AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER BY AND AMONG THE AMACORE GROUP, INC., LBS ACQUISITION CORP., AND LIFEGUARD BENEFIT SERVICES, INC. Dated as of October 5, 2007
BY
AND
AMONG
THE
AMACORE GROUP, INC.,
LBS
ACQUISITION CORP.,
AND
LIFEGUARD
BENEFIT SERVICES, INC.
Dated
as
of October 5, 2007
This
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 5th,
2007 is among (i) The Amacore Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“Parent”), (ii) LBS Acquisition Corp., a Texas corporation and a direct,
wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), (iii) LifeGuard Benefit
Services, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), and (iv) the
shareholders of the Company who execute a joinder agreement hereto.
WHEREAS,
the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have
approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the merger of Merger Sub
with
and into the Company (the “Merger”), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS,
it is the intention of the parties that the transactions contemplated hereby
will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby,
the
parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
- DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain
Definitions.
(a) For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings
specified in this Section 1.1:
“Adjustment
Date” means the date that is eighteen (18) months following the Closing (as
defined in Section 2.7 below) of this transaction.
“Affiliate”
means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under
common control with, such Person, and the term “control” (including the
terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through
ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise.
“Business
Day” means any day of the year on which national banking institutions in New
York are open to the public for conducting business and are not required or
authorized to close.
“Change
in Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of
related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) there
is
consummated a merger, consolidation, acquisition, share purchase or similar
transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Parent if, immediately after
the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the
stockholders of the Parent immediately prior thereto do not own, directly or
indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than
fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving
entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than
fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent
of
the surviving entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction;
or
2
(ii) there
is
consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries,
other than a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries
to an entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of
the
voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Parent in
substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Parent immediately
prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition.
“Charter
Documents” means an entity’s certificate or articles of incorporation,
certificate defining the rights and preferences of securities, articles of
organization, general or limited partnership agreement, certificate of limited
partnership, joint venture agreement or similar document governing the
entity.
“Contract”
means any written or oral contract, indenture, note, bond, lease, license,
commitment, instrument or other agreement.
“Encumbrances”
means any lien, mortgage, security interest, pledge, restriction on
transferability, defect of title or other claim, charge or encumbrance of any
nature whatsoever on any property or property interest.
“Governmental
Body” means any government or governmental or regulatory entity, body
thereof, or political subdivision thereof, whether federal, state, local,
foreign, or supranational, or any agency, instrumentality or authority thereof,
or any court or arbitrator (public or private).
“Knowledge
of the Company” means the actual knowledge of those Persons identified on
Schedule 1.1(a).
“Law”
means any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute, code, ordinance, rule
or regulation of any Governmental Body.
“Legal
Proceeding” means any judicial, administrative, investigative or arbitral
actions, suits or proceedings (public or private) by or before a Governmental
Body.
“Liability”
means any debt, liability or obligation (whether known or unknown, absolute
or
contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, asserted or
unasserted, or due or to become due).
3
“Material
Adverse Effect” means a change, event, circumstance or effect that is
materially adverse to the results of operations or financial condition of the
Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole), other than a change, event,
circumstance or effect to the extent resulting from an Excluded
Matter. “Excluded Matter” means any one or more of the
following: (i) the effect of any change in the United States or
foreign economies or securities or financial markets in general; (ii) the
effect of any change that generally affects any industry in which the Company
or
any of its Subsidiaries operates; (iii) the effect of any change arising in
connection with earthquakes, hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism
or
military actions or any escalation or material worsening of any such
hostilities, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions existing
or
underway as of the date hereof; (iv) the effect of any action taken by
Parent or its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby
or
with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries; (v) the effect of any
changes in applicable Laws or accounting rules; (vi) any effect resulting
from the public announcement of this Agreement or (vii) compliance with the
terms of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement.
“Order”
means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling, writ, assessment or
arbitration award of a Governmental Body.
“Ordinary
Course of Business” means the ordinary and usual course of business of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, consistent with past practice.
“Parent
Common Stock” means the Parent’s Class A common stock, $.001 par value per
share.
“Permits”
means any approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses, permits or certificates
of a Governmental Body.
“Person”
means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, joint venture, limited
liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization, Governmental Body or other entity.
“Regulation”
shall mean any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, order or rule of any
federal, state, local, foreign or other governmental agency or body or of any
other type of regulatory body.
“Stockholders”
means the shareholders of the Company.
“Stockholders’
Representative” shall mean Xx Xxxxxxxxxx.
“Shares”
shall mean the shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per
share.
“Subsidiary”
of any Person means any other Person of which a majority of the outstanding
voting securities or other voting equity interests, or a majority of any other
interests having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of such other Person, are owned, directly or indirectly, by such
first Person.
4
“Taxes”
means (i) all federal, state, local or foreign taxes, charges, fees, imposts,
levies or other assessments, including all net income, gross receipts, capital,
sales, use, ad valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, alternative,
environmental, inventory, capital stock, license, withholding, payroll,
employment, social security, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation,
property (real or personal) and estimated taxes, customs duties, fees,
assessments and charges of any kind whatsoever, (ii) all interest, penalties,
fines, additions to Tax or additional amounts imposed by any taxing authority
in
connection with any item described in clause (i).
“Tax
Return” means all returns, declarations, reports, estimates, information
returns and statements required to be filed in respect of any
Taxes.
“Transaction
Documents” shall mean the Stockholders’ Representative and Joinder
Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, and each other agreement, certificate, document
and instrument to be executed in accordance herewith
“TBCA”
means the Texas Business Corporation Act.
