PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 2nd
day of March, 1999 by and between nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("nStor"), and W. XXXXX XXXXX, an individual ("X. Xxxxx"), and the
XXXXX CHILDREN'S TRUST OF 1993 dated November 22, 1993 (the "Trust"). X. Xxxxx
and the Trust are referred to herein together as "Xxxxx," and Xxxxx, X. Xxxxx,
the Trust and nStor are sometimes referred to herein individually as a "Party,"
and together as the "Parties".
RECITALS
Xxxxx is collectively the owner of 18,021,281 shares of the common
stock (the "Shares") of Andataco, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation
("Andataco"), and X. Xxxxx is the owner of a certain promissory note of Andataco
owned by and payable to X. Xxxxx in the face amount of $5,196,000 (the "Note").
Xxxxx wishes to sell the Shares and X. Xxxxx wishes to sell the Note to
nStor and X. Xxxxx wishes to enter into an employment agreement with nStor, and
nStor wishes to purchase the Shares and the Note from Xxxxx and X. Xxxxx and
enter into an employment agreement with X. Xxxxx, all upon the terms and subject
to the conditions provided herein.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
and the payment of valuable consideration as provided herein, and intending to
be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Purchase of the Shares by nStor
Xxxxx agrees to sell, assign, transfer and convey the Shares to nStor,
and nStor agrees to purchase the Shares from Xxxxx, for a cash purchase price of
$3,000,000 (the "Stock Purchase Price"), payable on the Closing (as hereinafter
defined) by wire transfer or certified check and allocable between the Trust and
X. Xxxxx in proportion to their ownership of the Shares, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.
2. Purchase of the Note by nStor
(a) X. Xxxxx agrees to sell, assign, transfer and convey the Note to
nStor, and nStor agrees to purchase the Note from X. Xxxxx, for a cash purchase
price of $5,000,000 (the "Note Purchase Price"), payable on the Closing by wire
transfer or certified check, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. X. Xxxxx agrees to accept the Note Purchase Price in full payment for
the assignment, transfer and conveyance of the Note and full payment and
satisfaction of any and all other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of
Andataco to X. Xxxxx, whether due, accrued or contingent, including, without
limitation, payments by Andataco to X. Xxxxx for retirement benefits
(collectively, the "Indebtedness"). Nothing in this Section 2(a) shall affect in
any manner any vested rights of X. Xxxxx in any Andataco retirement plans and X.
Xxxxx shall be entitled to control all investments in such Andataco retirement
plans.
(b) The Indebtedness shall not include the Note, the Employment
Agreement between X. Xxxxx and Andataco dated as of May 1, 1997 (the "Andataco
Employment Agreement"), the Noncompetition Agreement between Andataco and X.
Xxxxx dated as of
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June 3, 1997 (the "Noncompetition Agreement"), or any participation by Andataco
in the Employment Agreement described in Section 3 hereof. If requested by nStor
or Andataco, at any time on or after the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined),
X. Xxxxx shall execute and deliver to Andataco an unconditional general release
and all original instruments evidencing the Indebtedness marked "paid in full,"
subject only to the exceptions provided in the immediately preceding sentence,
and X. Xxxxx shall execute and deliver such other agreements, instruments and
documents as counsel to nStor or Andataco may reasonably request to further
evidence the payment, discharge and satisfaction of the Indebtedness. In the
event that nStor or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates acquires all
outstanding shares of voting stock of Andataco in addition to the Shares, X.
Xxxxx shall immediately enter into a written agreement with Andataco
terminating, and execute and deliver to Andataco an unconditional general
release as to, the Noncompetition Agreement. Nothing contained in this Section 2
shall affect in any manner the right of X. Xxxxx, as an officer and director of
Andataco, to indemnification by Andataco as presently provided or to coverage
under the current Andataco director and officer insurance policy.
3. Employment of X. Xxxxx.
(a) Xxxxx and nStor's wholly owned subsidiary, nStor Corporation (the
"Company") shall enter into an employment agreement in the form attached hereto
as EXHIBIT A (the "Employment Agreement"), effective on the date on which nStor
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates acquires all outstanding voting stock
of Andataco in addition to the Shares. nStor shall cause the Company to execute
and deliver the Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreement shall be executed
on the Closing Date by X. Xxxxx and the Company and delivered to counsel for
nStor and X. Xxxxx to jointly hold in escrow on behalf of nStor and X. Xxxxx,
respectively, and to date and deliver to X. Xxxxx and the Company upon the
occurrence of the condition set forth in the first sentence of this Section
3(a).
