Exhibit 10(s)
AMENDED AND RESTATED
SERVICE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
SMILEAGE DENTAL CARE, INC.
and
WISCONSIN DENTAL GROUP, S.C.
January 1, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS........................................................................................... 1
ARTICLE II. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY OF SERVICE COMPANY......................................................... 2
(S)2.1 Appointment.......................................................................................... 2
(S)2.2 Authority............................................................................................ 2
(S)2.3 Patient Referrals.................................................................................... 2
(S)2.4 Internal Management of Provider...................................................................... 2
(S)2.5 Practice of Dentistry................................................................................ 2
ARTICLE III. POLICY BOARD........................................................................................ 3
(S)3.1 Formation and Operation of Policy Board.............................................................. 3
(S)3.2 Responsibilities of the Policy Board................................................................. 3
(a) Capital Improvements and Expansion................................................................... 3
(b) Annual Budgets....................................................................................... 3
(c) Marketing and Advertising............................................................................ 4
(d) Patient Fees; Collection Policies.................................................................... 4
(e) Provider and Payor Relationships..................................................................... 4
(f) Strategic and Operational Planning................................................................... 4
(g) Capital Expenditures................................................................................. 4
(h) Personnel Planning................................................................................... 4
(i) Grievance Referrals.................................................................................. 4
(j) Patient Concerns and Claims.......................................................................... 4
(k) Environmental Health and Safety...................................................................... 5
(l) Emergency Care Services.............................................................................. 5
(m) Financial Review..................................................................................... 5
(n) Other................................................................................................ 5
(S)3.3 Dental Decisions..................................................................................... 5
ARTICLE IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF SERVICE COMPANY.................................................................. 5
(S)4.1 Clinics.............................................................................................. 5
(S)4.2 Equipment............................................................................................ 6
(S)4.3 Laboratory Services.................................................................................. 6
(S)4.4 Supplies............................................................................................. 6
(S)4.5 Capital Investment................................................................................... 7
(S)4.6 Support Services..................................................................................... 7
(S)4.7 Quality Assurance, Risk Management, and Utilization Review........................................... 7
(S)4.8 Licenses and Permits................................................................................. 7
(S)4.9 Personnel............................................................................................ 7
(S)4.10 Contract Negotiations................................................................................ 8
(S)4.11 Billing and Collection............................................................................... 8
(S)4.12 Provider Account..................................................................................... 9
(a) Power of Attorney.................................................................................... 9
(b) Priority of Payments...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
i
(c) Further Assurances................................................................................... 10
(S)4.13 Financial Matters.................................................................................... 10
(a) Annual Budget........................................................................................ 10
(b) Accounting and Financial Records..................................................................... 10
(c) Review of Expenditures............................................................................... 10
(d) Tax Matters.......................................................................................... 10
(S)4.14 Reports and Records.................................................................................. 11
(a) Dental Records....................................................................................... 11
(b) Other Reports and Records............................................................................ 11
(S)4.15 Recruitment of Provider Dentists..................................................................... 11
(S)4.16 Service Company's Insurance.......................................................................... 11
(S)4.17 License of Name and Marks............................................................................ 12
(S)4.18 No Warranty.......................................................................................... 12
ARTICLE V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROVIDER.......................................................................... 12
(S)5.1 Organization and Operations.......................................................................... 12
(S)5.2 Provider Personnel................................................................................... 12
(a) Dentist Personnel.................................................................................... 12
(b) Provider and Patient Scheduling...................................................................... 13
(c) Paid Hours Reporting................................................................................. 13
(d) Non-Dentist Dental Care Personnel.................................................................... 13
(S)5.3 Professional Standards............................................................................... 13
(S)5.4 Dental Care.......................................................................................... 14
(S)5.5 Peer Review and Quality Assurance.................................................................... 14
(S)5.6 Provider's Insurance................................................................................. 15
(S)5.7 Noncompetition....................................................................................... 15
(S)5.8 Use of Name.......................................................................................... 16
ARTICLE VI. CONFIDENTIALITY...................................................................................... 16
(S)6.1 Confidential and Proprietary Information............................................................. 16
(S)6.2 Use of Practice Statistics........................................................................... 17
ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.............................................................................. 17
(S)7.1 Clinic Expense Reimbursement......................................................................... 17
(S)7.2 Repayment of Advances................................................................................ 17
(S)7.3 Fees................................................................................................. 17
(a) Service Fee.......................................................................................... 17
(b) Performance Fee...................................................................................... 17
(S)7.4 Adjustment to Performance Fee........................................................................ 17
(S)7.5 Reasonable Value..................................................................................... 18
(S)7.6 Payment.............................................................................................. 18
(S)7.7 Accounts Receivable.................................................................................. 18
ARTICLE VIII. TERM AND TERMINATION............................................................................... 19
(S)8.1 Initial and Renewal Term............................................................................. 19
(S)8.2 Termination.......................................................................................... 19
(a) Termination By Service Company....................................................................... 19
ii
(b) Termination By Provider.............................................................................. 20
(c) Termination by Agreement............................................................................. 20
(d) Legislative, Regulatory or Administrative Change..................................................... 20
(S)8.3 Effects of Termination............................................................................... 21
(S)8.4 Purchase Obligation.................................................................................. 21
(S)8.5 Closing of Purchase.................................................................................. 22
ARTICLE IX. GENERAL.............................................................................................. 23
(S)9.1 Administrative Services Only......................................................................... 24
(S)9.2 Relationship of Parties.............................................................................. 24
(S)9.3 Notices.............................................................................................. 24
(S)9.4 Execution of Documents............................................................................... 25
(S)9.5 Governing Law........................................................................................ 25
(S)9.6 Severability......................................................................................... 25
(S)9.7 Setoff............................................................................................... 25
(S)9.8 Remedies............................................................................................. 26
(S)9.9 Non-waiver........................................................................................... 26
(S)9.10 Indemnification...................................................................................... 26
(S)9.11 No Third Party Benefit............................................................................... 26
(S)9.12 Captions............................................................................................. 27
(S)9.13 Genders and Numbers.................................................................................. 27
(S)9.14 Complete Agreement................................................................................... 27
(S)9.15 Counterparts......................................................................................... 27
(S)9.16 Assignment........................................................................................... 27
(S)9.17 Successors........................................................................................... 27
(S)9.18 Force Majeure........................................................................................ 27
(S)9.19 Interpretation....................................................................................... 28
INDEX TO EXHIBITS................................................................................................. 29
iii
AMENDED AND RESTATED
SERVICE AGREEMENT
This agreement is made effective January 1, 1999, between Smileage
Dental Care, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation ("Service Company"), and Wisconsin
Dental Group, S.C., a Wisconsin corporation ("Provider").
Background Information
----------------------
A. Provider operates as a dental practice providing dental services to
the general public in and around the Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area through
individual dentists who are licensed to practice dentistry in the state of
Wisconsin and who are employed or otherwise retained by Provider.
B. Service Company is engaged in the business of providing assets,
personnel, and services to dental practices other than such services as are
directly related to the provision of dental care or the practice of dentistry.
Service Company's services are intended to improve the efficiency and
profitability of dental practices and permit the dentists in such practices to
focus their efforts solely on rendering quality dental care.
C. Provider desires to focus its energies, expertise and time on the
practice of dentistry and on the delivery of dental services to patients. To
accomplish this goal, Provider has engaged Service Company to provide such
services as are necessary and appropriate for the day-to-day administration of
the non-dental aspects of Provider's dental practice pursuant to a Services
Agreement dated December 23, 1996, as amended (the "Original Service
Agreement"). Provider and Service Company (the "Parties") desire to continue
such engagement and amend and restate the Original Service Agreement to
incorporate prior amendments to such agreement and to provide for certain other
modifications, all as set forth in this agreement.
Statement of Agreement
----------------------
The Parties hereby acknowledge the accuracy of the foregoing Background
Information and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms used in this agreement but not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings given those terms in the attached
Exhibit A.
1
ARTICLE II. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY OF SERVICE COMPANY
--------------------------------------------
(S)2.1 Appointment. Provider hereby appoints Service Company as its
-----------
sole and exclusive agent for the performance of the Services, and Service
Company hereby accepts such appointment, subject at all times to the provisions
of this agreement.
(S)2.2 Authority. Service Company shall have all power, authority,
---------
and responsibility reasonably necessary to provide the Services and carry out
Service Company's other obligations under this agreement. Without limiting the
foregoing, Service Company shall have the authority to provide the Services in
any reasonable manner Service Company deems appropriate to meet the day-to-day
requirements of the business functions of Provider. Subject to Article III of
this agreement, Service Company is also expressly authorized to negotiate and
execute on behalf of Provider contracts that do not relate to the provision of
Dental Care. Provider shall give Service Company 30 days prior written notice of
Provider's intent to execute any agreement obligating Provider to perform Dental
Care or otherwise creating a binding legal obligation on Provider. Unless an
expense is expressly designated as a Service Company Expense in this agreement,
all expenses incurred by Service Company in providing services pursuant to this
agreement shall be Clinic Expenses.
(S)2.3 Patient Referrals. The Parties agree that the benefits to
-----------------
Provider hereunder do not require, are not payment for, and are not in any way
contingent upon the referral, admission, treatment, or any other arrangement for
the provision of any item or service offered by Service Company to patients of
Provider in any facility, laboratory, or dental care operation controlled,
managed, or operated by Service Company.
(S)2.4 Internal Management of Provider. Matters involving the tax
-------------------------------
planning, investment planning, and internal management, control, or finances of
Provider, including without limitation the compensation of dentist employees of
Provider, shall remain the sole and exclusive responsibility of Provider and its
shareholders.
(S)2.5 Practice of Dentistry. The Parties acknowledge and agree
---------------------
that: (a) Service Company is not authorized or qualified to engage in any
activity that may be construed or deemed to constitute the practice of
dentistry; and (b) notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary
(i) Provider, through its dentists, shall be solely responsible for and shall
have complete authority, responsibility, supervision, and control over the
provision of all Dental Care and that all Dental Care shall be provided and
performed exclusively by or under the supervision of dentists as such dentists,
in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, (ii) Service Company shall not have
or exercise any control or supervision over the provision of Dental Care, and
(iii) to the extent any act or service required of Service Company under this
agreement is reasonably likely to be construed by a court of competent
jurisdiction or by any applicable governmental agency to constitute the practice
of dentistry, the requirement to perform that act or service by Service Company
shall be deemed waived and unenforceable. For purposes of this agreement and as
the context permits, the term "dentist" shall be deemed to include those
individuals licensed by the State of Wisconsin to practice general dentistry or
a dental care specialty such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics,
prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and oral medicine.
2
ARTICLE III. POLICY BOARD
------------
(S)3.1 Formation and Operation of Policy Board. The Parties hereby
---------------------------------------
establish an advisory policy board (the "Policy Board") which shall provide
consultation and advice to Service Company in support of Service Company
discharging its responsibility for developing and implementing management and
administrative policies for the overall operation of Clinics. The Policy Board
shall consist of six members, of which three members shall be designated by
Service Company, in its sole discretion, and three members shall be designated
by Provider; provided that, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the Policy
Board members designated by Provider shall be licensed dentists employed by
Provider. Each Party shall have the right to designate, remove, and replace its
Policy Board designees at any time and from time to time upon notice to the
other Party.
