Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Clarus Corporation Everest/Sapphire Acquisition, LLC Sapphire Merger Corp. Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. and Ed McCall, as Stockholders’ Representative Dated as of May 7, 2010
Exhibit
2.1
Execution
Copy
by and
among
Clarus
Corporation
Everest/Sapphire
Acquisition, LLC
Sapphire
Merger Corp.
Black
Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
and
Xx
XxXxxx,
as
Stockholders’ Representative
Dated as
of May 7, 2010
Table
of Contents
Page
|
||||
ARTICLE
I:
|
DEFINITIONS
|
|||
1.1
|
Certain
Definitions.
|
1
|
||
1.2
|
Certain
Words and Symbols.
|
15
|
||
ARTICLE
II:
|
THE
MERGER; PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION
|
|||
2.1
|
The
Merger.
|
15
|
||
2.2
|
Effective
Time of the Merger.
|
15
|
||
2.3
|
Closing
of the Merger.
|
16
|
||
2.4
|
Effects
of the Merger.
|
16
|
||
2.5
|
Conversion
of Shares; Merger Consideration.
|
17
|
||
2.6
|
Cash
Payment for Company Eligible Options; Termination of Company Option Plan
and Unvested Restricted Stock.
|
17
|
||
2.7
|
Payment
of Merger Consideration; Exchange of Certificates Representing Company
Common Stock.
|
18
|
||
2.8
|
Dissenting
Shares.
|
20
|
||
2.9
|
Escrow
Agreement; Company Retention Aggregate Amount.
|
20
|
||
2.10
|
Closing
Indebtedness Payment; Certain Company Transaction
Expenses.
|
20
|
||
ARTICLE
III:
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE COMPANY
|
|||
3.1
|
Organization
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
|
21
|
||
3.2
|
Capitalization
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
|
21
|
||
3.3
|
Authorization;
Enforceability.
|
22
|
||
3.4
|
Financial
Statements.
|
22
|
||
3.5
|
Governing
Documents; Books and Records.
|
23
|
||
3.6
|
Absence
of Undisclosed Liabilities.
|
23
|
||
3.7
|
Compliance
with Law; Governmental Authorizations.
|
23
|
||
3.8
|
No
Conflicts; Change of Control.
|
24
|
||
3.9
|
Contracts.
|
24
|
||
3.10
|
Litigation;
Disputes.
|
26
|
||
3.11
|
Taxes.
|
26
|
||
3.12
|
Absence
of Certain Changes or Events.
|
29
|
||
3.13
|
Employee
Benefit Plans.
|
31
|
||
3.14
|
Intellectual
Property.
|
33
|
||
3.15
|
Title
to and Condition of Properties; Liens.
|
35
|
||
3.16
|
Real
Property.
|
36
|
||
3.17
|
Accounts
Receivable; Inventory.
|
37
|
||
3.18
|
Related
Parties.
|
37
|
||
3.19
|
Environmental
Matters.
|
37
|
||
3.20
|
Labor
Matters.
|
39
|
||
3.21
|
Officers
and Employees.
|
40
|
||
3.22
|
Brokers
and Finders.
|
40
|
||
3.23
|
Banking
Relationships.
|
40
|
||
3.24
|
Customers
and Suppliers.
|
41
|
||
3.25
|
Products;
Product Liability.
|
41
|
||
3.26
|
Insurance.
|
41
|
||
3.27
|
Propriety
of Past Payments.
|
41
|
Page
|
||||
3.28
|
Takeover
Laws and Provisions.
|
42
|
||
3.29
|
Customs.
|
42
|
||
3.30
|
Full
Disclosure.
|
42
|
||
ARTICLE
IV:
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES REGARDING
|
|||
THE
PURCHASER AND MERGER SUB
|
||||
4.1
|
Organization.
|
42
|
||
4.2
|
Authorization;
Enforceability.
|
43
|
||
4.3
|
No
Conflicts.
|
43
|
||
4.4
|
Brokers
and Finders.
|
43
|
||
ARTICLE
V:
|
COVENANTS
|
|||
5.1
|
Interim
Operations of the Company.
|
43
|
||
5.2
|
Access.
|
45
|
||
5.3
|
Confidentiality;
Publicity.
|
46
|
||
5.4
|
Efforts
and Actions to Cause Closing to Occur; Certain Consents.
|
46
|
||
5.5
|
Notification
of Certain Matters.
|
47
|
||
5.6
|
Subsequent
Actions.
|
48
|
||
5.7
|
Acquisition
Proposals.
|
48
|
||
5.8
|
Indemnification
of Officers and Directors.
|
48
|
||
5.9
|
Payment
of Certain Indebtedness and Company Transaction Expenses.
|
49
|
||
5.10
|
Delivery
of Financial Statements and Certificates.
|
49
|
||
5.11
|
Company
Litigation.
|
50
|
||
5.12
|
Takeover
Laws and Takeover Provisions.
|
50
|
||
5.13
|
Certain
Communications.
|
50
|
||
5.14
|
Company
Stockholder Approval.
|
50
|
||
5.15
|
Amendment
of Company Bylaws.
|
51
|
||
5.16
|
Compliance
with Statutory Appraisal Rights Requirements.
|
51
|
||
5.17
|
Employee
Benefit Plans.
|
51
|
||
5.18
|
Amendment
to Bonus Agreements.
|
51
|
||
5.19
|
Payment
of Company Retention Agreements.
|
51
|
||
5.20
|
Annual Employee
Bonuses.
|
51
|
||
5.21
|
Preparation and Delivery of Company Legal
Opinion
|
51
|
||
ARTICLE
VI:
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF
|
|||
PURCHASER
AND MERGER SUB
|
||||
6.1
|
Representations
and Warranties.
|
52
|
||
6.2
|
Performance
of Agreements, Covenants and Obligations
|
52
|
||
6.3
|
Material
Adverse Effect.
|
52
|
||
6.4
|
Litigation.
|
52
|
||
6.5
|
Stockholder
Approval.
|
53
|
||
6.6
|
Appraisal
Rights.
|
53
|
||
6.7
|
Company
Closing Certificate.
|
53
|
||
6.8
|
Opinions
of Counsel.
|
53
|
||
6.9
|
Certificate
of Merger.
|
54
|
||
6.10
|
Payment
of Certain Indebtedness.
|
54
|
||
6.11
|
Delivery
of Company Common Stock Certificates; Option Holder
Agreements.
|
54
|
||
6.12
|
Good
Standings; Governing Documents.
|
54
|
||
6.13
|
Officer
Certificate.
|
54
|
||
6.14
|
Subsidiary
Stock Certificates.
|
54
|
||
6.15
|
Escrow
Agreement.
|
54
|
||
6.16
|
Employment
Agreement.
|
54
|
ii
Page
|
||||
6.17
|
Paying
Agent Agreement.
|
55
|
||
6.18
|
General.
|
55
|
||
ARTICLE
VII:
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY
|
|||
7.1
|
Representations
and Warranties.
|
55
|
||
7.2
|
Performance
of Agreements, Covenants and Obligations; Availability of
Funds.
|
55
|
||
7.3
|
Litigation.
|
55
|
||
7.4
|
Purchaser
Closing Certificate.
|
56
|
||
7.5
|
Certificate
of Merger.
|
56
|
||
7.6
|
Good
Standings; Charter Documents.
|
56
|
||
7.7
|
Officer
Certificates.
|
56
|
||
7.8
|
Escrow
Agreement.
|
56
|
||
7.9
|
Paying
Agent Agreement.
|
56
|
||
7.10
|
General.
|
56
|
||
ARTICLE
VIII:
|
TAX
MATTERS
|
|||
8.1
|
Tax
Covenants.
|
56
|
||
8.2
|
Tax
Indemnification and Related Matters.
|
58
|
||
ARTICLE
IX:
|
TERMINATION
|
|||
9.1
|
Termination
Events.
|
59
|
||
9.2
|
Effect
of Termination
|
61
|
||
9.3
|
Exclusive
Pre-Closing Remedy
|
61
|
||
ARTICLE
X:
|
SURVIVAL;
INDEMNIFICATION
|
|||
10.1
|
Survival.
|
62
|
||
10.2
|
Investigation.
|
62
|
||
10.3
|
Indemnification.
|
62
|
||
10.4
|
Notification
of Claims.
|
63
|
||
10.5
|
Limitations
on Indemnification.
|
64
|
||
10.6
|
Payment
of Claims.
|
65
|
||
10.7
|
No
Circular Recovery.
|
65
|
||
10.8
|
Exclusive
Post-Closing Remedy
|
66
|
||
ARTICLE
XI:
|
STOCKHOLDERS’
REPRESENTATIVE
|
|||
11.1
|
Authorization
of Stockholders’ Representative.
|
66
|
||
ARTICLE
XII:
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
|||
12.1
|
Expenses.
|
68
|
||
12.2
|
Successors.
|
68
|
||
12.3
|
Further
Assurances.
|
68
|
||
12.4
|
Waiver.
|
68
|
||
12.5
|
Entire
Agreement.
|
68
|
||
12.6
|
Governing
Law.
|
68
|
||
12.7
|
Consent
to Jurisdiction.
|
69
|
||
12.8
|
Waiver
of Jury Trial.
|
69
|
||
12.9
|
Assignment.
|
70
|
||
12.10
|
Remedies;
Specific Performance.
|
70
|
||
12.11
|
Notices.
|
70
|
||
12.12
|
Headings.
|
71
|
||
12.13
|
Counterparts.
|
71
|
iii
Page
|
||||
12.14
|
Exhibits
and Schedules.
|
71
|
||
12.15
|
Severability.
|
71
|
||
12.16
|
No
Third Party Beneficiaries.
|
71
|
||
12.17
|
Time
of the Essence.
|
71
|
||
12.18
|
Negotiation
of Agreement.
|
72
|
||
12.19
|
Amendment.
|
72
|
||
12.20
|
Representation
of Stockholders.
|
72
|
iv
Table
of Schedules
Schedule
|
Description
|
|
Schedule
1.1(b):
|
Working
Capital
|
|
Schedule
3.1:
|
Organization
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
|
|
Schedule
3.2:
|
Capitalization
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
|
|
Schedule
3.4:
|
Financial
Statements
|
|
Schedule
3.5:
|
Governing
Documents; Books and Records
|
|
Schedule
3.6:
|
Absence
of Undisclosed Liabilities
|
|
Schedule
3.7:
|
Compliance
with Law; Governmental Authorizations
|
|
Schedule
3.8:
|
No
Conflicts; Change of Control
|
|
Schedule
3.9:
|
Contracts
|
|
Schedule
3.10:
|
Litigation;
Disputes
|
|
Schedule
3.11:
|
Taxes
|
|
Schedule
3.12:
|
Absence
of Certain Changes or Events
|
|
Schedule
3.13:
|
Employee
Benefit Plans
|
|
Schedule
3.14:
|
Intellectual
Property
|
|
Schedule
3.15:
|
Title
to and Condition of Properties; Liens
|
|
Schedule
3.16:
|
Real
Property
|
|
Schedule
3.17:
|
Accounts
Receivable; Inventory
|
|
Schedule
3.18:
|
Related
Parties
|
|
Schedule
3.19:
|
Environmental
Matters
|
|
Schedule
3.20:
|
Labor
Matters
|
|
Schedule
3.21:
|
Officers
and Employees
|
|
Schedule
3.23:
|
Banking
Relationships
|
|
Schedule
3.24:
|
Customer
and Suppliers
|
|
Schedule
3.25:
|
Products;
Product Liability
|
|
Schedule
3.26:
|
Insurance
|
|
Schedule
5.1:
|
Interim
Operations of the Company
|
|
Schedule
5.4(c)
|
Certain
Consents
|
Table
of Exhibits
Exhibit
|
Description
|
|
Exhibit
A:
|
Escrow
Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
B:
|
Form
of Option Holder Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
C:
|
Form
of Transmittal Letter
|
|
Exhibit
D:
|
Certificate
of Merger
|
|
Exhibit
E:
|
Company
Stockholders’ Consents
|
|
Exhibit
F-1 – F-3:
|
Company
Stockholders’ Support Agreements
|
|
Exhibit
G:
|
Form
of Company Stockholders’ Option Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
H:
|
Company
Legal Opinion
|
Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 7, 2010 (this “Agreement”), by and
among Clarus
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser Parent”);
Everest/Sapphire
Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned direct
subsidiary of Purchaser Parent (“Purchaser”); Sapphire
Merger Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned direct subsidiary
of Purchaser (“Merger
Sub”); Black
Diamond Equipment, Ltd.,
a Delaware corporation (“Company”); and Xx
XxXxxx, an individual, solely as Stockholders’ Representative (“Stockholders’
Representative”).
RECITALS
Whereas,
the board of directors of each of the Company and Merger Sub have determined
that it is advisable and in the best interests of its respective stockholders
for Merger Sub to merge with and into the Company with the result that Company
shall be the Surviving Corporation and shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of
Purchaser (the “Merger”), upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein and in accordance with the provisions of
the DGCL; and
Whereas,
the board of directors of each of the Company and Merger Sub have each approved
and adopted this Agreement and have recommended to its respective stockholders
the approval thereof;
Now,
therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, it
is hereby agreed as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain Definitions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
“Acquisition Proposal”
shall mean any inquiries, proposals or offers from any Person other than
Purchaser, its Affiliates or representatives relating in any way to (a) any
investment in the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (b) any acquisition of
direct or indirect control of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (c) the
purchase of any of the Company’s or any Company Subsidiary’s securities, other
than through the exercise of outstanding Company Options that are reflected on
Schedule 3.2(a)
hereof; (d) any significant amount of the assets or businesses of the Company or
any Company Subsidiary, or any lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition thereof (other than assets leased, exchanged, mortgaged,
pledged, transferred or other disposed of in the Ordinary Course of Business and
not in connection with the sale of or transfer of a business), or (e) any
business combination or other transaction relating to the sale or transfer of
any business or business line of the Company or any Company Subsidiary
including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation, acquisition, tender or
exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization, dissolution, liquidation,
issuance, disposition, or other similar transaction of any nature that would
have a similar financial result as the Merger.
“Affiliate” shall
mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly,
through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition,
the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
(a) vote 50% or more of the voting securities of such Person or (b) direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise, and the
terms and phrases “controlled” and “controlling” have meanings correlative
thereto.
“Aggregate Option
Consideration Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.6(a).
“Agreement” shall have
the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.
“Balance Sheet” shall
mean the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2009, that is included in the Financial
Statements.
“Balance Sheet Date”
shall mean June 30, 2009.
“Benefit Plans” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).
“Business Day” shall
mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial
banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by Law to
close.
“Capital Lease” shall
mean, with respect to any Person, any lease of, or other arrangement conveying
the right to use, property by such Person as lessee that would be required to be
accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in
conformity with GAAP.
“CERCLA” shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 3.19(e).
“Certificate of
Merger” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“Change of Control
Agreements” shall mean the Contracts designated as such on Schedule 3.8(a)
and Schedule 3.8(b)
and any other similar Contracts entered into by the Company or a Company
Subsidiary prior to Closing requiring or triggering a payment or a potential
payment as a result of the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, other than Company Retention Agreements.
“Change of Control
Payments” shall mean, without duplication, an amount equal to any
payments made and any expenses paid (before or after the Closing) in connection
with (a) obtaining any of the required waivers or consents set forth on Schedule 5.4(c)
hereto, (b) payments or potential payments under the Change of Control
Agreements that will be triggered or caused by, or result from, in whole or in
part, the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and (c) expenses in connection with the recording of any releases of
any security interest under the Zions Bank Loan Documents and the Credit Suisse
Loan Documents to the extent they are not included in the Closing Indebtedness
Payment.
“Closing” shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
“Closing Adjustment”
shall mean an amount equal to the sum of the Working Capital Adjustment and the
Indebtedness Adjustment.
“Closing Date” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
“Closing Indebtedness
Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.9.
“COBRA” shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3.13(d).
“Code” shall mean the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
2
“Company” shall have
the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.
“Company Ancillary
Agreements” shall mean each of the executed Escrow Agreement, Paying
Agent Agreement, Option Holder Agreements, Transmittal Letters, Company
Stockholders’ Consents, Company Stockholders’ Consent Notification, Company
Stockholders’ Support Agreements, Company Stockholders’ Option Agreements,
Company Closing Certificate and the Company Officer’s Certificate.
“Company Closing
Certificate” shall mean the certificate to be delivered pursuant to
Section 6.7.
“Company Common Stock”
shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01.
“Company Common Stock
Certificates” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.7(a).
“Company Disclosure
Schedule” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of
Article III.
“Company Indemnified
Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.3(b).
“Company Insurance
Policies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.26.
“Company Intellectual
Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.14(a).
“Company Licensed
Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.14(c).
“Company Material Pre-Closing
Events” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“Company Officer’s
Certificate” shall mean the certificate to be delivered pursuant to
Section 6.13.
“Company Option” shall
mean any Right granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company
Option Plan.
“Company Option Plan”
shall mean the Company’s 2004 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, adopted as of June
5, 2004.
“Company Owned Intellectual
Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.14(b).
“Company Preferred
Stock” shall mean the preferred stock of the Company, par value
$0.01.
“Company Restricted Stock Award
Plan” shall mean the Restricted Stock Award Plan of the Company in form
provided to the Purchaser in Section “V.E.1” of the Electronic Data
Room.
“Company Retention
Agreements” shall mean those certain agreements entered into by and
between the Company and certain key employees of the Company (in the form of the
copies provided to the Purchaser prior to the execution of this Agreement) for
the payment by the Company of retention bonus amounts not exceeding an
aggregate amount equal to the Company Retention Aggregate Amount if and when
payable pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Company Retention Aggregate
Amount” shall mean an amount designated by the Company in the Company
Closing Certificate (which amount shall not exceed an amount equal to $625,000,
a portion of which shall be payable by Purchaser at Closing to the Company (as
set forth in the Company Closing Certificate) for further payment to the
beneficiaries under the Company Retention Agreements (subject to the terms
thereof) and net of taxes and withholdings required by applicable Law, and a
portion of which shall be payable to Escrow Agent (which amount shall be
released pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Escrow Agreement) in
respect of amounts that may become payable under the Company Retention
Agreements.
3
“Company Stockholders’
Consents” shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Company Stockholders’
Consents Notification” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Company Stockholders’ Option
Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.14.
“Company Stockholders’
Support Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.14.
“Company Subsidiary”
or “Company
Subsidiaries” shall mean each direct or indirect Subsidiary of the
Company, all of which are set forth on Schedule
3.2(d).
“Company Transaction
Expenses” shall mean, without duplication, each of the
following:
(a) all
of the following which are (i) accrued, should have been accrued under GAAP or
are due and owing, but remain unpaid and outstanding immediately prior to the
Closing, or (ii) were paid after the Determination Date: (A) the fees and
expenses of counsel, brokers, bankers, accountants and other professionals
engaged or used by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in connection with the
preparation for, negotiation of, or entering into this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (which will also include a
reasonable estimate of unbilled expenses and a reasonable estimate of potential
post-Closing legal fees and expenses), less $15,000.00, (B) an amount equal to
the Change of Control Payments, (C) one-half of the cost of the insurance
premium for the D&O Tail Insurance, if any, (D) an amount equal to one-half
of the Transfer Taxes (as set forth in Section 8.1(c) hereof); and (E) the
compensation to be paid to the Stockholders’ Representative pursuant to Section
11.1(b); and
(b) one-half
of the estimated amounts due in respect of the costs and fees of the Escrow
Agent.
“Company Transaction
Termination Expenses” shall mean all documented costs and expenses
reasonably incurred by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in pursuit of the
Merger including, without limitation, investment banking and advisory fees,
accounting and legal fees, travel, due diligence and related
expenses.
“Constituent
Corporations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.1.
“Contract” shall mean,
with respect to a Person, any contract, undertaking, agreement, arrangement,
commitment, indemnity, indenture, note, guaranty, instrument, lease or
understanding, including any and all amendments, supplements, and modifications
(whether oral or written) thereto, whether or not in writing to which such
Person is legally bound.
“Copyrights” shall
have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Intellectual
Property.”
“Core Trademarks”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(b).
“Credit Suisse Loan”
shall mean the loans and credit made available to Company and/or any Company
Subsidiary pursuant to the Credit Suisse Loan Documents.
“Credit Suisse Loan
Documents” shall mean that certain Rahmenvertrag Fur Kredite between
Black Diamond AG and Credit Suisse dated January 19, 2009.
4
“Current Assets” shall
have the meaning set forth in Schedule
1.1(b).
“Current Liabilities”
shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule
1.1(b).
“D&O Tail
Insurance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.8(b).
“Defect” shall mean a
defect or failure in the design or manufacture of a Product, such that it either
(a) does not perform as designed for its intended use or (b) creates a latent or
patent dangerous condition for any user thereof.
“Determination Date”
shall mean April 30, 2010.
“Determination Date Balance
Sheet” shall mean a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries as of the Determination Date.
“Determination Date Working
Capital” shall mean the consolidated Working Capital of the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries as of the Determination Date.
“DGCL” shall mean the
Delaware General Corporation Law.
“Dissenting Share”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a).
“Due Diligence
Documentation” shall mean all of the documentation set forth in the
Electronic Data Room as of immediately prior to the entering into this
Agreement, a copy of all of which has been provided to Purchaser and the Company
by Silver Steep Partners on one or more CD-ROM(s) immediately prior to execution
and delivery of this Agreement.
“Effective Time” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“Electronic Data Room”
shall mean the files contained in the Firmex electronic virtual data room
maintained by Silver Steep Partners and the Company in which the Company and
Company Subsidiaries have provided Due Diligence Documentation in connection
with the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
“Eligible Option”
shall mean each Company Option that (a) has not previously expired or been
exercised in full, (b) has an exercise price of less than the Merger
Consideration Price Per Share (determined without regard to the aggregate
exercise price of Company Options) and (c) is vested and is exercisable at the
Closing to the extent set forth in the Company Closing Certificate.
“Environmental Claim”
shall mean any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial orders, suits,
demands, claims, liens, investigations, proceedings, or notices of noncompliance
or violation (written or oral) by any Person (including, without limitation, any
Governmental Authority) alleging liability or potential liability (including,
without limitation, potential responsibility for or liability for enforcement,
investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, removal costs,
remedial costs, natural resources damages, closure costs, supplemental
environmental projects, property damages, personal injuries, penalties, and
leaking underground storage tanks) arising out of, based on or resulting from
(a) the presence, or Release or threatened Release, of any Hazardous Materials
at any location owned, operated, leased or managed by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary (or any of their predecessors or current or former Affiliates), or
(b) any and all claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution,
indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from
the presence or Release of any Hazardous Materials.
5
“Environmental Enforcement
Liability” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.19(b).
“Environmental Law”
shall mean all applicable foreign, federal, state and local Laws (including
common law), statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, requirements, regulations,
orders, judgments, decrees, injunctions, agreement or Contract with or by any
Governmental Authority relating to pollution, the protection of the environment
(including, without limitation, air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or
subsurface strata) or protection of human health as it relates to the
environment including, without limitation, Laws relating to Releases of
Hazardous Materials, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of
Hazardous Materials or relating to management of asbestos or polychlorinated
biphenyls (“PCBs”) in buildings, structures, or equipment, including, without
limitation, as amended, the United States Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., Emergency Planning
& Community Right to Xxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. § 00000 et seq., Solid Waste
Disposal Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901, et
seq., Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq., Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq., Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. § 2701, et
seq., and Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.
“Environmental
Permits” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.19(a).
“Equity Interests”
shall mean, with respect to any Person, the (a) capital stock, partnership
interests, membership interests, beneficial interests or any other equity or
ownership interests in the Person referenced or (b) any instruments convertible
into or exchangeable for, or whose value is determined by reference to, any such
interests.
“ERISA” shall mean the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“ERISA Affiliate”
shall mean with respect to any Person (a) any corporation which is a member of a
controlled group of corporations, within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the
Code, of which that person is a member, (b) any trade or business (whether or
not incorporated) which is a member of a group of trades or businesses under
common control, within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code, of which that
Person is a member, (c) any member of an affiliated service group, within the
meaning of Section 414(m) of the Code, of which that Person or any entity
described in clause (a) or (b) is a member, and any other entity required to be
aggregated with such Person pursuant to Section 414(o) of the Code.
“Escrow Agent” shall
mean U.S. Bank, National Association.
“Escrow Agreement”
shall mean the Escrow Agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit
A.
“Escrow Amount” shall
mean $4,500,000.00.
“Escrow Fund” shall
mean the Escrow Amount or such lesser amount held in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the Escrow Agreement.
“Exchange Act” shall
mean the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Excluded
Indebtedness” shall mean (i) Indebtedness up to an aggregate amount not
to exceed $900,000.00 that is outstanding on the date hereof and was incurred
pursuant to that certain Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Trademark and
Related Actions among the Company, GPG Enterprises, L.L.C. and GSG, L.L.C.,
dated as of June 30, 2009, as amended July 8, 2009, and (ii) Indebtedness up to
an aggregate amount not to exceed $700,000.00 that is outstanding on the date
hereof and was incurred pursuant to Capital Leases.
6
“Existing Confidentiality
Agreement” shall mean that certain confidentiality letter agreement dated
as of January 2010 by and among Purchaser Parent, Xxxxxxx Mountain Products,
Inc. and the Company in connection with maintaining confidentiality of
confidential information.
“Final Determination”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.6(a).
“Financial Statements”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
“Fully Diluted Company
Shares” shall mean (a) all shares of the Company Common Stock issued at
the Effective Time less (b) shares of
Company Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company at the Effective Time
plus (c) the
aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon full exercise
of each Eligible Option, as set forth in the Company Officer’s
Certificate.
“GAAP” shall mean
United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently
applied.
