will at any
time make any representation or give any warranty (whether express or implied) as to
the accuracy, content, completeness, value or otherwise of, or have or accept any
liability (whether arising in contract, tort or by operation of law) in respect of any
information whatsoever provided or available to or used by the Purchaser or its
employees, agents or advisers in connection with the Business or the transactions
evidenced by this Agreement and the Purchaser irrevocably waives any claim against it
in relation to such information. |
e | References in this and the previous sub-clauses to ‘advisers’ include
Kensington Swan and Westpac Corporate Finance and the acknowledgements, waivers and
agreements given in this clause 10.16 are promises which confer, and are intended to
confer, a benefit upon and to be enforceable by, the respective advisers, employees,
officers or agents of the Vendors and associated persons for the purposes of the
Contracts (Privity) Xxx 0000. |
10.17 Remedies for breach of the Warranties
Subject to clause 10.3a, the Purchaser acknowledges that its sole remedy for a breach of the
Warranties is damages.
11 | Tax indemnity |
11.1 | Tax |
Subject to clause 10.8b and the remaining provisions of this clause 11, the Vendors hereby
indemnify and will keep indemnified the Purchaser and each Group Company from and against
any Tax Claim assessed against any Group Company, including as a result of a breach of a Tax
Warranty, to the extent such liability arises wholly or partly (in which case the Vendors’
liability is limited to that part only) in relation to any period or part period ending on
or before the Completion Date (except where such Tax Claim arises as a result of the winding
up of Electropar Singapore or the transfer of Electropar Singapore’s assets to the Company,
in which case the Tax liability giving rise to the Tax
Claim may arise at any time), including without limitation where the Tax liability arises
because of the denial of any Relief.
33
11.2 | Reduction of Purchase Price |
Any payment required to be made by the Vendors to the Purchaser or any Group Company
pursuant to clause 11.1 (including in respect of any breach of a Tax Warranty):
a | must, where it relates to a liability for Tax, be made at least three working
days prior to the last day on which payment of such Tax may be made by the Purchaser or
the relevant Group Company without incurring any liability for any penalty or interest; |
b | where clause 11.2a. does not apply, must be paid no later than ten working days
after notice of demand in writing is made by the Purchaser or the relevant Group
Company on the Vendors; and |
c | when made will be deemed to constitute a refund of and reduction in the
Purchase Price. |
11.3 | Time limit |
Written notice of any claims under this clause 11 must be made no later than 31 March 2016
except where the relevant claim arises from a Taxation return made by a Group Company before
the Completion Date being fraudulent or wilfully misleading or omitting all mention of
income which is of a particular nature or derived from a particular source. The Vendors
will have no liability or responsibility whatsoever in respect of any claims under this
clause 11, including for any Tax Claim or as a result of a breach of a Tax Warranty, made
after this time.
11.4 | Limitation on liability for tax |
The liability of the Vendors for claims under this clause 11, or for breach of any Tax
Warranty, will not extend to any Tax Claim or any other claim under this Agreement to the
extent that:
a | such an amount has already been provided for or reserved against in the
Completion Working Capital Statement (‘Provision or Reserve’); |
b | the Provision or Reserve in respect of such an amount is insufficient only by
reason of any change in a statutory provision, including an increase in rates of
Taxation made after the date of the Completion Working Capital Statement; |
c | the liability for Tax has arisen from the disposal of assets after the
Completion Date under section CG 1 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (or similar provision for
Australian tax purposes); |
d | the liability for the Tax has been incurred as a result of any change in
accountancy, reporting or filing procedures adopted by the Purchaser or any Group
Company after the Completion Date without the written consent of the Vendors in each
case unless the change is required by New Zealand law; |
e | which would not have arisen, or would have been reduced, but for a failure or
omission on the part of the Purchaser or any Group Company after Completion to
make a claim or election to give any notice or take any other action that was notified
in writing to the Purchaser by the Vendors within two months of the Completion Date; |
34
f | any Relief is available to the Purchaser or any Group Company in relation to
any period ending before the Completion Date that is able to alleviate or reduce the