Except as may otherwise be expressly provided in this agreement or any
rules, bylaws, or regulations adopted by the Policy Board, the act of a majority
of the members of the Policy Board shall be the act of the Policy Board. The
Policy Board's decisions may be evidenced by either minutes of a Policy Board
meeting or written action taken by the Policy Board members making the decision;
provided that no written action signed by less than all of the Policy Board
members shall be effective unless notice of such action is given to the Policy
Board member who is not signing such action at least two business days prior to
the effective date of such action. The decisions, resolutions, or
recommendations of the Policy Board shall be reviewed by Service Company and, if
deemed necessary or appropriate by Service Company, in its sole discretion,
shall be implemented by Service Company or Provider, as appropriate.
The Policy Board shall hold regular meetings at such places and at such
times (not less often than quarterly) as the Policy Board may determine from
time to time. Special Policy Board meetings may be called by either Party or any
two Policy Board members; provided that notice of any meeting which is not a
regularly scheduled meeting shall be given to all Policy Board members at least
five business days prior to the meeting, unless such notice is waived by the
Policy Board members. Policy Board meetings may be held through the use of
telecommunications equipment so long as all members can hear each other clearly.
(S)3.2 Responsibilities of the Policy Board. The Policy Board shall
------------------------------------
have the following duties and responsibilities in its advisory capacity to the
Parties, provided, however, that no decision, resolution or recommendation of
the Policy Board shall be binding on either of the Parties unless specifically
agreed to by the Parties either pursuant to the express terms of this agreement
or in writing signed by the Party to be bound:
(a) Capital Improvements and Expansion. Any renovation and expansion
----------------------------------
plans and capital equipment expenditures with respect to Clinics shall be the
responsibility of Service Company, shall be reviewed by the Policy Board, and
shall be based upon economic feasibility, dentist support, productivity, and
then-current market conditions.
(b) Annual Budgets. All annual capital and operating budgets prepared
--------------
in accordance with (S)4.13(a) by Service Company (in consultation with Provider)
shall be subject to the review
3
and comment of the Policy Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, such
budgets shall be subject to the review, comment, and approval of Parent. Service
Company shall deliver a copy of such approved budget to the Chief Financial
Officer of Parent for Parent's approval.
(c) Marketing and Advertising. The Policy Board shall review and make
-------------------------
recommendations regarding advertising and other marketing of the dental services
performed at any Clinic.
(d) Patient Fees; Collection Policies. Subject to (S)3.3, as a part of
---------------------------------
the annual operating budget, in consultation with Provider and Service Company,
the Policy Board shall review and make recommendations concerning the fee
schedules and collection policies for all dental and ancillary services rendered
by Provider. Approval of the fee schedules shall be a Dental Decision.
(e) Provider and Payor Relationships. Subject to (S)3.3, decisions
--------------------------------
regarding the establishment or maintenance of contractual relationships between
Provider and outside or institutional dental care providers and third-party
payors shall be subject to the review and recommendations of the Policy Board.
Subject to (S)3.3, all discounted fee practices and schedules, including
individual provider or specialty discount arrangements, preferred provider
organization discounts and capitated fee arrangements, shall be subject to the
review and recommendations of the Policy Board. Where there is no clear
methodology for the allocation of capitated fees among Provider's Dental Care
Professionals, the Policy Board shall recommend the methodology intended to
result in the equitable and appropriate allocation of all related fees
consistent with the type and utilization of Dental Care covered under the
capitation arrangement.
(f) Strategic and Operational Planning. The Policy Board shall review
----------------------------------
and make recommendations regarding the long-term strategic and short-term
operational goals, objectives and plans developed by Service Company.
(g) Capital Expenditures. The Policy Board shall review and make
--------------------
recommendations regarding the priority of major capital expenditures.
(h) Personnel Planning. The Policy Board shall review and make
------------------
recommendations regarding Provider and support personnel manpower plans
developed by Service Company. The Policy Board shall review and make
recommendations regarding any variations to the restrictive covenants in the
dentists' employment or other agreements.
(i) Grievance Referrals. The Policy Board shall consider and make
-------------------
recommendations to the Parties regarding grievances pertaining to matters not
specifically addressed in this agreement as referred to it by key Provider or
Service Company management and supervisory personnel.
(j) Patient Concerns and Claims. The Policy Board shall review and
---------------------------
monitor a patient claims tracking, monitoring and recovery procedure which shall
provide, without limitation, for (i) the timely and appropriate resolution of
all claims and related patient and Provider reimbursement decisions, and (ii)
the distribution of a summary report setting forth the
4
status and proposed actions with respect to each such claim to Provider and
Service Company on a regular basis. All Dental Care related patient concerns and
claims reimbursement decisions shall be a Provider Expense.
(k) Environmental Health and Safety. The Policy Board shall review and
-------------------------------
monitor environmental and workplace health and safety guidelines, the goal of
which is to achieve compliance with current national, state and local laws and
regulations regarding environmental and workplace health and safety.
(l) Emergency Care Services. The Policy Board shall review and
-----------------------
periodically make suggestions for improving (i) the organization and delivery of
emergency Dental Care by Provider, and (ii) the process and guidelines for
ensuring an appropriate response by Provider to dental and in-Clinic medical
emergencies as they may occur from time to time.
(m) Financial Review. The Policy Board shall review and monitor the
----------------
financial performance of Provider with respect to the attainment of its budgeted
goals.
(n) Other. The Policy Board shall have such other duties,
-----
responsibilities, and authority as may be set forth in this agreement or agreed
upon by the Parties from time to time.
(S)3.3 Dental Decisions. Notwithstanding the preceding section or
----------------
any other provisions of this agreement to the contrary, all Dental Decisions
(defined below) will be made solely by Provider and shall be binding on the
Parties; provided that the Policy Board may participate in the analysis and
discussion process. For purposes of this agreement, "Dental Decisions" shall
mean decisions relating directly to: (a) types and levels of Dental Care to be
provided; (b) recruitment of dentists for Provider, including the evaluation of
the background, experience, qualifications, specialties, and other credentials
of recruited dentists; (c) fee schedules for Provider's services, including
without limitation Provider's usual and customary fee schedule; (d) any other
Dental Care related functions or decisions agreed upon by the Parties; and (e)
to the extent required by applicable law, third party payor contracting.
ARTICLE IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF SERVICE COMPANY
-----------------------------------
During the Term, Service Company shall provide all such Services as are
necessary and appropriate for the day-to-day administration of the business
aspects of Provider's operations, including without limitation those services
set forth in this Article, provided that all such services shall be subject to
the applicable Budget.
(S)4.1 Clinics
-------
(a) Service Company shall locate, lease, acquire or otherwise procure a
Clinic, taking into consideration the professional concerns of Provider. The
expenses associated with any such leasing, acquisition, or procurement shall be
Clinic Expenses. Any Clinic procured by Service Company for use by Provider
shall be procured at commercially reasonable rates.
5
(b) In the event Provider is the lessee of a Clinic under a lease with
an unrelated and nonaffiliated lessor, Service Company may require Provider to
assign such lease to Service Company upon receipt of consent from the lessor.
Provider shall exercise all reasonable efforts to assist in obtaining the
lessor's consent to the assignment. Any expenses incurred in the assignment
shall be Clinic Expenses.
(c) Service Company shall be responsible for the repair and maintenance
of each Clinic, in a manner consistent with Service Company's responsibilities
under the terms of any lease or other use arrangement relating to that Clinic,
the costs and expenses of which shall be a Clinic Expense; provided that the
costs and expenses of any repairs or maintenance necessitated by the negligence
or willful misconduct of Provider or its dentists, other personnel, agents, or
invitees shall be a Provider Expense.
(S)4.2 Equipment.
---------
(a) Service Company shall provide all non-dental equipment, fixtures,
office supplies, furniture and furnishings deemed reasonably necessary by
Service Company for the operation of each Clinic and reasonably necessary for
the provision of Dental Care.
(b) Service Company shall provide, finance, or cause to be provided or
financed such dental related equipment as is reasonably required by Provider.
Subject to economic feasibility as set forth in the budgets approved pursuant to
this agreement, Provider shall advise Service Company in all dental equipment
selections. Except for Special Dental Supplies (defined in (S)4.3, below), all
dental and non-dental equipment acquired for the use of Provider shall be owned
by Service Company.
(c) Service Company shall be responsible for repairing, maintaining,
and keeping in reasonably good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and
replacing (as necessary) all equipment provided by Service Company under this
agreement, the cost and expense of which shall be a Clinic Expense; and provided
that the cost and expense for any repairs, maintenance and replacement
necessitated by the negligence or willful misconduct of Provider or its
dentists, other personnel, agents, or invitees shall be a Provider Expense.
(S)4.3 Laboratory Services. Service Company shall arrange for
-------------------
laboratory services, including withouT limitation dental appliance laboratory
service, pathology laboratory service, medical laboratory service, and such
other laboratory services as are reasonably necessary and appropriate for the
operation of each Clinic and the provision of Dental Care therein.
(S)4.4 Supplies. Service Company shall order, procure, purchase,
--------
own, and provide to Provider a reasonable inventory of Ordinary Dental Supplies
and office supplies as are reasonably necessary and appropriate for the
operation of each Clinic and the provision of Dental Care therein. Unless
otherwise prohibited by federal and/or state law, Service Company shall also
order, procure, purchase and provide on behalf of and as agent for Provider all
reasonable Special Dental Supplies required by Provider to provide Dental Care,
the cost of which shall be a Clinic Expense. Service Company shall ensure that
each Clinic is at all times adequately stocked with all such supplies. The
ultimate oversight, supervision and ownership of (a) all
6
office and Ordinary Dental Supplies is and shall remain the sole responsibility
of Service Company, and (b) all Special Dental Supplies is and shall remain the
sole responsibility of Provider.
(S)4.5 Capital Investment. Access to all needed working capital and
------------------
capital expenditures in accordance with the budget as approved in accordance
with (S)4.13(a) will be provided by Service Company. Service Company shall
determine the source of capital to be invested, which may include (a)
intercompany borrowings from Parent (at the rate set forth in clause (j) in the
definition of "Clinic Expenses"), and (b) borrowings, leases, or other financing
methods through independent third-party financial institutions.
(S)4.6 Support Services. Service Company shall provide or arrange
----------------
for all printing, stationery, forms, postage, duplication, facsimile,
photocopying, and data transmission and processing services, information
services (including providing a computer system for clinic functions, billing,
communications, and management), and other support services as are reasonably
necessary and appropriate for the operation of each Clinic and the provision of
Dental Care therein.
(S)4.7 Quality Assurance, Risk Management, and Utilization Review.
----------------------------------------------------------
Service Company shall assist Provider in Provider's establishment and
implementation of procedures to ensure the consistency, quality,
appropriateness, and necessity of Dental Care provided by Provider, and shall
provide administrative support for Provider's overall quality assurance, risk
management, and utilization review programs. Service Company shall have the
authority to monitor Provider's level of conformance with such procedures and to
report its findings to Provider.
