SALE OF SHARES AGREEMENT
Exhibit 2.1
EXECUTION VERSION
THIS SALE OF SHARES AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 30th day of May,
2007, by and among MERIDIAN CORPORATION LIMITED, a private limited company organized under the laws
of Jersey under company number 18278 (“Seller”), PRG-XXXXXXX INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Georgia
corporation (“PRG”), and AVERIO HOLDINGS LIMITED, a private company limited by shares incorporated
under the laws of Ireland under registration number 379811 (“Purchaser”). Seller, PRG and
Purchaser are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a
“Party.”
BACKGROUND:
A. Seller is the legal and beneficial owner of 1,015,000 ordinary shares of EUR1.269738 each
in the share capital (the “Shares”) of Meridian VAT Reclaim Operations Limited, a private limited
company organized under the laws of Ireland under registration number 197185 (the “Company”).
Purchaser is the legal and beneficial owner of 1 fully paid “C” redeemable ordinary share in the
capital of the Company (the “Averio C Share”). Seller is also the legal owner of the entire issued
share capital (the “MVRSL Shares”) of Meridian VAT Reclaim Services Limited (being 2 ordinary
shares of £1.00 each), a private limited company organized under the laws of the United Kingdom
under registration number 02835964 (“MVRSL”).
B. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the
capital stock of each of the entities listed on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference (collectively the “Subsidiaries” and individually a “Subsidiary”) and is
the indirect beneficial owner of MVRSL.
C. Xxxx X’Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxx and Xxx Xxxx (the “Company Directors”) are the sole
directors of, and the legal and beneficial owners of the entire issued share capital of, Purchaser.
D. Pursuant to the terms and conditions contained herein, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser,
and Purchaser desires to purchase from Seller, all of the Shares and all of the MVRSL Shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the premises, the mutual promises, covenants and
agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES AND MVRSL SHARES
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES AND MVRSL SHARES
1.1 Sale of the Shares and the MVRSL Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, at the “Closing” (as defined in Section 2.1 hereof) Seller shall sell,
transfer and assign to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall purchase and receive from Seller, all of the
Shares and all of the MVRSL Shares, free and clear of any and all liens, charges, security
interests, pledges, hypothecations, claims and other encumbrances (collectively, “Liens”). Seller
hereby waives all rights of pre-emption and other restrictions on transfer over the Shares or the
MVRSL Shares conferred on it or any other person under the articles of association of the Company,
the articles of association of MVRSL or otherwise.
1.2 Purchase Price. As full consideration for Seller’s sale of the Shares and MVRSL
Shares to Purchaser, Purchaser shall pay to Seller a total purchase price (the “Total Purchase
Price”) as follows:
(a) | EUR 19,168,399 (the “Initial Purchase Price”) payable at Closing in accordance with Section 1.3 hereof; | ||
(b) | EUR 1,500,000 payable on December 31, 2007, in accordance with Section 1.3 hereof; | ||
(c) | EUR 1,500,000 payable on December 31, 2008, in accordance with Section 1.3 but subject to Section 1.5 hereof; and | ||
(d) | EUR 1,500,000 payable on December 31, 2009, in accordance with Section 1.3 but subject to Section 1.5 hereof. |
1.3 Method of Payment. All consideration payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be
paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such bank and account as are designated by
Seller.
1.4 Repayment of Debt. At Closing, PRG shall repay (or cause its subsidiaries to
repay) to the Company, MVRSL, the Subsidiaries or any of them the net amount of debt owed to the
Company, MVRSL, the Subsidiaries or any of them by PRG (or its other subsidiaries), such net amount
totaling EUR 2,368,399 and more particularly described on Exhibit B attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference.
1.5 No Amendment of “Place of Supply” Rules. Each of the proposed payments set forth
in Section 1.2 (c) and Section 1.2(d) above is strictly conditional upon the general “place of
supply” rule contained in Article 43 of Council Directive 2006/112/EC (formerly Article 9 (1) of
the 1977 VAT Directive (Directive 77/388/EEC) not having been amended prior to the relevant payment
date in a manner that results in the general position that the place of supply for VAT services is
deemed to be the place where the supplier has established its business or has a fixed place of
business from which the service is supplied or is habitually resident no longer applies and the
general rule becomes one that the place of supply is deemed to be connected with or determined by
the location of the recipient of the service which has the consequence of
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eliminating VAT on services supplied to persons located outside the EU. Should any such amendment
occur prior to either of such consideration payments becoming due as set forth in Section 1.2(c)
and Section 1.2(d) above, Purchaser shall not be required to make such payment to Seller.
ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES AND MVRSL SHARES
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES AND MVRSL SHARES
2.1 Closing Date. The purchase and sale of the Shares and the MVRSL Shares shall be
consummated at a closing (the “Closing”) to be held at the offices of Xxxxxx Xxx located at
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx 0, Xxxxxxx (or elsewhere as may be decided by the
Parties), contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement. The date on which the Closing
occurs is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date.”
2.2 Deliveries of Seller. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser each of
the following, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser:
(a) | The share certificate representing the Shares in the name of the registered holder or an indemnity in the usual form reasonably acceptable to Purchaser; | ||
(b) | A stock transfer form in respect of the Shares duly executed by the registered holder in favor of Purchaser or its nominee(s) and, if required by Purchaser, a power of attorney in favor of such transferee generally in respect of the voting rights of such Shares; | ||
(c) | The share certificate representing the MVRSL Shares in the name of the registered holder or an indemnity in the usual form reasonably acceptable to Purchaser; | ||
(d) | A stock transfer form in respect of the MVRSL Shares duly executed by the registered holder in favor of Purchaser or its nominee(s) and, if required by Purchaser, a power of attorney in favor of such transferee generally in respect of the voting rights of such MVRSL Shares; | ||
(e) | Repayment of the net amount of debt owed to the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of them in accordance with Section 1.5 hereof; | ||
(f) | A Non-Competition Agreement executed by PRG in favor of Purchaser (“PRG Non-Compete”); | ||
(g) | A Novation Agreement in respect of an intra-group loan from Seller to the Company in the amount of EUR 17,585,976 (the “Novation Agreement”) executed by Seller in favor of Purchaser; |
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(h) | A letter agreement regarding certain employment matters (the “Letter Agreement”) executed by Seller and PRG; | ||
(i) | A copy of the power of attorney of Seller appointing an attorney to act on its behalf and execute certain documents in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby; and | ||
(j) | A copy of the resolutions adopted by of the board of directors of Seller and PRG approving and authorizing the entry into and performance of their respective obligations under this Agreement. |
Purchaser and Seller hereby agree that all minute books, registers, stock record books,
constitutional documents, corporate seals, client lists, files and other documents of the Company,
the Subsidiaries and MVRSL are in the possession of Purchaser.
2.3 Deliveries of Purchaser. At the Closing, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller each
of the following, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller:
(a) | The Initial Purchase Price in accordance with Article 1 hereof; | ||
(b) | A Non-Competition Agreement executed by Purchaser in favor of PRG (“Purchaser Non-Compete” and, together with the PRG Non-Compete, the “Non-Competition Agreements”); | ||
(c) | Proof of insurance for the Company and the Subsidiaries (via facsimile or email) effective as of the Closing; | ||
(d) | A copy of the resolutions adopted by the board of directors of Purchaser approving and authorizing the entry into and performance of its obligations under this Agreement; | ||
(e) | The Novation Agreement executed by Purchaser in favor of Seller; and | ||
(f) | The Letter Agreement executed by Purchaser. |
2.4 Board Meeting of the Company. Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate to cause a
board meeting of the Company to take place at which the transfer of the Shares is approved and
(subject to stamping) the name of Purchaser (or its nominee) is registered in the Company’s
Register of Members as the owner of the Shares.
2.5 Board Meeting of MVRSL. Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate to cause a board
meeting of MVRSL to take place at which the transfer of the MVRSL Shares is approved and (subject
to stamping) the name of Purchaser (or its nominee) is registered in MVRSL’s Register of Members as
the owner of the MVRSL Shares.
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ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:
3.1 Organization and Good Standing. Seller is a private limited company duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of Jersey. PRG is a corporation duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the State of Georgia.
3.2 Power and Authority. Each of Seller and PRG has the power and authority to enter
into this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of
each of Seller and PRG, and no other proceedings on the part of Seller or PRG are necessary to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller and PRG.
3.3 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of
Seller and PRG and constitutes each such Party’s legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable
against such Party in accordance with its terms.
3.4 No Violation; Consents. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Seller and PRG, nor the performance by them of their respective obligations hereunder, will:
(a) | violate or conflict with any provision of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Seller or the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of PRG; | ||
(b) | except as set forth on Schedule 3.4, breach or otherwise constitute or give rise to a default under any contract, commitment or other obligation to or by which Seller or PRG is a party or is bound, except to the extent any such breach or default would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole; | ||
(c) | violate any statute, ordinance, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, award or decree of any court or other governmental or regulatory authority to which Seller or PRG is, or any of their respective assets are, subject, except to the extent any such violation would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole; or | ||
(d) | require any consent, approval or authorization of, notice to, or filing, recording, registration or qualification with any governmental or regulatory authority by Seller or PRG, except to the extent any failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole. |
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3.5 Title to Shares. Seller is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Shares and
is the sole legal owner of the MVRSL Shares, in each case free and clear of any and all Liens.
