MASTER CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT by and among GENIUS PRODUCTS, INC., THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY LLC AND THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY HOLDINGS LLC Dated as of December 5, 2005
Exhibit
2.1
by
and
among
GENIUS
PRODUCTS, INC.,
THE
XXXXXXXXX COMPANY LLC
AND
THE
XXXXXXXXX COMPANY HOLDINGS LLC
Dated
as
of December 5, 2005
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
|
||
ARTICLE
I.
|
CONTRIBUTIONS;
CLOSING
|
2
|
1.1
|
Contribution
by Genius
|
2
|
1.2
|
Assets
and Liabilities of Distributor
|
6
|
1.3
|
Consideration
for Contributions
|
6
|
1.4
|
Closing
|
7
|
1.5
|
Creation
of New Distributor
|
7
|
ARTICLE
II.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF TWC
|
7
|
2.1
|
Organization
and Qualification; Subsidiaries
|
7
|
2.2
|
Authority
|
8
|
2.3
|
Governmental
Approvals
|
8
|
2.4
|
Conflicts
|
8
|
2.5
|
Litigation
|
9
|
2.6
|
Compliance
with Applicable Law; Permits
|
9
|
2.7
|
Brokers
|
9
|
2.8
|
The
Distributor
|
9
|
2.9
|
Disclosure
|
10
|
ARTICLE
III.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF GENIUS
|
10
|
3.1
|
Organization
and Qualification; Subsidiaries
|
10
|
3.2
|
Capitalization
|
11
|
3.3
|
Authority
|
12
|
3.4
|
SEC
Reports; Financial Statements
|
13
|
3.5
|
No
Undisclosed Liabilities
|
14
|
3.6
|
Absence
of Changes
|
14
|
3.7
|
Governmental
Approvals
|
15
|
3.8
|
Conflicts
|
16
|
3.9
|
Litigation
|
16
|
3.10
|
Compliance
with Applicable Law; Permits
|
16
|
3.11
|
Tax
Matters
|
17
|
3.12
|
Trademarks
and Intellectual Property Rights
|
18
|
i
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||
3.13
|
Material
Contracts.
|
18
|
3.14
|
Brokers
|
19
|
3.15
|
Licenses.
|
19
|
3.16
|
Library
Rights
|
20
|
3.17
|
Insurance
|
21
|
3.18
|
Employee
Matters; ERISA
|
22
|
3.19
|
Labor
Matters
|
24
|
3.20
|
Title
to Properties
|
24
|
3.21
|
Opinion
of Financial Advisor
|
25
|
3.22
|
Restrictions
on Business Activities
|
25
|
3.23
|
Environmental
Matters
|
25
|
3.24
|
Sarbanes
Oxley; Internal Accounting Controls
|
25
|
3.25
|
Listing
and Maintenance Requirements
|
26
|
3.26
|
Application
of Takeover Protections
|
26
|
3.27
|
Disclosure
|
26
|
3.28
|
Equity
Financing
|
27
|
3.29
|
Affiliate
Contracts and Affiliated Transactions
|
27
|
3.30
|
Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act
|
27
|
ARTICLE
IV.
|
PRE-CLOSING
COVENANTS
|
27
|
4.1
|
Conduct
of Business by TWC
|
27
|
4.2
|
Conduct
of Business by Genius
|
28
|
4.3
|
Exclusive
Dealing Agreements.
|
31
|
4.4
|
Certain
Notifications
|
34
|
4.5
|
Updating
Disclosure Letters
|
35
|
4.6
|
Access
to Information
|
35
|
4.7
|
Best
Efforts
|
35
|
4.8
|
Distributor
|
35
|
ARTICLE
V.
|
ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS
|
36
|
5.1
|
Conversion
of AVM into LLC
|
36
|
5.2
|
Proxy
Statement
|
36
|
ii
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||
5.3
|
Stockholders’
Meeting
|
36
|
5.4
|
Public
Disclosures
|
37
|
5.5
|
Closing
Capitalization Schedule
|
37
|
5.6
|
Contingent
Dividend Right
|
37
|
ARTICLE
VI.
|
CONDITIONS
TO CLOSING
|
38
|
6.1
|
Conditions
to Genius’ Obligation to Close
|
38
|
6.2
|
Conditions
to TWC’s Obligation to Close
|
39
|
6.3
|
Conditions
to Obligations of Each Party to Close
|
41
|
ARTICLE
VII.
|
TERMINATION
|
41
|
7.1
|
Circumstances
for Termination
|
41
|
7.2
|
Effect
of Termination
|
43
|
7.3
|
Fees
for Termination
|
43
|
ARTICLE
VIII.
|
INDEMNIFICATION
|
44
|
8.1
|
Survival
of Covenants, Representations and Warranties
|
44
|
8.2
|
Indemnification
by TWC
|
44
|
8.3
|
Indemnification
by Genius
|
45
|
8.4
|
Procedures
for Indemnification
|
45
|
8.5
|
Limitations
on Indemnification
|
45
|
8.6
|
Remedies
Cumulative
|
46
|
ARTICLE
IX.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
|
46
|
9.1
|
Expenses
|
46
|
9.2
|
Attorneys’
Fees
|
46
|
9.3
|
Further
Assurances
|
47
|
9.4
|
Entire
Agreement
|
47
|
9.5
|
Amendment,
Waivers and Consents
|
47
|
9.6
|
Successors
and Assigns
|
47
|
9.7
|
Governing
Law
|
47
|
9.8
|
Rules
of Construction
|
48
|
9.9
|
Severability
|
48
|
9.10
|
Exhibits
|
48
|
9.11
|
Notices
|
48
|
iii
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||
9.12
|
Rights
of Parties
|
49
|
9.13
|
Counterparts
|
49
|
iv
EXHIBITS
Exhibits
Exhibit A
|
Certain
Definitions
|
Exhibit
B
|
Form
of Voting Agreement
|
Exhibit
C
|
Form
of Assignment and Assumption Agreement
|
Exhibit
D
|
Form
of Video Distribution Agreement
|
Exhibit
E
|
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement
|
Exhibit
F
|
Form
of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement
|
Exhibit
G
|
Form
of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Genius
|
Exhibit
H
|
Form
of Services Agreement
|
v
THIS
MASTER CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”)
is
entered into as of December 5, 2005, by and among Genius Products, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (“Genius”),
The
Xxxxxxxxx Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TWC”),
and
The Xxxxxxxxx Company Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
“Distributor”).
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement are defined in
Exhibit A
hereto.
RECITALS
A. Genius
and the Distributor wish to provide for the terms and conditions of a
transaction in which Genius and the Distributor will contribute certain assets
and rights to the Distributor. At the Closing, Genius will contribute
substantially all of its assets and certain liabilities to the Distributor
(whose sole asset prior to such contribution will be home video distribution
rights with respect to certain entertainment properties of TWC pursuant to
the
Video Distribution Agreement), and as a result thereof Genius and the other
members of the Distributor will have specified membership interests in the
Distributor as set forth herein.
B. The
Board
of Directors of Genius has unanimously approved this Agreement and has
determined that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are expedient
and for the best interests of Genius.
C. On
or
prior to the execution of this Agreement, (i) certain stockholders of Genius
have entered into an agreement with TWC to vote their shares in favor of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B;
(ii)
each of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and certain
other individuals agreed to by the parties have executed employment agreements
with the Distributor, or amendments to their existing employment agreements
with
Genius, effective upon the Closing (the “New
Employment Agreements”);
and
(iii) Genius has received and provided copies to TWC of binding commitments,
subject only to certain conditions, to receive and have available to Genius
a
gross amount (prior to reasonable fees, expenses and commissions related
thereto) of not less than $32 million in cash from new equity financing from
the
issuance of additional shares of Genius Common Stock, with the proceeds of
those
financings available and contributed to the Distributor prior to or concurrently
with the Closing (the “Financing
Commitments”).
Accordingly,
and in consideration of the foregoing and the representation, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1
ARTICLE
I.
CONTRIBUTIONS; CLOSING
1.1 Contribution
by Genius.
(a) Transferred
Assets.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Genius
shall
sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver to the Distributor all of its right,
title and interest in, to and under all of the assets, properties, goodwill
and
rights of Genius, other than the Excluded Assets, as the same may exist
immediately prior to the Closing, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other
than
Permitted Encumbrances (the “Transferred
Assets”),
including without limitation the following:
(i) All
cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of Genius, other than (A)
an
amount of cash equal to (1) the aggregate amount of Excluded Liabilities which
are reserved, reflected or accrued on the September 30 Balance Sheet or which
have been reserved by Genius in the ordinary course of its business after
September 30, 2005, which Excluded Liabilities and reserves are listed on
Section 1.1(a)(i) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, less
(2) amounts paid by Genius from such reserves listed on Section 1.1(a)(i) of
the
Genius Disclosure Letter in satisfaction of such Excluded Liabilities prior
to
the Closing Date, (B) an amount of cash, not to exceed $1.0 million, equal
to
the aggregate amount received by Genius after the date hereof and prior to
the
Closing Date from the exercise or conversion of options, warrants or convertible
instruments, plus (C) an amount of cash equal to $1.0 million to be used solely
to pay expenses of Genius;
(ii) All
accounts and notes receivable, checks and negotiable instruments owned by
Genius;
(iii) All
inventory of products and all raw materials, work in process and finished goods
owned by Genius;
(iv) All
personal property, office furnishings, supplies and other tangible personal
property owned by Genius;
(v) All
rights in real estate leases to which Genius is a party, together with all
of
the right, title and interest of Genius in all land, buildings, structures,
easements, appurtenances, improvements (including construction in progress)
and
fixtures located thereon;
(vi) All
rights in leases of personal property to which Genius is a party;
(vii) All
Genius Intellectual Property Rights;
(viii) All
performance and other bonds, security and other deposits, advance payments,
prepaid credits and deferred charges of Genius;
(ix) All
rights under any and all contracts, agreements or commitments to which Genius
is
a party;
2
(x) To
the extent transfer is permitted by applicable law, all licenses, permits and
orders issued by any Governmental Authority;
(xi) All
insurance claims, rights to any insurance proceeds and other similar claims
of
Genius;
(xii) All
books, records, files, invoices, data bases, computer programs, manuals and
other materials (in any form or medium), including, without limitation, sales
and promotional materials, personnel records, accounting records, sales order
files and supplier lists;
(xiii) All
goodwill generated by or associated with the business of Genius and the Genius
Subsidiaries; and
(xiv) All
outstanding equity interests in Genius’s subsidiary, American Vantage Media
Corporation, a Nevada corporation (“AVM”),
or its successor entity after conversion to a limited liability company pursuant
to Section 5.1.
(b) Excluded
Assets.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, Genius will retain and not contribute, convey, assign or transfer,
and
the Distributor will not acquire, the following (collectively, the “Excluded
Assets”):
(i) Corporate
seals, certificates of incorporation,
minute
books, stock transfer records or other records related
to the
corporate organization of Genius;
(ii) The
claims, demands, rights or causes of action described on Section 1.1(b)(ii)
of
the Genius Disclosure Letter, and any cash, assets or other property recovered
by Genius therefrom;
(iii) Any
recovery of cash, assets or other property received by Genius that represents
a
return of or on any amounts or obligations previously paid or incurred by Genius
in connection with any
Excluded
Liability, including without limitation (A) recovery of costs, legal fees and
penalties in an Action or Legal Proceeding constituting an Excluded Liability,
(B) recovery from appeal of an Action or Legal Proceeding constituting an
Excluded Liability, and (C) claims initiated by Genius arising from an Excluded
Liability to the extent such recovery reimburses Genius’s out-of-pocket expenses
related thereto incurred after Closing;
(iv) (A)
Benefit plans and contracts of insurance of Genius for employee group medical,
dental and life insurance plans and (B) all insurance policies of Genius, to
the
extent that the parties mutually agree that any such items should not be
transferred to the Distributor, and subject to the obligation of the Distributor
to reimburse Genius for the costs thereof as provided in the Services Agreement,
to the extent that the Distributor receives the benefits of these plans,
contracts and policies; and
(v) All
rights of Genius under this Agreement and the other Transaction
Agreements.
3
(c) Excluded
Liabilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, Genius will, without any responsibility or recourse to Distributor,
any of its affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, members,
shareholders, officers, employees, agents, consultants, representatives,
successors or assigns, absolutely and irrevocably be and shall remain solely
liable for, and Genius is not assigning, transferring or setting over to the
Distributor, and the Distributor is not assuming, and shall not be deemed to
have assumed, any of the burdens, obligations or liabilities of Genius or any
Genius Subsidiary (including any unknown, undisclosed, unmatured, unaccrued,
unasserted, contingent, indirect, conditional, implied, vicarious, derivative,
joint, several or secondary liability) (collectively, the “Excluded
Liabilities”),
unless the terms of this Agreement specifically state that such liability or
obligation shall transfer to or be the responsibility of the Distributor,
including, without limitation:
(i) all
liabilities and obligations of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries arising out
of
the ownership or operation of the business of Genius and its Subsidiaries or
the
ownership, use, possession or condition of the Transferred Assets prior to
the
Closing, other than (A) those which have been reserved, reflected or accrued
on
the September 30 Balance Sheet, (B) those arising after the date of the
September 30 Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business of Genius and
the
Genius Subsidiaries in connection with activities permitted by Section 4.2
hereof (but not including any liabilities described in Sections 1.1(c)(ii)
or
(iii) below), and (C) those arising under any contract,
agreement or commitment which is being assigned to the Distributor hereunder
other than liabilities or obligations relating
to any breach thereof by Genius or the other parties thereto occurring prior
to
the Closing;
(ii) all
liabilities and obligations arising out of any violation or alleged violation
by
Genius or any Genius Subsidiary of any Legal Requirement prior to, on or
following the Closing, whether or not reserved, reflected or accrued on the
September 30 Balance Sheet, except for (A) such liabilities and obligations
arising out of any violation or alleged violation by the Distributor or any
of
its subsidiaries on or following the Closing or (B) such liabilities and
obligations of the Distributor or any of its subsidiaries arising out of the
Transaction Agreements or any of the transactions contemplated thereby;
(iii) all
liabilities and obligations arising out of any Action or Legal Proceeding
commenced against Genius or any Genius Subsidiary on or prior to the Closing,
and any Action or Legal Proceeding commenced following the Closing against
Genius or any Genius Subsidiary to the extent relating to any transactions,
events or other circumstances of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary occurring
or
existing on or prior to the Closing, whether or not reserved, reflected or
accrued on the September 30 Balance Sheet, and whether or not such Actions
or
Legal Proceedings are identified on the Genius Disclosure Letter;
(iv) all
liabilities and obligations of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary arising out
of
the Excluded Assets, other than prospective liabilities arising after the
Closing under Genius’s employee benefit plans;
4
(v) with
respect to contracts assignable to the Distributor as Transferred Assets but
that are not assigned as of the Closing because of (A) a failure to receive
any
necessary consent, approval or waiver of a third party, (B) because that
assignment would violate the rights of any third party in such Transferred
Asset, which violation would adversely affect the expected benefits or increase
the expected costs or liabilities to the Distributor under the Transferred
Asset, or (C) otherwise affect adversely the rights of the Distributor in the
Transferred Asset (together, the “Unassigned
Contracts”),
all
amounts by which the aggregate value of the benefit that would otherwise be
received by the Distributor under the Unassigned Contracts or any portion
thereof, to the extent such amounts exceed the benefits received by the
Distributor under Alternate Arrangements, exceeds $500,000, such aggregate
value
to be calculated based on the discounted future revenues reasonably expected
to
be received under such Unassigned Contracts as of the Closing Date;
(vi) all
liabilities and obligations under or arising in connection with the Financing
Commitments, including, without limitation, any liabilities, obligations,
damages or interest relating to Genius’s failure to file or keep effective a
registration statement with respect to, or to otherwise effect the registration
of, registrable securities pursuant to any registration rights agreement,
warrant or other agreement entered into by Genius in connection with the
Financing Commitments;
(vii) the
Registration Rights Agreement; and
(viii) burdens,
obligations or liabilities (i) of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary for Taxes
imposed with respect to all periods prior to the Closing, and (ii) of Genius
for
Taxes for all periods after the Closing, other than Taxes, if any, for which
the
Distributor is obligated to reimburse Genius pursuant to the Services Agreement.
(d) Assumed
Liabilities.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, effective at the Closing, Genius
shall assign, sell, transfer and set over to the Distributor all of Genius’s
right, title, benefit, privileges and interest in and to, and all of its
burdens, obligations and liabilities (i) to the extent reserved, reflected
or
accrued on the September 30 Balance Sheet, (ii) under the Transferred Assets
that relate to periods after the Closing, (iii) arising after the date of the
September 30 Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business of Genius and
the
Genius Subsidiaries in connection with activities permitted by Section 4.2
hereof (but not including any liabilities described in Sections 1.1(c)(ii)
or
(iii), which shall remain Excluded Liabilities) or (iv) arising under any
contract,
agreement or commitment which is being assigned to the Distributor hereunder
other than burdens, liabilities or obligations relating
to any breach thereof occurring prior to the Closing (the “Assumed
Liabilities”).
(e) Assignment
and Assumption from Genius.
At the
Closing, Genius and the Distributor shall enter into a General Assignment and
Assumption Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
C
(the
“Assignment
Agreement”).
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if an attempted sale,
assignment, transfer or delivery of any Transferred Asset under the Assignment
Agreement would be ineffective without the consent or waiver of any third party,
or if such an act would violate the rights of any third party in any Transferred
Asset or otherwise affect adversely the rights of the Distributor in any
Transferred Asset, and the applicable consent or waiver has not been obtained
on
or prior to the Closing, then the Assignment Agreement shall not constitute
an
actual or attempted sale, assignment, transfer or delivery with respect to
such
Transferred Asset (each, a “Restricted
Asset”).