(S)4.8 Licenses and Permits. Although Provider shall be solely
--------------------
responsible for obtaining and maintaining all federal, state, and local licenses
and regulatory permits required for or in connection with the operation of
Provider and in connection with the operation of all dental equipment located in
each Clinic, Service Company shall assist Provider with the implementation of a
plan designed to ensure that all such licenses and permits are obtained and
shall provide reasonable assistance to Provider in obtaining the same. Service
Company also shall maintain all licenses and permits required for all equipment
(existing and future) located at each Clinic.
(S)4.9 Personnel. Except as provided in (S)5.2(d) of this agreement
---------
and subject to (S)3.3, Service Company shall employ or otherwise retain and
shall be responsible for recruiting, hiring, and terminating all management,
administrative, supervisory, clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting,
payroll, dental assistants, hygienists, laboratory technicians and personnel,
and other non-dentist personnel as Service Company deems necessary and
appropriate for Service Company's performance of its duties and obligations
under this agreement. The selection, training, and supervision of: (a) dental
assistants, hygienists, and other clinical personnel to be employed by Service
Company shall be the responsibility of Provider; and (b) all other personnel to
be employed by Service Company shall be the responsibility of Service Company.
Consistent with reasonably prudent personnel management policies, Service
Company shall seek and consider the advice, input, and requests of Provider in
regard to personnel matters. Service Company shall have sole responsibility for
determining the salaries and fringe benefits of such
7
non-professional personnel, and for withholding all appropriate amounts for
income taxes, unemployment insurance, social security, workers' compensation,
and any other withholding required by applicable law.
(S)4.10 Contract Negotiations. Service Company shall advise Provider
---------------------
with respect to and negotiate, either directly or on Provider's behalf, as
appropriate, such contractual arrangements with third parties as are reasonably
necessary and appropriate for Provider's provision of Dental Care, including
without limitation negotiated price agreements with third party payors,
alternative delivery systems, or other purchasers of group dental care services;
provided that no contract or arrangement regarding the provision of Dental Care
shall be entered into without Provider Consent.
(S)4.11 Billing and Collection. On behalf of and for the account of
----------------------
Provider, Service Company shall establish and maintain credit and billing and
collection policies and procedures, and shall exercise reasonable efforts to
xxxx and collect in a timely manner all professional and other fees for all
billable Dental Care provided by Dental Care Professionals, including any such
fees paid directly to Provider by Service Company pursuant to the then-current
Membership Agreement (or similar agreement for providing professional services
to dental plans) between Service Company and Provider. Service Company shall
advise and consult with Provider regarding the fees for Dental Care provided by
Provider (including any related discounting policy); it being understood,
however, that Provider's consent shall be necessary to establish the fees
(subject to (S)3.2(d), above) to be charged for Dental Care. In connection with
the billing and collection services to be provided hereunder, Provider hereby
grants to Service Company, throughout the Term (and thereafter as provided in
(S)8.3), an exclusive special power of attorney and appoints Service Company as
Provider's exclusive true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, and Service
Company hereby accepts such special power of attorney and appointment, for the
following purposes:
(a) To xxxx Provider's patients, in either Provider's or Service
Company's name (as Service Company deems appropriate) and on Provider's behalf,
for all billable Dental Care provided by or on behalf of Provider to patients.
(b) To xxxx, in either Provider's or Service Company's name (as Service
Company deems appropriate) and on Provider's behalf, all claims for
reimbursement or indemnification from insurance companies and plans, all state
or federally funded dental benefit plans, and all other third party payors or
fiscal intermediaries for all covered billable Dental Care provided by or on
behalf of Provider to patients.
(c) To collect and receive, in either Provider's or Service Company's
name (as Service Company deems appropriate) and on Provider's behalf, all
accounts receivable generated by such xxxxxxxx and claims for reimbursement, to
administer such accounts including, but not limited to, extending the time of
payment of any such accounts for cash, credit or otherwise; discharging or
releasing the obligors of any such accounts; suing, assigning or selling at a
discount such accounts to collection agencies; or taking other measures to
require the payment of any such accounts; provided, however, that extraordinary
collection measures, such as filing lawsuits, discharging or releasing obligors
shall not be undertaken without Provider Consent.
8
(d) To deposit all amounts collected into the Provider Account.
Provider shall transfer and deliver to Service Company all funds received by
Provider from patients or third party payors for Dental Care. Upon receipt by
Service Company of any funds from patients or third party payors or from
Provider for Dental Care pursuant to this agreement, Service Company shall
promptly deposit the same into the Provider Account.
(e) To take possession of, endorse in the name of Provider, and deposit
into the Provider Account any notes, checks, money orders, insurance payments,
and any other instruments received in payment of accounts receivable for Dental
Care.
(f) To sign checks, drafts, bank notes or other instruments on behalf
of Provider, and to make withdrawals from the Provider Account for payments
specified in this agreement and otherwise as agreed upon from time to time by
the Parties.
Upon request of Service Company, Provider shall execute and deliver to
the financial institution at which the Provider Account is maintained such
additional documents or instruments as Service Company may reasonably request to
evidence or effect the special power of attorney granted to Service Company by
Provider pursuant to this section and (S)4.12. The special power of attorney
granted herein is coupled with an interest anD shall be irrevocable except with
Service Company's written consent. The irrevocable power of attorney shall
expire when this agreement has been terminated, all accounts receivable
purchased by Service Company pursuant to (S)7.7, if any, have been collected,
and all amounts due to Service Company as described in Article VII have been
paid.
(S)4.12 Provider Account.
----------------
(a) Power of Attorney. Service Company shall have access to the
-----------------
Provider Account solely for the purposes stated herein and shall use all funds
on deposit therein to pay all Clinic Expenses in accordance with the terms of
this agreement. Provider hereby grants to Service Company an exclusive special
power of attorney and appoints Service Company as Provider's true and lawful
agent and attorney-in-fact, throughout the Term (and thereafter as provided in
(S)8.3), and Service Company hereby accepts such special power of attorney and
appointment, to make withdrawals from Provider Account for payments specified in
this agreement and as requested from time-to-time by Provider. Notwithstanding
this exclusive special power of attorney, Provider may, upon reasonable advance
notice to Service Company and subject to (S)4.12(b) of this agreement, request
that Service Company draw checks on the Provider Account for Provider Expenses
and such other amounts as may be due to Provider under this agreement.
Disbursements shall be related to and in such amount so as to ensure that
disbursements made without prior Provider Consent are consistent with the
expenditures authorized by the Budget.
(b) [*]
* This information has been omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange
Commission's grant of confidential treatment.
9
(c) Further Assurances. Promptly upon request by Service Company from
------------------
time to time, Provider shall execute a separate power of attorney in form
reasonably satisfactory to Service Company for the purpose of further confirming
or evidencing the rights granted to Service Company under (S)(S)4.11 and 4.12.
(S)4.13 Financial Matters.
-----------------
(a) Annual Budget. At least 30 days prior to the commencement of each
-------------
calendar year, Service Company, in consultation with Provider, shall prepare and
deliver to the Policy Board for its review a proposed Budget, setting forth an
estimate of Provider's revenue and expenses for the upcoming calendar year
(including without limitation the Service and Performance Fees associated with
the services provided by Service Company hereunder). The Budget shall provide,
among other things, that the percentages of Adjusted Gross Revenue established
pursuant to item 1 of Exhibit A-1 attached to this agreement shall be allocated
to Provider Expense.
In the event a proposed Budget is disapproved by Parent (pursuant to
(S)3.2(b)), Service Company, in consultation with Provider, shall promptly
revise such Budget, taking into consideration the comments of Parent, and shall
deliver such revised Budget to the Policy Board for review and to Parent for
approval. In the event that a proposed Budget has not been approved by Parent by
the beginning of the calendar year, then, subject to the provisions of Exhibits
A and A-1 attached to this agreement, the Budget for the prior year shall be
deemed to be adopted as the Budget for the current year until a new Budget as
been approved by Parent.
(b) Accounting and Financial Records. Service Company shall establish
--------------------------------
and administer accounting policies and procedures, internal controls, and
systems for the development, preparation, and safekeeping of administrative or
financial records and books of account relating to the business and financial
affairs of Provider, all of which shall be prepared and maintained in accordance
with GAAP. Service Company shall prepare and deliver to Provider, within 45 days
of the end of each calendar quarter, a balance sheet and an income statement
reflecting the financial status of Provider in regard to the provision of Dental
Care as of the end of such calendar quarter, all of which shall be prepared in
accordance with GAAP. In addition, Service Company shall prepare or assist in
the preparation of any other financial statements or records as Provider may
reasonably request.
(c) Review of Expenditures. Provider's chief executive officer shall
----------------------
review from time to time all expenditures related to the operation of Provider,
but such officer shall not have the power to prohibit or invalidate any
expenditure.
(d) Tax Matters.
-----------
(i) General. Service Company shall prepare or arrange for
the preparation of all tax returns and reports of Provider required by
applicable law, which returns and reports shall be prepared by an accountant
reasonably acceptable to Provider.
10
(ii) Sales and Use Taxes. Service Company and Provider
acknowledge and agree that to the extent that any of the services to be provided
by Service Company hereunder may be subject to any state sales and use taxes,
Service Company may have a legal obligation to collect such taxes from Provider
and to remit the same to the appropriate tax collection authorities. Provider
agrees to pay any and all applicable state sales, use, gross receipts, and other
similar taxes and charges (other than taxes on Service Company's net income)
with respect to any amount paid to Service Company hereunder and that such
amounts shall be a Provider Expense.
(S)4.14 Reports and Records.
-------------------
(a) Dental Records. Service Company shall establish, monitor, and
--------------
maintain procedures and policies for the timely creation, preparation, filing
and retrieval of all dental records generated by Provider in connection with
Provider's provision of Dental Care; and, subject to applicable law, shall
ensure that dental records are promptly available to dentists and any other
appropriate persons. All such dental records shall be retained and maintained in
accordance with all applicable state and federal laws relating to the
confidentiality and retention thereof. All dental records shall be and remain
the property of Provider.
(b) Other Reports and Records. Service Company shall timely create,
-------------------------
prepare, and file such additional reports and records as are reasonably
necessary and appropriate for Provider's provision of Dental Care, and shall be
prepared to analyze and interpret such reports and records upon the request of
Provider.
(S)4.15 Recruitment of Provider Dentists. Upon Provider's request,
--------------------------------
Service Company shall perform all services reasonably necessary and appropriate
in connection with the recruitment of professional dental personnel. Service
Company shall provide Provider with model agreements to document Provider's
employment, retention or other service arrangements with such individuals.
However, it shall be and remain the sole and complete responsibility of Provider
to interview, select, contract with (subject to (S)5.2, below), supervise,
control and terminate all dentists performing Dental Care or other professional
services, and Service Company shall have no authority whatsoever with respect to
such activities.
(S)4.16 Service Company's Insurance. Throughout the Term, Service
---------------------------
Company shall, as a Clinic Expense, obtain and maintain with commercial
carriers, or through self-insurance, or some combination thereof: (a)
appropriate worker's compensation coverage for the employees of Service Company
provided pursuant to this agreement; and (b) professional and comprehensive
general liability insurance covering Service Company, Service Company's
personnel, and all of Service Company's equipment in such amounts and on such
terms and conditions as Service Company deems appropriate. Service Company shall
cause Provider to be named as an additional insured on Service Company's
property and casualty insurance policies. Upon the request of Provider, Service
Company shall provide Provider with a certificate evidencing such insurance
coverage. Service Company may also carry, at Service Company's option and as a
Clinic Expense, key person life and disability insurance on any shareholder or
dentist employee of Provider in amounts determined as reasonable and sufficient
by Service Company. Service Company shall be the owner and beneficiary of any
such insurance.
