EXHIBIT 10.6
FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA, INC.
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
By and Between
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.,
an Oregon corporation
("Lithia")
And
FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, RLLLP
AND
XXXXX XXXX
(the "Shareholders")
And
FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA, INC.
a Colorado corporation
(the "Company")
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
1. DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
2. THE MERGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
2.1 Shares and Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
2.2 The Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
2.3 Effective Time of the Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
2.4 Shareholder Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
2.5 Merger Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
3. FORMATION OF MERGER SUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..7
4. MERGER CONSIDERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..7
5. REORGANIZATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8
6. CLOSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8
6.1 Date, Time and Place of Closing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8
6.2 Documents To Be Delivered at Closing by the Shareholders . . . ..8
6.3 Documents To Be Delivered at Closing by Lithia . . . . . . . . ..8
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS. . . . . . . . . . ..9
7.1 Authorization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..9
7.2 Incorporation and Good Standing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..9
7.3 Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..9
7.4 No Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.5 Consents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.6 Real Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.7 Tangible Personal Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.8 Parts Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.9 Licenses and Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.10 Intellectual Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7.11 Title to Properties; Encumbrances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.12 Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.13 Indebtedness for Borrowed Money; Guaranties. . . . . . . . . . .11
7.14 Tax Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.15 Transactions Since Balance Sheet Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.16 Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.17 Compliance With Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.18 Contracts and Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.19 Employee Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.20 Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.21 Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.22 Accounts Receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.23 Brokers and Finders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.24 Delivery of Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.25 Powers of Attorney; Authorized Signatories . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.26 Full Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
ii
7.27 Environmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7.28 Continuation of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7.29 Contracts in Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7.30 Evaluation of Risks in Receiving Lithia Securities . . . . . . .14
7.31 Limitations on Transfer of Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7.32 Lack of Registration of Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
7.33 Information Concerning Lithia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
7.34 Investor Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LITHIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
8.1 Authorization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
8.2 Incorporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
8.3 Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
8.4 No Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
8.5 Consents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
8.6 SEC Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
8.7 Tax Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
8.8 Transactions Since Latest Balance Sheet Date . . . . . . . . . .17
8.9 Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.10 Compliance With Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.11 Brokers and Finders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.12 Delivery of Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.13 Full Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
9. COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.1 Notices and Consents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.2 Conduct of Business by the Company Prior to the Closing
Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.3 Lithia's Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.4 Shareholders' Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.5 Notice of Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.6 Standstill Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.7 Further Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
9.8 Employee Stock Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.9 Release of Guarantees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.10 Non-Compete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.11 Update of Representations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.12 Service Contract Pricing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
10. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATION OF LITHIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10.1 Representations, Warranties of the Shareholders and
Covenants of the Company and the Shareholders. . . . . . . . . .20
10.2 No Adverse Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10.3 Approval of Lithia's Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10.4 Third Party Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10.5 Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Waiting Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10.6 Approval of Lithia as the Dealer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10.7 Consent from Lithia's Lender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
10.8 Tax Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
10.9 Legal Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
10.10 Fulfillment of Conditions in Related Transactions. . . . . . . .21
10.11 Employee and Related Party Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
iii
10.12 Assignment and Licenses of Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . .21
10.13 Completion of Audit and Purchase Price Determination . . . . . .21
11. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE
SHAREHOLDERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Lithia. . . . . . .21
11.2 No Adverse Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11.3 Third Party Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11.4 Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Waiting Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11.5 Tax Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11.6 Legal Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11.7 Fulfillment of Conditions in Related Transactions. . . . . . . .22
11.8 Assignment and Licenses of Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . .22
11.9 Completion of Audit and Purchase Price Determination . . . . . .22
12. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
13. INDEMNIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
13.1 General Indemnity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
13.2 Defense of Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
13.3 Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
14. XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXX NOTIFICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
15. TERMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
15.1 Mutual Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
15.2 By Lithia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
15.3 By the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
15.4 Effect of Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
15.5 Break-Up Fee.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
16.1 Mediation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
16.2 Binding Arbitration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
16.3 Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
16.4 Hearing and Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17. GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17.1 Entire Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17.2 Exhibit and Schedules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17.3 Publicity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17.4 Amendment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17.5 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17.6 Invalidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
17.7 Payment of Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
17.8 Binding Effect and Assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
17.9 Applicability of Exceptions and Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . .27
17.10 Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
17.11 Definition of Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
17.12 Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
17.13 Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
iv
17.14 Governing Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
17.15 Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
17.16 No Strict Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
v
DEFINED TERMS
ADJUSTED NET WORTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
AGREEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
BALANCE SHEET DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
BASE 1999 NET ADJUSTED PRETAX INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
CERCLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CLAIMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
CLASS A COMMON STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
COMPANY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
CONTINGENT MERGER CONSIDERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
DAILY SALES PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6
DOJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
EFFECTIVE TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
FLOORPLAN RATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
FTC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
INITIAL MERGER CONSIDERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
LEASE AGREEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8
LICENSES AND PERMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
LITHIA FLOORPLAN RATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
LITHIA INDEMNIFIED PARTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
LITHIA SHARES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
MERGER SHARES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
MERGER SUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..7
XXXXXXXX GAAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
XXXXXXXX GROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
XXXXXXXX TRANSACTION EXPENSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
NET ADJUSTED PRETAX INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
OTHER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
QUALIFYING MEMBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8
SEC FILINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SERIES M PREFERRED STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
SHAREHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
SHARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1
vi
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Example Calculation of Adjusted Net Worth
Exhibit B Example Calculation of Net Adjusted Pretax Income
Exhibit C - Plan of Merger
Exhibit D - Series M Preferred Stock
Exhibit E - Xxxxxx Pepper & Shefelman PLLC Tax Opinion
Exhibit F - Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx L.L.C. Tax Opinion
Exhibit G - Lease Agreement
Exhibit H - Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit I - W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Employment Agreement
Exhibit J - Xxxxx Xxxx Employment Agreement
Exhibit K Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx L.L.C. Legal Opinion
Exhibit L Assignment and Licenses of Intangible Assets
Exhibit M Xxxxxx Pepper & Shefelman PLLC Legal Opinion
SCHEDULES
Schedule 2.1 - Company Shareholders List
Schedule 7.2 - Subsidiaries and Equity Interests of the Company
Schedule 7.3 - Rights to Purchase Securities of the Company/Voting
Rights
Schedule 7.5 - Company Consents and Approvals
Schedule 7.6 - Legal Description of Real Property of the Company
Schedule 7.7 - Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures and Other Tangible
Personal Property of the Company
Schedule 7.9 - Permits and Licenses of the Company
Schedule 7.10 - Intellectual Property of the Company
Schedule 7.11 - Encumbrances of the Company
Schedule 7.12 - Financial Statements of the Company
Schedule 7.13 - Guaranties and Obligations of the Company
Schedule 7.15 - Changes Since Balance Sheet Date of the Company
Schedule 7.16 - Orders and Legal Proceedings of the Company
Schedule 7.18 - Material Contracts of the Company
Schedule 7.19 - Employee Benefit Plans of the Company
Schedule 7.20 - Insurance of the Company
Schedule 7.21 - Employees of the Company
Schedule 7.22 - Receivables of the Company
Schedule 7.27 - Underground Storage Tanks of the Company
Schedule 8.4 - Lithia Conflicts
Schedule 8.5 - Lithia Required Consents
Schedule 8.8 - Lithia Changes in Business
Schedule 8.9 - Lithia Orders and Legal Proceedings
vii
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "AGREEMENT") dated effective
January 1, 1999, by and between LITHIA MOTORS, INC., an Oregon corporation
("Lithia"); FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, RLLLP and XXXXX XXXX
(whether one or more, the "SHAREHOLDERS"); and FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA, INC.,
a Colorado corporation (the "COMPANY").
R E C I T A L S :
A. The Shareholders are the owners of all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company (the "SHARES").
B. The Company is engaged in the business of selling and servicing
Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep and Suzuki automobiles and light trucks and
related parts and accessories from premises located at 3835 and 0000 X. Xxxxxxx,
Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx (the "BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY").
C. All the parties desire to consummate a business combination transaction
pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into a subsidiary of Lithia,
for the consideration and on the other terms set forth in this Agreement.
The parties intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms have the indicated meanings:
"ADJUSTED NET WORTH" of the Company or any other member of the Xxxxxxxx
Group as of December 31, 1998 means the excess of the total assets of such
entity over its total liabilities as of that date, determined in accordance with
Xxxxxxxx GAAP, with the following adjustments:
(i) Assets will be increased by an amount equal to 0.63 times LIFO
reserves at December 31, 1998; and
(ii) Any good will or other intangibles will be deducted from the
total assets.
(iii) Net Worth shall be increased by the Company's proportionate
share of Xxxxxxxx Transaction Expenses recorded in 1998. Net Worth shall be
decreased by the Company's proportionate share of "excess transaction
expenses." For that purpose, excess transaction expenses means the amount,
if any, by which the total Xxxxxxxx Transaction Expenses recorded in 1998
exceed the remainder obtained by subtracting $11,000,000 from the aggregate
Net Adjusted Pretax Income of all members of the Xxxxxxxx Group for 1998.
The Company's proportionate share of the Xxxxxxxx Transaction Expenses or
the excess transaction expenses shall be determined by multiplying the
total Xxxxxxxx Transaction Expenses or excess transaction expenses by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the Company's Net Adjusted Pretax
Income for 1998 and the denominator of which is the aggregate Net Adjusted
Pretax Income of all members of the Xxxxxxxx Group for 1998.
An example of the calculation of the Adjusted Net Worth of the Company
using unaudited numbers is attached as Exhibit A.
"BASE 1999 NET ADJUSTED PRETAX INCOME" means, for each member of the
Xxxxxxxx Group, the lesser of (i) 110 percent of such member's Net Adjusted
Pretax Income for 1998 or (ii) the product of $12,100,000 times a fraction of
which the numerator is such member's Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1998 and the
denominator is the aggregate Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1998 of all members
of the Xxxxxxxx Group.
"CLASS A COMMON STOCK" means Lithia's Class A Common Stock, without par
value.
1
"CONTINGENT MERGER CONSIDERATION" means an amount equal to CMC in the
formula
J-K
CMC = [ 6(H-I) --- ]
X-X
where:
H = the aggregate Net Adjusted Pretax Income of all
members of the Xxxxxxxx Group for 1999, but H shall
not be less than I or more than I plus $3,000,000.
I = the aggregate Base 1999 Net Adjusted Pretax Income
for all members of the Xxxxxxxx Group;
J = the Company's Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1999,
but J shall not be less than K;
K = the Company's Base 1999 Net Adjusted Pretax
Income;
L = the aggregate Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1999
of all Qualifying Members; and
M = the aggregate Base 1999 Net Adjusted Pretax Income
of all Qualifying Members.
"FLOORPLAN RATE" means the rate of interest that the Xxxxxxxx Group and all
affiliated dealerships would have paid on their floorplan financing with
Chrysler Financial Company LLC during 1999 had the Xxxxxxxx Group not been
acquired by Lithia.
"INITIAL MERGER CONSIDERATION" means $6,031,379, adjusted as follows as of
the Effective Date or as soon thereafter as the information necessary to make
such adjustments is available:
(iv) First, the Initial Merger Consideration shall be adjusted to
equal IMC in the equation:
B
IMC = (A x 6)--- - $1,425,000
C
where:
A = the lesser of $11,000,000 or C;
B = the Company's Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1998;
and
C = The aggregate Net Adjusted Pretax Income of all
members of the Xxxxxxxx Group for 1998.
