ASSET PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TUCHMAN CLEANERS, INC., as Seller AND USDC TUCHMAN INDIANA, INC as Purchaser
EXHIBIT
2.1
BETWEEN
XXXXXXX
CLEANERS, INC.,
as
Seller
AND
USDC
XXXXXXX INDIANA, INC
as
Purchaser
THIS
ASSET PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made
and entered into this 20th day of August, 2008, by and between Xxxxxxx Cleaners,
Inc., an Indiana Corporation (“Seller”), and USDC
Xxxxxxx Indiana, Inc, a California Corporation (“Purchaser”) to be
formed prior to closing and US Dry Cleaning Corporation, a Delaware Corporation
(“Parent”) solely for the purposes for making this Bid.
WHEREAS,
on July 7, 2008 (the “Petition Date”),
Seller and certain of Seller’s affiliates filed voluntary petitions for relief
(the “Bankruptcy
Cases”) under Chapter 11 of Title 11, U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended (the
“Bankruptcy
Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of
Delaware (together with any court having proper jurisdiction with respect to the
Bankruptcy Cases, the “Bankruptcy
Court”);
WHEREAS,
Seller, as a debtor and debtor-in-possession, has continued in the possession of
its assets and in the management of the Business (as hereinafter defined)
pursuant to §§ 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code;
WHEREAS,
Seller owns and operates a dry cleaning business at the Business Locations (as
hereinafter defined) in Indiana (the “Business”);
and
WHEREAS,
Purchaser wishes to purchase from Seller and Seller wishes to sell to Purchaser
all of the Acquired Assets (defined below) upon all of the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective covenants and conditions herein
contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Seller and the Purchaser
hereby agree as follows:
1.0 PURCHASE
AND SALE
1.1 ACQUIRED
ASSETS
Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Purchaser will
purchase from Seller, and Seller, will sell, transfer, assign, convey, and
deliver to Purchaser, on the Closing Date, all of the assets of Seller relating
to, and used or held for use in, or arising out of the Business (collectively,
the “Acquired
Assets”), including all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to
the assets described below, free and clear of all liens, claims, security
interests, charges and encumbrances other than Permitted
Encumbrances:
(a)
|
all
furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, machinery, equipment,
vehicles and other property used in the operation of the Business
(including idle equipment);
|
(b)
|
all
real property (collectively, “Real Property”)
and all real property leases (collectively, “Property
Leases”), each as set forth on Schedule 1.1(b)
(excluding any locations set forth on Schedule 1.1(b)
that are excluded from the Acquired Assets), used by Seller to conduct the
Business (collectively, the “Business
Locations” and each a “Store”);
|
1
(c)
|
all
equipment leases set forth on Schedule 1.1(c)
for equipment leased by Seller and used in connection with the operation
of the Business at the Business Locations (collectively, “Equipment
Leases”);
|
(d)
|
all
customer accounts receivable, work in process and “clothes on the line”
generated by the Business and existing on the Closing
Date;
|
(e)
|
all
prepaid advances including security deposits under the Property
Leases;
|
(f)
|
all
books and records, notes and other data pertaining to the Business (or,
where appropriate, copies thereof) other than Seller’s corporate records,
personnel files, financial statements and records, tax returns and
records;
|
(g)
|
to
the extent transferable, all licenses, permits, approvals, and
qualifications issued to Seller by any governmental unit, agency, body, or
instrumentality with respect to the Seller’s operation of the
Business;
|
(h)
|
all
inventory and supplies located at each Business Location (collectively,
“Inventory”);
|
(i)
|
all
right and interest of Seller in and to all service contracts, repair
agreements, and similar agreements and understandings with any and all
suppliers of equipment and goods sold or leased in connection with the
Business that are set forth on Schedule 1.1(i)
(collectively, “Supplier
Contracts”);
|
(j)
|
all
goodwill and going concern value associated with the Acquired Assets and
Business;
|
(k)
|
the
starting cash on hand at the Business Locations (“Store Cash”) at
the opening of business on the Closing Date which shall be described on
Schedule 1.1(k);
|
(l)
|
all
intangible personal property owned or held by Seller and used or useful in
connection with the Business, but in all cases only to the extent of
Seller’s interest therein and only to the extent transferable, together
with all Books and Records pertaining exclusively to the Business
(collectively, the “Intangible
Property”), including, without limitation, the name “Xxxxxxx
Cleaners,” as used in the State of Indiana ( the “Trade Name”),
domain names, websites and the items identified on Exhibit A
hereto. Notwithstanding the sale and transfer to Purchaser of the Trade
Name, Seller or its assignee shall have the right to use the Trade Name in
connection with its store locations not sold to Purchaser for a period of
three (3) months from Closing. As used in this Agreement,
Intangible Property shall in all events exclude (i) any materials
containing privileged communications or information about employees,
disclosure of which would violate an employee’s reasonable expectation of
privacy and any other materials which are subject to attorney-client or
any other privilege, and (ii) Seller’s corporate books and records
relating to its organization and existence;
and
|
2
|
(m)
|
any
deposits or, subject to Section 6.3,
letters of credit that have been put in place for environmental concerns
with regard to any of the Stores.