11
(S)4.17 License of Name and Marks. Service Company hereby grants the
-------------------------
Provider, for the Term, a non-exclusive royalty-free license to use the names
"Smileage" and "Smileage Dental Care" and all related marks and logos owned by
Service Company for the purpose of fulfilling its obligations hereunder,
including without limitation providing Dental Care to its patients.
(S)4.18 No Warranty. Provider acknowledges that Service Company has
-----------
not made and will not make any representations or warranties, express or
implied, regarding Service Company's services under this agreement or the
results of those services, including without limitation any representations or
warranties that the services provided by Service Company will result in any
particular amount or level of dental practice or income to Provider.
ARTICLE V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROVIDER
----------------------------
(S)5.1 Organization and Operations. As a continuing condition of
---------------------------
Service Company's obligations under this agreement, Provider shall at all times
during the Term: (a) be and remain legally organized and operated to provide
Dental Care in a manner consistent with all state and federal laws; (b) operate
and maintain within the Practice Territory a full time practice of dentistry
providing Dental Care in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and orders; (c) maintain and use its
best efforts to enforce its articles or certificate of incorporation (or other
instrument of organization), bylaws, shareholder agreements, and other
organizational documents (hereafter in this (S)5.1 simply "organizational
documents") in the respective forms provided to Service Company prior to
execution of this agreement; (d) have at least three executive officers at the
level of vice president or above who are also dentist employees of Provider; (e)
maintain and use its best efforts to enforce the written employment agreements
and independent contractor agreements described in (S)5.2(a), below; and (f)
not, without Service Company Consent, (i) amend any of its employment agreements
or organizational documents in any material respect or waive any material rights
thereunder, or (ii) engage in any transaction constituting a merger,
consolidation, reorganization, sale or purchase of assets outside of the
ordinary course of business, liquidation, or dissolution. Provider hereby
acknowledges that Service Company would not have entered into this agreement but
for Provider's covenant to maintain such organizational documents and employment
agreements, and Provider shall pay to Service Company, in addition to the
amounts set forth in Article VII, any damages, compensation, payment, or
settlement amounts received by Provider from a dentist who terminates his
employment agreement without cause or whose employment agreement is terminated
by Provider for cause.
(S)5.2 Provider Personnel.
------------------
(a) Dentist Personnel. Provider shall retain, as a Provider Expense and
-----------------
not as a Clinic Expense, that number of dentists during the Term which are
necessary and appropriate, in Provider's sole discretion after consultation with
Service Company, to provide Dental Care to reasonably meet the demand therefor.
Provider shall cause each dentist retained by Provider to
12
hold and maintain a valid and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the
State of Wisconsin, including without limitation any licenses required for the
provision of any specialty dental services, together with all necessary or
appropriate board or other certifications. Throughout the Term, Provider shall
enter into and maintain a written employment agreement substantially in the form
of Exhibit D for all dentists now and hereafter employed by Provider; provided
that Provider shall, throughout the Term, enter into and maintain a written
employment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C with each dentist of
Provider who now or hereafter is either an executive officer (at a level of vice
president or above) of or Policy Board member designated by Provider; and
provided further that Provider shall, immediately upon execution of this
agreement, enter into and maintain a written employment agreement substantially
in the form of Exhibit C with each of the dentists set forth on Exhibit E.
Throughout the Term, Provider shall enter into and maintain a written agreement
with each independent contractor retained by Provider, which agreements shall
contain confidentiality provisions substantially similar to those contained in
the employment agreement in the form of Exhibit D. Provider shall be responsible
for paying the compensation and benefits as applicable, for all dentists and any
other dentist personnel or other contracted or affiliated dentists, and for
withholding all sums for income tax, unemployment insurance, social security, or
any other withholding required by applicable law. Service Company may, on behalf
of Provider, administer the compensation and benefits with respect to such
individuals in accordance with the written agreement between Provider and each
dentist. Service Company shall neither control nor direct any dentist in the
performance of Dental Care for patients. Provider shall provide to Service
Company evidence of such licensing, certifications, and other credentials of the
dentists retained by Provider as Service Company may request from time to time.
(b) Provider and Patient Scheduling. Provider shall, with the
-------------------------------
reasonable assistance of Service Company, (i) develop a set of Provider and
patient scheduling guidelines and a corresponding scheduling system, and (ii)
support Service Company in the implementation of such guidelines and effective
operation of such system.
(c) Paid Hours Reporting. Provider shall support the development and
--------------------
effective operation by Service Company of a dentist paid hours reporting and
monitoring system.
(d) Non-Dentist Dental Care Personnel. All non-dentist personnel who
---------------------------------
provide Dental Care, including without limitation dental hygienists, denturists,
dental assistants, and other licensed or certified personnel shall be under such
control, supervision and direction of Provider and the dentists retained by
Provider in the performance of or in connection with Dental Care for patients as
is required under applicable state law and regulations.
(S)5.3 Professional Standards. As a continuing condition of Service
----------------------
Company's obligations hereunder, each dentist retained by Provider to provide
Dental Care must: (i) have and maintain a valid and unrestricted license to
practice dentistry in the state; and (ii) comply with, be controlled and
governed by, and otherwise provide Dental Care in accordance with applicable
federal, state and municipal laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and orders,
and the ethics and standard of care of the dental profession. All specialty
Dental Care shall be provided by a dentist who is either board certified or
board eligible in the related specialty or by another
13
dentist licensed to provide such specialty Dental Care operating under the
general supervision of a dentist who is either board certified or board eligible
in that specialty.
(S)5.4 Dental Care. Provider shall ensure that dentists and non-
-----------
dentist dental care personnel are available in sufficient numbers as are
necessary or appropriate to provide Dental Care to reasonably meet the demand
for such Dental Care. In the event that dentists employed by, or shareholders
of, Provider are not available to provide Dental Care coverage, Provider shall
engage and retain dentists on a temporary coverage basis, which dentists shall
meet or exceed the qualifications required for Provider's Dental Care
Professionals under this agreement. All costs and expenses associated with the
retention of such temporary coverage shall be Provider Expenses. With the
assistance of the Service Company, Provider and the dentists shall be
responsible for scheduling dentist and non-dentist dental care personnel
coverage of all dental procedures. Provider shall cause all dentists to exert
their best efforts to develop and promote Provider in such a manner as to ensure
Provider is able to serve the diverse needs of the community. Provider shall
organize and maintain a high quality, cost-effective process for ensuring that
patients will have timely access to emergency Dental Care on a 24-hour, seven
day per week basis.
(S)5.5 Peer Review and Quality Assurance. Provider shall conduct
---------------------------------
its peer review and quality assurance activities in a manner that is consistent
with maintaining the confidentiality of the related processes, actions, and
documentation.
(a) Provider shall designate a committee of dentists to function as a
dental peer review committee to review credentials of potential dentist
recruits, periodically review the credentials of Provider's existing dentists,
determine the practice privileges of the dentists retained by Provider, perform
quality assurance, utilization review, and Provider profiling functions, and
otherwise resolve dental competency issues. The dental peer review committee
shall function pursuant to formal written policies and procedures established by
Provider upon consultation with and the assistance of Service Company.
(b) Provider also shall adopt a quality assurance program to monitor
and evaluate the quality and cost-effectiveness of the Dental Care provided by
the dentist personnel of Provider and other non-dentist personnel providing
Dental Care under the supervision of Provider's dentists. Upon request of
Provider, Service Company shall provide administrative assistance to Provider in
performing its quality assurance activities.
(c) Provider shall cooperate fully with Service Company in an effort to
achieve and maintain full accreditation status for Provider. For purposes of
facilitating accreditation and other related processes and without limiting
Provider's responsibilities under the preceding sentence, Provider shall develop
and maintain a philosophy of practice and a set of practice guidelines which are
acceptable to the Policy Board. Provider shall cause all personnel retained by
it to abide by such philosophy and guidelines at all times.
(d) Provider shall, after consultation with Service Company and
consideration of the recommendations of the Policy Board, support the
development, maintenance, and operation of a patient concerns and claims
recording, reporting, review, resolution, and tracking process which
14
meets the quality standards of Service Company. Provider shall cause all
personnel retained by it to comply fully with such process at all times.
(e) Provider shall, with the assistance of Service Company, develop a
set of quality standards and utilization, process monitoring, and reporting
guidelines. Provider shall cause all personnel retained by it to comply with
such standards and guidelines.
(S)5.6 Provider's Insurance. Provider shall, obtain and maintain
--------------------
with commercial carriers reasonably acceptable to Service Company or through
self insurance or some combination thereof (reasonably acceptable to Service
Company) appropriate workers' compensation coverage for Provider's employed
personnel (which shall be a Provider Expense) and professional and comprehensive
general liability insurance covering Provider and each of the dentists Provider
retains to provide Dental Care (which shall be a Clinic Expense). All costs,
expenses, and liabilities incurred by Provider or Service Company in excess of
the limits of such policies shall be a Provider Expense. Provider shall actively
support the participation of all dentists retained by Provider in training and
continuing education programs in order to reduce the risk of exposure to and the
related cost of obtaining and maintaining such coverage. The comprehensive
general liability coverage and professional liability coverage shall be in such
minimum amounts as Service Company may establish from time to time. In addition,
Provider shall cause each dentist retained by Provider as an independent
contractor to obtain comparable professional and comprehensive general liability
insurance coverage. All such insurance policies shall (a) name Service Company
as an additional insured and, with respect to policies provided by independent
contractors under the preceding sentence, name Provider as an additional insured
as well, and (b) provide for at least 30 days advance written notice to Provider
and Service Company from the insurer with respect to any alteration of coverage,
cancellation, or proposed cancellation for any reason. Provider shall cause to
be issued to Service Company by such insurer or insurers a certificate
reflecting such coverage. Upon the termination of this agreement for any reason,
Provider shall continue to carry professional liability insurance in the amounts
specified in this section for 10 years after termination, or if Provider
dissolves or ceases to practice dentistry, Provider shall obtain and maintain as
a Provider Expense "tail" professional liability coverage, in the amounts
specified in this section for an extended reporting period of 10 years. Provider
shall be responsible for paying all premiums for "tail" insurance coverage. In
no event shall the professional liability insurance carrier be replaced or
changed without Service Company Consent. Service Company shall provide
reasonable assistance to Provider to obtain such coverage.
(S)5.7 Noncompetition. Provider acknowledges that Service Company
--------------
will incur substantial costs in providing the equipment, support services,
personnel, and other items and services that are the subject matter of this
agreement and that in the process of providing services under this agreement,
Provider will learn or have access to financial and other Confidential
Information of Service Company to which Provider would not otherwise be exposed.
Provider also recognizes that the services to be provided by Service Company
will be feasible only if Provider operates an active practice to which the
dentists associated with Provider devote their full time and attention.