“Governing Documents”
means, with respect to any Person, (a) the articles of incorporation,
certificate of incorporation, certificate of formation, the memorandum and
articles of association (or the equivalent organizational documents) of such
Person, (b) the bylaws or operating agreement (or the equivalent governing
documents) of such Person and (c) any document setting forth the designation,
amount or relative rights, limitations and preferences of any class or series of
such Person’s authorized stock or other Equity Interests.
“Governmental
Authority” shall mean (a) any government or any agency, body, bureau,
board, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal
or other instrumentality thereof, whether international, federal, state or
local, domestic or foreign (including without limitation, any state or local
attorney general) or (b) any arbitrator having authority with respect to any
applicable matter that has been submitted to arbitration.
“Hazardous Material”
shall mean (a) any petroleum or any products, by products or fractions thereof,
(b) asbestos in any form, (c) urea formaldehyde foam insulation, (d) any form of
natural gas, explosives, PCBs, lead, lead based paint, radon or other
radioactive material, (e) any chemicals, materials or substances (including,
without limitation, waste materials, raw materials, by-products, co-products or
finished products), provided the foregoing are, under Environmental Law, defined
as, or regulated as, or included in the definition of, “hazardous substances,”
“hazardous wastes,” “hazardous materials,” “extremely hazardous substances,”
“restricted hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,”
“pollutants,” “contaminants,” “solid wastes,” “special wastes,” or words of
similar import under any Environmental Law, and (f) any other substances of any
kind regulated or forming the basis of liability under any Environmental
Law.
“Indebtedness” means,
as to any Person at a particular time, the sum of all of the following without
duplication, whether or not included as indebtedness in accordance with GAAP (a)
all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, and all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or similar debt
instruments; (b) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase
price of any property or services (other than accrued expenses and trade
accounts payable in the Ordinary Course of Business); (c) all indebtedness
(excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or
being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional
sales or other title retention Contracts), whether or not such indebtedness
shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse; (d) all
Capital Leases; (e) all fees, penalties and other payments, including, without
limitation, breakage fees, prepayment fees and change of control fees, payable
with respect to indebtedness described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d)
as a result of or in connection with the Merger, (f) all interest, fees and
other expenses owed with respect to indebtedness described in the foregoing
clauses (a) through (e), and (g) all indebtedness referred to in the foregoing
clauses (a) through (f) which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by the
Company or any Company Subsidiaries. Indebtedness specifically
excludes (w) trade payables that are Current Liabilities, (x) any liability
under commercial letters of credit, (y) any liability under the undrawn portion
of any outstanding standby letters of credit and (z) the net liability under any
swap, future or option agreement or other similar Contracts, instruments or
derivatives designed to protect the Company or any Company Subsidiaries against
fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange or other capital market
risks.
7
“Indebtedness
Adjustment” shall mean an amount (which shall be expressed as a negative
number) equal to the consolidated Indebtedness of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries on the Determination Date, other than (a) the Excluded
Indebtedness, and (b) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Zions Bank Loan or
the Credit Suisse Loan.
“Indemnification
Persons” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
“Indemnification
Threshold” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.5(a).
“Indemnified Party”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.
“Indemnifying Party”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.
“Initial Escrow Withholding
Per Share” shall mean an amount equal to the Escrow Amount divided by the number
of Fully Diluted Company Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time,
assuming the “cashless” exercise of all Eligible Options immediately prior to
the calculation thereof.
“Intellectual
Property” shall mean any United States, foreign, international and state
(a) patents and published patent applications (or unpublished patent
applications filed of record in any jurisdiction), and continuations, reissues,
or divisions relating thereto or utility models (collectively, “Patents”); (b)
trademarks, service marks, and trademark or service xxxx registrations and
applications, trade names, and trade dress together with all goodwill related to
the foregoing (collectively, “Trademarks”); (c)
Internet domain names; (d) copyrights, copyright registrations, renewals and
applications for copyright registrations, and mask works (collectively, “Copyrights”); (e)
Software; and (f) trade secrets and confidential information, including such
rights in know-how, proprietary and confidential processes, formulae,
algorithms, models and methodologies (collectively, “Trade Secrets”) and
(g) rights of privacy and publicity.
“Interim Financial
Statements” shall mean the internally prepared and unaudited consolidated
balance sheets of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as of the last
Business Day of each calendar month ending after the Balance Sheet Date, and the
related internally prepared and unaudited consolidated statements of income and
of cash flows for each such calendar month.
“IRS” shall mean the
Internal Revenue Service of the United States or any successor agency, and, to
the extent relevant, the United States Department of the Treasury.
“Knowledge” or “Known” shall mean (a)
with respect to the Company or any Company Subsidiary, the actual knowledge of
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx and
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, without a duty of additional investigation and (b) with
respect to Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub, the actual knowledge of
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, without a duty of additional
investigation.
8
“Law” shall mean, with
respect to any Person, any statute, code, law, rule, regulation, ordinance,
treaty, administrative action, Order, or other requirement of any Governmental
Authority (including those requirements imposed by common law), applicable to
such Person (or any of its properties or assets) or any of its officers,
directors, employees, consultants or agents in connection with activities taken
on behalf of such Person.
“Leased Property”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).
“Leases” shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).
“Liabilities” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.
“License Agreements”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(c).
“Licensed Intellectual
Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.14(c).
“Licenses” shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(b).
“Lien” shall mean any
lien, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust, security interest, claim, charge, option,
hypothecation, security, title retention, easement, right of way, encroachment
or other survey defect, transfer or title restriction, voting trust agreement or
other encumbrance (whether arising by contract or by operation of
law).
“Limited Indemnification
Cap” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.5(a).
“Litigation” shall
mean any dispute, claim, action, grievance, suit or inquiry or any legal,
administrative, arbitration, investigation, enforcement or other proceedings by
or before any Governmental Authority.
“Losses” shall mean,
with respect to any Person or Persons, the full amount of all Liabilities,
damages, claims, deficiencies, fines, fees, assessments, losses, Taxes,
penalties, interest, awards, settlements, recourses, judgments, costs and
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on,
incurred by or asserted in any way against such Person or Persons.
“Material Adverse
Effect” shall mean, with respect to a Person, any change or changes,
effect or effects, event or events, or circumstance or circumstances, that
individually or taken together in the aggregate are or could reasonably be
expected to (a) be materially adverse, whether in the short term or long term,
to (i) the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise),
Liabilities or results of operations of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, or (ii) the ability of such Person to perform its respective
obligations under this Agreement, or (b) result in Losses to the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in an aggregate amount equal to or
exceeding $4,500,000.00; provided, that none
of the following shall be deemed, individually or in the aggregate, to
constitute, and none of the following shall be taken into account in determining
whether there has been, or will be, a Material Adverse Effect: (u) the
announcement of this Agreement by Purchaser Parent, (v) the Purchaser Parent’s
announcement or other disclosure of its plans or intentions with respect to the
conduct of the Company’s business (or any portion thereof), (w) changes in
global, national or regional political conditions (including any outbreak or
escalation of hostilities, war or acts of terrorism) other than hostilities, war
or acts of terrorism occurring within or with respect to the United States of
America, or any state, territory or possession thereof, or any of their
respective properties, that has or could reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect to the business, assets, properties, condition
(financial or otherwise), Liabilities or results of operations of such Person
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (x) changes in general local, domestic,
foreign or international economic conditions, (y) changes affecting generally
the industry in which the Person operates or (z) any changes in applicable Laws
or accounting rules or principles, provided, however, that with
respect to clauses (x), (y) and (z) above, the effect of such changes,
individually or in the aggregate, does not have a disproportionate effect on
such Person and/or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared with
other companies in the same industry.
9
“Material Contract”
shall mean any Contract which is set forth on, or is required to be set forth
on, Schedule
3.8(a), Schedule 3.8(b) or Schedule 3.9(a).
“Merger” shall have
the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
“Merger Consideration”
shall mean $90,000,000.00 as increased by the
Merger Consideration Increase Amount and decreased by the
Merger Consideration Decrease Amount.
“Merger Consideration
Decrease Amount” shall mean an amount equal to the sum of the
following:
|
(a)
|
Indebtedness
outstanding in connection with the Zions Bank Loan and the Credit Suisse
Loan;
|
|
(b)
|
the
Closing Adjustment, if a negative
number;
|
|
(c)
|
the
Company Transaction Expenses;
|
|
(d)
|
the
Company Retention Aggregate Amount;
and
|
|
(e)
|
to
the extent that unrestricted cash of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries on the Determination Date is less than $1,200,000.00, an
amount equal to such deficit.
|
“Merger Consideration
Increase Amount” shall mean an amount equal to the sum of the
following:
|
(i)
|
the
Closing Adjustment, if a positive number;
and
|
|
(ii)
|
to
the extent that unrestricted cash of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries on the Determination Date exceeds $1,500,000.00, an amount
equal to such excess.
|
“Merger Consideration Price
Per Share” shall mean (a) the sum of (i) the Merger Consideration plus (ii) the
aggregate exercise price of the Eligible Options divided by (b) the
aggregate number of Fully Diluted Company Shares.
“Merger Sub” shall
have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.
“Merger Sub Common
Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Merger Sub, par value
$0.001.
“Multiemployer Plan”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).
“Notice of Closing”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
“Notice of Closing Scheduled
Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.3.
“Notice of Extension”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
10
“Notice of Extension
Scheduled Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.3.
“Option Consideration
Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a).
“Option Holders” shall
mean the holders of all Company Options outstanding immediately prior to the
Closing, in their capacities as such holders.
“Option Holder
Agreement” shall mean an agreement between an Option Holder and the
Company in the form attached as Exhibit
B.
“Option Settlement
Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a).
“Order” shall mean any
judgment, decree, order, writ, injunction, permit or license of any Governmental
Authority.
“Ordinary Course of
Business” shall mean, for any Person, the ordinary course of business of
such Person, consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to
quantity and frequency).
“Owned Property” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).
“Patents” shall have
the meaning set forth in the definition of “Intellectual Property.”
“Paying Agent” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).
“Paying Agent
Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.7(a).
“Paying Agent Fund”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(b).
“PBGC” shall mean the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor thereto.
“Permitted Liens”
shall mean any and all (a) mechanics’ liens, workmen’s liens, statutory liens of
landlords, common carrier liens, warehousemen’s liens and other similar liens,
and liens arising under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social
security, retirement and similar legislation, in each instance to the extent
incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) any and all matters of record,
zoning, variances, encumbrances, restrictions, easements or other imperfections
of title or Liens on any Real Property or other property or asset that do not
materially diminish the value thereof or materially interfere with the use
thereof in the operations of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as
presently conducted; (c) liens on goods in transit incurred pursuant to
documentary letters of credit; and (d) liens for Taxes not yet due and
payable.
“Person” shall mean
any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, joint
venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated body or
organization, or other body or organization, whether or not a legal entity, and
any Governmental Authority.
“Pre-Closing Tax
Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b).
“Product” shall mean
any product designed, manufactured, shipped, sold, marketed, distributed and/or
otherwise introduced into the stream of commerce by or on behalf of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, including any product sold by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary as the distributor, agent, or pursuant to any other
contractual relationship with a non-U.S. manufacturer.
11
“Property Taxes” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b).
“Purchaser” shall have
the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.
“Purchaser Ancillary
Agreements” shall mean each of the executed Escrow Agreement, Paying
Agent Agreement and each of the certificates to be delivered at Closing pursuant
to Sections 7.4 and 7.7.
“Purchaser Indemnified
Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.3(a).
“Purchaser Material
Pre-Closing Events” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.1.
“Purchaser Parent”
shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph hereof.
“Purchaser Transaction
Expenses” shall mean all documented costs and expenses reasonably
incurred by Purchaser in pursuit of the Merger, including without limitation,
investment banking and advisory fees, accounting and legal fees, travel, due
diligence and related expenses.
“Real Property” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).
“Real Property
Permits” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.16(d).
“Receivables” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 3.17(a).
“Related Parties”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.18.
“Release” shall have
the meaning set forth in CERCLA.
“Return” or “Returns” shall mean
all returns, declarations of estimated tax payments, reports, estimates,
information returns and statements, including any related or supporting
information with respect to any of the foregoing, filed or to be filed with any
Taxing Authority in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or
administration of any Taxes.
“Rights” shall mean,
with respect to a Person, any subscriptions, options, warrants, rights
(including phantom stock or stock appreciation rights), preemptive rights,
voting, approval or proxy rights, or other Contracts, including any right of
registration, conversion or exchange under, any outstanding security, instrument
or Contract obligating such Person, or any Affiliate of such Person, to issue,
sell, purchase or register any Equity Interests of such Person or to grant,
extend or enter into any security, instrument or Contract with respect to the
Equity Interests of such Person.
“SEC” shall mean the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Secretary of State”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“Securities Act” shall
mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and each of the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Significant Customers and
Suppliers” shall mean, collectively, the 10 largest customers (as
measured by dollar volume of sales) and suppliers (as measured by dollar volume
of purchases) of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (on a consolidated
basis) for each of (i) the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2009 and (ii) the
nine-month period ending March 31, 2010.
12
“Significant
Stockholder” shall mean a Stockholder that (a) holds beneficially or of
record 5% or more of the issued and outstanding Company Common Stock or (b) is a
director or officer of the Company on the date hereof.
“Software” shall mean
any and all (a) computer programs, including any and all software
implementations of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code
or object code form, (b) databases, compilations, and any other electronic data
files, including any and all collections of data, whether machine readable or
otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow-charts, technical and functional
specifications, tool kits or other work product used to design, plan, organize,
develop, test, troubleshoot and maintain any of the foregoing, (d) without
limitation to the foregoing, the software technology supporting any
functionality contained on the Internet site(s), of any Company or Company
Subsidiary, (e) all computer-aided design software, including the underlying
data, and (f) all written or electronic documentation, including technical,
end-user, training and troubleshooting manuals and materials, relating to any of
the foregoing.
“Stockholder” shall
mean each of the holders of record of the issued and outstanding Company Common
Stock and Company Preferred Stock immediately prior to the Closing in their
capacity as such holders.
“Stockholders’
Representative” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph
hereof.
“Straddle Period”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(a).
“Subsidiary” shall
mean, with respect to a Person, any corporation or other organization or entity,
whether incorporated or unincorporated, (a) of which such Person or any other
subsidiary of such Person is a general partner (excluding partnerships, the
general partnership interests of which held by such Person or any subsidiary of
such Person do not have a majority of the voting interests in such partnership);
(b) at least (i) a majority of the voting rights or (ii) a majority of the
securities or other interests of which having by their terms ordinary voting
power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar
functions with respect to such corporation or other organization is directly or
indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its
subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its subsidiaries; or (c) is
otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person.
“Surviving
Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.1.
“Takeover Laws” shall
mean any “moratorium”, “control share”, “fair price”, “affiliate transaction”,
“business combination”, or other applicable anti-takeover Laws or regulations
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Company
Ancillary Agreements including, without limitation, Section 203 of the
DGCL.
“Takeover Provisions”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.28.
“Tax”, “Taxation” or “Taxes” shall mean all
forms of Federal, state, county, local, municipal, foreign and other taxes,
levies, dues, imposts, assessments, duties, tariffs or similar charges of any
kind whatsoever of any jurisdiction imposed or charged by a Taxing Authority,
including all corporate franchise, income, sales, supplies, occupation, use,
goods and services, ad valorem, receipts, value added, profits, license,
withholding, payroll, employment, unemployment, excise, premium, property,
customs, net worth, capital gains, capital transfer, inheritance, social
security, foreign social insurance and/or benefits, alternative minimum,
recapture and other taxes, and including any interest, fines, penalties and
additions imposed with respect to such amounts, whether disputed or
not.
“Tax Claim” shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(c).
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“Taxing Authority”
shall mean any domestic, foreign, Federal, national, state, county or municipal
or other local government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority
thereof, or any quasi governmental body exercising any taxing authority or any
other authority exercising tax regulatory authority.
“Terminable Contracts”
shall mean any Contract that can be terminated by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary for any reason at the option of the Company or such Company
Subsidiary, as the case may be, on not more than 90 days notice without material
penalty to the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
“Termination Date”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
“Third Party Claim”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4(b).
“Third Party Licensed
Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.14(c).
“Trade Secrets” shall
have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Intellectual
Property.”
“Trademarks” shall
have the meaning set forth in the definition of “Intellectual
Property.”
“Transfer Taxes” shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(c).
“Transmittal Letter”
shall mean the form of letter attached hereto as Exhibit
C.
“Voting Debt” shall
mean indebtedness having general voting rights and debt convertible into
securities having such rights.
“WARN Act” shall mean
the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
“Working Capital”
shall mean the consolidated Current Assets of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries less the consolidated
Current Liabilities of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, as calculated
in a manner consistent with the calculation of the Working Capital Target and
Schedule
1.1(b).
“Working Capital
Adjustment” shall mean the Determination Date Working Capital minus the
Working Capital Target, as calculated in a manner consistent with Schedule
1.1(b).
“Working Capital
Target” shall mean the average Working Capital of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries for the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2010, in each
instance calculated as of the last day of each such month and in the manner set
forth on Schedule
1.1(b).
“Work Interference”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.20(a).
“Zions” shall mean
Zions First National Bank.
“Zions Bank Loan”
shall mean the loans and credit made available to the Company and/or any Company
Subsidiary pursuant to the Zions Bank Loan Documents.
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“Zions Bank Loan
Documents” shall mean, collectively, (a) that certain Loan Agreement
between Zions, as Lender, and the Company and Black Diamond Retail, Inc., as
co-borrowers, dated as of August 28, 2009, and the related Promissory Note
Revolving Line of Credit, (b) Security Agreement (All Assets) between the
Company and Zions, (c) Security Agreement (All Assets) between Black Diamond
Retail, Inc. and Zions, (d) Security Agreement (Stock) between the Company and
Zions, (e) those three certain Stock Transfer Powers with respect to the Company
Subsidiaries’ stock executed by the Company in favor of Zions, (f) Deed of Trust
with Assignment of Rents between the Company and Zions, in favor of Zions, and
(g) UCC Financing Statement Nos. 2009 2570254 and 2009 2570718 filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware covering all of the
assets of the Company and Black Diamond Retail, Inc., respectively, naming Zions
as secured party, each (except the Financing Statements) dated as of August 28,
2009.
1.2 Certain Words and
Symbols. (a) The
words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and “hereunder,” and words of like import,
refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section
hereof. References herein to any section, schedule or exhibit refer
to such section of, or such schedule or exhibit to, this Agreement unless the
context otherwise requires. All pronouns and any variations thereof
refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, singular or plural, as the
context may require. Words in the singular include the plural and in
the plural include the singular. All references to “dollars” or “$”
in this Agreement refers to United States dollars. A reference to a
particular statute, statutory provision or subordinate legislation is a
reference to it as it is in force from time to time taking account of any
amendment or re-enactment and includes any statute, statutory provision or
subordinate legislation which it amends or re-enacts and subordinate legislation
for the time being in force made under it.
(b) References
to (i) any United States legal term for any action, remedy, method of judicial
proceeding, legal document, legal status, court, official, or any legal concept
or thing shall, in respect of any jurisdiction other than the United States be
deemed to include that which in that jurisdiction most nearly approximates to
the legal term in question, (ii) any event described in this Agreement as
occurring in the United States or as a result of United States law shall include
any analogous event occurring outside the United States or as a result of the
Laws of a jurisdiction to which a Company Subsidiary is subject and; (iii) any
laws of the United States shall, if applied, to any Company Subsidiary
incorporated otherwise than in the United States, be deemed to include the
most nearly approximating Laws in each jurisdiction relevant to that
Company Subsidiary.
ARTICLE
II
THE
MERGER; PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION
2.1 The Merger.
Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in
accordance with the DGCL, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with
and into the Company. The separate existence of the Merger Sub shall
thereupon cease, and the Company shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving
Corporation”) and a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Purchaser Parent
and a wholly owned direct Subsidiary of Purchaser and shall succeed to and
assume all of the rights and obligations of the Company and Merger Sub in
accordance with the DGCL. The Company and Merger Sub are sometimes
referred to collectively herein as the “Constituent
Corporations.”
2.2 Effective Time of the
Merger. At the
Closing or as soon as practicable thereafter, the parties hereto shall cause a
certificate of merger substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Certificate of
Merger”) to be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”)
in accordance with the relevant sections of the DGCL, and shall take all such
other and further actions as may be required by Law to make the Merger
effective. The Merger shall become effective as of the filing of the
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State. The date and time
of such effectiveness are referred to herein as the “Effective
Time.”
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2.3 Closing of the
Merger. The
closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take
place in the offices of Xxxx Xxxxxxx, P.C., 1350 Avenue of the Americas, 26th
Floor, New York, New York, on May 28, 2010 (or such earlier date as the parties
may mutually agree upon), or if the conditions set forth in Article VI and
Article VII have not been satisfied or waived (by the party entitled to the
benefits thereof) by May 28, 2010, as soon as practicable after May 28, 2010
upon the satisfaction or waiver (by the party entitled to the benefits thereof)
of the conditions set forth in Article VI and Article VII, other than those
conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing (the “Closing Date”), but
subject to the fulfillment or waiver of those conditions.
2.4 Effects of the
Merger.
At the
Effective Time of the Merger:
(a)
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the
certificate of incorporation of Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided
therein or by applicable Law; provided, however, that
such certificate of incorporation shall be amended such that the name of
the Surviving Corporation shall be “Black Diamond Equipment,
Ltd.”;
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(b)
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the
bylaws of Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
will be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed
or amended as provided therein or by applicable
Law;
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(c)
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the
directors of Merger Sub shall be the initial directors of the Surviving
Corporation and such directors will hold office until the earlier of their
resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified, as the case may
be;
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(d)
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the
officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
the officers of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in
accordance with the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are
duly elected and qualified;
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(e)
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except
as specifically set forth in this Agreement, the Surviving Corporation
shall possess all the rights, privileges, powers and franchises of a
public, as well as of a private nature, of each of the Constituent
Corporations, and all property, real, personal and mixed, including
contract rights, and all debts due on whatever account, and all other
choses in action, and all and every other interest of or belonging to or
due to each of the Constituent Corporations shall be taken and deemed to
be transferred to and vested in the Surviving Corporation without further
act or deed, all in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL;
and
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(f)
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the
Surviving Corporation shall thenceforth be subject to all restrictions,
disabilities and duties of and be responsible and liable for all
liabilities and obligations of each of the Constituent Corporations, and
any action or proceeding pending by or against either of the Constituent
Corporations may be prosecuted as if such Merger had not taken place or
the Surviving Corporation may be substituted in its place; and neither the
rights of creditors nor Liens upon the property of either of the
Constituent Corporations shall be impaired by the Merger, all in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the
DGCL.
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2.5 Conversion of Shares; Merger
Consideration.
(a) Company Shares. As
a result of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders
thereof, at the Effective Time, all shares of Company Common Stock (other than
Dissenting Shares, which shall be treated in accordance with Section 2.8) shall
cease to be outstanding and each certificate shall be cancelled and retired and
shall cease to represent any rights with respect to the Company Common Stock,
and each of the Stockholders (other than Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and Merger
Sub, if any such parties are then Stockholders) shall thereafter cease to have
any rights with respect to such shares of Company Common Stock, except the right
to receive, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Article II and
the Escrow Agreement, the Merger Consideration Price Per Share, without
interest, upon the surrender of a certificate or certificates representing such
shares of Company Common Stock and delivery of a duly completed and guaranteed
Transmittal Letter to the Paying Agent pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof; provided, that an
amount equal to the Initial Escrow Withholding Per Share shall be withheld from
the payment of the Merger Consideration Price Per Share to Stockholders which
amount shall be paid subject to the terms and conditions of the Escrow
Agreement. At the Effective Time, each share of Company Common Stock
and Company Preferred Stock then held in the Company’s treasury shall, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, cease to
be outstanding and shall be cancelled and retired without payment of any Merger
Consideration or any other consideration therefor.
(b) Merger
Sub. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article II,
at the Effective Time, each share of Merger Sub Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be issued
and outstanding and shall constitute the only issued and outstanding shares of
the Surviving Corporation.
2.6 Cash Payment for Company
Eligible Options; Termination of Company Option Plan
and Unvested Restricted Stock. (a) At
the Closing, Purchaser shall pay, or cause the Surviving Corporation to pay,
without interest, in cash to each Option Holder who executes and delivers an
Option Holder Agreement to Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation, for the
Eligible Options held by such Option Holder as of the Effective Time, with
respect to each share of Company Common Stock subject thereto: (i) an amount
equal to the Merger Consideration Price Per Share less the per share exercise
price of such Eligible Option (the “Option Consideration
Amount”, and with respect to all Eligible Options held by Option Holders
who execute and deliver an Option Holder Agreement, the “Aggregate Option
Consideration Amount”), less (ii) an amount
equal to the Initial Escrow Withholding Per Share of such Eligible Option, as
calculated by the Company and set forth in the Company Closing Certificate,
which shall be paid subject to the terms and conditions of the Escrow Agreement,
less (iii) the
amount of any withholding that is required by applicable Tax Law (the “Option Settlement
Payment”, and with respect to all Eligible Options held by Option Holders
who execute and deliver an Option Holder Agreement, the “Aggregate Option Settlement
Payment”). No Option Holder shall be entitled to receive the
payments provided for in this Section 2.6(a) unless such Option Holder has
executed an Option Holder Agreement. Each Company
Option with an exercise price equal to or greater than the Merger Consideration
Price Per Share shall be cancelled at the Closing without any
consideration.