Unless and until any such consent or waiver is obtained, such Restricted Asset
shall not constitute a Transferred Asset and any associated liability shall
not
constitute an Assumed Liability for any purpose hereunder. In any such case,
if
the Closing has occurred, Genius shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain,
as
soon as practicable, such consent or waiver. The Distributor shall cooperate
reasonably with Genius in obtaining such consents and waivers. Until any such
consent or waiver shall have been obtained, Genius shall at the Distributor’s
expense effect an alternate arrangement (an “Alternate
Arrangement”),
in
the form of a license, sublease, operating agreement or other arrangement,
in
any case reasonably satisfactory to the Distributor, which results in the
Distributor receiving all the benefits and bearing all the ordinary course
costs, liabilities and other obligations with respect to each Restricted Asset.
5
1.2 Assets
and Liabilities of Distributor. Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing (and prior to
the
contributions described in Section 1.1), the Distributor shall ensure that
(a) Distributor shall hold no assets other than the
home
video distribution rights with respect to certain entertainment properties
of
TWC evidenced by the Video Distribution Agreement substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit D
(the
“Video
Distribution Agreement”),
and
(b) Distributor shall have or be subject to no liabilities other than arising
under the Distribution Agreement or this Agreement, provided that to the extent
assets or liabilities cannot be transferred, the Distributor may enter into
alternate arrangements similar to those contemplated by Section 1.1(e) with
respect to Genius.
1.3 Consideration
for Contributions.
(a) In
exchange for, and in consideration of, the contribution by Genius pursuant
to
Section 1.1 above, at the Closing, the Distributor shall issue, and Genius
shall receive, such number of Class G Units of the Distributor equal in
number to thirty percent (30%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Genius
as
of the Closing, giving effect to (i) the shares of Genius Common Stock issued
or
to be issued in connection with the Financing Commitments, and (ii) any shares
of Genius Common Stock issuable upon the repurchase or redemption of Class
W
Units as of the Closing pursuant to the terms of the Limited Liability Company
Agreement (assuming all Class W Units are redeemed or repurchased for Genius
Common Stock), which Class G Units shall represent a thirty percent (30%)
equity interest in the Distributor as of the Closing.
(b) At
the
Closing, the members of the Distributor (other than Genius) shall own in the
aggregate such number of Class W Units of the Distributor equal in number
to seventy percent (70%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Genius as
of
the Closing, giving effect to (i) the shares of Genius Common Stock issued
or to
be issued in connection with the Financing Commitments and (ii) any shares
of
Genius Common Stock issuable upon the repurchase or redemption of Class W Units
as of the Closing pursuant to the terms of the Limited Liability Company
Agreement (assuming all Class W Units are redeemed or repurchased for Genius
Common Stock), which Class W Units shall represent a seventy percent (70%)
equity interest in the Distributor as of the Closing.
(c) On
and
after the Closing, the rights, preferences and privileges of the Class G
Units and Class W Units, including the economic, voting and other rights
associated therewith, shall be as set forth in the form of Amended and Restated
Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Distributor attached hereto as
Exhibit F (the “Limited
Liability Company Agreement”).
6
(d) The
contributions by Genius described
in Section 1.1 of this Agreement is intended to constitute a nontaxable
contribution described in Section 721 of the Code. The video distribution rights
described in Section 1.2 are intended to be treated for tax purposes as having
been previously held, and were retained by, the Distributor in connection with
the prior restructuring of its assets; provided, however, that (i) in the event
the Internal Revenue Service were to successfully assert that the Video
Distribution Agreement was the subject of a transfer to the Distributor (or
other entity) for tax purposes, or (ii) in the event TWC elects to cause the
Video Distribution Agreement (or the rights granted thereunder) to be
contributed to New Distributor pursuant to Section 1.5 below, in either case
such transfer would also be intended to constitute a nontaxable contribution
under Section 721 of the Code. None of the parties hereto shall take, or permit
any of its affiliates to take, any position (orally or in writing) in connection
with any tax return or proceeding or for any other tax purpose that is
inconsistent with the tax positions described herein,
except to the extent required to do so pursuant to a “final determination,”
within the meaning of Section 1313 of the Code.
1.4 Closing.
The
closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”)
will
take place as soon as practicable at a time and on a date to be specified by
the
parties (the “Closing
Date”),
which
shall be no later than the first business day after satisfaction or waiver
of
the conditions set forth in Article VI (other than those conditions that by
their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment
or waiver of those conditions), at the offices of Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx
LLP,
000
Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, or at such other
time, date or place as agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.
Effective as of the Closing or as soon as practical thereafter, the name of
the
Distributor will be changed to “Genius Products, LLC”, or such other name that
is mutually agreed by Genius and TWC.
1.5 Creation
of New Distributor.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, at TWC’s election
prior to the Closing (the “New
Distributor Election”),
TWC
may cause Genius to make the contributions described in Section 1.1 to a newly
formed Delaware limited liability company (“New
Distributor”),
TWC
will contribute or cause to be contributed to the New Distributor the Video
Distribution Agreement and the ownership of New Distributor will be as provided
in Section 1.3 of this Agreement with the contributor of the Distribution
Agreement receiving the Class W Units described therein, and such changes shall
be made to this Agreement as the context shall require (and the parties will
cooperate to take such actions as are necessary to implement such changes),
and
TWC shall not be required to indemnify the New Distributor for any Excluded
Distributor Liabilities as provided in Section 8.2.
ARTICLE
II.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TWC
Except
as
specifically set forth in the sections and subparagraphs of the letter, dated
as
of the date of this Agreement, from TWC to Genius, corresponding to the
individual Section numbers and subparagraphs of this Article II (the
“TWC
Disclosure Letter”),
TWC
hereby represents and warrants to Genius as follows:
2.1 Organization
and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) TWC
is a
limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the applicable Legal Requirements of the jurisdiction of its organization
and has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to own,
lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted.
7
(b) TWC
is
duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each
jurisdiction in which the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature
of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary,
except where the failure to be so duly qualified or licensed and in good
standing could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TWC.
(c) TWC
has
provided to Genius accurate and complete copies of its certificate of formation
and operating agreement, as currently in effect.
2.2 Authority.
(a) TWC
has
all necessary limited liability company power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is
a
party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and
no
other proceedings on the part of TWC are necessary to authorize the Transaction
Agreements to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby. The Transaction Agreements to which TWC is a party
constitute, or will constitute when executed, duly executed and delivered,
and
valid, legal, and binding agreements of TWC, enforceable against it in
accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Legal
Requirements affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as
to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of
commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether
enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).
(b) At
meetings duly called and held, or by a duly adopted written consent, (i) the
Board of Managers of TWC, (ii) the Board of Managers of The Xxxxxxxxx Company
Funding LLC and (iii) the Board of Representatives of the Distributor, approved
this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby (together, the “TWC Approvals”), and such TWC
Approvals have not been revoked, amended, modified, withdrawn or otherwise
changed in any respect. No other approval of TWC, The Xxxxxxxxx Company Funding
LLC or the Distributor, or any of their respective members or managers, is
required under any Legal Requirement applicable to any of them or under any
of
their respective certificates of formation or operating agreement.
2.3 Governmental
Approvals.
No
filing
with or notice to, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any
Governmental Authority is necessary for the execution and delivery by TWC of
this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party or
the
consummation by TWC of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, other
than (a) compliance with any applicable requirements under the HSR Act and
(b) such other filings, notices, permits, authorizations consents and
approvals which, if not obtained or made, could not reasonably be expected
to
have a Material Adverse Effect on TWC.
2.4 Conflicts.
TWC
is
not in
violation of any term of its certificate of formation or operating agreement
(or
other similar organizational or governing instruments). Except as set forth
in
Section 2.4 of
the TWC Disclosure Letter,
the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Agreements by TWC and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby will not (a) result in any violation of or conflict with, constitute
a default under (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both), require
any consent, waiver or notice under any term of, or result in the reduction
or
loss of any benefit or the creation or acceleration of any right or obligation
(including any termination rights) under, (i) the charter, certificate or
articles of incorporation, bylaws or operating agreement (or other similar
organizational or governing instruments) of TWC, (ii) any agreement, note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, lease, permit or other obligation or right,
whether written or oral, to which TWC or any of its subsidiaries is a party
or
by which any of their assets or properties is bound or affected or
(iii) assuming compliance with the matters referred to in Section 2.3,
any applicable domestic or foreign Legal Requirements, except in the case of
clause (ii) or (iii) where any of the foregoing would not have, and could not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on TWC.
8
2.5 Litigation.
There
is
no suit, claim, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge
of TWC, threatened against or affecting TWC or any of its subsidiaries or any
of
their respective properties or assets which, if adversely determined, has had
or
could be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on TWC. Neither TWC nor any of its subsidiaries is
subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree which could
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on TWC.
2.6 Compliance
with Applicable Law; Permits.
TWC and
each of its subsidiaries hold
all
certificates, permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, and approvals
of
all Governmental Entities necessary for the lawful conduct of its business
(the
“TWC
Permits”),
except for failures to hold such certificates, permits, licenses, variances,
exemptions, orders and approvals which have not had and could not reasonably
be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect
on
TWC. TWC and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the
TWC Permits, except where the failure to comply is not reasonably expected
to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TWC. The
businesses and operations of TWC and each of its subsidiaries comply in all
respects with all Legal Requirements applicable to them, except where the
failure to so comply could not reasonably expected to have, individually or
in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TWC.
2.7 Brokers. Except
for Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co., no broker, finder, investment banker or other
person is entitled to receive from TWC or its affiliates any brokerage, finder’s
or other fee or commission or expense reimbursement in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.8 The
Distributor.
The
Distributor has been duly organized as a Delaware limited liability company
and
is validly existing and in good standing under the applicable Legal Requirements
of the jurisdiction of its formation and has all requisite limited liability
company power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as proposed to be conducted following the Closing upon
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
9
2.9 Disclosure.
(a)
TWC
has provided Genius with all the information available to it that Genius has
requested of TWC for deciding whether to enter into this Agreement and effect
the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b)
The
revised schedule of film releases as of the date hereof contained in Section
2.8
to the TWC Disclosure Letter (the “Film
Release Schedule”)
did
not as of the date hereof, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. TWC has, as of the date hereof,
cash
or cash equivalents (including certificates of deposit with maturity dates
subsequent to the date of this Agreement) on hand of no less than the amount
indicated in Section
2.8(b)
of the TWC Disclosure Letter.
(c)
There
is no fact or series of related facts known to TWC that has specific application
to TWC and that could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TWC or, as far as TWC can reasonably
foresee, that could materially adversely affect the ability of TWC to produce
or
acquire motion pictures or perform any of its obligations under this Agreement
or the Distribution Agreement.
ARTICLE
III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GENIUS
Except
as
specifically set forth in the sections and subparagraphs of the letter, dated
as
of the date of this Agreement, from Genius to TWC, corresponding to the
individual Section numbers and subparagraphs of this Article III (the
“Genius
Disclosure Letter”),
Genius hereby represents and warrants to the Distributor and TWC as follows
(where appropriate, the term “Genius” should be read to include Genius’
predecessor entity, Genius Products, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which merged
with Genius on March 3, 2005 in a transaction to change the domicile of
Genius):
3.1 Organization
and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) Genius
and the Genius Subsidiaries each is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the applicable Legal Requirements of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and
to
carry on its business as now being conducted.
(b) Genius
and the Genius Subsidiaries each is duly qualified or licensed and in good
standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the property owned, leased
or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such
qualification or licensing necessary.
(c) The
only
direct or indirect subsidiaries of Genius (each, a “Genius
Subsidiary”)
are
(i) Sanuk Corporation, a Nevada corporation, which has no active operations
and is immaterial to Genius, (ii) AVM, (iii) Wellspring Media, Inc., a
Nevada corporation, (iv) Wellspring Productions, LLC, a Nevada limited
liability company, and (v) Genius Products, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, which has no operations or assets. Except for the foregoing, Genius
does not own, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, any shares
of
capital stock or other securities of any other entity or any other investment
in
any other entity. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock and other
equity securities of the Genius Subsidiaries are owned, directly or indirectly,
by Genius free and clear of any Encumbrances.
10
(d) Genius
has provided to TWC accurate and complete copies of its certificate of
incorporation and bylaws and the charter, articles of incorporation or
organization, bylaws and operating agreement (or other similar organizational
and governing instruments) of each Genius Subsidiary, all as currently in
effect.
3.2 Capitalization.
(a) As
of the
date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Genius consists of:
(i) 100,000,000 shares
of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common
Stock”),
of which 43,834,275 shares are issued and outstanding (not including shares
of
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Financing Commitments); and
(ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share,
none of which are issued or outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable and are free of preemptive rights. There
is
no contract or other agreement, arrangement or understanding providing
preemptive rights in favor of any third party applicable in connection with
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (other than the financings to be
effected pursuant to the Financing Commitments), including, without limitation,
upon any redemption of Class W Units in exchange for Common Stock pursuant
to
the terms of the Limited Liability Company Agreement.
(b) Genius
has reserved an aggregate of 15,765,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance
to
officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to its equity incentive
plans, of which options to purchase an aggregate of 13,822,063 shares have
been
issued as of the date hereof. As of the date hereof, Genius has outstanding
(i)
options to acquire an aggregate of 6,304,205 shares of Common Stock not issued
under equity incentive plans and (ii) warrants to acquire an aggregate of
12,866,907
shares of Common Stock (not
including warrants to be issued pursuant to the Financing
Commitments).
The
foregoing option amounts do not include new options proposed to be issued under
or in connection with the New Employment Agreements as reflected therein.
(c) Except
as
set forth in this Section 3.2, as of the date hereof, there are no issued or
outstanding (i) shares of capital stock or other voting securities of
Genius; (ii) securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
capital stock or voting securities of Genius; (iii) options or other rights
to acquire, or obligations of Genius to issue, any capital stock, voting
securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock
or
voting securities of Genius; (iv) equity equivalents, interests in the
ownership or earnings of Genius, or other similar rights (including stock
appreciation rights); or (v) outstanding obligations of Genius to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any securities of either of them
(collectively, “Genius
Convertible Securities”).
Section 3.2(c) of the Genius Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete and
accurate list as of the date of this Agreement of all Genius Convertible
Securities including a summary of the material terms of thereof. Other than
the
Voting Agreements between certain stockholders of Genius and TWC each executed
by TWC on or about the date hereof, there are no stockholder agreements, voting
trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Genius is a party or
to
which it is bound relating to the voting of any shares of capital stock of
Genius. Except as disclosed in the Genius SEC Reports filed prior to the date
of
this Agreement, all outstanding shares of Common Stock and convertible
securities have been issued in compliance with state and federal securities
law.
11
(d) As
of the
Closing, the shares of Series W Preferred stock to be issued to TWC will be
duly
authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non assessable. The shares of
Common Stock issuable upon redemption of Class W Units pursuant to the Limited
Liability Company Agreement shall be, when and if issued, duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, free
of
any Encumbrance or restriction, other than restrictions provided in Genius’
certificate of incorporation, bylaws, the Securities Act and relevant state
securities or “blue sky” laws. The shares of Common Stock issued upon redemption
of Class W Units pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement will be
“Registrable Securities” as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement. Genius
will at all times reserve and keep available, solely for the issuance and
delivery upon the redemption of Class W Units, that number of authorized shares
of Common Stock, and such other stock, securities or property, as from time
to
time shall be issuable upon the redemption of all outstanding Class W Units
pursuant to the terms of the Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Class
W
Units to be issued to TWC at the Closing will be, when issued, duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non assessable membership interests of the
Distributor.
3.3 Authority.
Genius
has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, and
subject to obtaining the approval of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Agreements, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, by the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Genius Common Stock (the
“Genius
Stockholder Approval”)
to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Transaction
Agreements, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Genius is
necessary to authorize the Transaction Agreements to which it is a party or
to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Transaction
Agreements to which Genius is a party constitute, or will constitute when
executed, duly executed and delivered, and valid, legal, and binding agreements
of Genius, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
reorganization, moratorium and similar Legal Requirements affecting creditors’
rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general
principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good
faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a
proceeding at law or in equity). The directors of Genius, at a meeting duly
called and held, unanimously and duly adopted resolutions (i) approving and
declaring expedient and for the best interests of Genius this Agreement, the
Assignment Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements, and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, by this Agreement, (ii) directing that the
adoption of this Agreement be submitted to a vote at a meeting of the
stockholders of Genius and (iii) recommending that the stockholders of Genius
adopt and approve this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
12
3.4 SEC
Reports; Financial Statements.
(a)
Since
January 1, 2002, Genius has filed all forms, reports and documents (including
all annexes, exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto) with the SEC required
to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (collectively,
the “Genius
SEC Reports”),
each
of which complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements
of
the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, each as in effect on the dates such
Genius SEC Reports were filed. Except as set forth on Section 3.4(a) of the
Genius Disclosure Letter, none of the Genius SEC Reports (including all
information incorporated therein by reference) contained, when filed, any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to
be
stated or incorporated by reference therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. Except to the extent that information contained in any Genius
SEC Report has been revised or superseded by a later-filed Genius SEC Report,
none of the Genius SEC Reports contains any untrue statement of a material
fact
or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated financial statements
of
Genius included in the Genius SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this
Agreement (including all related notes) (the “Filed
Financial Statements”)
complied as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting
requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC in respect
thereof. Genius has delivered to TWC its unaudited consolidated balance sheet
and notes thereon (the “September
30 Balance Sheet”),
and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash
flows and notes thereon for the period then ended of Genius and the Genius
Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 (together with the September 30 Balance
Sheet, the “September
30 Financial Statements”).
(b)
As
of
their respective dates thereof, the Filed Financial Statements and the September
30 Financial Statements (i) were consistent with the books and records of
Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries; (ii) presented fairly and accurately in
all material respects the consolidated financial condition of Genius and the
Genius Subsidiaries and the results of operations, changes in stockholder’s
equity and cash flows of Genius and its subsidiaries for the periods covered
thereby; and (iii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods covered and in accordance with the
rules
and regulations of the SEC; provided,
that
the unaudited interim financial statements (x) may not contain all of the
footnotes required by GAAP (y) were or are subject to normal adjustments,
which were or are not expected to be material in amount and (z) should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Genius
contained in the preceding year-end report on Form 10-K.