Accordingly, Provider further agrees as follows:
15
(a) During the Term, except for its obligations under this agreement,
Provider shall not establish, operate, or provide Dental Care at any dental
office, clinic or other dental care facility anywhere within the Practice
Territory nor have an ownership interest, direct or indirect, in any entity, or
participate in any joint venture, which operates any such office, clinic, or
facility; and
(b) Except as specifically approved by Service Company in writing,
during the Term and for a period of five years immediately following the date
this agreement is terminated for any reason, Provider shall not directly or
indirectly own (excluding ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the equity
of any publicly traded entity), manage, operate, control, lend funds to, lend
its name to, or maintain any interest in any entity, business, or enterprise
which (i) provides, distributes, or promotes any type of management or
administrative services or products to third parties in competition with Service
Company in the Practice Territory or (ii) offers any type of service or product
to third parties substantially similar to those offered by Service Company to
Provider in the Practice Territory. Notwithstanding the above restriction,
nothing herein shall prohibit Provider or any of its shareholders from providing
management and administrative services to its or their own dental practices
after the termination of this agreement, and nothing herein shall prohibit
Provider or its shareholders from contracting with a third party manager to
provide administrative or management services for its or their dental practices
after termination of this agreement as long as such relationship complies with
the provisions of this section.
(S)5.8 Use of Name. At all times during the Term, Provider shall,
-----------
unless otherwise directed by the Policy Board pursuant to (S)3.2(c), operate its
dental practice under the name "Wisconsin Dental Group", including without
limitation using all related marks and logos as are licensed to Provider
pursuant to (S)4.17, above, and filing an assumed or fictitious name application
with the Wisconsin Secretary of State or other appropriate governmental agency;
provided that Provider shall, immediately upon the expiration of the Term,
abstain from using such name, marks, and logos and shall take such steps as are
necessary to terminate such applications and Provider's rights thereunder.
ARTICLE VI. CONFIDENTIALITY
---------------
(S)6.1 Confidential and Proprietary Information. Neither Party
----------------------------------------
shall, in any manner or at any time, directly or indirectly, disclose any of the
Confidential Information of the other Party to any person, firm, association,
organization, or entity, or use, or permit or assist any person, firm,
association, organization, or entity to use any such Confidential Information,
excepting only: (a) disclosures (i) required by law, as reasonably determined by
the disclosing Party or its legal counsel, or (ii) made on a confidential basis
to the disclosing Party's shareholders, directors, officers, employees (limited
to those who need to know such Confidential Information), and legal, accounting,
and other professional advisors (collectively, the "Permitted Recipients"); or
(b) use of such Confidential Information by Permitted Recipients in connection
with this agreement; provided that each Party shall (i) make its Permitted
Recipients aware of the requirements of this agreement, (ii) take reasonable
steps to prohibit disclosure of such Confidential Information by any Permitted
Recipient to any other person or entity except another Permitted Recipient,
including without limitation taking such steps as that Party customarily takes
to protect its own Confidential Information, and (iii) be responsible and liable
for any
16
disclosure or use of such Confidential Information by any of its Permitted
Recipients, except disclosures or uses permitted by this agreement.
(S)6.2 Use of Practice Statistics. Notwithstanding (S)6.1, above,
--------------------------
but subject to the restrictions of this section and applicable law, Service
Company may: (a) share with other professional corporations, associations,
dental practices, or dental care delivery entities the practice statistics of
Provider, including utilization review data, quality assurance data, cost data,
outcomes data, or other practice data, provided that such information shall only
be disclosed to (i) affiliates of Service Company, (ii) other dental groups with
whom Service Company has a management relationship, (iii) managed care dental
benefit providers and other third party payors for the purpose of obtaining or
maintaining third party payor contracts, (iv) financial analysts and
underwriters, (v) employers and employee benefit associations, (vi) quality
assurance and accrediting organizations, or (vii) financial institutions; and
(b) disclose all practice-related information necessary or desirable in
connection with any public or private offering of any security of Service
Company. In addition, Service Company may disclose practice-related information
and data in connection with any survey, presentation, published material, study,
or research project which Service Company deems appropriate for the purpose of
gaining insight into existing and changing patterns in the organization and
delivery of Dental Care and related issues. In no event will any such data
disclose or divulge the identity of any patient or, to the extent reasonably
practicable, any dentist.
ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
----------------------
(S)7.1 Clinic Expense Reimbursement. Service Company shall be
----------------------------
reimbursed for the amount of all Clinic Expenses incurred by Service Company.
(S)7.2 Repayment of Advances. Service Company shall be reimbursed
---------------------
for any and all amounts advanced to Provider by Service Company.
(S)7.3 Fees. Provider and Service Company acknowledge and agree
----
that the compensation set forth in this Article is being paid to Service Company
in consideration of the substantial commitment being made by Service Company
hereunder and that such fees are fair and reasonable in all respects in
consideration of (i) the services performed by Service Company hereunder and
(ii) the capital being made available by Service Company. Service Company shall
be paid the following service fees:
(a) Service Fee. Service Company shall receive an annual Service Fee
-----------
equal to the amount set forth in item 2 of Exhibit A-1 attached to this
agreement or such other greater amount as may be agreed upon by the Parties,
payable in twelve equal monthly installments; and
(b) Performance Fee. Service Company shall receive a Performance Fee
---------------
equal to the amount, if any [*]. The Performance Fee shall be calculated monthly
and payable quarterly.
(S)7.4 Adjustment to Performance Fee. The Performance Fee may be
-----------------------------
adjusted for any calendar quarter during the Term pursuant to the following
provisions:
17
(a) [*]
(b) [*]
* This information has been omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange
Commission's grant of confidential treatment.
(c) The adjustment, if any, under this (S)7.4 shall be calculated
monthly and payable quarterly.
(S)7.5 Reasonable Value. Payment of the Service Fee or Performance
----------------
Fee is not intended to be and shall not be interpreted or applied as permitting
Service Company to share in Provider's fee for Dental Care or any other
services, but is acknowledged as the Parties' negotiated agreement as to the
reasonable fair market value of the equipment, contract analysis and support,
other support services, purchasing, personnel, office space, management,
administration, strategic management, and other items and services furnished by
Service Company pursuant to this agreement, considering the nature and volume of
the services required and the risks assumed by Service Company. Provider and
Service Company acknowledge that: (a) Service Company's administrative expertise
will contribute great value to Provider's performance; (b) Service Company will
incur substantial costs and business risks in arranging for Provider's use of
each Clinic and in providing the equipment, support services, personnel,
marketing, office space, management, administration, and other items and
services that are the subject matter of this agreement; and (c) certain of such
costs and expenses can vary to a considerable degree according to the extent of
Provider's business and services. It is the intent of the Parties that the
Service Fee and Performance Fee reasonably compensate Service Company for the
value to Provider of Service Company's administrative expertise, given the
considerable business risk to Service Company in providing the items and
services that are the subject of this agreement.
(S)7.6 Payment. The amounts to be paid to Service Company under
-------
this Article shall be calculated by Service Company on the accrual basis of
accounting and paid monthly. To facilitate the payments due to Service Company
under this Article, Provider hereby expressly authorizes Service Company to make
withdrawals of such amounts from the Provider Account during the Term in
accordance with (S)4.12(b), and after termination as provided in (S)8.3.
(S)7.7 Accounts Receivable. To assure that Provider receives the
-------------------
entire amount of professional fees for its services and to assist Provider in
maintaining reasonable cash flow for the payment of Clinic Expenses, Service
Company may, during the Term, purchase, with recourse to Provider for the amount
of the purchase, the accounts receivable of Provider arising during the previous
month, except for any receivables due to Provider from Medicaid or any other
governmental health care reimbursement program which Service Company is not
permitted to receive under applicable law (the "Restricted Receivables"), by
transferring the amount set forth below into the Provider Account. The
consideration for the purchase shall be an amount equal to the Adjusted Gross
Revenue recorded each month, less the Adjusted Gross Revenue relating to
Restricted Receivables. Service Company shall be entitled to offset Clinic
Expense
18
reimbursement plus all fees and advances due to Service Company under this
Article against the amount payable for such accounts receivable. Although it is
the intention of the Parties that Service Company purchase and thereby become
the owner of the accounts receivable of Provider, in the event such purchase
shall be ineffective for any reason, Provider hereby grants to Service Company a
security interest in the accounts receivable to the extent permitted by
applicable law, and Provider shall cooperate with Service Company and execute
all documents which may be reasonably requested by Service Company in connection
with such security interest. All collections in respect of such accounts
receivable purchased by Service Company shall be received by Provider as the
agent of Service Company and shall be endorsed to Service Company and deposited
in a bank account at a bank designated by Service Company. To the extent
Provider comes into possession of any payments in respect of such accounts
receivable, Provider shall direct such payments to Service Company for deposit
in bank accounts designated by Service Company.
ARTICLE VIII. TERM AND TERMINATION
--------------------
(S)8.1 Initial and Renewal Term. The Term of this agreement shall
------------------------
be a period which is equal to the remainder of the initial 40-year term of the
Original Service Agreement, beginning on the date of this agreement and ending
December 23, 2036, and shall renew automatically for successive five-year
periods thereafter unless and until either Party gives notice to the other Party
at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term of its intent
to terminate this agreement at the end of the then-current term or unless
otherwise terminated as provided in (S)8.2 of this agreement.
(S)8.2 Termination.
-----------
(a) Termination By Service Company. Service Company may terminate this
------------------------------
agreement immediately upon notice to Provider upon the occurrence of any one of
the following events:
(i) The dissolution of Provider;
(ii) Provider admits in writing its inability to pay
generally its debts as they become due or makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors;
(iii) A receiver, trustee, liquidator, or conservator is
appointed for Provider or to take possession of all or substantially all of
Provider's property or a petition for insolvency, dissolution, liquidation, or
reorganization, or order for relief in which Provider is named as debtor, is
filed by, against, or with respect to Provider pursuant to any federal or state
statute, regulation, or law for the protection of debtors, and, with respect to
any such appointment or filing, Provider fails to secure a stay or discharge
thereof within 45 days after such appointment or filing;
(iv) Provider fails to pay when due any payment to be made
by Provider under this agreement, which failure continues for 10 days after
notice is given by Service Company to
19
Provider thereof, provided that such failure is not directly attributable to
Service Company's failure to apply available funds in the Provider Account
according to (S)4.12(b); or
(v) Provider fails to comply with or perform any of its
other material duties or obligations under this agreement, which failure
continues for 30 days after notice is given by Service Company to Provider
thereof, or if because of the nature of such failure it cannot reasonably be
corrected within such 30 day period, failure by Provider to commence such
correction promptly following its receipt of notice from Service Company and
thereafter to expeditiously and continuously prosecute the correction to
completion.
(b) Termination By Provider. Provider may terminate this agreement
-----------------------
immediately upon notice to Service Company upon the occurrence of any of the
following events:
(i) A receiver, trustee, liquidator, or conservator is
appointed for Service Company or to take possession of all or substantially all
of Service Company's property or a petition for insolvency, dissolution,
liquidation, or reorganization, or order for relief in which Service Company is
named as debtor, is filed by, against, or with respect to Service Company
pursuant to any federal or state statute, regulation, or law for the protection
of debtors, and, with respect to any such appointment or filing, Service Company
fails to secure a stay or discharge thereof within 45 days after such
appointment or filing;
(ii) Service Company fails to comply with or perform any
of its material duties or obligations under this agreement, which failure
continues for 30 days after notice is given by Provider to Service Company
thereof, or if because of the nature of such failure it cannot reasonably be
corrected within such 30 day period, failure by Service Company to commence such
correction promptly following its receipt of notice from Provider and thereafter
to expeditiously and continuously prosecute the correction to completion; or
(iii) A court of competent jurisdiction makes a final
determination that Service Company has materially breached a fiduciary duty owed
to Provider.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any termination by Provider under this
section shall require the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the
then-outstanding shares of Provider entitled to vote on such a matter.
