ASSET PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT
2.1
ASSET
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
THIS
ASSET
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into
as of September 28, 2007, by and between Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (“Internet Brands”), and LION, Inc., a Washington corporation
(the “Seller”), which owns the website Xxxxxxxx000.xxx (the
“Website”). Internet Brands and Seller are hereinafter at
times individually referred to as a “Party” and collectively to as the
“Parties.”
RECITALS
A.
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Seller
operates the Website and its related business, and owns or otherwise
has
rights to all of the related domain and sub-domain names, technology
platforms, software source code, customer, advertiser, member and
content
databases and all other assets and licenses related
thereto.
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B.
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Internet
Brands desires to acquire all of such assets comprising the Website
and
its business as set forth herein.
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C.
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Seller
desires to sell such assets to Internet Brands, subject to the
terms and
conditions contained in this Agreement (the
“Transaction”).
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NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, promises and representations
set
forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, and intending
to be
legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE
1
PURCHASE
AND SALE OF ASSETS
Section
1.1 Purchase and Sale of Assets; Assumption of
Liabilities. At the Closing (defined in Section 1.2 hereof) and
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement including, without
limitation, satisfaction of the conditions found in Article 6
hereof:
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(a)
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Seller
shall sell, transfer, convey and deliver to Internet Brands and
Internet
Brands shall purchase and acquire from Seller, all of Seller’s rights,
title, and interest in all Website-related domain and sub-domain
names,
URLs, software, assets, content, customer, advertiser and member
databases, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights,
contract
rights and all other intellectual property and technology comprising
the
Website and exclusively related to its business, in each case identified
on Schedule 1.1(a) hereof, free and clear of any liens, claims,
charges, pledges, security interests, options or other legal or
equitable
encumbrances (collectively, the “Purchased
Assets”).
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(b)
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Notwithstanding
Section 1.1(a), the Purchased Assets shall exclude any assets (the
“Excluded Assets”) not specifically set forth in Schedule
1.1(a) and Schedule 2.3, including without limitation assets
related to Seller’s retail websites’ business, Seller’s wholesale and
correspondent loan programs library and related databases, and
Seller’s
“Lion Broker” broker-to-broker portal and pricing
engine. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except
for the express assignments granted in this Agreement, nothing
herein
shall be deemed to transfer any rights in any intellectual property
owned,
licensed to, conceived, reduced to practice or otherwise developed
by
Seller by virtue of its reference, incorporation or use within
any of the
Purchased Assets.
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(c)
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As
of the Closing Date, Internet Brands shall assume and be liable
for all
liabilities arising from the Purchased Assets after Closing, including
all
post-Closing liabilities for performance under each of the assumed
contracts except liabilities, even if arising post-Closing, for
services
provided by Seller under the assumed contracts prior to Closing
(collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”). Internet Brands agrees
to promptly pay, perform, honor and discharge, or cause to be paid
or
otherwise promptly performed, honored and discharged, from and
after the
Closing all Assumed Liabilities as they become due and payable
and in
accordance with the terms thereof.
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(d)
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Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, Internet Brands is not assuming
and shall
not become responsible for any liability of Seller of whatever
nature,
whether presently in existence or arising hereafter, including
any
liability incurred in connection with, arising out of, or related
to the
ownership or use of any of the Purchased Assets or the conduct
of the
Website or its business on or prior to the Closing Date, and all
severance
and transition costs, except the Assumed Liabilities. All such
liabilities other than the Assumed Liabilities are referred to
herein as
the “Excluded Liabilities” and shall be retained by and remain
liabilities of Seller.
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Section
1.2 Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of
the Purchased Assets to Internet Brands (the “Closing”) shall occur as
promptly as practicable, but not later than October 1, 2007; provided,
however, that all of the conditions to Closing set forth in Article
6
hereof shall have been satisfied or waived. The date on which the
Closing actually occurs shall be referred to as the “Closing
Date.” The Closing shall take place at the offices of Internet
Brands in El Segundo, California, or via overnight courier at the election
of
the Parties.
Section
1.3 Purchase Consideration. In full consideration of
the sale, assignment and transfer of the Purchased Assets and the execution
and
delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, as defined below,
made
in connection with the Transaction, at Closing Internet Brands
shall:
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(a)
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pay
to Seller Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) by wire transfer of
immediately available funds; and
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(b)
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deposit
into a separate account, to be held in trust as escrow agent for
the
benefit of Seller, Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000)
of
immediately available funds (the “Transition Plan
Holdback”). The Transition Plan Holdback plus any interest
accrued thereon shall be available to satisfy any amounts owed
by Seller
to Internet Brands under this Agreement, and the balance, if any,
shall be
distributed to Seller, all in accordance with the terms set forth
in
Section 5.7 hereof.
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Section
1.4 Purchase Price Allocation. The purchase price
shall be allocated in the manner required by the Internal Revenue Code of
1986,
as amended (the “Code”). After the Closing, the Parties shall
make consistent use of the allocation, fair market value and useful lives
for
all tax purposes and in all filings, declarations and reports with the Internal
Revenue Service (the “IRS”) in respect thereof, including the reports
required to be filed under Section 1060 of the Code. Buyer shall
prepare and deliver IRS Form 8594 to Seller within forty-five (45) days after
the Closing Date to be filed with the IRS. In any proceeding related to the
determination of any tax, neither Internet Brands nor Seller shall contend
or
represent that such allocation is not a correct allocation.