(b) X. Xxxxx shall also continue to be employed by Andataco in his
present capacity pursuant to the Andataco Employment Agreement as provided in
Section 1(b) of the Employment Agreement. In addition, so long as the Andataco
Board of Directors determines that it does not constitute a breach of the
Noncompetition Agreement, X. Xxxxx agrees that, commencing on the Closing Date
and during the time that he continues to be employed by Andataco before the
Employment Agreement is executed and delivered, he will perform services for the
Company on a "loaned executive" basis, substantially the same as his
responsibilities and duties as described in the Employment Agreement and in
consideration of the "Compensation" as defined and provided in Section 1(b)(ii)
of the Employment Agreement; provided, however, that (a) in the event Xxxxx
receives total compensation from the Company and Andataco in excess of the
Compensation payable to Xxxxx during such period of time (including, without
limitation, payments under the Noncompetition Agreement prior to its termination
as provided in Section 2 hereof), such excess shall be repaid by deductions from
any bonus compensation due X. Xxxxx for the period ended December 31, 1999
pursuant to Section 3(b) of the Employment Agreement; provided further, however,
that if the excess exceeds the bonus compensation payable for that period, it
shall not carryover in the next bonus period and X. Xxxxx shall keep such
excess, and (b) the grant of the Option pursuant to Section 4 of the Employment
Agreement shall be retroactive to the Closing Date . Further, X. Xxxxx agrees to
enter into an Amended and Restated Andataco Employment Agreement as provided in
Section 1(b)(iii) of the Employment Agreement.
4. Agreement Not to Compete
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X. Xxxxx recognizes that (i) Andataco has spent substantial money, time
and effort in developing and solidifying its relationships with its suppliers
and customers, (ii) long-term supplier and customer relationships often can be
difficult to develop, (iii) Andataco paid and pays its employees to, among other
things, develop and preserve business information, supplier and customer
goodwill, loyalty and contacts for and on behalf of Andataco, and (iv) nStor is
hereby agreeing to purchase the Shares from Xxxxx based upon X. Xxxxx'
assurances and promises contained herein not to take or divert Andataco's
suppliers' and customers' goodwill, including such suppliers' and customer's
goodwill as part of the combined businesses of Andataco and the Company as
contemplated by this Agreement and the Employment Agreement (for the purpose of
this Section 4, all references to the Company shall be deemed to be references
to the Company and Andataco). Accordingly, X. Xxxxx covenants and agrees that
for lesser of a period of three years following the Closing Date or a period of
one year following the termination for any reason of his employment by the
Company (or any successor to the business of the Company), he will not, directly
or indirectly:
(a) engage, either as principal, agent or consultant, or through any
corporation, firm, organization or other entity (a "Competitive Entity") in
which he may be an officer, director, employee, stockholder, partner, member, or
with which he is otherwise affiliated, in any activity or business that is in
competition with the business of the Company in any geographic area in the
United States or in any other country where the Company is doing business;
(b) on behalf of any Competitive Entity, solicit, call on, or in any
manner cause or attempt to cause or provide any Confidential Information (as
defined in the Employment Agreement) to any customer or active prospective
customer of the Company, or divert, terminate, limit, modify or fail to enter
into any existing or potential relationship between the Company and any customer
or active prospective customer of the Company; or
(c) induce or attempt to induce any employee, consultant or advisor of
the Company to accept employment or an affiliation with any Competitive Entity.
X. Xxxxx agrees that if he violates any of the provisions of this Section 4, the
Company would sustain irreparable harm and, therefore, in addition to any other
remedies that might be available to it, the Company shall be entitled to an
injunction restraining X. Xxxxx from committing or continuing any such violation
without the requirement to post a bond or other security. The Company and X.
Xxxxx agree that in the event any of the provisions of this Section 4 shall be
held to be in any way an unreasonable restriction on X. Xxxxx, the court so
holding may reduce the geographical area and/or period of time in which such
provision operates, or modify or eliminate any such restriction to the extent
necessary to render such provisions enforceable. Nothing in this Section 4 shall
be deemed to negate or limit in any manner the covenants and agreements of X.
Xxxxx pursuant to Section 6 of the Employment Agreement, but shall be in
addition thereto.