(c)
None
of
the information included or incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement
will, at the date it is first mailed to the stockholders of Genius and at the
time of the Stockholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading. The Proxy Statement will comply
as to
form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and
the
rules and regulations thereunder, except that no representation or warranty
is
made by Genius with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference
therein consisting of information supplied by TWC in writing specifically for
inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement.
13
(d)
Genius
has received the advice of its independent public accountants or a “Big Four”
outside accounting firm that, following the Closing, the Distributor may be
consolidated with Genius for financial accounting purposes under GAAP and
applicable SEC rules and regulations.
3.5 No
Undisclosed Liabilities.
Except
as set forth in the Genius SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this
Agreement, including the financial statements contained therein, Genius has
not
incurred any liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent,
absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, other than liabilities (a)
arising in the ordinary course of business after September 30, 2005 or (b)
arising in connection with this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements and
the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
3.6 Absence
of Changes. Except
as
contemplated by this Agreement or as disclosed in the Genius SEC Reports filed
since September 30, 2005 and prior to the date hereof, or as noted on Section
3.6 of the Genius Disclosure Letter, since September 30, 2005, Genius and the
Genius Subsidiaries have conducted their business in the ordinary and usual
course consistent with past practice and there has not been:
(a) any
event, occurrence or development which could be reasonably expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Genius;
(b) any
change in Genius’ or any Genius Subsidiary’s authorized or issued capital stock
(except for issuances of common stock upon the exercise of options outstanding
on September 30, 2005), grant of any option or right to purchase shares of
capital stock of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, issuance of any security
convertible into such capital stock or grant of any registration rights;
(c) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution
in
respect of any shares of capital stock of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary,
any
split, combination or reclassification of any shares of capital stock of Genius
or any Genius Subsidiary, or any repurchase, redemption or other acquisition
by
Genius or any Genius Subsidiary of any securities of Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary, except repurchases of unvested shares in connection with the
termination of employment pursuant to stock option or purchase
agreements;
(d) any
amendment or change to the charter, certificate or articles of incorporation,
operating agreement or bylaws (or other similar organizational or governing
instrument) of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, or any amendment of any term
of
any outstanding security of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary that would
materially increase the obligations of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary under
such security;
(e) (i)
any
incurrence or assumption by Genius or any Genius Subsidiary of any indebtedness
for borrowed money other than under existing credit facilities (or any renewals,
replacements or extensions that do not increase the aggregate commitments
thereunder), except (x) in the ordinary and usual course of business
consistent with past practice and in an amount not greater that $5,000
individually or $50,000 in the aggregate or (y) as permitted or required by
this Agreement; or (ii) any guarantee, endorsement, or other incurrence or
assumption of liability (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) by Genius
or any Genius Subsidiary for the obligations of any other Person (other than
any
wholly-owned subsidiary of Genius), other than in the ordinary and usual course
of business consistent with past practice and in an amount not greater that
$5,000 individually or $50,000 in the aggregate;
14
(f) any
creation or assumption by Genius or any Genius Subsidiary of any Encumbrance
on
any asset of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary other than in the ordinary and
usual course of business consistent with past practice;
(g) any
making of any loan, advance or capital contribution to or investment in any
Person by Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, other than (i) as permitted or
required by this Agreement, (ii) loans, advances or capital contributions to
or
investments in wholly-owned subsidiaries of Genius, (iii) loans or advances
to
employees of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary in the ordinary and usual course
of
business consistent with past practice, as described in Section 3.6(g) of the
Genius Disclosure Letter or (iv) extensions of credit to customers in the
ordinary and usual course of business consistent with past practice, as
described in Section 3.6 of the Genius Disclosure Letter;
(h) any
change in any method of accounting or accounting principles or practice by
Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, except for any such change required by reason
of a change in GAAP, which change has been consistently applied;
(i) any
(i)
making or revoking of any election relating to Taxes; (ii) settlement or
compromise of any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration,
investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes; or (iii) change to any
methods of reporting income or deductions for federal income Tax
purposes;
(j) except
as
required by applicable law or pursuant to contractual obligations existing
as of
September 30, 2005, (i) any execution, establishment, adoption or amendment
of,
or acceleration of rights or benefits under (except for any acceleration caused
by this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby) (A) any agreement
relating to severance, (B) any Genius Employee Plan, (C) any employment or
consulting agreement providing for annual base compensation of an employee
in
excess of $100,000 or (D) any collective bargaining agreement, (ii) any
increase in the compensation payable or to become payable to any officer,
director or key employee of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, (iii) any grant
of
any severance or termination paid to any officer or director of Genius or (iv)
any grant of any stock options or other equity related awards;
(k) any
acquisition by merger or consolidation, asset acquisition or otherwise, any
equity interest in or a portion of the assets of, any business or any Entity
or
other business organization or division thereof; or
(l) any
agreement or commitment entered into with respect to the foregoing.
3.7 Governmental
Approvals.
No
filing with or notice to, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval
of,
any Governmental Authority is necessary for the execution and delivery by Genius
of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party
or
the consummation by Genius of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby,
other than (a) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act and applicable state or other local securities laws and
(b) compliance with any applicable requirements under the HSR Act.
15
3.8 Conflicts. Neither
Genius nor any Genius Subsidiary is in violation of any term of its charter,
certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or operating agreement (or
other similar organizational or governing instruments). Except as set forth
on
Section 3.8 of the Genius Disclosure Letter, the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements by Genius
and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not
(a) result in any violation of or conflict with, constitute a default under
(with or without due notice or lapse of time or both), require any consent,
waiver or notice under any term of, or result in the reduction or loss of any
benefit or the creation or acceleration of any right or obligation (including
any termination rights) under, (i) the charter, certificate or articles of
incorporation, bylaws or operating agreement (or other similar organizational
or
governing instruments) of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, (ii) any agreement,
note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, lease, permit, license or other
obligation or right, whether written or oral, to which Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their assets or properties is bound
or
affected or (iii) assuming compliance with the matters referred to in Section
3.7, any applicable domestic or foreign Legal Requirements; or (b) result in
the
creation of (or impose any obligation on Genius to create) any Encumbrance
upon
any of the assets or properties of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary. Section
3.8
of the Genius Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of each Transferred Asset
with
respect to which the
sale,
assignment, transfer or delivery under the Assignment Agreement may be
ineffective without the consent or waiver of any third party, or with respect
to
which such sale, assignment, transfer or delivery may violate the rights of
any
third party in any Transferred Asset or otherwise affect adversely the rights
of
the Distributor in any Transferred Asset (a “Required
Consent”).
3.9 Litigation.
Except
as set forth on Section 3.9 of the Genius Disclosure Letter, there is no suit,
claim, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of
Genius, threatened against or affecting Genius or any Genius Subsidiary or
any
of their respective properties or assets, and neither Genius nor any Genius
Subsidiary is subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree.
There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the
knowledge of Genius, threatened against any current or former officer, director
or employee of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary (in his or her capacity as such)
which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim for contribution
or
indemnification against Genius. Section
3.9 of the Genius Disclosure Letter lists, as of the date hereof, all suits,
claims, actions, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge
of
Genius, threatened against or affecting Genius or any Genius Subsidiary or
any
of their respective properties or assets.
3.10 Compliance
with Applicable Law; Permits.
Genius
and each Genius Subsidiary holds
all
certificates, permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, and approvals
of
all Governmental Entities necessary for the lawful conduct of its business
(the
“Genius
Permits”).
Genius and each Genius Subsidiary is in compliance with the terms of the Genius
Permits. The businesses and operations of Genius and each Genius Subsidiary
comply in all respects with all Legal Requirements applicable to
them.
16
3.11 Tax
Matters.
(a) Each
of
Genius, its subsidiaries and any individual, trust, corporation, partnership
or
any other entity as to which Genius is liable for Taxes incurred by such
individual or entity either as a transferee, or pursuant to Treasury Regulations
Section 1.1502-6, or pursuant to any other provision of federal,
territorial, state, local or foreign law or regulations (the “Genius
Group”)
has
timely filed (or has had timely filed) all Tax Returns required to be filed
by
each of them (or on their behalf). All such Tax Returns are true, complete
and
correct in all respects. The Genius Group has paid all Taxes due for the periods
covered by such Tax Returns (whether or not shown on or reportable on such
Tax
Returns) or with respect to any period prior to the date of this Agreement.
There are no liens on any of the assets of any member of the Genius Group with
respect to Taxes, other than liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or for
Taxes that a member of the Genius Group is contesting in good faith through
appropriate proceedings and for which appropriate reserves have been
established.
(b) The
financial statements contained in the most recent Genius SEC Report reflect
adequate reserves for all Taxes payable by Genius Group for all Taxable periods
and portions thereof through the dates thereof.
(c) No
deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted, or assessed (either
in
writing or verbally, formally or informally) or are expected to be proposed,
asserted, or assessed against the Genius Group that have not been fully paid
or
adequately provided for in the appropriate financial statements of Genius Group,
no requests for waivers of the time to assess any Taxes are pending, and no
power of attorney still in effect in respect of any Taxes has been executed
or
filed with any taxing authority. No member of the Genius Group has received
notice (either in writing or verbally, formally or informally) or expects to
receive notice that it has not filed a Tax Return or paid Taxes required to
be
filed or paid by it. The Tax Returns of the Genius Group have never been audited
by a government or taxing authority, nor is any such audit in process, pending
or threatened (either in writing or verbally, formally or informally). No waiver
or extension of any statute of limitations is in effect with respect to Taxes
or
Tax Returns of the Genius Group. Each member of the Genius Group has disclosed
on its federal income tax returns all positions taken therein that could give
rise to a substantial understatement penalty within the meaning of
Section 6662 of the Code. No member of the Genius Group has participated in
a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section
1.6011-4T(b)(2) (determined without regard to whether such transaction is a
“reportable transaction” under such regulation).
(d) Each
member of Genius Group has complied in all respects with all Legal Requirements
applicable to the payment and withholding of Taxes and have duly and timely
withheld from employee salaries, wages and other compensation and have paid
over
to the appropriate taxing authority all material amounts required to be so
withheld and paid over for all periods under all applicable Legal
Requirements.
(e) No
federal, state, local, or foreign audits or other administrative proceedings
or
court proceedings are presently pending in respect of any Taxes or Tax Returns
of any member of Genius Group and no such member has received notice (either
in
writing or verbally, formally or informally) of any pending audit or proceeding
in respect of any Taxes or Tax Returns.
17
(f) To
the
knowledge of the current executive officers of Genius, neither Genius nor any
Genius Subsidiary has, or has ever had, a permanent establishment in a foreign
country, as defined in any applicable Tax treaty or convention between the
United States and such foreign country.
3.12
Trademarks and Intellectual Property Rights.
(a) Genius
owns good and marketable title to (free and clear of all Encumbrances), holds
fully valid, enforceable and exclusive licenses of, or is otherwise duly
authorized to use substantially all rights in and under, all Intellectual
Property used or otherwise exploited by it, or represented to TWC under this
Agreement to be used or otherwise exploited by it, in connection with the
operation of the businesses of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries as presently
conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted (other than as contemplated
in the Transaction Documents) (the “Genius Intellectual Property”).
(b) Genius
has not interfered with, infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise come
into
conflict with any Intellectual Property rights of any other Person. Except
as
set forth on Section 3.12(b) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, Genius’ use of the
Genius Intellectual Property does not infringe upon or otherwise violate any
rights of a third party in or to Intellectual Property, and no Actions have
been
instituted or threatened in writing, and no written notices have been received
by Genius, alleging any such infringement or violation.
(c) Genius’
representations and warranties made in this Section 3.12 shall be deemed
separate from and in addition to Genius’ representations and warranties made in
Section 3.15 hereof, and shall not otherwise restrict, limit, modify or
otherwise affect any of Genius’ representations and warranties made in such
Section 3.15 or any remedy or recovery available to TWC under this Agreement
for
any breach thereof.
3.13 Material
Contracts.
(a) Each
of
the Genius Contracts constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of
Genius or the Genius Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of Genius, the other
party or parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, and is
in
full force and effect. There is no material default under any Genius Contract
either by Genius (or the Genius Subsidiaries) or, to the knowledge of Genius,
by
any other party thereto, and no event has occurred that with the giving of
notice, the lapse of time, or both would constitute a default thereunder by
Genius (or the Genius Subsidiaries) or, to the knowledge of Genius, any other
party. As of the date hereof, no party has notified Genius in writing that
it
intends to terminate or fail to extend any Genius Contract within one year
of
the date of this Agreement. No party to any Genius Contract has given written
notice to Genius or any Genius Subsidiary of or made a written claim against
Genius or any Genius Subsidiary in respect of any breach or default thereunder
by Genius or any Genius Subsidiary.
18
(b) Genius
has made available to TWC or filed as an exhibit to a Genius SEC Report filed
prior to the date hereof a correct and complete copy of each written Genius
Contract and a written summary setting forth the terms and conditions of each
oral Genius Contract. Section 3.13(b) of the Genius Disclosure Letter lists
each
Genius Contract.
(c) Except
as
set forth in Section 3.13(c) to the Genius Disclosure Letter, no consent of
any
third party is required under any Genius Contract as a result of or in
connection with, and the enforceability of any Genius Contract will not be
affected in any manner by, the execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
3.14 Brokers. Except
for Jefferies & Company, Inc. and Xxxx Capital Partners, and except as
reflected in Genius’s letter agreement, dated August 15, 2005, with
Jefferies & Company, Inc. (the “Jefferies
Letter Agreement”)
and
letter agreement, dated November 6, 2005, with Xxxx Capital Partners (the
“Xxxx
Letter Agreement”),
no
broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to receive from
Genius or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates any brokerage, finder’s or other
fee or commission or expense reimbursement in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Genius has previously provided TWC complete
and
correct copies of the Jefferies Letter Agreement and Xxxx Letter Agreement.
3.15 Licenses.
(a) On
or
prior to the execution of this Agreement, Genius has delivered to TWC in writing
a complete list of all contracts concerning the licensing, distribution or
exhibition of any assets included in the Library, either as licensor,
distributor, grantor, or any other similar contract relating to the business
of
Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries (a “License”),
currently in effect to which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary is a party, is
otherwise bound or is otherwise a beneficiary, or to which any of their
respective properties are subject (except for sublicenses entered into pursuant
to, in accordance with or under any of the Licenses), or which otherwise
constitute part of the business of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary, including
without limitation: (i) all Licenses authorizing exhibition of any Library
Rights by all means now known or hereafter devised; (ii) all Licenses
authorizing exploitation of the Library Rights, Marks or Copyrights in
merchandising, commercial tie-ins, co-promotions, theme parks or endorsements;
(iii) all Licenses authorizing exploitation of the Library Rights, Marks or
Copyrights in merchandising for remakes, prequels and sequels or other
derivative works not otherwise referred to in (ii) above; and (iv) all options
relating to (i)-(iii) above. Genius has (i) delivered or (ii) made available,
or
upon request by TWC, will promptly deliver or make available to TWC a true
and
correct copy of each License, in each case as in effect and together with all
amendments or modifications thereof.
19
(b) Each
License is in full force and effect and is valid, binding and enforceable in
accordance with its terms against Genius or a Genius Subsidiary, as applicable,
and, to the knowledge of Genius, any other party thereto.
Except
as
set forth on Section 3.15(b) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, neither Genius
nor
any Genius Subsidiary is in default under any License, nor, to the knowledge
of
Genius, is any other party to any License in default thereunder and no event
has
occurred on the part of any party to any License which with notice or lapse
of
time or both would constitute a breach or default thereunder or permit
termination or acceleration thereunder. Neither Genius nor any Genius Subsidiary
has, nor, to the knowledge of Genius, has any other party to a License,
threatened to, or taken, any action that would cause or result in a default,
a
breach or an anticipatory breach by such party thereunder nor has any such
party
alleged any such default or breach.
No
party
to any License has given notice of any action to terminate, cancel, rescind
or
procure a judicial reformation thereof.
After
the
Closing, and following the transfer thereof to the Distributor or a subsidiary
of the Distributor, all Licenses will continue to constitute legal, valid and
binding obligations of the parties thereto, enforceable on the same terms as
immediately prior to the Closing.
(c) Except
as
set forth on Section 3.15(c) of the Genius Disclosure Letter: (i) no claim
or
objection has been asserted by any Person against Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary with respect to the ownership, validity, enforceability or use of
any
License; (ii) Genius or a Genius Subsidiary, is licensed or otherwise possesses
the exclusive right, title and interest in and to all Licenses and all rights
necessary to enforce such Licenses against third parties,
(iii)
any License owned by Genius or a Genius Subsidiary is, to the knowledge of
Genius, free and clear of any Encumbrances created by Genius or, to the
knowledge of Genius, any other party; (iv) the conduct of the business of Genius
and the Genius Subsidiaries does not conflict in any manner with or infringe
upon any License right or any other right of any Person, including any right
of
publicity or privacy;
and
(v) to the knowledge of Genius, there are no infringements of any Licenses
owned, licensed or controlled by or to Genius or a Genius Subsidiary.
3.16 Library
Rights.
Without
limiting any of the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.15
above:
(a)
Section
3.16 of the Genius Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, complete and accurate
list of all Library Products, and the applicable territory, media, economic
terms, duration and other material information with respect thereto. The Library
Products include all program rights and program assets that have been and/or
currently are material to the business of Genius and the Genius
Subsidiaries.