(c) Termination by Agreement. Provider and Service Company may mutually
------------------------
agree to terminate this agreement at any time, such agreement to be in writing
and signed by both Parties.
(d) Legislative, Regulatory or Administrative Change. In the event
------------------------------------------------
there is a change in any federal, state, or local statute, law, regulation,
legislation, rule, policy, or general instruction, or a change in any third
party reimbursement system, or a ruling, judgment, or decree by any court,
agency, or other governing body having jurisdiction over either Party (hereafter
in this clause (d), a "ruling") which materially and adversely affects, or is
reasonably likely to affect, the manner in which either Party is to perform or
be compensated for its services under this agreement or which shall make this
agreement unlawful, the Parties shall immediately use
20
their best efforts to enter into a new service arrangement or basis for
compensation for the services furnished pursuant to this agreement that complies
with that change and approximates as closely as possible the economic position
of the Parties prior to such change or ruling.
If the Parties are unable to reach a new agreement within a
reasonable period of time following the date upon which it becomes reasonably
certain that such change will arise or ruling will be given, then either Party
may submit the issue to arbitration which shall be binding on the parties and
subject to the then-applicable Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association. In any such arbitration, the arbitrators shall be
consist of a panel of three arbitrators, which shall act by majority vote and
which shall consist of one arbitrator selected by the Party on one side of the
issue subject to the arbitration, one arbitrator selected by the Party on the
other side of the issue, and a third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators
so selected, who shall be either a certified public accountant or an attorney at
law licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin and who shall act as chairman
of the arbitration panel; provided that if the Party on one side of the issue
selects its arbitrator for the panel and the other Party fails to so select its
arbitrator within 10 business days after being requested by the first Party to
do so, then the sole arbitrator shall be the arbitrator selected by the first
Party.
All costs and expenses of arbitration shall be borne by the
Parties as determined by the arbitrator or arbitration panel, except that the
fees of any arbitrator on an arbitration panel who is selected individually by a
Party shall be borne separately by the Party appointing him; provided that if
one Party fails to select an arbitrator for a panel, and the sole arbitrator is
the arbitrator selected by the other Party, then the fees of that arbitrator
shall be borne by the Parties as determined by that arbitrator.
(S)8.3 Effects of Termination. Upon termination of this agreement
----------------------
as herein provided, neither Party shall have any further obligations under this
agreement, except for: (a) obligations accruing prior to the date of
termination, including without limitation payment of the amounts set forth in
Article VII relating to services provided prior to the termination of this
agreement; (b) obligations set forth in this agreement that expressly extend
beyond the Term, including without limitation indemnities and noncompetition
provisions, which provisions shall survive the expiration or termination of this
agreement; (c) the obligations of each party set forth in Article VI; and (d)
the obligation of Provider described in (S)8.4. Provider specifically
acknowledges and agrees that Service Company shall continue to collect and
receive on behalf of Provider all cash collections from accounts receivable in
existence at the time this agreement is terminated (which have not otherwise
been purchased by Service Company pursuant to (S)7.7), it being understood that
such cash collections will represent, in part, compensation to Service Company
for Services already rendered and compensation on accounts receivable purchased
by Service Company, if any. Upon the expiration or termination of this agreement
for any reason or cause whatsoever, Service Company shall surrender to Provider
all books and records pertaining to Provider's dental practice; provided that
Service Company may retain copies of such documents to the extent reasonably
necessary for Service Company to complete its post-termination obligations and
activities under this agreement.
(S)8.4 Purchase Obligation. Upon termination of this agreement for
-------------------
any reason, Provider shall, at Service Company's option:
21
(a) Purchase from Service Company at book value the intangible assets,
deferred charges, goodwill, and all other amounts on the books of the Service
Company relating to this agreement or the items or services provided by Service
Company pursuant to this agreement, including without limitation the amount, if
any, for the covenants described in (S)5.7, above, as adjusted through the last
day of the month most recently ended prior to the date of such termination in
accordance with GAAP to reflect amortization or depreciation of all such
amounts;
(b) Purchase from Service Company any real estate owned by Service
Company and used as a Clinic at the greater of the appraised fair market value
thereof or the then book value thereof;
(c) Purchase, at the greater of the appraised fair market value or the
then book value, all improvements, additions, or leasehold improvements that
have been made by Service Company at any Clinic and that relate to the
performance of Service Company's obligations under this agreement;
(d) Assume all debt, and all contracts, payables, and leases that are
obligations of Service Company and that relate to the performance of Service
Company's obligations under this agreement or the properties leased or subleased
by Service Company in connection with its obligations under this agreement; and
(e) Purchase from Service Company, at the greater of the appraised fair
market value or the then book value, all of the equipment then being supplied by
Service Company pursuant to Service Company's obligations under this agreement,
and all other assets, including inventory and supplies, tangibles and
intangibles, set forth on the books of Service Company as adjusted through the
last day of the month most recently ended prior to the date of such termination
in accordance with GAAP to reflect operations of each Clinic, depreciation,
amortization, and other adjustments of assets shown on the books of the Service
Company.
For purposes of subsection (b), above, the appraised value shall be
determined by an appraiser mutually agreed upon by the Parties. In the event the
Parties are unable to agree upon an appraiser within 10 days following the date
upon which either Party requests the other Party to agree to an appraiser, then
each Party shall appoint an appraiser, who shall in turn select a third
appraiser who shall serve as the appraiser hereunder. In the event either Party
fails to select an appraiser within 15 days of the selection of an appraiser by
the other Party, the appraiser selected by the other Party shall serve as the
appraiser hereunder. The determination of the appraised value of the assets
identified in subsection (b), above, by the appraiser selected hereunder shall
be binding on both Parties.
(S)8.5 Closing of Purchase. If Provider purchases assets pursuant
-------------------
to (S)8.4, Provider shall pay cash for the purchased assets; provided that the
amount of the purchase price allocable to an asset shall be reduced by the
amount of debt and liabilities of Service Company, if any, relating directly to
that asset which are assumed by Provider in connection with such purchase.
Provider and any dentist associated with Provider shall execute such documents
as may be required to
22
assume the liabilities set forth in (S)8.4(d) and to remove Service Company from
any liability with respect to such purchased asset and with respect to any
property leased or subleased by Service Company. The closing date for the
purchase shall be determined by the Parties, but shall in no event occur later
than 180 days from the date of the notice of termination. Provider shall be
released from the covenants described in (S)5.7, above, upon the successful
consummation of such closing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Provider may, at its option, pay all or
a portion of the purchase price at the closing in shares of common stock of
Parent ("Shares") for which Provider shall receive, as a credit to the purchase
price, an amount equal to the number of Shares transferred to Service Company by
Provider at the closing multiplied by the per Share fair market value (defined
below); provided that each Share transferred to Service Company is free and
clear of all liens, security interests, encumbrances, pledges, charges, claims,
voting trusts and restrictions on transfer of any nature whatsoever, except
restrictions on transfer imposed by or pursuant to federal and state securities
laws and such other restrictions as were expressly required by Parent in
connection with the acquisition of Service Company by Parent concurrently with
the execution of this agreement. For purposes of this section, the "per Share
fair market value" shall mean, as of any given date, the (i) last reported sale
price on the New York Stock Exchange on the most recent previous trading day,
(ii) last reported sale price on the NASDAQ National Market System on the most
recent previous trading day, (iii) mean between the high and low bid and ask
prices, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. on
the most recent previous trading day, (iv) last reported sale price on any other
stock exchange on which the Shares are listed on the most recent previous
trading day, whichever is applicable, or (v) if none of the foregoing is
applicable, then the per Share fair market value of the Shares shall be the
value determined by the Board of Directors of Parent, in its discretion, based
upon the then-current Share value assigned by the Board of Directors of Parent
in connection with Parent's other activities; provided that, if Provider
disagrees with the determination of Parent's Board of Directors as to such
value, the per Share fair market value shall be determined by:
(A) Agreement between Service Company and Provider, if they
are able to agree upon a value within ten business days after being
requested to so agree; or, if not,
(B) An appraiser selected by agreement between Service Company
and Provider, if they are able to agree upon an appraiser within ten
business days after requested to so agree; or, if not,
(C) The majority vote by an appraisal board consisting of
three appraisers, one member appointed by each of Service Company and
Provider and the third member appointed by the first two members so
appointed who shall act as chairman of the appraisal board, provided
that in the event either Party fails to so appoint its appointee to the
appraisal board within ten business days after being requested to do so
by the other Party, then the appraiser appointed by the requesting
Party shall be the sole appraiser.
ARTICLE IX. GENERAL
-------
23
(S)9.1 Administrative Services Only. Nothing in this agreement is
----------------------------
intended or shall be construed to allow Service Company to exercise control or
direction over the manner or method by which Provider and its dentists perform
Dental Care or other professional dental care services. The rendition of all
Dental Care shall be the sole responsibility of Provider and its dentists, and
Service Company shall not interfere in any manner or to any extent therewith.
Nothing contained in this agreement shall be construed to permit Service Company
to engage in the practice of dentistry, it being the sole intention of the
Parties hereto that the services to be rendered to Provider by Service Company
are solely for the purpose of providing non-dental administrative services to
Provider so as to enable Provider to devote its full time and energies to the
professional conduct of its dental practice and provision of Dental Care to its
patients and not to administration, or practice management.
(S)9.2 Relationship of Parties. The relationship of the Parties is
-----------------------
and shall be that of independent contractors, and nothing in this agreement is
intended, and nothing shall be construed to create an employer/employee,
partnership, or joint venture relationship between the Parties, or to allow
either to exercise control or direction over the manner or method by which the
other performs the services that are the subject matter of this agreement;
provided always that the services to be provided hereunder shall be furnished in
a manner consistent with the standards governing such services and the
provisions of this agreement.
(S)9.3 Notices. Any notice or other communication required or
-------
desired to be given to either Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed
given when deposited in the United States mail, first-class postage prepaid,
addressed:
(a) If to Service Company
Smileage Dental Care, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: President
With a copies to:
American Dental Partners, Inc.
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, President
and Chief Executive Officer
and
Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP
00 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
24
Attention: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
(b) If to Provider
Wisconsin Dental Group, S.C.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: President
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx, S.C.
X.X. Xxxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx., Esq.
Any Party may change the address to which notices and other
communications are to be given by giving the other Parties notice of such
change.
(S)9.4 Execution of Documents. Each Party shall execute,
----------------------
acknowledge or verify, and deliver any and all documents, and take any and all
other actions, which from time to time may be reasonably requested by any other
Party to carry out the purposes and intent of this agreement.
(S)9.5 Governing Law. All questions concerning the validity,
-------------
intention, or meaning of this agreement or relating to the rights and
obligations of the Parties with respect to performance under this agreement
shall be construed and resolved under the laws of Wisconsin, without reference
to conflict of law principles.
