ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT AMONG HOUSERAISING, INC., LEARNBYTES, LLC, AND GRANT NEERINGS Dated: August 1, 2005
EXHIBIT
10.1
AMONG
HOUSERAISING,
INC., LEARNBYTES, LLC,
AND
XXXXX
XXXXXXXX
Dated:
August 1, 2005
1
THIS
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this
1st
day of
August, 2005, by and among HOUSERAISING, INC., a North Carolina corporation
(“Purchaser”), LEARNBYTES, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability corporation
(“Seller”), and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, citizen and resident of Mecklenburg County,
North Carolina, and the sole member of Seller (the “Managing
Member”).
Whereas
Purchaser, Seller and Managing Member entered into an Agreement, dated November
1, 2004, for Purchaser to purchase all of Seller’s assets (including all
intellectual property developed by and for Seller and all other tangible and
intangible assets of the company) from Managing Member in exchange for cash
and
cash equivalents and restricted stock, and the parties wish to now revise the
terms of that agreement to reflect an asset purchase as documented in this
Asset
Purchase Agreement;
WHEREAS,
Seller is engaged in the Learning System Design and Implementation business
(the
“Business”) in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS,
the Managing Member is the sole owner of the outstanding membership interests
of
the Seller; and
WHEREAS,
Purchaser desires to purchase all of the assets of Seller which are used or
useful in the Business; and
Whereas
Purchaser has also agreed to establish 5-year consulting agreements with the
Managing Member, Xxxx Xxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx by issuing cash, cash
equivalents in restricted stock, and/or S-8 shares and warrants in exchange
for
services to be rendered going forward;
WHEREAS,
the parties contemplate that there will be a simultaneous signing of this
Agreement and Closing hereunder.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits to be derived and the
representations and warranties, conditions and promises contained in this
Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound,
and that this agreement as described herein will supercede in its entirety
the
Agreement of November 1, 2004 (the acquisition of assets described herein being
referred to as “HouseRaising’s Acquisition of LearnBytes”) and that such
previous contract and any and all other agreements (in writing, verbally agreed
upon or implied) will become null and void, the parties agree as
follows:
ARTICLE
I
GENERAL
SECTION
1.01 Agreement
to Purchase and Sell
(a) Upon
the
terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell,
convey, transfer, assign and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to
purchase from Seller, all of the assets, properties, business, franchises,
goodwill and rights of every kind and character, tangible or intangible, owned
or leased by Seller (collectively, the “Assets”), including, without limitation,
those assets listed on Exhibit A hereto.
(b) Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Assets shall consist of all assets
of Seller, including, without limitation, the following:
2
(1) Customer
Lists.
All
customer lists, sales records, credit data and other information relating to
customers of Seller.
(2) Customer
Contracts.
All
right, title and interest of Seller in, to and under all existing contracts
and
agreements, written and verbal, with customers of Seller (the “Customer
Contracts").
(3) Equipment.
All of
the equipment, machinery, tools, appliances and all other tangible personal
property of every kind and description owned by Seller (the
"Equipment").
(4) Licenses,
Franchises and Permits.
All
right, title and interest of Seller in, to and under all licenses, franchises,
permits, authorizations, certificates, approvals, registrations and other
governmental authorizations (collectively, the "Operating Authorities") owned
or
possessed by Seller and relating to the Business or all or any of the Assets.
(5) Intangible
Assets.
All
right, title and interest of Seller in, to and under all trademarks, service
marks, trade names, patents, know-how, general business development and all
goodwill associated with the Business in connection with which any intellectual
property is used (including any and all work performed in development of System
C) (the "Intangible Assets").
(6) Business
Name.
Any
trade names or other assumed names under which Seller operates, and all right,
title and interest in and to the name “LearnBytes, LLC, including a perpetual
exclusive license to use such name in interstate commerce for no consideration
other than that provided in this Agreement.
(7) Goodwill.
The
goodwill and going concern value of the Business.
(8) Books
and Records.
Copies
of Seller’s books, records and papers of whatever nature and wherever located
that relate to the Business or the Assets or which are required or necessary
in
order for Purchaser to conduct the Business from and after the date of this
Agreement in the manner in which it is presently being conducted (the
"Records").
(9) Computers
and Software.
All
right, title and interest of Seller in computer equipment and hardware, if
any,
together with all software and intellectual property used by Seller with such
computer equipment and hardware, if any.
(10) Other
Property.
All
other or additional privileges, rights, interest, properties and assets of
Seller of every kind and description and wherever located that are used or
intended for use in connection with, or that are necessary to the continued
conduct of, the Business as presently being conducted, including assignments
of
leases, assignments of employment agreements, conveyance of all real estate,
assignments of employee relations and assignments of employment
benefits.
SECTION
1.02 Purchase
Price.
The
aggregate purchase price (the "Purchase Price") for the Business shall be equal
to 500,000 shares of restricted HRAI common stock, payable by delivery by the
Purchaser’s transfer agent, as soon as practicable following the Closing. All
certificates for shares issued to the Seller will contain a restrictive legend
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and shall have the registration
rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit
B.
3
It
is
also understood that the restricted shares to be issued to the Seller will
be
subject to complete forfeit by the Seller in the event that the Managing Member
does not remain a full-time consultant or employed with Purchaser for a one-year
period of time from the date of issuance of the restricted shares, and the
Managing Member, on behalf of the Seller, expressly agrees to such forfeiture.
In addition, it is also understood that such restricted shares will be subject
to forfeiture by the Seller for the number of shares noted below in the event
the noted personnel from LearnBytes were to not fulfill their consulting
agreement to or be employed by the Purchaser, unless such non-fulfillment was
caused by Purchaser not compensating consultants on a timely basis. To this
end,
in the event Xxxx Xxxxx or Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx were to not remain a full-time
consultant with or be employed by the Purchaser for a one-year period of time
from the date of issuance of the restricted shares to Seller, then Seller will
forfeit 100,000 of the shares paid as part of the Purchase Price for the
Business. Further, in the event Xxxxxxxx Xxx were to not remain a full-time
consultant with or be employed by the Purchaser for a one-year period of time
from the date of issuance of the restricted shares to Seller, then Seller will
forfeit 50,000 of the shares paid as part of the Purchase Price for the
Business. In no event, shall the Seller have to forfeit more then the total
restricted shares provided as part of this Agreement for the reasons noted
above. These provisions will also be documented and agreed upon by Managing
Member on behalf of the Seller in his individual capacity as part of his
consulting agreement with Purchaser referenced in Section 4.01.
SECTION
1.03 Assumption
of Liabilities.
As
additional consideration for the purchase of the Assets, Purchaser shall assume
and discharge in cash or cash equivalents a total of $6,490 in accounts payable
of the Seller and will collect a total of $5,260 in accounts receivable of
the
Seller. Any amounts in excess of the amounts shown will remain the obligation
of
Seller or Managing Member.
SECTION
1.04 Indemnification
by Seller.
(a) Purchaser
does not assume or agree to pay, perform or discharge, and shall not be
responsible for, any other liabilities or obligations of Seller, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise.
(b) Seller
and Managing Member agree that they shall remain solely responsible for, and
they hereby indemnify and agree to hold Purchaser harmless from, any and all
liabilities and obligations of the Seller that were incurred by Seller prior
to
closing, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise..
SECTION
1.05 Instruments
of Transfer; Further Assurances.
Concurrently
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing hereunder,
Seller and Purchaser shall execute and deliver to each other a completed
Deed of
General Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment, in the form attached as Exhibit
C
hereto ("General Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment").
ARTICLE
II
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND MANAGING MEMBER
Seller
and the Managing Member, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to
Purchaser as follows:
4
SECTION
2.01 Due
Organization.
Seller
is
a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and is duly licensed
and
authorized or qualified to carry on its business in the places and in the manner
as now conducted except where the failure to be so authorized or qualified
would
not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties,
assets, condition (financial or other), results of operations or prospects
of
Seller. The membership records and minute books of Seller that have been made
available to Purchaser are correct and complete.