3.6 Corporate Structure.
(a) The Company is a single member private limited company duly incorporated and validly
existing under the laws of Ireland. MVRSL is a single member private limited company duly
incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the United Kingdom. Neither PRG nor Seller has
taken any action to wind-up or dissolve the Company or MVRSL.
(b) Except for the Subsidiaries or as otherwise set forth in the Seller Disclosure Schedules,
to Seller’s knowledge, neither the Company nor MVRSL owns any interest in any partnership,
corporation, limited liability company or other entity.
3.7 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized share capital of the Company consists solely of 1,015,000 ordinary shares
of EUR1.269738 each and 2 “C” redeemable ordinary shares of EUR1.00 each, of which only the Shares
and the Averio C Share are issued and outstanding, and, other than the Averio C Share, there are no
shares issued or allotted in the Company which are not legally and beneficially owned by Seller.
All of the Shares and the Averio C Share are fully paid up or credited as fully paid up.
(b) The authorized share capital of MVRSL consists solely of 1,000 ordinary shares of £1.00
each, of which only the MVRSL Shares are issued and outstanding, and there are no shares issued or
allotted in MVRSL which are not legally owned by Seller. The Company indirectly beneficially owns
the MVRSL Shares. All of the MVRSL Shares are fully paid up or credited as fully paid up.
(c) There are no outstanding options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements
obligating Seller or, to Seller’s knowledge the Company or MVRSL, to issue, deliver or sell any
shares of the capital stock of the Company or MVRSL, and, to Seller’s knowledge, there are no
outstanding securities or other rights which are convertible or exchangeable into capital stock of,
or any other equity interest in, the Company or MVRSL.
3.8 Subsidiaries.
(a) To Seller’s knowledge, and except as otherwise noted on Exhibit A attached hereto,
the Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
of each Subsidiary, free and clear of any and all Liens. To Seller’s knowledge, all such shares
are fully paid up or credited as fully paid up.
(b) There are no outstanding options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements
obligating Seller, or to Seller’s knowledge, the Company or any Subsidiary, to issue, deliver or
sell any shares of the capital stock of any Subsidiary, and, to Seller’s knowledge, there
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are no outstanding securities or other rights which are convertible or exchangeable into capital
stock of or any other equity interest in any Subsidiary.
(c) Except for other Subsidiaries or as otherwise set forth in the Seller Disclosure
Schedules, to Seller’s knowledge, no Subsidiary owns any interest in any partnership, corporation,
limited liability company or other entity.
(d) Neither PRG nor Seller has taken any action to wind-up or dissolve any Subsidiary.
3.9 No Commitments. Since April 1, 2001, neither PRG nor Seller has provided or
arranged for the Company, MVRSL or any Subsidiary to incur any material obligation or liability or
give any undertaking or enter into any transaction which would create any material liability for
the Company, MVRSL or any Subsidiary, except for any such matters about which Purchaser has
knowledge.
3.10 Taxes. All actions taken by, and corporate transactions implemented directly by,
PRG or Seller, including, without limitation, distributions, reorganizations, reconstructions, cash
movements, disposals or any other transaction (tax-based or otherwise) involving or affecting the
Company or any of the Subsidiaries, and effected outside the ordinary course of business, have been
carried out in accordance with all rules, regulations and legislation in relation to Taxes and any
and all “Tax” (as hereinafter defined) liabilities arising therefrom have been properly paid or
properly accrued for in the accounts of the Company, MVRSL or a Subsidiary. There are no tax
sharing agreements or other similar arrangements pursuant to which the Company, MVRSL or any
Subsidiary would have liability for any Tax obligation of PRG or any other entity controlled by it.
For the purposes of this Agreement, “Tax” shall mean any tax or fee (including interest and
penalties) imposed by or payable to any governmental or other taxing authority of any jurisdiction.
3.11 Insolvency. Neither PRG nor Seller is insolvent or unable to pay its debts as
they become due, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
render either PRG or Seller insolvent or unable to pay its debts as they become due.
3.12
Brokers. Seller has not incurred any liability for brokerage fees, finder’s fees,
agent’s commissions other similar forms of compensation in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, other than the fees owed by it to Rothschild Inc. as a result of
the consummation of such transactions.