(v) Second, the adjusted Initial Merger Consideration determined in
(i) above shall be adjusted by adding thereto (if positive) or subtracting
therefrom (if negative) the amount of NWA in the equation:
E
NWA = (D - $28,000,000) ---
D
where:
D = the aggregate Adjusted Net Worth of all members of
the Xxxxxxxx Group as of December 31, 1998; and
E = the Adjusted Net Worth of the company as of
December 31, 1998.
2
(iii) Finally, the adjusted Initial Merger Consideration determined in
(ii) above shall be increased by an amount equal to IA in the equation
(F + $1,425,000)G
IA = -------------------
730
where:
F = the adjusted Initial Merger Consideration
determined in (ii) above; and
G = the sum of the Lithia Floorplan Rates in effect on
each day from and including January 1, 1999 to but
excluding the Effective Date.
"LITHIA FLOORING PLAN RATES" means the rate of interest that Lithia is
paying on its least expensive new vehicle flooring line from time to time.
"XXXXXXXX GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles followed
in the preparation of the financial statements as of and for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 for the Xxxxxxxx Automotive Group (which include
entities not included in the Xxxxxxxx Group as defined herein) audited by Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx LLP and accompanied by their report thereon dated May 21, 1998.
"XXXXXXXX GROUP" means Cherry Creek Dodge, Incorporated, Xxxxxxx X.
Corp., Colorado Springs Jeep/Eagle, Inc., Foothills Automotive Plaza, Inc.,
L.A.H. Automotive Enterprises, Inc. and Xxxxxxxx Auto Corp., all Colorado
corporations, and Reno Auto Sales, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
"XXXXXXXX TRANSACTION EXPENSES" means all expenses incurred by all
members of the Xxxxxxxx Group in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and the Other Reorganization Agreements including, without
limitation, the fees of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP for services relating to audits of
the Xxxxxxxx Groups' financial statements for 1998 and subsequent years and
other transaction-related services, fees and expenses of counsel for the
Xxxxxxxx Group and all filling fees payable to governmental entities relating to
the transactions contemplated hereby.
"NET ADJUSTED PRETAX INCOME" of the Company or any other member of the
Xxxxxxxx Group for any period means the net income of such entity for the
period, determined in accordance with Xxxxxxxx GAAP, with the following
adjustments:
(i) Income taxes shall be added back to net income.
(ii) All salaries, bonuses and other compensation expense incurred or
paid to W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and the general manager of the dealership owned
by the entity for the period prior to the Effective Date and any bonus paid
to W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx for the period after the Effective Date shall be
added back to net income.
(iii) The salary and other compensation expenses that would have been
payable for the period prior to the Effective Date to W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
and the salary, bonus and other compensation expense that would have been
payable for the period prior to the Effective Date to the general manager
of the dealership owned by the entity under the employment arrangements
between those persons and Lithia or the entity, shall be deducted from net
income. The salary payable to W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx under his Employment
Agreement shall be allocated among the members of the Xxxxxxxx Group in
proportion to their respective Net Adjusted Pretax Incomes for the year. No
bonus payable to W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx under his Employment Agreement shall
be deducted from net income under this clause (iii).
(iv) Any increase or decrease in the LIFO reserve of such entity after
December 31, 1997 will be added back to or deducted from net income.
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(v) All Xxxxxxxx Transaction Expenses recorded in the period shall be
added back to net income, but only to the extent that such Xxxxxxxx
Transaction Expenses were taken into account in computing net income in the
first instance.
(vi) Any goodwill or other intangibles booked or other purchase
accounting adjustments made as a result of the acquisition of such entity
by Lithia and any amortization thereof shall be backed out of the
calculation of net income.
(vii) Revenues earned or expenses incurred by such entity for credit
life insurance and financing contracts shall be adjusted to the revenues or
expenses that would have been earned or incurred by such entity for the
same contacts under arrangements in effect during 1998. Extended service
contract costs will be based upon the costs charged to the Company pursuant
to Section 9.12.
(viii) Net income shall be increased by an amount equal to the
interest that would have accrued at the Floorplan Rate on the amount of all
funds paid by such entity to Lithia or any affiliate of Lithia during the
period as a dividend or loan and on the amount of any fees or other charges
paid to Lithia to the extent that such fees are not included as expenses in
calculating Net Adjusted Pretax Income pursuant to clause (xiii) below,
from the date such payment was made to the end of the period or the date of
its repayment.
(ix) Net income shall be decreased by an amount equal to the interest
that would have accrued at the Floorplan Rate on the amount of all funds
provided by Lithia or any affiliate of Lithia to such entity during the
period as a loan or contribution and on the amount of any cost savings
described in clause (xii) below, from the date of such loan or contribution
or the date the savings were realized to the date of repayment or the end
of the period.
(x) Net income shall be increased by all fees paid to Lithia by such
entity under the Consulting Agreement between Lithia and such entity as in
effect from January 1, 1999 to the Effective Date.
(xi) Except as provided in this subparagraph, non-reoccurring and
extraordinary income or expense items will be deducted or added back to the
net income. Some members of the Xxxxxxxx Group held, on January 1, 1999,
vehicles which had suffered hail damage in 1998 and a related insurance
damage reserve. Amounts transferred from that insurance damage reserve
shall not be considered non-reoccurring or extraordinary income and shall
be included in net income, subject to any limitation imposed by the Other
Reorganization Agreements to which such members are parties.
(xii) If Lithia is able to reduce operating costs to the Xxxxxxxx
Group by using its systems (e.g. MIS), purchasing power (e.g. fuels,
lubricants, etc.) or preferential rates (e.g. workers' compensation
premiums) the savings will be added back as an expense item.
(xiii) To the extent that Lithia provides services the cost of which
was previously incurred by the Company or procured from a third party, the
income of the Company will be adjusted to reflect the costs that would have
been incurred by the Company under the arrangements in effect during 1998.
If Lithia provides a service or product not previously utilized by the
Company, the reasonable or agreed costs of such services or product will be
included if W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx agreed or agrees that the cost of such
service or product would be included in determining Net Adjusted Pretax
Income hereunder.
In addition to the specific adjustments described above, net income of each
entity for 1999 shall be adjusted in such other respects as may be necessary to
eliminate the effect of any additional costs resulting from changes implemented
by Lithia not concurred in by W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx. For example, if Lithia makes
capital improvements or increases inventory levels not concurred in by X.
Xxxxxxx
4
Xxxxxxxx, all current operating expenses associated with those decisions,
including financing costs, would be added back to net income.
It is the intent of the parties that, subject to the specific adjustments
described above, the Net Adjusted Pretax Income of each entity for 1999 will
reflect the net pretax income that such entity would have earned in 1999 had it
been operated during that year in the same manner that it was operated during
1998. An example of the calculation of Net Adjusted Pretax Income is attached as
Exhibit B.
"OTHER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENTS" means the six separate Agreements and
Plans of Reorganization of even date herewith whereunder Lithia is acquiring the
other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group.
"QUALIFYING MEMBER" means a member of the Xxxxxxxx Group whose Net Adjusted
Pretax Income for 1999 exceeds its Base 1999 Net Adjusted Pretax Income.
"SERIES M PREFERRED STOCK" means shares of Lithia's preferred stock,
without par value, designated as Series M-2002 Preferred Stock and Series M-2003
Preferred Stock and having the right and preferences set forth in Lithia's
Articles of Incorporation.
2. THE MERGER
2.1 SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS. Schedule 2.1 sets forth the name, as it
appears in the Company's corporate records, of each record owner of shares of
the Company's capital stock, the number and class or series of the shares of
capital stock held by each Shareholder, and the percentage of the Merger
Consideration each Shareholder is to receive. Schedule 2.1 also reflects the
proportions in which the Shareholders will share the cash and stock components
of the Merger Consideration, which are different than their percentage ownership
interests in the Company. The Shareholders hereby agree to those proportions and
waive any right they may have to receive all elements of the Merger
Consideration in proportion to their stock ownership of the Company.
2.2 THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of law, at the
Effective Time, Merger Sub (hereinafter defined) and the Company shall
consummate a merger as set forth in the Plan of Merger (attached as Exhibit C),
pursuant to which the Company shall be merged with and into Merger Sub, the
separate corporate existence of the Company shall thereupon cease, and Merger
Sub shall continue as the surviving corporation.
2.3 EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER. Lithia, Merger Sub, the Shareholders and
the Company will cause the Plan of Merger and Articles of Merger in the form
required by Colorado law to be executed and filed as soon as reasonably possible
following the date of the Closing, or on such other date as Lithia and the
Company may agree, with the Secretary of State for the state of Colorado. The
Merger shall become effective at the time at which the Articles of Merger shall
have been accepted for filing by the Secretary of State for the state of
Colorado or such time specified in the Articles of Merger as may be agreed upon
by Lithia and the Company, and such time is hereinafter referred to as the
"EFFECTIVE TIME."
2.4 SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The signature of each Shareholder on this
Agreement shall be deemed such Shareholder's irrevocable written consent
approving the Plan of Merger and this Agreement in lieu of a shareholders'
meeting of the Company. The signature of Lithia on this Agreement shall be
deemed its irrevocable written consent approving the Plan of Merger and this
Agreement as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub.
2.5 MERGER CONSIDERATION. Upon the Effective Date, each outstanding share
of Company Common Stock shall be converted into the right to receive a portion
of the Merger Consideration determined by dividing the total Merger
Consideration by the number of shares of Company Common
5
Stock outstanding. The Initial Merger Consideration and the Contingent Merger
Consideration (collectively referred to as the "Merger Consideration") will be
calculated and paid as follows:
2.5.1 INITIAL MERGER CONSIDERATION. As soon as reasonably practicable,
the Company shall cause its auditors to prepare an audited balance sheet and
income statement for the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998
in accordance with Xxxxxxxx GAAP and shall calculate the Company's Adjusted Net
Worth and Net Adjusted Pretax Income and the Initial Merger Consideration on the
basis thereof. The Company shall deliver such financial statements and
calculations to Lithia. Lithia shall have a period of 15 days after its receipt
of such financial statements and calculations to make any objections it may have
to the Adjusted Net Worth and Net Adjusted Pretax Income of the Company and
Initial Merger Consideration as calculated by the Company. If Lithia does not
give notice of objections within that period, the Adjusted Net Worth, Net
Adjusted Pretax Income and Initial Merger Consideration so calculated shall be
final. If Lithia does give notice of objections within that time, and Lithia and
the Company are unable to resolve the matter by agreement, either side may
submit the matter to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or another independent
accounting firm selected by the Shareholders and Lithia for resolution. The
decision of that accounting firm shall be binding on the parties.