SECTION
2.02 Authorization;
Non-Contravention; Approvals.
Seller
has the full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and
to consummate the sale of the Business and the other transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been
approved by the Managing Member of Seller. No additional corporate proceedings
on the part of Seller are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery
of
this Agreement and the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
Seller, and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof
by
Purchaser, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Seller, enforceable
against Seller in accordance with its terms.
Managing
Member has the full legal right, power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the sale of the Business and the other transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
have been approved by the Managing Member. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by Managing Member, and constitutes a valid
and
binding agreement of Managing Member, enforceable against Managing Member in
accordance with its terms.
The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller does not, and the
consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby will not,
violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute
a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate
the
performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration
under, or result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance upon any of the Assets under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of (i) the organizational documents of Seller, (ii) any statute,
law,
ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, order, injunction, writ, permit
or license of any court or governmental authority applicable to Seller or any
of
its properties or assets, or (iii) any agreement, note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, permit, concession, lease or
other
instrument, obligation or agreement of any kind to which Seller is now a party
or by which Seller or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected,
excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii) such violations, conflicts,
breaches, defaults, terminations, accelerations or creations of liens, security
interests, charges or encumbrances that would not, in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, assets,
condition (financial or other), results of operations or prospects of Seller.
No
declaration, filing or registration with, or notice to, or authorization,
consent or approval of, any governmental or regulatory body or authority is
necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller or the
consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than
such
declarations, filings, registrations, notices, authorizations, consents or
approvals which, if not made or obtained, as the case may be, would not, in
the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
properties, assets, condition (financial or other), results of operations or
prospects of Seller. None of the customer contracts or other material agreements
to which Seller is a party requires notice to, or the consent or approval of,
any governmental agency or other third party to any of the transactions
contemplated hereby to remain in full force and effect following the
transactions contemplated hereby.
5
SECTION
2.03 Capitalization.
All
of
the issued and outstanding membership interests of Seller's Membership Capital
are owned beneficially and of record by the Managing Member.
SECTION
2.04 Subsidiaries.
Seller
does not presently own, of record or beneficially, or control, directly or
indirectly, any capital stock, securities convertible into or exchangeable
for
capital stock or any other equity interest in any corporation, association
or
business entity. Seller is not, directly or indirectly, a participant in any
joint venture, partnership or other non-corporate entity.
SECTION
2.05 Income
Tax Returns.
Seller
has delivered to Purchaser complete and correct copies of the federal income
tax
returns of the Seller for the tax years December 31, 2003 and December 31,
2004
(the “Tax Returns”). If there are no such returns because of the treatment of
the company as a limited liability company, then no such returns need be
delivered. Said returns fairly present in all material respects the financial
position of the Seller at and as of the periods indicated. There has been no
material change in the financial condition of the Seller since the date of
the
most recent Tax Return.
SECTION
2.06 Liabilities
and Obligations.
Seller
has delivered to Purchaser an accurate list of all liabilities of Seller. Since
the date of that list, Seller has not incurred any liabilities of any kind,
character or description, whether accrued, absolute, secured or unsecured,
contingent or otherwise, other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course
of business. Other than as noted earlier in this document, Seller and Managing
Member will be responsible for any and all outstanding debt, including past
due
interest, with respect to any obligations due and outstanding upon completion
of
merger.
SECTION
2.07 Assets.
Seller
has delivered to Purchaser an accurate list of all real and personal property
of
Seller and all other tangible assets of Seller with a value in excess of $30.
All fixed assets used by Seller that are material to the operation of Seller's
business are either owned by Seller or leased. All such leases are in full
force
and effect and constitute valid and binding agreements of the parties thereto
in
accordance with their respective terms.
Seller
has good and marketable title to the tangible and intangible personal property
and the real property comprising the Assets, subject to no mortgage, pledge,
lien, claim, conditional sales agreement, encumbrance or charge unless
previously disclosed to Purchaser. The sale of the Assets hereunder will
transfer to Purchaser good and marketable title to the Assets subject to no
mortgage, pledge, lien, claim, conditional sales agreement, encumbrance or
charge, except as previously disclosed to Purchaser.
SECTION
2.08 Material
Contracts.
Except
as
previously disclosed to Purchaser, Seller has complied with all material
commitments and obligations pertaining to it under its material contracts,
and
is not in default under any such contracts, no notice of default has been
received by Seller and Seller is aware of no basis therefore.
6
SECTION
2.09 Permits.
The
licenses, operating authorizations, franchises, permits and other governmental
authorizations previously disclosed by Seller to Purchaser are valid, and Seller
has not received any notice that any governmental authority intends to cancel,
terminate or not renew any such license, operating authorization, franchise,
permit or other governmental authorization. Seller holds all licenses, operating
authorizations, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations,
the
absence of any of which could have a material adverse effect on the business,
operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or other), results of
operations or prospects of Seller. Seller has conducted and is conducting the
Business in substantial compliance with the requirements, standards, criteria
and conditions set forth in its licenses, operating authorizations, franchises,
permits and other governmental authorizations as well as the applicable orders,
approvals and variances related thereto, and is not in violation of any of
the
foregoing except for any violations that would not have a material adverse
effect on the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial
or
otherwise), results of operations or prospects of Seller. Except as specifically
disclosed to Purchaser, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will
not
result in a default under or a breach or violation of, or adversely affect
the
rights and benefits afforded to Seller by, any such material licenses, operating
authorizations, franchises, permits and other government
authorizations.
SECTION
2.10 Insurance.
The
insurance policies held by Seller, if any, provide adequate coverage against
the
risks involved in Seller's businesses. Such policies, if any, are currently
in
full force and effect.
SECTION
2.11 Litigation
and Compliance with Law.
Except
as
previously disclosed to Purchaser, there are no claims, actions, suits or
proceedings, pending or threatened, against or affecting Seller, at law or
in
equity, or before or by any governmental department, commission, board, bureau,
agency or instrumentality having jurisdiction over Seller. No notice of any
claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether pending or threatened, has been
received by Seller, and there is no basis therefore. Seller has conducted for
the past five years and does conduct its business in compliance with all laws,
regulations, writs, injunctions, decrees and orders applicable to Seller or
its
assets.
SECTION
2.12 Taxes.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Taxes" shall mean all taxes, charges,
fees, levies or other assessments including, without limitation, income, gross
receipts, excise, property, sales, withholding, social security, unemployment,
occupation, use, service, service use, license, payroll, franchise, transfer
and
recording taxes, fees and charges, imposed by any government or subdivision
or
agency thereof, whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined
or any other basis; and such term shall include any interest, fines, penalties
or additional amounts attributable to or imposed with respect to any such taxes,
charges, fees, levies or other assessments. Seller has timely filed all
requisite tax returns for all fiscal periods ended on or before the date of
this
Agreement, and has duly paid in full or made adequate provision for the payment
of all Taxes for all periods ending at or prior to the date of this Agreement.
7
SECTION
2.13 Absence
of Changes.