|
1.2 EXCLUDED
ASSETS
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Seller shall not sell and Purchaser shall not purchase the
following as part of the purchase and sale of the Acquired Assets and Business
(collectively, the “Excluded
Assets”)
(a)
|
Except
as provided in Section 1.1(k),
all cash and cash equivalents;
|
(b)
|
Inventory
transferred or used by Seller in the ordinary course of the Business prior
to the Closing Date;
|
(c)
|
any
Property Lease, Supplier Contract, or Equipment Lease terminated or
expired prior to the Closing Date in accordance with its terms or in the
ordinary course of the Business; and all Property Leases described on
Schedule 1.2(c);
|
(d)
|
all
liabilities and obligations under any collective bargaining agreement with
a union or any other contractual relationship or arrangement of any nature
with a union and/or any other employment related arrangement to which the
present or former employees of Seller are or were entitled (including any
severance arrangements), and shall have no obligation to employ any of
Seller's employees in connection with or after the transactions
contemplated hereby;
|
(e)
|
all
credit card machines;
|
(f)
|
all
accounting software not necessary to operate store
terminals;
|
(g)
|
all
claims, cross claims, and causes of action of Seller, including, without
limitation, all claims and causes of action arising under §§ 542-553 of
the United States Bankruptcy Code;
|
(h)
|
all
insurance policies and other rights to indemnification of Seller by any
third party; and
|
(i)
|
Seller’s
rights under this Agreement and the Purchase
Price.
|
2.0 SALE
AND TRANSFER OF BUSINESS
2.1 PURCHASE
PRICE
In
consideration of Seller’s sale of the Acquired Assets and Business pursuant to
this Agreement, Purchaser shall pay to Seller up to the sum of One Million One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,100,000.00), (the “Purchase Price”). The
Purchase Price shall be payable and adjusted as follows:
3
(a)
|
The
Deposit of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) made in
connection with the agreement between Pride Cleaners, Inc. and USDC Kansas
City, Inc. for the purchase of the Kansas City Assets shall be applied as
the Deposit under this Agreement (the “Deposit”);
and
|
(b)
|
On
the Closing Date, (i) Purchaser shall pay an amount equal to the Purchase
Price less the Deposit by wire transfer of immediately available funds to
an account designated by Seller within one business day of the Closing
Date; and (ii) Purchaser and Seller shall direct the Escrow Agent to
deliver the Deposit to Seller.
|
(c)
|
Store
Value shall be defined by Store locations on Schedule 2.1(c) and shall be
the Purchase Price the Purchaser will pay for such
Stores.
|
(d)
|
Adjustments
to Purchase Price shall be as
follows:
|
(i) Store
Group #1 includes the Stores known as #00, #00, # 00, #00, #00, #00
and #48 which comprise of approximately $1,800,000 in Revenues as described on
Schedule 2.1(c), and which assets are described on Schedule
2.1(d)(i). There are no contingencies for Store Group #1 other than
the Cure being paid by the Seller. Therefore, the purchase price for
these stores shall be the Store Values described in Schedule
2.1(c). “Revenues” shall mean
all cash and cash equivalent sales excluding sales tax, environmental fund fees,
discounts, and coupons relating to the Stores.
(ii)
Store Group #2 includes the Stores known as #24, #00, #00, #00, #00, #00, #00,
#00, #00, #00 and #31 which comprise approximately $5,000,000.00 in
Revenues as described in Schedule 2.1(c), and which assets are described on
Schedule 2.1(d)(ii). The Store Value for each location is described
on Schedule 2.1(c). In order for a Store to qualify as an approved
Store (a “Qualified
Store”) one of the following must occur:
(1) The
Landlord for any of the Stores listed in Store Group #2 must agree to fully
indemnify Purchaser for any past Environmental issues by executing the
Landlord’s Amendment to Lease attached hereto as Exhibit B.
