ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of
May 14, 2008 by and between CETCO OILFIELD SERVICES COMPANY, a
Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), and PREMIUM REELED TUBING, L.L.C., a Louisiana
limited liability company (“Seller”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise
defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Appendix
of
Definitions attached hereto and made a part hereof.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS,
Seller is engaged in the business of oilfield service industry and specifically
the coil tubing industry (the “Business”); and
WHEREAS,
Buyer desires to acquire substantially all of the assets, and Seller desires
to
sell such assets to Buyer, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises,
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
parties hereto agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Purchased
Assets.
1.1 Purchased
Assets.
On the
terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, Seller agrees to sell
to
Buyer or, at Buyer’s election, an Affiliate of Buyer, and Buyer agrees to
purchase or, at Buyer’s election, cause an Affiliate of Buyer to purchase, from
Seller at the Closing (as such term is defined in Section 3 hereof), free and
clear of all Encumbrances (except for Permitted Encumbrances), all of Seller’s
rights, assets and properties set forth on Schedule
1.1
hereto,
whether situated (the “Purchased Assets”). Subject to the terms of this
Agreement, Buyer is purchasing the equipment and inventory included in the
Purchased Assets on an “as-is” and “where-is” basis without warranty as to its
condition, including but not limited to defects whether apparent or latent,
but
subject in all respects to a warranty from Seller to Buyer that Seller has
good,
marketable and valid title to all such assets free and clear from all liens,
claims, security interests and Encumbrances of any kind.
1.2 Names
Following the Closing.
Seller
shall amend its articles of organization so as to change its name to a name
which is not, in the reasonable judgment of Buyer, confusingly similar to the
name “Premium Reeled Tubing” immediately following the Closing, and Seller shall
not thereafter use such name or any names confusingly similar thereto. As soon
as reasonably practicable after the Closing, Seller shall provide to Buyer
a
file-stamped copy of the amendment to Seller’s articles of organization as filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Louisiana evidencing such
change.
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1.3 Documentation.
In
order to effectuate the sale, conveyance, transfer and assignment contemplated
by Section 1.1 hereof, Seller shall execute and deliver on the Closing Date
all
such bills of sale, assignments, consents and other documents or instruments
of
conveyance, transfer or assignment as shall be necessary or appropriate to
vest
or confirm in Buyer marketable title to all right, title and interest of Seller
in and to all of the Purchased Assets, all of which documents shall be in form
and substance satisfactory to counsel for Buyer.
1.4 Retained
Liabilities.
Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, Buyer does
not
hereby and shall not assume or in any way undertake to pay, perform, satisfy
or
discharge any liabilities of Seller or any of its Affiliates existing before,
on
or after the Closing Date or arising out of any transactions entered into,
or
any state of facts existing, before, on or after the Closing Date, whether
or
not related to or arising out of any of the Purchased Assets (the “Retained
Liabilities”). Without limiting the foregoing, the term “Retained Liabilities”
shall include all of the following:
1.4.1 Affiliate
Liabilities.
Liabilities, including accounts or notes payable, of Seller (i) to any
Affiliate; (ii) for or in connection with any dividends, distributions,
redemptions, or security rights with respect to any security of Seller; (iii)
to
indemnify Seller’s officers, directors, employees or agents; (iv) for unpaid
bonuses; or (v) arising out of any transaction affecting Seller or obligations
incurred by Seller’s members, managers, officers, directors, employees or agents
after the Closing.
1.4.2 Balance
Sheet Liabilities.
All
liabilities included in the Financial Statements or that were incurred since
the
date of the Financial Statements, including all of Seller’s trade accounts
payable and accrued liabilities.
1.4.3 Liabilities
under Agreement.
Liabilities expressly identified elsewhere in this Agreement as being the
responsibility of Seller.
1.4.4 Taxes.
Liabilities for any Taxes of Seller, whether or not by reason of, or in
connection with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including
(i)
any Taxes arising as a result of Seller’s operation of the Business or ownership
of the Purchased Assets prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any Taxes that will
arise as a result of the sale of the Purchased Assets pursuant to this
Agreement, and (iii) any deferred Taxes of Seller of any kind.
1.4.5 Indebtedness.
Liabilities of Seller for or arising out of any indebtedness for borrowed
money.
1.4.6 Benefit
Plans.
Liabilities to, under or with respect to any benefit plan (i) maintained or
sponsored by Seller or any of its Affiliates, (ii) with respect to which Seller
or any of its Affiliates has or may have liability or is obligated to
contribute, (iii) that otherwise covers any of the current or former employees
of Seller or any of its Affiliates or their beneficiaries, or (iv) as to which
any current or former employees of Seller or any of its Affiliates or their
beneficiaries participated or were entitled to participate or accrue or have
accrued any rights, or with respect to the administration of any such benefit
plan, or relating to payroll, workers’ compensation liabilities, unemployment
benefits, disability and occupational diseases of or with respect to employees
or former employees of Seller or any of its Affiliates, or under any employment,
severance, retention, change of control or termination agreements with any
employee of Seller or any of its Affiliates, or arising out of or relating
to
any employee grievance whether or not the affected employees are hired by
Buyer.
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1.4.7 Employment
Matters.
Liabilities under any employment agreement between Seller or any of its
Affiliates, on one hand, and any current or former employees of Seller or any
of
its Affiliates, on the other hand, or any liabilities of Seller to pay any
wages, commissions, bonuses, vacation pay, sick pay or other compensation of
any
kind to any of its current or former employees.
1.4.8 Legal
Proceedings.
Liabilities relating to any pending or threatened legal proceedings that exist
on the Closing Date and any legal proceedings that arise after the Closing
Date
that relate to transactions entered into, or any state of facts existing, on
or
before the Closing Date.
1.4.9 Penalties
and Fines.
Liabilities, including penalties, fines, levies and assessments, arising out
of
any violation or breach of, or noncompliance with, any Contracts, Governmental
Approvals or legal requirements by Seller or any other person acting as agent
for or on behalf of Seller.
1.4.10 Environmental
Matters.
Liabilities of Seller arising out of or relating to (i) any violation of or
noncompliance with any Environmental Law occurring on or prior to the Closing
Date by Seller or any other person for whose conduct Seller is legally
responsible, (ii) the ownership or operation of the facilities by Seller on
or
prior to the Closing Date, including the migration of any such condition after
the Closing Date, (iii) the presence of any Contaminant at the facilities on
or
prior to the Closing Date as a result of Seller’s actions or omissions, (iv) any
hazardous activity conducted by Seller or any other person acting as agent
for
or on behalf of Seller, (v) any Release by Seller or any other person
acting as agent for or on behalf of any of the Seller on any other property,
and
(vi) any environmental remedial action required to be taken by
Seller.
1.4.11 Product
Liability.
Liabilities for products liability for all products leased, sold, shipped,
distributed, assembled or manufactured by, or any services provided by, Seller
on or prior to the Closing Date.
1.4.12 Negligence.
Losses
arising from legal liabilities for negligent acts by Seller on or prior to
the
Closing Date.
1.4.13 Post-Closing
Activities.
Liabilities based on acts or omissions of Seller occurring after the Closing
Date.
1.4.14 Affiliate
Liabilities.
Liabilities of any of the members, officers, directors or Affiliates of Seller
or its Affiliates.
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2. Purchase
Price.
2.1 Purchase
Price.
The
aggregate purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) for the Purchased Assets shall
be the amount of Forty Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($44,200,000)
(the “Purchase Price”). Such Purchase Price shall be payable by Buyer on the
Closing Date (i) by delivery by Buyer of the sum of Forty Million Six Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($40,650,000) to Seller in immediately available funds
as
of the Closing Date by wire transfer to the bank account designated in writing
by Seller, less the amount directly paid to the Bank pursuant to the terms
of
the Payoff Letter as referred to in Section 2.5, and
(ii)
by issuance to Seller of the number of shares of AMCOL Common Stock equal to
(x)
$3,550,000 divided by (y) the Determination Date Market Price of AMCOL Common
Stock. For purposes of this Agreement, “Determination Date Market Price” of
AMCOL Common Stock shall mean the weighted average of the high and low daily
sales price of AMCOL Common Stock over the period of twenty trading days ending
on the business day four business days before the Closing Date, as reported
by
the New York Stock Exchange. Any share calculations pursuant to this Agreement
shall be rounded to the closest whole number.
2.2 [Not
Used.]
2.3 Payment
by Seller to Buyer for Repairs at Xxxxxx Facility.
At the
Closing, Seller shall pay to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to an account designated by Buyer an amount equal to the bid attached
hereto as Schedule 2.3
for
concrete repairs at Seller’s facility in Harvey Louisiana so that such facility
can be used for its intended purposes.
2.4 Payment
by Seller to Buyer for Allocated Ad Valorem Taxes.
