ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of April 23, 1998, by and among
APPLE SOUTH, INC., a Georgia corporation ("Seller") and WHIT-MART, INC. a North
Carolina corporation ("Purchaser"),
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, Seller owns and operates a number of Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill
& Bar ("Applebee's") franchise restaurants; and
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser certain Applebee's restaurants
and related property, and Purchaser desires to purchase such assets, all on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the meanings set forth below:
"Action" shall mean any action, suit, litigation, complaint, counterclaim,
claim, petition, mediation contest, or administrative proceeding, whether at
law, in equity, in arbitration or otherwise, and whether conducted by or before
any Government or other Person.
"ADI's" shall mean Arbitron Rating Areas of Dominant Influence.
"ADI Personnel" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.
"Assets" shall mean all of Seller's rights and interests in, to, or under
the following:
(i) all tangible personal property of any kind located in the Restaurants
or on the Real Property, including, but not limited to, equipment, appliances,
machinery, two laptops computers utilized in the Business, tables, chairs, other
furniture, bars, tableware, cookware, utensils, furnishings, signage, leasehold
improvements, fixtures, uniforms, supplies, food and beverage inventory
(including beer, liquor, and wine inventory), and advertising and promotional
materials;
(ii) $1,500 cash in each Restaurant;
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(iii) all prepaid items relating exclusively to the Business;
(iv) all assignable Permits;
(v)all assignable rights under express or implied warranties of
manufacturers, distributors, or retailers relating to the Assets;
(vi)computer software and software licenses (subject to Seller's ability to
transfer and assign such software and licenses) and related manuals, in each
case used exclusively in connection with the operation of the Restaurants.
(vii) all of Seller's supplier lists, demographic, statistical, and other
information related exclusively to the Business;
(viii) copies of Seller's employee records of those current employees of
Seller who are employed by Purchaser as of the Closing (subject to execution of
a release by each affected employee allowing for the disclosure of such files);
(ix) the Contracts and Leases;
(x) the Owned Real Property (including any claims with respect to the
Summerville Condemnation if not settled prior to Closing); and
(xi) All records and files related to the Real Property such as rent
calculations, landlord correspondence, purchase agreements, deeds, construction
documents, title reports, environmental and engineering reports, appraisals,
surveys, etc.
"Assets" shall not include cash in the Restaurants in excess of $1,500 per
Restaurant, bank accounts, or any other property, tangible or intangible, real
or personal, not described above.
"Assumed Liabilities" shall mean (i) all obligations of Seller that accrue
after the Closing under the terms of the Contracts and Leases, (ii) all
obligations of Seller under the Contracts and Leases that accrue prior to the
Closing but which are not due for payment until after the Closing and which are
taken into account in computing the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.3,
(iii) obligations arising after the Closing under any Permits which are assigned
to Purchaser, (iv) all Property Taxes and all other obligations with respect to
the Assets that accrue prior to the Closing but which are not due for payment
until after the Closing and which are taken into account in computing the
Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.3, (v) all Property Taxes and all other
obligations with respect to the Assets that accrue after the Closing, (vi) gift
certificates issued by Seller prior to Closing, (vii) accrued but unvested
vacation of ADI Personnel assumed by Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.3(c), and
(viii) all obligations with respect to Seller's development activities under
Section 4.7 not otherwise assumed hereunder or covered by an increase in the
purchase price pursuant to Section 2.3. Assumed Liabilities shall not include
any liability, obligation, payment, duty, or responsibility of any nature except
as expressly described above and specifically shall not include (i) liabilities
or obligations of Seller arising out of any breach by Seller of any of the
Contracts or Leases; (ii) except as provided in clauses (ii) or (iv) above,
liabilities or obligations of Seller under any of the Contracts or Leases or
with respect to the Owned Real Property or other Assets that accrue in any such
case prior to the Closing; (iii) any liabilities or obligations of Seller under
the Franchise Agreements; (iv) any liability of Seller for product liability,
personal injury, property damage, or otherwise based on any tort claim or
statutory liability (including but not limited to any "dram shop" liability);
(v) any federal, state, or local tax liability of Seller except to the extent
expressly assumed hereunder, (vi) any contractual claim based on any lease,
contract, or agreement other than the Contracts and Leases; (vii) any liability,
obligation, or responsibility of Seller to Seller's employees, agents, or
independent contractors with respect to wages, salaries, bonuses, or other
compensation or benefits earned or accrued prior to the Closing (except for
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accrued vacation assumed pursuant to Section 6.3(c)); and (viii) any liability
or obligation of Seller arising out of the negotiation, execution, or
performance of this Agreement, including fees and expenses of attorneys and
accountants, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
"Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement" shall mean an instrument in
substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto pursuant to which the Assets (except
for the Owned Real Property) will be transferred and assigned to Purchaser at
the Closing and pursuant to which Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.
"Business" shall mean the business of owning and operating the Restaurants
and developing and opening new Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants
in the Territory, as conducted prior to the Closing by Seller pursuant to the
Franchise Agreements.
"Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 hereof.
"Closing Date" shall mean the time and date that the Closing occurs.
"Code" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and all regulations thereunder. Any reference herein to a specific
section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any
corresponding provision of future law.
"Consents" shall mean (i) all consents, approvals, and estoppels of others
which are required to be obtained in order to effect the valid assignment,
transfer, and conveyance to Purchaser of the Material Contracts and the Leases
without resulting in any default thereunder and (ii) a waiver or expiration of
the right of first refusal for Store #207 in North Charleston, SC.
"Contracts" shall mean all contracts, agreements, and leases of equipment
or other personal property that relate exclusively to the Business; provided,
however, that the Franchise Agreements are not included within the meaning of
"Contracts."
"Deeds" shall mean special warranty deeds, limited warranty deeds or other
appropriate instruments to convey good and marketable fee simple title to the
Owned Real Property to Purchaser or its designee, with the warranty of title
contained therein limited to the claims of Persons claiming by, through or under
Seller, but not otherwise. "Development Costs" shall mean (i) all of Seller's
out-of-pocket costs paid in connection with the development of the restaurants
listed on Schedule 4.7 and capitalized in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and Seller's historical practices including, but not
limited to, the purchase price paid for real estate; acquisition and closing
costs, such as legal fees, engineering fees, surveys, transfer taxes, title
policies, and the like; costs of obtaining leases, such as legal fees, surveys,
title policies, and the like; environmental investigation costs; the cost of
permits, approvals, variances, or rezonings; land development costs;
construction costs; the cost of equipment and other personal property acquired
for the restaurants; pre-opening expenses; and construction period insurance,
all as set forth on Schedule 4.7 and substantiated to the reasonable
satisfaction of Purchaser; and (ii) Seller's internal costs and internal
pre-opening expenses capitalized in connection with such development efforts in
accordance with Seller's historic practices. The costs and expenses described in
(ii) above plus external pre-opening expenses shall not exceed a total of
$120,000 for each of the two restaurants under development, and any such costs
in excess of such amount shall not be considered Development Costs.
"Disclosure Memorandum" shall mean the set of numbered schedules
referencing Sections of this Agreement delivered by Seller and dated of even
date herewith, as supplemented by new or amended schedules delivered by Seller
prior to the Closing.
"Effective Time" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5 hereof.
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"Environmental Laws" shall mean all federal, state, municipal, and local
laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, conventions, and decrees
relating to the environment, including without limitation, those relating to
emissions, discharges, releases, or threatened releases of pollutants,
contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic, or Hazardous Materials or wastes
of every kind and nature into the environment (including without limitation
ambient air, surface water, ground water, soil, and subsoil), or otherwise
relating to the manufacture, generation, processing, distribution, application,
use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants,
contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic, or hazardous substances or
wastes, and any and all laws, rules, regulations, codes, directives, orders,
decrees, judgments, injunctions, consent agreements, stipulations, provisions,
and conditions of Environmental Permits, licenses, injunctions, consent
agreements, stipulations, certificates of authorization, and other operating
authorizations, entered, promulgated, or approved thereunder.
"Environmental Permits" shall mean all permits, licenses, certificates,
approvals, authorizations, regulatory plans or compliance schedules required by
applicable Environmental Laws, or issued by a Government pursuant to applicable
Environmental Laws, or entered into by agreement of the party to be bound,
relating to activities that affect the environment, including without
limitation, permits, licenses, certificates, approvals, authorizations,
regulatory plans and compliance schedules for air emissions, water discharges,
pesticide and herbicide or other agricultural chemical storage, use or
application, and Hazardous Material or Solid Waste generation, use, storage,
treatment and disposal. "Forum" shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal,
or foreign court, governmental agency, administrative body or agency, tribunal,
private alternative dispute resolution system, or arbitration panel.
"Financing Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
"Franchise Agreements" shall mean those development agreements, franchise
agreements, and other agreements between Seller and Franchisor relating
exclusively to the Territory.
"Franchisor" shall mean Xxxxxxxx'x International, Inc.
"Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
"Government" shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, or foreign
government or any department, commission, board, bureau, agency,
instrumentality, unit, or taxing authority thereof.
"Hazardous Material" shall mean all substances and materials designated as
hazardous or toxic as of the date hereof pursuant to any applicable
Environmental Law.
"HSR Act" shall mean the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.
"Knowledge of Seller" (or words of like effect) when used to qualify a
representation, warranty, or other statement shall mean the actual knowledge of
Sellers' vice president of operations for the Territory and all management of
Seller senior thereto.
"Leases" shall mean the leases of real property and improvements described
on Schedule 1.1B, including the ground lease for the Applebee's restaurant being
developed pursuant to Section 4.7 in Xxxxxxx'x Inlet, South Carolina.
"Lease Assignments" shall mean such instruments as shall be necessary to
transfer and assign all right, title, and interest of Seller in, to, and under
the Leases, each of which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
"Material Contracts" shall mean all Contracts that involve monetary
obligations of Seller of more than $6,000 per year and that are not cancelable
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by Seller upon thirty days notice or less.
"Minor Contracts" shall mean all Contracts that are not Material Contracts.
"Orders" shall mean all applicable orders, writs, judgments, decrees,
rulings, consent agreements, and awards of or by any Forum or entered by consent
of the party to be bound.
"Owned Real Property" shall mean those tracts and parcels of land owned by
Seller on which a Restaurant is now located and the tract (Hartsville, South
Carolina) being held for development pursuant to Section 4.7 (all of which
tracts and parcels are described in Schedule 1.1C) and all buildings, fixtures,
signs, parking facilities, and other improvements located thereon and the
building to be developed pursuant to Section 4.7 in Xxxxxxx'x Inlet, South
Carolina on property leased by Seller under a ground lease.
"Permits" shall mean all rights of Seller under any liquor, alcoholic
beverage, beer and wine licenses, other licenses of every kind, certificates of
occupancy, and permits or approvals of any nature, from governmental and
regulatory authorities which relate exclusively to the Business, the
Restaurants, or the Real Property.
"Permitted Encumbrances" shall mean, in the case of all Real Property, (i)
such easements, restrictions, covenants, and other such encumbrances which are
shown as exceptions on the Title Commitments and other encumbrances of record as
of the effective date of the Title Commitments, (ii) ordinances (municipal and
zoning), (iii) survey matters, and (iv) such easements, restrictions, covenants,
and other encumbrances which become matters of public record after the effective
date of the Title Commitments and before the Closing, in each such case, to the
extent that such encumbrances could not reasonably be expected to materially
interfere with or impair Purchaser's use of the Real Property for Xxxxxxxx'x
Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants or that are waived, or deemed to be waived,
by Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.1(a). Permitted Encumbrances shall include in
the case of both Real Property and personal property all liens for taxes not yet
due and payable.
"Person" shall include an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a
corporation, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated
organization, a government, and any other legal entity.
"Property Taxes" shall mean all ad valorem, real property, and personal
property taxes, all general and special private and public assessments, all
other property taxes, and all similar obligations pertaining to the Assets.
"Real Property" shall mean the land and improvements comprising the Owned
Real Property and all land and improvements subject to Leases.
"Restaurants" shall mean the ten Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill & Bar
restaurants operated by Seller at the locations set forth on Schedule 1.1A and
two additional Applebee's restaurants to be completed prior to Closing pursuant
to Section 4.7.
"Schedules" shall mean the numbered sections of the Disclosure Memorandum.
"Seller Plans" shall have the meaning set forth on Schedule 3.15.
"Solid Waste" shall mean any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment
plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility, and
other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained
gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural
operations, and from community activities.
"Subsequent Contracts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.10.
"Summerville Condemnation" shall mean the condemnation proceeding
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pertaining to a portion of the Owned Real Property on which the Summerville,
South Carolina, Restaurant is located as described in Schedule 3.7(d).
"Termination Date" shall mean July 15, 1998.
"Territory" shall mean a portion of the Florence, South Carolina ADI and
all of the Charleston, South Carolina ADI, in each case consisting of the
counties set forth on Schedule 1.1D.
"Title Commitments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
"Title Policies" shall mean the Owner's Title Policies and the Lessee's
Title Policies as defined in Section 7.1(a).
ARTICLE II - PURCHASE AND SALE
2.1 Purchase and Sale. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, at the Closing Seller shall sell, transfer, and assign
to Purchaser all of Seller's right, title, and interest in and to the Assets
free and clear of any mortgage, security interest, lien, charge, claim, or other
encumbrance of any nature except the Permitted Encumbrances, and Purchaser shall
purchase the Assets from Seller for the Purchase Price set forth in Section 2.3.
2.2 Assumption of Liabilities. As of the Effective Time, Purchaser shall
assume all of the Assumed Liabilities. Except for the Assumed Liabilities,
Purchaser does not hereby assume or agree to assume or pay any obligations,
liabilities, indebtedness, duties, responsibilities, or commitments of Seller or
any other Person, of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, absolute
or contingent, due or to become due.
2.3 Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Assets (the "Purchase
Price") shall be $18,500,000 as adjusted as follows:
(a) The amount of the purchase price shall be increased by (i) all Property
Taxes accruing with respect to the Assets after the Closing that have been paid
by Seller prior to Closing; (ii) all amounts paid by Seller under the Contracts
and Leases with respect to periods after the Closing; (iii) any other prepaid
expenses pertaining to the Business (such as telephone expenses, advertising
expenses, utility charges, and the like) to the extent that the same cover
periods after the Closing; (iv) an amount equal to Seller's cost of those Assets
consisting of food, beverage (including beer, wine, and liquor), new uniforms,
paper, and supplies inventory as determined by the parties' joint inventory at
the close of business on the day prior to the Closing Date; (v) the amount of
Seller's Development Costs, and (vi) if the Summerville Condemnation has not
been settled prior to Closing, reasonable attorneys' fees and other
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Seller in connection with such matter.
(b) The amount of the purchase price shall be decreased by (i) all Property
Taxes accruing with respect to the Assets prior to the Closing that are due and
payable after the Closing and that have not been paid as of the Closing, (ii)
all amounts payable under the Contracts and Leases that pertain to periods
before the Closing but are due and payable after the Closing and that have not
been paid as of the Closing, (iii) the estimated cost of vacation accrued but
unvested as of the Closing Date by ADI Personnel hired by Purchaser the cost of
which is being assumed by Seller pursuant to Section 6.3(c), (iv) any proceeds
received by Seller prior to Closing with respect to the Summerville
Condemnation, net of Seller's reasonable attorneys' fees and other out-of-pocket
expenses incurred solely in connection with such matter; and (v) any adjustment
required by Section 7.1(b)D.
(c) The amount of the purchase price shall be further adjusted to reflect
any expense paid by one party which the other party has agreed to pay or share
pursuant to Section 10.1 or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement.
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The foregoing adjustments shall be calculated by the parties and set forth
on a schedule which shall be signed by both parties at Closing. The Purchase
Price shall be paid by Purchaser on the Closing Date by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller.
2.4 Deliveries at the Closing. (a) At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser the following:
(i) A certificate executed by Seller, dated as of the Closing Date,
certifying in such detail as Purchaser may reasonably request that subject to
the matters disclosed in the Disclosure Memorandum, as it may be supplemented by
Seller from time to time, all representations and warranties of Seller in this
Agreement are true in all material respects as of the Closing Date;
(ii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Seller,
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying in such detail as Purchaser may
reasonably request (A) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of
resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller authorizing the
execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, the Xxxx of Sale and
Assignment Agreement, and the Deeds, and that all such resolutions are still in
full force and effect and are all the resolutions adopted in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (B) as to the incumbency and
specimen signature of each officer of Seller executing this Agreement, the Xxxx
of Sale and Assignment Agreement, the Deeds, and any certificate or instrument
furnished pursuant hereto, and a certification by another officer of Seller as
to the incumbency and signature of the officer signing such certificate;
(iii) The opinion of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, counsel to Seller, in
substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto;
(iv) The Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Seller;
(v) The Lease Assignments, duly executed by Seller;
(vi) The Consents;
(vii) The Deeds, duly executed by Seller;
(viii) A Cross-Receipt, duly executed by Seller; and
(ix) Any other documents that Purchaser may reasonably request at least
three days prior to the Closing in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(b) At the Closing Purchaser shall deliver to Seller the following:
(i) A certificate executed by Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date,
certifying in such detail as Seller may reasonably request to the fulfillment of
the conditions specified in Sections 7.3(a) and (b) hereof;
(ii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Purchaser,
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying in such detail as Seller may request
(i) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions adopted by
the Board of Directors of Purchaser authorizing the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, and
that all such resolutions are still in full force and effect and are all the
resolutions adopted in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and (ii) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer
of Purchaser executing this Agreement, and any certificate or instrument
furnished pursuant hereto or to be furnished in connection herewith as of the
Closing Date, and a certification by another officer of Purchaser as to the
incumbency and signature of the officer signing such certificate;
(iii) The funds constituting the Purchase Price;
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(iv) The Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser;
(v) The Lease Assignments, duly executed by Purchaser;
(vi) The opinion of Xxxx & Xxxxx, P.A., counsel to Purchaser, in
substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto;
(vii) A Cross-Receipt, duly executed by Purchaser; and
(viii) Any other documents that Seller may reasonably request at least
three days prior to the Closing.