Since
December 31, 2004, Seller has conducted its operations in the ordinary course
of
business and, except as set forth on Exhibit D, there has not been:
(i)
|
any
material adverse change in the business, operations, properties,
condition
(financial or other), assets, liabilities (contingent or otherwise),
income or business of Seller;
|
(ii)
|
any
damage, destruction or loss (whether or not covered by insurance)
materially adversely affecting the properties or business of
Seller;
|
(iii)
|
any
change in the authorized capital stock of Seller or in its securities
outstanding or any change in the Seller’s ownership interests or any grant
of any options, warrants, calls, conversion rights or commitments
or the
declaration or payment of any dividend or other distribution, as
may be
appropriate to the ownership structure of the
company;
|
(iv)
|
any
increase in the compensation payable or to become payable by Seller
to any
of its officers, directors, stockholders, employees, consultants
or
agents, except for ordinary and customary bonuses and salary increases
for
employees in accordance with past
practice;
|
(v)
|
any
work interruptions, labor grievances or claims filed, or any proposed
law,
regulation or event or condition of any character materially adversely
affecting the business or future prospects of
Seller;
|
(vi)
|
any
sale or transfer, or any agreement to sell or transfer, any material
assets, properties or rights of Seller to any
person;
|
(vii)
|
any
cancellation, or agreement to cancel, any indebtedness or other obligation
owing to Seller;
|
(viii)
|
any
increase in Seller's indebtedness, other than accounts payable incurred
in
the ordinary course of business;
|
(ix)
|
any
plan, agreement or arrangement granting any preferential rights to
purchase or acquire any interest in any of the assets, property or
rights
of Seller or requiring consent of any party to the transfer and assignment
of any such assets, property or
rights;
|
(x)
|
any
purchase or acquisition of, or agreement, plan or arrangement to
purchase
or acquire, any property, rights or assets outside of the ordinary
course
of Seller's businesses;
|
(xi)
|
any
waiver of any material rights or claims of
Seller;
|
(xii)
|
any
material breach, amendment or termination of any material contract,
agreement, license, permit or other right to which Seller is a party;
or
|
(xiii)
|
any
transaction by Seller outside the ordinary course of
business.
|
SECTION
2.14 Intangible
Property.
Seller
has previously disclosed to Purchaser or its management an accurate list of
all
patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names,
copyrights, and other intellectual property or proprietary property rights
owned
or used by Seller. Seller owns or possesses sufficient legal rights to use
all
of such items without conflict with or infringement of the rights of
others.
8
SECTION
2.15 Disclosure.
Seller
has fully provided Purchaser or its management with all the information that
Purchaser has requested in analyzing whether to consummate the purchase of
the
Business. Neither of the information so provided nor any representation or
warranty of the Sellers contained in this Agreement contains any untrue
statement or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements herein or therein, to the best of the Sellers knowledge, in light
of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser
represents and warrants to Seller and the Managing Member as
follows:
SECTION
3.01 Authorization;
Approvals.
Purchaser
has the full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been
duly
and validly authorized, and executed and delivered by Purchaser, and, assuming
the due execution and delivery by Seller, constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its
terms.
No
declaration, filing or registration with, or notice to, or authorization,
consent or approval of, any governmental or regulatory body or authority is
necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Purchaser or
the
consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than
such declarations, filings, registrations, notices, authorizations, consents
or
approvals which, if not made or obtained, as the case may be, would not, in
the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
properties, assets, condition (financial or other), results of operations or
prospects of the Purchaser.
While
both parties will make every effort to ensure that this transaction will be
a
tax free exchange between the Purchaser and Seller, Purchaser can make no
representations or assurances that this will be achieved and there will be
no
obligations on Purchaser in the event the IRS determines that the transaction
is
taxable to Seller or Managing Member.
ARTICLE
IV
POST-CLOSING
COVENANTS
The
parties to this Agreement further covenant and agree as follows:
SECTION
4.01 Managing
Member’ Agreement to Consult.
9
SECTION
4.02
Expenses.
Purchaser
will pay the fees, expenses and disbursements of Purchaser and its agents,
representatives, financial advisors, accountants and counsel incurred in
connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
any amendments thereto. Seller will pay the fees, expenses and disbursements
of
Seller and their respective agents, representatives, financial advisors,
accountants and counsel incurred in connection with the execution, delivery
and
performance of this Agreement and any amendments hereto.
ARTICLE
V
THE
CLOSING
SECTION
5.01 The
Closing
The
Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall
take place at the offices of HouseRaising, Inc., 0000 X. Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx.,
Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 on the 12TH
day of
August, 2005 at 10:00 a.m, or at such other place and time as may be agreed
upon
by the parties. The signing of this Agreement and the Closing shall be
simultaneous, and a transfer of HRAI shares shall be initiated in the amount
of
500,000 shares in the name of the Seller, against delivery of a Deed of General
Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment for the Assets and an executed copy of
this
Agreement and the Exhibits thereto by the Seller and Managing Member to the
Purchaser. The effective date of the closing will be retroactive to January
1,
2005.
ARTICLE
VI
INDEMNIFICATION
Seller,
Managing Member and Purchaser each make the following covenants:
SECTION
6.01 General
Indemnification by Seller and Managing Member.
In
addition to the indemnification covenants set forth in Section 1.04 of this
Agreement, Seller and Managing Member, jointly and severally, covenant and
agree
that they will indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless Purchaser and its
employees, agents, representatives and affiliates, at all times from and after
the date of this Agreement until the Expiration Date (as defined in Section
7.06), from and against all claims, damages, actions, suits, proceedings,
demands, assessments, adjustments, costs and expenses (including specifically,
but without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses of
investigation) incurred by any of such indemnified persons as a result of or
arising from (i) any breach of the representations and warranties of Seller
or
Managing Member set forth herein or in the Schedules or certificates delivered
in connection herewith, or (ii) any breach or nonfulfillment of any covenant
or
agreement on the part of Seller or Managing Member under this
Agreement.
SECTION
6.02 General
Indemnification by Purchaser.
Purchaser
covenants and agrees that it will indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless
the Seller and Managing Member, at all times from and after the date of this
Agreement until the Expiration Date from and against all claims, damages,
actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, adjustments, costs and
expenses (including specifically, but without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses of investigation) incurred by Seller or Managing Member as
a
result of or arising from (i) any breach of the representations and warranties
of Purchaser set forth herein or in the Schedules or certificates attached
hereto, or (ii) any breach or nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement on
the
part of Purchaser under this Agreement.
10
SECTION
6.03 Third
Person Claims.
Promptly
after any party hereto (hereinafter the "Indemnified Party") has received notice
of or has knowledge of any claim by a person not a party to this Agreement
("Third Person"), of the commencement of any action or proceeding by a Third
Person, the Indemnified Party shall give to the party obligated to provide
indemnification pursuant to Section 1.04, 6.01 or 6.02 hereof (hereinafter
the
"Indemnifying Party") written notice of such claim or the commencement of such
action or proceeding. Such notice shall state the nature and the basis of such
claim and a reasonable estimate of the amount thereof. The Indemnifying Party
shall have the right to defend and settle, at its own expense and by its own
counsel, any such matter so long as the Indemnifying Party pursues the same
diligently and in good faith. If the Indemnifying Party undertakes to defend
or
settle, it shall promptly notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to
do
so, and the Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and
its counsel in the defense thereof and in any settlement thereof. Such
cooperation shall include, but shall not be limited to, furnishing the
Indemnifying Party with any books, records and other information reasonably
requested by the Indemnifying Party and in the Indemnified Party's possession
or
control. All Indemnified Parties shall use the same counsel, which shall be
the
counsel selected by Indemnifying Party, provided that if counsel to the
Indemnifying Party shall have a conflict of interest that prevents such counsel
from representing the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall have the
right to participate in such matter through counsel of its own choosing and
the
Indemnifying Party will reimburse the Indemnified Party for the expenses of
its
counsel. After the Indemnifying Party has notified the Indemnified Party of
its
intention to undertake to defend or settle any such asserted liability, and
for
so long as the Indemnifying Party diligently pursues such defense, the
Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any additional legal expenses
incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with any defense or settlement
of such asserted liability. If the Indemnifying Party desires to accept a final
and complete settlement of any such Third Person claim and the Indemnified
Party
refuses to consent to such settlement, then the Indemnifying Party's liability
under this Section with respect to such Third Person claim shall be limited
to
the amount so offered in settlement by said Third Person and the Indemnified
Party shall reimburse the Indemnifying Party for any additional costs of defense
which it subsequently incurs with respect to such claim and all additional
costs
of settlement or judgment. If the Indemnifying Party does not undertake to
defend such matter to which the Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification
hereunder, or fails diligently to pursue such defense, the Indemnified Party
may
undertake such defense through counsel of its choice, at the cost and expense
of
the Indemnifying Party, and the Indemnified Party may settle such matter, and
the Indemnifying Party shall reimburse the Indemnified Party for the amount
paid
in such settlement and any other liabilities or expenses incurred by the
Indemnified Party in connection therewith, provided, however, that under no
circumstances shall the Indemnified Party settle any Third Person claim without
the written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
SECTION
6.04
Limitation Upon Indemnity.