particular liability for Tax; |
g | an increased liability for Tax in one period is or will be offset by a reduced
liability for Tax in another period, but the Vendors will reimburse the Purchaser or
the relevant Group Company for the after tax cost of any interest, penalties and fines
incurred by the Purchaser or relevant Group Company which would not have been incurred
if the particular liability had not occurred in the first period; |
h | the Purchaser or any relevant Group Company, without the written consent of the
Vendors, amends or requests an amendment to any Tax return filed by the Group prior to
the Completion Date or to any Tax return agreed between the parties and filed pursuant
to clause 11.6, unless the change is required by New Zealand law; |
i | the Purchaser or any Group Company, without the written consent of the Vendors,
has made a payment (except as required by law) or admission of liability in respect of
any Tax Claim or any other claim under this Agreement in relation to Tax; or |
j | where the liability arises from the Purchaser or (post Completion) any Group
Company making a voluntary disclosure to any Tax Agency of an amount of Tax for which
the Vendor would otherwise have to indemnify the Purchaser under clause 11.1, without
the prior written consent of the Vendor, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld. |
11.5 | Tax indemnity is for net position |
a | The Vendors’ aggregate liability under clause 11.1 is limited to the net,
overall liability for Tax incurred by the relevant Group Company, or the net, overall
loss of Relief suffered by the relevant Group Company after taking into account any
reduction in liability for Tax or increase in Relief, whether arising from any Tax
Claim or not, and whether the actual reduction in liability or increase in Relief
occurs before the event giving rise to the Tax Claim. |
b | If, during the period during which the Purchaser is entitled to make any claim
under the Tax Indemnity, the Group has reductions in its liability for Tax or increases
in Relief with the result that it proves to have overpaid Tax, any such reductions or
increases will be taken into account in determining the net liability (if any) of the
Vendors. |
c | For purposes of clause 11.5a, where a Group Company is unable to utilise the
reduction in liability for Tax or increase in Relief in the income year in which the
claim is made, such reduction in liability for Tax or increase in Relief shall be
reduced on a net present value basis, such value to be calculated on the assumptions
that (i) the relevant rate of Tax referable to the reduction in liability for Tax or
increase in Relief will be that applying at the date of the claim, unless a new rate of
Tax has been enacted or announced, in which case that new rate will apply; (ii) the
discount rate will be 5% per annum; and (iii) each item of the reduction in liability
for Tax or increase in Relief is deemed to have arisen six months following the first
day of each
relevant period in which the reduction in liability for Tax or increase in Relief is
predicted by the Purchaser to arise. |
35
d | If the Vendors have paid any amounts under the Tax Indemnity and, by 31 March
2016, the Group has had reductions in its Tax liability or increases in Relief for any
period ending on or before the Completion Date which have not previously been taken
into account in this clause 11.5, the Purchaser will immediately repay to the Vendors
an amount equal to the lesser of: |
i | the aggregate of such unaccounted for reductions in liability and/or
increases in Relief; and |
ii | the total amounts paid by the Vendors (if any) under clause 11.1. |
11.6 | Returns for the year end |
a | The Vendors will prepare, sign and file an income Tax return for the Company
for the financial year ended 31 March 2010 on or before the Completion Date. |
b | The Purchaser must procure that: |
i | the Company prepares, signs and files an income Tax return for the
financial year within which the Completion Date falls; and |
ii | Electropar Pty Ltd prepares, signs and files an income Tax return for
the financial year ended 30 June 2010 and also for the income year within which
the Completion Date falls. |
Such Tax returns must be filed in time to meet each Group Company’s obligations under the
relevant Tax laws. The Purchaser must further procure that each Group Company consults and
agrees with the Vendors any variations in the information in the Tax returns specified at
sub clause b that would give rise to any change in the liability for Tax from that shown in
the Completion Working Capital Statement. The Purchaser shall procure that the relevant
Group Company takes into account reasonable comments of the Vendors in relation to any such
Tax returns, prior to finalising and filing that Tax Return. Costs of the Group’s tax
advisors will be met by the Group.