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(b) Subject
to the payments by Purchaser as set forth above, the Company shall take such
steps as shall be required to cause the following to occur: (i) the Company
Option Plan, the Company Restricted Stock Award Plan, and each Company Option
and share of restricted stock for which the restrictions have not lapsed as of
the Closing shall, to the extent not already terminated, terminate as of the
Closing all in accordance with the terms thereof, and (ii) following the Closing
no participant in the Company Option Plan, the Company Restricted Stock Award
Plan or other plans, programs or arrangements shall have any right thereunder to
acquire any capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or the
Surviving Corporation, all in accordance with the terms thereof. On
and after the date hereof, the Company shall grant no additional Rights under
the Company Option Plan or the Company Restricted Stock Award Plan, provided, that,
through the fifth (5th)
Business Day preceding the Closing Date, the Company may take corporate actions
to accelerate vesting of any previously granted benefits under either the
Company Option Plan or the Company Restricted Stock Award Plan, provided that
such vesting shall be effective prior to the Closing. All
administrative and other rights and authorities granted under any Company Option
Plan to the Company, the board of directors of the Company or any committee or
designee thereof, shall, following the Effective Time, reside with the Surviving
Corporation. No interest will be paid or will accrue in the cash
payable upon surrender of any of the Company Options. Three (3)
Business Days prior to Closing, the Company shall provide to Purchaser a list of
all parties holding Company Options that will be Eligible Options as of the
Closing, together with the number of Eligible Options as of the Closing for each
such party and the exercise prices for each such Eligible Option.
2.7 Payment of Merger
Consideration; Exchange of Certificates Representing CompanyCommon
Stock.
(a) Appointment of Paying Agent for
Settlement. Prior to the Closing, Purchaser and Merger Sub
shall (i) appoint American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC or a
commercial bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to the Company to act as
paying agent (the “Paying Agent”)
hereunder to receive at Closing a portion of the Merger Consideration pursuant
hereto and to pay and distribute such Merger Consideration on and after the
Effective Time to each Person surrendering certificates representing any shares
of issued and outstanding Company Common Stock that will be cancelled pursuant
to Section 2.5 (the “Company Common Stock
Certificates”); and (ii) enter into a written agreement with the Paying
Agent in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and Stockholders’
Representative (the “Paying Agent
Agreement”) for such purposes.
(b) Payment of Merger
Consideration. At the Effective Time, the Purchaser or Merger
Sub shall deposit with the Paying Agent, for the benefit of the holders of
Company Common Stock, an amount equal to the Merger Consideration less an amount equal
to the sum of (i) the Escrow Amount and (ii) the Aggregate Option Settlement
Payment for exchange in accordance with this Section 2.7 (the “Paying Agent
Fund”).
(c) Notice; Exchange for Merger
Consideration. At the time of the mailing of the Company
Stockholders’ Consents Notification, the Company shall simultaneously mail or
deliver to each holder of record of Company Common Stock whose Company Common
Stock will be converted into the right to receive Merger Consideration pursuant
hereto the Transmittal Letter and/or such other forms mutually agreed to by
Purchaser and the Company specifying that delivery of the Company Common Stock
Certificates shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Company Common
Stock shall pass, only upon delivery and surrender of the Company Common Stock
Certificates to the Paying Agent (with signatures acknowledged by a Notary
Public), and instructions for effecting such surrender of such Company Common
Stock Certificates. Upon surrender of a Company Common Stock
Certificate to the Paying Agent pursuant to instructions received by a holder of
Company Common Stock together with the Transmittal Letter duly executed,
notarized and completed in accordance with the instructions thereto, the Paying
Agent shall promptly arrange to deliver to each such holder of Company Common
Stock a portion of the Merger Consideration calculated pursuant to Section
2.5(a), less
the amount of any withholding that is required by applicable Tax
Law. Merger Consideration shall be paid by check or wire transfer
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Paying Agent
Agreement. Any Company Common Stock surrendered shall forthwith be
cancelled. No interest will be paid or will accrue on the cash
payable upon surrender of any of the Company Common Stock. In the
event of a transfer of ownership of Company Common Stock that is not registered
in the transfer records of the Company, exchange and payment may be made with
respect to such Company Common Stock to such transferee if the Company Common
Stock Certificate representing such shares of Company Common Stock is presented
to the Paying Agent accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect
such transfer. From and after the Effective Time, and until
surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.7(c), each Company Common Stock
Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time for all
purposes, to represent only the right to receive upon surrender thereof the
Merger Consideration with respect to the shares formerly represented thereby
pursuant to the terms hereof. From and after the Effective Time,
there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of the Company of the
shares of Company Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time.
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(d) Timing and Effect of Exchange of
Merger Consideration. All shares of Company Common Stock
delivered to the Paying Agent in accordance with the terms of this Article II
and any Merger Consideration paid pursuant to this Article II shall be deemed to
have been paid at the Effective Time in full satisfaction of all rights
pertaining to the shares of Company Common Stock.
(e) Return of Paying Agent
Fund. Any portion of the Paying Agent Fund (including the
proceeds of any interest and other income received by the Paying Agent in
respect of all such funds) that remains unclaimed by the holders of Company
Common Stock six (6) months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to the
Purchaser. Any holders of Company Common Stock who have not
theretofore complied with this Article II shall thereafter look only to the
Purchaser as general creditors for payment of any Merger Consideration, without
any interest thereon, that may be payable in respect of the Company Common Stock
held by such holder as determined pursuant to this Agreement; provided, that
whenever the Purchaser pays or distributes the Merger Consideration to any
holder of Common Stock, including to any holder of Dissenting Shares who
subsequently withdraws its claim for appraisal pursuant to Section 2.8, it will
pay and distribute Merger Consideration to such holder in accordance with this
Article II.
(f) Delivery of Abandoned
Property. None of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub, the
Company, the Surviving Corporation, the Paying Agent or any other Person shall
be liable to any former holder of Company Common Stock or any Option Holder for
any amount properly delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws.
(g) Lost
Certificates. In the event any Company Common Stock
Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an
affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such Company Common Stock
Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed, and, if required by the Surviving
Corporation, the posting by such Person of a bond in such reasonable amount as
the Surviving Corporation may direct as indemnity against any claim which may be
made against it with respect to such Company Common Stock Certificate, the
Paying Agent will issue, in each case, in exchange for such lost, stolen or
destroyed Company Common Stock Certificate, the Merger Consideration payable in
respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.
(h) Fees of Paying
Agent. In addition to the other deposits to be made by
Purchaser in the Paying Agent Fund, Purchaser shall separately pay (a) all of
the fees and expenses of the Paying Agent, and (b) all of the fees and expenses
related to the preparation, handling and mailing of 1099 Tax forms with respect
to payments from the Paying Agent Fund.
(i) Taxes. In the
event that any amounts are withheld for the payment of Taxes as permitted by
this Agreement from any payments from the Paying Agent Fund to a holder of
Company Common Stock or payments made by Purchaser, Company or the Surviving
Corporation to an Option Holder in respect of which such deduction and
withholding was made, such withheld amounts shall be held in trust and paid in a
timely manner to the applicable Governmental Authorities on account of such Tax
liabilities and treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the holder of the Company Common Stock or Option Holder in respect of which
such deduction and withholding was made.
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2.8 Dissenting Shares.
(a) Notwithstanding
any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each outstanding share of
Company Common Stock of which the holder (i) has not consented to the Merger,
(ii) has perfected such holder’s right to an appraisal of such holder’s shares
in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL and (iii) has not
effectively withdrawn or lost such right to appraisal (a “Dissenting Share”),
shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive the Merger
Consideration Price Per Share. The holder of a Dissenting Share shall
be entitled only to such rights as are granted by the applicable provisions of
the DGCL, and, subject to the rights of the Surviving Corporation set forth
herein and the DGCL, the Surviving Corporation shall promptly pay the amount, if
any, to which such holders are entitled to pursuant to applicable provisions of
the DGCL; provided, however, that any
Dissenting Share held by a Person at the Effective Time who shall, after the
Effective Time, withdraw the demand for appraisal or lose the right of
appraisal, in either case pursuant to the DGCL, shall be deemed to be converted
into, as of the Effective Time, the right to receive an amount of cash for each
Dissenting Share equal to the Merger Consideration Price Per Share pursuant to
the terms and conditions of this Article II.
(b) The
Company shall give Purchaser and Merger Sub (i) prompt notice of any written
demands for appraisal, withdrawals of demands for appraisal and any other
instruments served pursuant to the applicable provisions of the DGCL relating to
the appraisal process received by the Company and (ii) from and after the
Effective Time, the opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with
respect to demands for appraisal under the DGCL. Except with the
prior written consent of Purchaser, the Company will not voluntarily make any
payment with respect to any demands for appraisal and will not settle or offer
to settle any such demands.
2.9 Escrow Agreement; Company
Retention Aggregate Amount. At
the Closing, Purchaser shall pay to the Escrow Agent (i) the Escrow Fund and
(ii) the deferred amount of the Company Retention Aggregate Amount specified in
the Company Closing Certificate to be delivered to the Escrow Agent, each of
which shall be held and distributed pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
Escrow Agreement. At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay to the Company
on behalf of the parties to the Company Retention Agreements (in such amounts as
are set forth in the Company Closing Certificate) an aggregate amount equal to
the Company Retention Aggregate Amount that may be payable to such parties
within sixty (60) days after the Closing pursuant the Company Retention
Agreements.
2.10 Closing Indebtedness
Payment; Certain Company Transaction Expenses. At
the Closing, Purchaser shall, in accordance with Section 5.9, pay the Closing
Indebtedness Payment and any and all amounts of outstanding Company Transaction
Expenses set forth on the Company Closing Certificate.
ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE COMPANY
Simultaneously
with the execution of this Agreement, the Company has delivered to the Purchaser
Parent and Purchaser a disclosure schedule with numbered sections and
subsections corresponding to the relevant schedules (and subsections thereof)
identified in this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure
Schedule”). Each item set forth on the Company Disclosure
Schedule is identified by reference to, or grouped under a heading referring to,
or by specific cross references to, a specific section or subsection of this
Agreement. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in the
Company Disclosure Schedule shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them
in this Agreement. Any item disclosed in any section or subsection of
the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to have been made with respect
to each other section or subsection of the Company Disclosure Schedule so long
as it is reasonably apparent from the context of such disclosure that the
disclosure in such other section or subsection is also applicable to the
relevant section or subsection notwithstanding the omission of a cross-reference
thereto. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in the
Company Disclosure Schedule shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them
in this Agreement.
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In order
to induce the Purchaser, Purchaser Parent and Merger Sub to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company
represents and warrants to Purchaser, Purchaser Parent and Merger Sub as
follows:
3.1 Organization of the Company
and the Company Subsidiaries. The
Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and operated and, with
respect to its corporate formation and existence, is in good standing under the
Laws of the State of Delaware and in accordance with its Governing
Documents. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1, each
Company Subsidiary is an entity duly constituted, registered and organized,
validly existing and operated, and, with respect to its entity formation and
existence, is in good standing (or applicable concept in its jurisdiction of
organization), in each instance under the Laws of its jurisdiction of
organization and in accordance with its Governing Documents. The
Company and each Company Subsidiary has all requisite entity power and authority
to own, operate and lease their respective assets and to carry on their
respective businesses as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted and
is qualified or licensed to do business and in good standing and validly
operated in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership,
leasing or operation of its assets and properties renders such qualification,
license or good standing necessary, except where such failures to be so
qualified or in good standing would not, in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect. Schedule 3.1 sets
forth, with respect to the Company and each Company Subsidiary, the jurisdiction
in which each is constituted, registered, organized and qualified or licensed to
do business.
3.2 Capitalization of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries. (a) The
authorized capital stock of the Company consists solely of (i) 200,000 shares of
Company Common Stock, of which (A) 80,075 shares are issued and outstanding and
held of record by the Persons and in the amounts set forth on Schedule 3.2(a)
hereto, (B) 6,270 shares of Company Common Stock are held in the treasury of the
Company and (C) 4,350 shares of Company Common Stock are reserved for issuance
in respect of issued and outstanding Company Options, and (ii) 20,000 shares of
Company Preferred Stock, none of which have been issued or are reserved for
issuance. The only Rights issued and outstanding for capital stock or
Equity Interests of the Company are Company Options for an aggregate of 4,350
shares of Company Common Stock that are held of record by the Persons and in the
amounts set forth on Schedule
3.2(a). All of the issued and outstanding shares of Company
Common Stock and all shares reserved for issuance in respect of Company Options
will be, upon issuance in accordance with the terms specified in the instruments
or agreements pursuant to which they are issuable, duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
(b) Schedule 3.2(b)(i)
sets forth, for each Company Subsidiary, (i) the authorized and issued number of
Equity Interests for such Company Subsidiary and (ii) the beneficial and record
owners of any such Equity Interests. No Rights in respect of the
Equity Interests of any Company Subsidiary has been granted in respect of any
Company Subsidiary. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.2(b)(ii),
all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each Company Subsidiary
have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and are non-assessable and
are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all Liens and
free of any other restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote,
sell or otherwise dispose of such Equity Interests).
(c) At
the Closing, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated to occur at or
prior to Closing hereunder, no Rights will be or become exercisable or
exchangeable for, convertible into, or otherwise give its holder any right to
acquire any Equity Interests of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary.
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(d) Each
Subsidiary of the Company is set forth on Schedule
3.2(d). Except for the Company Subsidiaries, neither the
Company nor any Company Subsidiary controls directly or indirectly or has any
direct or indirect Equity Interests, Rights or equity participation in any
corporation, partnership, trust, or other business association and there is no
other Person with respect to which (i) the Company or any Company Subsidiary may
be deemed to be in control because of factors or relationships other than the
quantity of stock or other interests owned in such Person (if any) or (ii) the
Company or any Company Subsidiary may be liable under any circumstances for the
payment of additional amounts with respect to its interest in such Person,
whether in the form of assessments, capital calls, installment payments, general
partner liability or otherwise.
(e) There
is no Voting Debt of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
3.3 Authorization;
Enforceability. The
Company and each Company Subsidiary has full entity power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement (if a party hereto) and any Company
Ancillary Agreement to which it is a named party, and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject only to receiving the
affirmative vote of Stockholders holding a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock, which is the only class or
series of capital stock of the Company necessary to approve the Merger and this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement, any Company Ancillary Agreements to
which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a named party and all other
documents and agreements to be delivered by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary pursuant hereto or thereto, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly and validly approved and
authorized by all requisite entity action on the part of the Company or the
applicable Company Subsidiary, as the case may be. This Agreement has
been (and each of the Company Ancillary Agreements to which the Company or a
Company Subsidiary is a named party when executed will be) duly and validly
executed and delivered by the Company and applicable Company Subsidiary, as the
case may be, and, constitutes (or, in the case of each of the Company Ancillary
Agreements to which the Company or a Company Subsidiary is a named party when
executed will constitute), the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Company or such Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, enforceable against it
in accordance with its respective terms, except as such enforcement may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other similar Laws
affecting or relating to the rights of creditors generally or by general
principles of equity.
3.4 Financial
Statements. Schedule 3.4 contains
true and complete copies of the following: (a) the audited consolidated balance
sheets and related audited consolidated statements of income, stockholders’
equity, and cash flows for the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as of and
for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (the “Financial
Statements”), and (b) the Interim Financial Statements through March 31,
2010. The Financial Statements, such Interim Financial Statements
and, when prepared and delivered the Determination Date Balance Sheet and any
additional Interim Financial Statements required to be delivered hereunder will
have been prepared from, and are or will, as the case may be, in accordance with
and accurately reflect, in all material respects, the books and records of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries. The Financial Statements, and
the Interim Financial Statements delivered herewith and, when prepared and
delivered, the Determination Date Balance Sheet and any additional Interim
Financial Statements required to be delivered hereunder will have been prepared
in accordance with GAAP (subject, in the case of the Interim Financial
Statements and the Determination Date Balance Sheet, to normally recurring
year-end audit adjustments, the absence of footnotes and the last sentence of
this Section 3.4) for the periods presented. The Financial Statements
and the Interim Financial Statements delivered herewith fairly present and, when
prepared and delivered, the Determination Date Balance Sheet and any additional
Interim Financial Statements required to be delivered hereunder will fairly
present in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and, if
applicable, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the Company
and the Company Subsidiaries as of the times and for the periods referred to
therein. The Determination Date Balance Sheet contains an adequate
accrual for Code Subpart F Income Taxes, if any, regardless of whether required
by GAAP.
22
3.5 Governing Documents; Books
and Records. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.5, a true,
correct and complete copy of (a) the Governing Documents of the Company and each
of the Company Subsidiaries, (b) a summary of the stock transactions reflected
in the stock ledgers and stock transfer records of the Company and each of the
Company Subsidiaries and (c) copies of all minutes of the stockholders and board
of directors and all committees thereof (or equivalent) of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries occurring since January 1, 2007 have heretofore been made
available to the Purchaser or its counsel in the Electronic Data Room (subject
to the redaction of information relating to the sale of the Company hereunder or
any similar alternative transactions). Such Governing Documents,
summary of stock transactions and minutes of the Company are complete, true and
correct in all material respects, and have been maintained in accordance with
all applicable Laws. To the Knowledge of the Company, the auditors of
the Company have not found any deficiency or material weakness in the Company’s
or any Company Subsidiary’s internal controls under applicable auditing
standards which remain unresolved.
3.6 Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities. Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has any material direct or
indirect Indebtedness, liability, claim, loss, damage, deficiency, obligation or
responsibility of a nature that would be required to be reflected on a balance
sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP (“Liabilities”), other
than those Liabilities (a) which are not material in the aggregate, (b) which
are set forth or adequately provided for in the Financial Statements or the
Interim Financial Statements delivered herewith, (c) have been incurred since
the Balance Sheet Date in the Ordinary Course of Business or (d) are set forth
on Schedule
3.6.
3.7 Compliance with Law;
Governmental Authorizations. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.7(a)(i),
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects
with, are not in violation of, and have not received notices of violation with
respect to any Law which in either case, individually or in the aggregate with
each such other violation, noncompliance, notification or underlying matters in
respect thereof, could reasonably be expected to result in a material Liability
to the Company or any Company Subsidiary. The Company has previously
made available to Purchaser or its counsel in the Electronic Data Room true and
correct copies of all reports of material inspections received by it with
respect to each of the businesses and properties of the Company and each Company
Subsidiary under applicable Laws which occurred since January 1, 2007, and
resulted in, or would result in, Losses to the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries equal to or exceeding an aggregate amount of
$50,000.00. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7(a)(ii),
to the Knowledge of the Company, no investigation, inspection, audit, or other
proceeding by any Governmental Authority involving an allegation of violation of
any applicable Law is threatened or contemplated.
(b) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.7(b), the
Company and each Company Subsidiary have obtained all licenses, permits,
certificates, consents and approvals from Governmental Authorities (the “Licenses”) that are
necessary for the business and operations of the Company and each Company
Subsidiary as presently conducted. All material Licenses of the
Company and each Company Subsidiary are in full force and effect, and no written
notice of any pending violation, removal, revocation or non-renewal has been
received by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in respect of any such
material Licenses. The Company does not have any Knowledge that any
material License of the Company or any Company Subsidiary will not be renewed in
the ordinary course or will be revoked, terminated, suspended or impaired nor
does the Company have Knowledge of any circumstances that would result in the
same. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder and
the operation of the business of the Company and each Company Subsidiary by the
Surviving Corporation in the manner in which the Company and each Company
Subsidiary currently operates will not require or result in the transfer of any
License that may not be transferred without the consent or approval of any
Governmental Authority or other Person.
23
3.8 No Conflicts; Change of
Control. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.8(a), the
execution, delivery and performance by the Company or any Company Subsidiary of
this Agreement and the Company Ancillary Agreements to which the Company or any
Company Subsidiary is a named party, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby will not (i) violate any provision of the
Governing Documents of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) with the
exception of the Zions Bank Loan and the Credit Suisse Loan, violate, or be in
conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse
of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in, or provide the
basis for, the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or
excuse performance by any Person of any of its obligations under, or cause the
acceleration of the maturity of any Indebtedness or obligation pursuant to, or
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any material property or
assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary under any Material Contract to
which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their
properties or assets are bound, or (iii) violate any Law or Order of any
Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary in
any material respect, or require the consent, approval or action of, filing with
or notice to any Governmental Authority or other Person in order for the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or any of the Company Ancillary Agreements.
(b) Except
as set forth in Schedule 3.8(a) or
Schedule
3.8(b), the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
constitute a “change of control” under, require the consent from or the giving
of notice to a party pursuant to, permit a party to terminate or accelerate
vesting, repayment or repurchase rights, or create any other material detriment
under the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Material
Contract.
3.9 Contracts.
(a) Set
forth on Schedule
3.9(a) is a list each of the following Contracts to which the Company or
any Company Subsidiary is a party or is otherwise bound:
(i)
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each
Contract or series of related Contracts that in the aggregate (A) involves
a commitment or potential commitment for expenditure or other obligation
or potential obligation, or which provides for the receipt (other than
sale or purchase orders for goods and materials) by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary of an amount or value in excess of $100,000.00, other
than any Terminable Contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course of
Business; (B) that is executory in whole or in part, was not entered into
in the Ordinary Course of Business and that involves expenditures or
receipts of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in excess of $25,000.00
in respect of an individual Contract or $100,000.00 in the
aggregate;
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(ii)
|
each
real property lease, rental or occupancy Contract, license, installment
Contract, conditional sale Contract or other Contract with material
outstanding obligations or liability, contingent or otherwise, to which
the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or is otherwise bound
relating to the sale, purchase, ownership, title, lease, use or occupancy
of real property or material tangible personal property other than
Contracts described in Section 3.9(a)(i) or Contracts entered into in the
Ordinary Course of Business for services, repair, construction or
maintenance with payment obligations of less than $50,000.00 per
Contract;
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(iii)
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each
collective bargaining Contract and any other material Contract to or with
any labor union, trade union or other employee representative, body or
organization of a group of employees of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary;
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(iv)
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each
joint venture, partnership or similar Contract involving a sharing of
profits, losses, costs or Liabilities by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary with any other Person;
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24
(v)
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each
Contract containing outstanding covenant or other obligations that in any
way restricts the business activity of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary or limits the freedom of the Company or any Company Subsidiary
to engage in any line of business or to compete with any
Person;
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(vi)
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each
Contract (A) relating to any Company or Company Subsidiary providing for
commission, compensation, royalty or other payments to or by any Person
based on sales, purchases or profits (other than direct payments for
goods), other than Terminable Contracts entered into in the Ordinary
Course of Business, or (B) that is a sales, distribution, supply or
franchise Contract that is not a Terminable Contract and provides for
compensation at an amount or rate which is higher than is customary or
usual in the applicable business of the Company or such Company
Subsidiary;
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(vii)
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each
power of attorney that is currently effective and outstanding granted by
and relating to the Company or any Company Subsidiary (other than powers
of attorney delivered in the Ordinary Course of Business to (A) customs
brokers and similar Persons involved in the transport of Company or
Company Subsidiary goods, (B) the Company’s auditors, accountants and
fiscal agents with respect to Tax matters and (C) the attorneys for the
Company and any Company Subsidiary in connection with the prosecution of
Intellectual Property rights);
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(viii)
|
each
written warranty, guaranty, and/or other similar undertaking with respect
to either Products or contractual performance extended by the Company or
any Company Subsidiary, other than those which are otherwise set forth in
written Material Contracts;
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(ix)
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each
written or oral Contract with any key employee, consultant, director or
officer of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, including any employment
or compensation agreements, other than at will oral employment Contracts
that are Terminable Contracts;
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(x)
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each
Contract (A) relating to Indebtedness of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary for borrowed money, (B) relating to security given in respect
of, or the guaranty by the Company or any Company Subsidiary of, any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Company for borrowed money
or any other liability or obligation of such Person, (C) imposing a Lien,
other than Permitted Liens, on any asset of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary or (D) relating to any loans or advances to, or investment in,
or guaranty, financial support, or security given in respect of,
Indebtedness or any other liability or obligation of any Person (other
than loans, advances or investments in any Company Subsidiary);
and
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(xi)
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each
Contract related to Company Intellectual Property, including License
Agreements, other than (a) “click-through” Contracts for off-the-shelf
Software entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business or (b) standard
dealer agreements substantively in the form(s) previously made available
to Purchaser in Section “III.E.2.” of the Electronic Data Room granting a
right to use the Company
Trademarks.
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(b) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.9(b), the
Company and each Company Subsidiary, as applicable, has performed all of the
material obligations required to be performed by it and is entitled to all
material benefits under, and is not in default in respect of, any Material
Contract to which it is a party or by which it or any of its undertaking, assets
or properties is bound. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.9(b),
neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received written
notice or, to the Company’s Knowledge, oral notice, of a breach or default which
remains uncured or a pending or threatened cancellation, revocation or
termination of any Material Contract and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no
event has occurred and no condition or state of facts exists which, with the
passage of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default
or breach by the Company, any Company Subsidiary or by any other
Person.
25
(c) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.9(c), each
Material Contract is in full force and effect and constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of the named Company and/or Company Subsidiary party thereto
(as applicable) and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto,
in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by the
effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other similar Laws
affecting or relating to the rights of creditors generally or by general
principles of equity.
(d) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.9(d), none
of the Material Contracts was entered into other than in the Ordinary Course of
Business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(e) The
Company has made available to the Purchaser in the Electronic Data Room
complete, true and correct copies of all of the Material Contracts; provided,
however, that the full terms and conditions of certain agreements included in
Material Contracts and provided in the Electronic Data Room are incomplete; any
such incomplete documents are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to
the Company’s or any Company Subsidiaries’ business or operations.
3.10 Litigation;
Disputes. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.10(a),
other than Litigations that both (i) are solely for monetary damages against the
Company or any Company Subsidiary and (ii) under which the maximum Liability to
the Company and each Company Subsidiary is not greater than $50,000.00, there
are no Litigations or governmental investigations pending or, to the Knowledge
of the Company, threatened against the Company, any Company Subsidiary, or, in
connection with the activities of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, any
directors, officers, employees or agents thereof, before or by any Governmental
Authority, or which questions or challenges the validity of this Agreement or
any Company Ancillary Agreement or any action taken or to be taken by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement or any Company
Ancillary Agreement or in connection herewith or therewith. There are
no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened claims against the
Company or any Company Subsidiary in favor of directors, officers, employees or
agents of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(b) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.10(b),
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has, since July 1, 2006, been a
party to any Litigation that has resulted in or will result in a Material
Adverse Effect.