At the
Closing, Seller shall pay to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to an account designated by Buyer the amount set forth on Schedule 2.4
which
represents Seller’s estimated allocated portion of ad valorem taxes (and real
estate taxes payable under the terms of its lease agreements) for 2008. After
such payment is received, the Buyer will be responsible for the actual Ad
Valorem taxes for Harvey Louisiana and Xxxxxx County Texas owed for
2008.
2.5 Payment
of a Portion of the Purchase Price Directly to the Bank.
In
accordance with the terms of the Payoff Letter referred to in Section 7.2 of
this Agreement, Seller hereby authorizes and directs Buyer to pay at Closing
from the cash portion of the Purchase Price directly to the Bank for the account
of Seller all amounts set forth on the Payoff Letter. All such amounts paid
directly to the Bank shall be deducted from the portion of the cash Purchase
Price otherwise payable to Seller.
2.6 Reimbursement
for Certain Expenses.
At
Closing, Buyer shall reimburse Seller for the expenses set forth on Schedule
2.6.
2.7 Netting
of Certain Payments.
The
parties agree that certain payments on the Closing Date will be netted as
provided in this Section such that a single net wire transfer will be made
from
Buyer to Seller on the Closing Date. Specifically, on the Closing Date, Buyer
shall wire transfer to Seller the amount of the cash portion of the Purchase
Price (net of the payoff amount to the Bank which Buyer shall wire transfer
directly to the Bank in accordance with the Payoff Letter), plus
the
amount of reimbursement set forth in Section 2.6, minus
the
amounts of payments set forth in Sections 2.3 and 2.4. The parties shall agree
to prepare and initial on the Closing Date a closing statement showing the
net
reconciliation.
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3. Closing.
3.1 Time.
The
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”)
shall take place at 10:00 A.M. CDT on May 15, 2008 (the “Closing Date”)
following the satisfaction or waiver by the applicable party of each of the
conditions set forth in Section 7 at the offices of Premium Reeled Tubing,
LLC, 00000 Xxxxxxx 000, Xxxxxx, XX. On the Closing Date, Seller shall sell,
transfer, assign, convey and deliver to Buyer the Purchased Assets, Buyer shall
pay the Purchase Price as described in Section 2 and the parties shall deliver
the agreements, certificates and other documents required to be delivered
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
3.2 Further
Assurances.
If at
any time after the Closing Date, Buyer shall consider or be advised that any
further deeds, assignments or other instruments, documents or assurances or
any
other acts are necessary, desirable or proper (a) to vest, perfect or confirm,
of record or otherwise, in Buyer, the title to the Purchased Assets, free and
clear of all Encumbrances, or (b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, Seller agrees to execute and deliver all such deeds, assignments,
instruments, documents, make such assurances and do all acts reasonably
necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect and confirm title to such
Purchased Assets in Buyer, free and clear of all Encumbrances, and otherwise
to
carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
4. Representations
and Warranties of Seller.
Seller
represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:
4.1 Authority.
Seller
has all requisite power and authority, corporate or otherwise, to enter into
this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Seller. This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by Seller. This Agreement constitutes, and all other agreements,
documents and instruments to be executed and delivered by Seller pursuant hereto
will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable
against Seller in accordance with their terms (subject, as to the enforcement
of
remedies, to general principles of equity and to bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally).
4.2 Organization,
Power and Qualification.
Seller
is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Louisiana, and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to own or hold under lease its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as now conducted.
4.3 No
Violation.
Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will constitute a violation of, or be in
conflict with, any term or provision of the articles of organization or
operating agreement or other constituent document of Seller or constitute a
violation of, or be in conflict with, or result in a cancellation of, or
constitute a default under, or create (or cause the acceleration of the maturity
of) any debt, obligation or liability affecting, or result in the creation
or
imposition of any Encumbrance upon any of Seller’s assets under, (a) any
judgment, decree, order, regulation or rule of any court or governmental
authority of which Seller has Knowledge; (b) any statute, law or regulation;
or
(c) any contract, agreement, indenture, lease or other commitment to which
either Seller or any of the members of Seller are a party or by which they
or
the assets of Seller are bound (or cause any change in the rights or obligations
of any party under any such contract, agreement, indenture, lease or
commitment).
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4.4 Consents.
No
consent of, or notice to, any federal, state or local authority, or, to the
Knowledge of Seller, any private person or entity, is required to be obtained
or
given by Seller in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of
this Agreement or any other agreement or document to be executed, delivered
or
performed hereunder by Seller, or for the assignment of any Contract to Buyer,
or to enable Buyer to continue to conduct the Business after the Closing in
the
manner in which it is currently conducted; provided, however, that the consent
of the Xxxxxx Landlord is required for the assignment of the Xxxxxx Lease
Agreement, the consent of the Springtown Landlord is required for the assignment
of the Springtown Lease Agreement, and the consent of each counterparty to
a
master service agreement is required for the assignment of such master service
agreement.
The
parties agree that Buyer shall be responsible for obtaining any consents as
Buyer desires for the assignment of the master service agreements.
4.5 Financial
Statements.
Attached hereto as Schedule 4.5
are true
and correct copies of the following financial statements (the “Financial
Statements”):
(a) the
balance sheets of Seller, together with the related statements of income, at
and
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007; and
(b) the
balance sheets of Seller, together with the related statements of income, at
and
for the months ended January 31, 2008 and February 29, 2008.
To
the
Knowledge of Seller, each of the balance sheets included in the Financial
Statements fairly present the assets, liabilities and financial condition of
Seller and the Business as of the dates thereof, and such statements of
operations included in the Financial Statements fairly present the results
of
operations for the periods therein referred to, all in accordance with GAAP
(as
modified in the manner set forth on Schedule
4.5)
consistently applied throughout the periods involved.
4.6 Undisclosed
Liabilities.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, Seller does not have any indebtedness, liabilities or
obligations (direct or indirect, contingent or absolute, matured or unmatured)
of any nature whatsoever arising in connection with the Business, whether
arising out of contract, tort, statute or otherwise which are not reflected,
reserved against or given effect to in the Financial Statements, except
liabilities and obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business since
the date of the Financial Statements which are the same nature as those set
forth on the Financial Statements, and there is no basis for assertion against
Seller of any liabilities or obligations not adequately reflected, reserved
against or given effect to in the Financial Statements.
4.7 Absence
of Certain Changes.
Except
as disclosed in Schedule 4.7,
since
December 31, 2007, there has not been: (a) any adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise) of the properties, assets, liabilities, results of
operation or prospects of the Business; (b) any damage, destruction or loss
(whether or not covered by insurance) affecting the properties, assets,
liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the
Business; (c) any increase in the compensation, commissions or perquisites
payable or to become payable by Seller to any director, officer, employee,
or
agent thereof, or any payment of any bonus, profit sharing or other
extraordinary compensation to any Seller employee (other than any such increase
or payment paid or to become payable in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices); (d) any change in any of the accounting methods
or practices followed by Seller or any change in depreciation or amortization
policies or rates theretofore adopted; (e) any cancellation of any debts owed
to
or claims held by or on behalf of Seller; (f) any actual or threatened
termination of any business relationships or material agreements between Seller
and any of its customers and suppliers; or (g) any sale, lease, abandonment
or
other disposition of any real property, or, other than in the ordinary course
of
business, of any machinery, equipment or other properties, or any intangible
assets utilized in the Business.
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4.8 Taxes.
4.8.1 All
Tax
Returns required to be filed by Seller through the date hereof have been, and
as
to Tax Returns required to be filed through the Closing Date will be, timely
filed with the appropriate Governmental Authorities in all jurisdictions in
which such Tax Returns are required to be filed (provided, however, that Seller
has filed an extension for federal and state income taxes for 2007), and all
such Tax Returns are or will be true and correct and prepared in accordance
with
applicable Law and properly reflect, or will properly reflect, the Taxes of
Seller for the periods covered thereby.
4.8.2 All
Taxes
due and payable by Seller with respect to all periods prior to and through
the
date hereof have been duly and properly computed, reported, fully paid and
discharged and there are no unpaid Taxes with respect to any period prior to
and
through the date hereof which have or could give rise to an Encumbrance on
the
properties and assets of Seller, except for current Taxes not yet due and
payable.
4.8.3 Neither
Seller nor any of its officers, directors or agents have received any written
notice of assessment or proposed assessment by the IRS or any other Governmental
Authority in connection with any Tax Returns and, to the Knowledge of Seller,
there are no pending tax examinations of, or tax claims asserted against, Seller
or its properties. To the Knowledge of Seller, there has been no intentional
disregard of any Law in the preparation of any Tax Return applicable to Seller.
Seller has not waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed
to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency. No
written claim has ever been made by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction
where Seller does not pay Taxes or file Tax Returns that Seller is or may be
subject to Taxes assessed by such jurisdiction.
4.8.4 There
are
no Encumbrances of any kind on any of the Purchased Assets arising by reason
of
or in connection with any failure of Seller to pay any Taxes.