(i) |
Neither
the Seller, Managing Member nor Purchaser shall be entitled to
indemnification from the other under the provisions of this Article
VI
until such time as the claims subject to indemnification by such
party
exceed, in the aggregate, Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($5,000).
|
(ii) |
The
indemnification obligations of the Seller and Managing Member under
this
Article VI shall be limited, in the aggregate, to Five-Hundred-Thousand
and No/100 Dollars ($500,000).
|
(iii) |
The
indemnification obligations of the Purchaser under this Article VI
shall
be limited, in the aggregate, to One-Hundred-Thousand and No/100
Dollars
($100,000).
|
11
ARTICLE
VII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION
7.01 Successors
and Assigns.
This
Agreement and the rights of the parties hereunder may not be assigned (except
by
operation of law) and shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit
of
the parties hereto, and the successors of Seller, Managing Member and
Purchaser.
SECTION
7.02 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement (including the Schedules, exhibits and annexes attached hereto) and
the documents delivered pursuant hereto constitute the entire agreement and
understanding among the Seller, Managing Member and Purchaser and supersede
any
prior agreement and understanding (whether or not in writing) relating to the
subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified or amended
only
by a written instrument executed by Seller, Managing Member and Purchaser,
acting through their respective officers, duly authorized by their respective
Boards of Directors.
SECTION
7.03 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each
of
which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute
but
one and the same instrument.
SECTION
7.04 Brokers
and Agents.
Each
party represents and warrants that it employed no broker or agent in connection
with this transaction and agrees to indemnify the other against all loss, cost,
damages or expense arising out of claims for fees or commissions of brokers
employed or alleged to have been employed by such indemnifying
party.
SECTION
7.05 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North
Carolina.
SECTION
7.06 Survival
of Representations and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties set forth in Articles II and III shall survive
the execution of this Agreement for a period of twelve (12) months from the
date
of this Agreement (which date is hereinafter called the "Expiration Date"),
except that the warranties and representations set forth in Section 2.12 hereof
shall survive until such time as the limitations period has run for all tax
periods ended prior to the date of this Agreement, which shall be deemed to
be
the Expiration Date for Section 2.12.
SECTION
7.08 Exercise
of Rights and Remedies.
Except
as
otherwise provided herein, no delay of or omission in the exercise of any right,
power or remedy accruing to any party as a result of any breach or default
by
any other party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or
remedy, nor shall it be construed as a waiver of or acquiescence in any such
breach or default, or of any similar breach or default occurring later; nor
shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any
other
breach or default occurring before or after that waiver.
SECTION
7.09 Time.
Time
is
of the essence with respect to this Agreement.
12
SECTION
7.10 Reformation
and Severability.
In
case
any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
it
shall, to the extent possible, be modified in such manner as to be valid, legal
and enforceable but so as to most nearly retain the intent of the parties,
and
if such modification is not possible, such provision shall be severed from
this
Agreement, and in either case the validity, legality and enforceability of
the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.
IN
WITNESS
WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first
above
written.
SELLER:
LEARNBYTES,
LLC
By:
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
Managing
Member
MANAGING
MEMBER:
XXXXX
XXXXXXXX
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
(In
His
Individual Capacity)
PURCHASER:
By:
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
Chairman
and CEO
13
EXHIBIT
A
Partial
Listing of Seller’s Assets
Physical
Asset Inventory
|
Purchase
Price
|
Market
Price
|
|||||
Monarch
Studio Computer
|
$
|
2,500.00
|
$
|
2,000.00
|
|||
eMachine
Desktop Computer
|
$
|
700.00
|
$
|
600.00
|
|||
eMachine
Desktop Computer
|
$
|
700.00
|
$
|
600.00
|
|||
Dell
Desktop Computer
|
$
|
1,000.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Dell
Server
|
$
|
3,000.00
|
$
|
2,000.00
|
|||
HP
Laptop
|
$
|
1,500.00
|
$
|
1,300.00
|
|||
HP
Laptop
|
$
|
1,500.00
|
$
|
700.00
|
|||
HP
Laptop
|
$
|
1,500.00
|
$
|
700.00
|
|||
IBM
Monitor
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
300.00
|
|||
Samsung
19" Monitor
|
$
|
700.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Sony
19" CRT Monitor
|
$
|
700.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
IBM
Server
|
$
|
5,000.00
|
$
|
3,000.00
|
|||
Compaq
Server
|
$
|
3,000.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Compaq
Server
|
$
|
3,000.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Compaq
Server
|
$
|
3,000.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Cisco
Router
|
$
|
3,000.00
|
$
|
1,500.00
|
|||
Cisco
Switch
|
$
|
2,000.00
|
$
|
1,000.00
|
|||
Linksys
Router
|
$
|
150.00
|
$
|
80.00
|
|||
Netgear
Wireless Router
|
$
|
150.00
|
$
|
80.00
|
|||
Wacom
Tablet
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
400.00
|
|||
Lacie
500GB external hard drive
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
400.00
|
|||
Matrox
Video Board
|
$
|
1,300.00
|
$
|
1,200.00
|
|||
Furniture
|
$
|
6,000.00
|
$
|
6,000.00
|
|||
HP
1170cse Deskjet Workgroup Printer
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
300.00
|
|||
HP
OfficeJet 6210xi
|
$
|
200.00
|
$
|
150.00
|
|||
Studio
Lights
|
$
|
1,000.00
|
$
|
800.00
|
|||
Studio
Backdrops
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
300.00
|
|||
Panasonic
3CCD video camera
|
$
|
5,000.00
|
$
|
2,500.00
|
|||
Xxxxx
tripod
|
$
|
350.00
|
$
|
250.00
|
|||
Shure
Lavalier Microphone
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
300.00
|
|||
Studio
Computer UPS
|
$
|
100.00
|
$
|
50.00
|
|||
Storage
Cabinets (2)
|
$
|
300.00
|
$
|
150.00
|
|||
Office
Supplies
|
$
|
300.00
|
$
|
150.00
|
|||
Mackie
1604VLZ
|
$
|
1,000.00
|
$
|
750.00
|
|||
DBX
Compressor
|
$
|
350.00
|
$
|
250.00
|
|||
Xxxxxx
Power Distribution
|
$
|
200.00
|
$
|
100.00
|
|||
Alesis
Q2 Reverb
|
$
|
350.00
|
$
|
200.00
|
|||
M-Audio
1010
|
$
|
700.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Rack
|
$
|
1,000.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Digital
Tapes
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
250.00
|
|||
DVD/CD
Burner
|
$
|
300.00
|
$
|
200.00
|
|||
Studio
Desk
|
$
|
250.00
|
$
|
150.00
|
|||
Cakewalk
Sonar Pro
|
$
|
950.00
|
$
|
600.00
|
|||
Adobe
Creative Studio
|
$
|
1,300.00
|
$
|
1,100.00
|
|||
Macromedia
Authorware
|
$
|
3,500.00
|
$
|
1,500.00
|
|||
Adobe
Acrobat 5.0
|
$
|
300.00
|
$
|
100.00
|
|||
Macromedia
Studio MX
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
250.00
|
|||
Discreet
Cleaner XL
|
$
|
600.00
|
$
|
400.00
|
|||
Swish
|
$
|
500.00
|
$
|
300.00
|
|||
Adobe
Premiere
|
$
|
700.00
|
$
|
500.00
|
|||
Netgear
Wireless NIC
|
$
|
50.00
|
$
|
40.00
|
|||
Firewire
PC Card
|
$
|
80.00
|
$
|
50.00
|
|||
TOTAL
|
$
|
63,780.00
|
$
|
37,550.00
|
14
Exhibit
B
REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
The
parties to this Registration Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”) are
HouseRaising, Inc., a North Carolina corporation (the “Purchaser”), and
LearnBytes, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the “Seller”) named
on and executing the signature page below.