3.11 Taxes. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule
3.11(a):
(i)
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All
Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary through the date hereof have been filed, or requests for
extensions have been timely filed, and any such extensions have been
granted and have not expired; and all such Returns required to be filed by
or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary on or before the
Closing Date will be timely filed and all Taxes will be fully paid by that
date or provided for by reasonable reserves in accordance with GAAP,
whether or not any such Taxes were reported or reflected in any
Returns. Each such Return was, and in the case of Returns that
will be filed after the date hereof and before the Closing Date, will be,
complete, true and correct in all material
respects.
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(ii)
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All
material Taxes with respect to taxable periods covered by such Returns and
all other material Taxes required to be paid by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary for the periods covered by such Returns, except in the case of
Taxes for which Returns are not required to be filed, or with respect to
which the Company has received written notice from a Taxing Authority
asserting potential liability, have been paid in full and the
Determination Date Balance Sheet reflects a reasonable reserve in
accordance with GAAP for all Taxes payable by the Company or such Company
Subsidiary for all taxable periods and portions thereof through the
Closing Date.
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26
(iii)
|
Except
as set forth on Schedule
3.11(a)(iii), since January 1, 2007, no Return of the Company or
any Company Subsidiary is or has been under audit or examination by any
Taxing Authority, and no written or oral notice of such an audit or
examination has been received by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary. Each material dispute or claim resulting from any
audit or examination relating to Taxes by any Taxing Authority has been
finally resolved and any amounts due as a result thereof have been
paid. No material issues relating to Taxes were raised by the
relevant Taxing Authority during any presently pending audit or
examination, if any, and no material issues relating to Taxes were raised
by the relevant Taxing Authority in any completed audit or examination
that could reasonably be expected to recur in a later taxable
period. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.11(a)(iii), the Returns of the Company and each Company
Subsidiary relating to income Taxes for all years through 2005 either (1)
have been examined by and settled with the IRS or other relevant Taxing
Authority or (2) the statute of limitations has expired with respect to
such Returns. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary
has waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any
extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency since
January 1, 2007. No claim has been made, nor to the Knowledge
of the Company, is any claim pending, by a Taxing Authority in any
jurisdiction where neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries
files Returns alleging that the Company or any Company Subsidiary is or
may be subject to Taxes in that
jurisdiction.
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(iv)
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No
Liabilities for Liens for Taxes exist with respect to any of the assets or
properties of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, except for statutory
liens for Taxes not yet due or payable or Taxes that are being contested
in good faith and for which a reasonable reserve in accordance with GAAP
has been established on the Determination Date Balance
Sheet.
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(v)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any tax
sharing agreement, tax indemnity obligation or similar Contract,
arrangement or practice with respect to Taxes (including any advance
pricing agreement, closing agreement or other agreement relating to Taxes
with any Taxing Authority).
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(vi)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall be required to include in a
taxable period ending after the Closing Date taxable income attributable
to income that accrued in a prior taxable period ending on or before the
Closing Date but was not recognized in any prior taxable period as a
result of the installment method of accounting, the long term contract
method of accounting, or Section 481 of the Code or comparable provisions
of state, local or foreign Tax Law, or for any other
reason.
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(vii)
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No
person has made with respect to either the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, or any property held by the Company or any Company Subsidiary,
any consent under Section 341 of the
Code.
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(viii)
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There
is no Contract or other document, agreement, formal or informal
arrangement extending, or having the effect of extending, the period of
assessment or collection of any Taxes of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary and no power of attorney with respect to any such Taxes has
been executed or filed with any Taxing Authority by or on behalf of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary.
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(ix)
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Each
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has within the time and the
manner prescribed by Law, withheld from and paid over to the proper
Governmental Authorities all material Taxes required to be so withheld and
paid over under applicable Laws and all records as required by the
applicable Laws have been maintained in respect of all such payments and
withholdings.
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27
(x)
|
Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has in any tax year participated in
or cooperated with an international boycott (within the meaning of Section
999(b)(3) of the Code).
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(xi)
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The
Company has prior to the date hereof made available to Purchaser in the
Electronic Data Room (A) complete, true and correct copies of all material
Returns of the Company and each Company Subsidiary relating to Taxes for
all taxable periods for which the applicable statute of limitations has
not yet expired, (B) complete, true and correct copies of all private
letter rulings issued in respect of Taxes of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, and (C) complete, true and correct copies of all material (and
currently effective, unresolved or pending, as the case may be) notices of
proposed deficiencies.
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(xii)
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Schedule
3.11(a)(xii) lists (A) each jurisdiction in which the Company or
any Company Subsidiary joins or has joined for any taxable period ending
after January 1,
2007 in the filing of any consolidated, combined or unitary Return,
and (B) the common parent corporation and the other individual members of
the consolidated, combined or unitary group filing such
Return.
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(xiii)
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Schedule
3.11(a)(xiii) lists each state, county, local, municipal or foreign
jurisdiction in which the Company or any Company Subsidiary files, is
required to file or has been required to file a Return relating to state
and local income, franchise, net worth and sales and use Taxes or is or
has been liable for any Taxes on a “nexus” basis at any time for taxable
periods ending after January 1,
2007.
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(xiv)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has constituted either a
“distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the
meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of stock
qualifying for tax free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (A) within
the two year period ending on the date of this Agreement or (B) which
could otherwise constitute part of a “plan” or “series of related
transactions” (within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) in
conjunction with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
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(xv)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a United States real property
holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the
Code.
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(xvi)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has ever (A) made an election under
Section 1362 of the Code to be treated as an S corporation for Federal
income tax purposes or made a similar election under any comparable
provision of any state, local or foreign Tax Law or (B) been a member of a
Tax Group that has filed an election under Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-75(c) or any similar provision of national, foreign, state or local
law with respect to the Company or a Company
Subsidiary.
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(xvii)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any application pending with
any Taxing Authority requesting permission for any changes in accounting
methods.
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(xviii)
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Since
June 30, 2007, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have not made any
material payments, are not obligated to make any material payments, and
have not become a party to any Contract, including this Agreement, that
under certain circumstances could obligate it to make material payments,
that are not or will not be, as the case may be, deductible under Section
280G or 162(m) of the Code.
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28
(xix)
|
To
the Knowledge of the Company, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
have not reported on their income tax returns, or taken any positions
therein that could give rise to, a substantial understatement of federal
or other income tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code or
penalties under any similar
statute.
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(xx)
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Since
January 1, 2007, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has (A) at
any time engaged in or entered into a “listed transaction” within the
meaning of Treasury Reg. §§1.6011-4(b)(2), 301.6111-2(b)(2) or
302.6112-1(b)(2), or (B) filed IRS Form 8275 or 8275-R or any predecessor
or successor thereof or analogous or similar Tax Return under state, local
or foreign law.
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(xxi)
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None
of the Company Subsidiaries is or has ever been a “passive foreign
investment company” within the meaning of Section 1297 of the
Code.
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(xxii)
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Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has engaged in any “intercompany
transaction” in respect of which income or gain that is material in the
aggregate (disregarding any losses arising from any such intercompany
transaction) continues to be deferred pursuant to Treasury Reg. §
1.1502-13 or any predecessor or successor thereof or analogous or similar
provision under state, local or foreign
law.
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3.12 Absence of Certain Changes
or Events. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.12, since
the Balance Sheet Date, the Company and each Company Subsidiary has conducted
its respective business in the Ordinary Course of Business in all material
respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as
set forth on Schedule
3.12, since the Balance Sheet Date, neither the Company nor any Company
Subsidiary has:
(i)
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split,
combined, classified, re-classified, varied the rights attaching to, or
taken similar action with respect to any of its issued or authorized
capital stock or other Equity Interests or proposed the issuance of any
other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for its
authorized or issued capital stock or other Equity Interests; granted any
Rights to purchase its securities; issued any Equity Interests; granted
any registration rights; purchased, redeemed, retired, or otherwise
acquired any Equity Interests; or adopted a plan of complete or partial
liquidation or passed any resolutions providing for or authorizing such
liquidation or a dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring,
recapitalization or other reorganization or declared or paid any dividend
or other distribution or payment in respect of its Equity Interests other
than dividends or other distributions from a Company Subsidiary to the
Company;
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(ii)
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amended
its Governing Documents;
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(iii)
|
paid
or increased any bonuses, salaries, severance, termination payments or
other compensation to any director, officer, employee, consultant or
contractor (other than in the Ordinary Course of Business or to be paid as
a Company Transaction Expense or pursuant to the Company Retention
Agreements);
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(iv)
|
(A)
adopted or terminated or (B) in any material respect, amended or increased
the payments to or benefits under, any Benefit Plan for or with any
employees of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary;
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(v)
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damaged,
destroyed or lost any assets or properties of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, whether or not covered by insurance, where such damage,
destruction or loss would result in Losses to the Company and/or any
Company Subsidiaries equal to or exceeding an aggregate amount of
$50,000.00.
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29
(vi)
|
except
in the Ordinary Course of Business, materially amended, renewed, failed to
renew, terminated (other than due to any scheduled expiration) or received
written notice of termination (other than due to any scheduled expiration)
with respect to any Material Contract or entered into any new Material
Contract or, to the Knowledge of the Company, taken any action that
jeopardizes the continuance of its material supplier or customer
relationships;
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(vii)
|
except
in the Ordinary Course of Business, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise
disposed of any asset or property material to the business of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary (other than tangible personal property that has
been damaged or rendered obsolete), or imposed a Lien upon any asset or
property of the Company or any Company Subsidiary that is material to the
business of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary;
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(viii)
|
(A)
incurred or assumed any Indebtedness except for (I) Excluded Indebtedness
and (II) borrowings and issuance of letters of credit or bank guarantees
under the Credit Suisse Loan Documents or the Zions Bank Loan Documents,
(B) assumed, guaranteed, endorsed or otherwise become liable or
responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) for the
obligations of any other Person (other than endorsements of checks in the
Ordinary Course of Business), or (C) made any loans, advances or capital
contributions to, or investment in, any Person, other than employee travel
and expense advances in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
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(ix)
|
paid,
discharged or satisfied any Liabilities, other than the payment, discharge
or satisfaction of Liabilities (A) in the Ordinary Course of Business or
(B) that were reflected or reserved against in the Balance
Sheet;
|
(x)
|
made
any change in any method of accounting or accounting practices, policies
or procedures;
|
(xi)
|
sold,
disposed of or surrendered any material License or any portion
thereof;
|
(xii)
|
accelerated
or delayed collection of notes or accounts receivable in advance of or
beyond their regular due dates or the dates when the same would have been
collected in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
|
(xiii)
|
delayed
or accelerated payments of any accounts payable or other liability beyond
or in advance of its due date or the date when such liability would have
been paid in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
|
(xiv)
|
failed
to replenish inventories and supplies of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary in the Ordinary Course of Business, or entered into any
purchase commitment not in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
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(xv)
|
made
any acquisition of all or any significant part of the assets, capital
stock, Equity Interests, properties, securities or business of any other
Person;
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(xvi)
|
entered
into any collective bargaining Contract or any other Contract with any
labor union or association representing any group of employees, or been
subject to any strike, picket, work stoppage, work slowdown or labor
dispute or been subject to any application for certification or union
organizing drive;
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(xvii)
|
made
any capital expenditure or any other investment (or series of related
investments), or entered into any Contract or commitment therefor, in
excess of $50,000.00 in respect of any such individual investment or
Contract or $200,000.00 in respect of any number of such investments or
Contracts other than capital expenditures contained in the fiscal year
2010 capital budget for the Company and the Company Subsidiaries that has
been made available to Purchaser in Section “II.I.” of the Electronic Data
Room;
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30
(xviii)
|
written
down the value of any inventory (including write-downs by reason of
shrinkage or xxxx-down) or written off as uncollectible any notes or
accounts receivable in excess of the Company’s reserves therefor that are
set forth in the Financial Statements;
or
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(xix)
|
agreed,
whether orally or in writing, to do any of the
foregoing.
|
(b) Since
the Balance Sheet Date, (i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has
received written notice of any event that has had or could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company or any
Company Subsidiary and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, there has not been
any event that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(c) From
the Determination Date through the date hereof, except as set forth on Schedule 3.12(c), the
Company and each Company Subsidiary has been operated in compliance with, and
has not taken any act contravening any provision of, clauses (a) – (n) of
Section 5.1.
3.13 Employee Benefit
Plans. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.13(a), and
except for customary payroll practices and policies, including overtime
compensation, paid vacation, holiday and sick days, paid leaves of absence,
travel and automobile allowances and expense reimbursements (all of which are
either (i) set forth in the employee handbook set forth in Section “V.C.1 and
V.C.2” of the Electronic Data Room or (ii) if not in the such employee handbook,
do not have a material impact on the Company or any Company Subsidiary), neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary sponsors, maintains or contributes to or
has any obligation or liability (absolute, contingent or otherwise) with respect
to, and none of the employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
covered by, any bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, severance
pay, pension, profit sharing, retirement, group or individual insurance, welfare
benefit, stock appreciation right, stock purchase, stock option, employee stock
ownership, employee assistance, or other fringe benefit plan, arrangement or
practice, written or otherwise, or any “employee benefit plan,” as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether formal, informal, funded or unfunded
(collectively, the “Benefit
Plans”). In respect of any Benefit Plans set forth on Schedule 3.13, and
except as described on Schedule 3.13, none
of the Benefit Plans are, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary (or
any of their ERISA Affiliates) has maintained or had an obligation to contribute
to, or incurred any other obligation with respect to, (i) a plan subject to
Section 412 of the Code or Title I, Subtitle B, Part 3 of ERISA, (ii) a
“multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, (a “Multiemployer Plan”),
(iii) a “multiple employer plan,” as defined in ERISA or the Code, or (iv) a
funded welfare benefit plan, as defined in Section 419 of the
Code. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any Contract
or commitment to create any additional Benefit Plan, or, except as may be
required by Law or by the terms of such Plan or as may be contemplated by this
Agreement or the Merger, to modify or change any existing Benefit
Plan. Except as described on Schedule 3.13,
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any ERISA
Affiliates.
(b) With
respect to any and each Benefit Plan set forth on Schedule 3.13(a) the
Company and each Company Subsidiary has made available to Purchaser in the
Electronic Data Room true, correct and complete copies of (i) all documents
which comprise the current version of each of such Benefit Plan, including any
related trust agreements, insurance Contracts, or other funding or investment
Contracts and any amendments thereto, and (ii) with respect to each Benefit Plan
that is an “employee benefit plan,” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, (A) the
most recent Annual Report (Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedules for each
of the Benefit Plans for which such a report is required, (B) the current
summary plan description (and any summary of material modifications thereto),
(C) the most recently filed certified financial statements for each of the
Benefit Plans for which such a statement is required or was prepared, and (D)
for each Benefit Plan intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of Section
401(a) of the Code, the most recent IRS determination letter issued with respect
to such Benefit Plan. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(b),
since the date of such documents there has not been any material change in the
assets or Liabilities of any of the Benefit Plans or any change in their terms
and operations which could reasonably be expected to affect or alter the Tax
status or materially affect the cost of maintaining such Benefit Plan, and none
of the Benefit Plans has been or will be amended prior to the Closing
Date.
31
(c) In
respect of any Benefit Plans set forth on Schedule 3.13(a),
except as set forth on Schedule
3.13(c):
(i)
|
the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in material compliance with the
material terms and conditions of each of its Benefit Plans currently
maintained or maintained since January 1,
2007;
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(ii)
|
each
Benefit Plan (and each related trust, insurance Contract or fund) is in
material compliance with the requirements of all applicable Laws,
including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code, and has been maintained
and operated in material compliance with its terms and the requirements of
all such Laws;
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(iii)
|
each
Benefit Plan that is intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of
Section 401(a) of the Code is presently qualified. Except as
provided in the following sentence, each such Benefit Plan has been
determined by the IRS to be so qualified as evidenced by a determination
letter of the IRS and no event has occurred since the issuance of such
letter that could adversely affect such qualified status. The
prototype plan sponsor for the Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. Profit Sharing
Plan (as initially adopted and as restated) has received in 2001 and 2008
an opinion letter from the IRS indicating that the form of the prototype
plan is qualified and the Company has not since the initial adoption of
the Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. Profit Sharing Plan adopted any
modification to the qualified prototype plan nor operated such plan in any
way that would adversely affect its qualified
status;
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(iv)
|
all
filings required by ERISA, the Code or other applicable Law as to each
Benefit Plan have been timely filed, and all reports, notices and
disclosures to participants and beneficiaries under each Benefit Plan
required by either ERISA or the Code have been timely and appropriately
distributed or otherwise provided;
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(v)
|
except
as set forth on Schedule
3.13(c)(v), no complete or partial termination or wind up of any
Benefit Plan has occurred since January 1, 2007, or is expected to occur;
and
|
(vi)
|
no
condition or circumstance exists that would prevent the amendment or
termination of any Benefit Plan, and the Company or any ERISA Affiliate
may terminate or cease contributions to any Benefit Plan without incurring
any material liability.
|
(d) All
group health plans covering employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary
have been operated in material compliance with the continuation coverage
requirements of Section 4980B of the Code (and any predecessor provisions) and
Part 6 of Title I of ERISA (“COBRA”). Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.13(d),
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any obligation to provide
health benefits or other non pension benefits to retired or other former
employees (or their beneficiaries), except as specifically required by
COBRA.
32
(e) In
respect of any Benefit Plans set forth on Schedule 3.13(a),
except as set forth on Schedule
3.13(e):
(i)
|
full
payment has been timely made of all amounts which the Company or any
Company Subsidiary is required, under applicable Law or under any Benefit
Plan or any Contract relating to any Benefit Plan to which the Company or
any Company Subsidiary is a party, to have paid, including all
contributions and premiums thereunder, as of the last day of the most
recent fiscal year of such Benefit Plan ended prior to the date
hereof;
|
(ii)
|
all
contributions, premiums and payments paid or accrued with respect to any
Benefit Plan have been fully deducted or will be deducted for income tax
purposes (to the extent deductible) and no such deduction has been
challenged or disallowed by any Governmental Authority, and, to the
Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred and no condition or
circumstance has existed that could reasonably be expected to give rise to
any such challenge or disallowance;
|
(iii)
|
to
the Knowledge of the Company, no amount, or any asset, with respect to any
Benefit Plan is subject to Tax as unrelated business taxable income under
the Code; and
|
(iv)
|
to
the Knowledge of the Company, adequate provisions have been made in the
Company’s financial records and statements, in accordance with GAAP
applied on a consistent basis and prior practices of the Company, for all
obligations and Liabilities under all Benefit Plans that have accrued but
have not been paid because they are not yet due under the terms of any
Benefit Plan or related Contracts.
|
(f) Neither
the Company, any Company Subsidiary nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any
other “disqualified person” or “party in interest” as defined in Section 4975 of
the Code and Section 3(14) of ERISA, respectively, has engaged in any
“prohibited transaction,” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406
of ERISA, with respect to any Benefit Plan that could result in a material
Liability nor have there been any fiduciary violations under ERISA or other
event which could subject the Company or any Company Subsidiary (or any officer,
director or employee thereof) to any material penalty or Tax under Sections 502
of ERISA or Chapter 43 of the Code.
(g) In
respect of any Benefit Plans set forth on Schedule 3.13(a),
except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(g),
with respect to any Benefit Plan: (i) no filing, application or, to
the Knowledge of the Company, other matter is pending with the IRS, the PBGC,
the United States Department of Labor or any other Governmental Authority, and
(ii) there is no action, suit or claim pending nor, to the Knowledge of the
Company, threatened, other than routine claims for benefits.
(h) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.13(h),
neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of any
or all of the transactions contemplated thereby will: (i) entitle any current or
former employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to severance pay,
unemployment compensation or any similar payment, or (ii) accelerate the time of
payment or vesting or increase the amount of any compensation due to any such
employee or former employee, except for Company Options and outstanding
restricted stock awards.
3.14 Intellectual
Property. (a)
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14(a), to
the Company’s Knowledge the Company and each Company Subsidiary owns or has the
right to use all Intellectual Property necessary to carry out the business of
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as presently conducted.
33
(b) Set
forth on Schedule
3.14(b) is a complete and accurate list (showing in each case, the
registered owner, title, xxxx or name, applicable jurisdiction, application
number or registration number and date of application or expiration, if any) of
all United States, foreign and state: (i) Patents; (ii) Trademark registrations
and applications (separately setting forth those Trademarks that are actively
used by the Company or any Company Subsidiary to carry out the business of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries as presently conducted (the “Core Trademarks”));
(iii) Internet domain names; and (iv) copyright registrations and applications
owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary. The Patents, Core
Trademarks, Internet domain names and copyright registrations and applications
set forth on Schedule
3.14(b) are herein referred to as the “Company Owned Intellectual
Property”.
(c) Set
forth on Schedule
3.14(c) is a complete and accurate list of (i) each Contract that is in
effect pursuant to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary uses the
Intellectual Property of another Person in any manner that is material to the
conduct of the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (the “Company Licensed
Intellectual Property”) and (ii) each Contract that is in effect pursuant
to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary grants to another Person the
right to use a Patent or Trade Secret owned by the Company or Core Trademark,
other than standard dealer agreements granting a right to use the Company’s
Trademarks in a manner that does not result in abandonment of any Core
Trademarks (the “Third
Party Licensed Intellectual Property”, and collectively with the Company
Licensed Intellectual Property, the “Licensed Intellectual
Property”; the Licensed Intellectual Property and the Company Owned
Intellectual Property shall be collectively referred to as the “Company Intellectual
Property”); all Contracts set forth on, or required to be set forth on,
Schedule 3.14
pursuant to this Section 3.14(c), are herein referred to as the “License
Agreements”).
(d) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.14(d), the
Company Owned Intellectual Property is solely and exclusively owned by the
Company or a Company Subsidiary, as applicable, free and clear of all
Liens. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14(d), to
the Company’s Knowledge none of the Company-owned Patents or Core Trademark
registrations and applications set forth on Schedule 3.14(b) have
been cancelled, expired, or abandoned and all mandatory fees required for the
maintenance of such rights have been paid on time. Except as set
forth on Schedule
3.14(d), neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any
written, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notification of any pending
or threatened opposition, interference, re-examination or cancellation
proceeding before any court or registration authority in any jurisdiction
against any of the Company-owned Patents or the Core Trademarks.
(e) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.14(e), to
the Company’s Knowledge there are no settlements, injunctions, forbearances to
xxx, consents, consents to use, judgments, or orders or similar obligations to
which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party which (i) restrict the
rights of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to use any Intellectual Property
necessary to carry out the business of the Company, or (ii) permit third parties
to use any Intellectual Property which would otherwise infringe any of the
Company Owned Intellectual Property. No royalties, honoraria or other
fees are payable by the Company or any Company Subsidiary for the use of or
right to use any Company Intellectual Property in connection with their
respective businesses as currently conducted, except pursuant to the License
Agreements.
(f) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.14(f), to
the Knowledge of the Company, the conduct of the business of the Company and
each Company Subsidiary, as currently conducted (“currently conducted” to
include for purposes of this Section 3.14(f) the making, using, selling and/or
offering to sell in the future Products currently in development but not yet on
sale), does not infringe, dilute or misappropriate the Intellectual Property
rights of any Person. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14(f),
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received written notice that
the conduct of the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, as
currently conducted, infringes, dilutes, misappropriates or constitutes the
unauthorized use of any Intellectual Property rights owned or controlled by any
third party (either directly or indirectly such as through contributory
infringement or inducement to infringe) or is defamatory or violative in any way
of any publicity, privacy, or other rights, except to the extent that such
infringement, defamation or violation could not reasonably be expected to result
in a material claim against the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or challenges
the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of any Company Intellectual
Property.
34
(g) To
the Knowledge of the Company, no third party is misappropriating, infringing,
diluting, or otherwise violating any Company Owned Intellectual Property in a
way that would have a Material Adverse Effect, and no such claims are pending
against a third party by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(h) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.14(h), all
Company Owned Intellectual Property was either (i) developed by an
employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary within the scope of employment
of the employee and pursuant to an invention assignment or subject to the work
for hire doctrine, (ii) developed by a third party under a work for
hire and/or assignment agreement, or (iii) developed by a third party and
transferred and assigned to either the Company or any Company Subsidiary under a
transfer and assignment agreement. After the deliveries provided for in this
Agreement have occurred, neither the Stockholders nor any current or former
officer, director or employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (or any
family member thereof) will retain any rights of ownership or use with respect
to the Company Owned Intellectual Property.
(i) The
Company and each Company Subsidiary owns or has the right to use all Software
material to its respective business. No unlicensed copies of any mass
market software that is available in consumer retail stores or otherwise
commercially available and subject to “shrink wrap” or “click through” license
agreements have been installed or maintained on any Company’s computers or
computer systems by, or at the direction or with the express permission of a
manager, division head or similarly credentialed agent of, the Company or any
Company Subsidiary, and no such unlicensed copies used for the business of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary are installed on the computers of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary.
(j) The
Company and each Company Subsidiary takes commercially reasonable measures to
protect the confidentiality of its respective material Trade
Secrets. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14(j), to
the Knowledge of the Company, no material Trade Secret of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary has been improperly disclosed or has been misappropriated by
another Person.