(b)
There
are
no Encumbrances (other than Guild Encumbrances) or Actions, whether pending
or,
to the knowledge of Genius, threatened, involving or against any of the Library
Rights, and the Distributor shall be able to exploit the Library Rights to
the
full extent provided by the Genius Contracts and applicable Legal
Requirements.
(c)
Except
as
set forth on Section 3.16(c) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, there are no
Participations or residuals in favor of any Person with respect to the
Contracts, Licenses or Library Products. Genius or a Genius Subsidiary has
timely paid all Participations due and payable on or prior to the Closing Date
in accordance with past practice as such practice relates to the timing of
such
payments and
as
described on Section 3.16(c) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, and
have
accrued or will accrue for all Participations that should be accrued in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied. No Participation or residual is
subject to acceleration in any manner whatsoever as a result or by reason of
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Except as set forth on Section
3.16(c) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, the Company is not in
default, in any material respect, or has failed to perform in any material
respect any obligation with respect to the payment of any such Participations
or
residuals.
20
(d)
Set
forth
on Section 3.16(d) of the Genius Disclosure Letter is a true, accurate and
complete list of each guild, union or labor organization on behalf of which
a
Guild Encumbrance is applicable to the exploitation of any assets included
in
the Library. Genius and each of the Genius Subsidiaries have complied with
all
requirements under any applicable collective bargaining agreements and have
paid
all amounts that are due and payable (and have accrued all amounts that should
be accrued in accordance with GAAP consistently applied), under all applicable
collective bargaining agreements with any union or guild or any other Contract
by reason of any past or current television re-runs or theatrical, home video,
television or other exhibitions or exploitation of any of the Library Rights
or
Library Underlying Properties (or from the exploitation of any derivative works
based thereon) or any so-called “separation of rights” or similar provisions in
any of the foregoing agreements.
(e)
Genius
or
a Genius Subsidiary owns or controls and has access to all customary Library
Tangible Properties necessary for the exploitation of each Library Product
in
the media and manner currently conducted and contemplated to be conducted.
The
Library Tangible Properties are stored and maintained directly by the Company
or
on their behalf in film storage facilities or in film laboratories in accordance
with recognized major motion picture studio standards for the use and
preservation of such materials. To the extent any Library Tangible Properties
are not owned directly by Genius or a Genius Subsidiary, Genius or a Genius
Subsidiary has customary access sufficient to exploit such Library Tangible
Properties in the manner currently exploited and as contemplated to be
exploited, including the right to remove such materials.
(f)
Except
as
set forth in Section 3.16(f) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, the Library
Products, Library Underlying Properties and all elements thereof are registered,
applied for or otherwise protected and validly subsisting under Applicable
Copyright Law and are not in the public domain in the United States or any
country party to the Universal Copyright Convention or the Berne Convention.
To
the Knowledge of Genius, no third party has a conflicting copyright with respect
thereto outside the United States. A valid copyright notice that conforms to
the
requirements, if any, of Applicable Copyright Law relating to the elements,
placement and other requirements of such notice appears on each Library
Product.
(g)
All
the
Library Music Rights are (i) controlled by American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI”), SESAC or other
applicable music performing rights organization, (ii) in the public domain
throughout the world, (iii) duly licensed or otherwise owned by the Company
with
sufficient rights to permit their public performance in connection with the
exhibition of the Library Products or (iv) are used by Genius and the Genius
Subsidiaries in a manner consistent with industry practice, which use will
not
result in or give rise to a claim by a third party of illegal or unauthorized
use by the Company.
3.17 Insurance.
Section
3.17 of the Genius Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete and correct list
of
all insurance policies currently
in force
or in force at any time subsequent to January 1, 2002 with respect to Genius
or
any Genius Subsidiary, excluding all policies that are Genius Employee Plans,
(the “Insurance
Policies”),
including without limitation all “occurrence based” liability policies, all
errors and omissions policies and all production package policies. The Insurance
Policies are in full force and effect and are valid, outstanding and
enforceable, and all premiums due thereon have been paid. Except as set forth
on
Section 3.17 of the Genius Disclosure Letter, no insurance claims of more than
Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) have been made during the past three (3) years
and are currently outstanding and unsettled, including without limitation
insurance claims on the producer’s errors and omissions policies that Genius or
a Genius Subsidiary or any of their respective predecessors maintain or have
maintained with respect to the Library Films.
21
3.18 Employee
Matters; ERISA.
(a) Section
3.18(a) of the Genius Disclosure Letter lists all employee benefit plans (within
the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of
1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
(“ERISA”)), all bonus, stock option, stock purchase, incentive, deferred
compensation, retirement, supplemental retirement, severance and other or
similar material fringe or employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements,
whether written or oral, all consulting, employment, termination,
change-in-control, severance or similar agreements with current, former and
retired employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors, agents and
directors of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries (each, an “Employee”),
in
each case, pursuant to which the Genius or any Genius Subsidiary has or may
have
liability, contingent or otherwise (together, the “Genius
Employee Plans”).
Genius has delivered or made available to TWC true, complete and correct copies
of each Genius Employee Plan.
(b) No
Genius
Employee Plan, and no other plan or arrangement ever sponsored or maintained,
contributed to or required to be contributed to, by Genius, any Genius
Subsidiary or any Genius ERISA Affiliate, is or was (i) an employee benefit
plan
subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 312 of the Code or (ii) a
“multi-employer plan” (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA). For
purposes of this Agreement, “Genius ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any business or
entity which is a member of a “controlled group of corporations,” under “common
control” or a member of an “affiliated service group” with Genius within the
meaning of Sections 414(b), (c) and (m) of the Code, or required to be
aggregated with Genius under Section 414(o) of the Code, or under “common
control” with Genius, within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of
ERISA.
(c) Except
as
disclosed in the Genius SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement,
none of the Genius Employee Plans promises or provides retiree medical or other
retiree welfare benefits to any Employee, other than health continuation
coverage as required by Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA.
Except as set forth in the Genius SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this
Agreement or in Section 3.18(c) of the Genius Disclosure Letter (i) to the
knowledge of Genius, no party in interest or disqualified Person (as defined
in
Section 3(14) of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code) has at any time engaged
in
a transaction with respect to any Genius Employee Plan which could subject
Genius or any Genius ERISA Affiliate, directly or indirectly, to any tax,
penalty or other liability for prohibited transactions under ERISA or Section
4975 of the Code; (ii) no fiduciary of any Genius Employee Plan has, to the
knowledge of Genius, breached any of the responsibilities or obligations imposed
upon fiduciaries under Title I of ERISA; (iii) all Genius Employee Plans have
been established and maintained substantially in accordance with their terms
and
have been operated in material compliance with the requirements of applicable
law, and Genius, its subsidiaries and Genius ERISA Affiliates have performed
all
material obligations required to be performed by them under, and are not in
default under or in violation of, any of the Genius Employee Plans; (iv) each
Genius Employee Plan which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a)
of
the Code is the subject of a favorable determination letter from the Internal
Revenue Service (“IRS”) as to such qualification and stating that each trust
forming a part of any such Genius Employee Plan is exempt from tax pursuant
to
Section 501(a) of the Code or there is time remaining under Section 401(b)
of
the Code and the IRS regulations and pronouncements thereunder to apply for
such
favorable determination letter, and, to the knowledge of Genius, nothing has
occurred which could reasonably be expected to result in the revocation of
such
determination or the denial of such determination on application; (v) all
contributions required to be made with respect to any Genius Employee Plan
have
been made on or before their due dates (including any extensions thereof);
and
(vi) no Genius Employee Plan nor Genius, any Genius Subsidiary, any Genius
ERISA
Affiliate, nor any administrator, trustee or other fiduciary of any Genius
Employee Plan is the subject of any actual or, to the knowledge of Genius,
threatened action, proceeding, investigation, claim, audit or investigation
with
respect to any Genius Employee Plan including, without limitation, by the IRS,
the Department of Labor or the PBGC, other than benefit claims in the ordinary
course of administration of such Genius Employee Plan.
22
(d) Section
3.18(d) of the Genius Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list
of
each Employee who holds (i) any Genius Option as of the date of this Agreement,
together with the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option,
the
exercise price of such option, the vested and unvested portion of such option,
whether such option is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within
the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code, the expiration date of such option
and to what extent, if any, the vesting of such option will accelerate as a
result of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) any
shares of Common Stock that are restricted and the date(s) of lapse of such
restrictions. In addition, Section 3.18(d) of the Genius Disclosure Letter
sets
forth, in the aggregate, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying (i)
all
other outstanding rights under Genius Employee Plans (other than plans that
are
qualified plans under Section 401(a) of the Code) to receive shares of Common
Stock, to the extent that such shares of Common Stock are not included in the
number of shares set forth in Section 3.2(b) and (ii) compensation based on
the
value of shares of Common Stock.
(e) Except
as
disclosed on Section 3.18(e) of the Genius Disclosure Letter, the execution
and
delivery of, and performance of the transactions contemplated in, this Agreement
will not (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent
events) (i) constitute an event under any Genius Employee Plan, trust or loan
that will or may result in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise),
acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase
in
benefits or obligation to fund benefits with respect to any Employee (other
than
vesting as required under Section 411(d)(3) of the Code and distribution of
benefits in connection with the termination of a employee pension plan if
required under this Agreement), or (ii) result in the triggering or imposition
of any restrictions or limitations on the right of Genius, the Distributor
or
any of their respective subsidiaries to amend or terminate any Genius Employee
Plan. No payment or benefit which is required to be paid or distributed, prior
to or after the Closing, by TWC, Genius, the Distributor or any of their
respective subsidiaries to any Employee will be characterized as an “excess
parachute payment,” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code. No
Employee is entitled to receive any additional payment from Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary, the Distributor or any other Person in the event that the excise
tax
required by Section 4999(a) of the Code is imposed on such Person.
23
(f) There
is
no commitment covering any Employee that, individually or in the aggregate,
could be reasonably likely to give rise to the payment of any amount that would
result in a material loss of tax deductions pursuant to Section 162(m) of the
Code.
3.19 Labor
Matters.
Except
as set forth in Section 3.19 of the Genius Disclosure Letter, no work stoppage
or labor strike against Genius or any Genius Subsidiary by Employees is pending
or threatened. Neither Genius nor any Genius Subsidiary (i) is involved in
or
threatened with any labor dispute, grievance, or litigation relating to labor
matters involving any Employees, including, without limitation, violation of
any
federal, state or local labor, safety or employment laws (domestic or foreign),
charges of unfair labor practices or discrimination complaints; (ii) has engaged
in any unfair labor practices within the meaning of the National Labor Relations
Act or the Railway Labor Act; or (iii) is presently, nor has been in the past
a
party to, or bound by, any guild, union or other collective bargaining agreement
or union contract with respect to Employees (including, without limitation,
any
agreement with any guild, union or labor organization) and no such agreement
or
contract is currently being negotiated by Genius or any of its affiliates.
No
Employees are currently represented by any guild or labor union for purposes
of
collective bargaining and, to the knowledge of Genius, no activities the purpose
of which is to achieve such representation of all or some of such Employees
are
threatened or ongoing. Genius and each Genius Subsidiary (i) is in compliance
with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations
(domestic and foreign) respecting employment, employment practices, labor,
terms
and conditions of employment and wages and hours, in each case, with respect
to
Employees; (ii) has withheld all amounts required by law or by agreement to
be
withheld from the wages, salaries and other payments to Employees; (iii) is
not
liable for any arrears of wages or any taxes or any penalty for failure to
comply with any of the foregoing; and (iv) is not liable for any payment to
any
trust or other fund or to any governmental or administrative authority, with
respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security or other benefits
for Employees.
3.20 Title
to Properties.
(a) Each
of
Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, or valid
leasehold interests in, all its respective properties and other assets except
for such as are no longer used or useful in the conduct of its business or
as
have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business and except for defects
in title, easements, restrictive covenants and similar encumbrances that
individually or in the aggregate have not interfered with, and could not
reasonably be expected to interfere with, its ability to conduct its business
as
presently conducted. All such assets and properties, other than assets and
properties in which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary has a leasehold interest,
are free and clear of all Encumbrances, except for Encumbrances that
individually or in the aggregate have not interfered with, and could not
reasonably be expected to interfere with, the ability of Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary to conduct its business as presently conducted.
(b) Each
of
Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries has complied with the terms of all leases
to
which it is a party and under which it is in occupancy, and all such leases
are
in full force and effect. Each of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries enjoys
peaceful and undisturbed possession under all such leases.
24
(c) Genius’
representations and warranties made in this Section 3.20 shall be deemed
separate from and in addition to Genius’ representations and warranties made in
Section 3.15 hereof, and shall not otherwise restrict, limit, modify or
otherwise affect any of Genius’ representations and warranties made in such
Section 3.15 or any remedy or recovery available to TWC under this Agreement
for
any breach thereof.
3.21 Opinion
of Financial Advisor.
The
Board of Directors of Genius has received the written opinion of Jefferies
&
Company, Inc., dated as of the date of this Agreement, to the effect that,
subject to the qualifications and limitations contained therein, as of the
date
of this Agreement, the “Genius Consideration” (as defined in the opinion) is
fair, from a financial point of view, to Genius, a signed copy of which opinion
has been, or will promptly be, delivered to TWC (the “Fairness
Opinion”).
3.22 Restrictions
on Business Activities.
Except
for this Agreement, there is no judgment, injunction, order or decree or
agreement (including, without limitation, agreements containing provisions
restricting Genius, any Genius Subsidiary or any of their respective affiliates
from entering or engaging in any line of business, agreements containing
geographic restrictions on Genius’ or any Genius Subsidiary’s ability to operate
their respective businesses and agreements containing rights of first refusal,
rights of first offer, exclusivity, “requirements” or similar provisions)
binding upon Genius or any Genius Subsidiary which has or could reasonably
be
expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing the conduct of the
businesses of Genius, any Genius Subsidiary or, after the Closing, (i) the
Distributor or (ii) TWC
or
its affiliates and their respective officers,
directors, members, employees, consultants, representatives or other
agents.
3.23 Environmental
Matters.
Each of
Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries is, and at all times have been, in full
compliance with, and have not been and are not in violation of or liable under
any applicable Legal Requirements relating to environmental laws and regulations
(“Environmental
Laws”).
There
are no claims, notices, civil, criminal or administrative actions, suits,
hearings, investigations, inquiries or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge
of Genius, threatened against Genius or any of the Genius Subsidiaries that
allege the violation of any Environmental Law, or that could lead to the
imposition of any liability or other obligation of Genius under any
Environmental Law.
3.24 Sarbanes
Oxley; Internal Accounting Controls.
Genius
is in compliance with all provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 which
are
applicable to it as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date. Genius and
the Genius Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls
sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed
in
accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii)
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii)
access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general
or
specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is
compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action
is taken with respect to any differences. Genius has established disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) for Genius and designed such disclosure controls and procedures
to
ensure that material information relating to Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries,
is made known to the certifying officers by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which Genius’ most recently filed periodic
report under the Exchange Act, as the case may be, is being prepared. Genius’
certifying officers have evaluated the effectiveness of Genius’ disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date prior to the filing date of the most
recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act (such date, the
“Evaluation Date”). Genius presented in its most recently filed periodic report
under the Exchange Act the conclusions of the certifying officers about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on their
evaluations as of the Evaluation Date. Section 3.24 of the Genius Disclosure
Letter describes all actions taken by Genius and its management since the
completion of the audit of Genius’ consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2004 to respond to or correct any material weaknesses
in
Genius’ internal controls and accounting or audit functions relating to the
business of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries, including, without limitation,
all actions taken to address the material weaknesses noted in the letter of
Singer Lewak Xxxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP dated March 29, 2005 to the Board of
Directors of Genius.
25
3.25 Listing
and Maintenance Requirements.
Genius’
Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and
Genius has taken no action designed to, or which is likely to have the effect
of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act
nor
has Genius received any notification that the SEC is contemplating terminating
such registration. Genius has not, in the 12 months preceding the date hereof,
received notice from any Trading Market on which the Common Stock is or has
been
listed or quoted to the effect that Genius is not in compliance with the listing
or maintenance requirements of such Trading Market. Genius is, and has no reason
to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue to be, in
compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements.
3.26 Application
of Takeover Protections.
Genius
and its Board of Directors have taken all necessary action, if any, in order
to
render inapplicable any control share acquisition, business combination, poison
pill (including any distribution under a rights agreement) or other similar
anti-takeover provision under Genius’ Certificate of Incorporation (or similar
charter documents) or the laws of its state of incorporation (including Section
203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law) that is or could become applicable
to TWC and
its
affiliates and their respective officers,
directors, members and employees, and any transferee acquiring from TWC any
of
the Class W Preferred Stock to be issued by Genius or the Class W Units to
be
issued by the Distributor, as a result of TWC and its affiliates, successors
and
assigns and Genius fulfilling their obligations or exercising their rights
under
the Transaction Agreements, including without limitation, in connection with
Genius’ issuance of (i) Class W Preferred Stock and (ii) Common Stock upon the
redemption or repurchase of Class W Units pursuant to the terms of the Limited
Liability Company Agreement.
3.27 Disclosure.
(a) Genius
has provided TWC with all the information available to it that TWC has requested
of Genius for deciding whether to enter into this Agreement and effect the
transactions contemplated hereby. None of Genius’s representations or warranties
in this Agreement or any other agreements, nor any written information or
statements or certificates made or delivered by Genius in connection herewith,
when taken as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or
omits
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements herein or therein
not
misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were
made.
26
(b) There
is no fact or series of related facts known to Genius that has specific
application to Genius and that could reasonably be expected to, individually
or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Genius or (as far as Genius
can reasonably foresee), that could materially adversely affect the assets,
liabilities, business, prospects, financial condition, operations, or results
of
operations of Genius, that has not been set forth in this
Agreement.