11.7 | Notice of taxation claims |
If the Purchaser or any Group Company receives a Tax Claim which may give rise to a claim
under the Tax Indemnity against the Vendors or the breach of a Tax Warranty, the Purchaser
will give notice of that Tax Claim, breach of Tax Warranty or other claim to the Vendors
promptly but not later than 20 working days after receiving notice of the Tax Claim. If the
Purchaser does not comply with this obligation, the Vendors will not be liable to the
Purchaser to the extent that such failure increases the amount of the claim or the Vendors’
liability in respect of the claim. For the purpose of this clause the Purchaser or a Group
Company will receive notice of a Tax Claim on the date of receipt by it of a notice or
advice from a relevant Tax Agency, in either case in writing, which imposes an obligation on
the Company to pay Tax in relation to a period ending on or before the Completion Date.
36
11.8 | No admission |
Subject to clause 11.12, the Purchaser will ensure that no payment (except to the extent
required by law) or admission of liability in respect of the Tax Claim is made or other
steps are taken which may in any way prejudice any challenge or defence to that Tax Claim
without the prior written consent of the Vendors which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed.
11.9 | Dispute of Tax Claims |
Subject to 11.12, the Purchaser shall permit the Vendors (at the Vendors’ cost) to take such
steps as the Vendors (in their sole discretion) consider fit (including the appointment of
any legal or other advisor), in the name of the relevant Group Company or the Purchaser, to
challenge or defend any Tax Claim in any court or tribunal, or otherwise and to enter into
negotiations, discussions or dealings with the Inland Revenue Department (or any other Tax
Agency) relating to the Tax Claim.
11.10 | Successful challenge |
If any challenge or appeal taken by the Vendors (in respect of which the Purchaser has
previously received a payment under clause 11.1) is ultimately successful in whole or in
part, and the Purchaser or the relevant Group Company receives any Tax credit or refund in
respect of a period ending on or before the Completion Date, the Purchaser or the relevant
Group Company will promptly pay to the Vendors (to the extent that it does not exceed that
amount previously paid by the Vendors) an amount equal to the amount of that Tax credit or
refund together with any interest (net of Tax) which the Purchaser or the Group Company has
received on such Tax credit or refund.
11.11 | Consultation |
The Vendors will consult with the Purchaser and its professional advisers in relation to the
conduct and progress of all such Tax Claims and will keep the Purchaser and its professional
advisers fully informed of the progress of disputes procedures and court procedures and
provide the Purchaser with copies of relevant documents. The Vendors will, following
consultation, take into account all reasonable concerns and issues raised by the Purchaser
in all action that is taken by the Vendors following such consultation.
11.12 | Expenses |
All reasonable third party costs and expenses which are properly incurred by the Purchaser
or the Group Company in connection with any objection, challenge or appeal on a Tax Claim
taken by the Vendors pursuant to clause 11.9 (except in relation to costs of making
employees available for short intervals which does not unduly interfere with their normal
employee responsibilities, which will be met by the Group) will be paid by the Vendors,
provided any individual costs or expenses that are expected to exceed $5,000 are first
approved in writing by the Vendors.
11.13 | Information |
The Vendors may by notice request, and the Purchaser shall not later than fifteen working
days after it receives such notice provide, access to any additional information (including
records or documents) which in the reasonable opinion of the parties is necessary or
desirable to enable the Vendors to determine the appropriateness of any
payment it may be required to make or receive under this clause 11, or which information the
Vendors may require in the dispute or defence of any Tax Claim pursuant to, or otherwise to
pursue any rights available to it under, this clause 11.