3.13 No Other Representations. NEITHER SELLER NOR PRG MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY ABOUT THE COMPANY, MVRSL OR ANY SUBSIDIARY, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY MADE IN THIS
ARTICLE 3. IN ADDITION, NEITHER SELLER NOR PRG MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT
TO ANY FORWARD-LOOKING PROJECTION, FORECAST, BUDGET, FINANCIAL DATA OR OTHER INFORMATION,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE SUPPLIED IN ANY DATA ROOM, ANY MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION OR THE
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
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MEMORANDUM, DATED SEPTEMBER 2006, PROVIDED TO PURCHASER BY PRG. PURCHASER IS FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR
MAKING ITS OWN EVALUATION OF SUCH MATTERS.
ARTICLE
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows
4.1
Organization and Good Standing. Purchaser is a private company limited by shares
duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Ireland, and Purchaser’s only directors
and shareholders are the Company Directors.
4.2
Power and Authority. Purchaser has the power and authority to enter into this
Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Purchaser, and
no other proceedings on the part of Purchaser are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Purchaser.
4.3
Binding Effect. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Purchaser
and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser
in accordance with its terms.
4.4
No Violation; Consents. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Purchaser nor the performance by it of its obligations hereunder will:
(a) | violate or conflict with any provision of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Purchaser; | ||
(b) | breach or otherwise constitute or give rise to a default under any contract, commitment or other obligation to or by which Purchaser is a party or is bound, except to the extent any such breach or default would not have a material adverse effect on Purchaser; | ||
(c) | violate any statute, ordinance, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court or other governmental or regulatory authority to which Purchaser is subject, except to the extent any such violation would not have a material adverse effect on Purchaser; or | ||
(d) | require any consent, approval or authorization of, notice to, or filing, recording, registration or qualification with any third party, court or governmental or regulatory authority. |
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4.5 Competition Act. There is no requirement for a notification of the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement to the Irish Competition Authority under Section 18(1) of the
Competition Xxx 0000, as amended.
4.6 No Actual Knowledge. As of the execution of this Agreement, no Company Director
has any actual knowledge of a breach of any representation or warranty made by PRG or Seller in
this Agreement, and Purchaser is not currently preparing to make a claim against PRG or Seller with
respect to any such breach.
4.7 Brokers. Purchaser has not incurred any liability for brokerage fees, finder’s
fees, agent’s commissions or other similar forms of compensation in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than the fees owed by it to its professional
advisors as a result of the consummation of such transactions.
4.8 Title to Averio C Share. Purchaser is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the
Averio C Share, free and clear of any and all Liens.
ARTICLE 5
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
5.1 Reasonable Efforts. Each Party shall use all reasonable efforts to take or cause
to be taken all actions and to do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable
under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the cost of obtaining
any and all regulatory approvals necessary for the consummation by it of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
5.2 Expenses. Each Party hereto shall pay its own fees and expenses (including the
fees and expenses of its attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, brokers, financial advisors
and other professionals) incurred in connection with this Agreement and all transactions
contemplated hereby.
5.3
Publicity. Neither Party shall issue any press release, written public statement or
announcement relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the written
prior approval of the other Party in each instance, except to the extent such disclosure is
required by law (in which case such Party shall use all reasonable efforts to give the other Party
prior notice thereof).
5.4 Transfer Taxes. Purchaser shall be solely responsible for paying any and all
transfer, stamp or other similar taxes arising as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
5.5 Access to Information. For a period of seven (7) years following the Closing,
Purchaser shall, upon reasonable advance notice from PRG and at PRG’s sole expense, (a) afford to
PRG and its representatives, agents, counsel and accountants access during normal business
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hours to the books, records, employees, facilities and agents of the Company, MVRSL and the
Subsidiaries, and (b) furnish such financial and operating data and other information relating to
the Company, MVRSL and the Subsidiaries, in each case solely to the extent necessary to permit PRG
to determine any matter relating to its rights and obligations under this Agreement or in respect
of any period prior to or including the Closing, and provided PRG complies with all confidentiality
requirements reasonably imposed by Purchaser.
5.6 Officers and Directors. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing,
Purchaser shall take all reasonable action to ensure that Xxxxx XxXxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx and all other employees of PRG or any entity controlled by it have been removed as an
officer and director of the Company, MVRSL and each Subsidiary.