2.5.2 PAYMENT OF INITIAL MERGER CONSIDERATION. The Initial Merger
Consideration shall be payable in a combination of cash, Class A Common Stock
and Series M-2002 Preferred Stock. The amount of the Initial Merger
Consideration to be paid in Lithia stock shall equal ISP in the formula:
T + $12,677,500 U
ISP = ----------------- x ---
2 V
Where:
T = the Initial Merger Consideration payable under this
Agreement plus the Initial Merger Consideration payable
under all of the Other Reorganization Agreements;
U = the Initial Merger Consideration under this Agreement; and
V = T minus the Initial Merger Consideration payable under the
Other Reorganization Agreements relating to the acquisition
of L.A.H. Automotive Enterprises, Inc. and Reno Auto Sales,
Inc.
Of the stock portion of the Initial Merger Consideration, 70 percent will be
paid in Class A Common stock and 30 percent in Series M-2002 Preferred Stock.
The balance of the Initial Merger Consideration shall be paid in cash. The Class
A Common Stock shall be valued for purposes of the Initial Merger Consideration
at (i) $19.00 per share. The Series M Preferred Stock shall be valued at $1,000
per share for purposes of the Initial Merger Consideration.
2.5.3 CONTINGENT MERGER CONSIDERATION. As soon as possible, and in any
event within 120 days after December 31, 1999, Lithia shall cause its auditors
to prepare a balance sheet and income statement for the Company as of December
31, 1999 and for the year then ended and shall calculate the Adjusted Net Worth,
Net Adjusted Pretax Income and Contingent Merger Consideration on the basis
thereof. Lithia shall deliver such financial statements and calculations to the
Shareholders. The Shareholders' opportunity to object, the effect of failure to
do so and the resolution of any dispute shall be determined in the manner
provided in Section 2.5.1 above for determining the Initial Merger
Consideration.
2.5.4 PAYMENT OF CONTINGENT MERGER CONSIDERATION. The Contingent
Merger Consideration shall be paid in a combination of cash, Class A Common
Stock and Series M-2003 Preferred Stock within two business days after the
amount thereof has been determined. The amount of the Contingent Merger
Consideration to be paid in Lithia stock shall equal CSP in the formula:
6
X Y
CSP = --- x ---
2 Z
Where:
X = the sum of the Contingent Merger Consideration payable
under this Agreement plus the Contingent Merger
Consideration payable under all of the Other Reorganization
Agreements;
Y = the Contingent Merger Consideration payable under this
Agreement; and
Z = X minus the Contingent Merger Consideration payable under
the Other Reorganization Agreements relating to the
acquisition of L.A.H. Automotive Enterprises, Inc. and Reno
Auto Sales, Inc.
The stock portion of the Contingent Merger Consideration will be payable 50
percent in Class A Common Stock and 50 percent in Series M-2003 Preferred Stock.
The balance of the Contingent Merger Consideration will be payable in cash. Any
imputed interest with respect to the payment of the Contingent Merger
Consideration shall be deemed paid from the cash portion of the Contingent
Merger Consideration. The Class A Common Stock shall be valued for purposes of
the Contingent Merger Consideration at the average Daily Sales Price over the 15
trading days ending with the second trading day before the date that such shares
are issued. "DAILY SALES PRICE" means, for any trading day, the last sales price
of the Class A Common Stock reported by the New York Stock Exchange or if the
Class A Common Stock is not then trading on the NYSE, such other source as
Lithia and the Shareholders may agree. The Series M Preferred Stock shall be
valued at $1,000 per share for purposes of the Contingent Merger Consideration.
2.5.5 FRACTIONAL SHARES. Lithia shall not issue fractional shares of
Class A Common Stock. In lieu thereof, Company shareholders will be entitled to
receive cash in the amount of any fractional share valued as set forth in the
preceding paragraph.
2.5.6 ADJUSTMENTS. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, all prices per share, share amounts, and per-share amounts
referred to in this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted to account for
stock dividends, split-ups, mergers, recapitalizations, combinations,
conversions, exchanges of shares or the like occurring between the first day of
each pricing period through the date such shares are issues.
3. FORMATION OF MERGER SUB
Prior to Closing, Lithia will form Lithia Acquisition Corp. #99-5, a wholly
owned subsidiary under Colorado law ("MERGER SUB"), which subsidiary, subject to
the satisfaction of all conditions to Closing, Lithia will cause to execute the
Plan of Merger and the Articles of Merger. Lithia will cause the Board of
Directors of Merger Sub to approve the Plan of Merger.
4. MERGER CONSIDERATION
Lithia will cause to be adopted and filed Articles of Amendment to Lithia's
Articles of Incorporation pursuant to which 10,500 shares of Lithia's preferred
stock will be designated as Series M-2002 Preferred Stock and 4,500 shares of
Lithia preferred stock will be designated as Series M-2003 Preferred Stock
(collectively, "Series M Preferred Stock"), with the relative rights and
preferences as set forth in the attached Exhibit D. Lithia shall make available
such shares of Series M Preferred Stock, shares of Class A Common Stock and cash
as may be required by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger. Such
securities are being offered and sold pursuant to exemptions from registration
under both the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and state securities laws in
reliance upon the representation and warranties of Shareholders herein.
7
5. REORGANIZATION
The parties intend that the transaction to be effected by the Plan of
Merger will qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)(1) of the Code and
the regulations and rules promulgated thereunder. A condition of closing is the
receipt of opinions from the firm of Xxxxxx Pepper & Shefelman PLLC to Lithia
and from the firm of Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, L.L.C. to the Company and the
Shareholders that the transaction would qualify as to treatment as a
reorganization under Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, substantially in the form of
Exhibit E and F, respectively, attached hereto. In rendering such opinions,
counsel may require and rely upon representations contained in certificates from
officers of Lithia, the Shareholders and the Company.
6. CLOSING
6.1 DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement, the Closing of this Agreement shall take place at
the offices of Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, L.L.C. at 000 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, at
9:00 a.m. on the second business day following the fulfillment of the conditions
to the obligations of the parties under Sections 10 and 11, or at such other
time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by Lithia, the Shareholders and the
Company. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if the
Closing has not occurred on or before June 30, 1999, either Lithia or the
Company, provided that the failure of the Closing to occur did not result from a
breach of this Agreement by such party, shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to Section 15.
6.2 DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT CLOSING BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. At Closing,
the Shareholders will deliver or cause the Company to deliver to Lithia the
following:
6.2.1 Certified copies of resolutions adopted by the board of
directors of the Company approving the Agreement and the Plan of Merger and the
transactions contemplated hereby;
6.2.2 The Plan of Merger duly executed on behalf of the Company;
6.2.3 Articles of Merger in the appropriate form for filing duly
executed on behalf of the Company;
6.2.4 Stock certificates representing all of the Shares;
6.2.5 Lease agreements substantially in the form of Exhibit G with
monthly rents in the amount set forth in Schedule G-1 attached to Exhibit G (the
"LEASE AGREEMENT"), duly executed by the landlord as specified therein;
6.2.6 The Registration Rights Agreement between Lithia, Foothills
Automotive Plaza, Limited Partnership, RLLP, and the majority shareholders of
the other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group substantially in the form of Exhibit H
(the "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT"), duly executed by the Shareholders; and
6.2.7 Employment agreements between Lithia and W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and
Xxxxx Xxxx substantially in the form of Exhibit I and J (the "EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENTS") duly executed by the employee as specified therein.
6.3 DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT CLOSING BY LITHIA. At Closing, Lithia will
deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Shareholders the following:
6.3.1 Certified copies of resolutions adopted by the board of
directors of Lithia and of resolutions adopted by the board of directors and
shareholder of Merger Sub approving this Agreement and the Plan of Merger and
the transactions contemplated hereby.
6.3.2 The Plan of Merger duly executed on behalf of Merger Sub
and Lithia;
8
6.3.3 Articles of Merger in the appropriate form for filing duly
executed on behalf of the Merger Sub;
6.3.4 The cash portion of the Initial Merger Consideration
payable as provided in the Plan of Merger;
6.3.5 Stock certificates for the shares of Class A Common Stock and
Series M-2002 Preferred Stock constituting the stock portion of the Initial
Merger Consideration issued in the names of the Shareholders;
6.3.6 The Lease Agreements duly executed by Lithia Real Estate, Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Lithia, as lessee, and guaranteed by Lithia;
6.3.7 The Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by Lithia; and
6.3.8 The Employment Agreements duly executed on behalf of Lithia.
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS
The Shareholders jointly and severally represent and warrant to Lithia as
follows:
7.1 AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly authorized by the Board of
Directors and the shareholders of the Company, and this Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Company and each Shareholder. The Company has all
necessary corporate authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to
perform the Company's obligations hereunder. This Agreement is a valid and
legally binding obligation of the Company and the Shareholders, enforceable
against the Company and the Shareholders in accordance with its terms, except as
the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
The Shareholders have the complete and unrestricted right, power and authority
to execute this Agreement and perform their covenants in accordance with this
Agreement and will have at Closing good, absolute and marketable title to the
Shares, free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or restrictions of any
kind.
7.2 INCORPORATION AND GOOD STANDING. The Company is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the applicable laws of the state of its
incorporation and has all necessary power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and assets and to conduct its business as its business is
now being conducted. The Company has delivered to Lithia complete and accurate
copies of the Company's articles of incorporation and bylaws, including all
amendments thereto. The Company is qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each state in which it transacts business. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 7.2, the Company does not have any subsidiaries nor any direct or
indirect equity interest in any corporation, partnership or other entity.
7.3 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
50,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, 37,500 shares of which are
outstanding. The Shares constitute all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company. The Shares have been validly authorized and
issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and have not been issued in violation
of any preemptive rights or of any federal or state securities law. On the date
hereof, the Shares are owned beneficially and of record by the Shareholders as
set forth on Schedule 2.1. There are and will be on the Closing Date no
outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, convertible securities,
buy-in or other agreements or commitments obligating the Company to issue any
additional shares of its capital stock of any class or any other securities of
any kind. Except as disclosed in Schedule 7.3, there are no agreements that
relate to the voting or control of the Shares.
9
7.4 NO CONFLICTS. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor
the fulfillment of or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof will
violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute a default or an event which, with notice or lapse
of time or both, would constitute a default under, the articles of incorporation
or bylaws of the Company, any contract, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or
other instrument or obligation to which either the Shareholders or the Company
are parties or by which any of them is bound (assuming receipt of the consents
and approvals disclosed in Schedule 7.5), or violate any provision of any
applicable law or regulation or of any order, decree, writ or injunction of any
court or governmental body, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien,
charge, restriction, security interest or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever
on any property or asset of the Company or on the Shares.
7.5 CONSENTS. Except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 7.5, no consent
from, or other approval of, any governmental entity or agency or any other
person or entity is necessary in connection with the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement by the Company.
7.6 REAL PROPERTY. Set forth in Schedule 7.6 is a complete and accurate
legal description of the Business Real Property. The zoning of the Business Real
Property permits the presently existing improvements and the continuation of the
business presently being conducted on such real property. To the best of the
Company's and each of the Shareholders' knowledge, there are no pending or
proposed changes to such zoning.
7.7 TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY. Schedule 7.7 sets forth a complete and
accurate description of all equipment, furniture, fixtures and other tangible
personal property (except inventory of vehicles, parts and supplies) owned by,
in possession of, or used by the Company on December 31, 1998 in connection with
its business and a complete and accurate description of all tangible personal
property in which the Company has a leasehold interest, together with a complete
and accurate description of each lease under which the Company holds such
leasehold interests. Each of the leases is in full force and effect and
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the parties thereto. The
Company has performed in all material respects the covenants required to be
performed by it under each of the leases to which it is a party and is not in
default under any of the leases to which it is a party.