3.28 Equity
Financing. The
Financing
Commitments (i) have been issued or made in favor of Genius and are in full
force and effect on the terms set forth therein without modification or
amendment and (ii) are conditioned only upon occurrence of the Closing and
no
material adverse change in Genius’s business, financial condition or operations
subsequent to the date hereof. Copies of the Financing Commitments have been
previously delivered to TWC.
3.29 Affiliate
Contracts and Affiliated Transactions. Except
as
set forth on Section 3.29 of the Genius Disclosure Letter, except as set forth
in the Genius SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, to Genius’s
knowledge no officer or director of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary (or any
family of any such Person who is an individual or any entity in which any such
Person or any such family member owns a material beneficial interest) or any
Person owning 1% or more of the Genius Common Stock is a party to any contract
with or binding upon Genius or any Genius Subsidiary or any of their respective
properties or assets or has any interest in any property or asset of Genius
or
any Genius Subsidiary, or has engaged in any transaction with any of the
foregoing within the last three (3) years.
3.30 Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act. None
of Genius, any Genius Subsidiary, or any of their respective officers,
directors, members, employees, consultants, representatives or other
agents
has at any time offered, promised, authorized or made, directly or indirectly,
any bribes, kickback payments other illegal payments or inducements to any
Foreign Official in order to assist Genius in obtaining or retaining business
for or with, or directing business to, any Person, in any case in violation
of
the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or other applicable
Legal Requirements. For purposes hereof, a “Foreign Official” means an employee
of a non-U.S. Governmental Authority, a member of a non-U.S. foreign political
party, a non-U.S. foreign political candidate, an officer of a public
international organization, or an officer or employee of a foreign state-owned
enterprise, where the term “foreign” has the meaning ascribed to it under the
United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as amended and interpreted from
time to time.
ARTICLE
IV.
PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS
4.1 Conduct
of Business by TWC. TWC
shall
not, between the date of this Agreement and the earlier of the termination
of
this Agreement or the Closing Date, directly or indirectly, do, or propose
to
do, any of the following without the prior written consent of
Genius:
(a) engage
in
any action or enter into any transaction or permit any action to be taken or
transaction to be entered into that could reasonably be expected to materially
adversely affect TWC’s ability to deliver “Covered Product” under the
Distribution Agreement or otherwise perform its material obligations under
the
Distribution Agreement.
27
(b) fail
to
comply in all material respects with applicable Legal Requirements where the
failure to so comply could be reasonably expected to have, individually or
in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TWC;
(c) engage
in
any action or enter into any transaction or permit any action to be taken or
transaction to be entered into that could reasonably be expected to delay the
consummation of, or otherwise adversely affect any of the transactions
contemplated hereunder;
(d) take
any
action that would, or could reasonably be expected to, result in any of the
representations and warranties of TWC set forth in this Agreement to be untrue
or any condition set forth in Article VI to not be satisfied;
or
(e) announce
an intention, enter into any formal or informal agreement or arrangement, or
otherwise make a commitment to do any of the foregoing.
4.2 Conduct
of Business by Genius.
Genius
covenants
and agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement or the Closing Date, unless TWC shall otherwise
agree in writing and except as specifically permitted, contemplated or required
by any of the Transaction Agreements and except for those actions reasonably
taken in furtherance of any of the Transaction Agreements, the business of
Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries shall be conducted only in, and neither
Genius nor any Genius Subsidiary, shall take any action except in, the ordinary
course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice, and Genius
shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) preserve intact its business
organization, (ii) keep available the services of its officers and employees
and
(iii) maintain its existing relations and goodwill with customers, suppliers,
regulators, distributors, creditors, lessors, sales agents and others having
business dealings with it. Except as specifically permitted, contemplated or
required by any of the Transaction Agreements and except for those actions
reasonably taken in furtherance of any of the Transaction Agreements, Genius
shall not, or shall cause each Genius Subsidiary not to, between the date of
this Agreement and the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the
Closing Date, directly or indirectly, do, or propose to do, any of the following
without the prior written consent of TWC:
(a) amend
or
otherwise change the articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws or
equivalent organizational documents of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary;
(b) issue,
sell, pledge, dispose of, grant, encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale,
pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of (i) (A) any shares of any class
of
capital stock of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary (except shares of Common Stock
to be issued pursuant to the Financing Commitments, or pursuant to the exercise
or conversion of instruments which are exercisable or convertible for shares
of
Genius capital stock and outstanding on the date hereof or issued pursuant
to
the Financing Commitments), (B) any options (except (x) options to be issued
pursuant to the New Employment Agreements or pursuant to board-approved employee
benefit plans or agreements in existence on the date hereof, (y) documentation
for options identified on Schedule C to Section 3.2(c) of the Genius Disclosure
Letter which may not have been delivered to an optionee as of the date hereof
or
(z) options issued in the ordinary course for not more than 1,000,000 shares
in
the aggregate or 100,000 to any individual and having a vesting schedule of
no
less than three years), (C) any warrants (except warrants to be issued pursuant
to the Financing Commitments), (D) any convertible securities or other rights
of
any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock, or (E) any other ownership
interest of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary; or (ii) any material assets of
Genius;
28
(c) declare,
set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash,
stock, property or otherwise, with respect to the capital stock of Genius or
any
Genius Subsidiary;
(d) reclassify,
combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly
or indirectly, any of the capital stock of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary,
except repurchases of unvested shares in connection with the termination of
employment pursuant to stock option or purchase agreements;
(e) except
for changes expressly required or contemplated in this Agreement, increase
the
compensation payable or to become payable or the benefits provided to its
directors, officers or employees, except for increases in the ordinary course
of
business and consistent with past practice in salaries or wages of employees
of
Genius or any Genius Subsidiary who are not directors or officers of Genius,
or
grant any severance or termination pay to, or enter into any employment or
severance agreement with, any director, officer or other employee of Genius
or
any Genius Subsidiary, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend any employee
benefit, bonus, profit-sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option, restricted
stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment, termination
,
severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for
the
benefit of any director, officer or employee;
(f) take
any
action with respect to accounting policies or procedures (including, without
limitation, procedures with respect to the payment of accounts payable and
collection of accounts receivable, except as required by GAAP, the rules and
regulations of the SEC or comments received from the staff of the SEC upon
review of Genius’s filings and subject to the rights of TWC under Sections 5.2
and 5.4 hereof);
(g) fail
to
maintain the books, account and records of Genius or any Genius Subsidiary
in
the usual, regular and ordinary manner, in accordance with GAAP applied on
a
consistent basis;
(h) fail
to
comply in all respects with applicable Legal Requirements where the failure
to
so comply could be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Genius;
(i) engage
in
any action or enter into any transaction or permit any action to be taken or
transaction to be entered into that could reasonably be expected to materially
delay the consummation of, or otherwise adversely affect any of the transactions
contemplated hereunder, except (i) as may otherwise be required by applicable
law or (ii) for such delays due to actions reasonably taken by Genius to secure
any Governmental Approval required to complete the transactions
contemplated hereby or
to
satisfy any other condition set forth in Article VI;
29
(j) take
any
action that would, or could reasonably be expected to, result in any of the
representations and warranties of Genius set forth in this Agreement to be
untrue or any condition set forth in Article VI to not be satisfied;
(k) take
any
action that could reasonably be expected to cause the shares of Genius Common
Stock to cease to be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board;
(l) issue,
deliver, grant, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any bonds, debentures,
notes or other indebtedness, or refinance, replace or amend the terms of any
such indebtedness;
(m) except
as
expressly required or contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Transaction
Agreements, (i) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (including by issuance
of debt securities) or issue any debt securities, assume, guarantee or endorse,
or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of
any
Person, or make any loans or advances (other than loans or advance to employees
of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or guarantees of obligations of the Genius
Subsidiaries) or make any capital contributions to, or investments in, any
other
Person (other than a Genius Subsidiary), other than in the ordinary course
of
business and in amounts that are not material; (ii) authorize any single capital
expenditure or series of related capital expenditures in excess of $25,000
or
capital expenditures which are, in the aggregate, reasonably likely to result
in
aggregate capital expenditures in excess of $250,000 by Genius and the Genius
Subsidiaries taken as a whole for the period following the date hereof and
prior
to Closing; (iii) whether or not in the ordinary course of business of Genius,
make any expenditure of cash or cash equivalents or commitment (whether such
commitment is to be satisfied in cash or in non-cash consideration) in excess
of
$75,000 individually or in the aggregate relating to the acquisition of Library
Products, provided,
that
Genius shall promptly notify TWC of any expenditure or commitment (whether
such
commitment is to be satisfied in cash or in non-cash consideration) for the
acquisition of Library Products not exceeding $75,000 individually or in the
aggregate; or (iv) make any expenditure or investment of cash or cash
equivalents in excess of $5,000 individually or $25,000 in the aggregate which
is not otherwise contemplated by this Section 4.2(m) and not made in the
ordinary course of business of Genius.
(n) settle
or
compromise any pending or threatened suit, action or claim, or commence any
suit, action or claim involving a cash payment or compromise of a claim in
excess of $25,000, provided that in the case of any Excluded Liability or
Excluded Asset, the prior
written consent of TWC to any such settlement, compromise or commencement shall
not be unreasonably withheld;
(o) adopt
a
plan or complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation,
restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary not constituting an inactive Subsidiary;
30
(p) pay,
discharge or satisfy any material claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute,
accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the
payment, discharge or satisfaction (i) in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice or in accordance with their terms of liabilities
reflected or reserved against in the September 30 Financial Statements, (ii)
of
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past
practice, or (iii) not requiring payment of consideration of $5,000 individually
or $25,000 in the aggregate, provided that in the case of any Excluded
Liability, the prior
written consent of TWC to any such payment, discharge or satisfaction shall
not
be unreasonably withheld;
(q) enter
into, amend or otherwise modify a Genius Contract;
(r) sell,
transfer or license to any Person or otherwise extend, amend or modify any
rights to the Genius Intellectual Property Rights, or acquire any rights that
would constitute Genius Intellectual Property Rights if such rights were in
existence on the date hereof;
(s) except
as
may be required by law, make any material tax election, make or change any
method of accounting with respect to Taxes, file any amended Tax Returns or
settle or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign Tax
liability;
(t) sell,
lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets;
(u) acquire
or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing any
equity interest in or a portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any
business or any Entity or other business organization or division thereof,
or
enter into any joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances;
(v) take
any
affirmative action, or fail to take any action, as a result of which any of
the
changes or events listed in Section 3.6 of this Agreement would be reasonably
likely to occur; or
(w) announce
an intention, enter into any formal or informal agreement or arrangement, or
otherwise make a commitment to do any of the foregoing.
4.3 Exclusive
Dealing Agreements.
(a) Genius
shall not, nor shall it authorize or permit any Genius Subsidiary to, nor shall
it authorize or permit any officer, director, employee or affiliate of, or
any
investment banker, attorney or other advisor or representative (collectively,
“Representatives”) of, Genius or any Genius Subsidiary to, (i) solicit, initiate
or knowingly encourage (including by way of providing any information not
provided generally to the public) any prospective purchaser or the submission
of
any Competing Transaction Proposal (as defined in Section 4.3(e)), take any
action designed to facilitate any inquiries, offers, or proposals, or make
any
other efforts or attempts that constitute, or may reasonably be expected to
lead
to, any Competing Transaction Proposal, or engage in any discussions or
negotiations with respect thereto or otherwise cooperate with or assist or
participate in, or facilitate any such inquiries, offers, proposals, discussions
or negotiations, (ii) accept a Competing Transaction Proposal or enter into
any
agreement or agreement in principle with respect to any Competing Transaction
Proposal or enter into any agreement or agreement in principle requiring Genius
to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or breach its obligations under this Section 4.3, or (iii)
furnish to any Person any information with respect to, any Competing Transaction
Proposal; provided, however, that if at any time prior to obtaining the Genius
Stockholder Approval, (i) Genius has otherwise complied with its obligations
under this Section 4.3 and Genius has received a written proposal for a
Competing Transaction Proposal from a Person that the Board of Directors of
Genius determines in good faith to be bona fide, (ii) the Board of Directors
of
Genius determines in good faith, after consultation with its independent
financial advisors and outside counsel, that such Competing Transaction Proposal
constitutes or could reasonably be expected to constitute a Superior Genius
Proposal, and (iii) after consultation with its outside counsel, the Board
of
Directors of Genius determines in good faith that taking such action is
necessary for the Board of Directors of Genius to comply with its fiduciary
duties under applicable Legal Requirements, then in response to such Competing
Transaction Proposal, and subject to compliance with Section 4.3(c), Genius
may
(x) furnish information with respect to Genius to the Person making such
Competing Transaction Proposal and its Representatives pursuant to a customary
confidentiality agreement that contains provisions which are no less favorable
to Genius than those contained in the Confidential
Letter of Intent between
TWC and Genius, dated September 19, 2005, and (y) participate in discussions
or
negotiations (including solicitation of a revised Competing Transaction Proposal
from such Person) with such Person and its Representatives regarding such
Competing Transaction Proposal. Notwithstanding anything contained in the
previous sentence, prior to making the determination and taking any actions
described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of the proviso to the previous
sentence, Genius may engage in discussions (solely to clarify the terms of
such
Competing Transaction Proposal) with the Person making a Competing Transaction
Proposal in order to determine whether such Competing Transaction Proposal
constitutes or could reasonably be expected to constitute a Competing
Transaction Proposal. Genius shall, and shall cause its Representatives to,
promptly provide to TWC any non-public information concerning Genius or any
Genius Subsidiary that is provided to any Person. Genius shall, and shall cause
its Representatives to, cease immediately all discussions and negotiations
taking place as of the date of this Agreement regarding any proposal that
constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, a Competing Transaction
Proposal.
31
(b) Neither
the Board of Directors of Genius nor any committee thereof shall (i) withdraw
or
modify in a manner adverse to TWC, or propose publicly to withdraw or modify,
in
a manner adverse to TWC, the approval or recommendation by the Board of
Directors of Genius of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
(ii) approve any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in
principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint
venture agreement, partnership agreement or other similar agreement constituting
or relating to, or that is intended to or could reasonably be expected to lead
to, any Competing Transaction Proposal or (iii) approve or recommend, or propose
publicly to approve or recommend, any Competing Transaction Proposal (any action
described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) being referred to as an “Adverse
Recommendation Change”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to
obtaining the Genius Stockholder Approval, the Board of Directors of Genius
may
make an Adverse Recommendation Change if Genius receives a Superior Genius
Proposal (as defined in Section 4.3(e)) and as a result thereof the Board of
Directors of Genius determines in good faith, after consultation with outside
counsel, that it is necessary to do so in order to comply with their fiduciary
obligations.
32
(c) Genius
promptly shall advise TWC orally and in writing of any Competing Transaction
Proposal or any inquiry that could reasonably be expected to lead to any
Competing Transaction Proposal, the identity of the Person making any such
Competing Transaction Proposal and the principal terms and conditions thereof
prior to furnishing any information or participating in any discussions
permitted by Section 4.3(a) with respect to such Competing Transaction Proposal.
Genius shall (i) keep TWC reasonably informed on a current basis of the status
of and material developments respecting any Competing Transaction Proposal
or
inquiry (including any changes to the principal terms and conditions thereof),
(ii) provide to TWC as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery thereof
with copies of all written acquisition proposals sent or provided to the Genius
or any Representative from any Person, and (iii) provide notice to TWC of any
intent to take any of the actions described in Section 7.1(e) or to terminate
this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(h) (it being understood that Genius
shall
not be entitled to take any of the actions described in Section 7.1(e)), or
to
terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.1(h) unless and until
it
provides TWC not less than five business days notice of such proposed action
or
termination, as the case may be).
(d) Nothing
contained in this Section 4.3 shall prohibit Genius from taking and disclosing
to its stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) or 14d-9
promulgated under the Exchange Act or from making any disclosure to Genius’
stockholders if, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of Genius,
after consultation with outside counsel, failure so to disclose would be
inconsistent with its obligations under applicable Legal Requirements; provided,
however, that in no event shall Genius, the Board of Directors of Genius or
any
committee thereof take, agree or resolve to take any action prohibited by
Section 4.3(b). Any action taken by Genius or the Board of Directors of Genius
in accordance with this Section 4.3(d) shall be deemed not to be a modification
of the Board of Directors of Genius’ approval or recommendation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither Genius nor the Board of
Directors of Genius shall take, or fail to take, any action that would
constitute a breach, default or other violation of its obligations under, or
otherwise in any respect deprive TWC the benefits of, any interim distribution
agreement or other agreement between Genius and TWC, including, without
limitation (i) during any consideration, or following any acceptance, of a
Competing Transaction Proposal or a Superior Genius Proposal by Genius or the
Genius Board of Directors or (ii) following any termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Article VII hereof.
(e) For
purposes of this Agreement:
“Competing
Transaction Proposal” means (i) any proposal or offer for a merger, share
exchange, business combination, consolidation, dual listed structure,
liquidation, dissolution, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar
transaction involving the Company, (ii) any proposal or offer to acquire in
any
manner, directly or indirectly, over 5% of the equity securities of Genius
or
any business that constitutes 5% or more of the consolidated net revenues,
net
income or net assets of the Company, (iii) any proposal or offer relating to
any
tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person
or
group of Persons beneficially owning 5% or more of the outstanding equity
securities of Genius, or (iv) any proposal or offer to invest in, acquire,
lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, dispose of or otherwise transfer, in any
manner, directly or indirectly, Genius or its stock, business or assets or
any
material part thereof, or to form a partnership or joint venture with Genius
or
any Genius Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, in a single
transaction or a series of related transactions, in each case other than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
33
“Superior
Genius Proposal” means any Competing Transaction Proposal (i) on terms which the
Board of Directors of Genius determines in good faith, after consultation with
outside counsel and its independent financial advisers, to be superior from
a
financial point of view to the holders of Genius Common Stock than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, taking into account all the terms
and conditions of such proposal and this Agreement (including any proposal
by
TWC to amend the terms of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement) and (ii) that is reasonably capable of being completed, taking
into account all financial, regulatory, legal and other aspects of such
proposal.