4.8.5 Seller
has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in
connection with amounts paid or due and owing to any employee, creditor,
independent contractor, or other third party and Seller has properly reflected
the status of all employees and independent contractors in connection therewith
as required by all applicable Laws.
4.8.6 Seller
has not waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or consented
or
agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or
deficiency.
4.8.7 Copies
of
all income tax returns for or in respect of Seller for the years beginning
in or
after January 1, 2005 have heretofore been delivered by Seller to
Buyer.
4.8.8 Seller
has not distributed the stock or other equity interests of another person or
entity, nor had its stock or other equities interests distributed by another
person or entity, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed
in whole or in part by Section 355 or Section 361 of the
Code.
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4.9 Title
to and Condition of Assets.
Seller
is the owner of and has good title to all of the Purchased Assets, free and
clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, charges, security interests,
Encumbrances or other third party interests of any nature whatsoever, except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.9.
The
Purchased Assets are in reasonable operating condition and repair, ordinary
wear
and tear excepted. The Purchased Assets constitute all of the rights, properties
and assets, tangible and intangible, real, personal and mixed, in electronic
form or otherwise, utilized by Seller in the conduct of its Business. None
of
the Purchased Assets are owned or controlled by any of the Affiliates or
members, managers or officers of Seller.
4.10 Real
Estate Leases.
Seller
has provided to Buyer a true, correct and complete copy of the Xxxxxx Lease
Agreement and the Springtown Lease Agreement. Each of the Xxxxxx Lease Agreement
and the Springtown Lease Agreement is in full force and effect and constitutes
a
legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller and the other parties thereto.
Neither Seller nor any other party thereto is in default in any respect under
any such lease or agreement nor has any event occurred which with the passage
of
time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a default. To the
knowledge of Seller, the real property and the buildings thereon utilized by
Seller in the conduct of the Business do not violate any building, zoning or
other laws or ordinances, or any agreements, applicable thereto, and no notice
of any such violation or claimed violation has been received by Seller or any
of
its officers, directors or agents. Subject to the consent of the Xxxxxx
Landlord, Seller is entitled to assign the Xxxxxx Lease Agreement to Buyer
without the consent, waiver or approval of any other person or entity and such
transactions will not give any party thereto the right to terminate the
lease.
Subject
to the consent of the Springtown Landlord, Seller is entitled to assign the
Springtown Lease Agreement to Buyer without the consent, waiver or approval
of
any other person or entity and such transactions will not give any party thereto
the right to terminate the lease. Seller acknowledges and agrees that no other
real estate leases are being assigned to Buyer under the terms of this Agreement
and that Buyer shall not be liable for any obligations arising under or in
connection with any other such real estate lease or the operation of any such
property.
4.11 Contracts.
Seller
has disclosed in writing to Buyer all contracts and agreements that are material
to the conduct of the Business. Without limiting the foregoing, Schedule
4.11
hereto
sets forth a list of each oral or written contact, agreement, commitment or
understanding (“Contracts”) in connection or relating to (a) the employment or
severance of any officer or employee of Seller; (b) the leasing of any personal
property (including, without limitation, leases for machinery and office
equipment, furniture, fixtures and vehicles) used in connection with the
Business; (c) the payment of money or other property in connection with
machinery and equipment or inventory used in connection with the Business in
excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per annum or in connection with any
other contract in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per annum by Seller
or the term of which at any time exceeded one year (including, without
limitation, vendor supply contracts or customer “blanket” purchase orders); (d)
the services of dealers, distributors, sales representatives or similar
representatives in connection with the Business; (e) the ownership, use or
licensing of any patents, trademarks, trade names, brand names, copyrights,
inventions, processes, know-how, formulae, trade secrets or other proprietary
rights in connection with the Business; (f) currently effective warranties
expressly or impliedly made by Seller in respect of any products manufactured
or
sold or services provided by Seller in connection with the Business, and any
other liability or obligation of Seller to service, repair, maintain, take
back
or otherwise do or not do anything in respect to any products, inventory or
services that has been delivered by Seller or its Affiliates in connection
with
the Business; (g) any covenants by or binding Seller not to compete or to
abide by any confidentiality agreement relating to the Business; or (h) any
other contract that is material to the Business.
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Subject
to the receipt of appropriate consents, all of the Contracts assigned to Buyer
under the terms of this Agreement constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of Seller and, to the Knowledge of Seller, the other parties
thereto, are in full force and effect, and neither Seller nor, to the Knowledge
of Seller, any other party thereto has violated any provision of, or committed
or failed to perform any act which with notice, lapse of time or both would
constitute a default under the provisions of any Contract. Correct and complete
copies of all Contracts disclosed on Schedule 4.11
have
been made available to Buyer.
4.12 No
Default, Violation or Litigation.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, Seller is not in violation of any law, regulation or order
of any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental department,
commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality (including, without
limitation, laws, regulations, orders, restrictions and compliance schedules
applicable to environmental standards and controls, wages and hours, civil
rights and occupational health and safety) and Seller has not received any
notice of claimed noncompliance. Except as set forth on Schedule
4.12,
there
are no lawsuits, proceedings, claims or governmental investigations pending
or
threatened against or involving Seller or against or involving any of Seller’s
assets, or against or involving any members, managers, officers or directors
of
Seller; and there are no judgments, consents, decrees, injunctions, or any
other
judicial or administrative mandates outstanding against Seller or any members,
managers, officers or directors of Seller related to the Business or
Seller.
4.13 Insurance.
Schedule 4.13
contains
a description of Seller’s current insurance policies. With respect to Seller and
the Business, there are no pending insurance claims or workers compensation
claims. All such policies are (and pending Closing will continue to be) in
full
force and effect, and Seller is not in default with respect to any provision
contained in any insurance policies. Seller has not failed to give any notice
or
present any claim thereunder in due and timely fashion, which could adversely
affect the coverage under such policy or be grounds for termination of such
policy.
At no
time has Seller been denied any insurance or indemnity bond coverage which
it
has requested, or received any written notice from or on behalf of any insurance
carrier presently providing insurance relating to it (i) that insurance rates
may or will be substantially increased, (ii) that there will be no renewal
of
policies presently in effect, or (iii) that material alterations to any of
the
properties or business operations of Seller are necessary or required by such
carrier.
4.14 Employment,
Labor and Other Relations.
4.14.1 Seller
has delivered to Buyer (by way of an e-mail from Xxxxx Xxxxxx to Xxxx Xxxxxxx
and Xxxx Xxxxxx dated April 21, 2008) a list setting forth the name, job
classification, and total annual compensation (base salary, bonus and other
benefits) of each of Seller’s officers, employees, sales representatives and
consultants. None of such employees is on leave.
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4.14.2 Seller
is
not a party to or is otherwise bound by any contract, agreement or collective
bargaining agreement with any labor union or organization or other commitment
respecting employment or compensation of any of its officers, directors, agents,
consultants or employees, and no employees of Seller are represented by any
labor union or similar organization. Seller is not aware of any existing or
threatened labor disturbance by Seller’s employees or of any of Seller’s
principal suppliers, contractors or customers.
4.14.3 There
are
no charges or complaints involving any federal, state or local civil rights
enforcement agency or court; complaints or citations under the Occupational
Safety and Health Act or any state or local occupational safety act or
regulation; unfair labor practice charges or complaints with the National Labor
Relations Board; or other claims, charges, actions or controversies pending,
or,
to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened or proposed, involving Seller and any
employee, former employee or any labor union or other organization representing
or claiming to represent such employees’ interests.
4.14.4 To
the
Knowledge of Seller, Seller is and has heretofore been in compliance with all
laws, rules and regulations respecting employment and employment practices,
terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, the sponsorship,
maintenance, administration and operation of (or the participation of its
employees in) employee benefit plans and arrangements and occupational safety
and health programs, and Seller is not engaged in any violation of any law,
rule
or regulation related to employment, including unfair labor practices or acts
of
employment discrimination.
4.14.5 Seller
has not had a plant closing or mass lay-off (as those terms are defined in
the
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988) or any similar
occurrence under any applicable state plant closing law affecting in whole
or in
part any facility, operating unit or employee of Seller.
4.15 Employee
Benefits.
Seller
has provided to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of all Benefit Plans
maintained or sponsored by Seller or with respect to which any current or former
employees of Seller or their beneficiaries participated. The consummation of
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not: (i) entitle any current
or
former employee, manager, director or officer of Seller to severance pay,
unemployment compensation or any other payment under any Benefit Plan maintained
or sponsored by Seller or with respect to which any current or former employees
of Seller or their beneficiaries participated or were entitled to participate
or
accrue or have accrued any rights; (ii) accelerate the time of payment or
vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due any such employee, director
or officer, or trigger the funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise) of
compensation or benefits under, increase the amount payable or trigger any
other
material obligation pursuant to, any of such Benefit Plan or any other
agreement; or (iii) result in any breach or violation of, or a default under,
any such Benefit Plans or any other agreement.