The
Seller or its designee is receiving from the Purchaser 500,000 shares of the
Common Stock, $.001 par value (the “Common Stock”) of the Purchaser. The
Purchaser desires to grant to the Seller the registration rights set forth
below
with respect to the shares of Common Stock.
Therefore,
the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. |
Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
|
(a) |
“Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
|
(b) |
“Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
|
(c) |
“Register,”“registered,”
and “registration” refer to a registration effected
by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with
the
Securities Act and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of
such
registration statement.
|
(d) |
“Registrable
Securities” means that number of shares of Common Stock
issued by the Purchaser and any additional shares of Common Stock
that may
be issued by the Purchaser as a dividend or other distribution in
respect
of those shares.
|
(e) |
“SEC”
means the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
|
2. |
Piggy-Back
Registration.
|
(a) |
If,
after one year from the date hereof, the Purchaser shall file for
registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) a registration statement on Form SB-2 in connection with the
offer
for sale of any shares of its Common Stock, the Purchaser shall give
prompt written notice to the Seller of its intention to effect such
registration setting forth a description of intended method of
distribution and indication of Seller’s right under such proposed
registration, and upon the request of the Seller delivered to the
Purchaser within twenty (20) days after giving such notice (which
request
shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed
of by the
Seller), the Purchaser shall include such Registrable Securities
held by
the Seller and requested to be included in such registration, in
the
subject registration statement on Form SB-2 or in a later registration
statement on Form SB-2 with respect to shares of Registrable Securities
that have not been sold by the Seller; subject, however, to any cutback
or
lock-up of the Registrable Securities as mutually agreed between
Seller
and the Purchaser, The Purchaser’s obligation to give such notice and to
register such Registrable Securities shall terminate as to those
Registrable Securities that are no longer owned by the Seller.
|
15
(b) |
If,
at any time after giving such written notice of the Purchaser’s intention
to
register any of the Registrable Securities and prior to the effective
date
of the registration statement filed in connection with such registration,
the Purchaser shall determine for any reason not to file the registration
statement wherein the Registrable Securities would be registered
or to
delay the registration of such Registrable Securities, at its sole
election, the Purchaser may give written notice of such determination
to
the Seller and thereupon shall be relieved of its obligation to register
any Registrable Securities issued or issuable in connection with
such
registration (but not from its obligation to pay registration expenses
in
connection therewith or to register the Registrable Securities in
a
subsequent registration).
|
(c) |
The
Purchaser shall use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness
of
the
registration statement until the date that all of the Registrable
Securities included therein have been
sold.
|
3. |
Cooperation
with the Purchaser.
|
(a) |
The
Seller will cooperate with the Purchaser in all respects in connection
with this Agreement, including, without limitation, timely supplying
all
information reasonably requested by the Purchaser and executing and
returning all documents reasonably requested in connection with the
registration and sale of the Registrable
Securities.
|
(b) |
The
Seller agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Purchaser
of the
happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus, as then
in
effect, would contain an untrue statement of material fact or omission
to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they
were made, not misleading, the Seller will immediately discontinue
disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration
statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Seller’s receipt
of the copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus which corrects
such
untrue statement or omission and, if so directed by the Purchaser,
the
Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser (at the expense of the Purchaser)
or
destroy (and deliver to the Purchaser a certificate of destruction)
all
copies in the Seller’s possession of the prospectus covering such
Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such
notice.
|
4. |
Expenses.
All expenses incurred by the Purchaser in registering the Registrable
Securities shall be borne by the Purchaser. However, the Seller shall
bear
its own fees and expenses of counsel., and selling commissions applicable
to the sale of the Registrable Securities (“Selling Expenses”). All
Selling Expenses in connection with each such registration statement
shall
be borne by the participating sellers in proportion to the number
of
shares sold by each, or by such participating sellers other than
the
Purchaser (except to the extent the Purchaser shall be a seller)
as they
may agree.
|
5. |
Delay
of Registration.
The Seller shall not have any right to take any action
to restrain, enjoin, or otherwise delay any registration as the result
of
any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation
or
implementation of this
Agreement.
|
6. |
Indemnification.
In the event any Registrable Securities are included in a Registration
Statement under this Agreement:
|
16
(a) |
To
the extent permitted by law, the Purchaser will indemnify and hold
harmless
the Seller requesting or joining in a registration, any underwriter
(as
defined in the Securities Act) for it, and each person, if any, who
controls such Seller or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act, against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses,
joint
or several, to which they may become subject under the Securities
Act or
otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
on any
untrue or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in such
registration statement, including, without limitation, any preliminary
prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments
or
supplements thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission
or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated
therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
or
arise out of any violation by the Purchaser of any rule or regulation
promulgated under the Securities Act applicable to the Purchaser
and
relating to action or inaction required of the Purchaser in connection
with any such registration; and will reimburse the Seller, such
underwriter, or controlling person for any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending
any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided,
however,
that the Purchaser will not be liable in any such case if and to
the
extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense arises
out
of or is based upon: (i) a settlement of any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, expense or action if such settlement is effected without
the
consent of the Purchaser (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld
or delayed); (ii) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or
omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information
furnished by the Seller, any such underwriter or any such controlling
person in writing specifically for use in such registration statement
or
prospectus; or (iii) the Seller’s failure to deliver a copy of the final
prospectus as then amended or supplemented after the Purchaser has
furnished the Seller with a sufficient number of copies of the same,
but
only if delivery of same is required by law and the same would have
cured
the defect giving rise to any such loss, claim, damage, liability,
expense
or action.
|
(b) |
To
the extent permitted by law, the Seller requesting or joining in
a registration
will indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser, each of its directors,
each of its officers who signs the registration statement, each
underwriter for the Purchaser (within the meaning of the Securities
Act),
and each person, if any, who controls the Purchaser or any such
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any
losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses to which the Purchaser or
any
such director, officer, controlling person or underwriter may become
subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereto)
arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of any material fact contained in such registration statement,
including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained
therein
or any amendments or supplements thereto, or arise out of or are
based
upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material
fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein
not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent,
that
such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged
omission was made in such registration statement, preliminary prospectus
or final prospectus, or amendments or supplements thereto, in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on
behalf
of the Seller expressly for use in connection with such registration;
and
will reimburse the Purchaser or any such director, officer, controlling
person or underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred
by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss,
claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided,
however,
that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) shall
not
apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, expense or action if such settlement is effected without
the
consent of the Seller (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
or
delayed); and provided further, that the Seller shall not have any
liability under this Section 6(b) in excess of the net proceeds actually
received by the Seller in the relevant public
offering.
|
17
(c) |
Promptly
after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 6 of notice
of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if
a claim
in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under
this
Section 6, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement
thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate
in,
and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with
any
other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense
thereof
with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties. The failure to
notify
an indemnifying party promptly of the commencement of any such action,
shall, to the extent (but only to the extent) actually prejudicial
to its
ability to defend such action, relieve such indemnifying party of
any
liability to the indemnified party under this Section 6, but the
omission
so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability
that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this
Section 6.
|
(d) |
The
indemnification provided by this Agreement shall be a continuing
right
to indemnification and shall survive the registration and sale of
any
Registrable Securities by any person entitled to indemnification
hereunder
and the expiration of this
Agreement.
|
7. |
Miscellaneous.
|
(a) |
Waiver.