5.7 Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for U.S. Employees. For the period beginning
at the Closing and continuing through June 30, 2007, PRG shall extend to the individuals listed on
Schedule 5.7 (all of whom are U.S. employees of the Company, MVRSL or a Subsidiary and are
participating in PRG’s United States health, dental and vision plans (collectively, the “US Health
Plans”) as of the Closing) continued health care coverage under the US Health Plans on the same
terms as before the Closing (as if such individuals continued to be employed by PRG or an affiliate
of PRG who is a signatory to the US Health Plans). On June 30, 2007, such continued coverage shall
lapse, and such individuals shall be entitled to COBRA coverage (provided such individuals and/or
their dependents make a proper COBRA election, pay any required premiums and otherwise continue to
qualify for COBRA coverage). Purchaser shall promptly reimburse PRG for all costs PRG or the US
Health Plans incur as a result of or otherwise relating to the extension of such coverage for such
individuals, including, without limitation, any insurance premiums for such coverage and any costs
or claims PRG or the US Health Plans incur relating to such period of extended coverage.
5.8 Insurance.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.8, for a period of six (6) years following the
Closing, PRG shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain insurance coverage (either
with its current insurance provider or with one or more new providers) with respect to the
operation of the Company, MVRSL and the Subsidiaries prior to the Closing (including, without
limitation, directors and officers insurance and errors and omissions insurance) which is not
materially less favorable than the insurance coverage PRG has therefor as of the Closing.
(b) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.8, upon the request of Purchaser in each
instance, PRG shall make and pursue a claim under such Insurance for the benefit of the Company,
MVRSL or any Subsidiary relating to any event occurring prior to the Closing giving rise to a
liability of the Company, MVRSL or any Subsidiary and in respect of which a claim under such
insurance could reasonably be made. PRG shall keep Purchaser reasonably apprised as to the status
of any such claim, shall cooperate with Purchaser in good faith in connection with the pursuit of
any such claim, and shall promptly pay any net insurance proceeds received by it with respect to
any such claim to Purchaser.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary: (i) Purchaser shall,
within thirty (30) days after receipt of an invoice therefor from PRG, reimburse PRG for the
portion of any insurance premium paid by PRG to maintain the insurance coverage contemplated by
subsection (a) above (as reasonably determined by PRG’s corresponding insurance provider); (ii)
Purchaser’s rights under this Section 5.8 are subject to the relevant terms of the underlying
policies (including, without limitation, applicable deductibles); (iii) Purchaser shall, within
thirty (30) days after receipt of an invoice therefor from PRG, reimburse PRG for all reasonable
costs incurred by PRG in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Section 5.8;
and (iv) PRG’s obligations under this Section 5.8 shall cease in the event Purchaser fails to pay
PRG any past due amounts owed by it pursuant to this subsection (c) within ten (10) days after
receipt of written notice from PRG.
5.9 Mutual Release.
(a) PRG, on behalf of itself and each entity controlled by it, hereby releases and forever
discharges and covenants not to xxx each of Purchaser, the Company, MVRSL and each Subsidiary, and
any of their respective officers or directors, from any and all claims, demands, liabilities,
rights, remedies, causes of action, damages and suits of every kind or nature, whether known or
unknown, whether or not previously asserted, which arise out of or relate to actions or omissions
occurring prior to the Closing; provided, however, this release shall not apply to any breach of
this Agreement or the Purchaser Non-Compete.
(b) Purchaser, on behalf of itself, the Company, MVRSL and each Subsidiary, hereby releases
and forever discharges and covenants not to xxx each of PRG and each entity controlled by it, and
any of their respective officers or directors, from any and all claims, demands, liabilities,
rights, remedies, causes of action, damages and suits of every kind or nature, whether known or
unknown, whether or not previously asserted, which arise out of or relate to actions or omissions
occurring prior to the Closing (including, without limitation, all obligations under any guarantees
made prior to the Closing by PRG, Seller or any other entity controlled by PRG in favor of the
Company, MVRSL or any Subsidiary); provided, however, this release shall not apply to any breach of
this Agreement or the PRG Non-Compete.
(c) Effective as of the Closing, all agreements (other than this Agreement, the Novation
Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreements, the Letter Agreement, any agreements between PRG and any
Company Director with respect to the payment of a retention bonus and any other agreements entered
into pursuant to this Agreement) in existence between Purchaser, the Company, any Company Director,
MVRSL or any Subsidiary, on one hand, and PRG, Seller or any other entity controlled by PRG, on the
other hand, are terminated and no such agreement shall have any further force or effect.
ARTICLE 6
INDEMNIFICATION
INDEMNIFICATION
6.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. Notwithstanding anything else
contained herein to the contrary, the representations and warranties made in this Agreement shall
survive the Closing for a period of eighteen (18) months, and any claim for indemnification
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under this Article 6 must be made prior to the expiration of such period; provided, however, the
representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
4.4, 4.5 and 4.8 shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, and
the representation and warranty contained in Section 3.10 shall survive the Closing for a period of
six (6) years.