ARTICLE
2
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller
hereby represents and warrants to Internet Brands as of the date hereof and
as
of the Closing Date:
Section
2.1 Organization of Seller. Seller is a corporation
duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Washington, with full corporate power and authority to conduct its business
as
it is now being conducted. Seller is duly qualified to do business as a foreign
corporation and is in good standing under the laws of each state or other
jurisdiction in which either the ownership or use of the properties owned
or
used by it, or the nature of the activities conducted by it, requires such
qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing
would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Seller’s
business or properties.
Section
2.2 Authority.
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(a)
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Seller
possesses all requisite power and authority to enter into this
Agreement
and perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery,
and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by
all
necessary corporate action on the part of Seller. This
Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Seller,
enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms, except
(i) as
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of
creditors’
rights generally, or (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability
of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies
and
principles of public policy (subsections (i) and (ii) are referred
to as
“Equitable Exceptions”).
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(b)
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The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller
and the
consummation by Seller of the Transaction does not (i) violate
any
provision of Seller’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, as amended, or
(ii) conflict with or result in any breach, violation, modification
or
termination of, accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance
required by the terms of, or constitute a default, under any of
the terms
or provisions of any agreement, indenture, loan, mortgage, lien,
lease,
obligation, license, permit, franchise, judgment, decree, order,
statute,
rule, regulation or other instrument or restriction of any kind
to which
Seller is a party or by which its assets or property is bound,
except for
any such events or occurrences that could not reasonably be expected
to
have a material adverse effect on Seller’s business or
properties.
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(c)
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No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration
or, except as set forth on Schedule 2.2(c), filing with, any
governmental entity or public or regulatory unit, agency, body
or
authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery
or
performance of this Agreement by Seller or the consummation by
Seller of
this Transaction.
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Section
2.3 Ownership of Purchased Assets. (a) Seller owns
all of the Purchased Assets identified on Schedule 1.1(a) hereof, which
includes a list of all customers, partners, affiliates and advertisers; (b)
the
Purchased Assets, together with the assumed contracts, identified on Schedule
2.3, assigned to Internet Brands, constitute all of the assets comprising
the Website and its business, including without limitation, all related
sub-domain names, content, customer, advertiser and member databases, contract
rights, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, logos, graphic art and all other
intellectual property, free and clear of liens, claims and encumbrances;
(c)
Seller owns or has valid leases, licenses or similar rights to all right,
title
and interest to all intellectual property necessary to operate the Website
and
its related business, free and clear of any liens, encumbrances or security
interests and without any infringement of the intellectual property rights
of
others; and (d) as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement
or
the performance of Seller's obligations hereunder, Seller shall not be in
violation in any material respect of any license, sublicense or
agreement.
Section
2.4 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. There are no
outstanding liabilities that would attach to the Purchased Assets except
the
continuing obligations under the assumed contracts set forth on Schedule
2.3. There are no claims or commitments with respect to the
Purchased Assets or that are reasonably likely to result in a lien or claim
on
any of the Purchased Assets, including without limitation, any claims of
creditors of Seller, former or purported officers, directors, shareholders,
employees or independent contractors of Seller who provided services with
respect to the Website or its business, or any claims or threatened claims
of
trademark or copyright infringement.
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Section
2.5 Financial Statements; Revenue and Deferred Revenue; Accounts
Receivables. Seller has delivered to Internet Brands (a) a
report of all customer deposits attached to assumed customer agreements as
of
August 31, 2007; (b) a report of all deferred revenue for subscription products
as of August 31, 2007; (c) a report of all accrued revenue for leads as of
August 31, 2007; (d) a report of all monthly Website revenue from Google
AdSense
for the period January 1, 2006 through September 1, 2007; (e) unaudited profit
and loss statements consolidated by product line for the eight months ended
August 31, 2007; (f) a daily earnings report from SureHits for the period
July
1, 2007 through August 31, 2007; (g) a report of all monthly revenue by customer
for August 2007; (h) a report of all monthly invoiced revenue by customer
and by
sub-product for the period January 1, 2006 through September 19, 2007 for
leads,
and through September 23, 2007 for subscription services; (i) a report of
all
monthly expenses relating to the Website and its business, for the month
of
August 2007; and (j) a report of all accounts receivables as of September
17,
2007, all of which reports and statements are unaudited (collectively, the
“Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements, together
with any notes thereto, are attached hereto as Exhibit 2.5. The Financial
Statements are true, correct and fairly present the financial information
as of
the dates thereof. Since August 31, 2007, there has been no material
adverse change to the operations or financial results of the Website
business. With regard to the Purchased Assets financial information
contained in the Financial Statements, to Seller’s knowledge, (i) there are no
undisclosed revenue adjustments, credits or refunds, (ii) the customer deposits
and deferred revenue is properly stated, (iii) there are no sales discounts
other than those reflected on the revenue schedules provided to Internet Brands,
(iv) there are no other costs and expenses, except as disclosed to Internet
Brands, and (v) there are no undisclosed offsets to or uncollectible amounts
included in accounts receivable.