3.15 Title to and Condition of
Properties; Liens. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.15, the
Company and each Company Subsidiary, as applicable, has good, valid and
marketable title to, (or in the case of leased or licensed property, has a valid
leasehold or license interest in and to) each material item of plant, machinery,
equipment, furniture, leasehold improvements, fixtures, vehicles, structures,
any related capitalized items and any other tangible and intangible personal
property that the Company or any Company Subsidiary includes on its books and
records or otherwise purports to own, lease or license, as applicable, free and
clear of all Liens whatsoever except Permitted Liens. The rights,
properties and other assets presently owned, leased or licensed by the Company
or any Company Subsidiary include all such material rights, properties and other
assets necessary to permit the Company or any Company Subsidiary to conduct its
business in all material respects in the same manner as such businesses are
presently conducted. Other than leased or licensed assets, or other
assets for which the Company has a valid right to use, and except as set forth
on Schedule
3.15, there are no material assets owned by any third party which are
used in the operation or conduct of the business of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary. To the Knowledge of the Company, the material tangible
property owned by the Company or a Company Subsidiary, or used by the Company or
a Company Subsidiary in the operation of its business, does not require
replacement, repair or maintenance through June 30, 2011 that in the aggregate
is in excess of the amounts set forth in the 2011 capital expenditure forecast
for the Company and the Company Subsidiaries that has been made available to
Purchaser in Section “II.L.2” of the Electronic Data Room.
35
3.16 Real Property.
(a) Schedule 3.16(a) sets
forth a complete list of all real property owned by the Company or a Company
Subsidiary (individually, an “Owned
Property”). All of the Real Property is used in the conduct of
the business of either the Company or a Company Subsidiary. Schedule 3.16(a) also
sets forth a complete list of all real property leased, occupied or subleased
(as lessee or sublessee) by the Company or a Company Subsidiary (individually, a
“Leased
Property” and, together with the Owned Property, the “Real Property”), and
identifies all of the lease and sublease agreements, as amended to date,
relating to the Leased Property (the “Leases”). In
the event that any of the Leases is a sublease, the relevant Company or Company
Subsidiary, as sublessee or sublessor, as the case may be, has obtained the
required consent of the prime landlord to such sublease, and (i) such prime
lease is in full force and effect, (ii) there are no outstanding uncured notices
of default or termination, and (iii) no right of such Company or Company
Subsidiary in any such sublease conflicts with such prime lease. To
the Knowledge of the Company, there are no subleases, licenses or other
Contracts granting to any Person other than the relevant Company or Company
Subsidiary any right to the possession, use, occupancy or enjoyment of the
premises demised by the Leases.
(b) The
Company or a Company Subsidiary, as applicable, has good and marketable fee
simple title to all Owned Property and good and valid title to the leasehold
estates in all Leased Property and to all buildings and improvements thereon,
free and clear of any Liens, except for Permitted Liens. The Company
or a Company Subsidiary, as applicable, enjoys peaceful and undisturbed
possession of the Real Property. Except as set forth in Schedule 3,16(b), no
Person other than the Company or a Company Subsidiary has any right to use or
occupy any part of the Real Property. The Real Property is the only
land and buildings owned, used or occupied by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any right of
ownership, right to use, option, right of first refusal or contractual
obligation to purchase, or any other legal or equitable right, estate, or
interest in, or affecting, any land or buildings other than the Real
Property.
(c) To
the Knowledge of the Company, there are no defects in the condition of the
improvements on the Real Property that have a material effect on the business of
the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(d) The
Company and each Company Subsidiary has obtained all material permits, licenses,
franchises, approvals and authorizations (collectively, the “Real Property
Permits”) which the Company or respective Company Subsidiary is required
to obtain from all Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction over any of the
premises comprising Real Property, and all such Real Property Permits are in
full force and effect. Since January 1, 2007, neither the Company nor
any Company Subsidiary has received any notice from any Governmental Authority
having jurisdiction over any premises comprising Real Property threatening a
suspension, revocation, modification or cancellation of any material Real
Property Permit, and to the Knowledge of the Company, there exists no violation
of a material Real Property Permit.
(e) Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written notice of, and
to the Knowledge of the Company, any oral notice, of any currently pending or
threatened condemnation or eminent domain proceeding with respect to or
affecting any of the premises comprising Real Property or any part thereof and,
to the Knowledge of the Company, no such condemnations or proceedings have been
proposed.
(f) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.16(f) or
in the Leases, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary nor any Person
that is or has at any time been a Subsidiary of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary has given any guaranty or indemnity for any liability relating to any
real property owned, leased or used by any Person.
36
(g) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.16(g),
there are no underground or above ground storage tanks, active or abandoned on
the Owned Real Property or, to the Knowledge of the Company, the Leased Real
Property.
3.17 Accounts Receivable;
Inventory. (a) Schedule 3.17(a)
contains a list of the aged trade accounts receivable of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2010 (the “Receivables”). Such
Receivables arose in the Ordinary Course of Business for goods sold and
delivered or services rendered by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, as
applicable, and constitute valid obligations owed to the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, and are, to the Knowledge of the Company, likely to be collected in
the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with the past practices of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries, subject to customary
reserves. Since the Balance Sheet Date, the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries have not received any notice from or on behalf of any account
debtor asserting any defense to payment, counterclaim or right of setoff with
respect to any accounts receivable of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in
excess of amounts reserved on the Financial Statements in respect of the
applicable period(s). All Receivables are recorded and booked on the
books and records of the Company or a Company Subsidiary, as applicable, in
accordance with GAAP.
(b) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.17(b), all
of the inventories of raw materials, work in process and finished goods of the
Company and each Company Subsidiary consist of a quality and quantity usable and
salable in the Ordinary Course of Business, except for items of obsolete
materials and materials of below-standard quality, all of which items (i) have
been written off or written down on the books and records of the Company and/or
the applicable Company Subsidiary to fair market value or (ii) have a reserve
established for them on the books and records of the Company and/or Company
Subsidiary in an amount not less than required in accordance with
GAAP.
3.18 Related
Parties. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.18,
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary, nor, any current or, to the
Knowledge of the Company past (since January 1, 2007), director or officer of
any of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, nor, to the Knowledge of the
Company, any of the Significant Stockholders or any family member of any of the
Significant Stockholders, (individually a “Related Party” and
collectively the “Related Parties”),
nor any Affiliate of the Company, any Company Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of
the Company, any Affiliate of any Significant Stockholder: (a) owns, directly or
indirectly, any interest in any Person which is (i) a competitor of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) a supplier of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, or (iii) a customer that resells Products of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary (except as an owner of one percent (1%) or less of the stock
of any company listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the
over-the-counter market); (b) owns, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part,
any material property, asset or right, real, personal or mixed, tangible or
intangible (including, but not limited to, any of the intangible property) which
is utilized in the operation of the business of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary; (c) has an interest in or is, directly or indirectly, a party to any
Material Contract pertaining or relating to the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, except for employment, consulting or other personal service
Contracts that may be in effect and which are set forth on Schedule 3.9(a); or
(d) to the Knowledge of the Company, has any cause of action or other claim
whatsoever against, or owes any amount to, the Company or any Company
Subsidiary.
3.19 Environmental
Matters. (a) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.19(a),
each of the Company and each Company Subsidiary has obtained and complies with
all licenses, permits, authorizations, approvals and consents from Governmental
Authorities which are required in respect of its current business, operations,
assets or properties under any applicable Environmental Law (collectively, the
“Environmental
Permits”). The Company and each Company Subsidiary are in
compliance in all material respects with the terms and conditions of all
Environmental Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
to the Knowledge of the Company, no facts, conditions relating to the past or
present properties, facilities or operations of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries prevent, hinder or limit continued compliance with such
Environmental Permits and Environmental Law. The Company has made
available to Purchaser in the Electronic Data Room files containing all of the
Environmental Permits and other authorizations of the Company and each Company
Subsidiary.
37
(b) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.19(b), no
Order, complaint or Environmental Claim has been received by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary; neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received
notice of any material penalty, damages or other costs being assessed or awarded
against the Company or any Company Subsidiary; and no settlement or Contract has
been entered into by the Company or any Company Subsidiary; and, to the
Knowledge of the Company, no investigation or review has been done by or at the
request or direction of a Governmental Authority with respect to the Company or
any Company Subsidiary or any of its respective properties (collectively, “Environmental Enforcement
Liability”), nor to the Knowledge of the Company, are any pending or
threatened by any Person with respect to any alleged continuing and/or
uncorrected failure by the Company or any Company Subsidiary to comply with any
applicable Environmental Law, including without limitation any alleged
continuing and/or uncorrected failure to have and comply with any required
Environmental Permit, or with respect to any treatment, storage, recycling,
transportation, disposal or unremediated Release of any Hazardous Material and
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in possession of any written
materials indicating, any facts or circumstances which could reasonably be
expected to form the basis for any such Environmental Enforcement
Liability.
(c) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.19(c), (i)
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has handled any Hazardous
Material in violation of Environmental Law (in such a manner as could be likely
to result in a material liability of the Company or any Company Subsidiary) on
any property now or previously owned, operated or leased by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary; (ii) the Company has no Knowledge of any activities
conducted in violation of Environmental Law on any property owned, operated or
leased by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and (iii) without
limiting the foregoing, to the Knowledge of the Company (A) no polychlorinated
biphenyls are or have been Released, transported, disposed of or stored in
violation of Environmental Law or in a manner which could reasonably be expected
to result in material liability of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (B) no
asbestos is or has been present, (C) there are no underground or above ground
storage tanks, active or abandoned which are in violation of Environmental Law
or which have been maintained in a manner which could reasonably be expected to
result in material liability to the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (D) no
Hazardous Material has been Released in a quantity reportable under, or in
violation of, or which could reasonably be expected to result in material
liability pursuant to, any Environmental Law, at, on, under or from any property
now or previously owned, operated or leased by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary.
(d) The
Company has not received written notice that the Company or any Company
Subsidiary has transported or arranged for the transportation of any Hazardous
Material to a location which is the subject of any Environmental Enforcement
Liability, action, suit, arbitration or proceeding that could reasonably be
expected to lead to any Environmental Claim(s) that would result in a material
liability to the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor
any Company Subsidiary has transported or arranged for the transportation of any
Hazardous Material to any such location.
(e) No
written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notification of a Release of a
Hazardous Material has been filed by or on behalf of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary and no property now or previously owned, operated or leased by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary is listed or, to the Knowledge of the Company,
proposed for listing on the National Priorities List promulgated pursuant to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“CERCLA”) or on any
similar state list of sites requiring investigation or clean
up.
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(f) There
are no Liens arising under or pursuant to any Environmental Law on any Real
Property owned, operated or leased by the Company or any Company Subsidiary,
other than any such Liens on Real Property not individually or in the aggregate
material to the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor
any Company Subsidiary has received any written notice or, to the Knowledge of
the Company oral notice, of any action that is in process or has been taken by
any Governmental Authority which would subject any of such properties to such
Liens, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has been or, to the
Knowledge of the Company is expected to be, required to place any notice or
restriction relating to the presence of Hazardous Material at any such property
owned by it in any deed to such property.
(g) Since
January 1, 2007, there
have been no material environmental investigations, studies, audits, tests,
reviews or other analyses or reports thereof which were conducted by, or which
are in the possession of, the Company or any Company Subsidiary for any property
or facility now or previously owned, operated or leased by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary that have not been made available to Purchaser in the
Electronic Data Room.
3.20 Labor
Matters. (a) There
is no labor strike, sympathy strike, dispute, corporate campaign, slowdown,
sit-down, stay-in, sick-out, walk-out, work stoppage or lockout, retarding of
work, boycott or similar labor difficulty or other interference against or
affecting the Company or any Company Subsidiary (all of the foregoing referred
to as “Work
Interference”) and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no Work Interference
is threatened. Since January 1, 2007, no
Work Interference has occurred or, to the Knowledge of the Company, was
threatened.
(b) Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any work rules,
work practices or collective bargaining or similar Contract with any labor
organization, trade union or employee association applicable to employees of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(c) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.20(c), no
labor union (or any equivalent body) has been certified by a state labor
relations board, the National Labor Relations Board or any similar foreign
Governmental Authority in connection with acting as a bargaining agent for any
of the employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary; no notice has been
received by the Company from any labor organization stating that it has been
designated as the bargaining agent for any of said employees; and, to the
Knowledge of the Company, no petition or application for certification has been
filed by any labor union (or any equivalent body) requesting an election to
determine whether or not it is the exclusive bargaining agent for any of said
employees and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there have been no union
organizing activities among the employees of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary since January 1, 2007, nor does any question concerning
representation exist concerning such employees.
(d) Neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received notice that an unfair labor
practice charge or complaint against the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
pending before the National Labor Relations Board or any similar state or
foreign agency, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, has such a charge or
complaint been threatened.
(e) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.20(e), a
true and complete copy of the employee handbook of the Company and each Company
Subsidiary has been made available to Purchaser in Section “V.C.1 and V.C.2” of
the Electronic Data Room, and such employee handbooks contain each material
written personnel policy, rule and procedure generally applicable to the
employees of the Company or such Company Subsidiary, as the case may be, other
than those that do not have a material impact on the Company or any Company
Subsidiary.
39
(f) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.20(f), the
Company and each Company Subsidiary is in compliance, in all material respects,
with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms
and conditions of employment, reductions in force, workers’ compensation,
workers’ disability, overtime compensation, wages, pay equity, hours of work and
occupational safety and health, privacy, and, to the Knowledge of the Company,
is not engaged in any unfair labor practices, as defined in the National Labor
Relations Act or other applicable Laws.
(g) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.20(g), no
charge with respect to or relating to the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other agency
responsible for the prevention of discriminatory or other unlawful employment
practices.
(h) Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.20(h),
since January 1, 2007,
(i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has effectuated a “plant
closing” (as defined in the WARN Act or any comparable provision of applicable
state Law) affecting any site of employment or one or more facilities or
operating units within any site of employment or facility of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary, (ii) there has not occurred a “mass layoff” (as defined in
the WARN Act or any comparable provision of applicable state Law) affecting any
site of employment or facility of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (iii)
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has been affected by any
transaction or engaged in layoffs or employment terminations sufficient in
number to trigger application of any similar state, local or foreign “plant
closing” Law or regulation and (iv) none of the Company’s or any Company
Subsidiary’s employees has suffered an “employment loss”(as defined in the WARN
Act or any comparable provision of applicable state Law) during the six month
period prior to the date hereof.
3.21
Officers and
Employees. Purchaser
has been provided with a true and complete list of the names, titles and current
salaries of all full-time and part-time employees and consultants of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, as of the date hereof. Except as set forth
on Schedule
3.21, there is no employment Contract, employee benefit or incentive
compensation plan or program, severance policy or program or any other plan or
program to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party other than the
Company Retention Agreements (a) that is or could, pursuant to its terms, be
triggered or accelerated by reason of or in connection with the execution of
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement except Company Transaction Expenses or (b) which contains “change in
control” provisions pursuant to which the payment, vesting or funding of
compensation or benefits would be triggered or accelerated by reason of or in
connection with the execution of or consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
3.22
Brokers and
Finders. Other
than Silver Steep LLC (which will be paid in full at or prior to the Closing by
the Company other than amounts that may become payable to Silver Steep LLC from
the Escrow Funds upon release thereof to the Company Stockholders and holders of
Eligible Options), no broker, finder, agent, investment banker, financial
advisor or similar intermediary has acted on the Company’s or any Company
Subsidiary’s behalf in connection with this Agreement or the Company Ancillary
Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and there are no
brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar fees or commissions payable in
connection therewith based on any Contract with the Company or any Company
Subsidiary or any action taken by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary.
3.23 Banking
Relationships. Schedule 3.23 sets
forth the names and locations of all banking, lock box accounts, and safe
deposit boxes of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
40
3.24 Customers and
Suppliers. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.24, there
are no pending material disputes or controversies between the Company or any
Company Subsidiary and any of the Significant Customers and Suppliers and, to
the Knowledge of the Company, none of the Significant Customers and Suppliers
(i) has or is contemplating terminating or materially diminishing its business
or relationship with the Company or any Company Subsidiary with which it does
business or (ii) has experienced any material work stoppage or other material
adverse circumstances or conditions that could reasonably be expected to
jeopardize or materially adversely affect the future relationships of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary with such Person.
3.25 Products; Product
Liability. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.25, there
are not presently pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, any
civil, criminal or administrative actions, suits, demands, claims, hearings,
notices of violation, investigations, proceedings or demand letters relating to
any alleged hazard or alleged Defect or any failure to warn or alleged breach of
express or implied warranty or representation, relating to any Product
manufactured, distributed or sold by or on behalf of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary. Since January 1, 2007, neither the Company nor any
Company Subsidiary has sent or received any correspondence to or from any
Governmental Authority with respect to a contemplated or ongoing actual recall,
withdrawal, or suspension from the market of any Product. To the
Knowledge of the Company, there are no Defects with respect to any Product sold
or otherwise distributed by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries that
may rise to a material Liability and all finished goods inventory held by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary is free of any material Defect or other
material deficiency, except to the extent that reasonable reserves in an amount
not less than required in accordance with GAAP have been established therefor in
the Financial Statements. Neither the
Company nor any Company Subsidiary is currently investigating or considering a
recall, withdrawal or suspension from the market of any Product.
3.26 Insurance. Schedule 3.26 sets
forth a true and complete list of all insurance policies, other insurance
arrangements and other Contracts for the transfer or sharing of insurance risks
by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in force on the date hereof with
respect to the business or assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (the
“Company Insurance
Policies”). Except as set forth on Schedule 3.26, (a)
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any notice of
cancellation or non-renewal of any of the Company Insurance Policies or
arrangements nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is the termination of any of
the Company Insurance Policies threatened, (b) there is no material claim
pending under any of the Company Insurance Policies as to which coverage has
been questioned, denied or disputed by the underwriters of such policies, (c)
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any notice from any
of its insurance carriers that any insurance coverage presently provided for
will not be available to the Company or any Company Subsidiary in the future on
similar terms as now in effect (excepting general market pricing increases and
coverage limitations), (d) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary
maintains any self-insurance and (e) the Company Insurance Policies contains all
coverage necessary or required by the Company and each Company Subsidiary to
comply with the terms and conditions of the Material Contracts in all material
respects.
3.27 Propriety of Past
Payments. To
the Knowledge of the Company, none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, nor
any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary or any other Person associated with or acting for or on behalf of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary has, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary, made any illegal contribution, gift, bribe,
rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other payment to any Person,
private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property or services,
(a) to obtain favorable treatment for the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or
any Affiliate of the Company in securing business, (b) to pay for favorable
treatment for business secured for the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or any
Affiliate of the Company, (c) to obtain special concessions, or for special
concessions already obtained, for or in respect of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, or any Affiliate of the Company or (d) otherwise for the benefit of
the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or any Affiliate of the Company in
violation of any Law, (including existing site plan approvals, zoning or
subdivision regulations or urban redevelopment plans relating to Real Property)
to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is subject.
41
3.28
Takeover Laws and
Provisions. No
Takeover Laws other than Section 203 of the DGCL applies or purports to apply to
the Company or any Company Subsidiary with respect to this Agreement, the Merger
or the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has taken all
action required to be taken by it in order to make each of the Merger, this
Agreement, the Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, the Company
Stockholders’ Option Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby comply with Section 203 of the DGCL; and the Merger, this Agreement, the
Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, the Company Stockholders’ Option
Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do comply with,
the requirements of any Articles, Sections or provisions of its Governing
Documents concerning “business combination”, “fair price”, “voting requirement”,
“constituency requirement” or other related provisions (collectively, “Takeover
Provisions”).
3.29 Customs. Except as
set forth on Schedule
3.29, (a) the Company and each Company Subsidiary is in compliance with
the imported inventory valuation limitations imposed under Code Section 1059A,
(b) the Company does not have any material liability for U.S. Customs duty,
interest, or penalties, and (c) all of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
U.S. classifications assigned to the imported products of the Company and each
Company Subsidiary are correct.
3.30 Full
Disclosure. No
representation, warranty, certification or statement by the Company contained in
this Agreement, the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company Closing
Certificate, the Company Officer’s Certificate and each Company Ancillary
Agreement to which the Company is (when executed) a party contains, or will
contain at the time delivered, any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
or will omit to state any material fact necessary, in light of the circumstances
under which it was made, to make the statements herein or therein not
misleading. Purchaser acknowledges that neither the Company nor
anyone acting on its behalf has made any representations and warranties
regarding the subject matter of the Agreement except for representations,
warranties, certifications and statements of the Company contained in this
Article III and each Company Ancillary Agreement to which the Company is (when
executed) a party, and Purchaser is not relying upon any other representations
or warranties.
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES REGARDING
THE
PURCHASER AND MERGER SUB
In order
to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, Purchaser Parent and Purchaser, jointly and
severally, represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
4.1 Organization. Each
of the Merger Sub, Purchaser and Purchaser Parent is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and operated and, with respect to its relevant
corporate formation and existence, is in good standing under the Laws of the
State of Delaware, and is qualified or licensed as a foreign entity to do
business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership,
leasing or operation of its assets and properties renders such qualification,
license or good standing necessary. Merger Sub, Purchaser and
Purchaser Parent each have the requisite corporate power to own, operate and
lease its assets and to carry on its business as now being
conducted.
42
4.2 Authorization;
Enforceability. Each
of the Merger Sub, Purchaser and Purchaser Parent has full corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the Purchaser
Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Purchaser Ancillary Documents and all other
documents and agreements to be delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly
and validly approved and authorized by all necessary corporate action on the
part of the Merger Sub, Purchaser and Purchaser Parent. This
Agreement has been (and each of the Purchaser Ancillary Agreements when executed
will be) duly and validly executed and delivered by the Merger Sub, Purchaser
and Purchaser Parent, as the case may be, and constitutes (or, in the case of
each of the Purchaser Ancillary Agreements when executed will constitute), the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Merger Sub, Purchaser or Purchaser
Parent, as the case may be, enforceable against it in accordance with its
respective terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, or other similar Laws affecting or relating to the
rights of creditors generally or by general principles of equity.
4.3 No
Conflicts. The
execution, delivery and performance by the Merger Sub, Purchaser and Purchaser
Parent of this Agreement and the Purchaser Ancillary Agreements, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not (a)
violate any provision of the Governing Documents of Merger Sub, Purchaser or
Purchaser Parent, (b) violate, or be in conflict with, or constitute a default
(or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, could constitute a
default) under, or result in, or provide the basis for, the termination of, or
accelerate the performance required by, or excuse performance by any Person of
any of its obligations under, or cause the acceleration of the maturity of any
Indebtedness or obligation pursuant to, or result in the creation or imposition
of any Lien upon any material property or assets of the Merger Sub, Purchaser or
Purchaser Parent under any material Contract to which Merger Sub,
Purchaser or Purchaser Parent is a party or by which any of their
properties or assets are bound, or (c) violate any Law or Order of any
Governmental Authority applicable to the Merger Sub, Purchaser or Purchaser
Parent, or require the consent, approval or action of, filing with or notice to
any Governmental Authority or other Person in order for the Merger Sub,
Purchaser or Purchaser Parent, to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or any of the Purchaser Ancillary Agreements.
4.4 Brokers and
Finders. Other
than Persons that will be paid in full at or prior to the Closing by Purchaser
Parent, Purchaser, or Merger Sub, no broker, finder, agent, investment banker,
financial advisor or similar intermediary has acted on the Merger Sub’s,
Purchaser’s or Purchaser Parent’s behalf in connection with this Agreement or
the Purchaser Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby, and there are no brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar fees
or commissions payable in connection therewith based on any Contract with the
Merger Sub, Purchaser or Purchaser Parent or any action taken by the Merger Sub,
Purchaser or Purchaser Parent.