(f) Except
as
contemplated or required by any of the Transaction Agreements or by applicable
law, TWC will not directly or indirectly, through any officer, director,
employee, agent or otherwise, (i) participate in any negotiations or
solicit, initiate or encourage submission of inquiries, proposals or offers
relating to the grant of any distribution or sale rights with respect to any
Videograms in the Territory (as such terms are defined in the Video Distribution
Agreement); (ii) enter into any agreement or take any action that by its
terms or effect could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ability
of
the parties hereto to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
on the terms and conditions set forth herein; or (iii) furnish or authorize
any agent or representative to furnish any information concerning this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby to any party.
4.4 Certain
Notifications. From
the
date of this Agreement until the Closing, Genius and TWC shall promptly notify
the other party in writing regarding any:
(a) in
the
case of Genius, any action taken not in the ordinary course of business and
any
circumstance or event that could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Genius; or
(b) in
the
case of TWC, any event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to
materially adversely affect TWC’s ability to deliver “Covered Product” under the
Distribution Agreement or otherwise perform its material obligations under
the
Distribution Agreement.
(c) fact,
circumstance, event, or action by any of them or any of their respective
affiliates (i) which, if known on the date of this Agreement, would have
been required to be disclosed in or pursuant to this Agreement; or (ii) the
existence, occurrence, or taking of which would result in any of their
respective representations and warranties contained in this Agreement not being
true and correct when made or at Closing;
(d) breach
of
any of their respective covenants or obligations hereunder; or
34
(e) circumstance
or event which will result in, or could reasonably be expected to result in,
the
failure of any of them to timely satisfy any closing conditions specified in
Article VI of this Agreement;
provided,
however,
that
the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall not limit or
otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to either party, or modify
in
any way any disclosure in this Agreement or the TWC Disclosure Letter or the
Genius Disclosure Letter, as applicable, as of the date hereof.
4.5 Updating
Disclosure Letters. If
any
event, condition, fact or circumstance that is required to be disclosed pursuant
to Section 4.4 would require a change to the Genius Disclosure Letter or
the TWC Disclosure Letter if such disclosure letter were dated as of the date
of
the occurrence, existence or discovery of such event, condition, fact or
circumstance, then Genius or TWC, as appropriate, shall promptly deliver to
the
other party an update to its disclosure letter specifying such change and shall
use its best efforts to remedy same, as applicable; provided,
that no
such update shall be deemed to supplement or amend a disclosure letter for
the
purpose of (a) determining the accuracy of any of the representations and
warranties made by any party in this Agreement or (b) determining whether
any of the conditions set forth in Article VI have been
satisfied.
4.6 Access
to Information. From
the
date of this Agreement until the Closing, Genius, shall (i) permit TWC and
its representatives to have free and complete access at all reasonable times,
and in a manner so as not to interfere with normal business operations, to
all
premises, properties, personnel, persons having business relationships with
it
or its subsidiaries (including suppliers, licensees, customers and
distributors), books, records, contracts and documents of or pertaining to
it;
(ii) furnish TWC with all financial, operating and other data and
information related to their respective businesses (including copies thereof),
as TWC may reasonably request; and (iii) otherwise cooperate and assist, to
the extent reasonably requested, with TWC’s investigation of Genius. Genius will
instruct its employees, counsel and financial advisors to cooperate with TWC
and
its authorized representatives in their investigation of Genius. No information
or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to this Section 4.6
shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained
herein or the conditions to the obligations of TWC to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.
4.7 Best
Efforts. From
the
date of this Agreement until the Closing, each of Genius and TWC shall use
their
respective reasonable best efforts to cause to be fulfilled and satisfied all
of
the other party’s conditions to Closing set forth in Article VI.
4.8 Distributor.
Unless
TWC makes the New Distributor Election, on or prior to the Closing, TWC shall
take such steps as are appropriate or necessary so that as of the Closing
(a) the Distributor shall hold no assets or liabilities that have not been
assumed by a third party (except for such assets and liabilities which are
the
subject of alternate arrangements as provided in the last clause of Section
1.2(b)), and (b) the limited liability company agreement of the Distributor
shall be the form of Amended and Restated Limited
Liability Company Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit
F.
35
ARTICLE
V.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 Conversion
of AVM into LLC.
Genius
shall cause each of AVM and Wellspring Media, Inc. to be converted into a
limited liability company in their respective jurisdictions of organization
on
or prior to the transfer of AVM to the Distributor at Closing.
5.2 Proxy
Statement.
(a) In
connection with the meeting of the stockholders of Genius to approve this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Stockholders’
Meeting”),
as
soon as practicable but no later than five (5) business days after the date
hereof (subject to extension for up to an additional five (5) business days
for
any delay related primarily to preparation of financial statements), Genius
shall prepare and, subject to TWC’s rights under Section 5.2(b) and 5.4, file a
proxy statement (the “Proxy
Statement”),
conforming to the requirements of applicable law, soliciting the approval of
the
stockholders of Genius of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including an amendment and restatement of the certificate of incorporation
of
Genius substantially in the form of Exhibit G
attached
hereto (the “Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”).
Each
of Genius and TWC shall furnish all information reasonably requested by the
other party in connection with the preparation of the Proxy Statement,
provided,
however,
that
TWC shall only be required to furnish information regarding TWC or its
affiliates.
(b) Genius
shall promptly (i) respond to any comments of any Governmental Authority,
(ii) file all amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement that are
required by applicable law and (iii) cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed
to all stockholders of Genius as promptly as practicable after the date hereof.
Genius shall notify TWC promptly upon the receipt of any comments from any
Governmental Authority of any request for amendments or supplements to the
Proxy
Statement or for additional information, and shall provide TWC a reasonable
opportunity to review and comment on drafts of the Proxy Statement (including
each amendment and supplement thereto) and all responses to requests for
additional information by and replies to comments of the SEC (provided that
Genius shall (A) include in any such documents or responses all comments
reasonably proposed by TWC and (B) not file, mail or otherwise deliver such
document or respond to the SEC or the staff of the SEC over TWC’s reasonable
objection) prior to filing such with or sending such to the SEC, and Genius
will
provide TWC with copies of all such filings made with the SEC. Genius will
allow
TWC to participate in any discussions with the SEC or any Governmental Authority
regarding the Proxy Statement (unless otherwise requested by the SEC or such
Governmental Authority) and shall provide TWC reasonable prior notice of any
such discussion to so allow TWC to participate. Genius shall promptly supply
TWC
with copies of all correspondence between Genius or its representatives, on
the
one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, with respect to
the
Proxy Statement.
(c) If,
at
any time prior to the Closing Date, any event or circumstance relating to Genius
is discovered by Genius that is required to be set forth in an amendment or
supplement to the Proxy Statement, Genius will promptly inform TWC.
5.3 Stockholders’
Meeting.
Genius
shall duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Stockholders’ Meeting in
accordance with applicable law and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws
of Genius as promptly as practicable after the date hereof for the purpose
of
voting upon the approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Genius shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take all lawful action
necessary or advisable to solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of
the
approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall take
all
other reasonable action necessary or advisable to secure the requisite vote
of
stockholders in favor of such approval. The Board of Directors of Genius shall
recommend that its shareholders vote in favor of the approval and adoption
of
this Agreement are the transactions contemplated hereby, and such recommendation
shall be included in the Proxy Statement.
36
5.4 Public
Disclosures.
Except
only as and to the extent required by law, neither TWC nor Genius shall
(a) make any disclosure with respect to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other party or
(b) release information regarding the matters contemplated by this
Agreement except that a joint press release in agreed form may be issued by
TWC
and Genius. With respect to disclosures by Genius to the SEC or any other
regulatory agency or pursuant to any governmental regulations, Genius will
consult with TWC regarding any and all such disclosures about or relating to
TWC
or its business and TWC will have the right to review and comment on such
disclosures. Genius will use its best efforts to comply with TWC’s requests and
comments, including by limiting such disclosures to the extent possible and/or
by seeking confidential treatment of such disclosures and involving TWC in
such
process (including without limitation allowing TWC to participate in discussions
regarding limited disclosures and confidential treatment of disclosures, to
the
extent practicable). With respect to all other disclosures by Genius, TWC will
have the right to review and approve in its sole discretion any and all such
disclosures about or relating to TWC or its business.
5.5 Closing
Capitalization Schedule.
At the
Closing, Genius will deliver Schedule 5.5 which will identify any changes to
its
representations and warranties made in Section 3.2 and 3.18(d) arising after
the
date hereof. Genius will cooperate with TWC to prepare a balance sheet of Genius
and the Distributor as of the Closing within ten business days after the Closing
Date, which balance sheets shall also include as schedules thereto, as
applicable, (i) the discounted future ultimates expected to be received pursuant
to each Unassigned Contract as of the Closing Date, (ii) a list and description
of all Excluded Assets and Excluded Liabilities capable of being specifically
identified at such time and (iii) a list and description of Transferred Assets
and Assumed Liabilities capable of being specifically identified at such time;
it being understood, however, that the failure of Genius to specifically
identify an item as an Excluded Asset, Excluded Liability, Transferred Asset
or
Assumed Liability on Schedule 5.5 shall not be
asserted by any party to establish that such item should not be included within
such defined term.
5.6 Contingent
Dividend Right.
Within
thirty (30) days following the Closing or such later time as is practicable,
Genius will issue to its stockholders of record on the Closing Date (to the
extent practicable) an instrument (the “Contingent
Dividend Right”)
entitling the holder thereof to receive from Genius cash payments from time
to
time after the Closing solely based on cash received by Genius from exercise
of
“Pre-closing Options and Warrants” (as such term is defined in the Limited
Liability Company Agreement in effect at the Closing), when, as and if declared
by the Board pursuant to a Special Vote of a Committee of the Board of Directors
of Genius consisting of the At-Large Directors (as provided in Section
(C)(2)(b)(iv) of Article IV of the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), but with no obligation of the Board
to declare such payments, provided,
that
such issuance shall be subject to any requirement that Genius may have to first
register or qualify the issuance of the Contingent Dividend Right with the
SEC
and state “blue-sky” securities authorities as applicable.
37
ARTICLE
VI.
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
6.1 Conditions
to Genius’ Obligation to Close. The
obligations of Genius to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing,
of
each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by Genius in
writing:
(a) Representations
and Warranties.
All of
the representations and warranties of TWC in this Agreement shall have been
true
and correct as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct
as of
the Closing Date (except for those representations and warranties which address
matters only as of a particular date, which shall remain true and correct as
of
such date); provided, that the closing condition set forth in this Section
6.1(a) shall be deemed satisfied if the inaccuracies in such representations
and
warranties (without giving effect to any knowledge or materiality qualifier
or
standard contained in any such representation or warranty) would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on TWC.
(b) Covenants.
TWC
shall have performed in all material respects, all covenants and obligations
in
this Agreement required to be performed by it on or prior to the Closing
Date.
(c) Officer’s
Certificate.
Genius
shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf
of
TWC certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1(a) and (d)
have been satisfied.
(d) No
Legal Proceedings.
No
Legal Proceeding that, if determined adversely, could reasonably be expected
to
have a Material Adverse Effect on TWC, shall be pending against TWC, except
as
disclosed to Genius in writing prior to the date of this Agreement.
(e) No
Material Adverse Effect.
Since
the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any events or changes
(other than those contemplated under this Agreement) which (i) have had or
could
reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on TWC, (ii) have materially adversely affected TWC’s ability to
produce or acquire motion pictures or perform any of its obligations under
this
Agreement or the Distribution Agreement, or (iii) have materially adversely
affected the Film Release Schedule.
(f) Video
Distribution Agreement.
TWC
shall have executed and delivered the Video Distribution Agreement substantially
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
There
shall have occurred no events or changes which have had or could reasonably
be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect
on
TWC’s ability to deliver “Covered Product” under the Distribution Agreement or
otherwise perform its material obligations under the Distribution Agreement.
38
(g) Assignment
Agreement.
The
Distributor shall have executed and delivered the General Assignment and
Assumption Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
(h) Limited
Liability Company Agreement.
The
members of Distributor shall have executed and delivered to Genius the Limited
Liability Company Agreement of Distributor substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit F,
which
shall be the limited
liability company agreement of the Distributor immediately following the
Closing.
(i) Services
Agreement.
The
Distributor shall have executed and delivered to Genius the Services Agreement
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H.
6.2 Conditions
to TWC’s Obligation to Close. The
obligations of TWC to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing, of each of
the
following conditions, any of which may be waived by TWC in writing:
(a) Representations
and Warranties.
All of
the representations and warranties of Genius (i) set forth in Sections 3.1,
3.2,
3.3, 3.11, 3.30 and 3.31 in this Agreement (collectively, the “Specified
Sections”) shall have been true and correct in all material respects,
individually and in the aggregate, as of the date of this Agreement and shall
be
true and correct in all material respects, individually and in the aggregate,
as
of the Closing Date (except for those representations and warranties which
address matters only as of a particular date, which shall remain true and
correct as of such date) and (ii) set forth in this Agreement (other than the
Specified Sections), and without giving effect to any knowledge or materiality
qualifier or standard contained in any such representation or warranty, shall
be
true and correct in all respects, individually and in the aggregate, as of
the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, except for such failures
to
be true and correct that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
or
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Genius.
(b) Covenants.
Genius
shall have performed in all material respects all covenants and obligations
in
this Agreement required to be performed by it on or prior to the Closing
Date.
(c) Officer’s
Certificate.
TWC
shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf
of
Genius certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.2(a) and (d)
have been satisfied.
(d) No
Legal Proceedings.
No
material Legal Proceeding, and no Legal Proceeding initiated by a stockholder
of
Genius relating to the complainant’s rights as a stockholder of Genius, shall be
pending against Genius, except as disclosed in any of the Genius SEC Reports
filed during calendar year 2005 and prior to the date hereof.
(e) No
Material Adverse Effect.
Since
the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any events or changes
(other than those contemplated under this Agreement or any Transaction
Agreement) which have had or could reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Genius.
39
(f) Preferred
Stock.
Genius
shall have issued one hundred (100) shares of its Class W Preferred
Stock to or as directed by TWC or an affiliate of TWC, having the rights and
privileges set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation.
(g) Assignment
Agreement.
Genius
shall have executed and delivered the General Assignment and Assumption
Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
(h) Registration
Rights Agreement.
Genius
shall have executed and delivered to TWC the Registration Rights Agreement
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.
(i) Limited
Liability Company Agreement.
Genius
shall have executed and delivered to TWC the Limited Liability Company Agreement
of Distributor substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F,
which
shall be the limited
liability company agreement of the Distributor immediately following the
Closing.
(j) Employment
Agreements.
Each of
the New Employment Agreements with the individuals identified on Schedule 6.2(j)
of the TWC Disclosure Letter shall be in full force and effect.
(k) Fairness
Opinion.
The
Fairness Opinion shall not have been modified or withdrawn.
(l) Stockholder
Approval.
The
holders of a majority of the outstanding Genius Common Stock shall have approved
(i) this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, including the sale of the Transferred Assets
to
Distributor, (ii) the creation and designation of the Series W Preferred Stock,
and (iii) the waiver of certain fiduciary obligations of TWC (including its
affiliates and related persons) as a stockholder with respect to competing
activities that it might engage in.
(m) Amendment
of Certificate of Incorporation.
The
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall have been duly filed
with the Delaware Secretary of State.
(n) Board
of Directors.
The
Board of Directors of Genius shall comprise seven (7) members, five (5) of
whom
shall have been designated by TWC or an affiliate of TWC in accordance with
the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
(o) Financing.
Genius
shall have received a gross amount of not less than $25 million in cash from
new
equity financing, prior to reasonable fees, expenses and commissions related
thereto, with the proceeds of those financings available for immediate use
by
and contributed to the Distributor, on terms and conditions not less favorable
to Genius or the Distributor in any respect from those contained in the
Financing Commitments.
(p) Director’s
and Officer’s Insurance.
Genius
shall have received a binding director’s and officer’s liability policy of
insurance on terms and conditions, and with applicable coverages and exclusions,
in such amounts as have been previously agreed by Genius and TWC.
40
(q) Subsidiary
Liabilities.
All
Excluded Liabilities of any Genius Subsidiary shall have been transferred to,
and assumed by, Genius, in the manner contemplated by this Agreement or the
Transaction Agreements.
(r) Required
Consents.
All
consents, waivers or approvals listed on Section 6.2(s) of the TWC Disclosure
Letter shall have been obtained, without the imposition of any additional
obligation or the payment of any additional consideration on the part of Genius
or the Distributor, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to TWC,
whether or not the failure to receive such consents waivers or approvals would
have a Material Adverse Effect on Genius or TWC.
6.3 Conditions
to Obligations of Each Party to Close. The
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions,
any of which may be waived by Genius or TWC, as applicable, in
writing:
(a) Stockholder
Approval.
This
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Genius substantially in the form of
Exhibit G
attached
hereto, shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the stockholders
of
Genius.
(b) HSR
Approval.
All
waiting periods (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired or been
terminated.
(c) Consents.
All
consents, waivers or approvals required to be obtained in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have
been
obtained, except where the failure to receive such consents, waivers or
approvals would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Genius or TWC.
(d) No
Legal Impediments to Closing.
There
shall not be in effect any Order issued by any Governmental Authority preventing
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall
any Legal Proceeding be pending that seeks any of the foregoing. There shall
not
be any Legal Requirement prohibiting the parties from consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE
VII.