(b) Terms
Defined Elsewhere in this Agreement. For purposes of this
Agreement, the following terms have meanings set forth in the sections
indicated:
Term
|
Section
|
Action
|
8.6
|
Agreed
Value
|
3.1(b)
|
Agreement
|
Recitals
|
Certificate
of Merger
|
2.2
|
Certificate
|
3.2
|
Claim
|
7.4(b)
|
Closing
|
2.7
|
Closing
Indebtedness
|
10.2(f)
|
Closing
Date
|
2.7
|
Company
|
Recitals
|
Company
Common Stock
|
3.1
|
Company
Employees
|
7.4
|
Damages
|
8.2
|
Disclosure
Schedules
|
4
|
Effective
Time
|
2.2
|
Escrow
Agreement
|
7.1
|
Escrow
Amount
|
7.1
|
Financial
Statements
|
4.6
|
Indemnified
Company Party
|
8.2
|
Indemnified
Parent Party
|
8.1
|
Indemnified
Person
|
7.8
|
Material
Breach Matter
|
7.9
|
Merger
|
Recitals
|
Merger
Consideration Per Common Share
|
3.1(b)
|
Merger
Sub
|
Recitals
|
Parent
|
Recitals
|
Xxx
Xxxxx
|
3.1(b)
|
Post
Closing Indebtedness
|
7.5
|
Real
Estate Leases
|
4.7
|
Real
Property
|
4.7
|
Required
Consents
|
4.3
|
Securities
Act
|
5.2(a)
|
Supplemental
Payment
|
3.2(a)
|
Surviving
Corporation
|
2.1
|
Unaudited
Financial Statements
|
4.6
|
5
(c) Interpretive
Matters. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated
hereby and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation
arises, this Agreement shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties
hereto and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring
any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
II - THE MERGER
2.1 The
Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement and in accordance with the TBCA, Merger Sub shall be merged
with
and into the Company at the Effective Time. Following the Effective
Time, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease, and the
Company shall continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger (the
“Surviving Corporation”) and shall succeed to and assume all the rights
and obligations of Merger Sub in accordance with the TBCA.
2.2 Effective
Time. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, as soon as
practicable on the Closing Date, the parties shall file with the Secretary
of
State of the State of Texas Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of
Merger”) executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the TBCA
and, as soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date, shall make all other
filings or recordings required under the TBCA. The Merger shall
become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger are duly filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Texas, or at such other time as Parent
and the Company shall agree and shall specify in the Certificate of Merger
(the
date and time the Merger becomes effective being the “Effective
Time”).
2.3 Effects
of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in
this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the TBCA. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective
Time, all the properties, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the
Company and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
liabilities and duties of the Company and Merger Sub shall become the debts,
liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
2.4 Certificate
of Formation and By-laws.
(a) The
Certificate of Formation of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to
the
Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of Formation of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by
applicable Law.
(b) The
By-laws of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time,
shall be the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed
or
amended as provided therein or by applicable Law.
2.5 Directors. The
persons set forth on Exhibit 2.5 shall be the directors of the Surviving
Corporation until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their
respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may
be.
6
2.6 Officers. The
persons set forth on Exhibit 2.6 shall be the officers of the Surviving
Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their
respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may
be.
2.7 Closing
Date. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Sections 10.1 and 10.2 hereof (or the waiver thereof by the party
entitled to waive that condition), the closing of the transactions contemplated
hereby (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of at the offices
of The Amacore Group, Inc., 000 Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxx Xxxx,
XX
00000 (or at such other place as Parent and the Company may designate in
writing) at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on a date to be specified by Parent and
the Company, which date shall be no later than the second (2nd) Business
Day
after the satisfaction or waiver of each condition to the Closing set forth
in
Article VIII (other than conditions that by their nature are to be
satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such
conditions), unless another time or date, or both, are agreed to in writing
by
Parent and the Company. The date on which the Closing shall occur is
referred to in this Agreement as the “Closing Date”.
ARTICLE
III - EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE CONSTITUENT
CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
3.1 Effect
on Capital Stock. As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any further action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the
Company or the holder of any shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share
of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) or any shares of capital
stock of Merger Sub:
(a) Capital
Stock of Merger Sub. Each issued and outstanding share of common
stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Merger Sub shall be converted into and
become one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.
(b) Company
Common Stock. Each issued and outstanding share of Company Common
Stock shall be converted into the right to receive 2.469771 unregistered shares
of Parent Common Stock (the “Merger Consideration Per Common Share”) such
that an aggregate of 2,469,771 shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued
to
the Stockholders at the Closing. The Merger Consideration Per Common
Share is based on a value of the Company of $12,348,855.00 (the “Agreed
Value”) and assumes a price per share of the Parent Common Stock of Five
Dollars ($5.00) (the “Xxx Xxxxx”).
3.2 Share
Adjustment. On the Adjustment Date, Parent and the Stockholders
shall, if necessary, adjust the shares issued to the Stockholders at the Closing
as follows:
(a) The
Xxx Xxxxx as
described in Section 3.1(b) above shall be restated so as to reflect the
average trading price of Parent Common Stock as quoted on the OTC BB or such
other exchange or quotation system upon which Parent Common Stock is trading
for
the immediate preceding 30-day period. If the average trading price as so
determined is below $5.00 per share, but not less than $1.50 per share (subject
to Section 3(c)(ii)), the Stockholders shall be issued (within five (5)
Business Days of the Adjustment Date) such additional shares of Parent Common
Stock as may be necessary so that the aggregate number of shares of Parent
Common Stock issued to the Stockholders has a value equal to the Agreed Value
as
of the Adjustment Date (the “Supplemental Payment”).
7
(b) In
the event shares of
Parent Common Stock have an average trading price as determined in accordance
with procedures set forth in Section 3.2(a) of $5.00 or in excess of
$5.00 per share, no adjustment shall be made in the amount of shares of Parent
Common Stock previously issued to the Stockholders, which issuance shall be
deemed final and not subject to further adjustment.