7.8 PARTS INVENTORIES. The parts inventories of the Company at December 31,
1998 consist of goods of a quality and in quantities that are suitable for sale
in the ordinary course of its business with normal xxxx-up at prevailing market
prices. All parts and accessories in the inventories of the Company are
undamaged parts and accessories that (i) are still in the original, resalable
merchandising package, and in unbroken lots, (ii) were listed for sale in the
then-current dealer parts and accessories price schedule for the represented
manufacturers, (iii) were purchased directly from the represented manufacturers,
and (iv) are returnable under the terms of the represented manufacturers' sales
and service agreement for credit to the account of the Company.
7.9 LICENSES AND PERMITS. Schedule 7.9 sets forth a complete and accurate
description of all material permits, licenses, franchises, certificates and
similar items and rights, owned or held by the Company (hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "LICENSES AND PERMITS"). The Licenses and Permits are
adequate for the operation of the Company's business; are valid and in full
force and effect, and no basis exists for a grantor of any such Licenses or
Permits to terminate the same. No additional material permit, license,
franchise, certificate or similar item or right is required by the Company for
the operation of its business. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.9, the
Company's rights under the Licenses and Permits will, by operation of law,
vested in Merger Sub upon the Effective Time.
7.10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Schedule 7.10 sets forth a complete and
accurate description of all intellectual property presently in use by the
Company, which intellectual property includes (without limitation) patents,
trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, trade secrets, customer
lists, inventions, formulas, methods, processes, advertising materials, Internet
sites and any other proprietary information or property. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 7.10, there are no outstanding licenses or
10
consents to third parties granting the right to use any intellectual property
owned by the Company. To the best of the Company's and each of the Shareholders'
knowledge and except as disclosed in Schedule 7.10, the Company owns and has the
right to use its intellectual property free and clear of any claims and without
any conflict with the rights of others and no royalties or fees are payable by
the Company to any third party by reason of the use of any intellectual property
by the Company. No additional intellectual property is required by the Company
for the operation of its business.
7.11 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ENCUMBRANCES. The Company has good, absolute and
marketable title to (or, in the case of leased property, valid and subsisting
leasehold interests in) all of its properties and assets, including (without
limitation) the properties and assets that will be listed on Schedules 7.6 and
7.7 except for properties and assets sold, consumed or otherwise disposed of by
the Company in the ordinary course of its business, and will have good, absolute
and marketable title to all assets included in the Audited Balance Sheet. The
Company and the Business Real Property are not subject to any liens, mortgages,
encumbrances, conditional sales agreements, security interests, claims or
restrictions of any kind or character, except for (i) the encumbrances listed on
Schedule 7.11, (ii) liens for current taxes not yet due and payable and (iii)
mechanics and materialmen's liens arising in the ordinary course of business and
securing obligations that are not overdue.
7.12 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Schedule 7.12 sets forth the Company's Dealer
Financial Statements as of the end of and for the Company's two most recent
fiscal years. These Dealer Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with
the applicable manufacturer's requirements and fairly reflect in all material
respects the results of operations and financial condition of the Company for
the periods and at the dates indicated.
The Company will, prior to Closing, deliver to Lithia copies of balance
sheets for the Company dated December 31, 1998 (the "BALANCE SHEET DATE") and
December 31, 1997, and the related statements of income for each of the three
years ended December 31, 1998 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"). The Financial Statements will be prepared in accordance
with Xxxxxxxx GAAP on a LIFO basis and consistent with prior periods, and will
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Company
at the dates mentioned and the results of its operations for the periods
specified. The Financial Statements will be accompanied with an unqualified
audit report from the Company's accountants, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, LLP. KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, Lithia's accountants, will be permitted to review the work papers
of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP prior to the issuance of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP's report for
the Financial Statements at and for the periods through December 31, 1998.
7.13 INDEBTEDNESS FOR BORROWED MONEY; GUARANTIES. The Company has delivered
to Lithia a complete and accurate copy of all instruments evidencing or relating
to the Company's indebtedness for borrowed money at December 31, 1998. The
Company is not in default or violation of any provision of any agreement
evidencing or relating to its indebtedness for borrowed money. Schedule 7.13
sets forth as of December 31, 1998 a complete and accurate description of all
guaranties by the Company of any obligation or liability of any person or
entity, including (without limitation) any guaranties of installment sales
contracts, leases or obligations under service contracts.
7.14 TAX MATTERS. The Company has duly filed all federal, state and local
tax returns required to be filed by it. All federal, state, local and foreign
income, ad valorem, excise, sales, use, payroll, unemployment and other taxes
and assessments that are due and payable by the Company have been properly
computed, duly reported, fully paid, and discharged and the Company has
conformed with applicable requirements to maintain its LIFO election. The only
unpaid taxes that require payment by the Company are current taxes not yet due
and payable. All current taxes not yet due and payable by the Company have been
properly accrued and are accurately reflected in the Company's balance sheet in
the Financial Statements. The Company has not been delinquent in the payment of
any tax, assessment or governmental charge, nor has any tax deficiency been
proposed or assessed against it, nor has it executed any waiver of the statute
of limitations on the assessment or collection of any tax.
11
7.15 TRANSACTIONS SINCE BALANCE SHEET DATE. Since the Balance Sheet Date,
except as anticipated by this Agreement or set forth on Schedule 7.15, (i) the
Company has not incurred any material debts, liabilities or obligations except
current liabilities in the ordinary course of business; discharged or satisfied
any material liens or encumbrances, or paid any material debts, liabilities or
obligations, except in the ordinary course of business; mortgaged, pledged or
otherwise subjected to any lien or other encumbrance any of its properties or
assets; canceled any material debt or claim; sold or transferred any properties
or assets except sales from inventory in the ordinary course of business; nor
entered into any material transaction other than in the ordinary course of
business; (ii) there has not been any change in the financial condition, net
income, assets, liabilities, operations or business of the Company other than
changes in the ordinary course of business, none of which, individually or in
the aggregate, has been materially adverse; (iii) there has not been any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution in
respect of, or any repurchase or acquisition of, the capital stock of the
Company; (iv) the Company has not issued any securities or options to purchase
any securities of any nature whatsoever; (v) the Company has not increased the
compensation, commissions, bonuses or other remuneration payable to any officer,
director, employee or to any other person or entity, whether now or hereafter
payable, except in the ordinary course of business, nor paid any bonuses to any
Shareholder, (vi) there has not been any damage, destruction or loss (whether or
not covered by insurance) materially and adversely affecting the assets,
properties or business of the Company; (vii) the Company has not made any
capital expenditure or commitment in excess of $50,000 for additions to
property, plant or equipment; (viii) the Company has not made any loan or
advance to any person or entity, other than advances to commission salespersons
in the ordinary course of business; guaranteed any obligation or liability of
any person or entity, including (without limitation) any guaranties of any
installment sales contracts or leases, or given any indemnification to any
person or entity; (ix) the Company has not made any sale, assignment or transfer
of, additions to or transactions involving any tangible asset other than in the
ordinary course of business; (x) the Company has not made any change in its
method of accounting or accounting practices, including (without limitation) any
change in depreciation or amortization policies or rates; (xi) the Company has
not granted any waiver or release of any material claim or right, or canceled
any material debt or claim held by it; (xii) the Company has not amended or
terminated any material contract, agreement or license to which it is a party;
(xiii) the Company has not agreed, in writing or otherwise, to do or permit any
of the foregoing.
7.16 LITIGATION. Schedule 7.16 sets forth a complete and accurate
description of all orders, decrees, writs or injunctions of any court or
governmental body applicable specifically to the Company and all legal actions,
suits, arbitrations, condemnation actions or other proceedings pending or, to
the knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened against the Shareholders with
respect to their Shares or against the Company or any of its properties, assets
or business. The Company has no knowledge of any facts that might result in any
other material action, suit, arbitration or proceeding.
7.17 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. To the best of the Company's and each of the
Shareholders' knowledge, there are no existing violations of federal, state or
local laws, ordinances, rules, codes, regulations or orders by the Company which
are reasonably likely to materially affect the properties, assets or business of
the Company. To the best of the Company's and each of the Shareholders'
knowledge, the Company is not subject to any restriction, judgment, order, writ,
injunction, decree or award, which materially and adversely affects or is likely
to materially and adversely affect the business, operations, properties, assets
or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company.
7.18 CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS. Schedule 7.18 sets forth a complete and
accurate description of all material contracts and agreements to which the
Company is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound. All such
contracts and agreements are in full force and effect and neither the Company
nor, to the Company's knowledge, the other parties thereto are in breach of any
of the provisions thereof. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.18, the Company is
not a party to any contract or
12
agreement which materially and adversely affects or is likely to materially or
adversely affect the business, operations, properties, assets or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Company.
7.19 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Schedule 7.19 sets forth a complete and
accurate description of all pension, profit sharing, bonus, deferred
compensation, percentage compensation, severance pay, retirement, health, stock
option, stock buy-in, insurance and other employee benefit plans and
arrangements binding upon the Company. The Company has complied with the
provisions of and has performed the obligations required of it under such plans
and arrangements, and the Company is not in default under any provision thereof
in any material respect. There have been no material defaults, breaches or
omissions by the Company or any fiduciary under any of these plans or
arrangements.
7.20 INSURANCE. Schedule 7.20 sets forth a complete and accurate
description of all insurance, including (without limitation) worker's
compensation, maintained by the Company and summarizes the coverage provided by
each of the insurance policies, including (without limitation) whether the
insurance policies are "claims made" or "occurrence" policies. All of the
insurance is in full force and effect, and the Company will keep such insurance
in full force and effect until the Closing Date.
7.21 PERSONNEL. Schedule 7.21 sets forth a complete and accurate list of
all employees of the Company as of the date indicated thereon and all
independent contractors regularly performing services on behalf of the Company
and their respective rates of compensation, including any salary, bonus or other
payment arrangement made with any of them. Except as disclosed in Schedule 7.21,
the Company does not have any employment agreements or contracts between the
Company and any person or entity. The Company is not a party to or bound by any
collective bargaining agreement, nor has the Company experienced any strikes,
grievances, claims of unfair labor practices or other collective bargaining
dispute. There are no unions representing any employees of the Company. The
Company has no knowledge of any organizational effort presently being made or
threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to employees of the
Company. The Company has paid or has made provision for the payment of all
compensation due any person or entity and has complied in all material respects
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the employment of
labor, including those related to wages, hours, collective bargaining and the
payment and withholding of taxes, and has withheld and paid to the appropriate
governmental authority, or is holding for payment not yet due to such authority,
all amounts required by law or agreement to be withheld from the compensation of
its employees.
7.22 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. Schedule 7.22 sets forth a complete and accurate
list of all accounts receivable, notes receivable and vehicle leases of the
Company as of the date indicated thereon and an aging analysis of such accounts.
All receivables of the Company are valid and enforceable claims, arose in the
ordinary course of business, require no further performance by the Company and,
to the Company's knowledge, are not subject to claims or offset.