2.5 Transfer of Operations. Purchaser shall be entitled to immediate
possession of, and to exercise all rights arising under, the Assets from and
after the time that the Restaurants open for business on the Closing Date, and
operation of the Restaurants shall transfer at such time (the "Effective Time").
Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, all profits, losses,
liabilities, claims, or injuries arising before the Effective Time shall be
solely to the benefit or the risk of Seller. All such occurrences after the
Effective Time shall be solely to the benefit or the risk of Purchaser. The risk
of loss or damage by fire, storm, flood, theft, or other casualty or cause shall
be in all respects upon Seller prior to the Effective Time and upon the
Purchaser thereafter.
2.6 Closing. The closing of the transactions described in this Article II
(the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP,
Suite 2800, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, at 10:00 a.m. on June 8,
1998, or on such other date and time as may be mutually agreed upon by the
parties hereto.
2.7 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated
among the various Assets as set forth on Exhibit E hereof. Each party hereby
agrees that it will not take a position on any income tax return, before any
governmental agency charged with the collection of any income tax, or in any
judicial proceeding that is inconsistent with the terms of this Section 2.7.
2.8 Further Assurances. From time to time after the Closing at Purchaser's
request, Seller shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Purchaser such other
instruments of conveyance and transfer and shall take such other actions and
execute and deliver such other documents, certifications, and further assurances
as Purchaser may reasonably require to vest more effectively in Purchaser, or to
put Purchaser more fully in possession of, any of the Assets, or to better
enable Purchaser to complete, perform and discharge the Assumed Liabilities. The
costs and expenses attributable to the foregoing shall be shared equally by
Borrower and Seller. Each party hereto will cooperate with the other and execute
and deliver to the other party hereto such other instruments and documents and
take such other actions as may be reasonably requested from time to time by any
other party hereto as necessary to carry out, evidence, and confirm the intended
purpose of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in the Disclosure
Memorandum dated of even date hereof, as supplemented or amended from time to
time by Seller prior to the Closing Date, regardless of whether any Schedule
constituting a part of the Disclosure Memorandum is referenced in any specific
provision below, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:
3.1 Organization, Qualifications and Corporate Power. Seller is a corporation
duly incorporated and organized, validly existing, and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Georgia. Seller has the corporate power and authority
to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement, the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment
Agreement, the Deeds, and all other agreements, documents, certificates, and
other papers contemplated to be delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement.
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3.2 Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance by Seller of
this Agreement, the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, the Deeds, and all
other agreements, documents, certificates, and other papers contemplated to be
delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized by the
Board of Directors of Seller.
3.3 Non-Contravention. Subject to obtaining the consents to assignment of
the Leases and Material Contracts set forth on Schedule 3.3, the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement will not violate or result in a
breach of any term of Seller's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, result in a
breach of any agreement or other instrument to which Seller is a party (except
for defaults under Minor Contracts where the consent of the other party or
parties to such contract to the assignment thereof will not be obtained) or
violate any law or any order, rule, or regulation applicable to Seller of any
court or of any regulatory body, administrative agency, or other governmental
instrumentality having jurisdiction over Seller; and will not result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, charge, or encumbrance of any nature
whatsoever upon any of the Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.3 and
except for consents required under Minor Contracts, the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other documents executed in connection
herewith, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby do not require any filing with, notice to or consent, waiver or approval
of any third party, including but not limited to, any governmental body or
entity other than any filing required under the HSR Act and the expiration of
any applicable waiting period thereunder. Schedule 3.3 identifies separately
each notice, consent, waiver, or approval by reference to each Lease and to each
Material Contract to which it is applicable.
3.4 Validity. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
Seller and constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Seller,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to general equity principles
and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and
similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights. When the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement has been executed and
delivered in accordance with this Agreement, it will constitute the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in accordance with its
terms, subject to general equity principles and to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws from time to time in
effect affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights.
3.5 Assets. (a) Seller has good and valid title to all of the Assets
constituting personal property, free and clear of any and all mortgages,
pledges, security interests, liens, charges, conditional sales agreements, and
other encumbrances except Permitted Encumbrances.
(b) The Assets located at each Restaurant constitute all tangible personal
property required on site to operate the Restaurant in accordance with the
Franchise Agreements.
(c) There are no assets or property of any nature which is not being
transferred to Purchaser hereunder that has been customarily used exclusively in
the operation or ownership of the Restaurants other than Permits and software
licenses that are not assignable.
(d) Each Asset constituting tangible personal property having a fair market
value of $5,000 or more is in good operating condition consistent with its age,
subject to normal wear and tear.
(e) Substantially all food inventories at the Effective Time will be
useable by Purchaser in the ordinary course of business.
(f) Schedule 3.5(f) sets forth a complete and accurate list of the Assets
constituting tangible personal property including the original basis therefor
and accumulated depreciation.
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3.6 Contracts and Leases.
(a) Each Material Contract and Lease is a valid and subsisting agreement,
without any material default of Seller thereunder, and to the knowledge of
Seller, without any default on the part of any other party thereto. To the
knowledge of Seller, no event or occurrence has transpired which with the
passage of time or giving of notice or both will constitute a default under any
Material Contract or Lease. A true and correct list of each Material Contract
and Lease and every amendment thereto or other agreement or document relating
thereto is set forth as Schedule 3.6 to this Agreement. True and correct copies
of the Material Contracts and Leases (and any amendments thereto) have been
provided to Purchaser. At the time of Closing, Seller shall have made all
payments and performed all obligations due through the Closing Date under each
Contract and Lease, except to the extent that any payment due is deducted in
calculating the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.3.
(b) No Contract or Lease has been assigned by Seller or any interest
granted therein by Seller to any third party, or is subject to any mortgage,
pledge, hypothecation, security interest, lien, or other encumbrance or claim.
(c) Seller's possession of property subject to the Leases has not been
disturbed, nor has any claim been asserted against Seller adverse to its rights
in such leasehold interests.
(d) The Contracts have been entered into in the ordinary course of Seller's
business and, to Seller's knowledge, contain commercially reasonable terms.
(e) Schedule 3.6(e) sets forth a list of agreements that relate to the
Business but that are not being assigned hereunder because they also cover other
restaurants of Seller not being sold hereunder.
3.7 Real Property.
(a) Schedule 3.7(a) sets forth with respect to each Restaurant, its
location, whether it is located on Owned Real Property or is on a site subject
to a Lease, and whether the improvements are owned or leased.
(b) The water, electric, gas, and sewer utility services, and storm
drainage facilities currently available to each parcel of Real Property are
adequate for the operation of the Restaurants as presently operated, and to
Seller's knowledge, there is no condition which will result in the termination
of the present access from each parcel of Real Property to such utility services
and other facilities.
(c) Seller has obtained all authorizations and rights-of-way which are
necessary to ensure vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress to and from the
site of each Restaurant, all of which are assignable and shall be assigned to
Purchaser at the Closing.
(d) Except as shown on Schedule 3.7(d), Seller has received no notice that
any Government having the power of eminent domain over any parcel of Real
Property has commenced or intends to exercise the power of eminent domain or a
similar power with respect to any part of the Real Property.
(e) The Real Property and the present uses thereof comply in all material
respects with all material laws and regulations (including zoning laws and
ordinances) of all Governments having jurisdiction over the Real Property, and
Seller has received no notice from any Government alleging that the Real
Property or any improvements erected or situated thereon, or the uses conducted
thereon or therein, violate any regulations of any Government having
jurisdiction over the Real Property.
(f) To the knowledge of Seller, no work for municipal improvements has been
commenced on or in connection with any parcel of Real Property or any street
adjacent thereto and no such improvements are contemplated. No assessment for
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public improvements has been made against the Real Property which remains
unpaid. No notice from any Government has been served upon the Real Property or
received by Sellers, or to the knowledge of Seller received by any owner of any
of the Real Property subject to a Lease, requiring or calling attention to the
need for any work, repair, construction, alteration, or installation on or in
connection with the Real Property which has not been complied with.