37
12 | Risk |
12.1 | Damage prior to Completion |
In the event that prior to Completion any of the Premises, Fixed Assets or Inventory are
destroyed or damaged and such destruction or damage has not been made good in all material
respects by repair or replacement by the Completion Date, then:
a | if the destruction or damage is on the Completion Date sufficient to result in: |
i | a loss in the value of the Fixed Assets and Inventory which is Significant; or |
ii | a loss or damage to the Premises resulting in a material impact on
the Purchaser’s ability to operate the Business following Completion in the
Ordinary Course of Business, |
then the Purchaser may cancel this Agreement by notice in writing to the Vendors
whereupon the Purchaser will be entitled to the return of the Deposit and any other
moneys paid by the Purchaser to the Vendors on account of the Purchase Price and
thereafter this Agreement shall (except for the Surviving Clauses) be of no further
force or effect, the parties will be released from their respective obligations under
it and no party will have any claim against any other party arising under or in
connection with this Agreement; or
b | if the destruction or damage is on the Completion Date not within the scope of
clause 12.1a above or the Purchaser has not given notice of cancellation pursuant to
clause 12.1a prior to the time for Completion, then the Purchaser shall complete the
purchase of the Shares for the Purchase Price, and any adjustment necessary to reflect
such destruction or damage shall be made in arriving at the Working Capital figure in
the Completion Working Capital Statement and any reduction in the Purchase Price
reflected in those payments to be made on the Adjustment Date. |
12.2 | Insurance |
The Vendors must procure that the Group maintains until Completion all Insurance Policies
and will not change any policy to reduce the insurance cover or otherwise alter the terms of
cover to the possible detriment of the Purchaser or the Group.
38
12.3 | Dispute |
In the event of any dispute between the parties as to whether any destruction or damage is
on the Completion Date of such a value or impact as to trigger those rights available to the
Purchaser under clause 12.1a, then either party may refer the issue to an independent expert
appointed by agreement between the parties, but failing agreement within 2 working days
either party may require the President for the time being (or nominee) of the New Zealand
Institute of Valuers to appoint such independent expert who will act as an independent
expert and not as an arbitrator. The decision of the independent expert shall be final and
binding on the parties, except in the case of manifest error. The costs of the independent
expert shall be borne:
a | where clause 12.1ai applies, by the party whose value immediately prior to
referral to the independent expert is further from the value attributed to that/those
assets by the independent expert; and |
b | where clause 12.1aii applies, by the party whose assessment of the impact of
the loss or damage is rejected by the independent expert. |
12.4 | Dispute at Completion |
Where any dispute under clause 12.3 is not resolved at Completion, then Completion shall be
suspended pending resolution of the Dispute, and the Completion Date shall be extended to be
the date which is 5 working days after the date on which the applicable Dispute is resolved
in accordance with clause 12.3 or otherwise by agreement between the parties.
12.5 | Purchaser’s undertaking |
The Purchaser undertakes to procure that the Company maintains, from the Completion Date
until the expiry of the period referred to in clause 10.6a, all Insurance Policies, or
replace the Insurance Policies with new policies providing the same or substantially similar
insurance coverage.
13 | Notice to complete and remedies on default |
13.1 | Notice |
If Completion does not take place on the Completion Date either party may at any time
thereafter serve on the other party notice in writing to settle in accordance with this
clause. A Completion Notice will be effective only if the party serving it is at the time
of service either in all material respects ready, able and willing to proceed to Completion
or is not so ready, able and willing to settle only by reason of the default or omission of
the other party.
13.2 | Obligation to complete |
Upon service of a Completion Notice, the party on whom the notice is served must proceed to
Completion within 12 working days after the date of service of the notice (excluding the day
of service) and, in respect of that period, time will be of the essence but without
prejudice to any intermediate right of cancellation by either party.
13.3 | Remedies for default |
If any party does not comply with the terms of a Completion Notice served by the other party
then, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available at law or in equity, the
Non-Defaulting Party may:
a | xxx the Defaulting Party for specific performance; and/or |
||
b | cancel this Agreement; and/or |
||
c | xxx the Defaulting Party for damages. |
39
13.4 | Extension of time |
A party serving a Completion Notice may at the request or with the consent of the other
parties extend the term of the notice for 1 or more specifically stated periods of time and
thereupon the term of the Completion Notice will be deemed to expire on the last day of the
extended period or periods and it will operate as though this clause stipulated such
extended period(s) of notice in lieu of the period otherwise applicable and time will be of
the essence of the Agreement accordingly. An extension may be given either before or after
the expiry of the period otherwise applicable and time will be of the essence of the
Agreement accordingly.
13.5 | Specific performance |
Nothing in this clause will preclude a party from suing for specific performance without
giving a Completion Notice.