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5. Representations and Warranties of Xxxxx
In order to induce nStor into entering into this Agreement and to
purchase the Shares and the Note, Xxxxx hereby represent and warrant to nStor,
which representations and warranties shall remain true and correct on the
Closing Date, and covenant and agree with nStor, as follows:
(a) X. Xxxxx shall fully cooperate and use his reasonable best efforts
to cause Andataco and its employees to fully cooperate with the conduct of due
diligence as described in Section 7(a) hereof.
(b) Xxxxx are, and on the Closing Date will be, the owners of the
Shares, free and clear of any and all liens, claims, encumbrances and
restrictions, and the Shares may be sold, assigned, transferred and conveyed to
nStor without the requirement of any consent or approval by Andataco or any
other party, including, without limitation, the consent or approval of any party
whose failure to give such consent or approval would have an adverse effect on
Andataco, other than consents or approvals that shall be obtained by Xxxxx and
delivered to nStor on or before the Closing.
(c) The Note is assignable by X. Xxxxx to nStor without the requirement
of any consent or approval by Andataco or any other party, and upon the purchase
of the Note by nStor shall be the valid and binding obligation of Andataco and
enforceable by nStor in accordance with its terms in the same manner as if owned
by X. Xxxxx.
(d) When executed and delivered by Xxxxx, this Agreement will
constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of Xxxxx enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by (i) judicial principles
respecting election of remedies or limiting the availability of specific
performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies, (ii) judicial
principles with respect to provisions contrary to public policy, and (iii)
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws, now or
hereafter in effect, generally relating to creditors' rights.
(e) To Xxxxx' knowledge, Andataco is duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is
qualified to do business and in good standing in each other jurisdiction where
the business of Andataco requires it to be so qualified, including, without
limitation, the State of California. To Xxxxx' knowledge, Andataco has all
requisite corporate power and authority to own its assets and to carry on its
business as presently conducted in each jurisdiction where such assets is
located and such business is conducted.
(f) Attached hereto as EXHIBIT B is a copy of Andataco's Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998 (the "1998 10-K") and its Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended January 31, 1999. The 1998 10-K does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make each statement contained therein not misleading. From and after
January 31, 1999, to X. Xxxxx' knowledge, no events have occurred or are
threatened that would materially affect the financial condition, assets or
business of Andataco.
(g) As of the date of this Agreement, Andataco's only authorized
capital stock consists of the common and preferred stock as described in the
1998 10-K, and there are no issued shares of any class of voting stock of
Andataco other than the class of which the Shares are a part. Of the authorized
common stock, 23,819,399 shares are issued and outstanding
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and of these 18,021,281 shares are owned by Xxxxx and constitute the Shares. The
Shares constitute the only common stock of Andataco in which Xxxxx has a direct
or beneficial interest. The 1998 10-K accurately and fairly describes Andataco's
1997 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan"). The Plan, the Andataco 1996
Stock Option Plan, the Andataco 1993/1991 Stock Option Plan, the Andataco
Director Stock Option Plan and the 180,000 warrants issued to Imperial "Bar,"
are the only plans, agreements or commitments of Andataco to issue additional
authorized capital stock.
(h) Xxxxx shall not, between the date hereof and the Closing Date,
accept from Andataco any compensation or other payments or benefits from
Andataco, including, without limitation, accrued but unpaid compensation, other
than compensation for services on a current basis.
(i) Xxxxx shall, between the date hereof and the Closing Date: (i)
cause the business of Andataco to be conducted in the ordinary course, (ii) not
cause Andataco to have any material change in its business, financial condition
or assets, (iii) not cause, by request to the Andataco Board of Directors or
otherwise, Andataco to grant any options or other rights to acquire any capital
stock of Andataco, or issue any capital stock of Andataco to any person, or
enter into any employment agreements with any persons.
6. Representations and Warranties of nStor
In order to induce Xxxxx to enter into this Agreement and to sell the
Shares and the Note, nStor represents and warrants to Xxxxx as of the date
hereof, and as of the Closing Date, and covenants and agrees with Xxxxx, as
follows:
(a) nSTOR is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing within the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite and
corporate authority to carry on business as it is now carried on and conducted.
When executed and delivered by nStor, this Agreement will constitute a valid and
legally binding obligation of nStor enforceable in accordance with its terms,
except as may be limited by (i) judicial principles respecting election of
remedies or limiting the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief
and other equitable remedies, (ii) judicial principles with respect to
provisions contrary to public policy, and (iii) bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws, now or hereafter in effect,
generally relating to creditors' rights.