4.16 Approvals.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, Seller possesses or has applied for all governmental and
other permits, licenses, consents, certificates, orders, authorizations and
approvals (the “Approvals”) required to be obtained by Seller, to own or hold
under lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on the Business
as now conducted. Neither Seller nor its members, managers or officers has
received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification
of
any such Approvals. Seller is operating in compliance with the provisions,
terms
and conditions of the Approvals.
10
4.17 Compliance
with Laws.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, the Business has been and continues to be conducted in
accordance with all Laws and Governmental Orders applicable to the Business,
and
Seller is not in violation of any such Law or Governmental Order.
4.18 Environmental
Matters.
4.18.1 Governmental
Authorizations.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, no Government Approvals are required to be held by Seller
under any applicable Environmental Law for the ownership, use or operation
of
any of the Purchased Assets or any real property used, operated or owned in
connection with the Business.
4.18.2 Compliance.
Seller
is in compliance with all Environmental Laws relating to or otherwise affecting
the Business and the ownership or operation of the Purchased Assets and all
real
property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with the Business. Seller
has been in consistent compliance with all Environmental Laws relating to or
otherwise affecting the Business and the ownership or operation of the Purchased
Assets and all real property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection
with
the Business. The Purchased Assets and all real property owned, leased or used
by Seller in connection with the Business are capable of consistent and
continuous compliance with all existing Environmental Laws and to the Knowledge
of Seller, any new Environmental Law that is scheduled to become effective
with
respect to the Business, the Purchased Assets or any real property owned, leased
or used by Seller in connection with the Business on a date ascertainable at
Closing, or undergoing modification to enable them to so comply, and the full
capital cost of any such modifications is reflected in the capital budget for
the Business. To the Knowledge of Seller, there are no pending or proposed
new
Environmental Laws that might adversely affect the Business, the Purchased
Assets or any real property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with
the Business either before or after Closing.
4.18.3 Environmental
Liability.
Seller
is not subject to any liability relating to any Environmental Claim based on
any
facts, circumstances or conditions known to Seller that existed on or prior
to
the Closing Date. Without limiting the foregoing, Seller is not subject to
any
liability based on any facts, circumstances or conditions known to Seller that
existed on or prior to the Closing Date, as a result of the action or inaction
of any person, including: (i) the violation or noncompliance with any
Environmental Law by Seller or any person for whose conduct Seller is or may
be
held responsible; (ii) the ownership or operation of, or any condition at
any real property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with the
Business, (iii) the Release, threatened Release or presence of any
Contaminant at, on or under any real property owned, leased or used by Seller
in
connection with the Business; (iv) any hazardous activity conducted by Seller,
any predecessor or by any other person for whose conduct Seller is or may be
held responsible; (v) any Release by Seller, any predecessor or any other person
acting as agent for or on behalf of Seller or any predecessor on any other
property; (vi) any environmental remedial action required to be taken by Seller
or any predecessor; (vii) the treatment, storage, transportation or disposal
of
any Contaminant at any facility or the arrangement for treatment, storage,
transportation or disposal of any Contaminant at any facility from which there
is a Release or threatened Release of Contaminant; and (viii) any of the
foregoing occurring after the Closing Date that are based on any facts,
circumstances or conditions existing on or prior to the Closing Date, including
liabilities created or aggravated due to the migration after the Closing Date
of
Contaminant that was Released into the environment on or prior to the Closing
Date.
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4.18.4 Treatment,
Disposal & Releases.
Seller
has not treated, stored, recycled or disposed of any Contaminant on any real
property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with the Business or
any
part of Seller’s facilities in violation of any Environmental Law or in a manner
that could result in any liability. To the Knowledge of Seller, there is and
has
been no Release or threat of Release of any Contaminant at, on or under or
related to any facility in violation of any Environmental Law or that could
give
rise to any liability. There is no Contaminant present in the environment at,
on
or under any real property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with
the Business in violation of any Environmental Law or that could give rise
to
any liability.
4.18.5 Sites
Used for Contaminant; Transactions with Listed Hazardous Sites.
Seller
has not arranged for the treatment or disposal of any Contaminant generated
at
the facilities or Purchased Assets or related to the Business, or arranged
for
the transportation of any such Contaminant for treatment or disposal, at any
listed hazardous site.
4.18.6 Existing
Claims; Certain Regulated Materials.
Seller
has not received any written request, and to the Knowledge of Seller no
unwritten request, for information, notice of claim, demand or other
notification or communication that Seller is or may be potentially responsible
with respect to any environment liability, environmental remedial action or
any
threatened or actual Release of any Contaminant. There has been no past, and
there is no pending, or to the Knowledge of Seller contemplated, claim by or
against Seller under any Environmental Law. Seller has not entered into any
agreement with any person regarding any Environmental Law, environmental
remedial action or other environmental liability or expense.
4.18.7 Storage
Tanks.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, there are no underground storage tanks located on any
real
property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with the
Business.
4.18.8 PCBs
and Asbestos Containing Materials.
To the
Knowledge of Seller, there is no PCB equipment at any of the real property
owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with the Business. To the
Knowledge of Seller, there is no regulated asbestos-containing material at
any
of the real property owned, leased or used by Seller in connection with the
Business.
4.19 Product
Liability; Warranty Liability.
Seller
has no outstanding product liability claims or warranty claims asserted in
writing relating to any products or services provided by Seller.
4.20 Transactions
With Affiliates.
There
are no contracts or arrangements (formal or informal, written or oral), directly
or indirectly, between Seller, on the one hand, and any of the members or
managers of Seller or their family members or Affiliates or any persons
controlling, under common control with or controlled by Seller, on the other
hand, relating to the operation of the Business or the Purchased
Assets.
12
4.21 Principal
Customers.
Schedule 4.21
sets
forth a separate list of the ten (10) largest customers of Seller in terms
of
purchases during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, showing in each
case the approximate total purchases by or from each such customer during such
period. There has not been any adverse change in the business relationship
of
Seller with any such named customer, or any material adverse change in the
business relationship of Seller with any other customer.
4.22 Certain
Payments.
Neither
Seller nor any member, manager, officer, agent, employee or other person
associated with or acting for or on behalf of Seller, has directly or indirectly
(a) made any contribution, gift, bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment,
kickback, or other payment to any person, private` or public, regardless of
form, whether in money, property, or services (i) to obtain favorable treatment
in securing business, (ii) to pay for favorable treatment for business secured,
(iii) to obtain special concessions, or for special concessions already
obtained, for or in respect of Seller or any Affiliate of Seller, (iv) in
violation of any applicable Law, or (b) established or maintained any fund
or asset that has not been recorded in the books and records of Seller. Seller
has at all times been in compliance with all Laws relating to export control
and
trade embargoes.
4.23 Brokers.
No
agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or person
is
or will be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other commission or
similar fee in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement on the basis of any agreement to which Seller, any of its Affiliates,
or any of the officers, members, managers, shareholders or agents of Seller
or
its Affiliates is a party or any act or statement alleged to have been made
by
Seller, its Affiliates or any of the officers, members, managers, shareholders
or agents of Seller or its Affiliates.
4.24 Investment
Intent.
Seller
is acquiring the shares of AMCOL Common Stock pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement for its own account and not for that of any other person or entity,
and without a view to or in connection with any distribution thereof which
is in
violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or in
violation of any applicable state securities laws. Seller and its members have
such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable
of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the AMCOL Common Stock.
Sellers and its members understand and acknowledge that the AMCOL Common Stock
to be issued to Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will not have
been registered under the Securities Act or qualified under any applicable
state
securities laws on the date of its issuance and will constitute “Restricted
Securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and
therefore may not be resold unless registered under the Securities Act or sold
pursuant to an exemption from registration. The certificate(s) representing
the
AMCOL Common Stock acquired by Seller pursuant to this Agreement shall bear
such
legend as AMCOL deems necessary or appropriate to comply with the Securities
Act
and any other applicable federal and state law. Sellers and its members and
managers acknowledge receipt (prior to the execution of this Agreement) from
AMCOL of its Annual Report to Stockholders and Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007, its proxy statement in connection with its annual
meeting of May 8, 2008 and its Form 8-K dated April 18, 2008. Each of Seller
and
its members and managers represent to Buyer and to AMCOL (i) that they have
reviewed such reports and statements and (ii) that they have been afforded
the
opportunity to ask such questions and receive such other information from
representatives of AMCOL as they deem necessary in order to evaluate Seller’s
investment in the AMCOL Common Stock.
13
4.25 Disclosure.
Except
as expressly set forth in this Agreement and the Schedules, to the Knowledge
of
Seller, there are no facts which will or may reasonably be expected to have
any
Material Adverse Effect on the value of Seller’s assets or the
Business.
5. Representations
and Warranties of Buyer.
Buyer
represents and warrants to Seller as follows:
5.1 Authority,
Binding Agreement.
Buyer
has all requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and otherwise to carry out
its
obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer. This
Agreement constitutes, and all other agreements and documents to be executed
and
delivered by Buyer pursuant hereto will constitute the valid and binding
agreements of Buyer, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms
(subject, as to the enforcement of remedies, to general principles of equity
and
to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally).