Section
2.6 Contracts.Schedule 2.3 hereto sets forth a complete and
correct list of all material contracts, agreements, commitments and obligations
of Seller, either written or oral, relating to the Website. Except as set
forth
on Schedule 4.2 hereto, copies of all written contracts relating to the
Website have been provided or made available to Internet Brands. Each
such contract or agreement is a valid and binding agreement of Seller
enforceable against Seller subject to the Equitable Exceptions. Seller has
fulfilled all of its obligations under such contracts as of the date hereof
which are required to be fulfilled as of the date hereof.
Section
2.7 Tax Matters. There are no liens, encumbrances or
security interests on any of the Purchased Assets arising in connection with
any
failure (or alleged failure) to pay any tax, and Seller has no knowledge
of any
basis for the assertion of any claims attributable to taxes that, if adversely
determined, would result in any such lien, encumbrance or security interest
(except for taxes that are not yet due and payable).
Section
2.8 Legal Proceedings. There is no pending or to
Seller’s knowledge, threatened proceeding (a) by or against Seller or that could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse affect on the Website or
its
business, or on any of the Purchased Assets; or (b) that could reasonably
be
expected to have the effect of preventing, delaying, or making illegal the
Transaction.
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Section
2.9 Accuracy of Information; Full Disclosure. This
Agreement, the Ancillary Documents, the exhibits and schedules hereto and
thereto, and all other documents delivered at Closing by Seller to Internet
Brands in connection with the Closing, when taken as a whole, do not contain
any
untrue statement of a material fact nor omit to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading
in
light of the circumstances under which they were made.
Section
2.10 Books and Records. Seller has made and kept
(and given Internet Brands access to) books and records and accounts, which,
in
reasonable detail, fairly and accurately reflect the operations of Seller
in all
material respects relating to the Website’s business and the Purchased
Assets.
Section
2.11 Compliance with Laws. Seller has complied in
all material respects with the laws and regulations applicable to it in the
operation of the Website and delivery of leads to Website
customers.
Section
2.12 Employees; Independent Contractors. Seller has no
employees whose employment shall be transferred to Internet Brands at
Closing. Schedule 2.12 hereto contains a correct and complete
list of all of Seller’s employees and independent contractors that perform work
related to the Website or its business. Seller has complied with all
applicable employment laws and regulations, including without limitation,
all
federal and state wage laws, and collection and payment of withholding taxes.
There are no claims pending or threatened against Seller by any employee
or
independent contractor, including claims or investigations pending with any
federal or state agency or any grievance or arbitration proceeding.
Section
2.13 Limitation of Representations. Except for
the representations and warranties contained in this Article 2, (a) neither
Seller nor any other person has made any representation or warranty, express
or
implied, at law or in equity, on behalf of either of Seller or its
representatives regarding the Website, the Purchased Assets or the Website
business (or the value of any of them) or the transactions contemplated by
this
Agreement and (b) Seller hereby disclaims any such representation or
warranty, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to Internet Brands,
its
representatives or any other person of any information, documentation or
other
materials.
EXCEPT
AS
OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE 2, THE PURCHASED ASSETS, THE
ASSUMED LIABILITIES AND THE WEBSITE BUSINESS ARE TRANSFERRED “AS IS,” “WHERE IS”
AND, SUBJECT TO THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE
2,
WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITHOUT ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND
OR
NATURE WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND IN PARTICULAR,
WITHOUT ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION AS TO CONDITION, VALUE,
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR WARRANTY
REGARDING THE USE OF ANY OF THE PURCHASED ASSETS, OR THAT THEIR AVAILABILITY
SHALL BE UNINTERRUPTED, THAT THEY SHALL BE ERROR FREE OR THAT CERTAIN RESULTS
MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THEIR USE, OR THAT THE PURCHASED ASSETS SHALL CONFORM
TO
ANY DESCRIPTION THEREOF PROVIDED BY SELLER.
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ARTICLE
3
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
OF
INTERNET BRANDS
As
a
material inducement to Seller to execute and deliver this Agreement and to
consummate the Transaction (subject to the conditions contained herein),
Internet Brands represents, warrants and agrees as follows:
Section
3.1 Organization of Internet Brands. Internet
Brands is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the state of Delaware. Internet Brands has the corporate
power
to own its properties and to carry on its business as now
conducted. Internet Brands is duly qualified to do business as now
being conducted and is authorized and in good standing in its place of
incorporation and each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify or
be in
good standing would result in a material adverse effect on Internet Brands’
business or properties.
Section
3.2 Authority. Internet Brands has all
requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the
Transaction. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
approval of the Transaction have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action including by Internet Brands’ Board of Directors, as evidenced by
authorizing resolutions delivered to Seller at Closing. This
Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Internet Brands,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Equitable
Exceptions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Internet
Brands and the consummation of the Transaction shall not (a) conflict with
its
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as amended, or (b) conflict with
or
result in any breach of, violation of, modification of, termination of,
accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance required by the
terms
of, or constitute a default under any of the terms or provisions of any material
agreement, indenture, loan, mortgage, lien, lease, obligation, license, permit,
franchise, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, regulation or other
instrument or restriction of any kind to which Internet Brands is a party
or by
which the assets or property of Internet Brands is bound, or (c) result in
a
breach of any fiduciary or other obligation of Internet Brands to any third
party. No consent, waiver, approval, order or authorization of any
governmental authority, instrumentality, agency or commission, or any third
party, is required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Internet
Brands or the consummation of the Transaction.
Section
3.3 No Brokers. Internet Brands has not employed and
is not liable for the payment of any fee to any finder, broker, consultant
or
similar person in connection with this Agreement or Transaction.