(S)9.6 Severability. The intention of the Parties is to comply
------------
fully with all applicable laws and public policies, and this agreement shall be
construed consistently with all laws and public policies to the extent possible.
If and to the extent that any court of competent jurisdiction determines that it
is impossible to construe any provision of this agreement consistently with any
law or public policy and consequently holds that provision is invalid, such
holding shall in no way affect the validity of the other provisions of this
agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. With respect to any
provision in this agreement finally determined by such a court to be invalid or
unenforceable, such court shall have jurisdiction to reform this agreement
(consistent with the intent of the Parties) to the extent necessary to make such
provision valid and enforceable, and, as reformed, such provision shall be
binding on the Parties.
(S)9.7 Setoff. Notwithstanding any provision of this agreement to
------
the contrary, Service Company shall have the right from time to time to setoff
any amounts owed by Service Company to Provider under this agreement against any
amounts owed by Provider to Service Company, whether pursuant to this agreement
or otherwise.
25
(S)9.8 Remedies. All rights and remedies of each Party under this
--------
agreement are cumulative and in addition to all other rights and remedies which
may be available to that Party from time to time, whether under any other
agreement, at law, or in equity.
Each Party hereby acknowledges that: (a) the provisions of (S)(S)5.7
and 6.1 of this agreement are fundamental for the protection of the other
Party's legitimate business interests; (b) such provisions are reasonable and
appropriate in all respects; and (c) in the event it violates any such
provisions, the other Party would suffer irreparable harm and its remedies at
law would be inadequate. Accordingly, in the event either Party violates or
attempts to violate any such provisions, the other Party shall be entitled to a
temporary restraining order, temporary and permanent injunctions, specific
performance, and other equitable relief without any showing of irreparable harm
or damage or the posting of any bond, in addition to any other rights or
remedies which may then be available to the other Party.
(S)9.9 Non-waiver. No failure by any Party to insist upon strict
----------
compliance with any term of this agreement, to exercise any option, enforce any
right, or seek any remedy upon any default of any other Party shall affect, or
constitute a waiver of, the first Party's right to insist upon such strict
compliance, exercise that option, enforce that right, or seek that remedy with
respect to that default or any prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent default;
nor shall any custom or practice of the Parties at variance with any provision
of this agreement affect or constitute a waiver of, any Party's right to demand
strict compliance with all provisions of this agreement.
(S)9.10 Indemnification. Each Party (the "Indemnifying Party") shall
---------------
indemnify and hold harmless the other Party and its shareholders, directors,
officers, employees, agents, representatives, and affiliates (the "Indemnified
Parties") from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, demands,
claims, suits, actions, judgments, assessments, costs and expenses, including
without limitation interest, penalties, attorneys' fees, any and all expenses
incurred in investigating, preparing, or defending against any litigation,
commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all amounts paid
in settlement of any claim or litigation (collectively, "Damages"), asserted
against, imposed upon, or incurred or suffered by the Indemnified Parties,
directly or indirectly, as a result of or arising from: (i) any failure of any
representation or warranty of the Indemnifying Party in this agreement to be
accurate and complete in all material respects when made; or (ii) any failure by
the Indemnifying Party to perform and observe fully all obligations and
conditions to be performed or observed by the Indemnifying Party under this
agreement. In addition, Provider shall indemnify Service Company and its
shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, and
affiliates from and against any and all Damages asserted against, imposed upon,
or incurred or suffered by any of them, directly or indirectly, as a result of
or arising from the acts or omissions of Provider or its employees, contractors,
or other agents or representatives.
(S)9.11 No Third Party Benefit. This agreement is intended for the
----------------------
exclusive benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns,
and nothing contained in this agreement shall be construed as creating any
rights or benefits in or to any third party.
26
(S)9.12 Captions. The captions of the various sections of this
--------
agreement are not part of the context of this agreement, are only labels to
assist in locating and reading those sections, and shall be ignored in
construing this agreement.
(S)9.13 Genders and Numbers. When permitted by the context, each
-------------------
pronoun used in this agreement includes the same pronoun in other genders or
numbers and each noun used in this agreement includes the same noun in other
numbers.
(S)9.14 Complete Agreement. This document (including its exhibits
------------------
and all other documents referred to herein, all of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference) contains the entire agreement among the Parties with
respect to the subject matter of this agreement and, except as provided in 9.19,
below, supersedes all prior or contemporaneous discussions, negotiations,
representations, or agreements relating to the subject matter of this agreement.
No changes to this agreement shall be made or be binding upon any Party unless
made in writing and signed by each Party to this agreement.
(S)9.15 Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in multiple
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
(S)9.16 Assignment. Provider may not assign this agreement without
----------
the prior written consent of Service Company, which consent may be withheld for
any reason. The sale, transfer, pledge, or assignment of any of the shares of
Provider held by any shareholder of Provider, the issuance by Provider of voting
shares to any other person, or any combination of such transactions within a
period of two years, such that the existing shareholders in Provider fail to
maintain a majority of the voting interest in Provider shall be deemed an
attempted assignment by Provider, and shall be null and void unless consented to
in writing by Service Company prior to any such transfer or issuance. Any breach
of this provision, whether or not void or voidable, shall constitute a material
breach of this agreement, and in the event of such breach, Service Company may
terminate this agreement upon 24 hours notice to Provider. Service Company shall
have the right to (i) assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any third
party and (ii) collaterally assign its interest in this agreement and its right
to collect the amounts set forth in Article VII hereunder to any financial
institution or other third party without the consent of Provider.
(S)9.17 Successors. Subject to (S)9.16, above, this agreement shall
----------
be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by and against the
successors and assigns of each Party.
(S)9.18 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable or deemed to be
-------------
in default for any delay or failure in performance under this agreement or other
interruption of service deemed to result, directly or indirectly, from acts of
God, civil or military authority, acts of public enemy, war, accidents, fires,
explosions, earthquakes, floods, failure of transportation, strikes or other
work interruptions by either Party's employees, or any other similar cause
beyond the reasonable control of either Party unless such delay or failure in
performance is expressly addressed elsewhere in this agreement.
27
(S)9.19 Interpretation. This agreement supersedes the Original
--------------
Service Agreement in its entirety from and after the date of this agreement;
provided that this agreement shall not modify or otherwise affect any rights or
obligations of the Parties under the Original Service Agreement which are based
upon acts or omissions occurring prior to the date of this agreement, which
rights and obligations shall survive the execution of this agreement.
WISCONSIN DENTAL GROUP, S.C.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
---------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, President
SMILEAGE DENTAL CARE, INC.
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxx
---------------------------------
Xxx X. Xxxxx, President
28
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
-----------------
Exhibit A Definitions
Exhibit A-1 Financial Terms
Exhibit B [Intentionally Left Blank]
Exhibit C Five-Year Employment Agreement
Exhibit D Standard Employment Agreement
Exhibit E List of Dentists with Five-Year Employment
Agreements
29
EXHIBIT A
DEFINITIONS
Actual Margin. The term "Actual Margin" shall mean, for any period: (i)
-------------
the actual Adjusted Gross Revenue for that period, less (ii) the sum of the
actual Clinic Expense and the actual Provider Expense for that period.
Adjusted Gross Revenue. The term "Adjusted Gross Revenue" shall mean
----------------------
Gross Revenue less Adjustments.
Adjustments. The term "Adjustments" shall mean all adjustments on the
-----------
accrual basis for (i) third party payor contractual allowances, adjustments,
discounts, professional courtesies, (ii) uncollectible accounts and related
expenses, and (iii) other activities that do not to result in collectible
charges.
Ancillary Revenue. The term "Ancillary Revenue" shall mean all other
-----------------
revenue actually recorded each month that is not Professional Service Revenue.
Budget. The term "Budget" shall mean an operating budget and capital
------
expenditure budget for each calendar year as prepared by Service Company, in
consultation with Provider, and approved by each of the Policy Board and Parent.
Budgeted Margin. The term "Budgeted Margin" shall mean, for any period
---------------
(i) the budgeted Adjusted Gross Revenue for that period, less (ii) the sum of
the budgeted Clinic Expense and budgeted Provider Expense for that period. The
Budgeted Margin for each calendar quarter shall be established pursuant to item
3 of Exhibit A-1 attached to this agreement.
Calculated Margin. The term "Calculated Margin" shall mean, for any
-----------------
period (i) the actual Adjusted Gross Revenue for that period, less (ii) the sum
of (A) the actual Clinic Expense for that period and (B) the actual Adjusted
Gross Revenue for that period multiplied by the budgeted Provider Expense
percentage for that period as established pursuant to item 1 of Exhibit A-1
attached to this agreement.
Capitation Revenue. The term "Capitation Revenue" shall mean all
------------------
revenue recorded under GAAP from managed care organizations or third party
payors where such revenue is recorded periodically on a per member basis for the
partial or total dental needs of an enrolled patient.
Clinic. The term "Clinic" shall mean any of the facilities, including
------
satellite facilities, that Service Company shall own, lease or otherwise procure
and provide for the use of Provider.
Clinic Expense. The term "Clinic Expense" shall mean all operating and
--------------
nonoperating expenses incurred by Service Company or Parent in the provision of
services to Provider and such expenses incurred by Provider which are expressly
identified in this agreement as Clinic Expense. Clinic Expense shall not include
any state or federal income tax, any expenses related to any Dental Assets or
the maintenance or protection of the same, or any other expense
-i-
reasonably designated by Service Company as a Provider Expense. Clinic Expense
shall not include amortization of goodwill and noncompete covenants arising as a
result of the acquisition of Service Company by Parent concurrently with the
execution of this agreement, but shall include amortization of other intangible
assets obtained in that transaction. Without limiting the foregoing, Clinic
Expense shall include:
(a) The salaries, benefits, and other direct costs of all employees of
Service Company at a Clinic, but not the salaries, benefits, or other direct
costs of the dentists;
(b) The direct cost of any employee or consultant that provides
services at or in connection with a Clinic for improved clinic performance, such
as management, billing and collections, business office consultation, accounting
and legal services, but only when such services are coordinated by Service
Company;
(c) Reasonable recruitment costs and out-of-pocket expenses of Service
Company or Provider associated with the recruitment of additional dentist
employees of Provider;
(d) Dental malpractice liability insurance expenses for dentists,
Service Company employees, and non-dentist employees and comprehensive and
general liability insurance covering each Clinic and employees of Provider and
Service Company at each Clinic;
(e) The cost of laboratory services;
(f) The cost of dental supplies (including but not limited to products,
substances, items, or dental devices), and office supplies;
(g) The expense of using, leasing, purchasing or otherwise procuring
Clinics and related equipment, including utilities, depreciation, and repairs
and maintenance, provided that such expense shall not include the cost of
acquiring goodwill, noncompete covenants, or other intangible assets in
connection with such procurement;
(h) Personal property and intangible taxes assessed against Service
Company's assets which are provided or otherwise employed by Service Company for
the benefit of Provider;
(i) The reasonable travel expenses (except for the corporate staff of
Service Company and Parent) associated with attending meetings, conferences, or
seminars to benefit Provider;
(j) The cost of capital (whether as actual interest on indebtedness
incurred on behalf of Provider or as reasonable imputed interest on capital
advanced by Service Company or Parent) to finance or refinance obligations of
Provider, purchase dental and non-dental equipment, or finance new ventures of
Provider (interest expense will be charged for funds borrowed from outside
sources as well as from Parent; in the latter case, charges will be computed at
a floating rate that is equal to the current blended borrowing rate in effect
for actual and available outside borrowings of Parent; and such rate will be
computed as the sum of interest and related costs divided by the related total
of all borrowings), but specifically excluding any financing incurred by Parent
relating to the acquisition of Service Company by Parent concurrently with the
execution of this agreement;
-ii-
(k) Other expenses incurred by Service Company or Parent in carrying
out its obligations under this agreement in accordance with the policies and
budgets established by the Policy Board, including without limitation the
write-off of any tangible or intangible assets on the balance sheet of Service
Company or any portion thereof other than costs incurred in connection with the
execution of this agreement and the issuance by Parent of stock options to
Provider or its dentists;
(l) Any tax assessed against Service Company in connection with the
services provided by Service Company hereunder; and
(m) Any other cost or expense designated as a Clinic Expense pursuant
to this agreement.