5.2 Organization,
Power and Qualification.
Buyer
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 carry on its business as now conducted.
5.3 No
Violation.
Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will constitute a violation of, or be in
conflict with, any term or provision of the certificate of incorporation or
bylaws of Buyer or constitute a default under: (a) any judgment, decree, order,
regulation or rule of any court or governmental authority binding upon Buyer;
(b) any statute, law or regulation; or (c) any contract, agreement, indenture,
lease or other commitment to which Buyer is a party or by which it is bound
(or
cause any change in the rights or obligations of any party under any such
contract, agreement, indenture, lease or commitment).
5.4 Consents.
No
consent of, or notice to, any federal, state or local authority, or any private
person or entity, is required to be obtained or given by Buyer in connection
with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any other
agreement or document to be executed, delivered or performed hereunder by
Buyer.
5.5 Brokers.
No
agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or person
is
or will be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other commission or
similar fee in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement on the basis of any agreement to which Buyer or their Affiliates
is a
party or any act or statement alleged to have been made by Buyer or their
Affiliates.
6. Covenants.
Seller
covenants and agrees with Buyer that from the date hereof until the Closing
or
termination of this Agreement:
6.1 Conduct
of Business; No Material Change.
Except
as otherwise specifically contemplated by this Agreement, Seller shall conduct
its business only in the ordinary course and will not, without the prior written
consent of Buyer, (i) make any change in its business or operations, (ii) make
any change in the compensation of officers or other key employees of Seller,
(iii) hire any new employees (other than new hourly employees hired in the
ordinary course of business on an at will basis), (iv) enter into any material
contracts or commitments, and (v) enter into any contract or commitment, waive
any rights, or enter into any other transaction affecting Business other than
in
the ordinary course of business and in conformity with past
practices.
14
Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly contemplated
by
this Agreement, Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer:
(a) transfer
or license to any person or entity or otherwise extend, amend or modify any
rights to Seller’s intellectual property rights;
(b) acquire
or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing an equity
interest in or a portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business
or any corporation, partnership or other business organization or division,
or
otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets;
(c) sell,
lease, license or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets which
are
material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business of Seller, except
for transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(d) take
any
action to (i) increase or agree to increase the compensation payable or to
become payable to its officers or employees, (ii) grant any severance or
termination pay to, or enter into any employment or severance agreements with,
any members, managers, officers, directors, agents or employees (provided,
however, that this clause shall not prohibit Seller from paying wholly
discretionary bonuses to certain of its employees immediately after Closing),
(iii) enter into any collective bargaining agreement, or
(iv) establish, adopt, enter into or amend in any material respect any
bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, option, pension, retirement,
deferred compensation, employment, termination, severance or other plan, trust,
fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit of any members, managers, directors,
officers, agents or employees;
(e) create
or
suffer to exist any Encumbrance on any of the Purchased Assets;
(f) amend
or
terminate any contract, agreement or license to which it is a party, except
in
the ordinary course of business;
(g) waive
or
release any material right or claim, except in the ordinary course of business;
(h) initiate
any litigation or arbitration proceeding; or
(i) agree,
in
writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions described in paragraphs (a)
through (h) above, or any action which is reasonably likely to make any of
Seller’s representations or warranties contained in this Agreement untrue or
incorrect on the date made (to the extent so limited) or as of the Closing
Date.
15
6.2 Maintain
Business as Going Concern.
Seller
will preserve its business organization and keep available, subject to
employment turnover in the normal course of business, the services of the
present managers, officers, employees, and agents thereof and will use
commercially reasonable efforts to preserve the goodwill of its suppliers,
customers and others having business relations therewith.
6.3 Investigation.
Seller
shall allow Buyer and its representatives full access during normal business
hours to all plants, warehouses, operations, machinery, equipment, inventories,
property, offices, books, contracts, commitments, records and affairs of Seller
for the purpose of familiarizing themselves with the operation and conduct
of
all aspects of the Business and for the purpose of reasonable inspection,
examination, audit, counting and copying. Such access shall not unreasonably
interfere with the operation and conduct of the Business. Buyer agrees to hold
harmless and indemnify Seller from all claims arising by reason of injury or
death suffered by Buyer’s representatives in connection with any such
inspection, excluding any such claims arising by reason of the willful
misconduct, recklessness or negligence of Seller or any of its
representatives.
6.4 Preserve
Accuracy of Representations and Warranties.
Seller
will refrain, from taking any action which would render any representation
or
warranty contained in Section 4 of this Agreement inaccurate as of the
Closing Date, except for changes therein specified, permitted or contemplated
by
this Agreement.
6.5 Supplements
to Exhibits.
From
time to time prior to the Closing Date, Seller will promptly supplement or
amend
any Schedules provided for in this Agreement (i) if any matter arises hereafter
which, if existing or occurring at or prior to the date of this Agreement,
would
have been required to be set forth or described in any such Schedule, or (ii)
if
it becomes necessary to correct any information in any such Schedule which
has
become inaccurate after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that
no
such supplement or amendment to any Schedule shall be considered in determining
satisfaction of the closing conditions set forth in this Agreement.
7. Conditions
to Closing.
7.1 Mutual
Conditions.
The
obligations of each party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of
the
following condition:
7.1.1 No
Suit.
No
suit, action or other proceeding or investigation shall to the best knowledge
of
any party hereto be threatened or pending before or by any governmental agency
or by any third party questioning the legality of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in whole or in
part.
16
7.2 Conditions
to Buyer’s Obligations.
The
obligations of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of
each
of the following conditions:
7.2.1 Representations
and Warranties.
All
representations and warranties made by Seller in this Agreement shall be true
and correct as of the Closing (unless a representation or warranty speaks as
to
a stated date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true
and
correct as of such date), and Seller shall have duly performed or complied
with
all of the obligations to be performed or complied with by it under the terms
of
this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date, and Seller shall have delivered
to Buyer a certificate to such effect dated as of the Closing Date.
7.2.2 Consents
and Approvals.
All
authorizations, consents, waivers, approvals or other action required in
connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Buyer and Seller, the
consummation by such parties of the transactions contemplated hereby and the
operation by Buyer of the
Business after the Closing, shall have been obtained.
7.2.3 Instruments
of Assignment, Transfer and Conveyance.
Seller
shall have delivered to Buyer all instruments of assignment, transfer and
conveyance, and such other Closing documents as shall have been requested by
Buyer, all in form and substance acceptable to Buyer’s counsel.
7.2.4 No
Material Change.
There
shall have occurred no Material Adverse Effect (whether or not covered by
insurance) in the assets, financial condition or prospects of the
Business.
7.2.5 Good
Standing Certificate.
Buyer
shall have received a certificate of legal existence and good standing dated
on
or within thirty (30) days prior to the Closing for Seller from the State of
Louisiana.
7.2.6 Vehicle
Titles.
Seller
shall have delivered title certificates to any motor vehicles included in the
Purchased Assets, duly executed by Seller (together with any other transfer
forms necessary to transfer title to such vehicles).
7.2.7 Landlord
Consents.
Seller
shall have delivered to Buyer the written consent from the Xxxxxx Landlord
to
the assignment of the Xxxxxx Lease Agreement and the written consent from the
Springtown Landlord to the assignment of the Springtown Lease Agreement, in
each
case in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer.
7.2.8 Charter
Amendment.
Seller
will deliver a copy of a filed certificate of amendment to Seller’s articles of
organization changing its name to one that does not include the words “Premium
Reeled Tubing.”
7.2.9 Opinion
of Seller’s Counsel.
Seller
shall have caused to be delivered to Buyer a favorable opinion of Seller’s
counsel in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer.
7.2.10 Employment
Agreements.
Each of
Xxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxx shall have executed and delivered to Buyer a
written employment agreement with Buyer in form and substance satisfactory
to
Buyer (the “Employment Agreements”).
17
7.2.11 Accredited
Investor Certifications.
Each of
Xxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxx (and any other member of Seller to whom Seller
intends to distribute any shares of the AMCOL Common Stock) shall have executed
and delivered to Buyer a certificate in form and substance satisfactory to
Buyer
stating that such individual is an accredited investor under Section 501 of
Reg. D and that any shares of the AMCOL Common Stock acquired by such individual
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are being
acquired for his own account and not for that of any other person and entity
and
without a view to or in connection with any distribution thereof.
7.2.12 Payoff
Letter.
Seller
shall have provided to Buyer a copy of a payoff letter (the “Payoff Letter”)
from Regions Bank or such other bank as has issued indebtedness to Seller (the
“Bank”) in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer, in which the Bank agrees
that upon receipt of a specified amount on the Closing Date, all indebtedness
of
Seller to the Bank shall be paid in full and all liens and encumbrances of
the
Bank in the assets of Seller shall be released and terminated. The Payoff Letter
shall further authorize either Buyer or Seller to file UCC termination
statements with regard to any UCC financing statements filed by the Bank against
the assets of Seller.