No waiver by any party of any condition or of any breach of any provision
of this Agreement shall be effective unless in
writing.
|
(b) |
Notices.
All notices and other communications pursuant to this Agreement
shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument
and
shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied, sent by
nationally-recognized, overnight courier or mailed by registered
or
certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid, to the
parties
at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party
as shall
be specified by like
notice):
|
(i) |
if
to the Purchaser, to:
|
0000
X.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx. Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Tel:
000.000.0000
Fax:
000.000.0000
EMail:
xxxxx@XxxxxXxxxxxx.xxx
(ii) |
if
to the Seller, to the address set forth below the Seller’s signature on
the last page of this Agreement.
|
Any
notice so addressed, when mailed by registered or certified mail shall be deemed
to be given three (3) days after so mailed, when telecopied shall be deemed
to
be given when transmitted, or when delivered by hand or overnight shall be
deemed to be given when delivered.
(c) |
Invalidity
of Provisions.
If any provisions of this Agreement shall be determined
by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability
of
the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected
thereby.
|
(d) |
Entire
Agreement.
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the
parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof, and supersedes
all
prior negotiations and understandings, oral or written, between the
parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
|
(e) |
Counterparts;
Facsimile Signatures.
This Agreement may be executed in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all
of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile signatures
hereon shall have the same legal force and effect as original
signatures.
|
18
(f) |
Successors
and Assigns.
This Agreement shall be enforceable by, and shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon, the parties and their
respective successors and assigns. As used herein, the term “successors
and assigns” shall mean, where the context so permits, heirs, executors,
administrators, trustees and successor trustees, and personal and
other
representatives.
|
(g) |
Governing
Law.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of North Carolina applicable to contracts
made
and to be performed therein without otherwise giving effect to principles
of conflicts of laws.
|
(h) |
Amendments.
This Agreement may be amended only by the written consent
of all parties hereto.
|
(i) |
Headings.
The headings set forth in this Agreement have been inserted for
convenience of reference only, shall not be considered a part of
this
Agreement and shall not limit, modify or affect in any way the meaning
or
interpretation of this
Agreement.
|
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
parties hereto have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be executed
and
delivered as of the ___day
of
_____________, 2005.
LearnBytes,
LLC
By:
Name:
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Title:
Managing Member
By:
Name: Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
Title:
Chairman and CEO
19
EXHIBIT
C
FORM
OF DEED OF GENERAL CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT
KNOW
ALL
MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that pursuant to that certain ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT,
dated August 1, 2005 (the "Agreement") by and between LEARNBYTES, LLC
(“Seller”), HOUSERAISING, INC. (“Purchaser”) and XXXXX XXXXXXXX (the “Managing
Member”), in consideration of good and valuable consideration duly delivered
under the Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, Seller has granted, bargained, sold, assigned, set over, conveyed
and transferred, and by these presents, does grant, bargain, sell, assign,
set
over, convey and transfer unto Purchaser all of the Assets as defined in the
Agreement (all capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
are used herein as defined in the Agreement) of the Business existing on the
date and at the time of delivery hereof.
TO
HAVE
AND TO HOLD all of the said Assets assigned and transferred hereby to Purchaser,
his successors and assigns, in fee simple forever free and clear of all liens,
claims and encumbrances of any nature whatsoever, other than those expressly
consented to in writing by Purchaser and delivered to Seller at closing; and
Seller warrants and defends the title to the Assets hereby sold to Purchaser,
his successors and assigns, forever, against the lawful claims and demands
of
all persons whomsoever;
AND
Seller, for itself and its successors and assigns, does hereby represent,
warrant, covenant and agree to and with Purchaser and its successors and assigns
that, subject to the terms and limitations of the Agreement, all the
representations set forth in the Agreement with respect to the said Assets
sold
hereby are hereby confirmed;
AND
Seller, for itself and its successors and assigns, does hereby represent,
warrant, covenant and agree to and with Purchaser and its successors and assigns
that it shall, from time to time, at the request of the Purchaser, execute,
acknowledge and deliver to Purchaser any and all further instruments, documents
and other papers which may be necessary or reasonably required to transfer
the
said Assets assigned and transferred hereby to Purchaser and to give full force
and effect to the full intent and purposes of this General Conveyance, Transfer
and Assignment document; and
AND
Seller, for itself and its successors and assigns, does hereby irrevocably
assign and transfer to Purchaser, its successors and assigns, all of its right,
title and interest in and to the general intangible assets of Seller further
described in the Agreement.
Except
for the representations and warranties expressly contained in the Agreement,
THE
ASSETS ARE SOLD TO PURCHASER "AS IS" AND "WHERE IS", AND SELLER DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller has caused this instrument to be duly executed in its
name by its duly authorized officer and the corporate seal of Seller to be
affixed hereto, and Seller has signed this instrument in its individual
capacity, all as of the date first above written.
LEARNBYTES,
LLC
______________________________
By:
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
Its
Managing Member
By:
___________________________
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Chairman and CEO
20
EXHIBIT
D
Absence
of Changes
No
Changes
21
EXHIBIT
E
CONSULTANT
AGREEMENT
This
Agreement is made and entered into as of the 1st
day of
August, 2005, between HouseRaising, Inc. (the “Company” or “HRI”) and Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx (the “Consultant”). In consideration of and for the mutual promises and
covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration,
the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
Purpose.
The
Company hereby engages the Consultant during the Term (as defined below) to
render consulting services to the Company, upon the terms and conditions as
set
forth herein.
Term.
This
Agreement shall be effective for a five-year period of time (the “Term”)
commencing on the date hereof and dependent on continued adequate performance
thereof. This term may be modified from time to time as agreed upon by both
parties.
Duties
of Consultant.
During
the term of this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide to the Company those
services outlined in Exhibit A to the Consulting Agreement or as otherwise
defined by HouseRaising’s Chairman and CEO or President and
Founder.
Compensation
In
consideration of such services described herein, the Company agrees:
· |
Consultant
will be compensated $120,000 per year for his full-time services
in cash
or S-8 shares based on the share price at the time they are granted,
until
the Company obtains Qualified Financing (defined as $12 million or
more in
outside funding). All payments will be subject to maintaining an
on-going
relationship with HouseRaising which will not be unreasonably terminated
without for cause justification.
|
· |
When
the Company obtains and closes on a Qualified Financing (as defined),
Consultant will be paid in cash or equivalent at the rate of $200,000
per
year for his full-time services. All payments will be subject to
maintaining an on-going relationship with HouseRaising which will
not be
unreasonably terminated without for cause
justification.
|
· |
As
a one-time reconciliation for services rendered in the first seven
months
of 2005, Consultant will be given an additional 75,000 restricted
HRAI
shares. It
is understood that such shares will be subject to forfeit in the
event the
Consultant does not remain a full-time consultant or an employee
with the
Company for a one-year period of time from the date of issuance of
these
restricted shares.
|
· |
In
the event HRI obtains Qualified Financing (as defined), the Company
will
then calculate a reconciliation to reflect the difference in his
compensation before and after obtaining qualified financing for the
period
of time after August 1, 2005 and the closing of a qualified financing.
Such a true-up will be paid in restricted shares or cash at the discretion
of the company.
|
· |
Consultant
will be eligible for the following warrants as part of his compensation
for services rendered subject to maintaining an ongoing relationship
with
HouseRaising: 2,000,000 total warrants to be comprised of 1,000,000
exercisable at $0.50 each and 1,000,000 exercisable at $1.00 each,
which
will be earned and vested one-fifth on each anniversary date of the
effective date of this agreement which shall be deemed January 1,
2005.