(c) In
the event shares of
Parent Common Stock have an average trading price of less than $1.50 as
determined in accordance with procedures set forth in Section 3.2(a),
Parent shall within five (5) Business Days of the Adjustment Date
either:
(i) Provide
notice to the Stockholders’ Representative of its intent to effectively unwind
the Merger, in which event Parent shall immediately and irrevocably transfer
to
the Stockholders one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding capital stock
of
the Surviving Corporation (free of any Encumbrances) in the same proportions
the
Stockholders held their Shares in the Company immediately prior to the Effective
Time as set forth on Schedule 4.4; and the Stockholders shall deliver to
Parent eighty percent (80%) of the shares Parent Common Stock previously
delivered to the Stockholders as merger consideration pursuant to Section
3.1; or
(ii) Issue the
Stockholders the Supplemental Payment pursuant to the restated Xxx Xxxxx in
accordance with Section 3.2(a).
(d) In
the event
of a Change in Control prior to the Adjustment Date, the share adjustment and
procedures set forth in Sections 3.2(a) through (c) shall be
performed immediately prior to the Change in Control with the adjusted price
per
share to be determined by the value imputed by such Change in
Control.
(e) In
case
Parent shall (i) declare a dividend or make a distribution on its outstanding
shares of Parent Common Stock in shares of Parent Common Stock or (b) subdivide,
combine or reclassify its outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock into a
greater or lesser number of shares, the Xxx Xxxxx and per share prices set
forth
in this Section 3.2 and in effect at the time of the record date for such
dividend or distribution or the effective date of such subdivision, combination
or reclassification shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the intention
of
the parties as reflected in this Section 3.2.
3.3 Closing
Deliveries of the Parent. At the Closing, the Parent shall
deliver to the Stockholders certificates or a copy of Parent’s letter to its
transfer agent authorizing the agent to deliver to each Stockholders their
shares of Parent’s Common Stock in accordance with Section
3.1. In addition, the Parent shall deliver to the Stockholders
the signed Transaction Documents and such other documents, if any, as the
parties may deem to be necessary to carry out the intent of this
Agreement. The Stockholders acknowledge that said shares will be
deemed “restricted” securities under Rule 144. Each of the
Stockholders agree that following the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the
Closing Date, they will sell such shares only in accordance with the then
existing Rule 144 selling formula for shares held more than one year but less
than two years or pursuant to another applicable exemption or registration
statement.
3.4 Closing
Deliveries of the Stockholders. At the Closing, the Stockholders
shall deliver to the Parent certificates for the Shares duly endorsed for
transfer or accompanied by an executed stock power, transferring such Shares
to
Parent. The shares to be delivered to the Parent shall equal 100% of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. In addition, the
Stockholders shall deliver to the Parent the executed Transaction Documents,
as
applicable, as and such other documents, if any, as the parties may deem to
be
necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement. Included within
the foregoing will be any consent necessary from person, firms and/or
corporations in contract with the Company which consents are required pursuant
to the terms of said contractual arrangements in transactions such as the one
contemplated by this Agreement.
8
ARTICLE
IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except
as
disclosed in the disclosure schedules (the “Disclosure Schedules”)
delivered to Parent and Merger Sub in connection with this Agreement, the
Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that each
statement contained in this Article IV is true and correct as of the
Closing. The Disclosure Schedules have been arranged for purposes of
convenience only, in sections corresponding to the Sections of this Article
IV. Each section of the Disclosure Schedules will be deemed to
incorporate by reference all information disclosed in any other section of
the
Disclosure Schedules.
4.1 Corporate
Status. The Company is a Texas, Sub-Chapter S corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the
jurisdiction in which it was incorporated, and is qualified to do business as a
foreign corporation in any jurisdiction where such corporation is required
to be
so qualified. The Company has delivered to the Parent current,
correct and complete copies of its Charter Documents and bylaws, both of which
are in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and its minute book along
with a Certificate of Good Standing in the state in which the Company is
incorporated and such other states in which it is authorized to do
business.
4.2 Authorization. The
Company has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now
conducted. The Company has the requisite power and authority to
execute and deliver any of the respective Transaction Documents to which it
is
or will at the Closing become a party and to perform the transactions to be
performed by it. Such execution, delivery and performance have
respectively been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action with respect
to the Company. Each Transaction Document executed and delivered by
the Company as of the date hereof has been duly executed and delivered by the
Company and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. The
Company’s Board of Directors and Stockholders have unanimously approved the
Merger contemplated under this Agreement.
4.3 Consents
and Approvals. Except for any filings, consents or approvals
specified on Schedule 4.3 (the “Required
Consents”), neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the
Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, nor the performance
of
the transactions performed or to be performed by the Company, will require
any
filing, consent, renegotiation or approval, constitute a default or cause any
payment obligation to arise under: (a) any Law or Order to which the Company
is
subject; (b) the Charter Documents or bylaws of the Company; or (c) any material
Contract, Permit or other document to which the Company is a party by which
the
properties or other assets of the Company may be
subject.
4.4 Capitalization
and
Stock Ownership. The capitalization of the Company is set forth
on Schedule 4.4. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.4
hereto, there are no existing options, warrants, calls, commitments or other
rights of any character (including conversion or preemptive rights) relating
to
the acquisition of any issued or unissued capital stock or other securities
of
the Company. All of the Shares are duly and validly authorized and
issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The Stockholders are the
record and sole beneficial owners of all of the Shares in the respective amounts
specified on Schedule 4.4, free and clear of all
Encumbrances. Upon completion of the transactions at the Closing, the
Parent will receive valid title to all of the Shares, free and clear of all
Encumbrances, which shares will represent 100% of the issued and outstanding
shares of the Company as of the Closing.