7.2.13 Vehicle
Liens.
On the
day of the Closing, not later than 4:00 p.m. on such date, Seller shall pay
in
full all indebtedness secured by vehicles included in the Purchased Assets
by
sending checks in appropriate amount by overnight delivery to the lienholders,
and shall provide to Buyer copies of such checks and evidence of transmittal,
together with underlying substantiation of pay-off amounts. If an incorrect
per
diem amount or other payment is sent to a lienholder, Seller shall promptly
correct the payment. Seller shall arrange for all notations of liens to be
deleted from title certificates such that the title certificates can be
transferred to Buyer free and clear of any liens or lien notations. In the
event
that due to logistical reasons a title certificate without such lien notation
has not been issued or made available as of Closing, Seller will cause such
title certificate to be transferred to Buyer as soon as possible after Closing.
7.2.14 Air
Liquide Agreement.
If
Buyer shall have elected to take an assignment of the Bulk Supply Agreement
with
Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP dated as of 6-1-07, Buyer shall have received
from Air Liquide consent to such assignment together with such amendments and
modifications thereto as Buyer shall require.
7.2.15 Consents
to Orders.
In the
event that consent from the manufacturer(s) or other parties is required for
the
assignment of pending orders described in Item 9 of Schedule 1.1,
Buyer
shall have received such consent(s).
7.2.16 Tax
Clearances.
Seller
shall have received and provided to Buyer tax clearances from Louisiana and
Texas satisfactory to Buyer.
7.3 Conditions
to Seller’s Obligations.
The
obligations of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of
each
of the following conditions:
7.3.1 Representations
and Warranties.
All
representations and warranties made by Buyer in this Agreement shall be true
and
correct as of the Closing, and Buyer shall have duly performed or complied
with
all of the obligations to be performed or complied with by it under the terms
of
this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date, and Buyer shall have delivered
to Seller a certificate to such effect dated as of the Closing
Date.
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8. Termination.
8.1 Termination
of Agreement.
This
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated at any
time
prior to Closing, as follows:
8.1.1 Mutual
Consent.
By
mutual consent of Buyer and Seller.
8.1.2 Breach.
By
Buyer or by Seller by reason of the breach by the other in any material respect
of any of the other party’s representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement.
8.1.3 Respective
Conditions.
By
Buyer or by Seller if, as of May 15, 2008, the conditions precedent to
their respective obligations contained in Sections 7.2 or 7.3 hereof have not
been met in all material respects through no fault of the terminating
party.
8.1.4 Mutual
Conditions.
By
Buyer or by Seller if, as of May 15, 2008, the conditions described in
Section 7.1 shall not have been fulfilled through no fault of the
terminating party.
8.2 Effect
of Termination.
Termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1 shall terminate all
obligations of the parties hereunder and this Agreement shall become void and
have no effect without any liability on the part of any party; provided,
however, that termination shall not relieve any party defaulting or breaching
this Agreement prior to such termination from any liability for such default
or
breach.
9. Indemnification.
9.1 By
Seller.
Seller
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its Affiliates against any
Damages suffered by Buyer or its Affiliates as a result of:
(a) any
breach by Seller in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement
and
the agreements or other matters provided for herein;
(b) any
material and/or intentional inaccuracy in or breach of any representations
or
warranties made by Seller in this Agreement or any document, certificate,
schedule or exhibit delivered by Seller in accordance with the provisions of
this Agreement;
(c) any
liability of Buyer or its Affiliates for liabilities and obligations of Seller
which are Retained Liabilities;
(d) any
liabilities, damages or expenses arising by reason of the ownership or operation
by Seller of the Purchased Assets before the Closing;
19
(e) any
liabilities, damages or expenses arising by reason of any claims asserted
against Seller by any of its members or managers;
(f) any
fees,
expenses or other payments incurred or owed by Seller or any of its Affiliates
to any broker or similar party retained or employed by it in connection with
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(g) the
failure of Seller to comply with statutory provisions relating to bulk sales
and
transfers, if applicable;
(h) any
liabilities or benefits payable to the employees of Seller by reason of the
consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement; or
(i) any
claim
made by a third party which would entitle Buyer or its Affiliates to
indemnification pursuant to Sections 9.1(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or
(h).
9.2 By
Buyer.
Buyer
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Seller and its Affiliates against any
Damages suffered by Seller or its Affiliates as a result of:
(a) any
breach by Buyer in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement
and
the separate agreements provided for herein;
(b) any
inaccuracy in or breach of any representations or warranties made by Buyer
in
this Agreement or any document, certificate, schedule or exhibit delivered
by
Buyer in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
(c) any
liabilities, damages or expenses arising by reason of the operation or use
by
Buyer of the Purchased Assets after the Closing;
(d) any
fees,
expenses or other payments incurred or owed by Buyer to any broker or similar
party retained or employed by Buyer in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; or
(e) any
claim
made by a third party which would entitle Seller or its Affiliates to
indemnification pursuant to Sections 9.(a), (b), (c) or (d).
9.3 Method
of Asserting Claims.
The
party claiming indemnification hereunder (“Indemnitee”) will give prompt written
notice (“Notice of Claim”) to the party from whom such indemnification is sought
(“Indemnitor”) of any claim (“Claim”) which it discovers or of which it receives
notice after the Closing and which might give rise to a Claim by it against
the
Indemnitor under Section 9 hereof, stating the nature, basis and (to the extent
known or reasonably estimated) amount thereof; provided, however, that failure
to give such prompt notice shall not jeopardize the right of any Indemnitee
to
indemnification unless such failure shall have materially prejudiced the ability
of Indemnitor to defend or minimize the amount of such Claim.
20
In
the
case of any Claim or suit by a third party or by any governmental body, or
any
legal, administrative or arbitration proceeding with respect to which Indemnitor
may have liability under this Section 9, Indemnitor shall be entitled to
participate therein, and to the extent desired by it to assume the defense
thereof, if Indemnitor gives written notice of its election to assume the
defense thereof within sixty (60) days of its receipt of the Notice of Claim.
If
Indemnitor gives such notice to Indemnitee of the election to assume the defense
thereof, the Indemnitor will not be liable to Indemnitee for any legal or other
expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof,
following the receipt of such notice provided for above, unless Indemnitor
does
not actually assume the defense thereof following notice of such election.
The
parties will render to each other such assistance as may reasonably be required
of each other at Indemnitor’s expense, in order to insure proper and adequate
defense of any such suit, Claim or proceeding. If Indemnitor actually assumes
the defense of the Indemnitee, Indemnitor shall have sole control of the defense
and negotiations for the settlement or compromise of such Claim, Indemnitee
will
not make any settlement of any Claim which might give rise to liability of
the
Indemnitor under the indemnity agreements contained in this Section without
the
written consent of Indemnitor, and Indemnitor shall not agree to make any
settlement of any Claim which would not include the unconditional release of
Indemnitee without the written consent of Indemnitee, which consent shall not
be
unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.
9.4 Nature
and Survival of Representations.
The
representations and warranties made by Seller under this Agreement shall survive
the Closing until, in the absence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation,
the
first (1st) anniversary of the Closing Date, except that (i) any representations
and warranties made with respect to Taxes or Environmental Claims shall survive
until the statute of limitations applicable to any such matter, as the same
may
be extended by waiver or agreement, shall have expired; and (ii) representations
and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and the first sentence
of 4.10 hereof and the obligation of Seller to indemnify and hold Buyer and
its
Affiliates harmless with respect to liabilities and obligations not assumed
by
Buyer, shall survive the Closing indefinitely. Representations and warranties
shall not terminate for purposes of any Claim made by Buyer or its Affiliates
prior to the expiration of the respective representation or warranty. All
statements made by or on behalf of Seller herein or in applicable schedules,
or
in any other document, instrument, certificate, schedule or list delivered
to
Buyer or its Affiliates hereunder shall be deemed representations and warranties
of Seller relied upon by Buyer regardless of any investigation made by or on
behalf of Buyer, and shall not be affected in any respect by such
investigation.
10. Other
Agreements.
10.1 Noncompete;
Confidentiality; Nonsolicitation.
In
connection with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Seller
and
all of the goodwill of Seller by Buyer, for a period ending two (2) years after
the Closing Date, neither Seller nor its Affiliates shall engage in a business
which competes with the Business or any part thereof, directly or indirectly,
personally or as an employee, owner, consultant, manager, associate, partner,
agent or otherwise, or by means of any corporate or other device, anywhere
in
the world (the “Territory”) including, without limitation, those parishes of
Louisiana set forth in Schedule
10.1
hereto;
nor shall Seller or its Affiliates for such period and in the Territory solicit
orders, directly or indirectly from any customer of Buyer or Seller, for any
product or service substantially similar to those sold, manufactured or
distributed by Seller as conducted on the Closing Date, personally or as an
employee, owner, consultant, manager, associate, partner, agent or otherwise,
or
by means of any corporate or other device; nor shall Seller or its Affiliates
for such period and in the Territory solicit for employment any employee of
Seller who continued employment with Buyer after the Closing
Date.