7.23 BROKERS AND FINDERS. The Company has not employed, directly or
indirectly, any broker or finder, nor incurred any liability for any brokerage
fees, commissions or finders fees.
7.24 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. Complete and accurate copies of all written
instruments listed or described on the schedules have been furnished or made
available to Lithia. The Company will make available to Lithia, to the extent
requested by Lithia, all books, records and facilities of the Company.
7.25 POWERS OF ATTORNEY; AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES. The Company has provided
to Lithia (i) the names and addresses of all persons holding a power of attorney
on behalf of the Company, and (ii) the account numbers and names of all banks or
other financial institutions in which the Company currently has an account,
deposit or safe deposit box, with the names of all persons authorized to draw on
the accounts or deposits or to have access to the boxes.
7.26 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties by the Company and
the Shareholders in this Agreement and in the schedules attached hereto, and the
other statements in writing and information furnished or to be furnished to
Lithia by or on behalf of the Company or the Shareholders
13
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, taken as a
whole, do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein
not misleading.
7.27 ENVIRONMENTAL
7.27.1 There are no past or present events, conditions, circumstances,
activities, practices, incidents, plans or actions, based on or resulting from
the conduct of the business of the Company, including the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or
handling, or the emission, discharge, release or threatened release into the
environment, of any pollutant, contaminant, chemical or industrial toxic or
hazardous material, substance or waste, which will violate any laws chargeable
to the Company currently in effect relating to pollution or protection of the
environment (the "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS") or any plan, order, decree, judgment,
injunction, notice or demand letter from a governmental entity applicable to the
Company, or which will give rise to any common law or other legal liability,
including, without limitation, liability under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") or similar state or local
laws in effect as of the date hereof. To the best of the Company's and each of
the Shareholders' knowledge, the Business Real Property contains no spill,
deposit or discharge of any hazardous substance (as that term is currently
defined under CERCLA or any applicable state law), as a result of which there
would be a materially adverse effect on the Company.
7.27.2 Schedule 7.27 sets forth a complete and accurate description of
each underground storage tank of any kind or nature located on the Business Real
Property and known to the Shareholders.
7.27.3 The Company has delivered to Lithia copies of all existing
environmental site audits on the Business Real Property. The Company shall allow
Lithia and its consultants access to the Business Real Property for the purpose
of conducting any further environmental assessment it may desire to conduct,
upon execution by Lithia and such consultants of an appropriate indemnity
agreement.
7.28 CONTINUATION OF BUSINESS. Neither the Company nor the Shareholders
know of any reason why the Company cannot continue its business in all material
respects in the same manner following the execution of this Agreement and the
Closing as it has been operated prior thereto, except to the extent that Lithia
causes the business of the Company to change following the Closing.
7.29 CONTRACTS IN TRANSIT. At the time of Closing, the Company will provide
a complete and accurate description of all contracts in transit for the Company.
7.30 EVALUATION OF RISKS IN RECEIVING LITHIA SECURITIES. Each Shareholder
is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Class A
Common Stock and the Series M Preferred Stock. By reason of their respective
business or financial experience, and/or the business or financial experience of
their respective professional advisors (who are not affiliated, either directly
or indirectly, with Lithia or any affiliate or selling agent of Lithia), each
Shareholder has the capacity to protect their interests in connection with an
investment in the Lithia securities. Each Shareholder has had access to and has
reviewed such portions of Lithia's SEC Filings as he or his professional
advisors has deemed necessary and has met either directly or through such
respective professional advisors with a representative of Lithia and has had the
opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, Lithia concerning
Lithia, the Class A Common Stock and the Series M Preferred Stock and the terms
and conditions of this transaction. Each Shareholder has received any
information requested by such Shareholder or his professional advisors. Any
questions raised concerning this transaction have been answered to the
satisfaction of each Shareholder or their respective professional advisor.
7.31 LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER OF STOCK. The Class A Common Stock and Series
M Preferred Stock to be issued to each Shareholder pursuant to the Plan of
Merger and any additional shares of Class A Common Stock which may be issued
upon a conversion of the Series M Preferred Stock will be held as an investment
and not with a view to distribution.
14
7.32 LACK OF REGISTRATION OF STOCK. Each Shareholder understands that: (a)
the offer and sale of the Class A Common Stock and Series M Preferred Stock to
be issued to the Shareholder pursuant to the Plan of Merger and any additional
shares of Class A Common Stock which may be issued upon a conversion of the
Series M Preferred Stock have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or any state securities laws in reliance upon exemptions from
registration; (b) the shares of Class A Common Stock and Series M Preferred
Stock must be held indefinitely, unless their resale is subsequently registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under applicable state
securities laws or unless exemptions from registration are available; (c) except
as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement, Lithia has not agreed to
register the resale of any of the securities to be received by the Shareholders;
(d) the Class A Common Stock and Series M Preferred Stock may not be offered,
sold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in the absence of either an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable
state securities laws or an opinion of counsel acceptable to Lithia that such
registration is not required; and (e) the certificates representing Series M
Preferred Stock and the Class A Common Stock (including any additional shares of
Class A Common Stock which may be issued upon a conversion of the Series M
Preferred Stock) will contain the following legend:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. NO OFFER, SALE, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER
DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES MAY BE EFFECTED IN THE ABSENCE OF EITHER AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE
COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
7.33 INFORMATION CONCERNING LITHIA. Each Shareholder acknowledges that they
have received a copy of Lithia's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed May 1,
1998, Lithia's Form 10-K for the year-end December 31, 1997, Lithia's Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 1998, and Lithia's Information Statement for
the annual meeting of Lithia's shareholders on Form DEF 14C dated May 14, 1998,
and have had the opportunity to review the information contained in these
filings and discuss the same with their respective professional advisors.
7.34 INVESTOR STATUS. Each of the Shareholders is an "accredited investor"
as such term is defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LITHIA
Lithia represents and warrants to the Shareholders as follows:
8.1 AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger have been duly authorized by the Board of
Directors of Lithia and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Lithia. Lithia has all necessary corporate authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement is, and when
executed at the Closing the Plan of Merger will be, a valid and legally binding
obligation of Lithia, enforceable against Lithia in accordance with its terms,
except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
Lithia has the complete and unrestricted right, power and authority to execute
this Agreement and the Plan of Merger and perform its covenants in accordance
with this Agreement and the Plan of Merger.
8.2 INCORPORATION. Lithia is duly organized and validly existing under the
applicable laws of the state of its incorporation and has all necessary power
and authority to own, lease and operate its properties
15
and assets and to conduct its business as its business is now being conducted.
Lithia is qualified to do business and is in good standing in each state in
which it transacts business.
8.3 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of Lithia consists of
100,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, no par share, 25,000,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock, no par value and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no
par value, of which 10,500 shares will be designated as Series M-2002 Preferred
Stock and 4,500 shares will be designated as Series M-2003 Preferred Stock,
prior to Closing. Lithia SEC Filings reflect, as of the dates referred to in
such filings, all shares of capital stock issued and outstanding (the "LITHIA
SHARES") or plans pursuant to which such shares may be issued. The Lithia Shares
have been validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and
have not been issued in violation of any preemptive rights.
The Class A Common Stock and Series M Preferred Stock to be issued as part
of the Merger Consideration, including any Class A Common Stock issued upon
conversion of the Series M Preferred Stock (collectively, the "MERGER SHARES")
have been duly authorized and, when issued in accordance with this Agreement,
the Plan of Merger and the terms of the Series M Preferred Stock, will be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not have been issued in
violation of the preemptive or similar rights of any person. Prior to issuance,
all Class A Common Stock to be issued to the Shareholders shall have been
approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The Merger Shares will not
be subject to any restriction on transfer except as contemplated by Section
7.32.
8.4 NO CONFLICTS. Except as identified in Schedule 8.4, neither the
execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the fulfillment of or compliance
with the terms and provisions hereof will violate, conflict with or result in a
breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default or an
event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default
under, the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Lithia, any contract,
agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument or obligation to which
Lithia is bound (assuming receipt of the consents and approvals disclosed in
Schedule 8.5), or violate any provision of any applicable law or regulation or
of any order, decree, writ or injunction of any court or governmental body, or
result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge, restriction, security
interest or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on any property or asset of
Lithia.
8.5 CONSENTS. Except as otherwise identified in this Agreement or in
Schedule 8.5, no consent from, or other approval of, any governmental entity or
agency or any other person or entity is necessary in connection with the
execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Lithia.
8.6 SEC FILINGS. Lithia has filed a Form 10 and subsequent quarterly and
other reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and various filing with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933
(collectively, Lithia's "SEC FILINGS"). Prior to Closing, Lithia agrees to file
such other filings as the federal securities laws require and to provide copies
of such filings to Shareholders within 5 business days from the date of such
filing. The SEC Filings comply and all additional filings prior to Closing will
comply with the requirements of applicable laws, regulations and forms, and none
of such filings contain or will contain a material misstatement or omit or will
omit to state a material fact.
8.7 TAX MATTERS. Lithia has duly filed all federal, state and local tax
returns required to be filed by it. All federal, state, local and foreign
income, ad valorem, excise, b&o, sales, use, payroll, unemployment and other
taxes and assessments that are due and payable by Lithia and have been properly
computed, duly reported, fully paid and discharged. The only unpaid taxes that
require payment by Lithia are current taxes not yet due and payable. All current
taxes not yet due and payable by Lithia have been properly accrued and are
accurately reflected in its balance sheet in the SEC Filings. Lithia has not
been delinquent in the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge,
nor has any tax deficiency been proposed or assessed against it, nor has it
executed any waiver of the statute of limitations on the assessment or
collection of any tax.
16
8.8 TRANSACTIONS SINCE LATEST BALANCE SHEET DATE. Since the date of the
latest balance sheet in any SEC Filings and except as set forth in Schedule 8.8
(i) Lithia has not incurred any material debts, liabilities or obligations
except current liabilities in the ordinary course of business; discharged or
satisfied any material liens or encumbrances, or paid any material debts,
liabilities or obligations, except in the ordinary course of business;
mortgaged, pledged or otherwise subjected to any lien or other encumbrance any
of its properties or assets; canceled any material debt or claim; sold or
transferred any properties or assets except sales from inventory in the ordinary
course of business; nor entered into any material transaction other than in the
ordinary course of business; (ii) there has not been any change in the financial
condition, net income, assets, liabilities, operations or business of Lithia
other than changes in the ordinary course of business, none of which,
individually or in the aggregate, has been materially adverse; (iii) there has
not been any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other
distribution in respect of, or any repurchase or acquisition of, the capital
stock of Lithia except pursuant to plans identified in SEC Filings; (iv) Lithia
has not issued any securities or options to purchase any securities of any
nature whatsoever; (v) there has not been any damage, destruction or loss
(whether or not covered by insurance) materially and adversely affecting the
assets, properties or business of Lithia; (vi) Lithia has not made any sale,
assignment or transfer of, additions to or transactions involving any of its
tangible assets other than in the ordinary course of business; (vii) Lithia has
not granted any waiver or release of any material claim or right, or canceled
any material debt or claim held by it; (viii) Lithia has not amended or
terminated any material contract, agreement or license to which it is a party;
or (ix) Lithia has not agreed, in writing or otherwise, to do or permit any of
the foregoing. Except as set forth in the SEC Filings or Schedule 8.8, Lithia is
not a party to any agreement, letter of intent or other understanding that would
result in the issuance of any equity securities of Lithia, and as of the date
hereof, Lithia is not engaged in discussions with any person that are reasonably
likely to result in such an agreement or understanding. Without the prior
written consent of W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Lithia will not, prior to the Effective
Date, agree to issue any equity securities in any acquisitions, having an
aggregate value in excess of $20,000,000.