TERMINATION
7.1 Circumstances
for Termination. At
any
time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated by the mutual
written consent of Genius and TWC, or by Genius or TWC by delivery of written
notice to the other explaining the reason for such termination (without
prejudice to other remedies which may be available to the parties under this
Agreement, at law or in equity):
(a) by
either
Genius or TWC if (i) the non-terminating party is in material breach of any
material covenant contained in this Agreement and such breach shall not have
been cured within fifteen (15) days of receipt by such party of written notice
from the terminating party of such breach and (ii) the terminating party is
not, on the date of termination, in material breach of any material covenant
contained in this Agreement;
41
(b) by
either
Genius or TWC if (i) the Closing has not occurred on or prior to April 15,
2006 (the “Outside
Date”)
for
any reason and (ii) the terminating party is not, on the date of
termination, in material breach of any material provision of this
Agreement;
(c) by
either
Genius or TWC if (i) satisfaction of a closing condition of the terminating
party in Article VI is impossible and (ii) the terminating party is
not, on the date of termination, in material breach of any material provision
of
this Agreement;
(d) by
either
Genius or TWC if, at the Stockholders’ Meeting (or any adjournment or
postponement thereof), the requisite vote of the stockholders of Genius do
not
approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including
approving the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Genius in
the
form attached hereto as Exhibit G;
(e) by
TWC if
(i) an Adverse Recommendation Change shall have occurred, (ii) the Board of
Directors of Genius or any committee thereof fails to recommend (or reconfirm
its recommendation promptly upon request) to Genius’ stockholders that they give
the Genius Stockholder Approval, (iii) a tender or exchange offer or other
solicitation or proposal that would constitute an alternative Competing
Transaction Proposal is commenced on or after the date of this Agreement and
Genius Board of Directors or any committee thereof fails to recommend against
acceptance of such tender or exchange offer or other solicitation or proposal
by
Genius’ stockholders (including by means of taking no position with respect to
the acceptance of such tender or exchange offer by the Genius stockholders)
within ten business days from the commencement thereof or (iv) the Board of
Directors of Genius or any committee thereof resolves to take any of the
foregoing actions;
(f) by
TWC if
Genius gives TWC a Termination Notice contemplated by Section 7.1(h);
(g) by
Genius
if (i) the Board of Managers of TWC, (ii) the Board of Managers of The Xxxxxxxxx
Company Funding LLC or (iii) the Board of Representatives of The Xxxxxxxxx
Company Holdings LLC, or any committee thereof, whether or not permitted
pursuant to the terms hereof, shall revoke, amend, modify, withdraw or otherwise
change its approval or recommendation of advisability of this Agreement or
the
transactions contemplated hereby or shall resolve to take any such actions;
(h) by
Genius
if (i) the Board of Directors of Genius has received a Superior Genius Proposal;
(ii) in light of such Superior Genius Proposal the Board of Directors of Genius
shall have determined in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel,
that it is necessary for the Company Board to withdraw or modify its approval
or
recommendation of this Agreement or transactions contemplated hereby in order
to
comply with its fiduciary duty to the stockholders of Genius under applicable
Legal Requirements (any such determination, a “Superior Proposal
Determination”); (iii) Genius has notified TWC in writing that it has made a
Superior Proposal Determination (a “Termination Notice”) and shall have provided
to TWC in writing the final terms and conditions of, such Superior Genius
Proposal; (iv) Genius is in compliance with Section 4.3; (v) Genius has
previously paid or concurrently pays the fees and expenses due under Section
7.3; and (vi) the Board of Directors of Genius concurrently approves, and Genius
concurrently or promptly thereafter enters into, a definitive agreement
providing for the implementation of such Superior Genius Proposal, provided
that
it has complied with all of the foregoing provisions, including the notice
provision; or
42
(i) by
TWC if
(A) Genius shall announce its intention to disclose publicly any confidential,
proprietary or other non-public information of, regarding or affecting TWC
or
any of its affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, members
or
managers or (B) any of the information referred to in clause (A) of this Section
7.1(i) shall be required to be disclosed pursuant to any Legal Requirement,
which disclosure described in (A) or (B), or the effects thereof, shall be
or
could reasonably be likely to be, in the reasonable judgment of TWC, materially
adverse to TWC or any of its affiliates or any of their respective officers,
directors, members or managers.
7.2 Effect
of Termination. Subject
to Section 7.3, if this Agreement is terminated in accordance with
Section 7.1, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate,
except for the obligations set forth in this Article VII and
Article IX and Section 5.4; provided,
that
nothing herein shall relieve any party from liability for the breach of any
of
its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement.
7.3 Fees
for Termination.
(a)
Genius
shall pay to TWC or its designee a fee in the amount of $4,000,000 (the
“Genius
Termination Fee”)
which
shall be inclusive of reasonable
and customary out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation,
costs or expenses of lenders, legal counsel, investment bankers, consultants,
accountants and other advisors) paid or incurred in connection with consummating
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (“TWC
Expenses”),
in
cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated
by TWC or such designee, if: (i) Genius terminates this Agreement pursuant
to
Section 7.1(h) or TWC terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f);
(ii)
TWC terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(a) (so long as the breach
or failure to perform giving rise to such right of termination was a willful
and
knowing breach or failure to perform) or Section 7.1(e); or (iii) Genius or
TWC terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b), but only if (A) a
Competing Transaction Proposal shall have been publicly disclosed or disclosed
to Genius prior to the Outside Date, and (B) within 12 months after such
termination Genius (or any Genius Subsidiary) enters into a definitive agreement
with respect to a Superior Genius Proposal with the Person or group (or any
affiliate of such Person or any member of such group) that made the Competing
Transaction Proposal referred to in clause (A) above, or consummates a
transaction that constitutes a Superior Genius Proposal with such Person or
group (or any affiliate of such Person or any member of such group).
(b)
Genius
shall pay to TWC or its designee in cash, by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to an account designated by TWC or such designee: (i) an amount
necessary to reimburse TWC for its TWC Expenses, not to exceed $750,000, if
Genius or TWC terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d) or 7.1(i),
and (ii) the Genius Termination Fee less the amount of TWC Expenses paid
pursuant to clause (i) of this sentence if Genius or TWC terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d), but with respect to this clause (ii)
only
if (A) a Competing Transaction Proposal shall have been publicly disclosed
prior
to the Genius Stockholders Meeting, and (B) within 12 months after such
termination Genius (or any Genius Subsidiary) enters into a definitive agreement
with respect to, or consummates, a Competing Transaction Proposal.
43
(c)
Any
amounts due under this Section 7.3 shall be paid on the date of termination
of
this Agreement (except that in the case of termination pursuant to (x) clause
(iii) of the first sentence of Section 7.3(a) and (y) clause (ii) of Section
7.3(b), such payment shall be made on the date of execution of such definitive
agreement or, if earlier, consummation of such transactions).
ARTICLE
VIII.
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Survival
of Covenants, Representations and Warranties.
The
covenants and agreements contained herein shall survive until satisfied unless
this Agreement explicitly provides for a specific termination date. All
representations and warranties of the parties to this Agreement or any other
Transaction Agreement shall survive the Closing and terminate on the eighteen
(18) month anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Survival
Date”);
provided,
that
(a) all representations and warranties of the parties contained in
Section 2.1 (Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries),
Section 2.2 (Authority), Section 3.1 (Organization and Qualification;
Subsidiaries), Section 3.2 (Capitalization), Section 3.3 (Authority),
Section 3.11 (Tax Matters), 3.30 (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) and 3.31
(No Prior Activities) shall survive until 90 days after
all
applicable statutes of limitations, including waivers and extensions, have
expired with respect to each matter addressed therein;
and
(b) any claim for indemnification based upon a breach of any such
representation or warranty and asserted prior to the Survival Date by written
notice shall survive until final resolution of such claim. The representations
and warranties contained in this Agreement (and any right to indemnification
for
breach thereof) shall not be affected by any investigation, verification or
examination by any party hereto or by any such party’s knowledge of any facts
with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of any such representation or
warranty. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an indemnification claim or claims
are asserted pursuant to this Article VIII prior to the expiration as provided
in this Section 8.1 of the representation or warranty that is the basis for
that
claim or claims, then those claims shall survive until their final
resolution.
8.2 Indemnification
by TWC. Subject
to the limitations set forth in this Article VIII, TWC shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the Distributor, and Genius and its affiliates and
their respective officers,
directors, members, employees, consultants, representatives or other agents
(all
such Persons being referred to hereinafter as a “Genius
Indemnified Person”),
from
and
against any and all Damages, whether or not involving a third-party claim,
including attorneys’ fees (collectively, “Genius
Damages”),
arising out of, relating to or resulting from (a) any breach of a
representation or warranty of TWC contained in this Agreement or in any other
Transaction Agreement; (b) any breach of or failure to perform a covenant
of TWC contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Agreement; and
(c) any Excluded Distributor Liability, paid, payable or asserted against the
Distributor or any Genius Indemnified Person or to which the Distributor or
any
Genius Indemnified Person may become subject.
44
8.3 Indemnification
by Genius. Subject
to the limitations set forth in this Article VIII, Genius shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the Distributor, and TWC and its affiliates and their
respective officers,
directors, members, employees, consultants, representatives or other agents
(all
such Persons being referred to hereinafter as a “TWC
Indemnified Person”),
from and
against any and all Damages, whether or not involving a third-party claim,
including attorneys’ fees (collectively, “TWC
Damages”),
arising out of, relating to or resulting from (a) any breach of a
representation or warranty of Genius contained in this Agreement or in any
other
Transaction Agreement; (b) any breach of or failure to perform a covenant
of Genius contained in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Agreement;
and
(c) any Excluded Liability, paid, payable or asserted against the
Distributor or any TWC Indemnified Person or to which the Distributor or any
TWC
Indemnified Person may become subject.
8.4 Procedures
for Indemnification. Promptly
after receipt by a party entitled to indemnification hereunder (the
“Indemnitee”)
of
written notice of the assertion or the commencement of any Legal Proceeding
by a
third-party with respect to any matter referred to in Sections 8.2 or 8.3,
the Indemnitee shall give written notice thereof to the party obligated to
indemnify Indemnitee (the “Indemnitor”),
and
thereafter shall keep the Indemnitor reasonably informed with respect thereto;
provided,
that
failure of the Indemnitee to give the Indemnitor notice as provided herein
shall
not relieve the Indemnitor of its obligations hereunder except to the extent
that the Indemnitor is prejudiced thereby. A claim for indemnification for
any
matter not involving a third-party Legal Proceeding may be asserted by notice
to
the party from whom indemnification is sought and shall be paid promptly after
such notice.
8.5 Limitations
on Indemnification.
(a) Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, TWC shall not be obligated to indemnify any
Genius Indemnified Person under this Article VIII to the extent that the
aggregate of all Genius Damages exceeds $15,000,000 (the “Indemnification
Cap”);
provided,
however,
that
the Indemnification Cap shall not apply to any TWC indemnification obligation
arising out of, relating to or resulting from (i) fraud or intentional
misrepresentation or breach of warranty by TWC or (ii) an Excluded Distributor
Liability.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, Genius shall not be obligated to indemnify
any
TWC Indemnified Person under this Article VIII to the extent that the
aggregate of all TWC Damages exceeds the Indemnification Cap; provided,
that
the Indemnification Cap shall not apply to any Genius indemnification obligation
arising out of, relating to or resulting from (i) fraud or intentional
misrepresentation or breach of warranty by Genius, (ii) with respect to breaches
of the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1,
3.2,
3.3, 3.11, 3.30 or 3.31
or (iii)
any Excluded Liabilities.
(c) Genius
will not be entitled to seek indemnification under Section 8.2 for Genius
Damages unless and until the aggregate amount of all Genius Damages exceeds
$200,000 (the “Threshold
Amount”),
at
which point TWC shall be liable for all Genius Damages in excess of the
Threshold Amount (subject to the other provisions hereof); provided,
that
the Threshold Amount shall not apply (i) with respect to breaches of the
representations and warranties contained in Sections 2.1,
2.2
and 2.8
(ii) in cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation or (iii) any
Excluded Distributor Liability.
45
(d) The
Distributor or TWC will not be entitled to seek indemnification under
Section 8.3 for TWC Damages arising out of breaches of representations and
warranties unless and until the aggregate amount of all TWC Damages exceeds
the
Threshold Amount, at which point Genius shall be liable for all TWC Damages
in
excess of the Threshold Amount (subject to the other provisions hereof);
provided,
that
the Threshold Amount shall not apply (i) with respect to breaches of the
representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1,
3.2,
3.3, 3.11, 3.30 or 3.31, (ii) in
cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation and (iii) with respect to any
Excluded Liabilities.
(e) If,
following the Closing, (i) Genius conducts a debt or equity financing in order
to raise funds to satisfy an indemnification obligation of Genius under this
Article VIII, then the ratio setting forth the number of shares of Genius Common
Stock into which Class W Units may be converted or exchanged at any time shall
be adjusted, as provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement or (ii)
the
Distributor satisfies directly any liability for which it is entitled to
indemnification by Genius pursuant to this Article VIII, then additional Class
W
Units shall be issuable, as provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement.
8.6 Remedies
Cumulative. The
remedies provided in this Agreement shall be cumulative and shall not preclude
any party from asserting any other right, or seeking any other remedies, against
the other party. No
party
shall be foreclosed from and each party shall be permitted to pursue (i) any
and
all equitable relief or other equitable remedies (including, without limitation,
specific performance) that may be available to such party, and (ii) any
applicable statutory, equitable, common law or other remedy that may be
available to such party for breach of any covenants or agreements contained
herein.
ARTICLE
IX.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9.1 Expenses. Subject
to Section 7.3, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated, each party shall pay it own costs and expenses in connection with
this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements, including without
limitation the fees and expenses of its advisers, accountants and legal counsel;
provided,
that
Genius and TWC shall share equally all fees and expenses, other than attorneys’
fees, incurred in connection with any filings under the HSR Act. If the Closing
occurs, all costs and expenses of Genius and TWC incurred in connection with
this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements shall be paid or reimbursed
to each of Genius and TWC by the Distributor at Closing.
9.2 Attorneys’
Fees.
If any
action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of
this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s
fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to
which
such party may be entitled.
46
9.3 Further
Assurances. Each
party agrees (a) to furnish upon request to each other party such further
information, (b) to execute and deliver to each other party such other
documents and (c) to do such other acts and things, all as another party
may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this
Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements.
9.4 Entire
Agreement. This
Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements constitute the entire agreement
between and among the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof,
and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with regard to such
subject matter, including the Confidential Letter of Intent dated as of
September 19, 2005 which the parties agree is terminated and of no further
force or effect. There are no agreements, representations or warranties between
or among the parties other than those set forth in this Agreement and the other
Transaction Agreements.
9.5 Amendment,
Waivers and Consents. This
Agreement shall not be changed or modified, in whole or in part, except by
supplemental agreement signed by all the parties. Any party may waive compliance
by any other party with any of the covenants or conditions of this Agreement,
but no waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making
the waiver. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed, or
shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar,
nor
shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. Any consent under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent
specifically set forth in such writing.
9.6 Successors
and Assigns. This
Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns; provided,
that no
party hereto may assign any right or obligation hereunder without the prior
written consent of all other parties hereto.
9.7 Governing
Law. The
rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by, and this Agreement
shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of
the
State of New York, excluding its conflict of laws rules to the extent such
rules
would apply the law of another jurisdiction.
9.8 Rules
of Construction.
(a)
For
purposes of this Agreement, whenever the context requires: the singular number
shall include the plural, and vice versa; the masculine gender shall include
the
feminine and neuter genders; the feminine gender shall include the masculine
and
neuter genders; and the neuter gender shall include the masculine and feminine
genders.
(b)
The
parties acknowledge that each party has read and negotiated the language used
in
this Agreement. The parties agree that, because all parties participated in
negotiating and drafting this Agreement, no rule of construction shall apply
to
this Agreement which construes ambiguous language in favor of or against any
party by reason of that party’s role in drafting this Agreement.
47
9.9 Severability. If
any
provision of this Agreement, as applied to either party or to any circumstance,
is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable
or
void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said
provision.
9.10 Exhibits. All
Exhibits, the TWC Disclosure Letter and the Genius Disclosure Letter shall
be
deemed to be a part of this Agreement and are fully incorporated in this
Agreement by this reference.
9.11 Notices. Any
notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be sufficient if in
writing and (a) delivered in person against written receipt therefor, or by
nationally recognized express delivery or courier service requiring
acknowledgment of receipt, (b) sent by facsimile, or (c) deposited in
the mail registered or certified first class, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested (provided that any notice given pursuant to clause (b) is also
confirmed by the means described in clause (a) or (c)) to such address or
facsimile of the party set forth below or to such other place or places as
such
party from time to time may designate in writing in compliance with the terms
hereof. Each notice shall be deemed given when so delivered personally, or
sent
by facsimile transmission, or, if sent by express delivery or courier service
one (1) business day after being sent, or if mailed, five (5) business days
after the date of deposit in the mail. A notice of change of address or
facsimile number shall be effective only when done in accordance with this
Section 9.11.