(g) Seller holds all Environmental Permits necessary for conducting the
Business and has conducted, and is presently conducting, the Business in
material compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental
Permits held by it, including, without limitation, all record keeping and filing
requirements. To the Seller's knowledge, all Hazardous Materials and Solid
Waste, on, in, or under Real Property have been properly removed and disposed
of, and to the Seller's knowledge no past or present disposal, discharge, spill,
or other release of, or treatment, transportation, or other handling of
Hazardous Materials or Solid Waste on, in, under, or off-site from any Real
Property will subject the Purchaser, or any subsequent owner, occupant, or
operator of the Real Property to corrective or compliance action or any other
liability. There are no presently pending, or to Seller's knowledge, threatened
Actions or Orders against or involving Seller relating to any alleged past or
ongoing violation of any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits with
respect to the Real Property, nor to Seller's knowledge is Seller subject to any
liability for any such past or ongoing violation. Matters referenced above of
which Seller has knowledge are referenced on Schedule 3.7(g).
3.8 Financial Statements. Schedule 3.8 contains for each Restaurant
unaudited statements of operations as of the end of the 1997 fiscal year and for
each fiscal month ended thereafter through the date hereof for which such
statements are available, prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, except for the absence of explanatory notes and except as
otherwise expressly described therein (the "Financial Statements"). The
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Seller's historical
practices and fairly present the operations of the Restaurants for the periods
presented and as of their respective dates.
3.9 Taxes. All Property Taxes relating to the Assets have been fully paid
for 1997 and all prior tax years and there are no delinquent property tax liens
or assessments. Seller has also timely filed (or will timely file) all other tax
returns and reports of whatever kind pertaining to the Assets and required to be
filed by Seller up to the Closing Date. Seller has paid (or will timely pay) all
taxes of whatever kind, including any interest, penalties, governmental charges,
duties, fees, and fines imposed by all governmental entities or taxing
authorities, which are due and payable prior to the Closing Date or for which
assessments relating to any period prior to the Closing Date have been received,
the nonpayment of which would result in lien on any of the Assets. There are no
audits, suits, actions, claims, investigations, inquiries, or proceedings
pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened against Seller with respect to
taxes, interest, penalties, governmental charges, duties, or fines, nor are any
such matters under discussion with any governmental authority, nor have any
claims for additional taxes, interest, penalties, charges, fines, fees, or
duties been received by assessed against Seller that in any such case affect the
Assets.
3.10 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10 or Schedule 3.7(d),
there is no material Action or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of
Seller, threatened against or affecting Seller that pertains to the Restaurants,
or any of the Assets before any court or by or before any governmental body or
arbitration board or tribunal.
3.11 Permits. Seller has all material Permits as are necessary to operate
the Restaurants. Seller has fulfilled and performed all of its material
obligations with respect to such Permits and, to the knowledge of Seller, no
event has occurred which allows, nor after notice or lapse of time or both would
allow, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any other impairment
of the rights of the holder of any such Permits.
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3.12 Health and Safety Requirements. To the knowledge of Seller, Seller is
in compliance with all laws, governmental standards, rules and regulations
applicable to Seller or to any of the Assets in respect to the Americans with
Disabilities Act and similar state laws, occupational health and safety laws,
and environmental laws.
3.13 Employment Contracts, Etc. Seller is not a party to any written
employment agreements related to the employees at the Restaurants, (or any oral
agreements providing for employment other than employment "at will") or any
deferred compensation agreements. Schedule 3.13 sets forth a list of ADI
Personnel as of the date shown on such schedule, along with their current
compensation rate and start date.
3.14 Labor Matters. Seller is not and never has been a party to any
collective bargaining or other labor agreement affecting the Business. To the
knowledge of Seller, there is no pending or threatened labor dispute, strike,
work stoppage, union representation, election, negotiation of collective
bargaining agreement, or similar labor matter affecting the Business. Seller is
not involved in any controversy with any group of its employees or any
organization representing any employees involved in the Business, and to the
knowledge of Seller, Seller is in compliance with all applicable federal and
state laws and regulations concerning the employer/employee relationship,
including but not limited to wage/hour laws, laws prohibiting discrimination,
and labor laws. Seller is in compliance with all of its agreements relating to
the employment of its employees, including, without limitation, provisions
thereof relating to wages, bonuses, hours of work and the payment of Social
Security taxes, and Seller is not liable for any unpaid wages, bonuses, or
commissions or any tax, penalty, assessment, or forfeiture for failure to comply
with any of the foregoing.
3.15 Employee Benefits.
(a) Schedule 3.15 hereto contains a true and complete list of all the
following agreements or plans of Seller which are presently in effect and which
pertain to any of the employees engaged exclusively in the Business:
(i) "employee welfare benefit plans" and "employee pension benefit plans,"
as defined in Sections 3(1) and 3(2), respectively, of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA");
(ii) any other pension, profit sharing, retirement, deferred compensation,
stock purchase, stock option, incentive, bonus, vacation, severance, disability,
health, hospitalization, medical, life insurance, vision, dental, prescription
drug, supplemental unemployment, layoff, automobile, apprenticeship and
training, day care, scholarship, group legal benefits, fringe benefits, or other
employee benefit plan, program, policy, or arrangement, whether written or
unwritten, formal or informal, which Sellers maintains or to which Seller has
any outstanding, present, or future obligation to contribute to or make payments
under, whether voluntary, contingent, or otherwise (the plans, programs,
policies, or arrangements described in clauses (i) or (ii) are herein
collectively referred to as the "Seller Plans").
(b) Seller does not presently contributes and/or has ever contributed or
been obligated to contribute to a multiemployer plan as defined in section
3(37)(A) of ERISA.
(c) No Seller Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA.
(d) Seller has performed all obligations required of it, and is not in
default, under any Seller Plan.
3.16 Accuracy of Schedules, Certificates and Documents. All information
concerning Seller contained in any certificate furnished to Purchaser pursuant
to this Agreement or in the Disclosure Memorandum is or will be when furnished
both complete and accurate in all material respects; and all documents furnished
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to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement which are documents described in this
Agreement or in the Disclosure Memorandum are true and correct copies of the
documents which they purport to represent.
ARTICLE IV - COVENANTS OF SELLER
4.1 Performance of Real Property Leases and Assumed Contracts. Seller
shall, through the Closing Date, continue to faithfully and diligently perform
each and every continuing obligation of Seller, if any, under each of the Leases
and Material Contracts, where the failure to do so would have a material adverse
affect on the operations of a Restaurant.
4.2 Transfer of Licenses and Permits. Seller shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to cooperate in assisting Purchaser with the assumption,
transfer, or reissuance of any and all Permits required for the operation of the
Restaurants.
4.3 Liabilities of Seller. All liabilities of Seller related to the Assets
that are not Assumed Liabilities will be promptly paid by Seller as they come
due.
4.4 Agreements Respecting Employees of Seller.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time without the prior written approval of
Purchaser, Seller shall not transfer or reassign to operations outside the
Business any employee exclusively involved in the operation or supervision of
the Restaurants ("ADI Personnel") At the Effective Time, Seller shall terminate
the employment of all ADI Personnel. Seller shall pay all accrued and vested
vacation time for ADI Personnel along with their final paychecks. For a period
of eighteen months following the Closing, Seller shall not solicit for
employment any person who is an employee of Purchaser.
(b) Seller shall be solely responsible for any severance amounts due or
granted by Seller to any ADI Personnel.
(c) Seller and Purchaser shall cooperate in the transition of coverage of
ADI Personnel from Seller's health, medical, life insurance and other welfare
plans to plans maintained by Purchaser.
4.5 Conduct of Business. (a) From the date hereof until Closing, Seller
shall (i) operate the Restaurants as they are currently being operated and in
the ordinary course of business and in compliance with all terms and conditions
of the Franchise Agreements, using commercially reasonable efforts in keeping
with Seller's historical practices to preserve and maintain the services of its
employees and its relationships with suppliers and customers, (ii) pay all bills
and debts incurred by it related to the Business promptly as they become due,
and (iii) consult in advance with Purchaser on all decisions outside the
ordinary course of business relating to the Assets or the Restaurants.
(b) In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, with respect to the
Business, Seller shall:
(i) maintain the Assets consistent with past practices;
(ii) continue to purchase and maintain inventories for each Restaurant in
such quantities and quality as necessary to operate the Restaurants in
accordance with Seller's historical practice;
(iii) continue to operate the Restaurants in accordance with all material
applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations; and
(c) Further, with respect to the Restaurants, Seller shall not, without the
express prior written approval of Purchaser:
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(i) change in any material manner the ownership of the Assets;
(ii) increase the rate of compensation to ADI Personnel beyond the usual
and customary annual merit increases or bonuses under established compensation
plans, except for payments under the stay-bonus plan that Seller has adopted;
(iii) mortgage, pledge, or subject to lien (except in connection with
development efforts pursuant to Section 4.7 in the ordinary course of business)
any of the Assets;
(iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Asset except in the ordinary course
of business;
(v) enter into any Material Contract except in the ordinary course of
business;
(vi) other than in the ordinary course of business, cancel or terminate or
consent to or accept any cancellation or termination of any Material Contract or
Lease, amend or otherwise modify any of its material terms or waive any breach
of any of its material terms or provisions or take any other action in
connection with any Material Contract or Lease that would materially impair the
interests or rights of Seller to be transferred to Purchaser hereunder; or
(vii) settle the Summerville Condemnation.