6.2 Indemnification by Seller.
(a) Subject to Section 6.1 and this Section 6.2, Seller and PRG hereby indemnify and agree to
promptly defend and hold harmless Purchaser from and against any and all costs, expenses
(including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and court costs), judgments, penalties, fines,
damages, losses and liabilities (collectively, “Losses”) incurred by it resulting from or arising
out of: (i) any breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller or PRG in this Agreement;
and (ii) any breach of any covenant or agreement of Seller or PRG contained in this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the aggregate liability of
Seller and PRG pursuant to Section 6.2(a) shall not exceed an amount equal to seventy-five percent
(75%) of the Total Purchase Price actually paid by Purchaser.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, neither Seller nor PRG
shall have any liability to Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.2(a) unless and until the aggregate
amount of all Losses for which Purchaser is entitled to indemnification thereunder exceeds
EUR350,000, in which event Purchaser shall be entitled to recover all of such Losses and not just
the excess thereof (subject to the other provisions of this Agreement); provided, however, that the
representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.7 shall not be
subject to the limitations of this Section 6.2(c).
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, Purchaser shall not be
entitled to make any claim for Losses pursuant to Section 6.2(a) (or to apply any such claim
against the amount set forth in Section 6.2(c)) unless the amount of such claim exceeds EUR35,000);
provided, however, the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5
and 3.7 shall not be subject to the limitations of this Section 6.2(d). Where a series of claims
relate to or arise from the same event or matter, such claims shall be treated as a single claim
for purposes of this Section 6.2(d).
(e) Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the amount of any Losses
recoverable by Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.2(a) shall be net of: (i) any insurance proceeds
and recoveries from third parties actually received by (or otherwise in the ordinary course of
business available to) Purchaser with respect to the underlying claims therefor; and (ii) any net
Tax savings actually realized by (or otherwise in the ordinary course of business available to)
Purchaser with respect to the underlying claims therefor.
(f) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 6.2, in the event Purchaser delivers a
claim for indemnification pursuant to this Article 6 (a “Claim”) to Seller in writing and a payment
required by Sections 1.2(b), (c) or (d) becomes due before such Claim is resolved
12
pursuant to this Agreement, then the amount of such Claim shall be deducted from the amount of the
payment required by Section 1.2(b), (c) or (d), as the case may be. If Seller disputes all or any
portion of such Claim, then Purchaser shall pay the disputed portion thereof (not to exceed the
total amount of the payment due from Purchaser) into escrow in accordance with this Section 6.2(f)
on or before the due date for the payment required by Section 1.2(b), (c) or (d), as the case may
be. Any such escrow arrangement shall be with a bank designated by Seller serving as escrow agent,
shall contain such bank’s normal and customary terms of escrow, and shall provide that the escrowed
amounts shall only be released in accordance with written instructions signed by both Purchaser and
Seller or as directed in any applicable court order. Each of Purchaser and Seller hereby agree to
execute and deliver written instructions to any such escrow agent consistent with the final
resolution of the dispute in accordance with this Agreement.
6.3 Indemnification by Purchaser. Subject to Section 6.1, Purchaser hereby
indemnifies and agrees to promptly defend and hold harmless Seller and PRG from and against any and
all Losses incurred by it resulting from or arising out of: (a) any breach of any representation
or warranty made by Purchaser in this Agreement; (b) any breach of any covenant or agreement of
Purchaser contained in this Agreement; and (c) any guarantees made prior to the Closing by PRG,
Seller or any entity controlled by PRG in favor of a third party with respect to any obligation of
the Company, MVRSL or any Subsidiary.
6.4 Administration of Third Party Claims.
(a) Whenever any claim shall arise for indemnification under this Article 6, the Party
entitled to indemnification (the “Indemnified Party”) shall promptly notify the other Party or
Parties (the “Indemnifying Party”) of the claim and, when known, the facts constituting the basis
for such claim. In the event of any claim for indemnification hereunder resulting from or in
connection with any claim or legal proceeding by a person who is not a party to this Agreement (a
“Third Party Claim”), such notice shall also specify, if known, the amount or a good faith estimate
of the amount of the Losses arising therefrom. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Indemnified
Party fails to provide such timely notice, such failure will not relieve the Indemnifying Party of
its obligations under this Article 6 unless (and then only to the extent that) the Indemnifying
Party is materially prejudiced as a result of such failure or delay.