8.9 LITIGATION. Schedule 8.9 sets forth a complete and accurate description
of all orders, decrees, writs or injunctions of any court or governmental body
specifically applicable to Lithia and all legal actions, suits, arbitrations,
condemnation actions or other proceedings pending or threatened against Lithia
or its subsidiaries, or any of its properties, assets or business which might
have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or business prospects.
Lithia is not aware of any facts that might result in any other material action,
suit, arbitration or proceeding.
8.10 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. To the best of Lithia's knowledge, there are no
existing violations of federal, state or local laws, ordinances, rules, codes,
regulations or orders by Lithia which are reasonably likely to materially affect
the properties, assets or business of Lithia. To the best of Lithia's knowledge,
Lithia is not subject to any restriction, judgment, order, writ, injunction,
decree or award, which materially and adversely affects or is likely to
materially and adversely affect the business, operations, properties, assets or
condition (financial or otherwise) of Lithia.
8.11 BROKERS AND FINDERS. Lithia has not employed, directly or indirectly,
any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees or
commissions or finders' fees and no broker or finder has acted directly or
indirectly for Lithia in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
8.12 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. Complete and accurate copies of all written
instruments listed or described on the schedules provided herewith have been
furnished to the Shareholders. Lithia will make available to the Shareholders or
their respective professional advisors, to the extent requested by the
Shareholders, all books, records and facilities of Lithia.
8.13 FULL DISCLOSURE. The representations and warranties by Lithia in this
Agreement and in the schedules provided herewith, and the other statements in
writing and information furnished or to be
17
furnished to the Shareholders by or on behalf of Lithia in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, taken as a whole, do not and will
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein not
misleading.
9. COVENANTS
Lithia, the Shareholders and the Company agree that:
9.1 NOTICES AND CONSENTS. The Shareholders, the Company and Lithia mutually
agree to cooperate and use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to prepare
all documentation, to effect all filings and to obtain all permits, consents,
approvals and authorizations of all third parties and governmental bodies as may
be necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
9.2 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE COMPANY PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. The
Company and the Shareholders shall cause the Company to conduct its operations
according to the ordinary and usual course of business reasonably consistent
with past and current practices, to use commercially reasonable good faith
efforts to maintain and preserve its assets, properties, insurance policies,
business organization, and advantageous business relationships and to retain the
services of its officers, employees, agents and independent contractors, and
shall not allow the Company to engage in any practice, take any material action,
or enter into any material transaction outside of the ordinary course of
business. From the date of the execution of this Agreement to the date of
Closing of the transaction contemplated hereby, neither the Shareholders nor the
Company will commit to or make any obligation which binds the Company to an
expense in excess of $50,000.00 without Lithia's prior consent, other than the
purchase of inventory in the ordinary course of business.
9.3 LITHIA'S EXAMINATION. The Company and the Shareholders shall cause the
Company to permit representatives of Lithia to have full access to and to
examine, at all reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with
the normal business operations of the Company, the books, records, properties
and assets of the Company and the Business Real Property.
9.4 SHAREHOLDERS' REVIEW. Lithia will make available to Shareholders or
their respective professional advisors such books and records and access to its
senior management as Shareholders reasonably request and in a manner so as not
to interfere with the normal business operations of Lithia and the
responsibilities of its senior management, in order to fully evaluate Lithia and
its Class A Common Stock and Series M Preferred Stock to be issued to such
Shareholders pursuant to the Plan of Merger.
9.5 NOTICE OF CHANGES. The Company shall give prompt written notice to
Lithia of any material adverse change in the financial condition, net income,
assets, liabilities, operations or business of the Company. Lithia shall give
prompt written notice to the Shareholders of any material adverse change in the
financial condition, net income, assets, liabilities, operations or business of
the Company.
9.6 STANDSTILL AGREEMENT. Each Shareholder agrees that whenever Lithia
undertakes a firmly underwritten public offering of its securities and, if
requested by the managing underwriter in such offering, the Shareholder will
enter into an agreement not to sell or dispose of any securities of Lithia owned
or controlled by the Shareholder, provided such restriction will not extend
beyond 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement filed in
connection with such offering.
9.7 FURTHER ASSURANCES. From time to time at or after the Closing, as and
when requested by any party hereto, the other party shall execute and deliver,
or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents and instruments and
shall take, or cause to be taken, all such further or other actions as such
other party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
18
9.8 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS. Lithia agrees to grant stock options pursuant
to its 1996 Incentive Stock Plan to management employees remaining with the
Company after Closing. The number of shares available for grant to all employees
in the Xxxxxxxx Group shall be equal to six percent of the total number of
shares of Class A Common Stock issued to all the shareholders of the companies
in the Xxxxxxxx Group at the Closing and the simultaneous closings of the Other
Reorganization Agreements including such additional shares that may be issued as
Contingent Merger Consideration, plus six percent of the shares of Class A
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the shares of Series M Preferred Stock
issued at the Closing and such simultaneous closings including such additional
shares that may be issued as Contingent Merger Consideration, determined as
though such Series M Preferred Stock were converted to Class A Common Stock at
the date of issuance. The options will be granted during 1999 and 2000 to such
persons and in such amounts consistent with Lithia's practices and as proposed
by W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx.
9.9 RELEASE OF GUARANTEES. All guarantees by the Company of the
indebtedness or obligations of any other party or person (other than the other
members of the Xxxxxxxx Group) and the guaranty of W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx or any
general manager of any dealership in the Xxxxxxxx Group of any indebtedness or
obligation of the Company or any other member of the Xxxxxxxx Group (except as
may be created or permitted by this Agreement), and any security agreements
entered or collateral pledged to secure such guarantees, shall be released,
discharged or terminated prior to or at Closing.
9.10 NON-COMPETE. For a term of three years following the Closing date of
the Merger, Shareholders will not, directly or indirectly, within 100 miles of
any dealership currently owned or operated by Lithia or any of its subsidiaries,
own, operate, manage, control, participate in the ownership, management,
operation or control of or be paid or employed by or acquire any interest in or
securities of or otherwise become associated with or provide assistance to, as
an employee, consultant, director, officer, shareholder, partner, agent,
associate, principal, representative or any other capacity, any business entity
engaged in the lease or sale of new or used automobiles or light trucks except
as may otherwise be provided in such Shareholders' Employment Agreements with
Lithia. This covenant against competition shall not prohibit any activity of any
Shareholder with respect to any business entity with which it or he has any such
relationship as of the date of this Agreement or any successor to such a
business entity. If Lithia or one of its subsidiaries acquires or assumes
operation of an additional dealership after the date hereof, this covenant
against competition shall be extended to that additional dealership, but there
shall automatically be excepted from such extended covenant any business entity
that is within 100 miles of such additional dealership and in which any
Shareholder had an interest which did not constitute a breach of this Section
before Lithia or such subsidiary acquired or assumed operation of such
additional dealership. For that purpose, a Shareholder shall be deemed to have
an interest in a business entity if he or it had any of the relationships with
such entity that constitute competition under this Section 9.10, had signed a
letter of intent, terms sheet, or agreement contemplating such a relationship or
had filed an application with a manufacturer or franchisor which, if granted,
would create such a relationship.
9.11 UPDATE OF REPRESENTATIONS. If any party to this Agreement becomes
aware of any breach of the representations and warranties contained herein,
whether made by such party or any other party, such party shall notify all other
parties, by the delivery of a new or revised Schedule disclosing the facts
constituting such breach or otherwise. The non-breaching parties shall be
entitled to exercise any right they may have to terminate this Agreement on the
basis of such breach, but if they elect to proceed with the Closing rather than
terminating, the breach so disclosed and all remedies in respect thereof shall
be deemed to have been waived.
9.12 SERVICE CONTRACT PRICING. Prior to the Effective Date, the parties
will determine a pricing schedule for extended service contracts which will be
charged to each Xxxxxxxx Group dealership. The pricing schedule, determined for
each product line, will be the amount determined by the following formula:
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(A x B) + (C x D)
where:
A = the percentage of all service contracts written by
the Xxxxxxxx Group in 1998 with Xxxx & Associates.
B = the price charged by Xxxx & Associates for that
product line less the inception rebate paid by Xxxx
& Associates (in 1998, this inception rebate was
paid to Diamond Financial and was $15.00 on new
vehicles and $40.00 on used vehicles).
C = the percentage of all service contracts written by
the Xxxxxxxx Group in 1998 with Western National.
D = the price charged by Western National for that
product line less the inception rebate paid by
Western National (in 1998, this inception rebate was
paid to Diamond Financial and was $50.00 on both new
and used vehicles).
10. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATION OF LITHIA
The obligation of Lithia to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement is subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions, each of which may be waived by Lithia:
10.1 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS AND COVENANTS OF THE
COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS. All representations and warranties of the
Shareholders contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties were made on the Closing Date, except to the
extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to any earlier
date, and the Company and the Shareholders shall have performed and complied in
all material respects with all the covenants and agreements and satisfied in all
material respects all the conditions required by this Agreement to be performed,
complied with or satisfied by the Company and each of the Shareholders on or
prior to the Closing Date. The Company and each of the Shareholders must have
delivered to Lithia a certificate dated as of the Closing Date certifying that
this condition has been fulfilled.
10.2 NO ADVERSE CHANGE. No material adverse change in the financial
condition, net income, assets, liabilities, operations or business of the
Company shall have occurred.
10.3 APPROVAL OF LITHIA'S SHAREHOLDERS. The shareholders of Lithia shall
have approved this Agreement and the issuances of the Class A Common Stock and
Series M Preferred Stock, if such approval is necessary under the listing
requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
10.4 THIRD PARTY APPROVALS. This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have received all required material
approvals and consents from all Company lenders, lessors, automobile
manufacturers and federal, state or local regulatory agencies whose consent is
required and copies of such approvals and consents shall have been delivered to
Lithia.
10.5 XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXX WAITING PERIOD. The applicable waiting period under
the HSR Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall have expired or
been terminated.
10.6 APPROVAL OF LITHIA AS THE DEALER. Merger Sub shall have been approved
as the dealer by the manufacturers represented by the Company without
restrictions or requirements deemed unacceptable to Lithia at its sole
discretion.
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10.7 CONSENT FROM LITHIA'S LENDER. Lithia shall have received from Ford
Motor Credit Company a waiver or consent to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
10.8 TAX OPINION. Lithia shall have received from Xxxxxx Pepper &
Shefelman, PLLC a tax opinion substantially in the form of Exhibit E.
10.9 LEGAL OPINION. Lithia shall have received from Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx L.L.C.
its opinion substantially in the form of Exhibit K.