(b) nSTOR expressly represents and warrants as of the Closing Date
that: (i) it is acquiring the Shares and the Note for investment purposes only,
for its own account, and not with the view to, or for resale in connection with,
any distribution thereof, (ii) it has such knowledge and experience in financial
and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of
this investment and is able to bear the economic risk of this investment, (iii)
its purchase of the Shares and the Note has not been accompanied by the
publication of any advertisement, (iv) its purchase of the Shares and the Note
has not been effected by or through a broker-dealer in a public offering. On the
Closing Date, nStor will separately represent and warrant in writing to Xxxxx,
if then true, that: (v) it has had the opportunity to ask questions of the
directors, officers and employees of Andataco and has obtained and carefully
reviewed and considered all the information regarding Andataco that nSTOR
considers necessary or appropriate to decide whether to purchase the Shares and
the Note, and (vi) Xxxxx and Andataco have provided nSTOR with access to all
financial information, records, documents, contracts, agreements, court filings,
case records and ledgers relating to Andataco.
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(c) nSTOR (i) has adequate means of providing for its current needs and
possible contingencies, and has no need now, and anticipates no need in the
foreseeable future, to sell the Shares or the Note which it is hereby purchasing
and (ii) is able to bear the economic risks of this investment, and,
consequently, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, is able to hold
its Shares and the Note indefinitely and has a sufficient net worth to sustain a
loss of its entire investment in Andataco in the event such loss should occur.
(d) nSTOR acknowledges and agrees that neither the Shares nor the Note
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") or
under the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968, as amended (the
"California Law") or other applicable law, and that accordingly the Shares and
the Note will not be fully transferable except as permitted under various
exemptions contained in the Act, California Law or other applicable state law,
or upon satisfaction of the registration requirements of the Act, the
qualification requirements of California Law or other applicable state law, or
the registration requirements of other applicable state securities laws. nSTOR
hereby acknowledges and agrees that the certificates representing the Shares and
the Note will bear any legends required under the Act, California Law or other
applicable state law.
(e) If nStor acquires the common stock of Andataco held by shareholders
other than Xxxxx, it will do so for consideration no less than the greater of
the price per share received by Xxxxx for the Shares or the fair market value of
such stock valued as of the day immediately prior to the date of execution of
this Agreement as stated in an opinion obtained prior to such acquisition from a
recognized investment banking firm. nStor agrees that the shareholders of
Andataco other than Xxxxx shall be given and advised of their "dissenter's"
rights, as provided under Massachusetts law and all other applicable law, in
connection with any acquisition by nStor of their shares of Andataco stock.
7. Due Diligence; Standstill; Confidentiality; Disclosure
(a) Commencing with the date hereof, nStor shall conduct due diligence
as to Andataco and Xxxxx and Andataco's organization, properties, financial
condition and operations, upon reasonable notice and during normal business
hours. Xxxxx shall cooperate with nStor in the conduct of such due diligence,
and provide such documents and information as may reasonably be requested. nStor
agrees to use its best efforts to complete such due diligence, use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain financing necessary for it to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "nStor Financing") and complete
its preparations to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
within 30 days following the date of this Agreement (the "30 Day Period"). nStor
shall be entitled to a 20 day extension of the 30 Day Period (the "20 Day
Period") upon the payment to Xxxxx of a non-refundable cash deposit in the
amount of $100,000 on or before the end of the 30 Day Period, which deposit
shall be applied against the Stock Purchase Price.
(b) In consideration of the expenses incurred and to be incurred by
nStor in conducting due diligence pursuant to Section 7(a), during the 30 Day
Period, and the 20 Day Period if applicable, Xxxxx shall not solicit or accept
offers from, nor shall he negotiate for or enter into any agreements with, any
other parties for the any of the transactions or agreements contemplated by this
Agreement.
(c) The existence and contents of this Agreement, the existence of
negotiations between the Parties and all documents and information obtained by
either Party from the other Party, regardless of identifying xxxx or label and
whether written, oral or in electronic form, shall remain strictly confidential
(the "Confidential Information"), and neither of the Parties shall
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reveal any of the Confidential Information or provide any copies of any
documents or other materials relating to the Confidential Information to any
person, corporation or other entity, other than the Board of Directors and
senior officers of and the attorneys and financial advisors for Andataco,
without the prior written consent of the providing Party.