(b) The Indemnified Party shall not settle or compromise or voluntarily enter into any binding
agreement to settle or compromise, or consent to entry of any judgment arising from, any such claim
or proceeding except in accordance with this Section. With respect to any Third Party Claim, the
Indemnifying Party shall undertake the defense thereof by representatives of its own choosing and
shall have the right to compromise or settle such Third Party Claim at its expense. The
Indemnified Party or any other Party shall have the right to participate in any such defense of a
Third Party Claim with advisory counsel of its own choosing at its own expense. Assuming it has
received reasonably adequate advance notice of a covered claim, in the event the Indemnifying
Party, after two-thirds of the period for the presentation of a defense against any such Third
Party Claim, fails to begin to diligently defend it (or at any time thereafter ceases to diligently
defend it), the Indemnified Party will have the right to undertake the defense, compromise or
settlement of such Third Party Claim on behalf of, and for the account of, the Indemnifying Party,
at the expense and risk of the Indemnifying Party.
13
6.5 Exclusive Remedy. Each Party’s rights of indemnification contained in this
Article 6 shall be its exclusive remedy for any claims of any breach of or other cause of action of
any type arising under or as a result of this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or
the negotiations and actions leading hereto.
6.6 No Consequential Damages. Neither Party shall have any liability hereunder to the
other Party or to any other person or entity for any consequential or indirect damages.
6.7 Subrogation. In the event an Indemnifying Party pays an Indemnified Party’s
Losses pursuant to this Article 6, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to the rights the
Indemnified Party has against any third party with respect thereto (and, upon the reasonable
request of the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall take appropriate actions necessary
to transfer and assign such rights to the Indemnifying Party).
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1
Notices.
(a) All notices, consents, requests and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be sent by hand delivery, by certified or registered mail (return-receipt requested), or by a
recognized national overnight courier service as set forth below:
If to Seller or PRG: | PRG-Xxxxxxx International, Inc. | |||
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||||
Xxxxx 000 | ||||
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 | ||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||||
Attention: General Counsel | ||||
with a copy to: | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq. | |||
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP | ||||
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. | ||||
Xxxxx 0000 | ||||
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000-0000 | ||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||||
and a copy to: | Xxxx Xxxxx, Esq. | |||
A&L Goodbody | ||||
International Financial Services Xxxxxx | ||||
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx | ||||
Xxxxxx 0 | ||||
Xxxxxxx |
14
If to Purchaser: | Averio Holdings Limited | |||
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxx | ||||
Xxxxxxxx, | ||||
Xxxxxx 00 | ||||
Ireland | ||||
Attention: Xxxx X’Xxxxxxx | ||||
with a copy to: | Xxxxxxx Meghen, Esq./Xxxx Xxxxxx, Esq. | |||
Xxxxxx Xxx | ||||
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||||
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||||
Xxxxxx 0 | ||||
Xxxxxxx |
(b) Notices delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) shall be deemed given: (i) at the time
delivered, if personally delivered; (ii) at the time received, if mailed; and (iii) two (2)
business day after timely delivery to the courier, if by overnight courier service.
(c) Any Party hereto may change the address to which notice is to be sent by written notice to
the other Parties in accordance with this Section 7.1.
7.2
Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Non-Competition Agreements
and the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning
the subject matter hereof among the Parties and specifically supersedes any other agreement or
understanding among the Parties related to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the
letter agreements regarding confidentiality between Seller, on the one hand, and each of Purchaser,
Xxx Xxxx and Xxx Xxxxx, on the other hand, as each such letter is dated September 28, 2006,
September 29, 2006 and September 29, 2006, respectively, shall remain in full force and effect.
7.3
Waiver; Amendment. No waiver, termination or discharge of this Agreement, or any
of the terms or provisions hereof, shall be binding upon any Party unless confirmed in writing by
it. No waiver by any Party of any term or provision of this Agreement or of any default hereunder
shall affect such Party’s rights thereafter to enforce such term or provision or to exercise any
right or remedy in the event of any other default, whether or not similar. This Agreement may not
be modified or amended except by a writing executed by all Parties.
7.4
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held void, voidable, invalid or
inoperative, no other provision of this Agreement shall be affected as a result thereof, and,
accordingly, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as
though such void, voidable, invalid or inoperative provision had not been contained herein.
7.5
Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America. The
Parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia and of any Georgia state court sitting in Atlanta for the purposes of all legal
15
proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement. In addition, each Party hereby
irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection it may now or hereafter
have to the venue of any such proceeding which is brought in any such court.
7.6
Assignment. No Party may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of the other Parties, and any attempted assignment not in accordance herewith shall
be null and void and of no force or effect.
7.7
Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
7.8
Headings. The titles, captions and headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for
convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
7.9
Reference with Agreement. Numbered or lettered articles, sections, paragraphs,
subsections, schedules and exhibits herein contained refer to articles, sections, paragraphs,
subsections, schedules and exhibits of this Agreement unless otherwise expressly stated. The words
“herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” “hereby,” “this Agreement” and other similar references shall be
construed to mean and include this Agreement and all amendments to it unless the context shall
clearly indicate or require otherwise.