21
Seller
further covenants and agrees that it shall not use for its own benefit or the
benefit of any of its Affiliates, or divulge to any third party, any
confidential information or trade secrets concerning the Business and acquired
by Buyer hereunder. As used
herein, confidential information shall consist of all information, knowledge
or
data relating to the Business (including without limit all information relating
to inventions, production methods, customer and prospective customer lists,
prices and trade practices) which is not in the public domain or otherwise
published or publicly available.
This
Section 10.1 shall not be construed to prohibit the ownership by Seller of
not
more than one percent (1%) of the capital stock of any corporation having a
class of securities registered pursuant to the Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
Seller
acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Section 10.1
are
reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of Buyer in
connection with its purchase of all of the goodwill of Seller, do not cause
Seller undue hardship, and that any violations of any provision of this Section
10.1 will result in irreparable injury to Buyer and that, therefore, Buyer
shall
be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, without having
to
post any bond, in any court of competent jurisdiction and to an equitable
accounting of all earnings, profits and other benefits arising from such
violation, which rights shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights
or remedies to which Buyer may be entitled. The restrictions set forth in this
Section 10.1 are in addition to any restrictions set forth in any other
agreement between Buyer and Seller or any other party.
10.2 Accounts
Receivable.
Seller
agrees that after Closing, it will give Buyer 15 days written notice before
it
commences litigation to collect any accounts receivable of Seller in existence
as of the Closing Date. Buyer shall have the right but not the obligation to
purchase any such Account Receivable from Seller for the total amount of such
Account Receivable. Any such purchase by Buyer shall be without any warranty
by
Seller, except as to title.
10.3 Transfer
Taxes.
Buyer
shall be responsible for paying all costs of transferring vehicle titles for
vehicles included in the Purchased Assets.
10.4 Publicity.
Each
party shall keep this terms of this Agreement and its contents strictly
confidential, except as required by any applicable Legal Requirements; provided,
however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Agreement
shall not be deemed to limit or restrict Buyer or its affiliates in any manner
from filing a Form 8-K concerning this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and
attaching a full copy of this Agreement to such filing to the extent determined
by Buyer or its affiliates to be necessary or desirable in connection with
the
conduct of its business. Prior to the Closing, the parties shall consult
concerning the means by which the employees, customers, and suppliers and others
having dealings with Seller will be informed of the contemplated
transactions.
10.5 Certain
Transitional Matters.
After
the Closing, (a) Seller shall cooperate with and assist Buyer and its
authorized representatives in order to provide, to the extent reasonably
requested by Buyer, an efficient transfer of control of the Purchased Assets
and
to avoid any undue interruption in the activities and operations of the
Business, and (b) Seller shall promptly transfer and deliver to Buyer any
property that is included in the Purchased Assets received by
Seller.
22
10.6 Maintenance
of Books and Records.
Each of
Buyer and Seller shall preserve for three (3) years from the Closing Date all
records possessed or to be possessed by such party relating to any of the
Purchased Assets or to the employees of the Business, to the extent that they
relate to periods prior to the Closing Date. After the Closing Date, where
there
is a legitimate purpose, and upon prior reasonable written request specifying
the need therefor, the requesting party and its representatives shall have
reasonable access during regular business hours to such records at its own
expense to the extent relating to the Purchased Assets or the employees of
the
Business who were employees of Seller prior to the Closing Date.
10.7 Severance,
Change of Control and Termination Payments.
Seller
shall (a) pay, perform and discharge any and all severance payments and
other liabilities with respect to employees of Seller that result from the
transfer of the Purchased Assets hereunder or the termination by Seller of
its
employees in connection therewith, whether or not described as a “change of
control,” “termination,” “plant closing,” “mass layoff” or similar term,
including, without limitation, all liabilities arising under the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute,
and (b) indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its directors, officers, and
Affiliates from and against any and all Damages, that any of the aforesaid
may
suffer or incur by reason of or relating to any severance payments and other
liabilities referred to in clause (a) above.
10.8 Certain
Employment Matters.
Prior
to Closing, Buyer may offer, or cause any Affiliate purchasing the Purchased
Assets to offer, employment to certain employees (all of such employees
accepting employment with Buyer as of the Closing, the “Transferring
Employees”); provided that any offer of employment to such employees will be
made subject to the satisfactory completion of Buyer’s employment process,
including without limitation, completion of a background check and drug screen
for each such employee and the execution by such employee of Buyer’s standard
documents including confidentiality agreement and covenants not to compete
and
employment at-will acknowledgement forms. Seller shall cooperate with Buyer
in
the dissemination of such offers of employment together with any appropriate
related documentation such as applications for employment, tax and benefit
forms
and the like and provide Buyer with reasonable assistance in the collection
thereof.
Upon or
prior to Closing, Seller shall pay all wages, commissions, bonuses and other
compensation of any kind owing to its employees for all periods prior to
Closing.
10.9 Consents
of Third Parties.
The
parties acknowledge that the consent of the Xxxxxx Landlord is required for
the
assignment of the Xxxxxx Lease Agreement and that the consent of the Springtown
Landlord is required for the consent of the Springtown Lease Agreement. Prior
to
Closing, Seller shall use its best efforts to obtain the written consent of
the
Xxxxxx Landlord and the Springtown Landlord (which consents shall include an
acknowledgment and agreement from the respective landlords, that the tenant
is
not in breach or default under the terms of the respective lease agreements,
and
that Buyer shall only be responsible for obligations under the respective lease
agreements arising after the Closing Date) to such assignment, in form and
substance satisfactory to Buyer. If Seller for any reason fails to obtain such
written consent from the Xxxxxx Landlord and the Springtown Landlord prior
to
May 15, 2008, Buyer may, at its sole option at any time thereafter, terminate
this Agreement without any further obligation or liability to Seller. The
parties acknowledge that assignment of the master service agreements require
the
consent of the counterparties thereto, and that Buyer shall be solely
responsible for obtaining such consents to the extent Buyer desires to do
so.
23
10.10 On-Going
Work.
With
respect to projects constituting part of the Business commenced by Seller prior
to the Closing Date but not completed as of the Closing Date (i) Buyer shall
be
entitled to complete all such projects starting on the Closing Date, and shall
be entitled to invoice the customer for all products and services provided
with
respect to such projects on the Closing Date and thereafter, (ii) Seller shall
be entitled to invoice the customer for all products and services provided
with
respect to such projects prior to the Closing Date, (iii) Seller and Buyer
shall
cooperate in all reasonable respects to facilitate a smooth transition of such
ongoing work and Seller shall provide to Buyer such information as is necessary
or useful in the transition of such business, (iv) Buyer shall indemnify and
hold Seller harmless from any liabilities arising by reason of products and
services provided by Buyer on or after the Closing Date, and (v) Seller shall
indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from any liabilities arising by reason of
products and services provided by Seller prior to the Closing Date.
10.11 March
Financials.
Seller
has delivered to Buyer true and correct copies of the financial statements
of
Seller consisting of balance sheet and related statement of income at and for
the month ended March 31, 2008. Seller covenants and agrees that such financial
statements shall, to the Knowledge of Seller, fairly present the assets,
liabilities and financial condition of Seller and the Business as of the date
thereof, and the statements of operations therein shall fairly present the
results of operations for the period therein referred to, all in accordance
with
GAAP, as modified in the manner set forth on Schedule
4.5,
consistent with prior periods.
11. General
Provisions.
11.1 Waiver
of Terms.
Any of
the terms or conditions of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the
party
or parties entitled to the benefit thereof but only by a written instrument
signed by the party or parties waiving such terms or conditions.
11.2 Amendment
of Agreement.
This
Agreement may be amended, supplemented or interpreted at any time only by
written instrument duly executed by each party hereto.
11.3 Payment
of Expenses.
Regardless of whether the Closing shall occur, Seller shall pay all expenses
incurred by or on behalf of Seller and Buyer shall pay all expenses incurred
by
or on behalf of Buyer in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery
of this Agreement and the other agreements and documents referred to herein
and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby.
11.4 Contents
of Agreement; Binding Nature.
This
Agreement, the other agreements and documents to be delivered by the parties
as
provided herein set forth the entire understanding of the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof and thereof. Any previous agreements or
understanding between the parties regarding such subject matter are merged
into,
and superseded by, the foregoing agreements. All representations, warranties,
covenants, terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of
the
parties hereto.
24
11.5 Notices.
All
notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to
be
given hereunder shall be by hand delivery; certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested; telecopier; or air courier; to the parties set forth below.
Such notices shall be deemed given: at the time personally delivered, if
delivered by hand or by courier; at the time received if sent certified or
registered mail; and when receipt acknowledged by receiving telecopy equipment,
if telecopied.