14 | Restraint of trade |
14.1 | Covenants |
In consideration of the Purchase Price paid to the Vendors, the Vendors covenant with the
Purchaser and each Group Company that they will not, and will ensure that no Restrained
Party will, for a period of two years from the Completion Date within New Zealand, Australia
and South Africa:
a | either directly or indirectly carry on or in any way assist or be interested
in, either alone or in partnership with or as manager, agent, director, financier or
shareholder of, any person in any business the same as or substantially in competition
with the Business as conducted by the Group at Completion (‘Restricted Business’)
provided that nothing contained in this clause will prevent any Restrained Party from
being employed or engaged by the Purchaser or the Group in any capacity and undertaking
that Restrained Party’s activities in fulfilment of that role; |
b | directly or indirectly or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person,
solicit or entice any of the Employees to terminate their employment with the Group or
induce or endeavour to induce any existing or future customer of the Business to cease
to be or fail to become a customer of the Business. |
14.2 | Additional covenants |
The Vendors further covenant with the Purchaser and each Group Company that following the
Completion Date they will not, and will ensure that no Restrained Party will:
a | disclose any information of a secret or confidential nature relating to the
affairs of the Business; or |
b | represent that they are in any way connected with or interested in the affairs
of the Business, other than as necessary for a Restrained Party to fulfil its role as
an employee of the Group in the period post Completion. |
40
14.3 | Waiver |
The provisions of this clause may from time to time be waived in writing in whole or in part
by the Purchaser or the Company either with or without conditions. To the extent of any
such waiver and on compliance with such conditions (if any), the Restrained Party(s)
concerned will be relieved of their obligations under this clause. Any such waiver may not
be withdrawn by the Purchaser or Company.
14.4 | Severability |
While the covenants contained in clauses 14.1 and 14.2 are considered by the parties to be
reasonable in all circumstances, if one or more should be held to be invalid as an
unreasonable restraint of trade or for any other reason whatsoever but would have been held
valid if part of the wording thereof had been deleted or the period thereof reduced or the
range of activities or area dealt with thereby reduced in scope, such covenants shall apply
with such modifications as may be necessary to make them valid and effective.
14.5 | Exclusion of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the CW Trust and Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
personally are not bound (whether directly or indirectly) by the provisions of the above
clause 14.1 and that to the extent necessary to achieve such intention the Purchaser
unconditionally and irrevocably release the CW Trust and Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx from the
effect of the operation of the provisions of clause 14.1.
14.6 | Deed of Covenants |
The Vendors must procure that, on the Completion Date, Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx each enter into and deliver to the Purchaser a deed of covenant with the
Purchaser binding each of them to the restraints set out in clause 14.1 and 14.2. Such deed
of covenant shall be in the form set out in Schedule 13 to this Agreement.
15 | Confidentiality and publicity |
15.1 | Confidentiality |
No party may reveal any information concerning this Agreement or its subject matter to any
third party other than:
a | as required by law; |
||
b | in good faith and in proper furtherance of the objects of this Agreement; |
c | to those of its employees, officers, professional or financial advisers and
bankers as reasonably necessary but only on a strictly confidential basis; |
d | to enforce its rights or to defend any claim or action under this Agreement; or |
||
e | information already in the public domain through no fault of that party. |
41
15.2 | Publicity |
No party may issue any press release or information or other public announcement concerning
this Agreement or its subject matter to the news media without the prior
approval of all parties, except where such is required by law, in which case the party
proposing to issue the press release or make the public announcement must use reasonable
endeavours to consult with the other parties prior to issuing or making the same.