(2) Purchaser
agrees to (i) perform Phase II environmental studies at Store Group #2 Stores
identified by Purchaser at Purchaser’s expense; or (ii) accept the estimate of
Xxxxxxxx & Co. Consulting, Inc. set forth on attached Exhibit E as the
amount of maximum environmental exposure for any Store Group #2 Store. The
parties agree to use New Xxxxx, Inc (“Xxxxx”) to perform
any Phase II environmental studies to determine the amount of environmental
exposure for any Store Group #2 Store for which the estimate set forth in Exhibit E is not
accepted (the amount of the accepted estimate from Exhibit E or as
determined by Xxxxx with respect to any Store is herein referred to as
the “Maximum Exposure
Estimate” for such Store). In the event a Phase II
environmental study concludes that the levels of any materials of environmental
concern (“MEC”) found on, under and over a Store, including
but not limited to Perchloroethylene (“PCE”), are under the
acceptable levels or thresholds as set forth in Federal or State law or
regulations, then the Store shall be deemed a Qualified Store. In the
event the Phase II concludes that the levels of any MEC found on,
under and over a Store, including but not limited to PCE, are above the
acceptable levels or thresholds as set forth in Federal or State law or
regulations, then Seller and Purchaser shall request a Maximum Exposure Estimate
from Xxxxx to remediate the MEC's in
accordance with applicable Federal or State law, so as to comply with those
thresholds or levels set forth in Federal or State law or
regulations. If the amount of the Maximum Exposure Estimate is equal
to or less than the Store Value then the Seller and Purchaser agree
to reduce the Store Value by an amount equal to the Maximum Exposure
Estimate. If the Maximum Exposure Estimate is higher than the Store
Value then Purchaser shall have up to 15 days from the date Purchaser receives
the Maximum Exposure Estimate, but in no event later than September 22, 2008, to
negotiate with the landlord of said Store to participate in
the Maximum Exposure Estimate, or Purchaser may assume the
environmental exposure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the
amount paid by Purchaser for any Store Group #2 Store included in the Acquired
Assets with respect to which the Maximum Exposure Estimate is equal to or
greater than the Store Value set forth on Schedule
2.1(c) be less than the Minimum Store Value for such Store set forth
on Schedule
2.1(c).
4
(iii) Store
Group #3 includes the Stores known as #00, #00, #00, #00, and #33 which comprise
approximately $900,000 in Revenues as described on Schedule 2.1(c), and which
Acquired Assets are described on Schedule 2.1(d)(iii). In the event
Purchaser is successful in acquiring a rent reduction acceptable to Purchaser in
its sole discretion, then Purchaser shall pay the Store Value as
described on Schedule 2.1(c).
(iv) On
or before September 22, 2008, Purchaser shall notify Seller in writing (a) if
the Purchase Price allocable to any Store included in Store Group #2 will be
reduced by the Maximum Exposure Estimate or excluded from the sale; and (b) if
any Store included in Store Group #3 will be included in the Acquired
Assets. Any Store included in Store Group #2 for which a notice has
not been delivered to Seller by Purchaser on or before September 22, 2008, shall
be deemed to be a Qualified Store.
(v) Other
Assets: The assets described on Schedule 2.1(d)(iv) which are located
at Store #11, 0000 X. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 are the assets of
Seller (the “Other Assets”). The
parties acknowledge that Seller owns the Real Property and
building. Seller agrees to allow Purchaser 30 days after the Close to
move the Other Assets located at Store #11 from the premises. Seller
agrees to keep the power, water and gas on at such premises so Purchaser may
remove the Other Assets. Seller further agrees not to abandon or
transfer the Real Property to the State during said time. Purchaser
shall have the right in its sole discretion to leave some of the Other Assets at
the Real Property. Purchaser will deliver in writing a notice that
Purchaser has completed the removal of the Other Assets it has deemed have value
(“Removal Notice”). Purchaser shall not be responsible to remove any
Other Assets left at the Real Property after the Removal Notice. These Other
Assets are included in the Purchase Price.
(e) Minimum Purchase
Price. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the
contrary, in no event shall the Minimum Purchase Price for the Acquired Assets
be less than $605,000.
5
2.2 Cure Claims.
With respect to each of the Property Leases, Equipment Leases and Supplier
Contracts assigned to Purchaser on the Closing Date, except as otherwise
provided herein, including, without limitation, Section 2.1(d)(ii), Seller shall
satisfy on or before the Closing Date, all Liabilities or obligations thereunder
(i) accruing or arising prior to or on the Closing Date or (ii) arising from or
relating to any act, event or occurrence on or prior to the Closing Date
(including, without limitation, any Liability or obligation for breach,
misfeasance, or under any other theory relating to Seller’s conduct, performance
or non-performance), that are required to be paid pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 365 in
order to assume and assign the Property Leases, Equipment Leases and Supplier
Contracts to Purchaser, and to maintain any and all options thereunder to remain
in force and effect (collectively, “Cure Claims”);
provided, however, that Cure Claims shall not include any Environmental Claims
or any claims for indemnification of Environmental Claims. The Property Leases,
Equipment Leases and Supplier Contracts shall be assigned to Purchaser, pursuant
to the Sale Order, free and clear of all Cure Claims. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Seller shall not be required to satisfy Cure Claims to the extent
Cure Claims exceed $75,000 (the “Maximum
Cure Amount”), provided,
however, that any amounts payable by Seller, or Purchase Price reductions,
pursuant to Section 2.1(d)(ii) shall not be considered Cure Claims
for purposes of calculating the Maximum Cure Amount. In the event
aggregate Cure Claims exceed the Maximum Cure Amount, (i) Purchaser may elect to
pay any Cure Claims in excess of the Maximum Cure Amount, without reduction of
the Purchase Price; or (ii) if Purchaser does not elect to pay any Cure Claims
in excess of the Maximum Cure Amount, Seller shall have the option to exclude
any one or more Stores from the Acquired Assets such that the aggregate Cure
Claims payable by Seller does not exceed the Maximum Cure Amount. In
the event Seller elects to exclude any one or more Stores from the Acquired
Assets, the Purchase Price shall be adjusted by an amount equal to the Store
Value.