7.10
Interpretation. This Agreement shall not be construed more strictly against any Party
hereto regardless of which Party is responsible for its preparation, it being agreed that this
Agreement was fully negotiated by all Parties.
7.11
Definition of Knowledge.
(a) Any reference in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto to
Seller’s “knowledge” (whether to “the best of” Seller’s knowledge or other similar expressions
relating to the knowledge or awareness of Seller) means the actual knowledge of Xxxxx XxXxxxx,
Xxxxx Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxxx as of the date of this Agreement.
(b) Subject to Section 4.6, any reference in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered
pursuant hereto to Purchaser’s “knowledge” (whether to “the best of” Purchaser’s knowledge or other
similar expressions relating to the knowledge or awareness of Purchaser) means the actual knowledge
of any Company Director as of the date of this Agreement and all matters any Company Director
reasonably would have been expected to know in the ordinary course of performance of his duties as
an officer, director or employee of the Company prior to the Closing.
7.12 Further Assurances. Upon the reasonable request of any other Party, each Party
agrees to take any and all actions, including, without limitation, the execution of certificates,
documents or instruments, necessary or appropriate to give effect to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge
and agree that the Company, MVRSL and the Subsidiaries, in the ordinary course
16
of their business, use the services of Transporters VAT Reclaim Limited and Meridian VAT
Trustees Limited (together, the “Trust Companies”) and that, upon the reasonable request of
Purchaser, PRG and Seller shall take any and all actions necessary to enable the Company, MVRSL and
the Subsidiaries to continue to use the services of the Trust Companies in the same manner after
the Closing; provided, however, Purchaser shall pay any and all reasonable costs incurred by PRG or
Seller in connection therewith.
7.13
Counterparts; Fax Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall
constitute the same Agreement. Any signature page of any such counterpart, or any electronic
facsimile thereof, may be attached or appended to any other counterpart to complete a fully
executed counterpart of this Agreement, and any telecopy or other facsimile transmission of any
signature shall be deemed an original and shall bind such Party.
[Signatures Appear on the Following Page]
17
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused their respective duly authorized
representatives to execute this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
“Seller” | ||||||
MERIDIAN CORPORATION LIMITED | ||||||
By: Title: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||||
“PRG” | ||||||
PRG-XXXXXXX INTERNATIONAL, INC. | ||||||
By: Title: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|||||
“Purchaser” | ||||||
AVERIO HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||||||
By: Title: |
/s/ Xxxx X’Xxxxxxx
|
18
EXHIBIT A
Subsidiaries
Name | Jurisdiction | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim, Inc. |
Delaware, USA | |
Meridian VAT Processing (N. America) Limited |
Ireland | |
Meridian VAT Processing (International) Limited |
Ireland | |
Meridian VAT Processing (Japan) Limited |
Ireland | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim Canada, Inc. |
Ontario, Canada | |
VATClaim International (Ireland) Limited |
Ireland | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim France, S.A.R.L. |
France | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim Hong Kong Limited |
Hong Kong | |
Meridian, Inc. |
Japan | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim (India) Private Limited |
India | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim (UK) Limited |
United Kingdom | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim (Schweiz) AG |
Switzerland | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim GmbH |
Germany | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim Korea Co. Limited |
Korea | |
Meridian VAT Reclaim (Australia) Pty. Limited |
Australia | |
Vatclaim International (UK) Limited |
United Kingdom | |
Meridian Sverige AB* |
Sweden |
* | Meridian VAT Processing (International) Limited owns 80% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Meridian Sverige. The remaining 20% are owned by one or more unaffiliated entities. |
EXHIBIT B
Intercompany Debt
Description | Amount | |||
Loan to
PRGFS from Meridian VAT Reclaim, Inc.— Principal |
EUR | (694,666 | ) | |
Loan to
PRGFS from Meridian VAT Reclaim, Inc.—Interest |
EUR | (69,896 | ) | |
Health
Benefits — Meridian VAT Reclaim, Inc. to PRGI |
EUR | 12,582 | ||
Cross Charges from PRGI to Meridian |
EUR | (36,107 | ) | |
PRG UK payable to Meridian for Profit Improvement Center |
EUR | (2,168,801 | ) | |
PRGI Management Fee charge to Meridian |
EUR | 750,802 | ||
XX Xxxxx payable to Meridian VAT Reclaim, Inc. |
EUR | (162,313 | ) | |
Net Amount |
EUR | (2,368,399 | ) |