The period of the options is 10 years.
|
22
· |
Consultant
also hereby agrees that the 500,000 restricted shares provided to
him as
agreed upon in the Asset Purchase Agreement (“Asset Purchase Agreement”)
between HouseRaising, Inc., LearnBytes, LLC and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx dated
August 1, 2005, are subject to forfeit by the Consultant in the event
the
Consultant does not remain a full-time consultant with or an employee
of
the Company for a one-year period of time from the date of issuance
of the
restricted shares. Consultant is hereby agreeing in his individual
capacity to this condition of the issuance of the restricted stock
by the
Company as part of the Asset Purchase Agreement. In addition, it
is also
understood that such restricted shares will be subject to forfeit
by the
Consultant for the number of shares noted below in the event the
noted
personnel from LearnBytes were to not fulfill their consulting agreement
to the Company unless such non-fulfillment was caused by the Company
not
compensating consultants on a timely basis. To this end, in the event
Xxxx
Xxxxx or Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx were to not remain a full-time consultant
with
the Company for a one-year period of time from the date of issuance
of the
restricted shares as part of the Asset Purchase Agreement to Consultant,
then Consultant will forfeit 100,000 of the shares paid to Consultant
as
part of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Further, in the event Xxxxxxxx
Xxx
were to not remain a full-time consultant with the Company for a
one-year
period of time from the date of issuance of the restricted shares
as part
of the Asset Purchase Agreement to Consultant, then Consultant will
forfeit 50,000 of the shares paid to Consultant as part of the Asset
Purchase Agreement. In no event, shall the consultant have to forfeit
more
then the total restricted shares provided as part of that Asset Purchase
Agreement for the reasons noted
above.
|
· |
In
the event HRI obtains Qualified Financing (as defined), it is the
intent
of the Company to convert this Agreement into an employment agreement
on
substantially similar terms. It is also understood that consultant
will be
eligible to participate in bonus program as defined and developed
by the
Company.
|
Expenses
.
The
Company, upon receipt of appropriate supporting documentation, shall reimburse
the Consultant for any and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
it
in connection with services requested by the Company. The Company shall pay
such
expenses upon the presentation of invoices. Consultant shall not incur more
than
$200 in reimbursable expenses without the express consent of the
Company.
HRI
will
also reimburse Consultant for reasonable health insurance expenses until such
time as Consultant is able to join the Company’s benefit program (PPO group
health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and $10,000
life
insurance coverage for yourself through Group Insurance Services).
Confidentiality
.
Because
of the nature of the services being provided by Consultant hereunder, Consultant
acknowledges that if he may receive access to Confidential Information and
that,
as a consultant to the Company, he will attempt to provide advice that serves
the best interest of the Company. Consultant acknowledges that as a consequence
of his relationship with the Company, he may be given access to confidential
information which may include the following types of information; financial
statements and related financial information with respect to the Company and
its
subsidiaries (the “Confidential Financial Information”), trade secrets,
products, product development, product packaging, future marketing materials,
business plans, certain methods of operations, procedures, improvements,
systems, customer lists, supplier lists and specifications, and other private
and confidential materials concerning the Company’s business (collectively,
“Confidential Information”).
Consultant
covenants and agrees to hold such Confidential Information strictly confidential
and shall only use such information solely to perform his duties under this
Agreement, and Consultant shall refrain from allowing such information to be
used in any way for his own private or commercial purposes. Consultant shall
also refrain from disclosing any such Confidential Information to any third
parties. Consultant agrees to all the provisions attached to this agreement
as
Exhibit B to the Consulting Agreement (HRI Independent Contractor and/or
Employee Non-Compete, Non-Disclosure, Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
Protection Agreement) which is part of this agreement.
23
Consultant
further agrees that upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, he will
return all Confidential Information and copies thereof to the Company and will
destroy all notes, reports and other material prepared by or for him containing
Confidential Information. Consultant understands and agrees that the Company
might be irreparably harmed by violation of this Agreement and that monetary
damages may be inadequate to compensate the Company. Accordingly, the Consultant
agrees that, in addition to any other remedies available to him at law or in
equity, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief to enforce the terms
of this Agreement.
Severability
.
If any
provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a statute, rule,
regulation, decision of a tribunal or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement
shall not be affected thereby and, to this extent, the provisions of this
Agreement shall be deemed to be severable.
This
Agreement and attachments embodies the entire Agreement and understanding
between the Company and the Consultant and supersedes any and all negotiations,
prior discussions and preliminary and prior arrangements and understandings
related to the central subject matter hereof.
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by and on behalf
of
the Company and the Consultant.
This
Agreement and all rights, liabilities and obligations hereunder shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of each party’s successors but may not be assigned
without the prior written approval of the other party.
IN
WITNESS
WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date hereof.
HOUSERAISING,
INC.
By:_______________________
Title:
Chairman and CEO
CONSULTANT
By:_______________________
24
Exhibit
A
to Consulting Agreement
Scope
of
Work for
Design,
Development, Deployment and Hosting of
HouseRaising
Academy Information Technology
(including
Website, System C and Online Learning Programs)
Consultant
will work with HouseRaising, Inc. under the guidance of HRI’s Chairman/CEO or
President/ Founder to create HouseRaisingAcademy’s (“HRA”) Information
Technology Structure, including Website, System C and Online Learning
Programs.
HouseRaisingAcademy
is a combination of an internet-based online learning portal and date management
system (System C) to assist custom homebuilders, buyers and vendors in
successfully designing and building custom homes predictably, profitably and
enjoyably.
HouseRaising’s
objective in entering into this contract is to have Consultant help develop
HouseRaising’s body of knowledge and intellectual properties into a website; an
on-line facility; and a design/build management system that includes a
design/price engine. The scope of the project consists of developing
HouseRaising’s knowledge into an Internet based commercial software operation,
consisting of creating customer software and linking the custom software to
commercially available software programs to form the automated
HouseRaisingAcademy and design/build system.
In
addition to materials already provided, the Academy will consist of an
electronic design/build program offered retail homebuyers, builders and vendors
through on-line seminars. This automated function will electronically process
payment for the seminars, teach, test and certify applicants upon completion
of
the course and provide certain information to HouseRaisingUSA, HouseRaising
Custom Builders or HouseRaising National Construction Support Division for
follow-up, etc.
This
engagement includes developing System C as an on-line management process
sufficient to implement 3,400 business requirements that electronically address
1,269 key design/build issues. System C consists of dividing the 3,400 tasks
into six (6) primary management platforms and 58 operational (vendor) platforms.
The regional franchise kit is part of System C functioning to link regional
operations to the Zone and national operation. System C will have an e-learning
component that electronically defines the what, how and why of the individual
tasks defined in the system. System C will contain a proprietary design/price
engine, consisting of approximately 500 existing projects (historical
data-plans, pictures, budgets, etc.) plus new cost estimates and sales pricing
capabilities sufficient to produce pricing on custom design/build projects.
The
system will automatically loop current projects into the pricing engine to
keep
the system up to date.
The
Internet based system developed under this engagement will accommodate 12-50
Zones and 150 Regional operations that combine to manage 10,000 design/build
projects annually.
A
primary
concern for HouseRaising, Inc.’s management is protecting the intellectual
property that will be incorporated into HouseRaisingAcademy courses. Consultant
will use technology and presentation techniques that will protect these
intellectual assets as much as possible. Consultant will strive to keep
HouseRaising, Inc. ‘s management informed of all potential security risks and
will monitor usage and report on any and all potential security
breaches.
