RESCISSION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT
NO. 10.4
THIS
RESCISSION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated and effective
as of
May 5, 2006 (the "Effective Date"), is by and among Paragon Financial
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("PFC"), Shearson Home Loans, Inc. a Nevada
corporation (the "Company"), and Consumer Direct of America, a Nevada
corporation (the "Shareholder"; and collectively with the Company and PFC,
the
"Parties")
RECITALS
On
or
about February 7, 2006, the Parties entered into a Share Exchange Agreement
(the
"Exchange Agreement”), under which the following transactions took place or were
ratified:
A. At
the
closing of the Exchange Agreement, the Shareholder sold, assigned, and
transferred to PFC 1,000 shares of Company's common stock (the shares of Company
common stock sold, assigned and transferred to PFC hereunder arc hereinafter
referred to as the "Company Shares") to 0000 X. Xxxxxxxx Xx., Xxxxx 0, Xxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000; and
B. At
the
closing, PFC issued, sold and delivered to the Shareholder 149,558,791 shares
of
PFC’s common stock (the "PFC Common Stock") and 19 shares of PFC Series F
Preferred Stock (referred to as the "PFC Series F Shares" and collectively
with
me PFC Common Stock referred to as the "PFC Shares").
C. Certain
variances concerning the strategic direction of PFC have arisen between PFC,
the
Company and Shareholder, and the Parties have reached an agreement that it
IS in
the Parties respective best interests to rescind the Exchange Agreement and
which Exchange Agreement and Exchange Documents shall be deemed void
ab
initio
and
execute this Agreement to evidence such agreement.
D. In
connection with such rescission, CDA shall transfer, assign and convey to PFC,
free and clear of any and all liens and encumbrances, the PFC
Shares.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
Exchange
and Rescission.
The
Parties agree to rescind the Exchange Agreement. Accordingly, at the Closing
(hereinafter defined):
1.1
Stock
Certificates.
Shareholder will return to PFC the certificates representing the PFC Common
Stock and the PFC Series F Preferred Shares issued in the Exchange Transaction,
with duly executed stock powers endorsing the certificates to PFC.
1.2
Certificate.
PFC
will execute a certificate that represents that it disclaims ownership of the
Company Shares received as part of the Exchange Agreement and provide an
Affidavit of Lost Certificate in form and substance satisfactory to
Shareholder.
1.3
Payment
for Certain Items.
PFC
agrees to reimburse all documented and reasonable out of pocket expenses paid
(schedule 1) on behalf of and for the benefit of PFC by the
Company.
1.4
Resignation
of Directors and Officers.
The
Shareholder nominees to PFC's Board of Directors shall resign (Schedule 2)
their
respective positions as directors and officers of PFC effective upon the
Effective Date of this Rescission Agreement.
1.5
Non-disparagement.
From the
date of this Agreement, the Parties shall not make any public disparaging
statements concerning either company's officers, directors, employees,
Attorneys, agent, or contracting parries, or its business or operations. This
non-disparagement agreement shall not in any way prevent the parries from
disclosing any information to their attorneys or in response to a lawful
subpoena or court order requiring disclosure of information.
1.6
Rescission.
Upon
the Closing, the Exchange Agreement and the Exchange documents shall be void
ab
initio,
and
neither party thereto shall have any right or obligation of whatsoever nature
or
kind there under or with respect thereto.
1.7
Closing.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the transactions
contemplated herein (the '"Closing") shall take place on May 15, 2006 (but
in
any event upon, delivery and receipt of the deliverables referred to in Section
6) or on such other date as the Shareholders and the Company shall agree in
writing (the "Closing Date'1). The Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m.
California time on the Closing Date at 0000 X. Xxxxxxxx Xx. Xxxxx # 0 Xxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxx 00000, or at such other time or place as the Shareholders and the Company
shall agree. At the Closing, the Shareholders, Company and PFC shall deliver
to
each other the documents, instruments and other items described m Section 6
of
this Agreement. At the election of the Shareholders and 1he Company, (the
Closing may take place through an exchange of documents using overnight courier
service or facsimile. Form 8K shall not be filed by PFC before May 19,
2006.