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Section
3.4 Tax Withholding. Internet Brands shall not
withhold from or in respect of any sum payable by Internet Brands under this
Agreement.
Section
3.5 Acknowledgment of Limitation of
Warranties. Internet Brands is experienced and sophisticated with
respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has undertaken
such investigation, and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents
and information, as it has deemed necessary in connection with the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement. Internet Brands
acknowledges that, except to the extent expressly set forth in Article 2
of this
Agreement, no representation or warranty has been made by or on behalf of
either
of Seller or any of its representatives with respect to any information,
documents or material provided or made available by either of Seller or any
of
its representatives to Internet Brands or any of its representatives relating
to
the Website or its business, or the Purchased Assets.
ARTICLE
4
COVENANTS
OF SELLER
Section
4.1 [Intentionally Omitted].
Section
4.2 Transition of the Website’s Technology and
Business.
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(a)
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Seller
shall continue to preserve and maintain the current operations
of the
Website and its business and take all reasonably necessary measures
after
Closing to complete a transition plan, as described more fully
on
Schedule 4.2, in order to effect the timely delivery and
installation of the technology platform, databases and software
comprising
the Website and its business to Internet Brands (the “Transition
Plan”) within ninety (90) days following the Closing Date (the
“Transition Plan Period”). Such Transition Plan shall
include, without limitation, the migration of all Website technology,
databases and advertiser accounts to Internet Brands, reasonable
documentation of the Website’s technology and business processes and
training of Internet Brands personnel regarding the Website’s technology
systems and business processes.
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(b)
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The
Parties agree that Seller shall prepare the Website’s technology and
business documentation, coordinate migration of the Website to
Internet
Brands’ servers in accordance with the Transition Plan, and provide
personnel to assist Internet Brands with the preparation of such
documentation and the migration of the Website to Internet Brands’
servers.
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(c)
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The
Parties agree that, in partial consideration of the purchase consideration
paid by Internet Brands to Seller under Section 1.3 hereof, that
Seller
shall provide the transition services identified on Schedule 4.2
through December 31, 2007.
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ARTICLE
5
MUTUAL
COVENANTS OF
SELLER
AND INTERNET BRANDS
Section
5.1 Confidential Information; Press Releases;
Publicity.
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(a)
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Confidentiality. Each
Party agrees to keep all Confidential Material of the other Party
confidential and not to disclose or reveal any of it in any manner,
except
that the Confidential Material or portions thereof may be disclosed
to
those of its officers, employees, advisors and agents
(collectively, “Representatives”) who need to know such information
to consummate the Transaction (it being understood that those
Representatives shall be informed of the confidentiality restrictions
set
forth herein and the existence of this Agreement, and each Party
shall be
responsible for the breach of the terms hereof or the improper
disclosure
of Confidential Material by any of its
Representatives).
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(b)
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Confidential
Material; Current Developments. The term “Confidential
Material” means any information disclosed by either Party to the other
Party, either directly or indirectly in writing, orally, or by
inspection
of tangible objects that (i) the disclosing Party identifies as
confidential or proprietary; or (ii) reasonably appears to be confidential
or proprietary because of legends or other markings, the circumstances
of
disclosure, or the nature of the information
itself. Confidential Material may also include confidential or
proprietary information disclosed to a disclosing Party by a third
party. “Confidential Material” does not include
information which: (A) at the time of disclosure or thereafter
is
generally available to and known by the public (other than as a
result of
its disclosure by the receiving Party or its Representatives),
(B) was
available to the receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from
a source
other than the disclosing Party or its advisors as shown by the
receiving
Party's files and records immediately prior to the time of disclosure,
or
(C) has been independently developed by the receiving Party without
violating any of its obligations under this Agreement and without
the use
of or reference to the Confidential
Material.
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(c)
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Required
Disclosure. In the event that a receiving Party or any of
its Representatives is requested pursuant to or required by applicable
law, regulation or legal process to disclose any of the Confidential
Material, such Party shall notify the other Party promptly so that
the
disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate
remedy
or, in the disclosing Party’s sole discretion, waive compliance with the
terms of this Agreement. In the event that no such protective
order or other remedy is obtained and the receiving Party is nonetheless
required to disclose the disclosing Party’s Confidential Material, or the
disclosing Party waives compliance with the terms of this Agreement,
the
receiving Party shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential
Material which it is advised by its counsel is legally required
and shall
exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that
confidential treatment shall be accorded the Confidential
Material.
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(d)
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Press
Release. The Parties shall mutually agree upon a joint
press release following the
Closing.
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(e)
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Customer
Information. In the event that any customer, advertiser or
member database transferred to Internet Brands contains any personally
identifiable information, Internet Brands shall protect any such
information according to the terms of any contract with any such
customer,
advertiser or member and in accordance with applicable
laws.