9
4.5 Title
to
Assets and Related Matters. The Company has good and marketable
title to, valid leasehold interests in or valid licenses to use, all of the
assets, free from any Encumbrances except: (a) those specified in Schedule
4.5; (b) liens for taxes not yet due; and (c) with respect to real property;
(i) minor imperfections of title, if any, none of which is substantial in
amount, materially detracts from the value or impairs the use of the property
subject thereto, or impairs the operations of the Company and (ii) zoning laws
and other land use restrictions that do not impair the present use of the
property subject thereto. All tangible personal property included in
the assets are suitable for the purposes for which they are used, in good
working condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted and are free from any
known
defects.
4.6 Financial
Statements. The Company has delivered to Parent correct and
complete copies of the Company’s unaudited financial statements
consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of each month from January 1, 2006
through and including August 31, 2007 and the related
statements of income for the periods then ended (the “Unaudited Financial
Statements”), copies of which are attached as Schedule
4.6. All such Unaudited Financial Statements are referred to
herein collectively as the “Financial Statements”. The
Financial Statements are consistent in all material respects with the books
and
records of the Company, and there have not been and will not be any material
transactions that have not been recorded in the accounting records underlying
such Financial Statements. The Financial Statements present fairly
the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and assets and
Liabilities of the Company as of the dates thereof, and for the periods then
ended, subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments and the absence of
footnote disclosure in the case of the Unaudited Financial
Statements.
4.7 Real
Property. Schedule 4.7 accurately describes all real
estate used in the operation of the Company’s business as well as any other real
estate possessed or leased by the Company and the improvements (including
buildings and other structures) located on such real estate (collectively,
the
“Real Property”), and lists any leases under which any such Real Property
is possessed (the “Real Estate Leases”). All of the Real
Property (a) is usable in the Ordinary Course of Business and is in good
operating condition and repair and (b) conforms with any applicable Laws, except
as set forth in Section 4.5 above. Each Real Estate Lease is
in full force and effect and has not been assigned, modified, supplemented
or
amended and the Company is not in default under any such lease.
4.8 Certain
Personal Property. Schedule 4.8 sets forth a complete
fixed asset schedule, describing all items of tangible personal property with
an
individual carrying value of at least $10,000 that were included in the Company’
balance sheet dated August 31, 2007 and attached hereto in Schedule
4.6. No person other than the Company owns any vehicles,
equipment or other tangible assets located on the Real Property that is
necessary for the operation of the business. The assets are suitable
for the purposes for which such assets are currently used or are held for use,
and are in good working condition, subject to normal wear and tear.
4.9 Liabilities. The
Company has no Liabilities, other than the Liabilities specified on Schedule
4.9.
10
4.10
Taxes.
(a) The
Company has timely
filed all material Tax Returns and extensions required to be filed for all
taxable years and periods and through the date hereof. All such Tax Returns
were
correct and complete in all material respects. All material Taxes
owed by the Company have been paid. There are no liens for Taxes on
any of the assets (except for liens for Taxes not yet due and
payable).
(b) The
Company has properly
withheld and timely paid over to the proper taxing authority all Taxes required
to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to
any
employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder, member or other third
party and has complied with all information reporting and backup withholding
requirements, including maintenance of required records with respect thereto
in
connection with any amounts paid to any employee, independent contractor,
creditor or third party.
4.11 Legal
Proceedings and Compliance with Law.
(a) Except
as set forth on
Schedule 4.11(a), there are no Legal Proceedings that are pending or, to
the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company (i)
against or involving directly or indirectly its business or (ii) challenging
any
of the transactions that would have a Material Adverse Effect on the
business.
(b) Except
as set forth on
Schedule 4.11(b), the Company is in compliance with all laws applicable
to the business as presently conducted.
4.12 Contracts.
(a) Schedule
4.12 lists all Contracts of the following types to
which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, including all Contracts
that may be terminated by the Company on less than 30 days’ notice without any
material Liability:
(i) Contracts
with any
present or former shareholder, director, officer, employee, partner or
consultant of the Company thereof, or any other Contract calling for the payment
of money by the Company to any third party in exchange for
services;
(ii) Contracts
for the future
purchase of, or payment for, supplies or products, or for the lease of an asset
from or the performance of services by a third party, or any Contracts for
the
sale of products with respect to any one supplier or other party;
(iii) Contracts
to sell or supply products or to perform services;
(iv) Contracts
to lease to or to operate for any other party any asset;
11
(v) Any
license, franchise,
distributorship or sales agency agreement or other similar agreements, including
those that relate in whole or in part to any software, technical assistance
or
other know-how used in the past twenty-four (24) months.
(vi) Any
notes, debentures,
bonds, conditional sale agreements, equipment trust agreements, letter of credit
agreements, reimbursement agreements, loan/repayment agreements or other
Contracts for the borrowing, repayment or lending of money, agreements or
arrangements for a line of credit or for a guarantee of, or other undertaking
in
connection with, the indebtedness of the Company;
(vii) Contracts
for any capital expenditure or leasehold improvement;
(viii) Any
Contracts under which
any encumbrances exist with respect to any assets; and
(ix) Any
other
Contracts.
(b) The
Company has delivered
to Parent complete and correct copies of all written Contracts, together with
all amendments thereto, and accurate descriptions of all material terms of
all
oral Contracts, set forth or required to be set forth on Schedule
4.12.
4.13 Employee
Relations. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13, the
Company: (a) is not a party to, involved in or, to the Knowledge of the Company,
threatened by any labor dispute or unfair labor practice charge; (b) is not
currently negotiating any collective bargaining agreement; and (c) has not
made
arrangements with any labor union or employee association or made commitments
to
or conducted negotiations with any labor union or employee association with
respect to any future agreements. The Company has delivered to Parent
a complete and correct list of the names and salaries, bonus and other cash
compensation of all employees (including officers) of the Company whose total
cash compensation for 2006 exceeded, or whose total compensation for 2007 is
expected to exceed, $40,000.