1.8
Existing Contracts.
PFC
disclaims any interest whatsoever in two existing agreements i.e. eHome Credit
and Real Property Technologies to include any subsidiaries of either entity.
Additionally the pending transaction with Xxxxxx Partners is for the sole
Benefit of the
Company and the Shareholder.
2. Representations
and Warranties of the Company and Shareholder.
The
Company and the Shareholder hereby represent and warrant to PFC as
follows:
2.1
Valid
Title.
Shareholder owns and holds good and valid title to the PFC Shares held by the
Shareholder. The Shareholder has not granted any option, wan-ant, or interests
any of the PFC Shares of any sort or any right to acquire any of the PFC Shores
other than as contemplated hereby.
2.2
Authority.
Shareholder has the foil and unrestricted right, power, capacity and authority
to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement; to transfer, assign and
convey good and valid title to the PFC Shares free and dear of any mortgages,
pledges, liens, security interests, encumbrances, restrictions or charges of
any
kind, except for restrictions on transfer pursuant to applicable state and
federal securities laws.
2.3 Compliance.
Shareholder's compliance with the respective obligations hereunder will not
violate, conflict with or constitute a breach of any agreement, arrangement,
commitment or understanding to which Shareholder is a party,
2.4
No
Consent.
No
consent, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or tiling
with, any governmental authority or agency is required on the part of
Shareholder in connection with the valid execution and delivery of this
Agreement, or the transfer, assignment or conveyance of the PFC
Shares.
2.5
Disclosure.
No
representations or warranties by the Shareholder in this Agreement and no
statement contained in any document (including, without limitation, financial
statements and the Disclosure Schedule), certificate, or oilier writing
furnished or to be furnished by the Shareholder to PFC pursuant to the
provisions hereof or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby,
contain or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit or will
omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the Statements herein
or therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
2.6
Absence
of Agreements.
Neither
the Company, Shareholder nor Shareholder’s nominees to PFC's Board of Directors
have caused, in their capacity as officers or directors of PFC, the execution
of
any agreements binding PFC or PFC's subsidiary Paragon Homefunding, Inc. to
obligations which inure to the detriment of PFC or Paragon Homefunding, prior
to
or subsequent to the date of this agreement
2.7
No
Violation.
Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor its performance and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (a) violate any
provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Shareholder or the
Company, (b) violate, or be in conflict with, or constitute a default (or an
event which, with or without dub notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute a default) under, or result in the modification or termination of,
or
cause or permit the acceleration of the maturity of any debt, obligation,
contract, commitment or other agreement to which the Company or Shareholder
is a
party or by which it or its property may be bound, (c) result in the creation
or
imposition of any mortgage, pledge, Han, security interest, encumbrance,
restriction, charge or limitation of any kind, upon any property or assets
of
the Company or Shareholder, or (d) violate any statute or law or any judgment,
decree, order, regulation or rule of any court or governmental
authority.
2.8 Cease
Representation.
Subsequent to the date of this agreement, the Company and Shareholder shell
not
represent or hold themselves out as representing PFC's management, PFC's Board
of Directors or are currently connected to PFC in any way or manner that could
convey that this rescission has not or might not occur.
3. Representations
and Warranties of PFC.
PFC
represents and warrants to the Shareholder and to the Company that:
3.1
Valid
Title.
PFC
owns and holds good and valid title to the Company Shares held by the PFC.
PFC
has not granted any option, warrant, or interest any of the Company Shares
of
any sort or any right to acquire any of the Company Shares other man as
contemplated hereby.
3.2
Authority.
PFC has
the full and unrestricted right, power, capacity and authority to enter into,
execute and deliver this Agreement; to transfer, assign and convoy good and
valid title to the Company Shares free and clear of any mortgages, pledges,
liens, security interests, encumbrances, restrictions or charges of any kind,
except for restrictions on transfer pursuant to applicable state and federal
securities laws.
3.3
Compliance.
PFC's
compliance with the respective obligations hereunder will not violate conflict
with or constitute a breach of any agreement, arrangement, commitment or
understanding to which PFC is a party.
3.4
No
Consent.