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Section
5.2 Post-Closing Reconciliation of
Revenues. The Parties acknowledge and agree that all
revenues related to the Purchased Assets earned on and after the Closing
Date
shall be the sole property of Internet Brands. Seller shall cause all
cash collected for such revenues by Seller on and after the Closing Date
to be
held in trust for the sole benefit of Internet Brands, and shall promptly
deliver all such cash to Internet Brands, together with a detailed report
of the
accounts represented. The Parties further acknowledge and agree that
all revenues related to the Purchased Assets earned prior to the Closing
Date,
and ad network revenues accrued through the Closing Date and paid to Seller
after the Closing Date, shall be the sole property of Seller, and Internet
Brands shall cause all such revenues earned or accrued prior to the Closing
Date
received by Internet Brands to be held in trust for the sole benefit of Seller,
and shall promptly deliver such revenues to Seller, together with a detailed
report of the accounts represented. Within ninety (90) days after the
Closing Date, the Parties shall conduct a reconciliation of all revenues
received after the Closing Date.
Section
5.3 Reconciliation of Accounts. At the
Closing, or at such post-Closing time as mutually agreed upon by the Parties,
Seller shall deliver to Internet Brands a detailed listing of customer deposit
balances for all customers, even if zero, of the Website that generated revenue
for the Website for the period from January 1, 2007 through the Closing Date
(the “Current Customers”). In the event that any adjustments
are required to Current Customers’ deposit account balances as of the Closing
Date, the Parties shall settle in cash any amounts due from one Party to
the
other Party by virtue of such adjustments, and Internet Brands shall deduct
any
cash balance shortfalls and adjustment amounts from the Transition Plan Holdback
to be paid by Internet Brands to Seller pursuant to Section 1.3(b).
Section
5.4 Indemnification.
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(a)
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Indemnification
of the Parties. From the Closing Date and until the six (6)
month anniversary thereof, in the event Seller, on one hand, and
Internet
Brands, on the other hand (each, as applicable, an “Indemnifying
Party”) breaches any of its representations, warranties or covenants
contained in this Agreement, and provided that Internet Brands,
in the
event of a breach by Seller, or Seller, in the event of a breach
by
Internet Brands (each, as applicable, an “Indemnified Party”) makes
a written claim for indemnification within the six (6) month period
following the Closing Date, then the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify
and hold harmless the Indemnified Party from and against any and
all
Damages, as defined below, the Indemnified Party shall suffer that
are
caused proximately by the breach.
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For
purpose of this Section 5.4, “Damages” shall mean all actions, suits,
proceedings, hearings, investigations, charges, complaints, claims, demands,
injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, damages, dues, penalties,
fines, costs liabilities, obligations, taxes, liens, losses, expenses and
fees,
including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, but excluding
consequential, incidental or indirect damages, lost profits or punitive
damages.
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(b)
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Claims
for Damages.
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(i)
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Any
authorized officer of an Indemnified Party may initiate a claim
for
indemnification by delivering to Internet Brands, in the event
of a breach
by Seller, or Seller, in the event of a breach by Internet Brands,
a
certificate signed by such officer (an “Officer’s Certificate”):
(A) stating that such Indemnified Party has incurred, suffered or
paid Damages, or in good faith reasonably concludes based on facts
and
circumstances then known relating to events that already have occurred
that it is reasonably likely to have to pay, incur or suffer Damages,
(B) specifying in reasonable detail the basis for the Damages, and
(C) indicating a reasonable estimate of the amount of the
Damages.
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(ii)
|
In
case of disputes related to claims pursuant to this Section 5.4
(as
evidenced by written objection delivered to the Indemnified Party
within
one hundred twenty (120) days of receipt of an Officer’s Certificate), the
Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall attempt in good
faith
to agree upon the rights of the respective Parties with respect
to each of
such claims within one hundred twenty (120) days of delivery such
written
objection. If the Parties should so agree, a memorandum setting
forth such agreement shall be prepared and signed by both
Parties. The Parties shall be entitled to rely on and seek
enforcement of any such memorandum.
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11
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(iii)
|
If
no such agreement can be reached within one hundred twenty (120)
days
following delivery of written objection pursuant to Section 5.4(b)(ii)
after good faith negotiation, the Indemnifying Party or the Indemnified
Party may demand arbitration of the matter unless the amount of
the Damage
is at issue in pending litigation with a third party, in which
event
arbitration shall not be commenced until such amount is ascertained
or
both parties agree to arbitration. In either such event, the
matter shall be settled by arbitration conducted by one (1) arbitrator
mutually agreeable to the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified
Party;
providedhowever, if after good faith negotiations, the
Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party cannot agree on a single
arbitrator within forty-five (45) days following the end of the
120-day
period following delivery of written objection pursuant to Section
5.4(b)(ii), the arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three
(3)
arbitrators. In such event, within thirty (30) days following
the forty-five (45) day period, each Party shall select one (1)
arbitrator, and the two (2) arbitrators so selected shall select
a third
arbitrator. Any arbitrator appointed pursuant to this Section
5.4(b)(iii) shall be an attorney in good standing and shall have
at least
ten (10) years of experience.