16 | Notices |
16.1 | Service of notices |
Any notice given pursuant to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by a person duly
authorised by the sender. Any such notice will be deemed to be validly given if personally
delivered, posted, or forwarded by facsimile transmission to the address of the party to be
notified set forth below or to such other address as the party to be notified may designate
by written notice given to all other parties:
Vendors:
|
Trustees in the T&A Xxxxxxx Family Trust | |
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxx, 0000 | ||
Facsimile: x00 0 000 0000 | ||
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Trustees in the Xxxxxxx Family Trust | ||
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, 0000 |
||
Facsimile: x00 0 000 0000 | ||
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Trustees in the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Trust | ||
00 Xxxxxx Xxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxx, 0000 | ||
Facsimile: x00 0 000 0000 | ||
Attention: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
with a copy, in each case, to:
|
||
Kensington Swan | ||
Private Bag 92101 | ||
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxx | ||
Xxxxxxxx Facsimile: x00 0 000 0000 |
||
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
42
Purchaser: |
||
Preformed Line Products Co. | ||
000 Xxxx Xxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000 XXX | ||
Facsimile: x0 000000 0000 | ||
Attention: General Counsel | ||
with a copy to
|
Xxxxxxx XxXxxxx | |
XX Xxx 0, Xxxxxxxx 0000 | ||
Xxxxx 00, 00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Auckland | ||
Facsimile: x00 0 000 0000 | ||
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx |
16.2 | Time of service |
Any notice given pursuant to this Agreement will be deemed to be validly given:
a | in the case of delivery by hand, on delivery at the address of the addressee
provided at clause 16.1 |
b | in the case of facsimile transmission, on receipt by the sender of an
acknowledgement or transmission report generated by the transmitting facsimile machine
and which confirms successful transmission of that facsimile in its entirety; or |
c | in the case of posting, if posted within New Zealand to an address in New
Zealand, on the second working day following the date of posting, or if posted by
airmail from one country to another, on the fifth working day following the date of
posting, |
provided that any notice personally delivered or, in the case of a facsimile, sent or
received either after 5 pm on a working day or on any day that is not a working day will be
deemed to have been received at 9am on the next working day, it being agreed that for the
purposes of this clause only, working day has the meaning given that term at clause 1.2 but
modified to apply to the place of receipt of such notice or communication.
17 | Miscellaneous |
17.1 | Entire Agreement |
This Agreement contains all of the terms, representations and warranties made between the
parties and supersedes all prior understandings, discussions, correspondence and agreements
(whether written or oral) covering the subject matter of this Agreement.
17.2 | Further assurances |
Each party will, at its own expense and when requested by another party, promptly sign and
deliver, execute, procure, pass and do all such further documents, acts, matters,
resolutions and things as may be necessary or desirable for effecting the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
43
17.3 | Amendments |
No amendment to this Agreement will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by all
the parties.
17.4 | Waiver |
a | Failure to exercise or enforce or a delay in exercising or enforcing or the
partial exercise or enforcement of any right, power or remedy provided by law or under
this Agreement or under any of the documents delivered in connection with this
Agreement by any party will not in any way preclude, or operate as a waiver of, any
exercise or enforcement, or further exercise or enforcement, of that or any other
right, power or remedy provided by law or under this Agreement or other document. |
b | Any waiver or consent given by any party under this Agreement will only be
effective and binding on that party if it is given or confirmed in writing by that
party. |
c | No waiver of a breach of any term of this Agreement will operate as a waiver of
any subsequent breach of that term or of a breach of any other term of this Agreement. |
17.5 | Non-Merger |
The agreements, obligations, indemnities and warranties contained in this Agreement will,
notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, not merge on completion of the transactions
contemplated by it but will remain in full force until satisfied.
17.6 | No assignment |
No party may assign or be relieved of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without
the prior written consent of all parties.
17.7 | Partial invalidity |
If any provision of this Agreement or its application to any party or circumstance is or
becomes invalid, or is held to be illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of
this Agreement and its application will not be affected and will remain enforceable to the
greatest extent permitted by law.
17.8 | Third parties |
Except as may be specifically provided, nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer a
benefit upon any third party under the Contracts (Privity) Xxx 0000.
17.9 | Counterparts |
a | This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterpart copies each of
which will constitute an original of this Agreement, and all of which together will
constitute one and the same instrument. |
b | A party may enter into this Agreement by signing a counterpart copy and sending
it to the other parties including by facsimile. Each of the parties shall promptly sign
the original copies of this Agreement (such copies to be signed by all the parties)
after the execution of counterparts. However, delay or failure by any party to deliver
to the other party the original executed counterpart exchanged by facsimile will not
affect the validity of this Agreement. |
44
17.10 | Time of essence |
Time will be of the essence in the performance by any party of its obligations under this
Agreement.