(d) The Parties understand that the transactions provided herein will
require, pursuant to applicable securities and other laws, a public announcement
by nStor upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Parties, and
the Parties have agreed upon a press release in the form attached hereto as
EXHIBIT C. This press release may be issued by nStor upon the execution and
delivery of this Agreement. Xxxxx also acknowledges that nStor will be required
to file a Schedule 13D pursuant to Rule 13d-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 upon obtaining the nStor Financing. In addition, attached hereto as EXHIBIT
D is a press release prepared by the Parties for publication upon a termination
of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. This press release
shall be issued by nStor immediately upon termination of this Agreement
according to its terms. The Parties agree that no deviation shall be made from
such press releases unless mutually agreed by the Parties. The Parties agree
that no other public disclosure shall be made by the Parties until the Closing
except upon the mutual consent of the Parties, unless counsel to nStor advises
nStor that it is legally required to make such disclosure or to respond to
requests for such disclosure and in either such event the Parties agree to use
their reasonable best efforts to mutually agree upon the wording of such
disclosure. Nothing in any public disclosure, shall be deemed in any way to
modify or limit in any way the provisions of Section 7(c).
(e) nStor shall maintain Andataco's current director and officer
insurance policy or equivalent for a period of two years after the Closing.
nStor shall not alter the current indemnification rights of Andataco officers
and directors until the sooner of (i) two years after the Closing or (ii) the
termination of the separate existence of Andataco.
8. Lease Guaranty
At the Closing, nStor agrees to execute a written guaranty, in form and
substance as nStor may reasonably agree, of Andataco's performance under the
real property lease between Syko Properties, Inc., a corporation owned and/or
controlled by X. Xxxxx, as lessor, and Andataco, as lessee, dated as of January
1, 1993, as amended, pursuant to which Andataco leases the premises in which it
conduct business in San Diego, California (the "Lease"); provided, however, that
nStor's obligation under this Section 8 is conditioned upon the Lease being
terminable by Andataco in its sole discretion at any time upon nine months
notice to the lessor.
9. Closing
The closing and consummation of all transactions provided in this
Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at 10:00 A. M on the last day of the
30 Day Period, or the 20 Day Period if applicable, or, if such day is not on a
business day in the state where the Closing occurs, on the next business day
(the "Closing Date"), at the offices of Holland & Knight LLP, counsel to nStor,
Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000, or on
such other day and at such other time and place as the Parties may mutually
agree.
10. Termination
nStor may terminate this Agreement for any reason in its sole and
absolute discretion at any time prior to the Closing Date upon notice to Xxxxx
that it has not obtained the nStor
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Financing and does not wish to proceed with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. Upon any such termination, the Parties shall have no further
obligations under this Agreement, except that the obligations of the Parties
under Section 6(c), Section 10 and Section 12 shall survive such termination.
11. Expenses
Each Party shall bear its and his own expenses, including legal and
accounting fees and costs, in connection with this Agreement and the Closing;
provided, however, that: (a) if the Closing occurs, nStor shall reimburse Xxxxx
for documented attorney, accountant and investment banking fees and expenses up
to the amount of $430,000, (b) if the Closing does not occur through no fault of
Xxxxx, nStor shall reimburse Xxxxx for documented attorney and accountant fees
and expenses up to the amount of $20,000, and (c) if the Closing does not occur
as a result of Xxxxx willfully and knowingly breaching any of his
representations and warranties in Section 5 hereof, Xxxxx shall indemnify and
hold harmless, and immediately reimburse, nStor for its costs and expenses,
including reasonable attorney's and accountant's fees and expenses, incurred in
the conduct of its due diligence under Section 7(a) hereof and in preparing for
the Closing.
12. Indemnification
a. Indemnification by nStor. nStor shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Xxxxx against any and all damages, losses, claims, liabilities,
charges, suits, penalties, costs and expenses, including court costs, attorneys'
fees and expenses and other costs of collection (collectively "Loss" or
"Losses"), which Xxxxx personally may sustain, or to which he may be subjected,
arising out of or attributable to: (i) the failure of nStor to consummate the
acquisition of the Shares and the Note for other than nStor's right to terminate
pursuant to Section 10 hereof; (ii) the failure of nStor or its officer,
directors, shareholders, affiliates, employees or agents to treat the minority
shareholders of Andataco, Inc. fairly or properly after the Closing.
b. Notice and Resolution of Indemnity Claims . If at any time Xxxxx
shall claim indemnification from nStor for any Loss or, in the reasonable
judgment of Xxxxx, for what, in the future, may result in a Loss ("Anticipated
Loss") due to the filing, at or before the time of such claim, of an action,
claim or suit with an arbitrator, mediator, court or other governmental entity
("Claim"), then Xxxxx shall send written notice of the same (a "Notice of
Claim") to nStor. A Notice of Claim shall specify the basis for such Claim
supported by relevant information and documentation.