Consultant
will provide its e-learning and system design expertise to help create an
e-learning portal and data management system that successfully achieves the
following objections:
25
Management
Objectives:
1. |
Develop
an automated system that addresses the 1,269 issues through implementation
of 3,400 business requirements involved in successfully designing
and
building unique homes.
|
2. |
Help
builders, buyers and vendors participate in the custom home design/build
process in such a way that it is predictable, profitable and
enjoyable.
|
3. |
Provide
a means for certifying builders, buyers and vendors to use the
HouseRaising, Inc. System C.
|
4. |
Implement
a digital version of the current System C manual business
process.
|
5. |
Effectively
communicate the vision, purpose and messages as established by
HouseRaising, Inc. management.
|
6. |
Create
an external and internal learning environment that is visually appealing,
intellectually stimulating and enjoyable to
experience.
|
7. |
Provide
a website that clearly communicates the company’s business strategy and
vision.
|
8. |
Drive
business to HouseRaisingUSA and HouseRaising Custom Builders or other
HRI
subsidiary operations.
|
9. |
Protect
HouseRaising, Inc.’s intellectual property through effective security
technologies and presentation
techniques.
|
10. |
Establish
a system that allows HouseRaisingAcademy to keep course content current
and relevant.
|
11. |
Establish
a digital system that allows a consistent management platform for
operating HouseRaisingUSA, HouseRaising Custom Builders and HouseRaising
National Construction Support Division and any franchises or other
HRI
subsidiaries throughout the United
States.
|
12. |
Increase
the visibility and market awareness of the HouseRaising, Inc. organization
and mission.
|
13. |
Create
an Internet-based management platform and e-learning tool that enables
HouseRaising, Inc. subsidiaries to operate a viable business.
|
14. |
Provide
24 hours a day and 7 days a week access to HouseRaisingAcademy digital
systems (always available online).
|
Overall
Homebuyer Objectives
1. |
Develop
dreams into a quality built home for a fair
price.
|
2. |
Have
fun making your dream house a
reality.
|
3. |
Build
a house with long term economic
value.
|
Overall
Homebuilder Objectives
1. |
Develop
dreams of expressing creative talents into financially viable
experiences.
|
2. |
Enjoy
the creative process of building a dream
house.
|
3. |
Benefit
from HouseRaising’s knowledge so they can effectively manage the
homebuyer/homebuilder relationship.
|
4. |
Build
a strong reputation within the design/build
marketplace.
|
5. |
Operate
a successful business.
|
Overall
Vendor Objectives
1. |
Achieve
HouseRaising vendor certification so they can leverage their businesses
by
affiliating with HouseRaising’s multiple builder
franchises.
|
2. |
Receive
timely payment for work.
|
3. |
Maintain
a steady work load.
|
26
Exhibit
B to Consulting Agreement
HRI
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR and/or EMPLOYEE
NON-COMPETE,
NON DISCLOSURE, CONFIDENTIALITY
AND
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION AGREEMENT
THIS
NON-COMPETE, NON DISCLOSURE, CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
PROTECTION AGREEMENT
(Agreement) is an integral part of this Consultant Agreement.
WHEREAS,
You
acknowledge that you are to receive proprietary information in the form of
intellectual property and other publications that we have developed over time
and at great expense relating to the HR System C, (the “System").
WHEREAS,
You
acknowledge that we will be informing you about our Business Plans, including
details of our System and homebuilding management systems. These business
concepts may or may not be trade secrets, however in order to adequately inform
you about HRI, we will be revealing portions of them verbally and through
written documents that will be shared with you. These documents will include
information about our homebuilder management theories and contain information
that we deem vital to the success of HRI. The documents that will be discussed
and shown to you include, but are not limited to, System C, HRI Internet
Strategies Manual and in various manuals involving the Six Management Platforms.
WHEREAS,
You
acknowledge that some of our materials are protected by Patent Applications,
Registrations and Trademarks, while others depend on our ability to maintain
them in strictest confidence and secrecy, and all of them directly relate to
the
ability of national and zone management personnel to assist Builder and Buyers
in successfully designing and building unique homes. These materials include
marketing and building advantages provided by our architectural designs
trademarked as HRI Economies of Scale™, HRI Powerhouse Specifications™ and from
new home budgeting and marketing techniques that comprise the System C that
enable HR Builder Partners to operate with a competitive edge in the
homebuilding industry.
WHEREAS,
You
further acknowledge that HRI’s information provides a competitive advantage and
will be valuable to them in the development of their business, and that gaining
access to it is therefore a primary reason for their entering into this
Agreement.
WHEREAS,
You
agree that HRI’s information, as described above, which may or may not be "trade
secrets" under prevailing judicial interpretations, is private and valuable,
and
thus constitutes valuable assets belonging to HouseRaising, Inc.
WHEREAS,
You
agree that by means of your engagement or employment with HRI and consideration
provided therewith that you might add or otherwise contribute to HRI’s
intellectual property and unique publications and that such additions or
contributions will become part of the intellectual property protected by this
agreement and will remain the sole and exclusive property of HouseRaising,
Inc.
27
WHEREAS,
We agree
and acknowledge that there is a certain amount of experience that is gained
on
the job, which directly increases the future earning potential of an employee,
that is not a direct result of “trade secrets” which the employee will
inevitably carry forward into any future endeavors, should company and
employee/independent contractor ever separate.
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of HRI's confidential disclosure to you of documents and
information that contain parts of these trade secrets and intellectual
properties, and in consideration of you agreeing to the terms of this
Non-Compete-Non Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement, and for HRI providing
the compensation provided as part of this agreement, you agree as
follows:
You
shall
not at any time during or after your employment with HRI:
A. |
Appropriate
or use the trade secrets incorporated in the confidential information
and
materials provided you, or any portion thereof, in any business which
is
not operating within and as a part of the System
C.
|
B. |
Disclose
or reveal any portion of the confidential information pertaining
to HR
System C to any person, other than your attorneys as an incident
to their
investigatory and advisory services on your behalf or your direct
employees who need the information to better understand their sales
duties.
|
C. |
Acquire
any right to use any of this material including the name, xxxx or
other
intellectual property or right, which is or may be granted by this
Agreement except in connection with the operation of business within
and
as a part of the HR System C.
|
D. |
Communicate,
divulge or use for the benefit of any other person or entity, other
than
to employees of HRI in performance of their duties, any of this
confidential information, intellectual properties or knowledge or
know-how
concerning the methods of developing an HRI Zone operation or the
operation of an HRI Builder Partnership utilizing the System C which
may
be communicated to you by HRI in connection with this Agreement.
|
E. |
You
agree not to in any way allow these documents out of your possession.
You
may use HRI aids in discussing these ideas with other HRI employees
or
legal advisors to assist them in explaining these documents to you,
but
you will not, nor will you allow anyone else, to copy any of the
documents
described herein and you are not to distribute them in any
way.
|
F. |
You
agree that the provisions described in this Agreement are and have
been a
primary inducement to HRI to enter into this Agreement and that,
in the
event of a breach thereof, HRI would be irreparably harmed and would
be
without adequate remedy of law.
|
G. |
In
the event of Your breach, or threatened or attempted breach, of any
of the
provisions of this Agreement, HRI shall be entitled, in addition
to any
other remedies it may have hereunder or at law or at equity (including
the
right to terminate this Agreement), to a preliminary injunction or
injunctions and a decree for specific performances of the terms and
conditions hereof without the necessity of showing actual or threatened
damages, and without being required to furnish a bond or other
security.
|
H. |
If
any Court or other tribunal having jurisdiction to determine the
enforceability of this Agreement determines that it would be invalid
or
unenforceable as written, then the provision hereof shall be deemed
to be
modified or limited to such extent or in such manner as necessary
for such
provision to be deemed valid and/or enforceable to the greatest extent
possible.
|
I.
|
You
shall be responsible to make every reasonable effort to ensure the
compliance of any individual under your supervision or perview with
the
terms contained in this Agreement.
|
In
addition to the terms of non-disclosure above, if for any reason you terminate
this consulting agreement with HRI, you agree that, during the two-year period
following such termination, you will not work for any home design/build company
or be engaged with any business in which the company or its affiliates are
engaged, including an organization providing services to same that is directly
or indirectly competing with HRI or is developing a system similar to “System
C”.
AGREED
TO AND ACCEPTED
this day
first above written.
Name
of Consultant:
______________________________S
E A L
28