ARTICLE
V
COVENANTS
5.1 Interim Operations of the
Company. The
Company covenants and agrees that, on or after the date hereof and prior to the
Closing Date, except as expressly provided in this Agreement or as required to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or as set forth in
Schedule 5.1
hereof or as may be agreed in writing in advance by Purchaser:
(a)
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the
business of the Company and each Company Subsidiary shall be conducted in
the Ordinary Course of Business, and the Company shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to (i) preserve the business organization
of the Company and each Company Subsidiary intact, (ii) keep available the
services of the current officers and employees of the Company and each
Company Subsidiary and (iii) maintain the existing relations with
customers, suppliers, creditors, business partners and others having
business dealings with the Company or any Company Subsidiary, to the end
that the goodwill and ongoing business of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall be unimpaired in any materially
adverse manner at the Closing Date. Neither the Company nor any
Company Subsidiary shall institute any new methods of manufacture,
purchase, lease, management, accounting or operation or engage in any
transaction or activity other than changes in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
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43
(b)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall: (i) amend its
Governing Documents, (ii) issue, sell, transfer, pledge, dispose of or
encumber any shares of any class or series of its capital stock or Voting Debt, or
securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or options, warrants,
calls, commitments or rights of any kind to acquire, any shares of any
class or series of its capital stock or any Voting Debt, other than shares
of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance on the date hereof pursuant
to the exercise of Company Options, in each case outstanding on the date
hereof, (iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution
payable in cash, stock or property with respect to any shares of any class
or series of its capital stock; (iv) split, combine or reclassify any
shares of any class or series of its stock; or (v) redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of any class or series
of its capital stock, or any instrument or security which consists of or
includes a right to acquire such
shares;
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(c)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall organize any new Subsidiary
or acquire any capital stock or other equity securities, or equity or
ownership interest in the business, of any other
Person;
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(d)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall (i) modify, amend or
terminate any of its Material Contracts or waive, release or assign any
material rights or claims, except in the Ordinary Course of Business or
(ii) enter into a Change of Control
Agreement;
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(e)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall: (i) other than
pursuant to the Zions Bank Loan or the Credit Suisse Loan, incur or assume
any Indebtedness other than trade payables in the Ordinary Course of
Business; (ii) pay, repay, discharge, purchase, repurchase or satisfy any
Indebtedness (other than short term Indebtedness paid in the Ordinary
Course of Business) issued or guaranteed by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, except as required by the terms thereof or this Agreement;
(iii) modify the terms of any Indebtedness or, except in the Ordinary
Course of Business, any other Liability, (iv) assume, guarantee, endorse
or otherwise become liable or responsible (whether directly, contingently
or otherwise) for the obligations of any other Person (other than the
Company or a Company Subsidiary), (v) enter into any material commitment
or transaction, other than those entered into in the Ordinary Course of
Business; (vi) except in the Ordinary Course of Business, write down the
value of any inventory or write off as uncollectible any notes or accounts
receivable; or (vii) dispose of or permit to lapse any rights to any
material Company Intellectual
Property;
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(f)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall lease, license, mortgage,
pledge or encumber any assets other than in the Ordinary Course of
Business or transfer, sell or dispose of any assets other than in the
Ordinary Course of Business;
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(g)
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except
as set forth in Section 5.18 and Section 5.19 hereof, neither the Company
nor any Company Subsidiary shall make any change in the compensation
payable or to become payable to, or enter into or amend any employment,
consulting, severance, termination, or other Contract with, or employee
benefit for, or make any loan or advance to, any of its officers,
directors, Affiliates or Related
Persons;
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44
(h)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall, except in the Ordinary
Course of Business and except pursuant to the Company Retention
Agreements, (i) pay or make any accrual or arrangement for payment of any
pension, retirement allowance or other employee benefit pursuant to any
existing plan, Contract or arrangement to any officer, director, employee
or Affiliate or pay or agree to pay or make any accrual or arrangement for
payment to any officer, director, employee or Affiliate of any amount
relating to unused vacation days, except to the extent the Company or any
Company Subsidiary is obligated to do so on the date hereof or is
subsequently obligated to do so by Law or, in the case of employees that
are not officers would, in the Ordinary Course of Business, make such
payment, accrual or arrangement, (ii) adopt or pay, grant, issue,
accelerate or accrue salary or other payments or benefits pursuant to any
Benefit Plan, or any employment or consulting Contract with or for the
benefit of any director, officer, employee, agent or consultant, whether
past or present, except to the extent the Company or any Company
Subsidiary is obligated to do so on the date hereof or is subsequently
obligated to do so by Law, or (iii) amend in any material respect any such
plan, Contract or arrangement in a manner inconsistent with the
foregoing;
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(i)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall permit any insurance policy
naming it as a beneficiary or a loss payable payee to be cancelled or
terminated without notice to Purchaser, except policies which are replaced
without any material diminution of or gaps in
coverage;
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(j)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall enter into any Contract or
transaction, or related series of Contracts or transactions, involving the
expenditure in excess of $50,000.00 and relating to the purchase of assets
other than in the Ordinary Course of Business or pursuant to its existing
capital expenditure budget made available to Purchaser in Section “II.I.”
of the Electronic Data Room;
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(k)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall pay, repurchase, discharge or
satisfy any of its claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued,
asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the payment,
discharge or satisfaction in the Ordinary Course of Business of claims,
liabilities or obligations reflected or reserved against in, or
contemplated by, the Financial Statements or incurred since the Balance
Sheet Date in the Ordinary Course of
Business;
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(l)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall adopt a plan of complete or
partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring,
recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary;
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(m)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall take, or agree to or commit
to take, any action that would result in any of the conditions to the
Closing set forth in Article VI and Article VII not being satisfied, or
would make any representation or warranty of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary contained herein inaccurate in any respect at, or as of any
time prior to, the Closing Date, or that would materially impair the
ability of the Company or Purchaser to consummate the Closing in
accordance with the terms hereof or materially delay such consummation;
and
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(n)
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neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall enter into any Contract,
commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing, or authorize,
recommend, propose or announce an intention to do, any of the
foregoing.
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5.2 Access. Between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing, the Company shall, upon reasonable
prior notice, (a) afford Purchaser and its authorized representatives reasonable
access to all books, records, offices and other facilities, and to officers and
accountants of the Company, (b) permit Purchaser to review and to make copies of
such books and records as it may reasonably require and (c) furnish Purchaser
with such financial and operating data and other information as Purchaser may
from time to time reasonably request. Purchaser and its authorized
representatives shall conduct all such reviews in a manner that will minimize
disruptions to the business and operations of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary. All such access shall be conducted in a manner as not to
interfere unreasonably with the business operations of the Company or the
Company Subsidiaries.
45
5.3 Confidentiality;
Publicity.
(a) Preexisting Confidentiality
Agreements. The Confidentiality Agreement, to the extent not
inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, is hereby confirmed and
acknowledged as the continuing obligations of the parties; provided, that the
parties hereto agree that the Confidentiality Agreement shall terminate at
Closing.
(b) Announcements. No
public announcement or other publicity regarding this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be made on or after the date hereof
without the prior written consent of the Stockholders’ Representative, the
Company and Purchaser as to form, content, timing and manner of
distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this
Agreement shall preclude any party hereto from making any public announcement or
filing that the disclosing party reasonably deems necessary to comply with
federal or state securities Laws (including voluntary filings with the SEC under
the Exchange Act) or any rules of a stock exchange upon which any of the shares
of such Person are listed.
5.4 Efforts and Actions to Cause
Closing to Occur; Certain Consents. (a) Prior
to the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement,
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub and the Company shall use their
respective commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions, and to do, or cause to be done and cooperate with each other in order
to do, all things necessary, proper or advisable (subject to any applicable
Laws) to consummate the Closing as promptly as practicable including, but not
limited to the preparation and filing of all forms, registrations and notices
required to be filed to consummate the Closing and the taking of such actions as
are necessary to obtain any requisite approvals, authorizations, consents,
orders, licenses, permits, qualifications, exemptions or waivers by any third
party or Governmental Authority including, but not limited to, making all
necessary filings with respect to this Agreement required under the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act and any applicable federal or states securities
Laws. In addition, except as permitted hereby, no party hereto shall
take any action after the date hereof that would materially delay the Closing,
including any preventable delay in the expiration of a review period of, or the
obtaining of any permission, approval or consent from, any Governmental
Authority or other Person required to be obtained prior to Closing.
(b) Prior
to the Closing, each party shall promptly consult with the other parties hereto
with respect to, provide any necessary information with respect to, and, except
and to the extent prohibited by applicable Law, promptly provide the other
parties (or their respective counsel) with copies of, all filings made by such
party with any Governmental Authority or any other information supplied by such
party to a Governmental Authority in connection with this
Agreement. Each party hereto shall promptly provide the other parties
with copies of any written communication received by such party from any
Governmental Authority regarding the Merger unless and to the extent prohibited
by applicable Law. If any party hereto or Affiliate thereof receives
a request for additional information or documentary material from any such
Governmental Authority with respect to the Merger, then such party shall
endeavor in good faith to make, or cause to be made, as soon as reasonably
practicable and after consultation with the other parties, an appropriate
response in compliance with such request. To the extent that
transfers, amendments or modifications of permits (including environmental
permits) are required as a result of the execution of this Agreement, the
Company shall use its respective commercially reasonable efforts to effect such
transfers, amendments or modifications.
46
(c) The
Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, prior to the
Closing, the consents, waivers, notices and termination letters set forth on
Schedule 5.4(c)
in form reasonably acceptable to Purchaser. All such consents,
waivers, notices and termination letters which the Company is able to obtain
shall be in writing and executed counterparts thereof shall be delivered to
Purchaser at or prior to the Closing.
(d)
In addition to and without limiting the agreements of the parties
contained above, the Company, Purchaser and Purchaser Parent, shall, to the
extent not prohibited by applicable Law: (i) promptly notify the other parties
hereto of any written communication to that party from any Governmental
Authority located in the U.S. and, to the extent practicable, outside of the
U.S. and, if practicable, permit the other parties to review in advance any
proposed written communication to any such Governmental Authority and
incorporate the other parties’ reasonable comments, (ii) not agree to
participate in any substantive meeting or discussion with any such Governmental
Authority in respect of any filing, investigation or inquiry concerning this
Agreement unless, to the extent reasonably practicable, it consults with the
other parties in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental
Authority, gives the other parties the opportunity to attend, and (iii) furnish
the other parties with copies of all correspondence, filings and written
communications between them and their Affiliates and their respective
representatives on one hand, and any such Governmental Authority or its
respective staff on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement.
5.5 Notification of Certain
Matters.
(a) From
time to time prior to the Closing, the Company shall notify the Purchaser with
respect to any matter arising after the delivery of the Company Disclosure
Schedule that, if existing at, or occurring on, the date of this Agreement,
would have been required to be set forth or described in the Company Disclosure
Schedule. No such notification shall be deemed to amend or supplement
the Company Disclosure Schedule pursuant to this section or shall otherwise be
deemed to cure any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made as of
the date of execution of this Agreement.
(b) The
Company shall give written notice to Purchaser promptly upon receipt of
Knowledge by the Company of (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event
whose occurrence or non-occurrence could reasonably be expected to cause either
(A) any representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement to
be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect when made or at the Closing Date
or (B) any condition with respect to the Company set forth in Article VI and
Article VII to be unsatisfied in any material respect at any time from the date
hereof to the Closing Date, (ii) any material failure of the Company or any
officer, director, employee or agent thereof, to comply with or satisfy any
covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it
hereunder and (iii) the occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect with respect to
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that the
delivery of any notice pursuant to this section shall not limit or otherwise
affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such
notice.
(c) Purchaser
shall give written notice to the Company promptly upon receipt of Knowledge by
the Purchaser of (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event whose
occurrence or non-occurrence would cause either (A) any representation or
warranty of Purchaser contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in
any material respect when made at the Closing Date or (B) any condition set
forth in Article VI or Article VII to be unsatisfied in any material respect at
any time from the date hereof to the Closing Date and (ii) any material failure
of Purchaser or any officer, director, employee or agent thereof, to comply with
or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied
by it hereunder; provided, however, that the
delivery of any notice pursuant to this section shall not limit or otherwise
affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such
notice.
47
5.6 Subsequent
Actions. If at any
time after the Closing, any deeds, bills of sale, instruments of conveyance,
assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are reasonably necessary
to (a) vest, perfect or confirm ownership (of record or otherwise) in Purchaser
its right, title or interest in, to or under any or all of the shares of Company
Common Stock (except for Dissenting Shares), (b) vest, perfect or confirm
ownership (of record or otherwise) in the Company or any Company Subsidiary, any
of their respective rights, properties or assets or (c) otherwise carry out this
Agreement, the Company shall execute and deliver all such 7deeds, bills of sale,
instruments of conveyance, powers of attorney, assignments and assurances and
take and do all such other actions and things as may be reasonably requested by
Purchaser in order to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title and
interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in Purchaser, the
Company or any Company Subsidiary, or otherwise to carry out this
Agreement. In case at any time after the Closing Date any further
action is necessary, proper or advisable to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, each party hereto shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, take, or
cause its proper officers or directors to take, all such necessary, proper or
advisable actions promptly upon request of another party hereto.
5.7 Acquisition
Proposals. From
the date hereof until the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof, the Company shall
not, directly or indirectly, through any Significant Stockholder, officer,
director, trustee, agent or otherwise participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding, or solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of, an
Acquisition Proposal or furnish to any Person any information for any purpose in
connection with an Acquisition Proposal or otherwise cooperate in any way with,
or assist or participate in, facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by
any other Person to do or seek to do any of the foregoing. The
Company will (a) immediately notify Purchaser orally and in writing if any
discussions or negotiations are sought to be initiated, any inquiry or proposal
is made, or any information is requested by any Person with respect to any
Acquisition Proposal or proposal which could lead to an Acquisition Proposal,
(b) immediately notify Purchaser of all material terms of any Acquisition
Proposal including the identity of the Person making the Acquisition Proposal or
the request for information, and (c) in the event a third party makes a written
offer or proposal to the Company with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, the
Company will promptly send to Purchaser a copy of any such written offer or
proposal, in each case (a)-(c) above, except and to the extent the Company was
subject to a confidentiality obligation entered into prior to February 19, 2010
that prohibits such notification. The Company shall, and shall cause
its officers, directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants
and other agents to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated all
discussions and negotiations that have taken place prior to the date hereof, if
any, with any Persons with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. In
addition, the Company shall take all steps reasonably necessary to enforce any
existing standstill, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other agreements
between the Company and third parties relating to any Acquisition Proposal and
shall not terminate, waive or modify such agreements prior to the Closing
without the prior written consent of the Purchaser.
5.8 Indemnification of Officers
and Directors. (a) Purchaser
and Merger Sub agree that all rights to indemnification, advancement of
expenses, exculpation, limitation of liability and any and all similar rights in
favor of the Surviving Corporation’s directors and officers shall be afforded to
the Company’s directors and officers (the “Indemnification
Persons”) after the Closing, as reflected in the Surviving Corporation’s
certificate of incorporation and the Surviving Corporation shall continue such
provisions in full force and effect for a period of six (6) years from the
Effective Time, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise
modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time in any manner that
would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who at any time
prior to the Effective Time were directors or officers of the Company, unless
such modification shall be required by Law; provided, however, that in the
event any claim or claims are asserted or made within such six (6) year period,
all rights to indemnification in respect to any such claim or claims shall
continue until the disposition of any and all such claims.
48
(b) Immediately
prior to the Closing the Company shall purchase “tail coverage” for the existing
policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability
insurance and fiduciary insurance covering the directors and officers of the
Company as of the date hereof (which may include naming such individuals under
Purchaser’s existing policies) for a period of six (6) years after the Effective
Time, in respect of acts or omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time (the
“D&O Tail
Insurance”).
(c) The
provisions of this Section 5.8 are (i) intended to be for the benefit of, and
will be enforceable by, each of the Indemnification Persons and (ii) in addition
to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or
contribution that any such person may have by Contract or
otherwise.
(d) Notwithstanding
the provisions set forth in Section 5.8(a) and (c), no Indemnification Person
shall be entitled to indemnification from Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation
after the Closing pursuant to Article X or otherwise, if the cause of such
Indemnification Person’s claim arises in connection with this Agreement, the
transactions contemplated hereby, or any Company Ancillary Agreement, or
Purchaser is entitled to indemnification for such Losses in connection with this
Agreement.
5.9 Payment of Certain
Indebtedness and Company Transaction Expenses. The
Company shall deliver to Purchaser no later than three (3) Business Days prior
to Closing (a) such bills, invoices and other supporting documentation as
Purchaser may reasonably request in respect of the Company Transaction
Expenses, and (b) with respect to the Zions Bank Loan and the Credit Suisse
Loan, payoff, lien and related termination letters in form reasonably acceptable
to Purchaser to evidence the termination and discharge of the Zions Bank Loan
Documents and the Credit Suisse Loan Documents, and all Liens and Indebtedness
thereunder. Subject to receipt of the foregoing, and satisfaction or
waiver of the closing conditions, Purchaser shall on the Closing Date pay off
(x) any and all amounts due and owing with respect to Indebtedness of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary incurred pursuant to the Zions Bank Loan and
Credit Suisse Loan to the holders thereof (the “Closing Indebtedness
Payment”), and the Company and the Purchaser, shall, with the resources
and credit arrangements of Purchaser, arrange for, with the reasonable
cooperation of such holders, the backing up, assumption, collateralization,
replacement, guaranty or substitution for, all outstanding and undrawn letters
of credit issued under the Zions Bank Loan and the Credit Suisse Loan, if any,
and (y) any and all amounts of any outstanding portion of the Company
Transaction Expenses as set forth on the Company Closing
Certificate.
5.10 Delivery of Financial
Statements and Certificates. Between
the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver any Interim
Financial Statements not previously delivered to Purchaser as soon as available
and in all events within twenty (20) days after the conclusion of each calendar
month; provided, that Company shall deliver the Interim Financial Statements for
the month prior to the Closing together with the Determination Date Balance
Sheet if the Closing shall occur prior to the twentieth (20th) day of
the month. No later than May 14, 2010, the Company shall deliver the
Determination Date Balance Sheet, proposed calculations of the Working Capital
Target, the Determination Date Working Capital and the Working Capital
Adjustment proposed to be attached to the Company Closing Certificate for review
and approval by Purchaser, which shall be concluded within three (3) Business
Days after delivery by the Company. If Purchaser does not agree with
the proposed calculations of the Determination Date Balance Sheet, Working
Capital Target, the Determination Date Working Capital or the Working Capital
Adjustment by the Company, or has unsatisfied inquires regarding the foregoing,
Purchaser and the Company shall each use all commercially reasonable efforts to
cooperate and resolve such disagreements and questions within the next three (3)
Business Days. In the event that the Company and the Purchaser
continue to disagree as to any of such proposed calculations after such three
(3) Business Day period, Purchaser and the Company shall immediately submit the
dispute to a mutually agreed independent accounting firm of national standing to
review the proposed calculations, and the Purchaser’s objections thereto, and
make a determination as to the Determination Date Balance Sheet, Working Capital
Target, the Determination Date Working Capital and the Working Capital
Adjustment prior to Closing. The Purchaser and the Company agree to
reschedule any scheduled Closing to a mutually agreeable date (but not later
than the Termination Date) that permits such review and determination by such
accounting firm. At the Closing, the Company shall deliver the
Company Closing Certificate.
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5.11 Company
Litigation. Until the
earlier of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms and
the Effective Time, the Company shall permit Purchaser to monitor, at its own
expense and with separate counsel, the defense or settlement of Litigation
brought by any Stockholder against the Company or the board of directors of the
Company relating to this Agreement or the Merger, and shall not settle any such
Litigation, without first consulting with Purchaser regarding the nature and
terms of such settlement. Unless Purchaser shall have approved in
writing the settlement of any Litigation, the Company shall not settle any
Litigation unless the payment by the Company of any cash amount is less than
$50,000.00 and such settlement does not impose any restriction on the business,
assets, or operations of the Company following the Closing Date.
5.12 Takeover Laws and Takeover
Provisions. No party
hereto shall take any action that would cause the Merger and the transactions
contemplated hereby to be subject to requirements imposed by any Takeover Law
and each of them will take all reasonable steps within its control to exempt (or
ensure the continued exemption of) the Merger and the transactions contemplated
hereby from, or if necessary challenge the validity or applicability of, any
applicable Takeover Law, as now or hereafter in effect. No party
hereto will take any action that would cause the Merger and the transactions
contemplated hereby not to comply with any Takeover Provisions and each of them
will take all reasonable steps within its control to make the Merger and the
transactions contemplated hereby comply with (or continue to comply with) the
Takeover Provisions.
5.13 Certain
Communications. The
Company shall provide Purchaser with copies of all letters, memoranda and other
correspondence (including the materials to be provided pursuant to Section
2.7(c) and Section 5.14) to be circulated to the employees (including employees
which are Stockholders or Option Holders) prior to Closing that describe the
transactions contemplated hereby or the Purchaser for its prior review and
approval, which review and approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed.
5.14 Company Stockholder
Approval. This
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby have been approved by the
Company’s board of directors. Within twenty four (24) hours after the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the
Purchaser: (i) the written consents contemplated by Section 228 of the DGCL
attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “Company Stockholders’
Consents”), as executed by each of the named parties thereto, which
collectively represents Stockholders beneficially holding no less than seventy
percent (70%) of
the issued and outstanding Company Common Stock at the effective time of such
consent; and (ii) Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements attached hereto as
Exhibit F-1,
Exhibit F-2 and
Exhibit F-3
(the “Company
Stockholders’ Support Agreements”), as executed by each of the named
parties thereto, which collectively represents Stockholders holding no less than
sixty-five percent (65%) of the issued and outstanding Company Common
Stock. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
deliver within forty-eight (48) hours after the execution and delivery of this
Agreement Company Stockholders’ Option Agreements substantively in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit G (the “Company Stockholders’ Option
Agreements”), executed by each of the Stockholders of the Company set
forth on Schedule
1 to the Company Stockholders’ Option Agreements, which collectively
represents the Option to acquire Option Shares (each as defined in the Company
Stockholders’ Option Agreements) equal to no less than fifty-five percent (55%)
of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock. Once
executed and delivered, each of the Company Stockholders’ Consents, the Company
Stockholders’ Support Agreements and the Company Stockholders’ Option Agreements
shall not be amended, modified, rescinded or waived in any respect without the
prior written consent of Purchaser. Promptly after the date that the
Company Stockholders’ Consents are delivered to Purchaser, the Company shall
send to the Stockholders who have not executed the Company Stockholders’
Consents the notice required by Section 228(e) of the DGCL (the “Company Stockholders’
Consents Notification”).
50
5.15 Amendment of Company
Bylaws. The
Company’s board of directors shall, to the reasonable satisfaction of Purchaser,
provide for the amendment of the Company’s bylaws to delete all transfer
restrictions relating to Company Common Stock contained therein including,
without limitation, Section 7.4 thereof, effective as of the date hereof and no
transfer restrictions shall be reinstated or adopted by the Company through the
expiration of the Option Period (as defined in the Company Stockholders’ Option
Agreement) without the prior consent of the Purchaser.
5.16 Compliance with Statutory
Appraisal Rights Requirements. The
Company shall comply in all material respects with the notice, information, and
other requirements of the DGCL in connection with the appraisal rights of
Stockholders and holders of Dissenting Shares, if any.
5.17 Employee Benefit
Plans. Except as
set forth on Schedule
3.13(c)(v) hereto, the Purchaser shall not cause the termination or
modification of the Benefit Plans of the Company set forth on Schedule 3.13(a)
hereto at the Closing. Following the Closing, the Purchaser may
amend, modify or terminate such Benefit Plans in such manner as it may determine
in its sole discretion and as may be permitted by Law.
5.18 Amendment to Bonus
Agreements. Prior to
Closing, the Company shall cause all outstanding bonus agreements with employees
of the Company or the Company’s Subsidiaries that provide an employee the choice
to have such bonuses paid in stock of the Company (each of which are set forth
on Schedule 3.2(a) hereto) to be amended to eliminate the ability of the
employees to elect to receive such bonuses in stock of the Company.
5.19 Payment of Company Retention
Agreements. Within
ten (10) days of the Closing, the Surviving Corporation shall pay all amounts
due at Closing to the employees of the Company or a Company Subsidiary that are
party to a Company Retention Agreement in accordance with the terms
thereof.
5.20 Annual Employee
Bonuses. The
Surviving Corporation shall pay to the employees of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries customary annual bonuses in amounts to be determined by the
officers and directors of the Company in accordance with prior practice of the
Company in the aggregate amount reflected as an accrued Current Liability for
such annual bonuses on the Determination Date Balance Sheet.
5.21 Preparation and Delivery of
Company Legal Opinion. Prior to
Closing, the Company shall use its best efforts to obtain and deliver to
Purchaser at Closing opinion no. C-4 as set forth in Exhibit H hereto (in
the form thereof or in form substantially similar to the form thereof),
replacing references to Washington law with references to New York law, from
Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP or, if Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP is unable to provide
such opinion, an opinion to be issued under Delaware law from another law firm
mutually agreed to by Purchaser and the Company.
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ARTICLE
VI
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF
PURCHASER
AND MERGER SUB
The
obligations of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and Merger Sub to complete the
Closing are conditioned upon the satisfaction, or waiver by Purchaser on behalf
of itself, Purchaser Parent and Merger Sub, as of the Closing Date, of the
following conditions:
6.1 Representations and
Warranties. All
of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement
or any Company Ancillary Agreement, as applicable, that are qualified as to
materiality shall be true and complete in all respects and each such
representation or warranty that is not so qualified shall be true and complete
in all material respects, in each case, as of the date of this Agreement or such
Company Ancillary Agreement, as the case may be, and as of the Closing Date;
provided, however, that if any
of the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are not
true and correct in the manner required above as of the Closing Date solely as a
result of events or circumstances that first become Known to the Company after
the date hereof (“Company Material Pre-Closing
Events”), the condition contained in this Section 6.1 shall be deemed
satisfied with respect to such representations and warranties that are not true
and correct due to such Company Material Pre-Closing Events; provided, further, disclosure
of any Company Material Pre-Closing Events and the deemed satisfaction of this
condition shall not impair or adversely affect the Purchaser Indemnified
Parties’ remedies and rights to indemnification pursuant to the terms and
conditions of Article X hereof.
6.2 Performance of Agreements,
Covenants and Obligations The
Company and each Stockholder executing the Company Stockholders’ Support
Agreements shall not have failed to perform or comply in any material respect
with any agreement, covenant or obligation of the Company or such Stockholder to
be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement or any Company
Ancillary Agreement, as applicable.
6.3 Material Adverse
Effect. There
shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Effect on the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
6.4 Litigation. (a) There
shall not be any material Litigation pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge,
threatened before any Governmental Authority:
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(i)
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seeking
to prohibit or impose any limitations on Purchaser’s ownership or
operation (or that of any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) of any
portion of their or the Company’s businesses or assets, or to compel
Purchaser or the Company or the Company’s Affiliates to dispose of or hold
separate any portion of the business or assets of the Company or Purchaser
or any of their respective Subsidiaries or
Affiliates;
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(ii)
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seeking
to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Closing, or seeking to
obtain from the Company or Purchaser any damages that are material in
relation to the Company or any Company
Subsidiary;
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(iii)
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seeking
to impose material limitations on the ability of Purchaser effectively to
exercise full rights of ownership of the Company or the stock of the
Surviving Corporation,
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nor shall
there be any statute, rule, or regulation, enacted, entered, enforced or
promulgated that is applicable to the Merger, or any other action taken by any
Governmental Authority that could reasonably be likely to result, directly or
indirectly, in any of the consequences referred to in clauses (i) through (iii)
above.
52
(b) No
Order shall have been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority which
restrains or prohibits this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
6.5 Stockholder
Approval. The
Company Stockholders’ Consents and the Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements
shall continue to be in full force and effect.