(i) If nStor shall object to such Claim, it shall give written notice of
such objection (a "Notice of Objection") to Xxxxx within 15 days after receipt
by nStor of the Notice of Claim, specifying the basis of the objections
supported by relevant information and documentation with respect thereto. If
nStor does not give a Notice of Objection within such 15 days, or shall have
agreed to pay such Claim in whole or in part within such 15-day period, nStor
shall thereupon be liable for the payment of such Claim.
(ii) In the event that nStor shall have timely given a Notice of
Objection in whole or in part to any Notice of Claim, during the 20-day period
following that date, nStor and Xxxxx shall privately attempt to resolve the
Claim. If nStor and Xxxxx shall have failed to resolve or compromise or agree to
postpone resolution of the Claim within the 20--day period, then the Claim shall
be settled by arbitration in San Diego, California, as determined by the three
arbitrators referred to in Section 12(b)(iii) below, in accordance with the
rules of the American Arbitration Association and the procedures set forth
below.
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(iii) Each of (A) Xxxxx and (B) nStor shall appoint one arbitrator,
and the two arbitrators so appointed shall then together appoint a third
arbitrator ("neutral arbitrator") from a list of persons supplied by the
American Arbitration Association in San Diego, California. If one party shall
fail to appoint the arbitrator to be appointed by it within 15 days of the end
of the 20-day period provided for in Section 12(b)(ii) above, the arbitrator
appointed by the other party shall select from a list of persons supplied by the
American Arbitration Association a person who shall serve as the single neutral
arbitrator for purposes of the arbitration. If each party shall have appointed
one arbitrator; but such designees cannot agree on the person to act as the
neutral arbitrator within a period of 15 days after the appointment of the
second arbitrator, then either party may apply to the American Arbitration
Association in San Diego, California, which shall appoint a neutral arbitrator.
As used hereafter the term "arbitrator" shall include the singular and the
plural as applicable. The arbitrator shall conduct the arbitration with all
reasonable dispatch in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration
Association, provided, however, that the parties to such arbitration shall take
such action and execute such instruments as shall be necessary to cause the
California Rules of Civil Procedure pertaining to pre-trial discovery to be
applicable in respect of such proceeding. The arbitrator shall render a written
award (the "Award") which shall be delivered to Xxxxx and nStor. An Award
hereunder may be used as a basis for the entry of judgment in any jurisdiction.
In the event the parties have submitted a Claim for an Anticipated Loss to
arbitration under this Section 12(b)(iii), then the arbitrator may, in its sole
discretion, postpone resolution of the Claim until the time which it has
determined, in its sole discretion, to be the time when such Anticipated Loss
shall have occurred or passed has been reached.
(iv) Prior to making the Award, the arbitrator shall direct Xxxxx
and nStor to submit statements describing any element of Loss or Anticipated
Loss as to which a Claim is made that is attributable to attorneys' fees,
disbursements, and any similar costs incident to such Loss or Anticipated Loss,
supported by affidavits showing that such costs actually have been or are likely
to be incurred, and all such attorneys' fees, disbursements and other costs
shall be apportioned as determined by the arbitrator. All fees of the arbitrator
and administrative expenses of the American Arbitration Association shall be
treated as costs for purposes of this Article. As a part of each Award made
pursuant to this Agreement, the arbitrator shall allow interest thereon (other
than on the portion of the Award representing attorneys' fees, disbursements and
costs) from the date of the Loss or the date the Anticipated Loss becomes a Loss
to the date of payment at the rate of 10% per annum.
(v) The Award shall be a conclusive determination of the matter and
shall be binding upon Xxxxx and nStor, and shall not be contested by either of
them. nStor shall satisfy its obligations to pay an Award in cash.