No
consent, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or xxxxxx
with, any governmental authority or agency is required on the part of PFC in
connection with the valid execution and delivery of this Agreement, or the
transfer, assignment or conveyance of the Company Shares.
3.5
Disclosure.
No
representations or warranties by PFC in this Agreement and no statement
contained in any document (including, without limitation, financial statements
and the Disclosure Schedule), certificate, or other writing furnished or to
be
furnished by PJFC to the Shareholder or the Company pursuant to the provisions
hereof or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, contain
or
will contain any untrue statement of material feet or omit or will omit to
state
any material fact necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
3.6
Absence
of Agreements.
Neither
PFC or PFC's subsidiary Paragon Homefunding, Inc. have caused to be executed
any
agreements binding the Company or Shareholder to obligations which inure to
the
detriment of the Company or Shareholder prior to or subsequent to the date
of
this agreement
3.7
No
Violation.
Neither
the execution and delivery of this agreement nor its performance and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (a) violate any
provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of PFC, (b) violate, or
be
in conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which, with or without
due notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute a default) under, or result in the modification or termination of,
or
cause or permit the acceleration of the maturity of any debt, obligation,
contract, commitment or other agreement to which PFC is a party or by which
it
or its property maybe bound, (c) result in the creation or imposition of any
mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, restriction, charge
or
limitation of any kind, upon any property or assets of PFC, or (d) violate
any
statute or law or any judgment, decree, Order, regulation or rule of any court
or governmental authority.
3.8
Cease Representation.
Subsequent to the date of this agreement, PFC shall not represent or hold itself
out as representing the Company or Shareholder or as currently connected to
the
Company or Shareholder in any way or manner that could convey that this
rescission baa not or might not occur.
4. Mutual
Releases.
4.1
Release by the Company and the Shareholder.
For
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company and the Shareholder hereby fully and forever releases
and discharges PFC and its directors, partners, members, managers, officers,
employees, agents, heirs, attorneys, executors, administrators, predecessors,
successors and assigns (each, a "PFC Party" and, collectively, the "PFC
Parties”), of and from any and all claims, demands, agreements, contracts,
covenants, suits, actions, caused of action, obligations, controversies, debts,
costs, expenses, accounts, damages, judgments, losses and liabilities, of
whatever kind or nature, in law, equity or otherwise, whether known pr unknown,
concealed or hidden (collectively, "Claims"), which any Party has had, may
have
had or now has, to and including the date of this Agreement, against any of
the
PFC Parties, arising out of or in connection with the Exchange or the Exchange
Documents.
4.2
Release by PFC.
For
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, PFC hereby folly and forever releases and discharges the Company
and me Shareholder and their respective directors, partners, members, managers,
officers, employees, agents, heirs, attorneys, executors, administrators,
predecessors, successors and assigns (each, a "Company and shareholder Party"
and, collectively, the "Company and Shareholder Parties"), of and from any
and
all Claims which any Party has had, may have had or now has, to and including
the date of this Agreement, against any Parties, including without limitation
any Claims arising out of or in connection with allegations, facts and/or
circumstances referred to in the Exchange or the Exchange Documents.
4.3
Acknowledgements.
All
Parties intend for their respective releases to be effective as a bar to all
actions, causes of action, suits, claims or demands of every tend, nature or
character whatsoever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or
contingent, except to the extent arising out of, in connection with or resulting
from any breach of this Agreement. ALL PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN
ADVISED BY LEGAL COUNSEL AND IS FAMILIAR. WITH CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION
1542, WHICH PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS:
"A
general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know
or
suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if
known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the
debtor.”
THE
PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE AMD RELINQUISH ANY AND ALL: RIGHTS OR BENEFITS HE,
SHE
OR IT MAY HAVE UNDER, OR WHICH MAY BE CONFERRED UPON HIM BY, THE PROVISIONS
OF
SECTION 1542 OP THE CALIFORNIA; CIVIL CODE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT THAT IT MAY
LAWFULLY WAIVE SUCH RIGHTS OR BENEFITS PERTAINING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF
THESE
RELEASES, to connection with such waiver and relinquishment, the Parties hereby
acknowledge that he, she or it is aware that he, his, she, her or it or its
attorneys may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to, or different
from, those which they now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject
matter of this release, but that the Parties nonetheless intend hereby to fully,
finally and forever release all disputes and differences, known or unknown,
suspected or unsuspected, which do now exist as to the released
matters.