2.3 ASSUMED
LIABILITIES.
At
Closing, Purchaser will assume only the following obligations of Seller
(collectively, the “Assumed
Liabilities”):
(a) All
obligations of Seller under the Property Leases arising from and after the
Closing Date;
(b) All
obligations of Seller under the Equipment Leases arising from and after the
Closing Date; and
(c) All
obligations of Seller under the Supplier Contracts.
6
2.4 NO
OTHER LIABILITIES ASSUMED.
Anything
to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, except as expressly provided
in Section 2.3,
Purchaser shall not and does not assume any Liabilities or obligations
whatsoever (including, without limitation, Liabilities and obligations relating
to the conduct of the Business or to the Acquired Assets at any time on or prior
to the Closing Date), whether relating to or arising out of the Business or the
Acquired Assets or otherwise, matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent,
disclosed or undisclosed. Without limiting the foregoing, Purchaser
shall not and does not assume any of the following: (i) taxes of any kind or
nature; (ii) litigation and related claims and Liabilities and any other claims
(including, without limitation, any pending litigation) against Seller of any
kind or nature whatsoever involving or relating to facts, events or
circumstances arising, relating to or occurring prior to the Closing, no matter
when raised; (iii) all Liabilities and obligations under any
collective bargaining agreement with a union or any other contractual
relationship or arrangement of any nature with a union and/or any other
employment related arrangement to which the present or former employees of
Seller are or were entitled (including any severance arrangements), and
Purchaser shall have no obligation to employ any of Seller's employees in
connection with or after the transactions contemplated hereby; (iv) Liabilities
relating to any contract, agreement or arrangement between Seller and any other
person or entity of any kind or nature whatsoever accruing, arising, relating to
or occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, no matter when raised, except for
those Liabilities set forth in Section 2.3; (iv) any note, bond or other
evidence of indebtedness of Seller, except as set forth in Section 2.3; (v) any
Liabilities arising out of or relating to any Excluded Assets; and (vi) any
liability for fraud, breach, misfeasance or under any other theory relating to
any conduct, performance or non-performance. For purposes of this
Agreement, “Liabilities” shall
mean any and all debts, losses, Liabilities, claims (including claims as defined
in the Bankruptcy Code), damages, fines, costs, royalties, warranties,
proceedings, deficiencies, or obligations (including those arising out of any
action or litigation, such as any settlement or compromise thereof or judgment
or award therein), of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, and whether or not
resulting from third-party claims, and any out-of-pocket costs and expenses
(including attorneys’, accountants’, or other fees and expenses incurred in
defending any action or litigation or in investigating any of the same or in
asserting rights hereunder).
2.5 ALLOCATION
OF PURCHASE PRICE
The
Purchase Price for the Acquired Assets shall be allocated as agreed upon by
Seller and Purchaser on or before the Closing in writing. The parties
agree that this allocation was arrived at by arm’s length negotiation and that
neither Purchaser nor Seller will take a position on any income tax return,
before any governmental agency charged with the collection of any income tax or
in any judicial proceeding that is in any manner inconsistent with the terms of
this Section without the written consent of the other parties to this
Agreement.
7
2.6 “AS
IS” “WHERE IS” TRANSACTION
Purchaser
hereby acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth in this
Agreement, Seller makes no representations or warranties whatsoever, express or
implied, with respect to any matter relating to the Business or the Acquired
Assets. Without in any way limiting the foregoing, Seller hereby
disclaims any warranty (express or implied) of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose as to any portion of the Acquired
Assets. Purchaser further acknowledges that Purchaser has conducted
an independent inspection and investigation of the physical condition of all
portions of the Acquired Assets and all such other matters relating to or
affecting the Acquired Assets as Purchaser deemed necessary or appropriate and
that in proceeding with its acquisition of the Business and the Acquired Assets,
Purchaser is doing so based solely upon such independent inspections and
investigations. Accordingly, except as expressly set forth in this
Agreement, Purchaser will accept, and is purchasing, the Business and the
Acquired Assets on the Closing Date “AS IS” and “WHERE IS”.
3.0 CLOSING
3.1 CLOSING.
The
Closing of the transactions provided for herein (the “Closing”) shall take
place at the offices of Young Xxxxxxx Stargatt & Xxxxxx, LLP, Wilmington,
Delaware, or such other location as shall be mutually acceptable to Purchaser
and Seller.
3.2 CLOSING
DATE.
The
Closing shall be held on or before September 30, 2008 (the “Closing
Date”).
3.3 SELLER’S
DELIVERIES TO PURCHASER AT CLOSING.
On the
Closing Date, Seller shall deliver the following to Purchaser:
(a) A
certified copy of the Sale Order entered by the Bankruptcy Court.
(b) A
xxxx of sale, duly executed by Seller, in the form and on the terms of the xxxx
of sale attached hereto as Exhibit “C” pursuant
to which Seller transfers the Acquired Assets other than the Property Leases and
the Equipment Leases to Purchaser (the “Xxxx of
Sale”).