To
Genius:
|
Genius
Products, Inc.
|
|
000
Xxxxx Xxxxx Xx, Xxxxx 000
|
||
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
|
||
Facsimile:
000-000-0000
|
||
Attention:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
|
||
With
copies to:
|
Xxxxxxxx
& Xxxxxxxx LLP
|
|
000
Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
|
||
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
|
||
Facsimile:
000-000-0000
|
||
Attention:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
|
||
To
TWC:
|
The
Xxxxxxxxx Company LLC
|
|
000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx
Xxxxx
|
||
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
|
||
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
||
Attention:
Xxxxx Xxxxxx; and to
|
||
The
Xxxxxxxxx Company LLC
|
||
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xx., 0xx
Xxxxx
|
||
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
|
||
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
||
Attention:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
48
With
copies to:
|
O’Melveny
& Xxxxx LLP
|
|
0000
Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
|
||
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
|
||
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
||
Attention:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx; and to
|
||
Xxxx,
Weiss, Rifkind, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP
|
||
0000
Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx
|
||
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000-0000
|
||
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
||
Attention:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
9.12 Rights
of Parties. Nothing
in this Agreement, whether express or implied, is intended to confer any rights
or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any persons other than
the
parties to it and their respective successors and permitted assigns, nor is
anything in this Agreement intended to relieve or discharge the obligation
or
liability of any third person to any party to this Agreement, nor shall any
provision give any third person any right of subrogation or action over or
against any party to this Agreement. TWC and its affiliates are expressly
intended to be third party beneficiaries of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements of Genius made to the Distributor
hereunder.
9.13 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be an
original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were
upon
the same instrument.
[Signatures
Page Follows]
49
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Master Contribution
Agreement to be executed on its behalf as of the date first written above.
"Genius" |
“TWC”
|
|
GENIUS
PRODUCTS, INC.
|
THE
XXXXXXXXX COMPANY LLC
|
|
By:
/s/
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
|
By:
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx
|
Name:
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer
|
Title:
Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Attest:
|
Attest:
|
|
By:
/s/
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
|
By:
/s/ Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
Name: Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
General
Counsel
|
Title:
EVP
- Accounting & Reporting
|
|
“Distributor”
|
||
THE
XXXXXXXXX COMPANY HOLDINGS LLC
|
||
By:
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Name:
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
EXHIBIT
A
CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
“Action”
means
any action, complaint, investigation, petition, suit or other proceeding,
whether civil or criminal, in law or in equity, or before any arbitrator or
Governmental Authority.
“Agreement”
shall
mean the Master Contribution Agreement to which this Exhibit A
is
attached (including the Genius Disclosure Letter, the TWC Disclosure Letter
and
all schedules and exhibits attached hereto), as it may be amended from time
to
time.
“Applicable
Copyright Law”
means
the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, and, as applicable, common law of any
jurisdiction in the United States, the Copyright Act of 1909, as amended, the
Universal Copyright Convention and the Berne Convention.
“AVM”
shall
mean American Vantage Media Corporation, a Nevada corporation.
“Closing”
shall
have the meaning specified in Section 1.4.
“Closing
Date”
shall
have the meaning specified in Section 1.4.
“Class
W Units”
shall
mean Class W units of membership interests in the Distributor.
“Code”
shall
mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Copyright”
means
legal, economic, moral and neighboring rights in any work of authorship,
including, without limitation, those arising under Applicable Copyright Law,
and
all registrations, renewals, and applications for registration or renewal of
any
of the foregoing owned or controlled by Genius or any Genius Subsidiary,
including, without limitation, the copyrights listed in Section 3.16 of the
Genius Disclosure Letter.
“Damages”
shall
mean and include any loss, damage, injury, decline in value, lost opportunity,
Liability, claim, demand, settlement, judgment, award, fine, penalty, Tax,
fee
(including any legal fee, accounting fee, expert fee or advisory fee), charge,
cost (including any cost of investigation) or expense of any
nature.
“Distributor”
shall
mean The Xxxxxxxxx Company Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.
“Encumbrance”
shall
mean any lien, pledge, hypothecation, charge, mortgage, security interest,
encumbrance, equity, trust, equitable interest, claim, preference, right of
possession, lease, tenancy, license, encroachment, covenant, infringement,
interference, order, proxy, option, right of first refusal, preemptive right,
community property interest, legend, defect, impediment, exception, reservation,
limitation, impairment, imperfection of title, condition or restriction of
any
nature (including any restriction on the voting of any security, any restriction
on the transfer of any security or other asset, any restriction on the receipt
of any income derived from any asset, any restriction on the use of any asset
and any restriction on the possession, exercise or transfer of any other
attribute of ownership of any asset).
EXHIBIT
A
PAGE 1
PAGE 1
“Entity”
shall
mean any corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general
partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture,
estate, trust or company (including any limited liability company or joint
stock
company or other legal entity).
“Exchange
Act”
shall
mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Excluded
Assets”
shall
have the meaning specified in Section 1.1.
“Excluded
Distributor Liabilities”
means
any of the burdens, obligations or liabilities of Distributor or any entity
which was a subsidiary of the Distributor prior to the Closing (“Distributor
Subsidiaries”)
(including any unknown, undisclosed, unmatured, unaccrued, unasserted,
contingent, indirect, conditional, implied, vicarious, derivative, joint,
several or secondary liability) arising (a) prior to Closing with respect to
Distributor, (b) prior to or after the Closing with respect to any Distributor
Subsidiary, (c) prior to or after the Closing with respect to any
transaction, event or circumstance of Distributor or any Distributor Subsidiary
occurring or existing, or alleged to have occurred or existed, prior to Closing.
Distributor Subsidiaries shall not include any Genius Subsidiary, in each case
other than burdens, obligations or liabilities arising from this Agreement
or
the Distribution Agreement.
“GAAP”
means
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles in effect on the date on which
they are to be applied pursuant to this Agreement, applied consistently
throughout the relevant periods.
“Genius”
shall
mean Genius Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Genius
Common Stock”
means
the common stock of Genius, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Genius
Contracts”
shall
mean (i) all agreements that are required to be filed as “material contracts”
with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act and (ii) each
of
the following contracts and other agreements (or group of related agreements),
or commitments, written or oral, to which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary is
a
party:
(a) for
the
lease of real or personal property to or from any Person providing for lease
payments greater than $10,000 per month;
(b) for
the
purchase or sale of raw materials, commodities, supplies, products, or other
personal property, or for the furnishing or receipt of services involving
payments greater than $25,000 per month;
(c) concerning
a partnership or joint venture;
EXHIBIT
A
PAGE 2
PAGE 2
(d) that
grants a third party a right of first refusal;
(e) under
which it has created, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed any indebtedness for
borrowed money, or any capitalized lease obligation or under which it has
imposed a lien on any of its assets, tangible or intangible;
(f) concerning
noncompetition or exclusivity;
(g) for
the
employment of any individual on a full-time, part-time, consulting, or other
basis or providing severance benefits;
(h) under
which it has advanced or loaned any amount to any of its directors, officers,
or
employees;
(i) under
which the consequences of a default or termination could have Material Adverse
Effect on Genius;
(j) not
terminable by Genius upon notice of six (6) months or less, or involving
payments or obligations of Genius in excess of $50,000 per annum or $100,000
in
the aggregate; and
(j) any
other
material agreement to which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary is a party whether
or not required to be disclosed under the rules or regulations of the
SEC.
“Governmental
Approval”
shall
mean any: (a) permit, license, certificate, concession, approval, consent,
ratification, permission, clearance, confirmation, exemption, waiver, franchise,
certification, designation, rating, registration, variance, qualification,
accreditation or authorization issued, granted, given or otherwise made
available by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority or pursuant
to
any Legal Requirement; or (b) right under any contract with any
Governmental Authority.
“Governmental
Authority”
shall
mean any: (a) nation, principality, state, commonwealth, province,
territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature;
(b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government;
(c) governmental or quasi governmental authority of any nature (including
any governmental division, subdivision, department, agency, bureau, branch,
office, commission, council, board, instrumentality, officer, official,
representative, organization, unit, body or Entity and any court or other
tribunal); (d) multinational organization or body; or (e) individual,
Entity or body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any executive, legislative,
judicial, administrative, regulatory, police, military or taxing authority
or
power of any nature.
“Guild
Encumbrances”
means
any right, including, without limitation, so called “separated rights” and
rights similar thereto, obtained pursuant to the terms of any guild, union
or
other collective bargaining agreement (including, without limitation, any
agreement with any guild, union or labor organization) applicable to any assets
included in the Library, whether said right is obtained directly or by
implication or reference in an individual contract, to: (i) receive money or
any
other valuable consideration for merchandising any assets included in the
Library; or (ii) limit or prohibit the exercise of any or all of the rights
of
exploitation of any assets included in the Library; or (iii) receive money
or
other valuable consideration for the exercise of any of all of the rights of
exploitation of any or all of the assets included in the Library.
EXHIBIT
A
PAGE 3
PAGE 3
“HSR
Act”
shall
mean the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended.
“Intellectual
Property”
shall
mean domestic
and foreign (i) copyrightable works and copyrights and all applications and
registrations therefor, and renewals thereof; (ii) trademarks, service
marks, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names, domain names, and
all
applications and registrations therefor and renewals thereof, and all goodwill
associated therewith; (iii) inventions (whether patentable or
unpatentable), all improvements thereto, and patents, patent applications,
and
patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations,
continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof;
(iv) proprietary software (including data and related documentation) and
proprietary databases; (v) trade secrets and confidential business
information (including ideas, research and development, know-how, formulas,
compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, technical
data, designs, drawings, specifications, customer and supplier lists, pricing
and cost information, and business and marketing plans and proposals);
(vi) copies and tangible embodiments of the foregoing (in whatever form or
medium); (vii) licenses and other rights to any of the foregoing; and
(viii) related ownership, use and other intellectual property and intangible
asset rights in and to any of the foregoing (including the right to xxx for
past, present and future infringements or misappropriations
thereof).
“Legal
Proceeding”
shall
mean any action, suit, litigation, arbitration, proceeding (including any civil,
criminal, administrative, investigative or appellate proceeding), prosecution,
contest, hearing, inquiry, inquest, audit, examination or investigation that
is,
has been or may in the future be commenced, brought, conducted or heard at
law
or in equity or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitrator or
arbitration panel.
“Legal
Requirement”
shall
mean any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute,
legislation, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance,
code,
Order, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation,
permit, ruling, directive, pronouncement, requirement (licensing or otherwise),
specification, determination, decision, opinion or interpretation that is,
has
been or may in the future be issued, enacted, adopted, passed, approved,
promulgated, made, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the
authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Library”
means,
collectively, all Library Rights and all Library Tangible Assets.
“Library
Film Properties”
means
all physical properties of, or relating to, any item of Library Products or
Work
in Progress, including, without limitation, digital masters, prints, negatives,
duplicating negatives, fine grains, music and sound effects tracks, master
tapes
and all other duplicating masters and materials of any kind, all various
language dubbed and titled versions, prints and negatives of stills, trailers
and television spots, all promos and other advertising, marketing and publicity
materials, stock footage, trims, tabs, out-takes, cells, drawings, storyboards,
models, sculptures, puppets, sketches, and continuities, including, without
limitation, any of the foregoing in the possession, custody or control of Genius
or any of Genius Subsidiary, or to the extent owned by Genius or any of Genius
Subsidiary, in the possession of its predecessors or assigns or any film
laboratories, storage facilities or other third parties.
EXHIBIT
A
PAGE 4
PAGE 4
“Library
Literary Properties”
means
all literary, dramatic or other works, screenplays, stories, adaptations,
scripts, treatments, formats, bibles, scenarios, characters, titles, and any
and
all other literary or dramatic materials of any kind and any rights therein
in
which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary has rights, including, without limitation,
any remake, sequel, prequel, series, character, legitimate stage, merchandising
and other derivative, compilation and ancillary rights of every kind, whether
now or hereafter recognized, in all media including without limitation, for
theatrical, non-theatrical, home video, multi-media, interactive, computer,
pay-per-view, television, pay or basic cable, DBS, TVRO, MDS, MMDS, STV or
any
other form of exhibition or distribution now known or hereafter devised, in
any
of the Library Products or Works in Progress or Unproduced
Properties.
“Library
Music Rights”
means
all music synchronization, performance, mechanical, publication and other rights
(including without limitation rights relating to works as are in progress,
pre-production, post-production or development and otherwise not yet completed
or released) in which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary has rights.
“Library
Outstanding Agreements”
means
all Genius Contracts now in effect pursuant to which Genius or any Genius
Subsidiary has any rights to distribute, exhibit, use, exercise or exploit,
any
rights in or to, or providing for the acquisition, sale, purchase, lease,
license or other disposition by or to Genius or any of Genius Subsidiary of,
any
of the assets included in the Library.
“Library
Products”
means
any and all completed audio, visual and/or audiovisual works of any kind or
character in which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary has rights, including,
without limitation, those properties listed on Section 3.16 of the Genius
Disclosure Letter, including, without limitation, motion pictures, television
programs, series, mini-series, pilots, specials, documentaries, cartoons,
compilations, promotional films, trailers and shorts, whether animated, live
action or both, whether produced for theatrical, non-theatrical, home video,
multi-media, interactive, computer, pay-per-view, television, pay or basic
cable, DBS, TVRO, MDS, MMDS, STV or any other form of exhibition or distribution
now known or hereafter devised.
“Library
Rights”
means,
collectively, all Library Products, Works in Progress, Unproduced Properties,
Library Literary Properties, Library Music Rights, Library Underlying
Agreements, and Library Outstanding Agreements, as such terms are defined
herein.
“Library
Tangible Assets”
means,
collectively, all Library Film Properties and all written Genius Contracts
and
other documents evidencing, memorializing or otherwise relating to the Library
Rights, including, without limitation, the Library Underlying Agreements and
Library Outstanding Agreements.
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“Library
Underlying Agreements”
means
all Genius Contracts with writers, directors, producers, actors, artists,
animators, voice talent or other parties relating to the preparation or
production of any of the Library Products, pursuant to which Genius or any
Genius Subsidiary has any rights in or obligations relating to the Library
Products, Works in Progress, Unproduced Properties, or any element
thereof.
“Marks”
means
all brand names, service marks, trademarks, tradenames, logos and other words
or
symbols used to identify the source of goods or services that are or have been
used in connection with the business of Genius and the Genius Subsidiaries
or
the Library.
“Material
Adverse Effect”
means,
with respect to any Entity, any event, change or effect that, when taken
individually or together with all other adverse events, changes and effects,
is
or is reasonably likely (a) to be materially adverse to the condition
(financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities, business, operations
of that Entity and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) to prevent,
have an adverse effect on or materially delay consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise to prevent or have an adverse effect
on the Entity’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
“Order”
shall
mean any: (a) temporary, preliminary or permanent order, judgment,
injunction, edict, decree, ruling, pronouncement, determination, decision,
opinion, verdict, sentence, stipulation, subpoena, writ or award that is or
has
been issued, made, entered, rendered or otherwise put into effect by or under
the authority of any court, administrative agency or other Governmental
Authority or any arbitrator or arbitration panel; or (b) contract with any
Governmental Authority that is or has been entered into in connection with
any
Legal Proceeding.
“Participation”
means
any contingent right in, or to receive money or other consideration in respect
of, the exploitation of any asset included in the Library, excluding Guild
Encumbrances.
“Permitted
Encumbrances”
shall
mean (a) Encumbrances for Taxes or governmental assessments, charges or claims,
the payment of which is not yet due, or for Taxes, the validity of which is
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which
appropriate reserves have been established, (b) Encumbrances of warehousemen,
mechanics and materialmen and other similar statutory Encumbrances incurred
in
the ordinary course of business, (c) any utility company rights, easements
and
franchises, and (d) those Encumbrances listed on Section PE to the Genius
Disclosure Letter hereto.
“Person”
means
an individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability
company, corporation, trust, estate, real estate investment trust, association
or any other entity.
“SEC”
means
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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“Securities
Act”
shall
mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Survival
Date”
shall
have the meaning specified in Section 9.1.
“Tax”
or
“Taxes”
means
all taxes, however denominated, including any interest, penalties or other
additions to tax that may become payable in respect thereof, imposed by any
federal, territorial, state, local or foreign government or any agency or
political subdivision of any such government, which taxes shall include, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, all income or profits taxes
(including, but not limited to, federal income taxes and state income taxes),
payroll and employee withholding taxes, unemployment insurance, social security
taxes, sales and use taxes, ad valorem taxes, excise taxes, franchise taxes,
gross receipts taxes, business license taxes, occupation taxes, real and
personal property taxes, stamp taxes, environmental taxes, transfer taxes,
workers’ compensation, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums and other
governmental charges, and other obligations of the same or of a similar nature
to any of the foregoing, which the Genius Group is required to pay, withhold
or
collect.
“Tax
Return”
means
any report, return, document, declaration, or any other information or filing
required to be supplied to any taxing authority or jurisdiction (domestic or
foreign) in respect of Taxes, including, information returns, any document
in
respect of or accompanying payments or estimated Taxes, or in respect of or
accompanying requests for the extension of time in which to file any such
report, return document, declaration, or other information, including amendments
thereof and attachments thereto.
“Transaction
Agreements”
shall
mean this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement in the form attached to this
Agreement as Exhibit D,
the
Registration Rights Agreement in the form attached to this Agreement as
Exhibit E,
the
Limited Liability Company Agreement in the form attached to this Agreement
as
Exhibit E,
and the
Services Agreement in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit H.
“Trading
Market”
means
the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted
for trading on the date in question: the OTC Bulletin Board, the American Stock
Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq
SmallCap Market.
“TWC”
shall
mean The Xxxxxxxxx Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“TWC
Disclosure Letter”
shall
have the meaning specified in Article II.
“TWC
Permits”
shall
have the meaning specified in Section 2.6.
“Unproduced
Properties”
means
all creative projects in which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary owns, or has
the
right to acquire, any rights whatsoever that do not constitute Library Products
or Works in Progress and on which Genius or any Genius Subsidiary has invested,
spent and/or committed to invest or spend, in the aggregate in respect of any
single project, $10,000 or more, including without limitation those properties
listed on Section 3.16 of the Genius Disclosure Letter.
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“Works
in Progress”
means
all audio, visual and/or audiovisual works for which production has commenced
or
is scheduled to be commenced and which, if completed, would otherwise constitute
Library Products, including without limitation those properties listed on
Section 31.16 of the Genius Disclosure Letter.
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