4.14 Additional
Information. Schedule
4.14 accurately lists the following:
(a) the
names
of all officers and directors of the Company;
(b) the
names
and addresses of every bank or other financial institution in which the Company
maintains an account (whether checking, saving or otherwise), lock box or safe
deposit box, and the account numbers and names of persons having signing
authority or other access thereto;
(c) the
names
of all persons authorized to borrow money or incur or guarantee indebtedness
on
behalf of the Company; and
(d) all
names
under which the Company has conducted any part of the Company’s business or that
it has otherwise used at any time during the past three years.
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4.15 Accuracy
of Information. The representations and warranties made or
contained in this Agreement, the schedules and exhibits attached hereto and
the
certificates and statements executed or delivered in connection herewith, and
the information concerning the business of the Company delivered to the Parent
in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement when taken together, including
any additional disclosures set forth in Schedule 4.15, do not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
to
be stated therein or necessary in order to make such representations, warranties
or other material not misleading. No event has occurred and nothing
material has come to the attention of the Company that would indicate that
any
of such information (together with any written updates thereof furnished by
the
Company) is not true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof. There are no facts known to the Stockholders that currently
or would have a Material Adverse Effect and that have not been specifically
disclosed herein or in a schedule furnished herewith, other than economic
conditions affecting the industry of the Company generally.
ARTICLE
V
- REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS
5.1 Representations
and Warranties. Each Stockholder hereby, severally and not
jointly, represents and warrants to the Parent as follows:
(a) this
Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Stockholder,
enforceable against such Stockholder in accordance with its terms;
(b) neither
the execution and delivery by the Stockholder of this Agreement, nor the
performance of the transactions to be performed by the Stockholder hereunder,
will require any filing, consent or approval by a third party or constitute
a
default under (i) any Regulation or Order to which the Stockholder is subject,
or (ii) any Contract or other document to which the Stockholder is a party
or by which the properties or other assets of the Stockholder may be
subject;
(c) the
Stockholder is the record and sole beneficial owners of the Shares set opposite
his name in Schedule 4.4, free and clear of all
Encumbrances;
(d) upon
completion of the transactions at the Closing, the Parent shall receive valid
title to the Stockholder’s Shares, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other
than those imposed by applicable securities laws;
(e) the
Stockholder’s Shares are not subject to any pre-emptive rights or rights of
first refusal, and neither the execution and delivery by the Stockholder
violates any pre-emptive rights or rights of first refusal enforceable against,
by statute or otherwise, the Shares; and
(f) to
best
of the Stockholder’s knowledge, the representations of the Company are true and
accurate as of the date hereof and will be true and accurate as of the
Closing.
5.2 Accredited
Investor Status. Each Stockholder hereby, severally and not
jointly, represents and warrants to the Parent as follow:
(a) the
Stockholder
represents that he, she or it has sufficient knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters that he, she or it is capable of evaluating
the
merits and risks of the acquisition of Parent Common Stock and also that
he/she/it is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Regulation D of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”);
13
(b) the
Stockholder is aware
of the applicable limitations under the Securities Act relating to a subsequent
sale, transfer, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, gift, assignment or other
encumbrance of the Parent Common Stock; and
(c) the
Stockholder realizes
that the Parent is relying on the validity of these representations and
agreements contained herein and in the other Transaction Documents in issuing
the Parent Common Stock to the Stockholder without registration under the
Securities Act or any state securities laws.
ARTICLE
VI - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
Parent
hereby represents and warrants to the Company and the Stockholders
that:
6.1 Enforceability.
(a) This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent,
enforceable against the Parent in accordance with its terms; and (b) neither
the
execution and delivery by the Parent of this Agreement, nor the performance
of
the transactions to be performed by the Parent hereunder, will require any
filing, consent or approval by a third party or constitute a Default under
(i)
any Regulation or Order to which the Parent is subject, or (ii) any
agreement, contract or other document to which the Parent is a party or by
which
the properties or other assets of the Parent may be subject.
6.2 Accredited
Investor Status.
(a) Parent
is
aware of the applicable limitations under the Securities Act, relating to the
Shares to be acquired by Parent and that the Shares have not been registered
under the Securities Act, and that such securities cannot be sold unless they
are subsequently registered under the Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws or an exemption from such registration is
available.
(b) Parent
is
acquiring the Shares solely for investment purposes, with no present intention
of distributing or reselling any of the Shares.
(c) Parent
has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it
is
capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the acquisition of the
Shares.
(d) Parent
acknowledges that the Company is relying on the validity of the Parent's
representations and agreements contained herein in granting the Shares to it
without registration under the Securities Act.
6.3 Litigation. There
are no Legal Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened
that
are reasonably likely to prohibit or restrain the ability of Parent to enter
into this Agreement or consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby.
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6.4 Organization
and Good Standing. Parent is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate
properties and carry on its business. Merger Sub is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Texas and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own,
lease
and operate properties and carry on its business. Merger Sub is a
newly-formed corporation organized for the sole purpose of being merged with
and
into the Company as part of the Merger and has no assets, liabilities or
properties and otherwise does not conduct any business.
ARTICLE
VII - COVENANTS
7.1 Escrow
Agreement. At the Closing, the parties will execute and exchange
the “Escrow Agreement”, in the form mutually agreed to by Parent and the
Stockholders’ Representative, it being the intent of the
parties that one hundred percent (100%) of each respective Stockholder’s
aggregate merger consideration received pursuant to this Agreement shares be
held in escrow for a term of eighteen (18) months, in order to assure the
Stockholders’ ability to fulfill the indemnification obligations set forth in
Article VIII hereof (such aggregate number of shares of Parent Common Stock
is
referred to herein as the “Escrow Amount”
7.2 Compliance
with Rule 144. For so long as Parent is subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”) and any of the Parent Common Stock issued to the
Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement are not freely tradable, Parent will
use
its best efforts to file the reports required to be filed by it under the
Securities Act and Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange, or,
if
Parent ceases to be so required to file such reports, it will, upon the request
of any Stockholder, (a) make publicly available such information as is necessary
to permit sales of securities of Parent pursuant to Rule 144 under the
Securities Act and (b) take such further action that is reasonable in the
circumstances, in each case, to the extent required from time to time to enable
the Stockholders to sell their Parent Common Stock without registration under
the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule
144
under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or
any
similar rules or regulations hereinafter adopted by the SEC.