4.6 Access to Information. Seller shall afford Purchaser, its counsel,
financial advisors, auditors, lenders, lenders' counsel and other authorized
representatives reasonable access for any purpose consistent with this Agreement
from the date hereof until the Closing, during normal business hours, to the
offices, properties, books, and records of Seller with respect to the Assets and
the Restaurants and shall furnish to Purchaser such additional financial and
operating data and other information as Seller may possess and as Purchaser may
reasonably request, subject to Purchaser's obligations regarding the
confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 6.2 hereof;
provided, however, that such access shall be arranged in advance by Purchaser
with Seller and will be scheduled in a manner and with a frequency calculated to
cause the minimum disruption of the business of Seller.
4.7 Development Efforts. Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts
to complete the development of the two new Applebee's restaurants in Xxxxxxx'x
Inlet and Hartsville, South Carolina listed on Schedule 4.7 substantially in
accordance with the timetable and budget set forth on such Schedule. The
Xxxxxxx'x Inlet restaurant will be built on land held by Seller pursuant to a
ground lease. The Hartsville restaurant will be built on property held by Seller
in fee simple.
4.8 Reporting Requirements. Through the Closing Date, Seller shall furnish
to Purchaser:
(a) Promptly after the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any such event,
information respect to any event which has materially adversely affected the
Assets or the operations of the Restaurants.
(b) As soon as available and in any event within fifteen business days
after the end of each fiscal month, the statement of operations of each
Restaurant for such month in the Seller's regularly prepared format.
(c) Promptly after the commencement of each such matter, notice of all
Actions, Orders or other directives affecting the Business or any Restaurant
that, if adversely determined, could materially adversely affect the Assets, the
operations, business, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the
Restaurant or the ability of Seller to perform its obligations hereunder;
(d) Such other information respecting the Assets or the operations,
business prospects, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Restaurants as
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the Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request.
4.9 Cooperation. Insofar as such conditions are within its reasonable
control or influence, Seller will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause
the conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied and to facilitate and
cause the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including
obtaining the Consents. The parties acknowledge that no consents will be sought
with respect to any Minor Contract even if the failure to so obtain a consent to
assignment may result in a default or termination thereunder; provided, however,
that Seller will assist Purchaser, to the extent reasonably requested by
Purchaser, in obtaining consents or transfers and assignments of the Minor
Contracts. Seller will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain required
consents of landlords to the assignment of the Leases and shall bear any
expenses associated with obtaining such consents; however, Seller shall not be
required to make any payment to a landlord (other than reimbursement of
expenses), guarantee any Lease or remain liable for the payment thereof
following the Closing, or agree to any concessions or amendment to other leases
or arrangements with such landlord in order to obtain such consents.
4.10 Subsequent Contracts. From the date of this Agreement to the Closing
Date, Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts (a) to include in any
Material Contracts entered into by Seller ("Subsequent Contracts") a provision
permitting the assignment of any such Subsequent Contract to Purchaser and
providing that upon such assignment, Purchaser shall succeed to all of Seller's
rights, title, and interests thereunder subject to the Purchaser's assumption of
all of Seller's duties, powers, and obligations under such Subsequent Contract,
and (b) to ensure that no Subsequent Contract contains any provision which would
limit in any way the rights, title, and interests of Seller in the Assets.
4.11 Transition Services.
(a) For a period of three months after the Closing, if and to the extent
requested in writing by Purchaser, Seller agrees to provide to Purchaser
restaurant accounting, POS system support, and other services related to the
Restaurants as mutually agreed upon between Seller and Purchaser (the
"Services"). Purchaser shall give Seller thirty (30) days advance written notice
of the Services requested. The Services shall be provided promptly as requested
and shall be provided in the same manner and with the same or similar personnel
as Seller previously utilized.
(b) Purchaser will pay for the Services on a monthly basis, after receipt
of an invoice from Seller, at Seller's direct personnel cost incurred in
connection with providing the requested Service, plus an amount of reasonable
overhead not to exceed 85% of the base salaries of the personnel providing the
Services. Seller's invoice shall detail the personnel used, the amount of time
spent, and its calculation of the cost thereof. Direct personnel cost shall
include only base salary and benefits normally paid to Seller employees in such
capacities.
(c) Seller is not required to maintain the employment of any specific
personnel in connection with providing the Services; provided, however, that if
requested by Purchaser, Seller shall offer to specifically designated personnel
a bonus incentive to remain for the three month period. The amount of such bonus
shall be at the discretion of Purchaser. Such bonus, if accepted by the
employee, shall be paid by Purchaser at the end of the three-month period, or
for such shorter period as Purchaser may determine.
4.12 Delivery of Real Estate Documents. Within five business days of the
date hereof Seller shall provide to Purchaser legal descriptions of the Owned
Real Property and copies of all surveys, title policies, and environmental
reports pertaining to the Owned Real Property in Seller's possession.
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
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Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:
5.1 Organization, Corporate Power, Authorization. Purchaser is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the
laws of the State of North Carolina and in each other jurisdiction in which it
is lawfully required to qualify to conduct business. Purchaser has the corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Xxxx of Sale
and Assignment Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. All corporate action on the part of Purchaser necessary for the
authorization, execution, and delivery of this Agreement and the Xxxx of Sale
and Assignment Agreement, and performance of all obligations of Purchaser
thereunder has been duly taken.
5.2 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement by Purchaser do not and the consummation
by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not
violate any provision of its articles of incorporation or bylaws.
5.3 Validity. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Purchaser, and constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of
Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to
general equity principles and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws from time to time in effect
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights. When the Xxxx of Sale and
Assignment Agreement has been executed and delivered in accordance with this
Agreement, it will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation of
Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to general equity
principles and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
and similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights.
5.4 Litigation Relating to the Agreement. Purchaser is not a party to, or
subject to any judgment, decree, or order entered in any lawsuit or proceeding
brought by any governmental agency or instrumentality or other party seeking to
prevent the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE VI - COVENANTS OF PURCHASER
6.1 Purchaser Performance. After the Closing Date, Purchaser shall promptly
pay as they become due and otherwise perform all obligations of Seller under the
Assumed Liabilities and otherwise perform and fulfill all other obligations with
respect to the Assets pertaining to the period after the Closing Date.
6.2 Confidentiality. In connection with the negotiation of this Agreement,
Seller may disclose Confidential Information, as defined below, to Purchaser.
Purchaser agrees that if the transactions contemplated herein are not
consummated, it will return to Seller all documents and other written
information furnished to it. Purchaser further agrees to maintain the
confidentiality of any and all Confidential Information of Seller and not
disclose any Confidential Information to any Person other than such Person to
whom Confidential Information must be disclosed to effect the transactions and
who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreement or obligations. Purchaser
shall not use such Confidential Information for financial gain or in any manner
adverse to Seller. The foregoing obligations shall not apply to (i) any
information which was known by Purchaser prior to its disclosure by Seller; (ii)
any information which was in the public domain prior to the disclosure thereof;
(iii) any information which comes into the public domain through no fault of
Purchaser; (iv) any information which is disclosed to Purchaser by a third
party, other than an affiliate, having the legal right to make such disclosure;
or (iv) any information which is required to be disclosed by Order of any Forum.
For purposes of this Section, "Confidential Information" shall mean any and all
technical, business, and other information which is (a) possessed or hereafter
acquired by Seller and disclosed to Purchaser and (b) derives economic value,
16
actual or potential, from not being generally known to Persons other than
Seller, including, without limitation, technical or nontechnical data,
compositions, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, inventions, processes,
financial data, financial plans, product plans, lists of actual or potential
customers or suppliers, information regarding the business plans and operations
of Seller, and the existence of discussions and negotiations between the parties
hereto relating to the terms hereof. The restrictions of this Section shall
expire three years from the date hereof with respect to any confidential
business information that does not constitute a trade secret under applicable
law.
6.3 Seller Employees.
(a) Purchaser intends to offer employment to all ADI Personnel employed and
in good standing at the Effective Time upon terms and conditions substantially
equivalent to those provided by Seller; however, Purchaser shall not be required
to provide stock options or any stock purchase rights. For a period of eighteen
months following the Closing, unless otherwise permitted by Seller in writing,
Purchaser shall not solicit for employment any person who is an employee of
Seller or any subsidiary of Seller (other than ADI Personnel).
(b) Purchaser shall maintain employee records transferred to Purchaser
hereunder for a period of not less than four years and during that period will
afford Seller reasonable access to such records during Purchaser's normal
business hours. Purchaser shall maintain the confidentiality of such records and
limit access thereto in a manner consistent with Purchaser's treatment of its
employee records.