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|
(iv)
|
Any
such arbitration shall be conducted under the commercial rules
of
arbitration then in effect of the American Arbitration
Association. The arbitrator(s) shall, within thirty (30)
business days after the last day of any hearings on any motion,
issue a
definitive ruling on such motion. The arbitrator(s) shall also,
within ninety (90) days from the last day of any hearings regarding
the
imposition of sanctions or the issuance of any awards, issue a
definitive
ruling on the imposition of any such sanctions or the issuance
of any such
award in such arbitration. The arbitrator(s) shall also
establish procedures designed to reduce the cost and time for discovery
while allowing the parties an opportunity, adequate in the sole
judgment
of the arbitrator(s), to discover relevant information from the
opposing
parties about the subject matter of the dispute. The
arbitrator(s) shall rule upon motions to compel or limit discovery
and
shall have the authority to impose sanctions, including attorneys’ fees
and costs, to the same extent as a court of competent law or equity,
should the arbitrator(s) determine that discovery was sought without
substantial justification or that discovery was refused or objected
to
without substantial justification. The decision of the
arbitrator, in the case of a single arbitrator, or a majority of
the
arbitrators in the case of three (3) arbitrators, as to the validity
and
amount of any claim in such Officer’s Certificate shall be binding and
conclusive upon the Parties and the Parties shall be entitled to
rely on
such decision. Such decision shall be written and shall be
supported by written findings of fact and conclusions, which shall
set
forth the award, judgment, decree or order awarded by the
arbitrators.
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12
|
(v)
|
Judgment
upon any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in
any court
having jurisdiction. If the arbitrator(s) determine(s) that
there is a prevailing Party, then the non-prevailing Party shall
pay the
fees and expenses of the prevailing Party to such arbitration,
as well as
the fees of the arbitrator(s) and the administrative fee of the
American
Arbitration Association. If the arbitrator(s) do(es) not
determine that there is a prevailing Party, then each of the Parties
to
such arbitration shall pay their own fees and expenses, as well
as an
equal portion of the fees of the arbitrator(s) and the administrative
fee
of the American Arbitration
Association.
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(c)
|
Offset
Rights. Any indemnification to which Internet Brands
is entitled under this Agreement as a result of any Damages it
may suffer
shall first be made as a payment to Internet Brands from the Transition
Holdback Amount in accordance with the terms of the Escrow
Agreement.
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(d)
|
Third
Party Claims. With respect to matters involving third
parties, the Parties agree as
follows:
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|
(i)
|
If
any third party notifies an Indemnified Party with respect to any
matter
(a “Third-Party Claim”) that may give rise to a claim for
indemnification against any Indemnifying Party under this Section
5.4,
then the Indemnified Party shall promptly (and in any event within
five
(5) business days) after receiving notice of the Third-Party Claim)
notify
each Indemnifying Party thereof in
writing.
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(ii)
|
Any
Indemnifying Party shall have the right at any time to assume and
thereafter conduct the defense of the Third-Party Claim with counsel
of
its choice, reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party;
provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not
consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement
with
respect to the Third-Party Claim without the prior written consent
of the
Indemnified Party (not to be unreasonably withheld) unless the
judgment or
proposed settlement involves only the payment of money damages
and does
not impose an injunction or other equitable relief upon the Indemnified
Party.
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(iii)
|
Unless
and until an Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of the Third-Party
Claim as provided in the preceding subsection (ii) of this Section
5.4(d),
the Indemnified Party may defend against the Third-Party Claim
in any
manner it may reasonably deem
appropriate.
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(iv)
|
In
no event shall the Indemnified Party consent to the entry of any
judgment
on or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third-Party
Claim
without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party (which
consent
shall not to be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or
withheld).
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13
|
(e)
|
Each
Party entitled to indemnification under this Agreement shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any Damages that may
be the
subject of any indemnification claim under this Section
5.4.
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(f)
|
Each
Party acknowledges and agrees that from and after Closing, its
sole and
exclusive remedy with respect to any and all claims relating to
this
Agreement, any of the Ancillary Documents or the subject matters
thereof
or the Transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be pursuant
to
the indemnification provisions set forth in this Section 5.4 (other
than
the equitable remedy of specific performance in connection with
the breach
of any covenant contained in this Agreement). In furtherance
hereof, and except as otherwise set forth in this Section 5.4,
each Party
hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
any and
all rights, claims, and causes of action it may have against the
other
Party and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, managers,
employees, stockholders, members, agents and representatives, arising
under or based upon applicable law.
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(g)
|
Subject
to Section 5.4(f), and notwithstanding any other provision to the
contrary, neither Party shall have any liability with respect to
claims
under Section 5.4(a) unless the total of all Damages with respect
to such
matters exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) (the
“Indemnification Basket”) and then only for the amount of the
excess of the Damages over such amount; and neither Party shall
have any
liability (for indemnification or otherwise) for any Damages that
exceed
Five Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($535,000) (the
“Indemnification Cap”); provided, however,
that the Indemnification Basket and Indemnification Cap shall not
apply to
claims for breaches of Section 2.7 (“Tax
Matters”).
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(h)
|
The
Parties agree that any payment under this Section 5.4 shall be
treated by
the Parties as an adjustment to the purchase
consideration.
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Section
5.5 Certain Tax Matters
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(a)
|
As
between Seller, on the one hand, and Internet Brands, on the other
hand,
(i) Seller shall be responsible for and shall pay, and shall
indemnify Internet Brands against, all taxes applicable to the
Website or
its business, or the Purchased Assets, to the extent attributable
to
taxable years or periods (or portions thereof) ending on or prior
to the
Closing Date, and (ii) Internet Brands shall be responsible for and
shall pay, and shall indemnify Seller against, all taxes of Internet
Brands applicable to the Website or its business, or the Purchased
Assets,
to the extent attributable to taxable years or periods (or portions
thereof) ending after the Closing Date. Each of Seller and
Internet Brands shall be responsible for its own income and franchise
taxes, if any, arising from the
Transaction.