7.3 Stockholders’
Representative and Joinder Agreement. At the Closing, the
Stockholders shall each execute the “Stockholders’ Representative and Joinder
Agreement”, in the form mutually agreed to by the Stockholders and the
Parent, pursuant to which the Stockholders shall each become a party to this
Agreement and appoint the Stockholders’ Representative as provided
therein.
7.4 Employment
and Employee Benefits. Xx Xxxxxxxxxx, shall be permitted to
maintain his staff and such employee benefits as are in place as of the closing
in such a manner as he sees fit.
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7.5 Certain
Company Indebtedness. Parent agrees and acknowledges
that the indebtedness set forth on Schedule 7.5 (the “Post Closing
Indebtedness”) is not to be paid at Closing but shall be paid in accordance
with the timing set forth on such Schedule 7.5. In order to
secure the performance by Parent of its obligations under this Section
7.5, Parent and the Stockholders’ Representative shall negotiate in good
faith to enter into a mutually acceptable escrow agreement, pursuant to which
the aggregate amount of the indebtedness set forth on Schedule 7.5 shall,
at Closing, be placed in escrow. Such amounts in escrow shall be used
to make payments on the Company’s indebtedness as specified in this Section
7.5 and Schedule 7.5.
7.6 Tax
Matters. Parent shall cause to be timely filed all Tax Returns
required to be filed by or with respect to the Surviving Corporation that are
due on or after the Closing Date and shall pay or cause to be paid all Taxes
due
thereon.
7.7 Operation
of Company Business. Following the Closing and until such time as
the Adjustment Date has occurred and the parties have determined whether or
not
they intend to effect an unwinding of the Merger in accordance with Schedule
3.2(c), Parent covenants and agrees that all business related to the Company
will be conducted by the Company consistent with past practice such that all
assets and contracts related to the Company’s business shall be titled to and
entered into in the name of the Company and the Company shall not incur any
liabilities other than in the Ordinary Course of Business. Parent
will take no actions for the purpose of adversely impacting the assets or
business of the Company. In the event of an unwinding of the Merger
pursuant to Section 3.2(c), all assets and contracts shall remain with
the Company following the unwinding.
7.8 Indemnification
of Company Officers and Directors. From and after the Effective
Time, Parent shall, or Parent shall cause the Surviving Company, not to
oppose obtaining insurance coverage in the form of D & O insurance for
each any person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the
Effective Time, an officer or director of the Company for
acts
occurring prior to the closing provided same is reasonably
obtainable.
7.9 Supplementation
and Amendment of Schedules. Parent shall notify the Company
promptly, and in any event before Closing, if Parent has knowledge of any matter
(a “Material Breach Matter”) the existence of which, individually or in
the aggregate with respect to all such matters, constitutes a material breach
by
the Company of any representation or warranty in, or of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
VIII - SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Survival
Past Closing. The representations and warranties of the parties
hereto contained herein shall survive the Closing for a period of two
(2) years.
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8.2 Indemnification
by the Stockholders. From and after the Closing Date, the
Stockholders, shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless the Parent
and (if any) its successors and assigns, officers, directors, employees,
stockholders, agents, Affiliates and any person who controls any of such persons
within the meaning of the Securities Act (each, an “Indemnified Parent
Party”) from and against any liabilities, claims, demands, judgments,
losses, costs, damages or expenses whatsoever (including reasonable attorneys’,
consultants’ and other professional fees and disbursements, nature and
description incurred by such Indemnified Parent Party in connection therewith)
(collectively, “Damages”) that such Indemnified Parent Party may sustain,
suffer or incur and that result from, arise out of or relate to: (a) any breach
of any of the respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
of
the Company or any Stockholder; (b) any Taxes of the Company with respect to
any
tax period or partial period ending on or before the Closing Date (or for any
tax period or partial period beginning before and ending after the Closing
Date
to the extent allocable to the portion of such period beginning before and
ending on the Closing Date) and (c) for any undisclosed Liabilities of the
Company not set forth on the Schedules hereto.
8.3 Indemnification
by the Parent. From and after the Closing Date, the Parent shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Stockholders and their respective successors
and
assigns (if any), and their respective officers, directors, employees,
stockholders, agents, Affiliates and any Person who controls any of such Persons
within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an
“Indemnified Company Party”) from and against any Damages that such
Indemnified Company Party may sustain, suffer or incur and that result from
arise out of or relate to any breach of any of the respective representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements of the Parent contained in this
Agreement.
8.4 Claims
Period. Any claim for indemnification under this Article
VIII shall be made by giving a notice to the other party on or before the
first anniversary of the Closing Date as provided in the Escrow Agreement or
the
claim under this Article VIII shall be invalid.
8.5 Third
Party Claims. An indemnified party that desires to seek
indemnification under any part of this Article VIII with respect to
any actions, suits or other administrative or judicial proceedings (each, an
“Action”) that may be instituted by a third party shall give each
indemnifying party prompt notice of a third party’s institution of such
Action. After such notice, any indemnifying party may, or if so
requested by such indemnified party, any indemnifying party shall, participate
in such Action or assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to
such
indemnified party; provided, however, that such indemnified party shall have
the
right to participate at its own expense in the defense of such Action; and
provided, further, that the indemnifying party shall not consent to the entry
of
any judgment or enter into any settlement, except with the written consent
of
such indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld). Any failure to give prompt notice under this Section
8.5 shall not bar an indemnified party’s right to claim indemnification
under this Article VIII, except to the extent that an indemnifying party
shall have been harmed by such failure.