(c) With
respect to the Property Leases, the Equipment Leases, and the Supplier Contracts
an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Seller, in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit “D” (the
“Assumption
Agreement”) in order to effect the assignment and assumption of the
Property Leases, the Equipment Leases and the Supplier
Contracts.
8
3.4 PURCHASER’S
DELIVERIES TO SELLER AT CLOSING.
On the
Closing Date, Purchaser shall deliver the following to Seller:
(a) The
Purchase Price less the Deposit.
(b) The
Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser.
3.5 PRORATIONS.
Rent,
taxes, utilities and prepaid expenses arising from and after the Petition Date
shall be prorated between Seller and Purchaser as of the Closing Date. All
obligations due in respect of periods after the Petition Date and prior to and
including the Closing Date shall be the obligations of Seller, and all
obligations due in respect of periods after the Closing Date shall be the
obligations of and shall be paid in full or otherwise satisfied by Purchaser.
Rent shall be prorated on the basis of a thirty (30) day month.
3.6 SALES,
USE AND OTHER TAXES.
Any
sales, purchase, transfer, stamp, documentary stamp, use or similar taxes that
may be payable by reason of the sale of the Acquired Assets under this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated herein shall be borne and timely paid by
Seller.
3.7 POSSESSION.
Right to
possession of the Acquired Assets and risk of loss with respect to the Acquired
Assets shall transfer to Purchaser on the Closing Date. Seller shall transfer
and deliver to Purchaser on the Closing Date such keys, lock and safe
combinations and other similar items as Purchaser shall require to obtain
immediate and full occupation and control of the Acquired Assets.
4.0 REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller
represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:
4.1 ORGANIZATION
AND GOOD STANDING: POWER AND AUTHORITY. Seller is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Indiana, and has full corporate power and authority to operate the Business
and to own the Assets, to carry on the Business as now being conducted, and,
subject to entry of the Approval Order, to enter into and perform this Agreement
and the transactions and other agreements and instruments contemplated by this
Agreement. This Agreement has been and all other agreements and
instruments to be executed and delivered by Seller in connection herewith have
been or will be duly executed and delivered by Seller.
9
4.2 CONFLICTS;
DEFAULTS. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the other agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered in connection
herewith by Seller, nor the performance by Seller of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, will: (a) violate, conflict with, or
constitute a default under, any of the terms of any Seller’s Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws; (b) result in the creation or imposition of any liens
in favor of any third person or entity upon any of the Acquired Assets; (c)
violate any law, statute, judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation of any
governmental authority; or (d) constitute an event that, after notice or lapse
of time or both, would result in such violation or creation or imposition of
liens on the Acquired Assets.
4.3 ASSETS. Seller
has good and marketable title to the Acquired Assets and, at the Closing, will
deliver the Acquired Assets free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
obligations and claims of any kind or nature whatsoever other than as
specifically described in this Agreement, including, without limitation, any
Environmental Claims.
4.4 REAL
PROPERTY. To Seller’s Knowledge, the Real Property is (i) in good
condition and repair and there has been no damage, destruction or loss to any of
the Real Property that remains unremedied by the Seller to date (ordinary wear
and tear excepted), (ii) suitable to carry out the Business as conducted thereon
by Seller, and (iii) adequately serviced by all utilities and services necessary
for the conduct of the Business as conducted thereon by Seller.
4.5 FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS. Seller has or will provide unaudited financial statements for the
three (3) most recently completed fiscal years for which financial statements
are available and any available financial statements for any interim period
commencing after the end of the most recently completed fiscal year
(collectively, the “Financial
Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved and present
fairly in all material respects the financial position of Seller as of the date
of such Financial Statements and the results of operations and cash flows for
the periods covered thereby.
4.6 ENVIRONMENTAL
MATTERS.
(a)
Except as set forth on Exhibit E, the Seller
has conducted the Business in full compliance with all Environmental Laws, which
compliance includes, but is not limited to, the possession by the Seller of all
permits and other governmental authorizations required under all Environmental
Laws, and compliance with the terms and conditions thereof. Except as
set forth on Exhibit
E, the Seller has not received any communication (written or oral),
whether from a Governmental Authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise,
that alleges that Seller is not in such full compliance, and Seller’s Knowledge
there are no circumstances that may prevent or interfere with such full
compliance in the future. Seller has or will provide prior to the
Closing all permits and other governmental authorizations currently held by the
Seller in connection with the Business pursuant to all Environmental
Laws.
(b)
Except as set forth on Exhibit E, in
connection with the Business, there is no Environmental Claim pending or, to
Seller’s Knowledge, threatened against Seller or against any person or entity
whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Seller has retained
or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.
10
(c) Except
as set forth on Exhibit E and except as set forth in Section 2.1(ii)(1) and (2) herein,
the Seller is not required by virtue of the transactions set forth herein and
contemplated hereby, or as a condition to the effectiveness of any transactions
contemplated hereby, (i) to perform a site assessment for Materials of
Environmental Concern at any of the Locations, (ii) to remove or remediate
Materials of Environmental Concern at any of the Locations, (iii) to give notice
to or receive approval from any Governmental Authority pursuant to any
Environmental Law with respect to any of the Business Locations, or (iv) to
record or deliver to any person or entity any disclosure document or statement
pertaining to environmental matters relating to any Location.