17.11 | Rights cumulative |
The rights of the parties under this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any
other rights and remedies available to any party.
17.12 | Governing law and jurisdiction |
This Agreement will be construed and take effect as a contract made in New Zealand and will
be governed by New Zealand law, and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of
the New Zealand courts, and the courts competent to determine appeals from those courts. The
Purchaser agrees that any proceedings in connection with this Agreement may be served on
them at the offices of the law firm specified in clause 16.1.
17.13 | Costs |
Except as may be otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party shall bear their own costs
in relation to the negotiation, preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement.
18 | Overriding Limitations of Liability |
18.1 | Limitation of Liability |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (but without limiting any other
limitation or qualification set out in this Agreement), or any rule of law to the contrary,
the parties agree that the liability of the Vendors to the Purchaser (or any other person
whatsoever) for any Warranty Claim or for any other loss, cost, damage, claim, action or
proceedings whatsoever (including any claim under the Tax Indemnity) and whether arising out
of a breach of this Agreement or otherwise, shall be limited to and shall never exceed:
i | as to the Xxxxxxx Trust and the T&A Trust, 99% of such liability,
with such liability being joint and several; |
ii | as to the CW Trust, severally in respect of 1% of such liability. |
18.2 | Liability of Grant Lachlan Xxxxxxx |
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx has entered into this Agreement solely in his capacity as
(respectively) a trustee of the Xxxxxxx Trust, the T&A Trust and the CW Trust so as to bind
the trustees of each of those trusts from time to time. The liability of Grant Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx in his capacity as (respectively) a trustee of the Xxxxxxx Trust, the T&A Trust and
the CW Trust under this Agreement shall not be an unlimited or personal liability, but shall
be limited to:
a | In the case of any liability imposed against Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx in relation
to the Xxxxxxx Trust, that aggregate liability shall be (subject to clause 18.1)
limited to the net assets of the Xxxxxxx Trust from time to time coming into the hands
of Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee of the Xxxxxxx Trust in the proper course of the
administration of the Xxxxxxx Trust, or which would, but for the intentional default or
dishonesty of the relevant trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those
funds shall not include any capital or income of the Xxxxxxx Trust which has been
transferred or paid to, or appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in
accordance with the trust deed governing the Xxxxxxx Trust. |
45
b | In the case of any liability imposed against Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx in relation
to the T&A Trust, that aggregate liability shall be (subject to clause 18.1) limited to
the net assets of the T&A Trust from time to time coming into the hands of Grant
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee of the T&A Trust in the proper course of the administration
of the T&A Trust or which would, but for the intentional default or dishonesty of the
relevant trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those funds shall not
include any capital or income of the T&A Trust which has been transferred or paid to,
or appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in accordance with the trust
deed governing the T&A Trust. |
c | In the case of any liability imposed against Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx in relation
to the CW Trust, that aggregate liability shall be (subject to clause 18.1) limited to
the net assets of the CW Trust from time to time coming into the hands of Grant Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx as trustee of the CW Trust in the proper course of the administration of the CW
Trust or which would, but for the intentional default or dishonesty of the relevant
trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those funds shall not include any
capital or income of the CW Trust which has been transferred or paid to, or
appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in accordance with the trust
deed governing the CW Trust. |
18.3 | Liability of Xxxx Lachlan Xxxxxxx |
Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx has entered into this Agreement solely in his capacity as
(respectively) a trustee of the Xxxxxxx Trust, the T&A Trust and the CW Trust so as to bind
the trustees of each of those trusts from time to time. The liability of Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx in his capacity as (respectively) a trustee of the Xxxxxxx Trust, the T&A Trust and
the CW Trust under this Agreement shall not be an unlimited or personal liability, but shall
be limited to:
a | In the case of any liability imposed against Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx in relation
to the Xxxxxxx Trust, that aggregate liability shall be (subject to clause 18.1)
limited to the net assets of the Xxxxxxx Trust from time to time coming into the hands
of Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee of the Xxxxxxx Trust in the proper course of the
administration of the Xxxxxxx Trust, or which would, but for the intentional default or
dishonesty of the relevant trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those
funds shall not include any capital or income of the Xxxxxxx Trust which has been
transferred or paid to, or appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in
accordance with the trust deed governing the Xxxxxxx Trust. |
b | In the case of any liability imposed against Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx in relation
to the T&A Trust, that aggregate liability shall be (subject to clause 18.1) limited to