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14
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(b)
|
Internet
Brands shall pay directly, or reimburse Seller promptly upon demand
and
proof of payment for, any material transfer taxes that may be imposed
upon
or payable or collectible or incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the Transaction.
|
Section
5.6 Completion of Closing Conditions. Each Party agrees to take
all commercially reasonable actions, including but not limited to the delivery
of the Closing Documents, as defined in Section 6.1, necessary to satisfy
the
conditions to Closing, prior to the Closing Date.
Section
5.7. Transition Plan Holdback Escrow
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(a)
|
The
Transition Plan Holdback, together with all investment income earned
thereon, that has not been distributed to Internet Brands in satisfaction
of its valid claims for indemnifiable Damages under Section 5.4
hereof or
any cash balance shortfalls and adjustment amounts from the Transition
Plan Holdback under Section 5.3 hereof, shall be released by Internet
Brands to Seller no later than December 31, 2007 by wire
transfer.
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(b)
|
The
Transition Plan Holdback shall be held by Internet Brands as escrow
agent
for Seller in trust in a segregated account maintained with a third
party
financial institution and may not be used by Internet Brands for
any
purpose other than as contemplated under this Section
5.7. Without limitation to the foregoing, the Transition Plan
Holdback shall not be available to satisfy Internet Brands’ obligations to
third-party creditors. The Transition Plan Holdback shall be
invested by Internet Brands in accordance with its investment policy
for
cash and short-term securities, provided that Internet Brands shall
be
liable to Seller for any investment losses to the Transition Plan
Holdback
and shall be obligated to deposit additional funds to the account
to make
for any such losses.
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(c)
|
In
the event that Internet Brands proposes to deduct any amounts from
the
Transition Plan Holdback, whether in respect of a claim for Damages
pursuant to Section 5.4 hereof or in respect of adjustments made
pursuant
to Section 5.3 hereof, Internet Brands shall deliver to Seller
a
reasonably detailed written explanation of such proposed deduction,
including a calculation showing the amount of the proposed deduction
no
later than ten (10) business days after Internet Brands makes any
such
determination. Seller shall have ten (10) business days to
dispute the proposed deduction and the Parties shall attempt in
good faith
to agree upon the amount of any deduction from the Transition Plan
Holdback. If no such agreement can be reached within ten (10)
business days of Seller’s receipt of the written explanation of the
proposed deduction, the Parties shall utilize the arbitration procedures
set forth in Section 5.4(b)(iii)
hereof.
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15
ARTICLE
6
CONDITIONS
TO THE CLOSING
Section
6.1 Conditions to the Obligations of Internet Brands. The
obligations of Internet Brands to consummate and effect this Agreement and
the
Transaction shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing
Date
of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by Internet
Brands:
|
(a)
|
Representations
and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
Seller contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct
in all
material respects on and as of the Closing Date. Internet
Brands shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized
officer
of Seller to such effect, and a monthly statement of revenues
earned and
expenses incurred for August
2007.
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(b)
|
Agreements
and Covenants. Seller shall have performed or complied in
all material respects with all agreements and covenants required
by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by Seller on or before
the
Closing Date. Internet Brands shall have received a certificate
signed by
an authorized officer of Seller to such
effect.
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(c)
|
Closing
Xxxxxxxxx.Xx
addition to the certificates referenced in Sections 6.1(a) and
6.1(b),
Seller shall have executed and delivered to Internet Brands at
Closing
(collectively, the “Ancillary Documents”; together with this Agreement,
the “Closing
Documents”):
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|
(i)
|
A
document for the transfer to Internet Brands by Seller of the domain
and
sub-domain names and URLs identified on Schedule 1.1(a) hereof on
their respective domain registries;
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|
(ii)
|
A
xxxx of sale, assignment of assets and assumption of liabilities
document
sufficient to transfer good and unencumbered title to all of the
Purchased
Assets to Internet Brands, substantially in the form attached hereto
as
Exhibit 6.1(c)(ii);
|
(iii)
|
Copies
of resolutions of Seller’s Board of Directors evidencing the approval of
this Agreement and the Transaction, presented together with a secretary’s
certificate, attesting to the same;
and
|
(iv)
|
All
Purchased Assets, identified on Schedule 1.1(a), which are not
covered by the Transition Plan.
|
Section
6.2 Conditions to the Obligations of Seller. The
obligations of Seller to consummate and effect this Agreement and the
Transaction shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing
Date
of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by
Seller:
16
|
(a)
|
Representations
and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
Internet Brands contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct
in
all material respects on and as of the Closing Date. Seller
shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized officer
of
Internet Brands to such effect.
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(b)
|
Agreements
and Covenants. Internet Brands shall have performed or
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
Internet
Brands on or before the Closing Date. Seller shall have received
a
certificate signed by an authorized officer of Internet Brands
to such
effect.
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(c)
|
Closing
Xxxxxxxxx.Xx
addition to the certificates referenced in Sections 6.2(a) and
6.2(b),
Internet Brands shall have executed and delivered to Seller at
Closing a
xxxx of sale, assignment of assets and assumption of liabilities
document,
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(c)(ii)
and
Internet Brands shall have delivered evidence, satisfactory to
Seller, of
the existence of an escrow account with Internet
Brands.
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ARTICLE
7
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
Section
7.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of each Party shall survive the Closing for
a
period of six (6) months, provided, however, that the Party’s
representations and warranties related to filing of tax returns and payment
of
taxes shall survive until the expiration of the statute of limitations with
respect to unpaid taxes.