(c) Purchaser agrees with respect to ADI Personnel hired by Purchaser: (i)
to give such employees credit under Purchaser's benefits plans, programs, and
arrangements, including credit for accrued but unvested vacation which has been
charged to Seller under Section 2.3, for such employees' period of service with
Seller, provided that such credit shall only be taken into account under any
tax-qualified plan maintained by Purchaser for purposes of determining such
employees' eligibility for participation and eligibility to satisfy any hours of
service requirement in order to receive an allocation of an employer
contribution; (ii) to provide coverage to such employees who are eligible under
Purchaser's health, medical, life insurance, and other welfare plans, to the
extent such plans are in effect (A) without the need to undergo a physical
examination or otherwise provide evidence of insurability; (B) any pre-existing
condition or similar limitations or exclusions will be applied by taking into
account the period of coverage under Seller's plan; (C) by applying and giving
credit for amounts paid for the plan year in which the Closing Date occurs as
deductibles, out of pocket expenses, and similar amounts paid by individuals and
their beneficiaries. Seller and Purchaser acknowledge that the only employee
benefit plans to be offered by Purchaser to its employees, either at the
Effective Time or within twelve (12) months thereafter, are those listed on
Exhibit G.
6.4 Cooperation. Insofar as such conditions are within its reasonable
control or influence, Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
cause the conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied and to facilitate
and cause the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Specifically, but not by way of limitation, Purchaser will (i) use commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain a commitment letter from a reputable lender for
financing the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the terms set
forth on Exhibit F (the "Financing Commitment") and to close such financing,
(ii) promptly provide Franchisor with all information required by Franchisor to
determine whether Purchaser will be approved as a franchisee with respect to the
Territory, (iii) actively pursue an agreement with Franchisor as to the
principal terms of franchise and development agreements with respect to the
Territory, and (iv) file all documents required to obtain approval of the
transactions contemplated hereby under the HSR Act within 15 days of the date
hereof.
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ARTICLE VII - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING
7.1 Title Examination and Property Inspection. (a) Purchaser shall have 45
days following receipt of the documents referred to in Section 4.12 (the "Title
Inspection Period") to obtain and review (i) current surveys and title insurance
commitments with respect to the Owned Real Property ("Owner's Title
Commitments") pursuant to which the Title Company will agree to issue at Closing
owner's policies of title insurance ("Owner's Title Policies") on American Land
Title Association standard Form B-1990, without exceptions except as shown in
the Owner's Title Commitments, to be issued by a reputable title insurance
company of Sellers' choice and reasonably acceptable to Purchaser ("Title
Company") in an amount in the case of each parcel equal to the purchase price
allocated to such parcel of the Owned Real Property pursuant to Section 2.7, and
(ii) current surveys and title insurance commitments with respect to the Real
Property subject to a Lease (collectively, the "Leased Real Property") (the
"Lessee Title Commitments", and collectively with the Owner's Title Commitments,
the "Title Commitments") pursuant to which the Title Company will agree to issue
at Closing lessee's policies of title insurance ("Lessee's Title Policies") on
American Land Title Association standard form of leasehold owner's policy to
insure leasehold estates, showing no exceptions except as shown in the Lessee
Title Commitments. The Owner's Title Policies shall insure the Purchaser that,
upon consummation of the purchase and sale herein contemplated, Purchaser will
be vested with good, fee simple, marketable, and insurable title to the Owned
Real Property, subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances or arising out of acts
of the insured. The Lessee's Title Policies shall insure the Purchaser that,
upon consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, Purchaser will be
vested with a good, valid, marketable and insurable leasehold estate in and to
the Leased Real Property, subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances. Purchaser
shall have until the end of the Title Inspection Period (or with respect to any
matter arising after the date of the Title Commitment for the affected Real
Property, until the Closing has occurred) to furnish Seller a written statement
of reasonable objections to exceptions which, in Purchaser's reasonable
judgment, would materially interfere with or impair Purchaser's use of the Real
Property for the operation of Applebee's restaurants ("Material Objections").
Seller shall have until the Termination Date to satisfy such Material Objections
(but with no obligation to do so) in all material respects, and if Seller fails
to satisfy all Material Objections in all material respects on or prior to the
Termination Date, then Purchaser's sole right and remedy shall be to either (i)
waive the objections and elect to close, or (ii) terminate this Agreement by
giving written notice of such termination to Seller. If Purchaser fails to
furnish Seller a written statement of Material Objections by the end of the
Title Inspection Period with respect to any matter appearing as an exception on
a Title Commitment (or prior to the Closing in the case of a Material Objection
relating to any matter arising after the date of the relevant Title Commitment),
such matter shall be deemed waived by Purchaser and shall be a Permitted
Encumbrance. The parties acknowledge that some of the Leased Real Property may
be located in shopping centers, and as such, unless the leased premises are a
free standing building located on a separate pad with its own legal description
("Free Standing Premises") the Lessee Title Commitments for such Leased Real
Property will contain encumbrances for entire shopping centers. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, while Lessee Title Commitments will
be delivered for such Leased Real Property, no surveys will be delivered and
Lessee's Title Policies may or may not be issued for Leases unless such Leases
are for Free Standing Premises. Purchaser may not object to title encumbrances
for such Leased Real Property that do not affect the premises leased under the
Leases, which such encumbrances shall be deemed to be Permitted Encumbrances.
(b) (A) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Purchaser
and Purchaser's agents, employees, contractors, representatives and other
designees (hereinafter collectively called "Purchaser's Designees") shall have
the right to enter the Real Property for the purposes of inspecting the Real
Property and the other tangible Assets, conducting soil tests, conducting
surveys, mechanical and structural engineering studies, environmental studies,
and conducting any other investigations, examinations, tests, and inspections as
Purchaser may reasonably require to assess the condition of the Real Property
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and the other tangible Assets; provided, however, that (i) any activities by or
on behalf of Purchaser, including, without limitation, the entry by Purchaser or
Purchaser's Designees onto the Real Property, or the other activities of
Purchaser or Purchaser's Designees with respect to the Real Property
(hereinafter called "Purchaser's Activities") shall not damage the Real Property
in any manner whatsoever or disturb or interfere with the rights of any lessor
of Leased Real Property; (ii) in the event the Real Property or other Assets are
altered or disturbed in any manner in connection with any Purchaser's
Activities, Purchaser shall immediately return the Real Property or other Assets
to the condition existing prior to Purchaser's Activities; (iii) Purchaser shall
in no event without Seller's prior written consent disclose the results of any
of its investigations, examinations, tests, or inspections to any party
(including any Government unless required by law) other than to its lenders,
attorneys, consultants, and investors; and (iv) Purchaser shall indemnify,
defend, and hold Seller harmless from and against any and all claims,
liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses of any kind or nature
whatsoever (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, and expenses and
court costs) suffered, incurred or sustained by Seller as a result of, by reason
of, or in connection with any Purchaser's Activities. Notwithstanding any
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Purchaser shall not have the right
to undertake any environmental studies or testing beyond the scope of a standard
"Phase I" evaluation without the prior written consent of Seller and, if
applicable, the lessor of any Leased Real Property.
(B) Purchaser shall have until the date which is 45 days after the date of
this Agreement (hereinafter called the "Due Diligence Date"), to perform such
investigations, examinations, tests and inspections as Purchaser shall deem
necessary or desirable to determine whether the Real Property is suitable and
satisfactory to Purchaser and can be used for Applebee's franchise restaurants.
In the event Purchaser shall determine that the Real Property is not reasonably
suitable and satisfactory to Purchaser, Purchaser shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to Seller on or before the Due
Diligence Date If Purchaser does not terminate this Agreement in accordance with
this Section 7.1(b) on or before the Due Diligence Date, Purchaser shall have no
further right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(b).
(C) Prior to any entry by Purchaser or any of Purchaser's Designees onto
the Real Property, Purchaser shall: (i) procure a policy of commercial general
liability insurance, issued by an insurer reasonably satisfactory to Seller,
covering all Purchaser's Activities, with a single limit of liability (per
occurrence and aggregate) of not less than $1,000,000.00; and (ii) deliver to
Seller a Certificate of Insurance, evidencing that such insurance is in force
and effect, and evidencing that Seller has been named as an additional insured
thereunder with respect to any Purchaser's Activities. Such insurance shall be
written on an "occurrence" basis, and shall be maintained in force until the
earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement and the conclusion of all
Purchaser's Activities; or (ii) Closing.
(D) On or before the Due Diligence Date, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller
a list setting forth all repairs or replacements of Assets that under reasonable
operating standards of a prudent operator would be required to be made within 60
days of the date of such list and the estimated cost of repair or replacement;
provided, however, that the cost of any remedial action must exceed $10,000 per
item in order for the item to be included on the list. The cost of repair or
replacement for the items set forth on the list shall constitute a Purchase
Price adjustment under Section 2.3 except to the extent any such item is
replaced or repaired by Seller to Purchaser's reasonable satisfaction prior to
Closing.