5. Insurance. PFC
does not
have one or more E&O, general liability, workers' compensation and health
insurance policies (each, a "Policy" and collectively, the "Policies") in fall
force and effect for claims arising during the period from February 7, 2006
and
through the Closing Date (the "Coverage Period"). PFC will procure such policies
prior to Closing Date.
6. Closing
Deliverables.
6.1
By
the Company and Shareholder.
At the
Closing, the Parties, as the case may be, shall deliver (i) to PFC the
certificates being held by the Shareholder accompanied by duly executed blank
stock powers,
6.2
By
PFC.
At the
Closing, PFC cause to deliver a certificate that represents that it disclaims
ownership of the Company Shares received as part of the Exchange Agreement
and
provide an Affidavit of Lost Certificate in form and substance satisfactory
to
Shareholder.
7. Indemnification.
7.1
By
PFC.
PFC
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and the Shareholder,
and
their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, heirs, attorneys,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns (each, an "Indemnified
Party"), from and against any and all Damages incurred or suffered by any
Indemnified Party arising put of, in connection with or resulting from any
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation hereunder by
PFC.
7.2
By
the Company and the Shareholder.
The
Company and the Shareholder shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless PFC and
its directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors and assigns
(each, an "Indemnified Party”), from and against any and all Damages incurred or
suffered by any Indemnified Party arising out of, in connection with or
resulting from any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
obligation hereunder by the Company and the Shareholder.
7.3
Indemnification
Procedure.
If
there is asserted any claim or allegation that in the judgment of an Indemnified
Party may give rise to any Damages, or if an Indemnified Party determines the
existence of a potential claim or allegation whether or not the same
&&11 have been asserted, such Indemnified Party shall notify the
Indemnifying Party within fifteen (15) business days of receipt or determination
of such actual or potential claim or allegation; provided, however, that failure
of the Indemnified Party to provide such timely notice to die Indemnifying
Party
shall not relieve the indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder, except
to
the extent the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such
failure.
7.4
Definition
of Damages.
The
term "Damages" as used in this Section 7 means all demands, claims, actions
or
causes of action, assessments, losses, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities,
judgments, awards, fines, sanctions, penalties, charges, and amounts agreed
by
the Indemnifying Party to be paid in settlement, including, without limitation,
cost6, fees and expenses of investigating and/or defending any claim or
allegation, attorneys, experts, accountants, appraisers, consultants, witnesses,
investigators and any other agents, The Indemnifying Party shall have the right
to assume the sole defense of any claim or allegation as
8.
Miscellaneous.
Notices.
All
notices required or permitted hereunder, and under any instrument delivered
pursuant hereto, shall be given in writing, and shall be deemed to have been
given and received upon the earlier to occur of. (a) the actual receipt of
any
such notice by the intended recipient; and (b) the third business day following
deposit of any such notice enclosed in a wrapper with postage prepaid, properly
addressed to the intended recipient at its address set forth below, as a
certified item, return receipt requested, in an official depository of and
tinder the care and custody of the United States Postal Service. The parties
address or notice shall be as follows:
If
to PFC:
|
830-13
X0X Xxxxx, #000
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
|
Attn:
Xxxx Xxxxxx
|
Fax:
000-000-0000
|
If
to the Shareholder:
|
0000
X. Xxxxxxxx Xx, Xxxxx 0
|
Xxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
|
Attn:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
If
to Company:
|
0000
X. Xxxxxxxx Xx., Xxxxx 0
|
Xxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
|
Attn:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
8.1
Successors
and Assigns.
The
terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties.
8.2
Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws
of
the State of Nevada without regard to its roles regarding choice of
law.
8.3
Severability.
If one
or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under
applicable law, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement and the
balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so
excluded and shall be enforced in accordance with its terms.
8.4
Survival.