(vi) If a the subject of a Claim involves a third-party claim which
has not yet been determined, the arbitrator may in his discretion make a
separate determination solely as to whether the third-party claim is one for
which indemnification may be had or may defer a determination as to whether
indemnification may be had pending the further development of information as to
the nature of the third-party claim. If the arbitrator determines that the
third-party claim is not subject to indemnification, he shall set forth the
basis of his decision in detail, which decision shall be deemed to be an "Award"
hereunder.
(vii) Promptly after the assertion by any third party of any claim
against Xxxxx that, in the judgment of Xxxxx, may result in the incurrence by
Xxxxx of Loss for which Xxxxx would be entitled to indemnification, Xxxxx shall
deliver to nStor a Notice of Anticipated Loss describing in reasonable detail
such Claim. If Xxxxx request nStor defend him against such Claim, then nStor
may, at its option, assume the defense of Xxxxx against such
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Claim (including the employment of counsel, who shall be counsel satisfactory to
Xxxxx,) and the payment of expenses. If Xxxxx does not request nStor to defend
him against such Claim or nStor fails to assume the defense of such Claim within
a reasonable time after having been requested by Xxxxx to assume the defense,
then Xxxxx shall have the right to defend himself in any such action and, if
appropriate under Section 12(a) above, be indemnified for his costs and fees of
defense by nStor. nStor shall not be liable to indemnify Xxxxx for any
settlement of any such action or claim effected without the consent of nStor,
but if settled with the written consent of nStor, or if there be a final
judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, nStor shall indemnify and hold
harmless Xxxxx from and against any Loss by reason of such settlement or
judgment and nStor shall thereupon be liable for the payment of such Loss.
13. Conditions to Closing
(a) nStor's obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to Closing, of
each of the following conditions precedent (any or all of which may be waived in
writing, in whole or in part, by nStor):
(i) Xxxxx shall have performed all of the obligations and
complied with all of the covenants required to be performed or to be
complied with by them under this Agreement on or prior to the Closing
Date.
(ii) Xxxxx shall have delivered to nStor any and all
approvals, consents or assignments to be obtained by Xxxxx and
necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(iii) nStor and its accountants, attorneys and other
representatives shall have had full and complete access during normal
business hours to all offices, facilities, properties, assets, books,
agreements, files and records of Andataco, including financial and
operating data and other information regarding Xxxxx and Andataco.
(iv) nStor shall have received the nStor Financing on or prior
to the Closing Date.
(v) There shall not have been instituted, pending or
threatened against Andataco, Xxxxx, nStor or the Company any suit,
action or other proceeding by any private party or governmental agency,
commission, bureau or body seeking to restrain or prohibit any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(vi) X. Xxxxx shall have entered into Employment Agreement as
provided for in Section 3(a) hereof.
(vii) Each representation and warranty of Xxxxx contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct both at the date on which this
Agreement is signed and at and as of the Closing Date as if made anew
at and as of such time.
(viii) There has not been any material adverse change in the
business, operations and financial conditions of Andataco from and
after the date of the 1998 10-K until the Closing Date.
(b) The obligations of Xxxxx to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment, at or prior
to Closing, of each of the following
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conditions precedent (any or all of which may be waived in writing, in whole or
in part, by Xxxxx):
(i) nStor shall have performed all of its obligations and
complied with all of its covenants required to be performed or to be
complied with by it under this Agreement on or prior to the Closing
Date.
(ii) nStor shall have delivered to Xxxxx any and all
approvals, consents or assignments to be obtained by nStor and
necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(iii) There shall not have been instituted, pending or
threatened against Andataco, Xxxxx, nStor or the Company any suit,
action or other proceeding by any private party or governmental agency,
commission, bureau or body seeking to restrain or prohibit any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(iii) The Company shall have entered into Employment Agreement
as provided for in Section 3(a) hereof.
(iv) Each representation and warranty of nStor contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct both at the date on which this
Agreement is signed and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and
as of such time.
14. Miscellaneous
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement, when
executed (collectively, the ?Party Agreements"), constitute the complete and
exclusive statement of the agreement between the Parties with respect to the
subject matter of the Party Agreements. The Party Agreements replace and
supersede all prior agreements and negotiations by and between the Parties and
each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that no agreements, representations,
warranties or collateral promises or inducements have been made by or to it or
him except as expressly set forth in the Party Agreements. These acknowledgments
and agreements are contractual and not mere recitals.