(d) For
purposes of this Agreement:
(i) “Environment” shall have the meaning
given at 15 U.S.C. § 2602 and 42 U.S.C. § 9601(8).
(ii)
“Environmental
Claim” means any claim, action, cause of action, suit, proceeding,
investigation, order, demand, or notice (written or oral) by any person or
entity alleging liability, including, without limitation, liability for
Remediation, investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs,
natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, administrative
fines or penalties arising out of, based on or resulting from (a) the presence,
or Release into the environment, of, or human exposure to, any Material of
Environmental Concern or (b) circumstances forming the basis of any violation,
or alleged violation, of any Environmental Law
(iii)
“Environmental
Law” means all federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations,
ordinances, permits, requirements of governmental authorities, and common law
relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment
(including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land
surface or subsurface strata, and natural resources), including, without
limitation, Laws relating to (i) emissions, discharges, releases or threatened
releases of, Remediation, or exposure to, Materials of Environmental Concern,
(ii) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transport or handling of Materials of Environmental Concern, (iii)
recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements regarding
Materials of Environmental Concern, and (iv) endangered or threatened
species of fish, wildlife and plant and the management or use of natural
resources.
(iv)
“Materials of
Environmental Concern” means chemicals, contaminants, “pollutants” as
defined at 33 U.S.C. § 1326(6), “solid wastes” as defined at
42 U.S.C. § 6903(27), “hazardous wastes” as
defined at 42 U.S.C. § 6903(5), “hazardous air pollutants” as defined at 42
U.S.C. § 7412(a)(6), “hazardous substances”
as defined at 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14), toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum
products, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or products, chlorinated
solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead or lead-based paints or materials,
radon, fungus, mold, mycotoxins or other substances that may have an adverse
effect on human health or the environment.
11
(v)
“Release” shall
mean any “release” as defined at 42 U.S.C. § 9601(22), “disposal” as defined at
42 U.S.C. § 6903(3), or human exposure to Materials of Environmental Concern in
violation of Environmental Laws.
(vi)
“Remediate” or
“Remediation” shall mean all removal,
remedial, or response action as defined at 42 U.S.C. 9601(23)-(25), all
corrective action, and/or all other activity to investigate, clean up, detoxify,
decontaminate, contain or excavate, manage, or otherwise remove all Materials of
Environmental Concern from the Environment.
4.7 BROKERS,
FINDERS AND AGENTS. With the exception of any brokerage fees payable
to Hilco Corporate Finance, LLC and Hilco Real Estate, LLC, which brokerage fees
shall be payable by Seller, Seller is not obligated to any broker or finder in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby.
5.0 REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser
represents and warrants to Seller as of the Closing Date as
follows:
5.1 ORGANIZATION
AND GOOD STANDING: POWER AND AUTHORITY
Purchaser
is a Corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of California and has full power and authority to enter into
and perform this Agreement and the transactions and other agreements and
instruments contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement has been
and all the other agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered by
Purchaser in connection herewith have been or will be duly executed and
delivered by Purchaser. This Agreement has been and all other
agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered by Purchaser in
connection herewith have been duly approved by the Board of Directors of
Purchaser, and constitute the valid and binding obligations of Purchaser
enforceable in accordance with their terms.
5.2 AUTHORITY;
NO CONFLICT
Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other agreements and
instruments to be executed and delivered in connection herewith by Purchaser,
nor the performance by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby, will: (a) violate, conflict with, or constitute a default
under, any of the terms of any Purchaser’s organizational documents; or (b)
violate in any material respect any law, statute, judgment, decree, order,
rule or regulation of any governmental authority. Purchaser is not in
violation of or in default under order, judgment or decree relating to the
business of Purchaser, or by which Purchaser is bound, or in the payment of any
of Purchaser’s monetary obligations or debts and, to the Purchaser’s best
knowledge and belief, there exists no condition, circumstance or event which,
after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such violation or
default to the extent any of the foregoing would have a material adverse effect
on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.3 PURCHASER’S
FINANCIAL ABILITY TO CLOSE
Purchaser
has, or will have at the Closing, all funds necessary to enable Purchaser to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement including, without
limitation, the payment of the Purchase Price to Seller and the performance of
any obligations under the Assumed Liabilities.
12
5.4 BROKERS,
FINDERS AND AGENTS
Purchaser
is not obligated to any broker or finder in connection with this Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby and Seller shall have no obligation with
respect thereto.
6.0 COVENANTS
OF SELLER PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE; ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
6.1 ACCESS
Between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will, (a) afford
Purchaser on reasonable notice and at reasonable times, full access to the
Business and its personnel, properties, contracts, books and records, and other
documents and data, provided that Purchaser uses all reasonable
efforts not to disrupt Seller’s business operations, (b) furnish Purchaser with
copies of all such contracts, books and records, and other existing documents
and data as Purchaser may reasonably request, and (c) furnish Purchaser with
such additional financial, operating, and other data and information as
Purchaser may reasonably request. All information provided to
Purchaser shall be retained in strict confidence and all copies thereof,
electronic or otherwise, shall be returned to Seller in the event that this
Agreement is terminated without a Closing.