(E) Purchaser acknowledges that Seller may deliver to Purchaser certain
documents and information in possession of Seller or Seller's agents with regard
to the Real Property (hereinafter called the "Due Diligence Materials"). The Due
Diligence Materials will be provided to Purchaser without any representation or
warranty of any kind or nature whatsoever and are merely provided to Purchaser
for Purchaser's informational purposes. Until Closing, Purchaser and Purchaser's
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Designees shall maintain all Due Diligence Materials as Confidential
Information.
7.2 Purchaser's Conditions to Closing. The obligations of Purchaser
hereunder are subject to satisfaction of each of the following conditions at or
before Closing, the occurrence of which may, at the option of Purchaser, be
waived:
(a) Subject to the matters disclosed in the Disclosure Memorandum as
supplemented by Seller from time to time, all representations and warranties of
Seller in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects on and as of the
Closing.
(b) Any supplement to the Disclosure Memorandum delivered by Seller shall
not reflect in Purchaser's reasonable judgment any material adverse change in
the Assets or the Business.
(c) Seller shall have performed and complied in all material respects with
all of its obligations under this Agreement which are to be performed or
complied with by Seller prior to or on the Closing Date.
(d) Seller shall have obtained and delivered to Purchaser all consents
necessary to transfer and assign the Assets (except for Minor Contracts) to
Purchaser.
(e) Purchaser and Franchisor shall have entered into a franchise agreement
with respect to each Restaurant and development agreements with respect to each
ADI in the Territory.
(f) Purchaser shall have obtained, either from Seller or directly from the
issuing authority, all permits, licenses, including liquor licenses, and
approvals of all governmental and quasi-governmental authorities necessary for
the operation of the Restaurants in accordance with franchise requirements;
provided, however, that if Purchaser is unable to obtain from local municipal or
county authorities a permit necessary for such operation of the Restaurants, and
Purchaser reasonably believes that it will be able to obtain such a permit
within two months of the Closing Date, Closing of the transactions contemplated
hereunder will not be delayed if Seller delivers to Purchaser a duly executed
liquor license management agreement or agreements.
(g) The waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or a
notification of early termination of the waiting period shall have been received
by Purchaser.
(h) Purchaser shall have obtained the financing described on Schedule
7.2(i) upon terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to Purchaser or other
financing reasonably acceptable to Purchaser.
(i) Seller shall have completed and opened the two Applebee's restaurants
under development pursuant to Section 4.7.
(j) Purchaser shall have been issued the Title Policies.
(k) Seller shall have delivered the items required by Section 2.4(a).
7.3 Seller's Conditions to Closing. The obligations of Seller hereunder are
subject to satisfaction of each of the following conditions at or before
Closing, the occurrence of which may, at the option of Seller, be waived:
(a) All representations and warranties of Purchaser in this Agreement shall
be true on and as of the Closing, and Purchaser shall have delivered to Seller a
certificate to such effect dated as of the Closing Date.
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(b) Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects
with all of its obligations under this Agreement which are to be performed or
complied with by Purchaser prior to or on the Closing Date.
(c) Franchisor shall have agreed to terminate the Franchise Agreements
effective as of the Closing.
(d) Seller shall have obtained all the Consents.
(e) The waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or a
notification of early termination of the waiting period shall have been received
by Seller.
(f) Purchaser shall have delivered the items required by Section 2.4(b).
ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Purchaser Claims.
(a) Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser, its successors and
assigns, against, and in respect of:
(i) Any and all damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses incurred
or suffered by Purchaser that result from, relate to, or arise out of:
(A) any and all liabilities and obligations of Seller of any nature
whatsoever, except for the Assumed Liabilities;
(B) any failure by Seller to carry out any covenant or agreement contained
in this Agreement;
(C) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty by Seller contained in this
Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum, or any certificate, furnished to Purchaser
by Seller pursuant hereto; or
(D) any claim by any Person for any brokerage or finder's fee or commission
in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby as a result of Seller's
dealings, agreement, or arrangement with such Person.
(ii) Any and all actions, suits, claims, proceedings, investigations,
demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs, and other expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses) incident to
any of the foregoing including all such expenses reasonably incurred in
mitigating any damages resulting to Purchaser from any matter set forth in
subsection (i) above.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall have no liability for
indemnification or otherwise with respect to Section 8.1(a)(i)(C) (and Section
8.1(a)(ii) to the extent the items covered thereby relate back to Section
8.1(a)(i)(C)) until the aggregate liability of Seller thereunder exceeds
$200,000 and then only to the extent that the aggregate liability of Seller
thereunder exceeds such amount; provided, however, that liabilities arising with
respect to Sections 3.1 through 3.4 hereof shall not be subject to the foregoing
threshold and any liabilities arising with respect to such matters shall not be
taken into account in computing aggregate liabilities for the purpose of
applying such threshold amount to liabilities arising under other Sections
subject thereto. In no event shall the aggregate liability of Seller under
Section 8.1(a)(i)(C) (and Section 8.1(a)(ii) to the extent the items covered
thereby relate back to Section 8.1(a)(i)(C)) exceed $5.0 million.
(c) The amount of any liability of Seller under this Section 8.1 shall be
computed net of any tax benefit to Purchaser from the matter giving rise to the
claim for indemnification hereunder and net of any insurance proceeds received
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by Purchaser with respect to the matter out of which such liability arose.
(d) The representations and warranties of Seller contained in this
Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum, or any certificate delivered by or on
behalf of Seller pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with the
transactions contemplated herein shall survive the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein and shall continue in full force and effect for
the periods specified below ("Survival Period"):
(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.5(d) shall be
of no further force and effect after sixty days from the date of the Closing;
(ii) the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1, through
3.4 and Section 3.7(g) shall survive until the expiration of any applicable
statues of limitation provided by law; and
(iii) all other representations and warranties of Seller shall be of no
further force and effect after one year from the date of the Closing.
Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, the Survival Period shall be
extended automatically to include any time period necessary to resolve a written
claim for indemnification which was made in reasonable detail before expiration
of the Survival Period but not resolved prior to its expiration, and any such
extension shall apply only as to the claims so asserted and not so resolved
within the Survival Period. Liability for any such item shall continue until
such claim shall have been finally settled, decided, or adjudicated.
(e) Purchaser may not assert any claim against Seller for breach of any
covenant contained in Article IV (except for Sections 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.11)
and all such claims shall be deemed to be waived as a result of the Closing. The
other covenants contained in Sections 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.11 and liability
therefor shall survive the Closing.
(f) Purchaser shall provide written notice to Seller of any claim for
indemnification under this Article as soon as practicable; provided, however,
that failure to provide such notice on a timely basis shall not bar Purchaser's
ability to assert any such claim except to the extent that Seller is actually
prejudiced thereby. Purchaser shall make commercially reasonable efforts to
mitigate any damages, expenses, etc. resulting from any matter giving rise to
liability of Seller under this Article.
8.2 Defense of Third Party Claims. With respect to any claim by Purchaser
under Section 8.1, relating to a third party claim or demand, Purchaser shall
provide Seller with prompt written notice thereof in accordance with Section
10.4 and Seller may defend, in good faith and at its expense, by legal counsel
chosen by it and reasonably acceptable to Purchaser any such claim or demand,
and Purchaser, at its expense, shall have the right to participate in the
defense of any such third party claim. So long as Seller is defending in good
faith any such third party claim, Purchaser shall not settle or compromise such
third party claim. In any event Purchaser shall cooperate in the settlement or
compromise of, or defense against, any such asserted claim.
8.3 Seller Claims. Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller
against, and in respect of, any and all damages, claims, losses, liabilities,
and expenses, including without limitation, legal, accounting and other
expenses, which may arise out of: (i) any breach or violation by Purchaser of
any covenant set forth herein or any failure to fulfill any obligation set forth
herein, including, but not limited to, the obligation to satisfy the Assumed
Liabilities; (ii) any breach of any of the representations or warranties made in
this Agreement by Purchaser; or (iii) any claim by any Person for any brokerage
or finder's fee or commission in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby
as a result of Purchaser's dealings, agreement, or arrangement with such Person.
8.4 Exclusive Remedies. The rights and remedies of the parties under this
Article VIII shall be the sole and exclusive rights and remedies that either
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party may seek for any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or failure to
fulfill any covenant or agreement under this Agreement, except that either party
may seek specific performance or injunctive relief.