6.6 Appraisal
Rights. Stockholders
owning beneficially or of record no more than five percent (5%) of the
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock shall have perfected their right of
appraisal pursuant to the DGCL and twenty (20) days shall have elapsed since the
date of mailing the Company Stockholders’ Consents Notification to each of the
Stockholders who have not executed the Company Stockholders’ Consents; provided,
that this condition shall be deemed to be satisfied at such time as the Paying
Agent has received Transmittal Letters (and all documentation described therein)
from Stockholders holding at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the issued and
outstanding Company Common Stock.
6.7 Company Closing
Certificate. A
certificate of the Company, dated the Closing Date, signed by the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall have been
delivered to Purchaser and Merger Sub certifying as to:
(a)
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a
complete list of the Stockholders of record as of the
Closing;
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(b)
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each
Option Holder of Eligible Options that will receive a portion of the
Aggregate Option Consideration Amount, together with, for each Option
Holder, (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock, Company
Preferred Stock and vested Eligible Options held by such Person, (ii) the
exercise prices for each such Eligible Option, (iii) the amount of Initial
Escrow Withholding Per Share for each of the Eligible Options, and (iv)
the portion of the Aggregate Option Consideration Amount and Aggregate
Option Settlement Payment to be received by such Option
Holder;
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(c)
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each
of the conditions specified in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6
having been satisfied in all
respects;
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(d)
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delivery
of a true and complete copy of the Determination Date Balance Sheet
together with the calculation of the Determination Date Working Capital
and the Working Capital Adjustment, and that each of such items were
prepared in accordance with this
Agreement;
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(e)
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a
complete list of the Company Transaction Expenses, together with payment
instructions therefor, if any;
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(f)
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the
Company Retention Aggregate Amount and the portions of which shall be
payable to the Company (on behalf of the beneficiaries under the Company
Retention Agreements) and to the Escrow Agent at Closing in accordance
with Section 2.9 hereof; and
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(g)
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a
complete list of Indebtedness of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
as of the Closing Date, other than the Excluded
Indebtedness.
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6.8 Opinions of
Counsel. The
Company shall have delivered to Purchaser at the Closing an opinion of Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, counsel to the Company, dated the Closing Date,
substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit H.
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6.9 Certificate of
Merger. At or
prior to the Effective Time, the Certificate of Merger shall be accepted for
filing with the Secretary of State.
6.10 Payment of Certain
Indebtedness. The
Company shall have delivered to Purchaser evidence reasonably satisfactory to
Purchaser that upon payment of the Indebtedness in respect of the Zions Bank
Loan and the Credit Suisse Loan and Purchaser arranging for the backing up,
assumption, collateralization, replacement, guaranty or substitution for, all
outstanding and undrawn letters of credit issued under the Zions Bank Loan and
Credit Suisse Loan, each at Closing, such Indebtedness and each of the Liens
relating thereto shall be discharged and terminated.
6.11 Delivery of Company Common
Stock Certificates and Option Holder Agreements. Paying
Agent shall have received for surrender pursuant to the terms and conditions set
forth in Section 2.7 each of the Company Common Stock Certificates issued to the
Stockholders that executed the Company Stockholders’ Consents, together with an
executed and guaranteed Transmittal Letter therefor. The Purchaser
shall have received duly executed Option Holder Agreements from each Option
Holder holding Eligible Options as of the Closing.
6.12 Good Standings; Governing
Documents. The
Company shall have delivered to Purchaser certificates issued by the Secretary
of State or other similar appropriate Governmental Authority (dated within seven
(7) days of the Closing Date with respect to Persons organized in any state or
territory of the United States and dated within thirty (30) days of the Closing
Date with respect to all other Persons) (i) evidencing the good standing of the
Company and each Company Subsidiary in their respective jurisdictions of
incorporation and any jurisdictions in which they are qualified as a foreign
entity to do business, and (ii) certifying the certificate of incorporation (or
similar Governing Document) of the Company and each Company Subsidiary, as
amended through the date of such certification.
6.13 Officer
Certificate. A
certificate of the Company, dated the Closing Date, signed by the Secretary of
the Company shall have been delivered to Purchaser and Merger Sub certifying (a)
the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, (b) the Company’s bylaws, (c) the
resolutions of the board of directors and stockholders of the Company approving
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Company Ancillary
Agreements to which the Company or a Company Subsidiary is a party, and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the termination of the
Company Option Plan and cancellation of Company Options as contemplated by the
Agreement, and (d) that, except as disclosed in the certificate, as of the date
of the Closing, there has been no change in the number of outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock from the amount set forth in Section 3.2 hereof and that no
Rights have been granted since the date hereof.
6.14 Subsidiary Stock
Certificates. The
Company shall have delivered to Purchaser stock or other Equity Interest
certificates representing the entire equity interest of the Company (or a
Company Subsidiary) in each Company Subsidiary.
6.15 Escrow
Agreement. Purchaser
shall have received an executed counterpart of the Escrow Agreement from the
Escrow Agent and the Stockholders’ Representative.
6.16 Employment
Agreement. The
employment agreement between Purchaser Parent and Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, dated as of the
date hereof, shall not have been terminated automatically or by Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx.
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6.17 Paying Agent
Agreement. Purchaser
shall have received an executed counterpart of the Paying Agent Agreement from
the Paying Agent.
6.18 General. All
corporate proceedings required to be taken on the part of the Company and each
Company Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall have been taken. Purchaser and Merger Sub shall have
received copies of such other officers’ certificates and other customary closing
documents as Purchaser may reasonably request in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.
The
foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Purchaser, and may be waived by
Purchaser, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or prior to
the Closing in the sole discretion of Purchaser.
ARTICLE
VII
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY
The
obligations of the Company to complete the Closing are conditioned upon the
satisfaction, or waiver by the Company, as of the Closing Date, of the following
conditions:
7.1 Representations and
Warranties. All of
the representations and warranties of the Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and Merger
Sub set forth in this Agreement or any Purchaser Ancillary Agreement that are
qualified as to materiality shall be true and complete in all respects and each
such representation or warranty that is not so qualified shall be true and
complete in all material respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement
or such Purchaser Ancillary Agreement, as the case may be, and as of the Closing
Date; provided,
however, that
if any of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser Parent, Purchaser
or Merger Sub in this Agreement are not true and correct in the manner required
above as of the date hereof solely as a result of events or circumstances that
first become Known to the Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub after the
date hereof (“Purchaser Material
Pre-Closing Events”) the condition contained in this Section 7.1 shall be
deemed satisfied with respect to such representations and warranties that are
not true and correct due to such Purchaser Material Pre-Closing Events;
provided, further, disclosure of any Purchaser Material Pre-Closing Events and
the deemed satisfaction of this condition shall not impair or adversely affect
the Company Indemnified Parties’ remedies and rights to indemnification pursuant
to the terms and conditions of Article X hereof.
7.2 Performance of Agreements,
Covenants and Obligations; Availability of Funds. Neither
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser nor Merger Sub shall have failed to perform or
comply in any material respect with any agreement, covenant or obligation of
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub to be performed or complied with by it
under this Agreement or any Purchaser Ancillary Agreement. Purchaser
shall, at Closing, have adequate cash available for it to pay the Merger
Consideration and any other amounts to be paid by it under this Agreement at
Closing and shall pay the Merger Consideration and any such other amounts at
Closing.
7.3 Litigation. No Order
shall have been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority against the
Company or any Company Subsidiary which restrains or prohibits this Agreement or
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
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7.4 Purchaser Closing
Certificate. A
certificate of the Purchaser, dated the Closing Date, signed by a senior officer
of the Purchaser certifying that each of the conditions specified in Sections
7.1 and 7.2 has been satisfied in all respects shall have been delivered to the
Company; provided, however, that the
delivery of such certification shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies
available hereunder to the Company.
7.5 Certificate of
Merger. At or
prior to the Effective Time, the Certificate of Merger shall be accepted for
filing with the Secretary of State.
7.6 Good Standings; Charter
Documents. Purchaser
shall have delivered to the Company certificates issued by the Secretary of
State or other similar appropriate Governmental Authority, dated within seven
(7) days of the Closing Date, (a) evidencing the good standing of Purchaser
Parent, Purchaser and Merger Sub in their respective jurisdictions of
incorporation or formation, and (b) certifying the certificate of incorporation
or certificate of formation of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and Merger Sub, as
amended through such date.
7.7 Officer
Certificates. Certificates
of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and Merger Sub, dated the Closing Date, signed by
the Secretary of each of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and Merger Sub, certifying
their respective (a) Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation,
(b) bylaws or operating agreement and (c) board of directors or board of
managers resolutions approving the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the Purchaser Ancillary Agreements, and the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, shall have been delivered to the Company.
7.8 Escrow
Agreement. The
Company shall have received an executed counterpart of the Escrow Agreement from
the Escrow Agent and Purchaser.
7.9 Paying Agent
Agreement. The
Paying Agent and the Purchaser shall have executed and delivered the Paying
Agent Agreement.
7.10 General. All
corporate proceedings required to be taken on the part of Purchaser Parent,
Purchaser and Merger Sub in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall have been taken. The Company shall have received
copies of such other officers’ certificates and other customary closing
documents as the Company may reasonably request in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.
The
foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Company and may be waived by
the Company in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on or prior
to the Closing in the sole discretion of the Company and the Stockholders’
Representative.
ARTICLE
VIII
TAX
MATTERS
8.1 Tax
Covenants. The
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
(a) Return
Filings. The Surviving Corporation shall prepare and timely
file or cause to be timely filed all Returns required to be filed by or with
respect to the Company for (i) taxable years or periods ending on or prior to
the Closing Date, the due date for filing of which (taking into account
extensions) is after the Closing Date, and (ii) taxable years or periods
including, but ending after, the Closing Date (any such period, a “Straddle Period”)
(with payment of Taxes in respect of such Returns to be made by the Surviving
Corporation). Any such Returns shall be prepared and filed in a manner
consistent with past practices employed by the Company with respect to the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries, including the jurisdictions in which such
Returns are filed, except to the extent counsel for the Surviving Corporation
determines there is no reasonable basis in Law therefor. The
Stockholders’ Representative shall be entitled to review any such Returns at
least thirty (30) days prior to filing and may make reasonable revisions thereto
at least ten (10) days prior to filing.
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(b) Certain Straddle Period
Determinations. In the case of any Straddle Period (i) real,
personal and intangible property Taxes (“Property Taxes”) for
any period ending on, or prior to, the Closing Date (the “Pre-Closing Tax
Period”) shall be equal to the amount of such Property Taxes for such
entire Straddle Period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days during the Straddle Period that are in the Pre-Closing Tax Period
and the denominator of which is the number of days in the Straddle Period; and
(ii) all other Taxes for the Pre-Closing Tax Period shall be determined based on
actual closing of the books as if such taxable period ended as of the close of
business on the Closing Date.
(c) Transfer
Taxes. The Company and the Purchaser shall each pay one-half
all transfer, documentary, registration and similar Taxes incurred in connection
with and as a result of the transfer or conversion of the shares of Company
Common Stock and the Merger that are not based on net income, together with any
related fees, penalties, interest and additions to such Taxes (“Transfer
Taxes”). The Stockholders’ Representative and the Purchaser
shall cooperate in timely preparing and filing all Returns as may be required to
comply with the provisions of such Tax Laws. Each party shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to avail itself of any available exemptions from
any Transfer Taxes, and shall cooperate with the other parties in timely
providing any information and documentation, including resale certificates, that
may be necessary to obtain such exemptions.
(d) Tax
Elections. From the date hereof through the Closing, neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall make or change any Tax election,
change an annual Tax accounting period, adopt or change any Tax accounting
method, file any amended Return, enter into any closing agreement, settle any
Tax Claim or assessment, surrender any right to claim a refund of Taxes, consent
to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to
any Tax Claim or assessment, take any other action or omit to take any action,
if any such election, adoption, change, amendment, agreement, settlement,
surrender, consent or other action or omission would have the effect of
increasing the Tax liability or reducing any net operating loss, net capital
loss, investment tax credit, foreign tax credit, charitable deduction or any
other credit or tax attribute of the Company or any Company Subsidiary which
could reduce Taxes (including, without limitation, deductions and credits
related to alternative minimum Taxes) without the prior written consent of
Purchaser, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed.
(e) Additional Covenants and
Agreements. (i) Other than the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and other transactions in the
Ordinary Course of Business, (A) the Company shall not take any action (or cause
any Company Subsidiary to take any action) on or prior to the Closing Date that
would increase the Tax liability of the Purchaser, the Company or the Company
Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of Purchaser or (B) the Purchaser
Parent, Purchaser and Surviving Corporation shall not take any action (or cause
any Subsidiary of the Surviving Corporation to take any action) on or after the
Closing Date that would increase the amount of any indemnification from the
Escrow Fund under Section 8.2, except to the extent counsel for the Surviving
Corporation determines there is no reasonable basis in Law for positions taken
in Returns for Tax periods ending on or prior to the Closing.
(ii) The
Company shall promptly provide or make available to Purchaser copies of all Tax
Returns, reports and information statements that are filed by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing
Date.
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(iii) The
parties hereto agree that the “next day rule” provided by Treasury Regulation
Section 1.1502-76(b)(l)(ii)(B) will control the tax treatment of the
cancellation of Eligible Options and all payments made pursuant to the Option
Holder Agreements, and any Tax deduction attributable thereto will be accounted
for in the taxable year of the Company ending at Closing.
(iv) Any
indemnity payment under this Agreement shall be treated as an adjustment to the
Merger Consideration for Tax purposes, unless a final determination (which shall
include the execution of a Form 870 or successor form) with respect to the
indemnified party or any of its affiliates causes any such payment not to be
treated as an adjustment to the Merger Consideration for United States Federal
income Tax purposes.
8.2 Tax Indemnification and
Related Matters.
(a) Indemnification. The
Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall be indemnified and held harmless from,
against and in respect of the full amount of any and all Losses incurred or
suffered by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties, or any of them, from the Escrow
Fund with respect to the following matters if, and only if, a notice of a Tax
Claim has been given in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the one
year anniversary of the Closing:
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(i)
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in
respect of Taxes of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in connection
with any Pre-Closing Tax Period in excess of the accrual therefor
reflected on the Determination Date Balance Sheet and taken into account
in the Working Capital Adjustment;
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(ii)
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in
respect of any breach or inaccuracy of a representation or warranty set
forth in Section 3.11 insofar as such Losses relate to Taxes;
and
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(iii)
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(as
a result of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502 6(a) or otherwise) relating
to the Tax obligations of any Person (other than the Company or any
Company Subsidiary) which is or has ever been affiliated with the Company
or with whom the Company otherwise joins or has ever joined (or is or has
ever been required to join) in filing any consolidated, combined or
unitary Return, prior to the Closing
Date.
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(b) Limitations on Tax
Indemnification. If the Closing occurs, no indemnification
payment shall be made to the Purchaser Indemnified Parties pursuant to Section
8.2(a)(ii), until the amounts that the Purchaser Indemnified Parties would
otherwise be entitled to receive as indemnification under this Agreement
aggregate at least $50,000.00 (the “Tax Indemnification
Threshold”), at which time the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall be
indemnified dollar-for-dollar for the full amount of indemnification hereunder
which exceeds the Tax Indemnification Threshold.
(c) Notification. If a
claim shall be made by any Taxing Authority, which, if successful, might result
in an indemnity payment to the Purchaser Indemnified Parties pursuant to this
Section 8.2, the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall notify the Stockholders’
Representative reasonably promptly of such claim (a “Tax Claim”); provided, however, that the
failure to give such notice shall not affect the indemnification provided
hereunder except to the extent the Purchaser Indemnified Parties have actually
been prejudiced as a result of such failure.
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(d) Control of
Proceedings. The Surviving Corporation and the Purchaser shall
control all proceedings taken in connection with any Tax Claim relating to the
Company, any Company Subsidiary or the Surviving Corporation and may make all
decisions in connection with such Tax Claim, provided, however, that the
Stockholders’ Representative and counsel of its own choosing shall have the
right, solely at its own expense, to participate in the prosecution or defense
of such Tax Claim; provided, further, that no Tax
Claim with respect to an amount in controversy not exceeding $1,000,000.00 shall
be settled by the Company without the prior consent of the Stockholders’
Representative, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed.
ARTICLE
IX
TERMINATION
9.1 Termination
Events.
This Merger Agreement may be terminated
and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time without
prejudice to any other rights or remedies either party may have and
notwithstanding any requisite approval and adoption of this
Agreement:
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(a)
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by
written agreement, duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of Purchaser
and the Company;
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(b)
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by
Purchaser or the Company:
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(i)
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if
any Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated,
enforced or entered any injunction, order, decree or ruling (whether
temporary, preliminary or permanent) which has become final and
nonappealable and has the effect of making consummation of the Merger
illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Merger;
provided, that the party seeking to terminate this Agreement shall have
used its commercially reasonable efforts to remove or lift such
injunction, order, decree or ruling and has otherwise complied in all
material respects with its obligations under this Agreement;
or
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(ii)
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if
the Merger shall not have occurred on or before June 18, 2010 the “Termination
Date”); provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under
this Section 9.1(b)(ii) shall not be available to any party that has
breached in any material respect its obligations under this Agreement if
such breach shall have been a principal cause of, or resulted in, the
failure to consummate the Merger by such
date;
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(c) by
Purchaser:
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(i)
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if
any representation or warranty of the Company was inaccurate or was
breached in any material respect when made and the Company had Knowledge
that such representation or warranty was inaccurate or had been breached
at the time it was made;
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(ii)
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if
the Company shall have failed to perform in any material respect any of
their covenants, agreements or other obligations contained in this
Agreement which failure to perform (A) gives rise to the failure of a
condition set forth in Article VI and (B) is incapable of being cured, or,
if curable, has not been cured by the Company within fifteen (15) calendar
days after giving written notice to the Company of such breach or failure
to perform;
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(iii)
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if
any of the conditions set forth in Article VI shall have been rendered
impossible to satisfy; provided, however, that
termination by Purchaser under this subsection 9.1(c)(iii) may not be
elected prior to the Termination
Date;
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(iv)
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if
the Company Stockholders’ Consents and the Company Stockholders’ Support
Agreements contemplated to be delivered to Purchaser pursuant to Section
5.14 hereof are not delivered to Purchaser within twenty-four (24) hours
after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, time being of the
essence; or
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(v)
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if
each of the Company Stockholders’ Option Agreements contemplated to be
delivered to Purchaser pursuant to Section 5.14 hereof are not delivered
to Purchaser within forty-eight (48) hours after the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, time being of the
essence;
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(d) by
the Company:
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(i)
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if
any representation or warranty of the Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or
Merger Sub was inaccurate or was breached in any material respect when
made and Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub had Knowledge that such
representation or warranty was inaccurate or had been breached at the time
it was made;
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(ii)
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if
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub shall have failed to perform in
any material respect any of their covenants, agreements or other
obligations contained in this Agreement (other than those contained in
Section 5.4 hereof) which failure to perform (A) gives rise to the failure
of a condition set forth in Article VII and (B) is incapable of being
cured, or, if curable, has not been cured by Purchaser Parent, Purchaser
or Merger Sub within fifteen (15) calendar days after giving written
notice to Purchaser of such breach or failure to
perform;
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(iii)
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if
any of the conditions set forth in Article VII shall have been rendered
impossible to satisfy; provided, however, that
termination by Company under this subsection 9.1(d)(iii) may not be
elected prior to the Termination
Date;
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(iv)
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if
(A) all of the conditions in Article VI and Article VII are satisfied
(other than those conditions that by their nature can only be satisfied at
the Closing) or, with respect to Article VII, have been waived by the
Company in writing and Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub does not
proceed to consummate the Closing on the Termination Date and deliver the
Merger Consideration despite each of the conditions set forth in Article
VI having been satisfied at the Closing;
or
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(v)
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if
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub shall have failed to perform in
any material respect any of their covenants, agreements or other
obligations contained in Section 5.4 of this Agreement which failure to
perform (A) gives rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Article
VII and (B) is incapable of being cured, or, if curable, has not been
cured by Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub prior to the
Termination Date.
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The
parties agree that in the event of a breach of a representation or warranty by
the Company or any Company Subsidiary, on the one hand, or the Purchaser Parent,
Purchaser or Merger Sub on the other hand, where the breaching party had no
Knowledge of the breach on the date of this Agreement there shall be no right to
(i) refuse to proceed to Closing if each of the conditions to Closing of such
party in Article VI or Article VII, as applicable, is satisfied, or (ii)
terminate this Agreement; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not limit the rights of any party to pursue any indemnification
claims for such a breach pursuant to Article X hereof.
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9.2
Effect of
Termination. (a) The
rights and remedies on termination set forth in this Section 9.2 are the
exclusive rights and remedies of Purchaser and the Company upon the termination
of this Agreement prior to Closing.
(b) If
this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1(a), Section 9.1(b), Section
9.1(c)(iii), Section 9.1(c)(v) or Section 9.1(d)(iii), the parties will have no
further liability under this Agreement except that the parties’ obligations with
respect to Section 5.3 and Article XII of the Agreement will
continue.
(c) If
this Agreement is terminated by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 9.1(c)(i),
Section 9.1(c)(ii) or Section 9.1(c)(iv) Purchaser shall be entitled to receive
an amount payable in cash equal to the sum of $2,700,000.00 plus the Purchaser
Transaction Expenses from the Company within ten (10) Business Days after such
termination together with all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred
in connection with the pursuit and collection of such amounts if not timely
paid. If Purchaser has elected to terminated this Agreement and to
seek payment pursuant to this Section 9.2(c), and the Company has timely paid
all amounts due under this Section 9.2(c), then Purchaser shall not be entitled
to exercise any Option granted pursuant to a Company Stockholders’ Option
Agreement.
(d) If
this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 9.1(d)(i) or
Section 9.1(d)(ii), the Company shall be entitled to receive an amount payable
in cash equal to the sum of $2,700,000.00 plus the Company Transaction
Termination Expenses from the Purchaser within ten (10) Business Days after such
termination together with all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred
in connection with the pursuit and collection of such amounts if not timely
paid.
(e) If
this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 9.1(d)(iv) or
Section 9.1(d)(v), the Company shall be entitled to receive an amount payable in
cash equal to the sum of $5,000,000.00 plus the Company Transaction Termination
Expenses from the Purchaser within ten (10) Business Days after such termination
together with all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in connection
with the pursuit and collection of such amounts if not timely
paid. Purchaser agrees that if there are multiple reasons for the
Company’s termination of this Agreement, one of which is pursuant to either
Section 9.1(d)(iv) or Section 9.1(d)(v), then, at the Company’s option, Section
9.1(d)(iv) or Section 9.1(d)(v), as the case may be, shall be deemed the sole
reason for the Company’s termination of this Agreement.
9.3 Exclusive Pre-Closing
Remedy. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge
and agree that prior to Closing, the provisions set forth in this Article IX
shall be the sole and exclusive rights and remedies of the parties under this
Agreement including, without limitation, with respect to (a) any
misrepresentation, breach or default of or under any of the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, or (b) any
failure to duly perform or observe any term, provision, covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing
in this Article IX shall be deemed to limit any rights or remedies of a party
(i) under the Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, Company Stockholders’
Option Agreements or Transmittal Letters or (ii) in the event of a fraud by a
party hereto; and, provided, further, that nothing
in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit the right of Purchaser Parent,
Purchaser and Merger Sub to seek equitable relief pursuant to Section 12.10 and
to enforce Section 5.15 hereof.
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ARTICLE
X
SURVIVAL;
INDEMNIFICATION
10.1 Survival. All
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in or made
pursuant to this Agreement, and the rights of the parties to seek
indemnification with respect thereto, shall survive the Closing Date through the
one year anniversary of the Closing Date. If proper notice of an
indemnification claim is given in accordance with this Agreement before
expiration of the applicable representation, warranty, covenant or agreement,
then notwithstanding the expiration thereof, any claim based on such
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement shall survive until, but only
for purposes of, the resolution of such claim.
10.2 Investigation. The
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein, together with
the indemnification provisions herein, are intended to allocate the economic
costs and the risks inherent in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
between the parties hereto and, accordingly, if the Closing occurs, each
Purchaser Indemnified Party and each Company Indemnified Party shall be entitled
to such indemnification by reason of any breach of any such representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement as set forth herein notwithstanding whether any
employee, representative, agent or Affiliate of such party knew or had reason to
know of such breach and regardless of any investigation by such party or any of
such party’s employees, representatives, agents or Affiliates prior to the
Closing.
10.3 Indemnification.
(a) By the Company and the Escrow
Fund. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article X,
and excluding the matters as to which separate indemnification is provided under
Section 8.2, each of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and the Surviving Corporation
and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and
assigns (collectively, the “Purchaser Indemnified
Parties”) shall, after the Closing, be indemnified and held harmless
from, against and in respect of the full amount of any and all Losses incurred
or suffered by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties or any of them from the Escrow
Fund in respect of, arising from, in connection with, or incident
to:
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(i)
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any
breach of, or inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or certification
made by the Company in Article III of this Agreement, the Company Closing
Certificate, the Company Officer’s Certificate or any Company Ancillary
Agreement to which the Company is a party, other than the representations
and warranties made by the Company in Section 3.11
hereof;
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(ii)
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any
breach, violation, nonperformance or non-fulfillment of any covenants,
agreements or obligations of the Company in this Agreement and each other
Company Ancillary Agreement to which the Company is a party to the extent
required to be performed by it prior to the Closing, unless waived by
Purchaser in writing on or prior to the
Closing;
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(iii)
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any
breach, violation, nonperformance or non-fulfillment of any covenants,
agreements or obligations of the Stockholders’ Representative contained in
this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and each other Company Ancillary
Agreement to which the Stockholders’ Representative is a party;
and
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(iv)
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any
claim by a Stockholder or Option Holder that (A) challenges the validity,
or effectiveness of the Merger, the Merger Agreement, any Company
Ancillary Document, the termination of the Company Option Plan or any
Rights granted thereunder, the sufficiency of the Company Stockholders’
Consents, including that the Merger, the Merger Agreement or any Company
Ancillary Document has not been duly authorized and approved by the
Company, (B) the Company Common Stock held by a Stockholder should not be,
or is not required to be, exchanged for the Merger Consideration or the
form of Merger Consideration delivered hereunder, and (C) any Stockholder
or Option Holder has not been paid the amount and/or type of consideration
required to be paid to such Stockholder, Option Holder or other Person
holding or claiming Company Rights or Company Subsidiary
Rights;
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provided, however, that any
notice provided to Purchaser pursuant to Section 5.5 and any exception or
proviso relating to certifications in the Company Closing Certificate in
connection with Company Material Pre-Closing Events shall each be disregarded
for purposes of this Article X, and any such disclosures shall not operate to
diminish any rights to indemnification that the Purchaser Indemnified Parties
have under this Article X.