6.2 CONDUCT
OF BUSINESS
Between
the date of this Agreement and Closing Date, Seller will conduct the Business in
the ordinary and usual course consistent with past practices of Seller,
including using its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve the
Assets, the employees and to encourage and maintain a favorable attitude toward
the Business on the part of all customers, suppliers, creditors and landlords of
the Business in a manner consistent with past practices of
Seller. Seller will not, without the prior consent of Purchaser, take
any affirmative action, or fail to take any reasonable action within its
control, as a result of which would materially adversely change the
operation of the Business.
6.3 LETTERS
OF CREDIT
Seller
has posted a $150,000 letter of credit with respect to Store # 40 and a $50,000
letter of credit with respect to Store # 24 (collectively, the “Letters of Credit”)
in connection with environmental remediation costs at each store. To
the extent that Store #24 or Store #40 are included in the Acquired
Assets, from and after the Closing and until the respective
expirations of each of the Letters of Credit, Seller shall cause the Letters of
Credit to remain in place to satisfy any obligations to post letters of credit
with respect to Store # 40 and Store # 24 that Purchaser may have as a result of
the assumption of the leases with respect to such stores, provided that (i)
Purchaser shall indemnify Seller for the full amount of any draw upon either of
the Letters of Credit; (ii) Seller shall be entitled to all amounts held as
collateral to secure the Letters of Credit that may be due upon a termination of
either of the Letters of Credit; and (iii) Purchaser shall have no rights to any
amounts held as collateral for the Letters of Credit. Seller shall
have no obligation to extend or renew either of the Letters of Credit upon their
expiration or termination. Seller represents and covenants that Schedule 6.3 contains
the names of the beneficiaries of the Letters of Credit, the amounts of the
Letters of Credit, the description and location of any collateral posted for the
Letters of Credit, and the expiration dates of said Letters of
Credit.
13
7.0
REASONABLE
ACCESS TO RECORDS AND CERTAIN PERSONNEL AND PRESERVATION OF
RECORDS
7.1 REASONABLE
ACCESS
So long
as the Bankruptcy Cases are pending, following the Closing, Purchaser shall
provide Seller’s counsel and other professionals employed in the Bankruptcy
Cases with reasonable access to the financial and other books and records
relating to the Assets (whether in documentary or data form) for the purpose of
the continuing administration of the Bankruptcy Cases (including, without
limitation, the pursuit of any avoidance, preference or similar actions),
which access shall include (a) the right of such professionals to copy, at
Seller’s expense, such documents and records as they may request in furtherance
of the purposes described above, and (b) Purchaser’s copying and delivering to
Seller or its professionals such documents or records as they may request, but
only to the extent Seller or its professionals furnishes Purchaser with
reasonably detailed written descriptions of the materials to be so copied and
Seller reimburses Purchaser for the reasonable costs and expenses
thereof.
7.2 PRESERVATION
So long
as the Bankruptcy Cases are pending, following the Closing, Purchaser shall
preserve and not destroy the financial and other books and records relating to
the Assets (whether in documentary or data form).
8.0 BANKRUPTCY
COURT APPROVAL
Promptly
following the execution of this Agreement and the finalization of the auction
sale, Seller will seek the entry of an order (the “Sale Order”) in the
Bankruptcy Cases in accordance with Motion of the Debtors For an Order: (A)(I)
Authorizing the Sale of Such Assets Free and Clear of Liens, Claims,
Encumbrances, and Other Interests; (II) Authorizing and Approving Purchase
Agreement Thereto; (III) Approving the Assumption and Assignment of Certain
Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Related Thereto; and (IV) Granting
Related Relief that (i) approves the sale of the Assets to Purchaser on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and authorizes Seller to
proceed with the sale of the Assets to Purchaser on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, (ii) includes a specific finding that Purchaser is a
good faith purchaser of the Assets within the meaning of §363(m) of the
Bankruptcy Code and is entitled to the protections of §363(m) of the Bankruptcy
Code, (iii) states that the sale of the Assets to Purchaser shall be free and
clear of all interests and claims (except as expressly provided in this
Agreement), and (iv) approves Seller’s assumption and assignment to Purchaser of
the Property Leases and Equipment Leases pursuant to § 365 of the Bankruptcy
Code subject to Purchaser’s ability to demonstrate to the Bankruptcy Court
adequate assurance of future performance under the Property Leases and Equipment
Leases. Purchaser shall provide a copy of its financial statements
and such other financial information reasonably available to Purchaser that is
required by the Bankruptcy Court to demonstrate Purchaser’s ability to assume,
or to take an assignment of, the Property Leases and the Equipment
Leases.