Section
7.2 Retention and Access to Records. After the
Closing Date, Seller shall retain and preserve (or cause to be retained and
preserved) for a period of two (2) years, books and records related to the
Purchased Assets. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and until the second (2nd) anniversary
hereof, Seller shall provide Internet Brands and its representatives, reasonable
access, during normal business hours and on at least three (3) business days’
prior written notice, to such books and records for purposes of making
photocopies to assist Internet Brands with any accounting or audit
requirements. In the event that Seller winds up its business prior to
the end of such three-year period, Seller shall provide to Internet Brands
electronic copies of its books and records related to the Website or its
business, for the two (2) full fiscal years prior to the Closing
Date. Internet Brands shall pay for all photocopying and electronic
conversion charges and reasonable expenses of Seller’s outside accountants and
attorneys for such purpose.
17
Section
7.3 Notices. All notices and other
communications shall be in writing and shall be delivered by a
nationally-recognized overnight courier, electronic mail or facsimile to
the
Parties utilizing the following contact information:
(a) If
to Internet Brands:
Internet
Brands, Inc.
000
X.
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx., 00xx Xx.
Xx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn:
B.
Xxxx Xxxxx, Exec. VP and General Counsel
Email: xxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Fax: (000)
000-0000
(b) If
to Seller:
LION,
Inc.
0000
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, President
Email: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
Fax: (000)
000-0000
With
a
copy to:
Stoel
Rives LLP
000
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxxxxxx
X. Xxxx
Email: xxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx
Fax: (000)
000-0000
Section
7.4 Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement. All exhibits
and schedules hereto are hereby incorporated into this Agreement and are
hereby
made a part hereof as if set out in this Agreement.
Section
7.5 Definition of Knowledge. The term
“knowledge” means, with respect to Seller, the actual knowledge of
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, and Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, and the knowledge that any such
individuals reasonably could be expected to discover or become aware of in
the
course of conducting an investigation of the accuracy and completeness of
any
representation of warranty contained in this Agreement.
Section
7.6 Assignment; Successors-in-Interest. Neither this Agreement
nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned
(including by operation of law) by either Party without the prior written
consent of the other Party; provided, however, this Agreement may
be assigned by one Party hereto without the prior consent of the other
Party upon a change of control. “Change in Control” means a
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of a Party, or a change of
control of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power by a Party’s
stockholders in a merger or similar transaction. This Agreement shall
be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their permitted
successors and assigns, and any reference to a Party shall also be a reference
to a permitted successor or assign.
18
Section
7.7 Controlling Law; Jurisdiction Waiver. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE
INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CALIFORNIA’S
CHOICE OF LAW RULES, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF
THE
FEDERAL AND STATE COURTS SITTING IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA AND
THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, RESPECTIVELY. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ANY
OBJECTION TO JURISDICTION OF ANY ACTION INSTITUTED AGAINST IT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN
AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY DEFENSE BASED ON LACK OF
JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT
PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN
RESPECT
OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT
OF,
UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY
(A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY
HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE
EVENT
OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER,
AND
(B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER
INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVER AND CERTIFICATIONS
IN THIS SECTION 7.7.
Section
7.8 Severability. Any provision hereof which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent
permitted by law, the Parties waive any provision of law that renders any
such
provision prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
Section
7.9 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing expressed
or implied in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to confer
upon
or give any person, firm or corporation other than the Parties, and their
successors or assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under
or
by reason of this Agreement, or result in such person, firm or corporation
being
deemed a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement.
Section7.10
Fees and Expenses. All expenses, including without limitation
all legal, accounting, financial advisory, consulting and other fees, incurred
in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or the closing of the
Transaction, shall be the obligation of the respective Party incurring such
expenses. Payment of any broker, finder, or investment banker fee or
commission in connection with this Agreement or the Transaction is solely
Seller’s expense.
19
Section
7.11 Integration. This Agreement and the Closing
Documents contain the complete agreement between the Parties with respect
to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior proposals, negotiations,
agreements and other representations or communications, whether oral or written
between the Parties with respect thereto.
Section
7.12 Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be
amended except in writing signed on behalf of the Parties. No
amendment, supplement, modification or waiver of this Agreement shall be
binding
unless executed in writing by the Party to be bound. No waiver of any
of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a
waiver
of any other provision, nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver
unless otherwise expressly provided.
Section
7.13 Further Assurances. Upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each Party agrees to use
commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, such actions,
and
to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other Parties
in doing, such things as are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate
and
make effective, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, the
Transaction. The Parties shall execute and deliver, or cause to be
executed and delivered, such additional or further transfers, assignments,
endorsements or other instruments as any other Party may reasonably request
for
the purpose of carrying out the Transaction. The Parties shall
cooperate in furnishing information required by any other Party in connection
with any state, federal or foreign law or regulatory filing.
Section
7.14 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
and it
shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or the terms hereof
to
produce or account for more than one of such counterparts.
[Remainder
of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
20
IN
WITNESS
WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of
the
date first written above.
INTERNET
BRANDS, INC.
By:
______________________
Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxxxx
Chief
Executive Officer
LION,
INC.
By:
_______________________
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx
President
[Signature
Page to Asset Purchase and Sale
Agreement]