the net assets of the T&A Trust from time to time coming into the hands of Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx as trustee of the T&A Trust in the proper course of the administration of the
T&A Trust or which would, but for the intentional default or dishonesty of the relevant
trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those funds shall not include any
capital or income of the T&A Trust which has been transferred or paid to, or
appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in accordance with the trust
deed governing the T&A Trust. |
46
c | In the case of any liability imposed against Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx in relation
to the CW Trust, that aggregate liability shall be (subject to clause 18.1) limited to
the net assets of the CW Trust from time to time coming into the hands of Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx as trustee of the CW Trust in the proper course of the administration of the CW
Trust, or which would, but for the intentional default or dishonesty of the relevant
trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those funds shall not include any
capital or income of the CW Trust which has been transferred or paid to, or
appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in accordance with the trust
deed governing the CW Trust. |
18.4 | Liability of Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx has entered into this Agreement solely in her capacity as a trustee of
the Xxxxxxx Trust and so as to bind the trustees of the Xxxxxxx Trust from time to time.
The liability of Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx under this Agreement shall not be an unlimited or
personal liability, but shall be (subject to clause 18.1) limited to the net assets of the
Xxxxxxx Trust from time to time coming into the hands of Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee of
the Xxxxxxx Trust in the proper course of the administration of the Xxxxxxx Trust, or which
would, but for the intentional default or dishonesty of the relevant trustee or trustees be
in their hands at that time. Those funds shall not include any capital or income of the
Xxxxxxx Trust which has been transferred or paid to, or appropriated or applied for the
benefit of, any person in accordance with the trust deed governing the Xxxxxxx Trust.
18.5 | Liability of Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxx |
Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxx has entered into this Agreement solely in her capacity as a trustee of
the T&A Trust and so as to bind the trustees of the T&A Trust from time to time. The
liability of Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxx under this Agreement shall not be an unlimited or personal
liability, but shall be (subject to clause 18.1) limited to the net assets of the T&A Trust
from time to time coming into the hands of Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxx as trustee of the T&A Trust in
the proper course of the administration of the T&A Trust, or which would, but for the
intentional default or dishonesty of the relevant trustee or trustees be in their hands at
that time. Those funds shall not include any capital or income of the T&A Trust which has
been transferred or paid to, or appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in
accordance with the trust deed governing the T&A Trust.
18.6 | Liability of Cameron Lachlan Xxxxxxx |
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx has entered into this Agreement solely in his capacity as a trustee
of the CW Trust and so as to bind the trustees of the CW Trust from time to time. The
liability of Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx under this Agreement shall not be an unlimited or
personal liability, but shall be limited to, subject at all times to the provisions of
clause 18.1 the net assets of the CW Trust from time to time coming into the hands of
Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee of the CW Trust in the proper course of the
administration of the CW Trust or which would, but for the intentional default or dishonesty
of the relevant trustee or trustees be in their hands at that time. Those funds shall not
include any capital or income of the CW Trust which has been transferred or paid to, or
appropriated or applied for the benefit of, any person in accordance with the trust deed
governing the CW Trust.
47
Execution
Signed by Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the T&A Xxxxxxx Family Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||||
X X Xxxxxxx | ||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
||||
Signed by Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the T&A Xxxxxxx Family Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
48
Signed by Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the T&A Xxxxxxx Family Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
||||
Signed by Cameron Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx X Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
||||
Signed by Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
49
Signed by Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxx X Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
||||
Signed by Grant Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the Xxxxxxx Family Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxx X Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
||||
Signed by Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the Xxxxxxx Family Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
50
Signed by Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx as trustee
of the Xxxxxxx Family Trust in the
presence of: |
||||
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Solicitor
|
||||
Auckland
|
||||
Signed for Preformed Line Products Company as Purchaser by: |
||||
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Chairman of the Board, President and CEO |
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
||||
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
||||
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
|
||||
000 Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxx XXX
|
51