(b) By Purchaser, Merger Sub and the
Surviving Corporation. Subject to the limitations set forth in
this Article X, the Company, the Stockholders and their respective heirs,
distributees, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns
(collectively, the “Company Indemnified
Parties”) shall, after the Closing, be indemnified and held harmless,
jointly and severally, by Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub and the
Surviving Corporation, from, against and in respect of the full amount of any
and all Losses arising from, in connection with, or incident to:
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(i)
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any
breach of, or inaccuracy in, any representation or warranty made by the
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or the Merger Sub contained in Article IV of
this Agreement or any Purchaser Ancillary Agreement to which the Purchaser
is a party;
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(ii)
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any
breach, violation, nonperformance or non-fulfillment of any covenants,
agreements or obligations of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub or,
to the extent required to be performed or complied after the Closing, the
Surviving Corporation contained in this Agreement or any Purchaser
Ancillary Agreement to which the Purchaser is a party, unless waived in
writing by the Company on or prior to
Closing.
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; provided, however, that any
notice provided to the Company pursuant to Section 5.5 in connection with
Purchaser Material Pre-Closing Events shall be disregarded for purposes of this
Article X, and any such disclosures shall not operate to diminish any rights to
indemnification that the Company Indemnified Parties have under this Article
X.
10.4 Notification of
Claims. (a) In
the event of the occurrence of an event which a Purchaser Indemnified Party or
Company Indemnified Party asserts constitutes a claim, the Purchaser Indemnified
Party or Company Indemnified Party asserting such claim (such party hereinafter
referred to as the “Indemnified Party”)
shall provide prompt notice of such event (i) in the event of a claim by a
Purchaser Indemnified Party, to the Stockholders’ Representative, on behalf of
the Stockholders and (ii) in the event of a claim by a Company Indemnified
Party, to the Purchaser (such party set forth in (i) or (ii), as the case may
be, hereinafter referred to as the “Indemnifying Party”)
and shall otherwise make available to the Indemnifying Party all relevant
information which is material to the claim and which is in the possession of the
Indemnified Party. An Indemnified Party’s failure to give timely
notice or to furnish the Indemnifying Party with any relevant data and documents
in connection with any Third Party Claim (as defined below) shall not constitute
a defense (in part or in whole) to any claim for indemnification by such party,
except and only to the extent that such failure shall result in any prejudice to
the Indemnifying Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser
Indemnified Parties shall have no obligation hereunder to give notice for any
claims relating to any Losses arising from any matter described on any Schedule
or Exhibit to this Agreement.
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(b) If
such event involves the claim of any third party (a “Third Party Claim”),
the Indemnifying Party may elect, at such party’s sole expense (without
prejudice to the right of the Indemnified Party to participate at its own
expense through counsel of its own choosing), to assume control of the defense,
settlement, adjustment or compromise of any Third Party Claim, with counsel
reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party, if the Indemnifying Party gives
written notice of its intention to do so no later than thirty (30) days
following notice thereof by an Indemnified Party or such shorter time period as
required so that the interests of the Indemnified Party would not be materially
prejudiced as a result of the failure to have received such notice, and the
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to maintain such control for so long as it
actively and diligently pursues such defense, settlement, adjustment or
compromise; provided, however, that if the
Indemnified Party shall have reasonably concluded that separate counsel is
required because either (i) a conflict of interest would otherwise exist, (ii)
the Third Party Claim could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Indemnified Party or (iii) the Third Party Claim and any claims
that may be related thereto could reasonably be expected to exceed the amount of
indemnification available to the Indemnified Party (either pursuant to the terms
of this Article X or as a result of the Indemnifying Party(ies) available
financial resources), the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select
separate counsel to participate in the defense of such action on its behalf, at
the expense of the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified
Party shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate in such
defense. If the Indemnifying Party does not so choose to assume
control of the defense, settlement, adjustment or compromise of any such Third
Party Claim for which any Indemnified Party would be entitled to indemnification
hereunder, then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to elect to join in
the defense, settlement, adjustment or compromise of any such Third Party Claim,
and to employ counsel to assist such Indemnifying Party in connection with the
handling of such claim, at the sole expense of the Indemnifying Party, and no
such claim shall be settled, adjusted or compromised, or the defense thereof
terminated by the Indemnified Party, without the prior consent of the
Indemnifying Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed)
unless and until the Indemnifying Party shall have failed, after the lapse of a
reasonable period of time, but in no event more than thirty (30) days after
written notice to it of the Third Party Claim, to join in the defense,
settlement, adjustment or compromise of the same. No Indemnified
Party may settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any
Third Party Claim for which indemnification may be sought hereunder unless such
settlement, compromise or consent also includes an express, unconditional
release of the Indemnifying Party and their directors, officers, agents,
stockholders, consultants, employees and controlling persons from all
liabilities and obligations arising therefrom. No Indemnifying Party
may settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any Third
Party Claim for which indemnification may be sought hereunder without the prior
written consent of each Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed if such settlement, compromise or consent (i)
is for money damages only, (ii) the Indemnifying Party assumes complete
financial responsibility for such settlement, compromise or consent (and
demonstrates to the Indemnified Party that it has available all required
financial resources therefor), (iii) could not otherwise be reasonably expected
to cause a Material Adverse Effect on the Indemnified Party and (iv) includes an
express, unconditional release of the Indemnified Party and their directors,
officers, agents, stockholders, consultants, employees and controlling persons
from all liabilities and obligations arising therefrom.
10.5
Limitations on
Indemnification.
(a) Limitations on Indemnification by
Company Indemnified Parties. If the Closing occurs, no
indemnification payment shall be made to the Purchaser Indemnified Parties
pursuant to Section 10.3(a)(i), until the amounts that the Purchaser Indemnified
Parties would otherwise be entitled to receive as indemnification under this
Agreement aggregate at least $375,000.00 (the “Indemnification
Threshold”), at which time the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall be
indemnified dollar-for-dollar for the full amount of indemnification hereunder
which exceeds the Indemnification Threshold; provided, however, that, except
as set forth in the Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, no indemnification
payment in respect of indemnification required to be made pursuant to Sections
8.2 and 10.3(a) shall be required to be made to the Purchaser Indemnification
Parties in excess of $4,500,000.00 in the aggregate (the “Limited Indemnification
Cap”); provided, further, that except as set forth in the Transmittal
Letters, the Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, or the Company
Stockholders’ Option Agreements, the Escrow Fund shall be the sole source of
indemnification payments in respect of indemnification required to be made to
the Purchaser Indemnified Parties.
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(b) Limitations on Indemnification by
Purchaser Indemnified Parties. If the Closing occurs, no
indemnification payment shall be made to the Company Indemnified Parties
pursuant to Section 10.3(b)(i) until the amounts that the Company Indemnified
Parties would otherwise be entitled to receive as indemnification under this
Agreement aggregate at least the Indemnification Threshold, at which time the
Company Indemnified Parties shall be indemnified dollar-for-dollar for the full
amount of indemnification hereunder which exceeds the Indemnification Threshold;
provided, however, that no
indemnification payment in respect of indemnification required to be made
pursuant to Section 10.3(b) shall be required to be made to the Company
Indemnification Parties in excess of the Limited Indemnification
Cap.
10.6 Payment of
Claims.
(a) Timing of
Payment. With regard to any and all claims that are disputed
and which indemnification becomes payable hereunder, such indemnification shall
be paid, or the Escrow Agent shall be authorized to pay such claim by the
Stockholders’ Representative, as applicable, upon the earliest to occur of (i)
the entry of a judgment against the Indemnified Party and the expiration of any
applicable appeal period, or if earlier, five (5) Business Days prior to the
date that the judgment creditor has the right to execute the judgment, (ii) the
entry of an unappealable judgment or final appellate decision against the
Indemnified Party or (iii) a settlement of the claim. The earliest to
occur of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above is referred to herein as a “Final
Determination”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the reasonable
legal fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Party shall be reimbursed
on a current basis by the Indemnifying Party if such legal fees and expenses are
a liability of the Indemnifying Party. With regard to undisputed
claims for which indemnification is payable hereunder, such indemnification
shall be paid promptly by the Indemnifying Party upon demand by the Indemnified
Party.
(b) Source of
Payment. The sole recourse of the Purchaser Indemnified
Parties for amounts payable pursuant to indemnification claims made pursuant to
Article VIII or Article X will be to the Escrow Fund, and, except as set forth
in the Transmittal Letter or the Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, no
Stockholder will have liability to the Purchaser Indemnified Parties beyond the
amounts, if any, from time to time available in the Escrow Fund.
10.7 No Circular
Recovery. After the
Closing, no Stockholder shall be entitled to any indemnification against
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation or any
Company Subsidiary by reason of the fact that such Stockholder was a controlling
person, director, officer, employee or representative of the Company or a
Company Subsidiary or was serving as such for another Person at the request of
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation, the Company
or a Company Subsidiary (whether such claim is for Losses of any kind or
otherwise and whether such claim is pursuant to any statute, Governing Document,
contractual obligation or otherwise) with respect to any claim brought by a
Purchaser Indemnified Party pursuant to Article VIII or Article
X. With respect to any claim brought by a Purchaser Indemnified Party
relating to this Agreement or any Company Ancillary Agreement, no Stockholder
shall have any right of subrogation, contribution, advancement, indemnification
or other claim against Merger Sub, the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any
Company Subsidiary with respect to any amounts owed to the Purchaser Indemnified
Parties pursuant to Article VIII or Article X.
65
10.8 Exclusive Post-Closing
Remedy. The
parties hereto hereby acknowledge and agree that from and after Closing, the
indemnification provisions in Article VIII and Article X shall be the sole and
exclusive rights and remedies of the parties with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, with respect to
(a) any misrepresentation, breach or default of or under any of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this
Agreement, or (b) any failure to duly perform or observe any term, provision,
covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing
in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit any rights of a party under the
Company Stockholders’ Support Agreements, Company Stockholders’ Option
Agreements or Transmittal Letters; and, provided, further, that nothing
in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit the right of Purchaser Parent,
Purchaser and Merger Sub to seek equitable relief pursuant to Section
12.10.
ARTICLE
XI
STOCKHOLDERS’
REPRESENTATIVE
11.1 Authorization of
Stockholders’ Representative. (a) The
Stockholders’ Representative is hereby appointed, authorized and empowered to
act for the benefit of the Stockholders with respect to this Agreement after the
Closing, for the purposes and with the following powers and
authority:
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(i)
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to
execute and deliver such waivers and consents in connection with the
Escrow Agreement as the Stockholders’ Representative, in its sole
discretion, may deem necessary or
desirable;
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(ii)
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as
Stockholders’ Representative, to enforce and protect the rights and
interests of the Stockholders (including the Stockholders’ Representative,
in its capacity as a Stockholder) in connection with any claims asserted
under Article X of this Agreement, including defending all claims for
indemnification made by Purchaser, consenting to, compromising or settling
all indemnification claims of Purchaser, conducting negotiations with
Purchaser and its representatives regarding such claims, and engaging
counsel, accountants or other representatives in connection with the
foregoing matters, and, in connection therewith, to (A) assert any
claim or institute any action, proceeding or investigation;
(B) investigate, defend, contest or litigate any claim, action,
proceeding or investigation initiated by Purchaser, the Surviving
Corporation or any Person, or by any federal, state or local Governmental
Authority against the Stockholders’ Representative and/or any of the
Stockholders, and receive process on behalf of any or all Stockholders in
any such claim, action, proceeding or investigation and compromise or
settle on such terms as the Stockholders’ Representative shall determine
to be appropriate, and give receipts, releases and discharges with respect
to, any such claim, action, proceeding or investigation; (C) file any
proofs of debt, claims and petitions as the Stockholders’ Representative
may deem advisable or necessary; and (D) file and prosecute appeals
from any decision, judgment or award rendered in any such action,
proceeding or investigation, it being understood that the Stockholders’
Representative shall not have any obligation to take any such actions, and
shall not have any liability for any failure to take any such
actions;
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66
(b) The
Stockholders’ Representative will be paid $29,000.00 as a fee for the
performance of its services hereunder, which amount shall be paid at Closing as
a Company Transaction Expense. In addition, the Stockholders’
Representative shall be entitled to the payment from the consideration payable
to the Stockholders of all its expenses incurred as the Stockholders’
Representative. In connection with this Agreement, and any
instrument, agreement or document relating hereto or thereto, and in exercising
or failing to exercise all or any of the powers conferred upon the Stockholders’
Representative hereunder (A) the Stockholders’ Representative shall incur
no responsibility whatsoever to any Stockholder by reason of any error in
judgment or other act or omission performed or omitted hereunder or any such
other agreement, instrument or document, excepting only responsibility for any
act taken which represents gross negligence or willful misconduct, and
(B) the Stockholders’ Representative shall be entitled to rely on the
advice of counsel (and the parties agree that Stockholders’ Representative may
hire Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP to provide such counsel), public accountants or
other independent experts experienced in the matter at issue, and any error in
judgment or other act or omission of the Stockholders’ Representative pursuant
to such advice shall in no event subject the Stockholders’ Representative to
liability to any Stockholder. Each Stockholder shall indemnify the
Stockholders’ Representative against all losses, damages, liabilities, claims,
obligations, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’, accountants’
and other experts’ fees and the amount of any judgment against the Stockholders’
Representative, of any nature whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and
all expense whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or
defending against any Litigation, commenced or threatened or any claims
whatsoever), arising out of or in connection with any claim, investigation,
challenge, action or proceeding or in connection with any appeal thereof,
relating to the acts or omissions of the Stockholders’ Representative hereunder
or otherwise. The foregoing indemnification shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other right to which the Stockholders’ Representative may be
entitled apart from the provisions hereof. The foregoing
indemnification shall not apply in the event of any action or proceeding which
finally adjudicates the liability of the Stockholders’ Representative hereunder
for its gross negligence or willful misconduct. In the event of any
claim for indemnification hereunder, upon written notice from the Stockholders’
Representative to the Stockholders as to the existence of a deficiency toward
the payment of any such indemnification amount, each Stockholder shall promptly
deliver to the Stockholders’ Representative full payment of such Stockholders’
ratable share of the amount of such deficiency.
(c) All
of the indemnities, immunities and powers granted to the Stockholders’
Representative under this Agreement shall survive the Closing and/or any
termination of this Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, each Stockholder hereby acknowledges that none
of Purchaser Parent, Purchaser, Merger Sub, or the Company shall have any
responsibility or obligation whatsoever to any Stockholder or to any other party
with respect to or arising out of any actions taken or any inaction by the
Stockholders’ Representative and nothing contained herein shall limit or affect
in any manner whatsoever the responsibilities or obligations of the
Stockholders’ Representative, howsoever arising, or release the Stockholders’
Representative from any liabilities with respect to, Purchaser Parent,
Purchaser, Merger Sub and/or the Company. The grant of authority
provided for herein (i) is coupled with an interest and shall be
irrevocable and survive the death, incompetency, bankruptcy or liquidation of
any Stockholder; and (ii) shall survive the delivery of an assignment by a
Stockholder or any of the whole or any fraction of his or her interest
hereunder.
(e) Purchaser
shall be entitled to rely in good faith upon any certification, notice,
direction, request, waiver or consent given to Purchaser by the Stockholders’
Representative (or its designated representatives).
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(f) In
connection with this Agreement, and any instrument, agreement or document
relating hereto or thereto, and in exercising or failing to exercise all or any
of the powers conferred upon the Stockholders’ Representative hereunder, the
Stockholders’ Representative (in its capacity as Stockholders’ Representative)
shall incur no responsibility whatsoever to Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Surviving
Corporation or any Purchaser Indemnified Parties by reason of any error in
judgment or other act or omission performed or omitted hereunder or any such
other agreement, instrument or document for any Loss or
otherwise. The Stockholders hereby assume full liability for any
breach of this Agreement by the Stockholders’ Representative (in its capacity as
Stockholders’ Representative).
(g) The
Stockholders’ Representative (in its capacity as Stockholders’ Representative)
shall not have any liability whatsoever to Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Surviving
Corporation, the Company, the Stockholders or any Purchaser Indemnified Parties
for indemnification or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement, or any agreement
entered into or certificate delivered in connection with the Closing or the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(h) The
Stockholders’ Representative may resign as such upon thirty (30) days following
the giving of prior written notice to the Purchaser and the
Stockholders. Upon such resignation the Stockholders’ Representative
shall be fully released and relieved of all duties and responsibilities under
this Agreement. In the event of such resignation, Stockholders that
held a majority of the issued and outstanding Company Common Stock as of
immediately prior to the Effective Date (excluding Dissenting Shares) shall
appoint a successor representative as the successor Stockholders’
Representative, which shall be subject to the duties and obligations and shall
have the rights and interests of the Stockholders’ Representative for all
purposes hereunder.
ARTICLE
XII
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Expenses. Except as
expressly otherwise provided herein, each party shall bear its own expenses
incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees and
expenses of agents, representatives, counsel and accountants.
12.2 Successors. This
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
12.3 Further
Assurances. Each of
the parties hereto agrees that it will, from time to time after the date of this
Agreement, execute and deliver such other certificates, documents and
instruments and take such other action as may be reasonably requested by the
other party to carry out the actions and transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
12.4 Waiver. Any
provision of this Agreement may be waived at any time in writing by the party
which is entitled to the benefits thereof.
12.5 Entire
Agreement. This
Agreement (together with the certificates, agreements, exhibits, schedules,
instruments and other documents referred to herein) and the Existing
Confidentiality Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior
agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject
matter.
12.6 Governing
Law. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF DELAWARE APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE AND
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW DOCTRINES.
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12.7 Consent to
Jurisdiction. EACH
PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, BY ITS EXECUTION HEREOF, (A) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
SUBMITS, AND AGREES TO CAUSE EACH OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES TO SUBMIT, TO THE
EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE LOCATED IN
NEW CASTLE COUNTY (OR IF JURISDICTION THERETO IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE) FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ANY ACTION, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT (IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE),
INQUIRY PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT
OR RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, (B) HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE
EACH OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES TO WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT, AND AGREES NOT TO ALLOW ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES
TO ASSERT, BY WAY OF MOTION, AS A DEFENSE OR OTHERWISE, IN ANY SUCH ACTION, ANY
CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT SUBJECT PERSONALLY TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE ABOVE-NAMED
COURTS, THAT ITS PROPERTY IS EXEMPT OR IMMUNE FROM ATTACHMENT OR EXECUTION, THAT
ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ONE OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURTS IS IMPROPER, OR
THAT THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF MAY NOT BE ENFORCED IN OR BY
SUCH COURT AND (C) HEREBY AGREES NOT TO COMMENCE OR TO PERMIT ANY OF ITS
SUBSIDIARIES TO COMMENCE ANY ACTION, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT (IN
CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE), INQUIRY PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION ARISING OUT OF
OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OTHER THAN
BEFORE ONE OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURTS NOR TO MAKE ANY MOTION OR TAKE ANY OTHER
ACTION SEEKING OR INTENDING TO CAUSE THE TRANSFER OR REMOVAL OF ANY SUCH ACTION,
CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT (IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE), INQUIRY,
PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION TO ANY COURT OTHER THAN ONE OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURT
WHETHER ON THE GROUNDS OF INCONVENIENT FORUM OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY
HEREBY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY MANNER
PERMITTED BY DELAWARE LAW, AND AGREES THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED OR
CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 12.11 IS REASONABLY CALCULATED TO GIVE ACTUAL NOTICE.
12.8 Waiver of Jury
Trial. EACH OF
THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER
AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN
RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE OR ACTION, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT (IN CONTRACT,
TORT OR OTHERWISE), INQUIRY, PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED
UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR
RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, IN EACH CASE
WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING. EACH OF THE PARTIES AGREE
AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT HAS BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS SECTION 12.8 CONSTITUTES A
MATERIAL INDUCEMENT UPON WHICH THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO ARE RELYING AND WILL
RELY IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATING HERETO OR
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL
COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 12.8 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF
THE CONSENT OF EACH SUCH PARTY TO THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY
JURY.
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12.9 Assignment. None of
the parties may assign this Agreement to any other Person without the prior
written consent of the other parties hereto.
12.10 Remedies; Specific
Performance. The
Purchaser and the Company acknowledge and agree that the Purchaser will suffer
irreparable damage in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are
not performed by the Company in accordance with their specific terms or are
otherwise breached by the Company, and the Purchaser and the Company further
agree that the Purchaser shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches
of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this
Agreement, this remedy being in addition to any other remedy to which the
Purchaser is entitled at law or in equity. In no event shall the
Company, the Stockholders’ Representative or any other Person have a right of
specific performance hereunder or to otherwise seek to cause Purchaser Parent,
Purchaser or Merger Sub to effect the Closing or the Merger.
12.11
Notices. All
notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered personally, (b) when
transmitted by electronic means producing a written facsimile (receipt
confirmed), (c) on the fifth (5th)
Business Day following mailing by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested), or (d) on the next Business Day following deposit with an overnight
delivery service of national reputation, to the parties at the following
addresses and facsimile numbers (or at such other address or facsimile number
for a party as may be specified by like notice):
If to
Purchaser Parent, Purchaser or Merger Sub:
c/o
Clarus Corporation
Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xx
Xxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attn: Executive
Chairman
Fax: (000)
000-0000
with a
copy to:
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, P.C.
1350
Avenue of the Xxxxxxxx, 00xx
Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000)
000-0000
If to the
Company (prior to the Closing):
Black
Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
0000 Xxxx
0000 Xxxxx
Xxxx Xxxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
Attn: President
Fax: (000)
000-0000
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with a
copy to:
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
0000
0xx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000)
000-0000
If to a
Stockholder or the Stockholders’ Representative:
Xx
XxXxxx
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000)
000-0000
with a
copy to:
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
0000
0xx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000)
000-0000
12.12 Headings. The
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
12.13 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, all of which shall be
considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or
more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the
other party, including by facsimile, it being understood that both parties need
not sign the same counterpart.
12.14 Exhibits and
Schedules. The
exhibits and schedules to this Agreement are incorporated by reference herein
and are made a part hereof as if they were fully set forth herein.
12.15 Severability. The
invalidity of any term or terms of this Agreement shall not affect any other
term of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect.
12.16 No Third Party
Beneficiaries. Except as
set forth in Section 5.8 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the persons
covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons), there are no third party
beneficiaries of this Agreement or of the transactions contemplated hereby and
nothing contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon anyone other than the
parties hereto (and their permitted successors and assigns, and including, with
respect to the Stockholders, the Stockholders’ Representatives) any right to
insist upon or to enforce the performance of any of the obligations contained
herein.
12.17 Time of the
Essence. Time is
of the essence with respect to the obligations of the parties
hereunder.
71
12.18 Negotiation of
Agreement. Each of
the parties acknowledges that it has been represented by independent counsel of
its choice throughout all negotiations that have preceded the execution of this
Agreement. Each party and its counsel cooperated in the drafting and
preparation of this Agreement and the other documents referred to herein, and
any and all drafts relating thereto will be deemed the work product of the
parties hereto and may not be construed against any party by reason of its
preparation. Accordingly, any rule of law or any legal decision that
would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this Agreement against the
party that drafted it is of no application and is hereby expressly
waived.
12.19 Amendment. No
change, modification, extension, termination, notice of termination, discharge,
abandonment or waiver of this Agreement or any of its provisions, nor any
representation, promise or condition relating to this Agreement, will be binding
upon any party unless made in writing and signed by such
party. Subject to the provisions of the DGCL, this Agreement may be
amended by the parties subsequent to the adoption of this Agreement by the
stockholders of the Company and Merger Sub by an amendment approved by the board
of directors of each party prior to the Effective Time.
12.20 Representation of
Stockholders. The parties agree that Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
may act as counsel to the Stockholders’ Representative or any or all of the
Stockholders with regard to any dispute between the Stockholders’ Representative
or any or all of the Stockholders, on the one hand, and Clarus or any of its
Affiliates on the other which arises out of this Agreement or any other
agreements entered into by the Stockholders’ Representative or such Stockholder
or Stockholders in connection with the transactions contemplated herein and
therein.
[Signature
Page Follows]
72
In
Witness Whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.
Purchaser
Parent:
|
Company:
|
||||
Clarus
Corporation
|
Black
Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
|
||||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
||
Name: Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
Name: Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Title: Chief
Financial Officer
|
Title: Chief
Executive Officer
|
||||
Purchaser:
|
Stockholders’
Representative
|
||||
Everest/Sapphire
Acquisition, LLC
|
/s/ Xx XxXxxx
|
||||
Name: Xx XxXxxx | |||||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Name: Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
|||||
Title: President
|
|||||
Merger
Sub:
|
|||||
Sapphire
Merger Corp.
|
|||||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||||
Name: Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
|||||
Title: President
|