If
to Buyer:
|
CETCO
Oilfield Services Company
0000
X. Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn:
President
Telephone
No.: 000-000-0000
Telecopier
No.: 000-000-0000
|
With
a copy to:
|
Xxxxx
Lord Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP
000
Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx.
Telephone
No.: 000.000.0000
Telecopier
No.: 312.896.6573
|
If
to Seller:
|
Premium
Reeled Tubing, L.L.C.
P.
O. Xxx 0000, Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Telephone
No.: 000-000-0000
Telecopier
No.: 000-000-0000
|
With
a copy to:
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
00000
Xxxx Xxxx
Xxx
Xxx, XX 00000
Telephone
No.: 000-000-0000
Telecopier
No.: 000-000-0000
|
11.6 Severability.
In the
event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the
validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other
respect and of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be in any
way impaired.
11.7 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same
instrument.
11.8 Construction.
The
headings of the Sections and the subsections of this Agreement are inserted
for
convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof. The terms
“hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and terms of similar import are references to
this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
Common
nouns and pronouns shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter,
singular and plural, as the identity of the person may in the context require.
The use of the words “include,” “including” or variations thereof in this
Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation. The parties
hereto acknowledge that all parties participated equally in the drafting and
negotiation of this Agreement and were represented by counsel of their own
choosing in connection therewith. Consequently, this Agreement shall be
construed without referencing to any rule of law, which provides that
ambiguities in a contract are to be resolved against the drafter
thereof.
25
11.9 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed, construed and enforced in accordance with the
internal laws of the State of Louisiana, excluding any choice of law rules
that
may direct the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. The parties
covenant and agree that any and all disputes regarding this Agreement shall
be
brought and maintained in the federal and state courts sitting in
Louisiana.
11.10 Instruments
of Further Assurance.
Each of
the parties hereto agrees, upon the request of any of the other parties hereto,
from time to time to execute and deliver to such other party or parties all
such
instruments and documents of further assurance or otherwise as shall be
reasonable under the circumstances, and to do any and all such acts and things
as may reasonably be required to carry out the obligations of such requested
party hereunder.
11.11 Brokers
or Finders.
Each of
Buyer and Seller represents, as to itself and its Affiliates, that no agent,
broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or person is or
will
be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other commission or similar
fee in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Each of Buyer and Seller agrees to indemnify and hold the other harmless from
and against any and all claims, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any
such fees, commissions or expenses asserted by any person on the basis of any
act or statement alleged to have been made by such party or its
Affiliate.
11.12 No
Third Party Beneficiaries.
Nothing
in this Agreement is intended nor shall it be construed to give any person,
firm, corporation or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their
successors and assigns, any right, remedy or claim under or
in
respect of this Agreement or any provisions hereof.
[Signature
Page Follows]
26
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties hereto
as
of the day and year first above written.
CETCO
OILFIELD SERVICES COMPANY
By:
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title:
President
PREMIUM
REELED TUBING, L.L.C.
By:
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title:
Member
27
APPENDIX
OF DEFINITIONS
The
following definitions shall be applicable for purposes of the Agreement except
as otherwise specifically provided to the contrary in the text of the
Agreement.
“Affiliates”
of
a
person means any person or entity controlling, controlled by or under common
control with that person or any family members of such person. “Control” for
this purpose means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities or interests, by contract,
or
otherwise.
“AMCOL”
means
AMCOL International Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
“AMCOL
Common Stock”
means
the $0.01 par value common stock of AMCOL.
“Approvals”
means
all governmental and other permits, licenses, consents, certificates, orders,
authorizations and approvals.
“Benefit
Plan”
means
any plan, as defined in ERISA Section 3(3) and any other obligation,
arrangement, or customary practice to provide benefits to present or former
directors, employees or agents of Seller.
“Code”
means
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
“Contaminant”
means
material or substance which is or may be hazardous or toxic, or which could
otherwise pose a risk to health, safety or the environment or which is
regulated, prohibited or controlled pursuant to or the subject of any
Environmental Laws, including any hazardous substance as defined in 42 U.S.C.
§
9601(14), solid waste as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 6903(27), pollutant or
contaminant as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 9601(33), or any other waste, pollutant,
hazardous waste (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 6903(5), petroleum (as defined in 42
U.S.C. §§ 6911(2)(B), petroleum-based substance, by-product, breakdown product
or waste, oil (as defined in 33 U.S.C. § 2701(23), special waste, sludge (as
defined in 42 U.S.C. § 6903(26A), or any constituent of any such substance or
waste and specifically including polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos,
asbestos-containing material, urea formaldehyde or radioactive
material.
“Damages”
means
any liability, loss, damage, claim, deficiency, fee or expense, including
without limitation court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and
costs.
“Encumbrance”
means
any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, covenant, condition
or
restriction of record, easement, encumbrance or other third party claim or
interest of any nature whatsoever.
“Environment”
means
surface waters, groundwaters, surface water sediment, soil, subsurface strata,
ambient air and other environmental medium.
28
“Environmental
Claims”
means
any and all actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices
of
noncompliance or violation, notices of liability or potential liability,
investigations, proceedings, consent orders or consent agreements relating
in
any way to any Environmental Law or any Contaminant or arising from any alleged
injury to threat of injury to health, safety or the Environment.
“Environmental
Law”
means
any Law, rule or regulation, now or hereafter in effect and as amended, and
any
judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or
administrative order, consent decree or judgment, relating to pollution or
protection of the Environment, health, safety or natural resources or to the
use, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, release or
discharge of Contaminants.
“Environmental
Permit”
means
any permit, Approval, identification number, license, or other authorization
required to operate the Business under any applicable Environmental
Law.
“ERISA
means
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“ERISA
Affiliate”
means
any other person that, together with Seller, would be treated as a single
employee under Section 414 of the Code.
“GAAP”
means
accepted accounting principles generally accepted in the United States as
promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Securities and Exchange
Commission and other similar bodies.
“Governmental
Approvals”
means
other permits, licenses, consents, certificates, orders, authorizations and
approvals issued by any governmental authority required to operate the
Business.
“Governmental
Authority”
means
any United States federal, state or local or any non-U.S. government,
governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, state enterprise, agency
or commission or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body.
“Governmental
Order”
means
any order, writ judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or
award entered by or with any Governmental Authority.
“Xxxxxx
Landlord”
means
Xxxxxxx Investments, LLC.
“Xxxxxx
Lease Agreement”
means
that certain Net Commercial Lease Agreement dated May 15, 2007 by and between
Xxxxxx Landlord and Seller relating to the property at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx.
“Knowledge”
The
phrase “to the Knowledge of Seller” or similar phrases means those facts and
circumstances known to any of the managers, members or officers of Seller or
facts which should have been known by said individuals given their position
with
Seller, in each case after due inquiry by such persons to those employees of
Seller who in the ordinary course of their duties would be reasonably likely
to
have knowledge of the facts or circumstances in question.
29
“Law”
means
any federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute, law, ordinance, regulation,
rule,
code, order, other requirement or rule of law.
“Material
Adverse Effect”
means
any adverse change in, or effect on, or any series of such changes or effects,
material to the
operations, financial
condition, prospects, assets
or
liabilities
of
Seller or the Business, taken as a whole.
“Permitted
Encumbrances”
means
(i) statutory liens for Taxes and other charges and assessments by any
Governmental Authority that are not yet due and payable and properly accrued
in
the Financial Statements, (ii) mechanic’s, materialmen’s, and similar liens that
can be satisfied by a payment of cash to the lien holders provided that such
amounts are reflected as current liabilities in the Financial Statements, and
(iii) as to real property interests, including leasehold interests, any
easements, rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, restrictions, and minor
imperfections or irregularities in title that do not, individually or in the
aggregate, interfere with the ability to own or use such real property or
operate Seller’s business on such real property.
“Release”
means
disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking, leaching, dumping,
emitting, escaping, emptying, seeping, placing, and the like into or upon any
land or water or air or otherwise into the Environment.
“Springtown
Landlord”
means
Drake Rentals, Inc.
“Springtown
Lease”
means
that certain Net Commercial Lease Agreement dated February 1, 2008 by and
between Springtown Landlord and Seller relating to the property at 0000 Xxxx Xxx
000, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx.
“Tax”
or,
collectively, “Taxes,”
means
any and all federal, state, local or foreign taxes of any country or
governmental body, assessments and other governmental charges, duties,
impositions and liabilities, including taxes based upon or measured by gross
receipts, income, profits, sales, use and occupation, and value added, ad
valorem, transfer, franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment,
excise, property taxes and all other taxes and assessments of whatever nature
(including, without limitation, any built-in gains tax under Section 1374
of the Code), together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with
respect to such amounts and related thereto and any obligations under any
agreements or arrangements with any other person with respect to such amounts
and including any liability for taxes of a predecessor entity.
“Tax
Return”
means
any return, declaration, report, or information return or statement relating
to
Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment
thereof.
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