10.10 FULFILLMENT OF CONDITIONS IN RELATED TRANSACTIONS. All of the
conditions to Lithia's obligations to effect the transactions contemplated by
the Other Reorganization Agreements shall have been fulfilled.
10.11 EMPLOYEE AND RELATED PARTY LOANS. With the exception of employee
advances in the normal course of business, all employee loans and loans from
Affiliates will be paid in full or otherwise transferred to third parties for
cash at their book value, except for a note from North Avenue Auto, Inc.
10.12 ASSIGNMENT AND LICENSES OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Lithia shall have
received fully executed Agreement substantially as set forth in Exhibit L.
10.13 COMPLETION OF AUDIT AND PURCHASE PRICE DETERMINATION. The Adjusted
Net Worth, Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1998 and Initial Merger Consideration
shall have been determined.
11. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDERS
The obligations of the Shareholders and the Company to effect the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction on
or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, each of which may be
waived by the Company or by the Shareholders:
11.1 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF LITHIA. All
representations and warranties of Lithia contained in this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date with the same
effect as though such representations and warranties were made on the Closing
Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly
relate to an earlier date, and Lithia shall have performed and complied in all
material respects with all of the covenants and agreements and satisfied in all
material respects all the conditions required by this Agreement to be performed,
complied with or satisfied by Lithia on or prior to the Closing Date. Lithia
must have delivered to the Company a certificate dated as of the Closing Date
certifying that this condition has been fulfilled.
11.2 NO ADVERSE CHANGES. No material adverse change in the financial
condition, net income, assets, liabilities, operations or business of Lithia
shall have occurred.
11.3 THIRD PARTY APPROVALS. This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have received all required material
approvals and consents from all Company lenders, lessors, automobile
manufacturers and federal, state or local regulatory agencies whose consent is
required, and copies of such approvals and consents shall have been delivered to
the Company.
11.4 XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXX WAITING PERIOD. The applicable waiting period under
the HSR Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall have expired or
been terminated.
11.5 TAX OPINION. The Shareholders shall have received from Xxxxxxx &
Xxxxxx, L.L.C. a tax opinion substantially in the form of Exhibit E.
11.6 LEGAL OPINION. The Shareholders shall have received from Xxxxxx Pepper
& Shefelman LLP an opinion substantially in the form of Exhibit M.
21
11.7 FULFILLMENT OF CONDITIONS IN RELATED TRANSACTIONS. All of the
conditions to the obligations of the other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group to
effect the Other Reorganization Agreements shall have been fulfilled.
11.8 ASSIGNMENT AND LICENSES OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS. The Shareholders will
receive fully executed Agreement substantially as set forth in Exhibit L.
11.9 COMPLETION OF AUDIT AND PURCHASE PRICE DETERMINATION. The Adjusted Net
Worth, Net Adjusted Pretax Income for 1998 and Initial Merger Consideration
shall have been determined.
12. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Notwithstanding any investigation or examination conducted before or after
the Closing or the decision of any party to complete the Closing, each party
shall be entitled to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth in
this Agreement. All representations and warranties made in this Agreement shall
survive the Closing until March 31, 2001; provided, however, that (i) the
accuracy of each such representation and warranty shall be determined only as of
the date of the Closing, (ii) the representations and warranties in Sections
7.14 and 8.7 shall survive until 30 days after the expiration (without
extension) of the statute of limitations for the Company's or Lithia's (as the
case may be) 1998 federal income tax return, and (iii) any claim based upon
fraud shall survive for its applicable statute of limitation. The period of
survival for each representation and warranty established in this Section 12 is
referred to as the "Survival Period" for such representation and warranty. The
liabilities of the parties with respect to their respective representations and
warranties will expire as of the expiration of the applicable Survival Period;
provided, however, that such expiration will not affect the rights of any party
entitled to rely on a representation and warranty in respect of any breach of
which such party has given notice to the breaching party prior to the expiration
of the Survival Period, specifying in reasonable detail the facts alleged to
constitute the breach.
13. INDEMNIFICATION
13.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY. The Shareholders agree to jointly and severally
indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and Lithia and their respective
successors and assigns (the "LITHIA INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") from and against any
claims, damages, liabilities, penalties, actions, suits, proceedings, demands,
assessments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and
expenses of investigation ("CLAIMS"), incurred by any Lithia Indemnified Party
arising from or related to (i) any breach of any representation or warranty made
by the Company or the Shareholders in this Agreement, of which notice is given
to the Shareholders by the Lithia Indemnified Parties prior to the expiration of
the Survival Period for such representation or warranty or (ii) any breach of
any covenant or agreement made by the Company or the Shareholders in this
Agreement, to the extent, in the case of the Company, that such covenant or
agreement was to be performed at or before the Closing.
13.2 DEFENSE OF CLAIMS. Each Lithia Indemnified Party shall promptly notify
the Shareholders of any Claim against which indemnification will be sought
hereunder. If the Claim involves a claim, investigation, demand, action or suit
by a third party, including a governmental authority, the Shareholders shall
have the right to defend the claim with counsel of their choosing, but the
Lithia Indemnified Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense at its
expense. If the Shareholders do not assume the defense of the Claim, the Lithia
Indemnified Party may do so, but the Shareholders will have the right to
participate in the defense at their expense. The party defending a Claim shall
not settle the Claim without the consent of the other party, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld.
13.3 LIMITATIONS.
13.3.1 Except for Claims based upon fraud or a breach of Section 7.14,
the Lithia Indemnified Parties shall not be entitled to indemnification under
Section 13.1 unless and until the aggregate amounts against which they would
otherwise be entitled to indemnification under Section 13.1
22
of this Agreement and the comparable indemnification provisions of the Other
Reorganization Agreements exceed $500,000, and then only to the extent of such
excess.
13.3.2 In no event shall the Shareholders be liable in the aggregate
under Section 13.1 for an amount that, when added to the amounts for which the
shareholders of the other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group are liable under the
comparable provisions of the Other Reorganization Agreements exceeds
$20,000,000; provided, however, that Claims based upon fraud or based upon a
breach of Section 7.14 are not limited by this subsection. Further, no
Shareholder shall be liable for an amount in excess of the total Merger
Consideration received by such Shareholder.
13.3.3 Following the Closing, the right to be indemnified under
Section 13.1 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Lithia Indemnified
Parties for any breach by the Shareholders or the Company of any representation
or warranty made at or before the Closing or any covenant or agreement to be
performed at or before the Closing.
13.3.4 Any amount against which a Lithia Indemnified Party is entitled
to be indemnified hereunder shall be reduced by (i) the amount of any insurance
proceeds available to such Lithia Indemnified Party in respect of the matter
giving rise to a Claim or, if greater, the proceeds that would have been
available under the insurance policies maintained by the Company prior to the
Closing, (ii) any tax benefits accruing to the Lithia Indemnified Party as a
result of the Claim or the facts underlying the Claim not offset by any tax
charges to the Lithia Indemnified Party as a result of the receipt of the
indemnification payment, and (iii) any recoveries from third parties in respect
of the Claim or the facts underlying the Claim. Lithia shall use reasonable
commercial efforts to recover from third parties in respect of any Claim but
will not be required to exhaust its efforts to recover from third parties prior
to seeking indemnity hereunder. If Shareholders pay the Claim, Lithia will
assign to the Shareholders its or the Company's right of recovery from such
third parties.
13.3.5 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the
obligations of the Shareholders to indemnify a Lithia Indemnified Party may be
satisfied in total or in part by the delivery to such party of Series M
Preferred Stock or Class A Common Stock. The Series M Preferred Stock shall, for
these purposes, be valued at its $1,000 stated value per share. The Class A
Common Stock shall, for these purposes, be valued at the average Daily Sales
Price over the 15 consecutive trading days ending the second trading day prior
to its tender to the Lithia Indemnified Party.
14. XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXX NOTIFICATION
Prior to the Closing Date, the parties shall file all reports or other
documents required or requested by the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") or
the Department of Justice (the "DOJ") under the HSR Act, and all regulations
promulgated thereunder, concerning the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and comply promptly with any request by the FTC or the DOJ for
additional information concerning such transactions, so that the waiting period
specified in the HSR Act will expire an soon as commercially reasonable after
the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The parties agree to furnish to
one another such information concerning Lithia, the Company, and the
Shareholders as the parties need to perform their obligations hereunder. Lithia
and the Company agree to share the filing fees and costs due governmental
agencies with regard to the HSR Act notification and compliance.
15. TERMINATION
15.1 MUTUAL CONSENT. This Agreement may be terminated by the written
consent of the parties.
15.2 BY LITHIA. This Agreement may be terminated by written notice of
termination given by Lithia to the Company and the Shareholders (i) if the
Company or the Shareholders default in any material respect in the observance of
or in the due and timely performance by them of any of the agreements and
covenants contained herein or in the Other Reorganization Agreements, (ii) if
any of the
23
warranties and representations of the Company or the Shareholders contained
herein are false in any material respect, (iii) if the conditions of this
Agreement to be complied with or performed by the Shareholders or the Company at
or before Closing are not complied with or performed at the time required for
such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance is not
waived by Lithia or (iv) if Lithia terminates any of the Other Reorganization
Agreements in accordance with the terms and conditions of such other agreements.
15.3 BY THE COMPANY. This Agreement may be terminated by written notice of
termination given by the Company to Lithia (i) if Lithia defaults in any
material respect in the observance of or in the due and timely performance by
Lithia of any agreements and covenants of Lithia contained herein or in the
Other Reorganization Agreement, (ii) if any of the representations and
warranties of Lithia contained herein are false in any material respect, (iii)
if the conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or performed by Lithia
at or before Closing are not complied with or performed at the time required for
such compliance or performance and such noncompliance or nonperformance is not
waived by the Company or (iv) if one of the other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group
terminates any of the Other Reorganization Agreements in accordance with the
terms and conditions of such other agreements.
15.4 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Upon any termination of this Agreement under
Section 15.1, no party to this Agreement shall have any liability or obligation
hereunder. Upon any termination of this Agreement under Section 15.2 or 15.3,
neither party shall have any prospective obligation hereunder except as provided
in Section 15.5, but each party shall have, if otherwise available, the remedy
of specific enforcement, prior to termination.
15.5 BREAK-UP FEE.
15.5.1 In the event that this Agreement is terminated by the Company
based upon a willful refusal by Lithia to complete this Agreement or any Other
Reorganization Agreement, Lithia shall pay the Company a break-up fee equal to
200% of all amounts paid or payable to Lithia under the Consulting Agreement
dated as of January 1, 1999 among Lithia and the members of the Xxxxxxxx Group
in respect of the net profits of the Company. For purposes of this Section 15.5,
a willful refusal by any party to complete this Agreement or any Other
Reorganization Agreement means either such party's refusal to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Other Reorganization
Agreement even though all of the conditions to its obligations to do so have
been fulfilled or such party's failure to take any action within its reasonable
control that would result in the fulfillment of a condition to such obligations.