8.6 Effect
of Investigation or Knowledge. Any claim by an Indemnified Parent
Party for indemnification shall not be adversely affected by any investigation
by or opportunity to investigate afforded to the Parent. Each party
hereto shall be deemed to be relying on the representations and warranties
of
any other party set forth herein, regardless of any investigation or audit
conducted before or after the Closing Date or the decision of any party to
consummate the Merger contemplated hereby and complete the Closing.
8.7 Contingent
Claims. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent an indemnified
party from making a claim hereunder for potential or contingent claims or
demands provided the Claim Notice sets forth the specific basis for any such
potential or contingent claim to the extent then feasible and the indemnified
party has reasonable grounds to believe that such a claim or demand may be
made.
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8.8 Application
of the Escrow Amount; Exclusive Remedy; Limitations.
(a) In
the
event Parent has a claim and believes in good faith that it is entitled to
indemnification under this Article VIII, then Parent shall make a claim
for such amount in accordance with the terms of the Escrow
Agreement.
(b) Prior
the
release of the Escrow Amount to the Stockholders, any indemnity claim pursuant
to Sections 8.2 shall be satisfied first by recovery against the Escrow
Amount;
(c) The
aggregate liability of the Stockholders for Damages pursuant to Article
VIII shall not in any event exceed an amount equal to the Agreed Value plus
the Closing Indebtedness plus the Post Closing Indebtedness.
(d) Notwithstanding
anything contained herein to the contrary, (i) each of the Stockholders (in
his
or its sole discretion) shall have the right to pay any claim amount made
pursuant to this Article VIII in either cash and/or shares of Parent
Common Stock to satisfy any such claim amount, and (ii) each share of Parent
Common Stock shall for purposes of claims made under this Article VIII be
deemed to have a value equal to the Xxx Xxxxx (as may be restated pursuant
to
Section 3.2(a) and adjusted for Parent stock splits, stock dividends and
stock combinations that occur).
(e) No
amount
shall be payable under this Article VIII by Stockholders as
indemnifying parties or Parent as the indemnifying party unless and until the
aggregate amount of all indemnifiable Damages otherwise payable exceeds
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), in which event the amount payable
shall be the entire amount of the Damages.
(f) Except
as
to claims based on fraud, the sole recourse and exclusive remedy of Parent
and
Stockholders against each other arising out of this Agreement, whether based
on
tort, contract, statutory or common law remedy or equitable remedy or otherwise,
including but not limited to, any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or
otherwise, shall be to assert a claim for indemnification under the
indemnification provisions of this Article VIII and Parent and
Stockholders each covenant that it or they will not seek to obtain any remedy
except as provided in this Article VIII.
8.9 Termination
of Indemnification.
(a) Any
indemnity claim based
on fraud shall survive without any time limitations.
(b) Any
indemnity claim based
on any matter which has been described in a notice to an indemnifying party
pursuant to Section 8.6 of this Agreement prior to the expiration of the
applicable time limitation set forth in Section 8.1 above shall survive
until the claim is finally resolved.
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ARTICLE
IX - EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
At
the
Closing, the Parent will enter into Employment Agreements with the parties
named
on Schedule 9, in the form agreed to by the
applicable parties.
ARTICLE
X
- CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
10.1 Conditions
Precedent to Obligations of Parent. The obligation of Parent to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the
fulfillment, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following
conditions (any or all of which may be waived by Parent in whole or in part
to
the extent permitted by applicable Law):
(a) the
representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement,
disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to
materiality or Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct as of the
Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date (or, if given as of a
specific date, at and as of such date), except (x) for changes permitted by
this
Agreement or (y) where the failure to be true and correct would not have a
Material Adverse Effect. Parent shall have received a certificate
signed on behalf of the Company by an authorized officer of the Company to
such
effect;
(b) the
Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
obligations and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or
complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall have
received a certificate signed by an authorized officer of the Company,
confirming the foregoing;
(c) the
parties shall have executed and deliver the Transaction Documents;
(d) there
shall not be in effect any Order by a Governmental Body of competent
jurisdiction restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated hereby;
(e) Parent’s
counsel shall have approved the provisions contained in Article II and its
sub-parts, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
and
(f) the
parties shall have finalized and mutually agreed upon all Schedules and Exhibits
hereto.
10.2 Conditions
Precedent to Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the
Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are
subject to the fulfillment, prior to or on the Closing Date, of each of the
following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the Company in whole
or in part to the extent permitted by applicable Law):
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(a) The
representations and warranties of Parent contained in this Agreement,
disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to
materiality or Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and as of
the
Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (or, if given as
of a
specific date, at and as of such date) , except where the failure to be true
and
correct would not reasonably be expected to impair in any material respect
the
ability of Parent or Merger Sub to perform its obligations under this Agreement
or prevent or materially delay consummation of the Transactions. The
Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by an
authorized officer of Parent to such effect;
(b) Parent
shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all obligations
and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
Parent on or prior to the Closing Date, and the Company shall have received
a
certificate signed by an authorized officer of Parent, confirming the
foregoing
(c) the
parties shall have executed and deliver the Transaction Documents;
(d) there
shall not be in effect any Order by a Governmental Body of competent
jurisdiction restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated hereby;
(e) the
Stockholders and Board of Directors of the Company shall have approved this
Agreement;
(f) Parent
shall have delivered and made payments in full satisfaction of the Company’s
indebtedness set forth on Schedule 10.2(f) (the “Closing Indebtedness”)
and all encumbrances, liens and guaranties arising from such indebtedness shall
have been released or the respective payees shall have acknowledged in writing
the release thereof upon receipt of the payment set forth on Schedule
10.2(f); and
(g) the
parties shall have finalized and mutually agreed upon all Schedules and Exhibits
hereto.