The
representations and warranties set forth in Sections 2, and 3, and Sections
4, 5, 7, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, and 8.6 shall survive the Closing
Date.
8.5
Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement reflects the entire agreement among the parties
with respect to the matters set forth herein and supersedes any prior
agreements, commitments, discussions and understandings, oral or written, with
respect thereto.
8.6
Attorneys'
Fees.
In the
event of any action arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to reimbursement for its costs and expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, in connection therewith.
8.7
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of
which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one
and
the same instrument.
[THE
NEXT
PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed or caused their duty authorized
representatives
to execute this Rescission and Settlement Agreement as of the date first written
above.
CONSUMER
DIRECT OF AMERICA INC.
|
||||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||
Name:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||||
Title:
CEO
|
||||
SHEARSON
HOME LOANS
|
||||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||
Name:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||||
Title:
CEO
|
||||
PARAGON
FINANCIAL CORPORATION
|
||||
By:
|
Resigned
|
|||
Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman
|
||||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
|
||||
For
the Independent members of the Board of Directors (excludes the resigning
members)
|
SCHEDULE
1
Date
|
Description
|
Amount
|
Balance
|
|||||||
3/16/2006
|
PR check to Xxxxx Vininq |
$
|
4,592.19
|
$
|
4,592.19
|
|||||
3/16/2006
|
PR check to Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
2,651.48
|
7,243.67
|
|||||||
4/1/2006
|
Set up payroll and bank account |
1,025.20
|
8,268.87
|
|||||||
2/06
-3/06
|
Prime Zone |
4,815.00
|
13,083.87
|
|||||||
3/7/2006
|
Travel expense for Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
557.40
|
13,641.27
|
|||||||
3/14/2006
|
Travel expense for Xxxxxxx Xxxxx |
791.70
|
14,432.97
|
|||||||
3/14/2006
|
Hampton Inn Hotel - Xxxxxxx Xxxx |
140.61
|
14,573.58
|
|||||||
3/16/2006
|
13 Dell Computers plus shipping |
6,500.00
|
21,073.58
|
|||||||
|
TOTAL |
$
|
21,073.58
|
SCHEDULE
2
May
3,
2006
To
the
Board of Directors of Paragon Financial Corporation:
Please
accept this letter of my resignation as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of
the Board of Directors of Paragon Financial Corporation, effective upon the
execution of the Rescission Agreement between Consumer Direct of America,
Shearson Home Loans and Paragon Financial Corporation. My resignation is not
the
result of a disagreement with management or fellow members of the Board of
Directors over any matter relating to the operations, policies or practices
of
Paragon.
Sincerely,
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
May
3,
2006
To
the
Board of Directors of Paragon Financial Corporation:
Please
accept this letter of my resignation as President, In-house Counsel and a member
of the Board of Directors of Paragon Financial Corporation, effective upon
the
execution of the Rescission Agreement between Consumer Direct of America,
Shearson Home Loans and Paragon Financial Corporation. My resignation is not
the
result of a disagreement with management or fellow members of the Board of
Directors over any matter relating to the operations, policies or practices
of
Paragon.
Sincerely,
/s/
Xxxxxx Xxxxx-Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx-Xxxxxx
May
3,
2006
To
the
Board of Directors of Paragon Financial Corporation:
Please
accept this letter of my resignation as a member of the Board of Directors
of
Paragon Financial Corporation, effective upon the execution of the Rescission
Agreement between Consumer Direct of America, Shearson Home Loans and Paragon
Financial Corporation. My resignation is not the result of a disagreement with
management or fellow members of the Board of Directors over any matter relating
to the operations, policies or practices of Paragon.
Sincerely,
/s/
Xx
Xxxxxxxxx
Xx
Xxxxxxxxx
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed or caused fhear duly authorized
representatives
to execute this Rescission and Settlement Agreement as of the date first written
above,
CONSUMER.
DIRECT OF AMERICA INC.
|
||||
SHEARSON
HOME LOANS
|
||||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||
Name:
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|||
Title:
|
CEO | |||
PARAGON
FINANCIAL CORPORATION
|
||||
By:
|
||||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman | ||||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||
Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||||
For the Independent members of the Board of Directors |