(b) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and
permitted assigns and Xxxxx' personal representatives, executors, administrators
and beneficiaries; provided, however, that neither Party shall assign this
Agreement or any of its or his rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the other Party, which consent may be withheld or delayed in
the sole discretion of Party whose consent is requested.
(c) No Third Party Beneficiary. Nothing expressed or implied in this
Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon or give any person,
firm, corporation, partnership, association or other entity, other than the
Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any rights or
remedies under or by reason of this Agreement, except that Andataco shall be a
third party beneficiary and entitled to enforce in its own name the provisions
of the second and third sentences of Section 2.
(d) Survivability. Notwithstanding any investigation made by or on
behalf of either Party, the representations and warranties made under and in
connection with this Agreement shall survive the Closing and consummation of all
the transactions contemplated hereby for a period of one year.
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(e) Waivers and Remedies. The waiver by either of the Parties of the
other Party's prompt and complete performance, or breach or violation, of any
provision of this Agreement shall not operate nor be construed as a waiver of
any subsequent breach or violation, and the waiver by either of the Parties to
exercise any right or remedy which it may possess hereunder shall not operate
nor be construed as a bar to the exercise of such right or remedy by such Party
upon the occurrence of any subsequent breach or violation.
(f) Severability. The invalidity of any one or more of the words,
phrases, sentences, clauses, sections or subsections contained in this Agreement
shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining portions of this Agreement
or any part hereof, all of which are inserted conditionally on their being valid
in law, and, in the event that any one or more of the words, phrases, sentences,
clauses, sections or subsections contained in this Agreement shall be declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, this Agreement shall be construed
as if such invalid word or words, phrase or phrases, sentence or sentences,
clause or clauses, section or sections, or subsection or subsections had not
been inserted.
(g) Descriptive Headings/Recitals. Descriptive headings contained
herein are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement. The Recitals are incorporated
into and made a part of this Agreement.
(h) Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be
executed in counterparts by the separate Parties, all of which shall be deemed
to be one and the same instrument. Facsimile signatures shall have the same
effect as original signatures.
(i) Notices. Any notice, request or other communication to either Party
by the other hereunder shall be deemed given on the earlier of the date (i)
actually received and acknowledged; (ii) three (3) days after its mailing by
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or,
(iii) on the business day immediately following its delivery (evidenced by
receipt) to any reputable overnight carrier or transmission via facsimile in
each case addressed to the Party for which it is intended at the address (or
facsimile transmission number) set forth in this Agreement. The place to which
notices are to be given to any Party may be changed from time to time by such
Party by like notice to the other. Notices shall be addressed as follows:
If to nStor:
------------
H. Xxxxx Xxxx, Chairman
nStor Technologies, Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
and
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, President
nStor Technologies, Inc.
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
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Holland & Knight LLP
Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
If to Xxxxx:
------------
W. Xxxxx Xxxxx
C/o Andataco, Inc.
00000 Xxxx Xxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
Xxxx, Forward, Xxxxxxxx & Scripps LLP
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
(j) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and shall be
construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Florida, without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
(k) Brokers and Agents. nStor represents to Xxxxx that no broker,
finder or agent has acted on behalf of nStor with respect to the transactions
provided in the Party Agreements, and agrees to indemnify and hold Xxxxx
harmless in the event of any loss, claim, demand or expense asserted against or
incurred by Xxxxx relating to the payment of any fees or commissions by any such
broker, finder or agent acting on behalf of nStor. Other than as provided in
Section 10(a) hereof, Xxxxx agrees that Xxxxx will pay or cause to be paid any
broker, finder or agent that has acted on Xxxxx' behalf with respect to the
transactions provided in the Party Agreements, and agrees to indemnify and hold
nStor harmless in the event of any loss, claim, demand or expense asserted
against or incurred by nStor relating to the payment of any fees or commissions
by any such broker, finder or agent acting on behalf of Xxxxx.
(l) Modifications. This Agreement may not be altered, modified or
amended except by a writing signed by the Parties.
(m) Further Assurances. The Parties agree to execute and deliver, or
cause to be executed and delivered, such further instruments or documents and
take such other action as may be reasonably required effectively to carry out
the transactions contemplated herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.
nStor Technologies, Inc.
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By:__________________________
Name:________________________
Title:_______________________
/s/ W. Xxxxx Xxxxx
-----------------------------
W. Xxxxx Xxxxx, individually
Xxxxx Children's Trust of 1993
By:__________________________
__________________, Trustee
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