10.3 Frustration
of Closing Conditions. Neither the Company nor Parent may rely on
the failure of any condition set forth in Sections 10.1 or 10.2,
as the case may be, if such failure was caused by such party’s failure to use
its reasonable best efforts to comply with any provision of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
XI - TERMINATION
11.1 Termination
of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may
be abandoned any time prior to the Effective Time as follows:
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(a) at
the
election of the Company or Parent on or after November 1, 2007, if the Effective
Time shall not have then occurred by the close of business on such date,
provided that neither Company nor Parent shall be entitled to terminate this
Agreement on or after November 1, 2007 if the principal reason the Merger shall
not have been consummated by such time is the willful, material breach by such
party of its obligations under this Agreement;
(b) by
mutual
written consent of the Company and Parent;
(c) by
the
Company or Parent if there shall be in effect a final nonappealable Order of
a
Governmental Body of competent jurisdiction restraining, enjoining or otherwise
prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; it being
agreed that the parties hereto shall promptly appeal any adverse determination
which is not nonappealable (and pursue such appeal with reasonable
diligence);
(d) by
Parent
if (x) Parent is not then in material breach of any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, and (y) any
of
the conditions set forth in Sections 10.1(a) or 10.1(b) is
incapable of fulfillment, or if the breach giving rise to the failure of any
such conditions to be satisfied is capable of being cured, such breach shall
not
have been cured within (i) thirty (30) days following receipt by the Company
of
notice of such breach from Parent or (ii) if the Company is taking reasonable
steps to cure such breach, sixty (60) days; or
(e) by
the
Company if (x) the Company is not then in material breach of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement, and (y) any of the conditions set forth in
Sections 10.2(a) or 10.2(b) is incapable of fulfillment, or
if the breach giving rise to the failure of any such conditions to be satisfied
is capable of being cured, such breach shall not have been cured within (i)
thirty (30) days following receipt by Parent of notice of such breach from
the
Company or (ii) if Parent is taking reasonable steps to cure such breach, sixty
(60) days.
11.2 Procedure
Upon Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement
by Parent or the Company, or both, pursuant to Section 11.1 hereof,
written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other party, and this
Agreement shall terminate, and the Merger contemplated hereby shall be
abandoned, without further action by Parent or the Company.
11.3 Effect
of Termination. In the event that this Agreement is validly
terminated in accordance with Section 11.1, then each of the parties
shall be relieved of their duties and obligations arising under this Agreement
after the date of such termination and such termination shall be without
liability to Parent or the Company; provided, that no such termination shall
relieve any party hereto from liability for any willful breach of this
Agreement.
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ARTICLE
XII - GENERAL MATTERS
12.1 Contents
of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding
of the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated herein
and
supersedes all prior agreements or understandings among the parties regarding
those matters.
12.2 Amendment,
Parties in Interest, Assignment, Etc. This Agreement may be
amended, modified or supplemented only by a written instrument duly executed
by
each of the parties hereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors and permitted assigns of the parties
hereto. No party hereto shall assign this Agreement or any right,
benefit or obligation hereunder, except that Parent may assign its rights and
obligations hereunder provided that it remains obligated to fulfill its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted
assigns. Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to
create any third party beneficiary rights in any person or entity not a party
to
this Agreement except as contemplated by Sections 7.2, [7.3] and
7.7.
12.3 Interpretation. Unless
the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, (a) references to
the plural include the singular, the singular the plural, the part the whole,
(b) ”or” has the inclusive meaning frequently identified with the phrase
“and/or” and (c) ”including” has the inclusive meaning frequently
identified with the phrase “but not limited to.” The section and
other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
and
shall not control or affect the construction of this Agreement or the
interpretation thereof in any respect. Section, subsection, schedule
and exhibit references relate to this Agreement unless otherwise
specified. Each accounting term used herein that is not specifically
defined herein shall have the meaning given to it under generally accepted
accounting principles.
12.4 Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its
provisions concerning conflict of laws.
12.5 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
binding as of the date first written above, and all of which shall constitute
one and the same instrument. Each such copy shall be deemed an original,
and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce
or account for more than one such counterpart.
12.6 Expenses. Whether
or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, and except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of the Company and Parent shall
bear
its own expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and execution
of
this Agreement and each other agreement, document and instrument contemplated
by
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and
thereby.
12.7 Notices. All
notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed given (i) when delivered personally by hand (with written
confirmation of receipt), (ii) when sent by facsimile (with written confirmation
of transmission) or (iii) one Business Day following the day sent by overnight
courier (with written confirmation of receipt), in each case at the following
addresses and facsimile numbers (or to such other address or facsimile number
as
a party may have specified by notice given to the other party pursuant to this
provision):
22
If
to the Stockholders or the Stockholders’ Representative, to:
LifeGuard
Benefit Services, Inc.
0000
X. Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx,
XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)
000-0000
Attn: Xx
Xxxxxxxxxx, CEO
with
a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Xxxxxxxxx
Traurig LLP
0000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx
0000
XxXxxx,
XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)
000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxxx
X. XxXxxxxx, Esq.
If
to Parent, to:
000
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx
000
Xxxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
Attn:
Xxx Xxxxxx, President
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
|
** REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK **
23
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
by
their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first
written above.
LIFEGUARD BENEFIT SERVICES, INC. | |
By:
/s/ Xx
Xxxxxxxxxx
Name:
Xx Xxxxxxxxxx
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
LBS ACQUISITION CORP. | |
By: /s/ Xxx Xxxxxx | |
Name:
Xxx Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Sole Board Member
|
|
THE AMACORE GROUP, INC, | |
By:
/s/ Xxx
Xxxxxx
Name:
Xxx Xxxxxx
Title:
President
|
24