14
9.0 TERMINATION
9.1 Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated, and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement abandoned, upon notice by the
terminating party to the other parties:
(a) at
any time before the Closing, by Purchaser on the one hand, or Seller on the
other hand, in the event of a material breach of this Agreement by the
non-terminating party;
(b) at
any time after September 30, 2008, by either party if the Closing has not
occurred on or before such date; provided, however, that the
right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(b) shall
not be available to a party if such party’s failure to fulfill any obligation
under this Agreement shall have been the proximate cause of the failure of the
Closing to have occurred on or prior to such date; or
(c) by
Purchaser if the Sale Order shall not have been entered by September 26, 2008
(but only if Purchaser exercises such right to terminate within five (5)
business days thereafter).
9.2 If
this Agreement is validly terminated pursuant to this Section 9, this
Agreement will be null and void, and there will be no liability on the part of
any party (or any of their respective officers, directors, trustees, employees,
agents, consultants or other representatives). Upon a termination of
this Agreement, the Escrow Agent shall return the Deposit to the Purchaser
unless the termination arises under Section 9.1(a) as a
result of the material breach of this Agreement by the Purchaser. If
this Agreement is terminated by Seller pursuant to Section
9.1(a), the Escrow Agent shall distribute the Deposit to
Seller and retention of the Deposit by the Seller shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy of Seller for the termination of this Agreement.
10.0 GENERAL
PROVISIONS
10.1 EXPENSES
Except as
otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each party to this Agreement
will bear such party’s expenses incurred in connection with the preparation,
execution, and performance of this Agreement, including all fees and expenses of
its agents, representatives, counsel, and accountants.
10.2 PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Any
public announcement or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement will be
issued, at such time and in such manner as Seller and Purchaser shall mutually
agree. Seller and Purchaser will consult with each other concerning
the means by which Seller’s employees, customers, and suppliers and others
having dealings with such Seller will be informed of the
Agreement.
15
10.3 NOTICES
All
notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered by
hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by facsimile (with written
confirmation of receipt), (c) three (3) days after mailed provided that a copy
is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (d) when received by
the addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service
(receipt requested), in each case to the appropriate addresses and
facsimile numbers set forth below (or to such other addresses and facsimile
numbers as a party many designate by notice to the other parties):
Seller:
|
c/o
DCI Management Group, LTD.
|
Attention: Xxxxx
X. Xxxx
|
|
00000
X. Xxxxx Xxxx., Xxxxx #0000
|
|
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
|
|
Telephone
No. (000) 000-0000
|
|
Facsimile
No. (000) 000-0000
|
|
With
a copy (that will not constitute notice) to:
|
Young
Xxxxxxx Stargatt & Xxxxxx, LLP
|
The
Brandywine Building
|
|
0000
Xxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
|
|
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
|
|
Attention: Xxxxx
X. Xxxxx, Esquire
|
|
Telephone
No. (000) 000-0000
|
|
Facsimile
No. (000) 000-0000
|
|
Purchaser:
|
USDC
Xxxxxxx Indiana, Inc.
|
0000
XxxXxxxxx Xxxx., Xxx. 000
|
|
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
|
Telephone
No. 000-000-0000
|
|
Facsimile
No. 000-000-0000
|
|
With
a copy (that will not constitute notice) to:
|
Levene,
Neale, Bender, Rankin, and Xxxxx. LLP
|
00000
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx., Xxx. 0000
|
|
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
|
|
Attention:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esquire
|
|
Telephone
No. 000-000-0000
|
|
Facsimile
No. 000-000-0000
|
16
10.4 ENTIRE
AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION
This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties with respect to
its subject matter, and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in the
Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement
between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This
Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by the party
to be charged with the amendment.
10.5 ASSIGNMENTS,
SUCCESSORS, AND NO THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS
Neither
party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of the other parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will
apply to, be binding in all respects upon, and inure to the benefit of the
successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Nothing expressed or
referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any person other than
the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy, or
claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this
Agreement. This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions
are for the sole and exclusive benefit of parties to this Agreement and their
successors and assigns.
10.6 SEVERABILITY
If any
provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in
full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid
or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to
the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
10.7 NO
FINANCING CONTINGENCY
This
Agreement is not contingent upon Purchaser’s arranging for a commitment for
satisfactory financing.
10.8 SURVIVAL
None of
the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Seller
and Purchaser herein, or in any certificates or other documents delivered prior
to or at the Closing, shall survive the Closing.
10.9 GOVERNING
LAW
This
Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without regard
to conflicts of laws principles.
10.10
COUNTERPARTS
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be
deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken
together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same
agreement.
{Signature
Page Follows}
17
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto, as of the date first above
written.
SELLER:
|
|||
Xxxxxxx Cleaners, Inc. | |||
|
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxx
|
|
Name: Xxxxx
X. Xxxx
|
|||
Title: Chief
Executive Officer
|
|||
PURCHASER:
|
|||
USDC Xxxxxxx Indiana, Inc. | |||
|
By:
|
/s/
Riaz Chautani
|
|
Name: Riaz
Chautani
|
|||
Title: Vice
President
|
|||
18