8.5 Settlement of Disputes.
(a) Arbitration. All disputes with respect to any claim for indemnification
under this Article VIII and all other disputes and controversies of every kind
and nature between the parties hereto arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration pursuant to the following
procedures:
(i) After a dispute or controversy arises, either party may, in a written
notice delivered to the other party, demand such arbitration. Such notice shall
designate the name of the arbitrator appointed by such party demanding
arbitration, together with a statement of the matter in controversy;
(ii) Within 30 days after receipt of such demand, the other party shall, in
a written notice delivered to the other party, name such party's arbitrator. If
such party fails to name an arbitrator, then the second arbitrator shall be
named by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). The two arbitrators so
selected shall name a third arbitrator within 30 days, or in lieu of such
agreement on a third arbitrator by the two arbitrators so appointed, the third
arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA;
(iii) The arbitration hearing shall be held in Wilmington, N.C. (in the
case of arbitration initiated by Seller) or in Atlanta, Georgia (in the case of
arbitration initiated by Purchaser) at a location designated by a majority of
the arbitrators. The Commercial Arbitration Rule of the AAA shall be used and
the substantive laws of the State of Georgia (excluding conflict of laws
provisions) shall apply;
(iv) An award rendered by a majority of the arbitrators appointed pursuant
to this Agreement shall be final and binding on all parties to the proceeding,
shall deal with the question of costs of the arbitration and all related
matters, and judgment on such award may be entered by either party in a court of
competent jurisdiction; and
(v) Except as set forth in subsection (b) below, the parties stipulate that
the provisions of this Section 8.5 shall be a complete defense to any suit,
action or proceeding instituted in any federal, state, or local court or before
any administrative tribunal with respect to any controversy or dispute arising
out of this Agreement. The arbitration provisions hereof shall, with respect to
such controversy or dispute, survive the termination or expiration of this
Agreement.
(b) Emergency Relief. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.5 to the
contrary, either party may seek from a court any provisional remedy that may be
necessary to protect any rights or property of such party pending the
establishment of the arbitral tribunal or its determination of the merits of the
controversy.
ARTICLE IX - TERMINATION
9.1 Termination.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated as follows:
(i) At any time by the mutual consent of Seller and Purchaser;
(ii) By Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.1;
(iii) By Seller if Purchaser shall not (i) have obtained and provided a
copy of a Financing Commitment to Seller within 30 days from the date hereof,
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(ii) been approved hereof as a franchisee with respect to the Territory by
Franchisor within 45 days of the date hereof, (iii) reached agreement with
Franchisor as to a development schedule and other material terms of franchise
and development agreements with respect to the Territory within 45 days from the
date hereof; or
(iv) By either Seller or Purchaser, at its sole election, at any time after
the Termination Date, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to such
date.
(b) In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
subparagraph (a)(iv) above because Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be,
shall have willingly failed to fulfill its obligations hereunder, the other
party shall, subject to Section 8.5, be entitled to pursue, exercise, and
enforce any and all remedies, rights, powers, and privileges available to it at
law or in equity.
(c) Section 6.2, Article VIII, and Article X hereof shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Expenses. (a) Each party hereto shall pay its own legal, accounting,
and similar expenses incidental to the preparation of this Agreement, the
carrying out of the provisions of this Agreement, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Purchaser shall pay all filing fees required under the HSR Act.
(c) Purchaser shall pay the costs of obtaining title insurance with respect
to the Real Property. Purchaser shall also pay the cost of all surveys, and all
environmental investigations, studies, and reports, and all other costs of any
investigation of the Assets, the Restaurants, or the Business by Purchaser.
(d) Seller shall pay all transfer, intangible, recording, and documentary
taxes, stamps, and fees with respect to the transfer of the Owned Real Property
and the Leases.
(e) Purchaser shall pay any costs associated with the transfer of any
Permits and the cost of obtaining liquor licenses or other Permits that are not
assignable.
(f) The parties shall split equally the cost of any sales taxes, transfer
taxes, documentary stamp taxes, or other taxes imposed with respect to the
transfer of any Assets constituting personal property.
(g) Seller shall pay the costs of obtaining any Consents.
(h) Following the Closing, Seller shall pay to Purchaser on a monthly basis
as billed the amount of all gift certificates issued by Seller prior to the
Closing and redeemed thereafter.
(i) Twelve months following the Closing, the parties shall reconcile the
accrued but unvested vacation time of Seller's employees assumed by Purchaser
hereunder that actually vested with the estimated amount thereof deducted from
the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.3. If such amount was overestimated
Purchaser shall pay the difference to Seller and if underestimated Seller shall
pay the difference to Purchaser.
10.2 Contents of Agreement; Parties in Interest; etc. This Agreement sets
forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereby and constitutes a complete statement of the
terms of such transaction. This Agreement shall not be amended or modified
except by written instrument duly executed by each of the parties hereto. Any
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and all previous agreements and understandings between the parties regarding the
subject matter hereof, whether written or oral, are superseded by this
Agreement. Neither party has been induced to enter into this Agreement in
reliance on, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation, or warranty
of the other party not set forth in this Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum,
or any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
10.3 Assignment and Binding Effect. Purchaser may assign the right to
receive any of the Assets at Closing to any affiliate or other third party
reasonably acceptable to Seller and acceptable to Franchisor, provided that no
such assignment shall affect Purchaser's liability hereunder. Subject to the
foregoing, all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and
assigns of Seller and Purchaser.
10.4 Notices. Any notice, request, demand, waiver, consent, approval, or
other communication which is required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed given only if delivered personally or sent by telecopy or by
first class registered or certified United States Mail, with proper postage
prepaid, as follows:
If to Seller, to: With a required copy to:
Apple South, Inc. Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
Xxxxxxx at Washington 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. (Dusty) Profumo Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: 000-000-0000 Fax: 000-000-0000
If to Purchaser: With a required copy to:
Whit-Mart, Inc. Xxxx and Xxxxx, P.A.
000 Xxxxx Xxxx 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx Attention: X.X. Xxxxx, Xx.
Fax: 000-000-0000 Fax: 000-000-0000
or to such other address or person as the addressee may have specified in a
notice duly given to the sender as provided herein. Such notice, request,
demand, waiver, consent, approval or other communication will be deemed to have
been given as of the date actually delivered, or if mailed, four days after
deposit in the U. S. Mail properly addressed with adequate postage affixed.
10.5 GEORGIA LAW TO GOVERN. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
INTERPRETED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES.
10.6 Headings. All section headings contained in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement, and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
10.7 Schedules and Exhibits. All Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein
are intended to be and hereby are specifically made a part of this Agreement.
10.8 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such
invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating or rendering unenforceable
the remaining provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in
any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any other jurisdiction.
10.9 Public Announcements. Purchaser and Seller will coordinate with each
other all press releases relating to the transactions contemplated by this
25
Agreement and, except to the extent required by law, refrain from issuing any
press release, publicity statement, or other public notice relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without providing the other
party reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon.
10.10 Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event that any ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of
proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto by virtue of the
authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
10.11 Disclaimer of Warranties. OTHER THAN TO THE EXTENT OF ANY EXPRESS
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT AND IN THE
CLOSING CERTIFICATE REQUIRED BY SECTION 2.4(a)(i), AND, IN THE DEEDS AND IN THE
LEASE ASSIGNMENTS, SELLER DOES NOT, BY THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS
AGREEMENT, AND SELLER SHALL NOT, BY THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF ANY DOCUMENT
OR INSTRUMENT EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CLOSING, MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND OR NATURE
WHATSOEVER, WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSETS, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY
DISCLAIMED. PURCHASER WILL CONDUCT SUCH INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS OF THE
ASSETS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
THEREOF) AND RELY UPON SAME AND, UPON CLOSING, SHALL ASSUME THE RISK THAT
ADVERSE MATTERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN REVEALED BY PURCHASER'S INSPECTIONS AND
INVESTIGATIONS. SELLER SHALL SELL AND CONVEY TO PURCHASER, AND PURCHASER SHALL
ACCEPT, THE ASSETS "AS IS", "WHERE IS", AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND THERE ARE NO
ORAL AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, COLLATERAL TO OR AFFECTING THE
ASSETS BY SELLER OR ANY THIRD PARTY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE
FOREGOING, SELLER MAKES, AND SHALL MAKE, NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
SUITABILITY OR FITNESS OF ANY OF THE ASSETS FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR AS TO THE
MERCHANTABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION, TITLE, VALUE, QUALITY, QUANTITY,
CONDITION OR SALABILITY OF ANY OF THE ASSETS, OR AS TO THE PRESENCE ON OR
ABSENCE FROM THE ASSETS OF ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, OR THAT THE USE OR SALE OF
ANY OF THE ASSETS WILL NOT VIOLATE THE COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK OR PATENT RIGHTS OF
ANY PERSON. THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SECTION 10.11 SHALL SURVIVE THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE ASSETS ON THE CLOSING DATE WITHOUT
REGARD TO ANY GENERAL LIMITATIONS UPON SURVIVAL SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.
10.12 Time. Time is and shall be of the essence of this Agreement.
[Signatures Located on Following Pages]
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.
SELLER:
APPLE SOUTH, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
PURCHASER:
WHIT-MART, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
27
EXHIBIT TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXHIBIT TITLE
A Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement
B Lease Assignment
C Opinion of Seller's Counsel
D Opinion of Purchaser's Counsel
E Allocation of Purchase Price
F Terms of Financing Commitment
G Purchaser Benefit Plans
Exhibits to this agreement are not filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of SEC
Regulation S-K. By the filling of this Form 10-Q, the Registrant hereby agrees
to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the Commission upon
request.
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