Confidential Information. The term "Confidential Information" shall
------------------------
mean, with respect to a Party, all trade secrets, proprietary data, and other
information (whether written or oral) of a confidential nature relating directly
or indirectly to that Party or its business, including without limitation all
business management, marketing, and economic studies and methods, patient lists,
proprietary forms, marketing data, fee schedules, customer lists, financial,
tax, accounting, and other information regarding business operations or
structure, business plans, ideas, concepts, policies, and procedures, and any
other information which that Party is obligated to treat as confidential
pursuant to any law, agreement, or course of dealing by which that Party is
bound, whether or not such Confidential Information is disclosed or otherwise
made available pursuant to this agreement. Confidential Information shall also
include the terms and provisions of this agreement and any transactions or
documents executed by the parties pursuant to this agreement. Confidential
Information shall not include any information which (i) is or becomes known or
available to the public and did not become so known through the breach of this
agreement by either Party, (ii) has been lawfully acquired from a third party
without any breach of any confidentiality restriction, or (iii) is already in
the possession of the receiving Party at the time it was disclosed to the
receiving Party by the disclosing Party.
Dental Assets. The term "Dental Assets" shall mean the following
-------------
assets of Provider:
(a) All of Provider's right, title and interest in, to or under, or
possession of, all drugs, pharmaceuticals, products, substances, items or
devices whose purchase, possession, maintenance, administration, prescription or
security requires the authorization or order of a Dental Care Professional or
requires a permit, registration, certification or any other governmental
authorization held by a Dental Care Professional as specified under any federal
or state law, or both;
(b) All of Provider's right, title and interest in and to records of
identity, diagnosis, evaluation or treatment of patients;
(c) All of Provider's right, title and interest in, to or under
insurance policies covering or relating to dental malpractice;
(d) The name of Provider;
-iii-
(e) All franchises, licenses, permits, certificates, approvals and
other governmental authorizations necessary or desirable to own and operate any
of the other Dental Assets;
(f) All of Provider's right, title and interest in, to or under and
contract or agreement that requires performance by a licensed dental care
provider under federal or applicable state law.
Dental Care. The term "Dental Care" shall mean such intra-oral
-----------
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, operations, and services as are included
under the definition of the "practice of dentistry" under the laws and
regulations of the state in which such procedures, operations, and services are
performed and which are provided by Provider to its patients through Provider's
dentists and other professional dental care personnel operating under the
supervision of Provider's dentists, including but not limited to the practice of
general dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics,
pediatric dental care, and oral surgery, and all dental care associated with any
of the foregoing.
Dental Care Professional. The term "Dental Care Professional" shall
------------------------
mean any individual holding a current, unrestricted license issued by the
appropriate dental licensing board in the state in which the Dental Care
Professional renders Dental Care, which permits such individual to provide
Dental Care, including without limitation dentists (as that term is defined in
(S)2.5) and denturists, dental assistants, and hygienists.
GAAP. The term "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting
----
principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and
the Securities and Exchange Commission or in such other statements by such other
entity or other practices and procedures as may be approved by a significant
segment of the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances
as of the date of the determination.
Gross Revenue. The term "Gross Revenue" shall mean the sum of all
-------------
Professional Service Revenue and Ancillary Revenue before Adjustments.
Ordinary Dental Supplies. The term "Ordinary Dental Supplies" shall
------------------------
mean all products, substances, items, or devices which (i) are necessary or
appropriate for Provider's provision of Dental Care, and (ii) are not Special
Dental Supplies.
Parent. The term "Parent" shall mean American Dental Partners, Inc., a
------
Delaware corporation.
Performance Fee. The term "Performance Fee" shall mean the fee paid to
---------------
Service Company by Provider as described in (S)7.3(b).
Practice Territory. The term "Practice Territory" shall mean the
------------------
geographic area within which Provider provides Dental Care, which geographic
area shall include all of the following territories: (a) with respect to each
Clinic which offers general dentistry services only, the geographic area within
a radius of 30 miles of such Clinic, and (b) with respect to each Clinic which
offers specialty dental services, the geographic area within a radius of 50
miles of such Clinic.
-iv-
Professional Service Revenue. The term "Professional Service Revenue"
----------------------------
shall mean the sum of all (i) professional fees actually recorded each month on
an accrual basis under GAAP as a result of the Dental Care rendered by the
Dental Care Professional retained by Provider, and (ii) Capitation Revenue;
including any such fees or Capitation Revenue paid or payable directly to
Provider by Service Company pursuant to the then-current Membership Agreement
(or similar agreement for providing professional services to dental plans)
between Service Company and Provider.
Provider Account. The term "Provider Account" shall mean the bank
----------------
account of Provider established by Provider promptly following the execution of
this agreement at a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Service
Company, which account shall be administered by Service Company according to
(S)(S)4.11 and 4.12 of this agreement.
Provider Consent. The term "Provider Consent" shall mean the consent
----------------
granted by Provider's chief executive officer or by another officer or
representative designated from time to time by Provider's chief executive
officer. When any provision of this agreement requires Provider Consent,
Provider Consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and shall be
binding on Provider.
Provider Expense. The term "Provider Expense" shall mean an expense
----------------
incurred by the Service Company or Provider and for which Provider, and not the
Service Company, is financially liable. Provider Expense shall include dentist
(as defined in (S)2.5) salaries, benefits (which includes workers' compensation
coverage), and other direct costs related to the dentists employed or otherwise
retained by Provider for the provision of its Dental Care (including
professional dues, subscriptions, continuing dental education expenses, and
travel costs for continuing dental education or other business travel, but
excluding business travel requested by Service Company, which shall be a Clinic
Expense), together with any expenses related to any Dental Assets or the
maintenance and protection of the same and such other costs and expenses
designated as Provider Expense in or pursuant to this agreement. In the event
Provider incurs consulting, accounting, legal or other similar fees without
Service Company's approval of such engagement through Service Company, all fees
and expenses so incurred shall be Provider Expenses.
Representatives. The term "Representatives" shall mean a Party's
---------------
officers, directors, employees, and other agents or representatives, and
attorneys, accountants, and other professional advisors.
Service Company Consent. The term "Service Company Consent" shall mean
-----------------------
the consent granted by Service Company's chief executive officer or by another
officer or representative designated from time to time by Service Company's
chief executive officer. When any provision of this agreement requires Service
Company Consent, Service Company Consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed and shall be binding on Service Company.
Service Company Expense. The term "Service Company Expense" shall mean
-----------------------
an expense or cost incurred by Service Company or Parent and for which Service
Company or Parent, and not Provider, is financially liable. Service Company
Expense shall specifically
-v-
include the costs of Service Company and Parent's corporate personnel and the
travel costs of such corporate personnel and shall specifically exclude expenses
incurred by Service Company or Parent that directly benefit Provider or are
otherwise incurred by Service Company or Parent in providing services pursuant
to this agreement.
Service Fee. The term "Service Fee" shall mean the fee paid to
-----------
Service Company by Provider as described in (S)7.3(a).
Services. The term "Services" shall mean the business, administrative,
--------
and management services to be provided for Provider by Service Company as set
forth in this agreement, including without limitation the provision of
equipment, supplies, support services, non-dentist personnel, office space,
financial recordkeeping and reporting, billing and collection and other business
office services. Services shall not include the provision of Dental Care to
patients of the Provider.
Special Dental Supplies. The term "Special Dental Supplies" shall mean
-----------------------
all products, substances, items or devices, the purchase, possession,
maintenance, administration, prescription or security of which requires the
authorization or order of a Dental Care Professional or requires a permit,
registration, certification or other governmental authorization held by a Dental
Care Professional as specified under any federal and/or state law.
Term. The term "Term" shall mean the initial term and any renewal
----
periods of this agreement as described in (S)8.1, subject to termination
pursuant to (S)8.2.
-vi-
EXHIBIT A-1
FINANCIAL TERMS
1. Budgeted Provider Expense [(S)4.13(a)]. For purposes of the Budget
--------------------------------------
for calendar year 1999, the following percentages of Adjusted Gross Revenue
shall be allocated to Provider Expense for the following calendar quarters,
respectively:
Xxx. 0 Xxx. 0 Xxx. 0 Xxx. 4 Full Year
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------
[*] [*] [*] [*] [*]
* This information has been omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange
Commission's grant of confidential treatment.
In each succeeding annual Budget, unless the Parties otherwise mutually agree,
such percentages of Adjusted Gross Revenue shall be allocated to Provider
Expense for the respective calendar quarters of the applicable calendar year.
2. Service Fee [(S)7.3(a)]. The annual Service Fee shall be [*].
-----------------------
3. Budgeted Margin [Exhibit A]. The Budgeted Margins for the respective
---------------------------
calendar quarters in calendar year 1999 are as follows:
Xxx. 0 Xxx. 0 Xxx. 3 Qtr. 4 Full Year
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------
[*] [*] [*] [*] [*]
* This information has been omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange
Commission's grant of confidential treatment.
In the Budget for each subsequent calendar year, unless the Parties otherwise
mutually agree, such Budgeted Margins shall continue to be applicable to the
calendar quarters in such calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any
other provisions of this agreement to the contrary, if the Parties are unable to
agree on a Budget for any calendar year, then, for purposes of calculating the
Performance Fee, the Budgeted Margin for each calendar quarter of that calendar
year (the "Current Quarter") shall be the greater of (a) the Budgeted Margin for
the corresponding quarter of the prior calendar year (the "Corresponding Prior
Quarter"), or (b) an amount which is equal to the result obtained when the
Adjusted Gross Revenue for the Current Quarter is multiplied by a fraction
having as its numerator the Budgeted Margin for the Corresponding Prior Quarter
and having as its denominator the budgeted Adjusted Gross Revenue for the
Corresponding Prior Quarter.
4. Adjustments. Any or all of the percentages or amounts contained in
this exhibit my hereafter be changed from time to time by written agreement of
the Parties. Such agreement may be in the form of a new Exhibit A-1 to this
agreement, which, if signed by both Parties, shall supersede this exhibit for
all purposes thereafter.
The effective date of this Exhibit A-1 is January 1, 1999.
WISCONSIN DENTAL GROUP, S.C. SMILEAGE DENTAL CARE, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxx
-------------------------------- ---------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, President Xxx X. Xxxxx, President