15.5.2 In the event that either party terminates this Agreement for
reason of the non-fulfillment of the Designated Condition, Lithia shall pay to
the Company a break-up fee equal to the sum of (i) $150,000 multiplied by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the Net Adjusted Pretax Income of the
Company for 1998 and the denominator of which is the aggregate Net Adjusted
Pretax Income of all members of the Xxxxxxxx Group for 1998 and (ii) 100% of all
amounts paid or payable by the Company to Lithia under the Consulting Agreement
dated as of January 1, 1999 among Lithia and the members of the Xxxxxxxx Group
in respect of the net profits of the Company. For this purpose, the Designated
Condition means the failure of Lithia to have received approvals from any
manufacturer represented by the Company or another member of the Xxxxxxxx Group.
15.5.3 In the event that either party terminates this Agreement for
any reason other than (i) those set forth in Sections 15.5.1 or 15.5.2 or (ii) a
willful refusal by the Company or any of the other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group
or their Shareholders to complete the Agreement or any Other Reorganization
Agreement, Lithia shall pay the Company a break-up fee equal to 100% of all
amounts paid or payable by the Company to Lithia under the Consulting Agreement
dated as of January 1, 1999 among Lithia and the members of the Xxxxxxxx Group
in respect of the net profits of the Company.
24
15.5.4 The break-up fees payable under this Section 15.5 shall be due
at the time this Agreement is terminated. Should the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or the Other Reorganization Agreements fail to close for any
reason other than a willful refusal by the Company or any other member of the
Xxxxxxxx Group to complete this Agreement or any other Reorganization Agreement,
it is acknowledged that the Company and the Shareholders would suffer damages;
however, the precise amount of such damages would be difficult to establish. The
break-up fees provided in this Section represent a good-faith estimate by the
parties of the damage that the Company and Shareholders would incur. Lithia
acknowledges that the break-up fees payable under Section 15.5.2 and 15.5.3 are
reasonable and appropriate, even though Lithia may not have breached any
representation, warranty or covenant contained herein in the circumstances
described in those sections. To the extent of those break-up fees, Lithia has
knowingly accepted the risk of the nonfulfillment of the conditions to its
obligations and the obligations of the Company and the Shareholders in the
circumstances described in Sections 15.5.2 and 15.5.3 in order to induce the
Company and the other members of the Xxxxxxxx Group to enter into this Agreement
and the Other Reorganization Agreements and risk the adverse effect on their
market values that will occur if those agreements are not completed. Lithia
expressly agrees that the break-up fees contemplated by this Section 15.5 shall
be due even though the Company, the Shareholders or any other member of the
Xxxxxxxx Group or any shareholder thereof may have breached any representation,
warranty or covenant of this Agreement or the Other Reorganization Agreements,
with the sole exception of a willful refusal by any such party to complete this
Agreement or any of the Other Reorganization Agreements. The right to collect
break-up fees pursuant to this Section 15.5 shall be the exclusive remedy of the
Company and the Shareholders in the event of a termination of this Agreement in
the circumstances described in Section 15.5.1 or 15.5.2. In the event that the
Company or the Shareholders terminate this Agreement under the circumstances
described in Section 15.5.3 as a result of the nonfulfillment of the condition
established in Section 11.1 (or Section 11.7 as it relates to the comparable
conditions in the Other Reorganization Agreements), the liquidated damages
payable under Section 15.5.3 shall be deemed to compensate the Company only for
the opportunity cost of having taken itself off the market while this Agreement
was being negotiated and was in effect, and the Company shall be entitled to
prove any other damages and pursue any other remedy available at law or in
equity.
16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
16.1 MEDIATION. The parties hope there will be no disputes arising out of
this transaction. To that end, each commits to cooperate in good faith and to
deal fairly in performing its duties under this Agreement in order to accomplish
their mutual objectives and avoid disputes. But if a dispute arises, the parties
agree to resolve all disputes by the following alternate dispute resolution
process. The parties will seek a fair and prompt negotiated resolution, but if
this is not successful, all disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration;
provided, however, that during this process, at the request of either party made
not later than twenty-five (25) days after the initial arbitration demand, the
parties will attempt to resolve any dispute by non-binding mediation (but
without delaying the arbitration hearing date). The parties recognize that
negotiation or mediation may not be appropriate to resolve some disputes and
agree that either party may proceed with arbitration without negotiating or
mediating. The parties confirm that by agreeing to this alternate dispute
resolution process, they intend to give up their right to have any dispute
decided in court by a judge or jury.
16.2 BINDING ARBITRATION. Any claim between the parties arising out of or
relating to this Agreement shall be determined by arbitration in Reno, Nevada
(or some other place as the parties may agree). The arbitration shall be
conducted before one neutral arbitrator; provided, however, that if either party
demands a total award greater than $250,000, including interest, attorneys' fees
and costs, then either party may require that there be three (3) neutral
arbitrators. If the parties cannot agree on the identity of the arbitrator(s)
within ten (10) days of the arbitration demand, the arbitrator(s) shall be
selected by the administrator of the American Arbitration Association (AAA)
office having jurisdiction over Reno, Nevada from its Large, Complex Case Panel
(or have similar professional credentials). Each
25
arbitrator shall be an attorney with at least fifteen (15) years' experience in
corporate law. Whether a claim is covered by this Agreement shall be determined
by the arbitrator(s). All statutes of limitations which would otherwise be shall
apply to any arbitration proceeding hereunder.
16.3 PROCEDURES. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the
AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules with Expedited Procedures, as modified by this
Agreement. There shall be no dispositive motion practice. As may be shown to be
necessary to ensure a fair hearing, the arbitrator(s) may authorize limited
discovery, and may enter pre-hearing orders regarding (without limitation)
scheduling, document exchange, witness disclosure and issues to be heard. The
arbitrator(s) shall not be bound by the rules of evidence or of civil procedure,
but may consider such writings and oral presentations as reasonable business
people would use in the conduct of their day-to-day affairs, and may require the
parties to submit some or all of their case by written declaration or such other
manner of presentation as the arbitrator(s) may determine to be appropriate. The
parties intend to limit live testimony and cross-examination to the extent
necessary to ensure a fair hearing on material issues.
16.4 HEARING AND AWARD. The arbitrator(s) shall take such steps as may be
necessary to hold a private hearing within ninety (90) days of the initial
demand for arbitration and to conclude the hearing within three (3) days; and
the arbitrator(s)'s written decision shall be made not later than fourteen (14)
calendar days after the hearing. The parties have included these time limits in
order to expedite the proceeding, but they are not jurisdictional, and the
arbitrator(s) may for good cause afford or permit reasonable extensions or
delays, which shall not affect the validity of the award. The written decision
shall contain a brief statement of the claim(s) determined and the award made on
each claim. In making the decision and award, the arbitrator(s) shall apply
applicable substantive law. Absent fraud, collusion or willful misconduct by an
arbitrator, the award shall be final, and judgment may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator(s) may award injunctive relief or
any other remedy available from a judge, including the joinder of parties or
consolidation of this arbitration with any other involving common issues of law
or fact or which may promote judicial economy, and may award attorneys' fees and
costs to the prevailing party, but shall not have the power to award punitive or
exemplary damages. If the arbitration is conducted by three arbitrators, the
decision and award of the arbitrators need not be unanimous; rather, the
decision and award of two arbitrators shall be final.
17. GENERAL PROVISIONS
17.1 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto
constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the
parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. There are no
agreements, understandings, restrictions, warranties, representations between
the parties relating to the subject matter hereof other than those set forth in
this Agreement.
17.2 EXHIBIT AND SCHEDULES. The exhibits attached and the schedules
provided pursuant to this Agreement are made a part of this Agreement by this
reference.
17.3 PUBLICITY. The parties hereto agree that no public release or
announcement concerning the terms of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be issued by any party without the prior consent of the other
party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), except as such release
or announcement may be required by law.
17.4 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated
except by an instrument in writing signed by all parties to this Agreement.
17.5 CONSTRUCTION. All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed
to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter gender thereof or to the plurals
of each, as the identity of the person or persons or the context may require.
The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are for
26
reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define or
limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision contained
in this Agreement.
17.6 INVALIDITY. If any provision contained in this Agreement shall for any
reason be held to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable in any respect,
such provision shall be deemed modified so as to constitute a provision
conforming as nearly as possible to such invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable
provision while still remaining valid and enforceable; and the remaining terms
or provisions contained herein shall not be affected thereby.
17.7 PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement are consummated, each of the parties to this Agreement shall be
responsible for its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
preparation and negotiation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.
17.8 BINDING EFFECT AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal
representatives, successors and permitted assigns. No party may assign any of
their rights or delegate any of their obligations hereunder. Any assignment in
violation hereof shall be void.
17.9 APPLICABILITY OF EXCEPTIONS AND DISCLOSURE. All facts and agreements
disclosed in the Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement shall be deemed to be
disclosed for all purposes of this Agreement and to constitute exceptions not
only to the representations and warranties in the specific Sections that refer
to such Exhibits or Schedules, but also to all other representations and
warranties to which such disclosures are relevant.
17.10 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be (i)
in writing, dated with the current date of such notice, and signed by the party
giving such notice, and (ii) mailed, postpaid, registered or certified, return
receipt requested, addressed to the party to be notified, or delivered by
personal delivery or by overnight courier. Notice shall be deemed given when
received by the party to be notified or when the party to be notified refuses to
accept delivery of the notice. The initial addresses of the parties shall be as
follows:
If to Lithia: Lithia Motors, Inc.
000 X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. XxXxxx
With a copy to: Xxxxxx Pepper & Shefelman LLP
000 X.X. Xxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
If to the Company: Foothills Automotive Plaza, Inc.
0000 X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
27
With a copy to: Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, L.L.C.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx
000 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Xx.
If to the Shareholders: Foothills Automotive Plaza Limited
Partnership, RLLLP
0000 X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxx
0000 X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
The parties hereto shall have the right from time to time to change their
respective addresses by written notice to the other parties.
17.11 DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE. As used in this Agreement, the Company's
and the Shareholders' "knowledge" shall be limited to the actual knowledge of
the Shareholders and W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx.
17.12 REMEDIES. Except as may be expressly set forth in this Agreement,
none of the remedies provided for in this Agreement shall be the exclusive
remedy of either party for a breach of this Agreement. The parties hereto shall
have the right to seek any other remedy at law or in equity in lieu of or in
addition to any remedies provided for in this Agreement.
17.13 WAIVER. No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be
considered valid unless in writing and signed by the party giving such waiver,
and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default
of the same or similar nature.
17.14 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed, enforced and
governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon.
17.15 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
17.16 NO STRICT CONSTRUCTION. The parties and their counsel have
participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the
event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this
Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no
presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by
virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.
28
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.
LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
By:
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Xxxxx X. XxXxxx, Vice President
FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA, INC.
By:
---------------------------------------------
W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, President
SHAREHOLDERS
FOOTHILLS AUTOMOTIVE PLAZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, RLLLP
By: Xxxxxxxx/Foothills, Inc., General Partner
By:
----------------------------------------------
W. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, President
----------------------------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxx
29
SCHEDULE 2.1
SHAREHOLDERS LIST
PERCENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION
---------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER MERGER SHARES(1) CASH
--------------------------------------- ------------------- --------
--------
(1) Each Shareholder will receive the same percentage of Class A Common Stock
and Series M Preferred Stock.
Schedule 2.1
