ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG NEXCEN BRANDS, INC., NEXCEN ACQUISITION CORP., AND MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY, INC. DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 2007
BY
AND AMONG
NEXCEN
ACQUISITION CORP.,
AND
MARBLE
SLAB CREAMERY, INC.
DATED
AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 2007
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
|
||
ARTICLE
I Definitions and Usage
|
1
|
|
1.1
|
Definitions
|
1
|
1.2
|
Usage
|
9
|
ARTICLE
II Purchase and Sale of Business and Assets
|
10
|
|
2.1
|
Purchase
and Sale of Assets
|
10
|
2.2
|
Excluded
Assets
|
10
|
2.3
|
Assumed
Liabilities
|
10
|
2.4
|
Excluded
Liabilities
|
11
|
ARTICLE
III Purchase Price; Payment; Assumption of Obligations
|
13
|
|
3.1
|
The
Closing
|
13
|
3.2
|
Purchase
Price
|
13
|
3.3
|
Payment
|
13
|
3.4
|
Allocation
|
13
|
3.5
|
Nonassignable
Contracts
|
14
|
ARTICLE
IV Representations and Warranties of Seller
|
14
|
|
4.1
|
Organization
and Good Standing
|
14
|
4.2
|
Enforceability;
Authority
|
15
|
4.3
|
Consents;
Approvals
|
15
|
4.4
|
Financial
Statements
|
15
|
4.5
|
Real
Property.
|
16
|
4.6
|
Title
to Assets
|
17
|
4.7
|
Sufficiency
of Assets
|
17
|
4.8
|
Accounts
Receivable
|
17
|
4.9
|
Insolvency
Proceedings
|
18
|
4.10
|
Taxes
|
18
|
4.11
|
Labor
Relations; Compliance
|
19
|
4.12
|
Employee
Benefits
|
19
|
4.13
|
Litigation;
Orders
|
20
|
4.14
|
Compliance
With Laws; Government Authorizations.
|
20
|
4.15
|
Operations
of the Seller
|
21
|
4.16
|
Material
Contracts.
|
22
|
4.17
|
Insurance
|
23
|
4.18
|
Environmental
Matters
|
24
|
4.19
|
Intellectual
Property.
|
24
|
4.20
|
Affiliate
Transactions
|
26
|
4.21
|
Brokers
or Finders
|
26
|
4.22
|
Suppliers
|
26
|
4.23
|
Franchise
Matters
|
27
|
4.24
|
Powers
of Attorney
|
31
|
ARTICLE
V Representations and Warranties of Buyer and Parent
|
31
|
|
5.1
|
Existence
and Good Standing; Authorization.
|
31
|
5.2
|
Consents
and Approvals; No Violations
|
32
|
5.3
|
SEC
Documents and Other Reports
|
32
|
5.4
|
Litigation
|
33
|
i
5.5
|
Brokers’
or Finders’ Fees
|
33
|
ARTICLE
VI Pre-Closing Covenants
|
33
|
|
6.1
|
Efforts
to Closing
|
33
|
6.2
|
Conduct
of the Business
|
33
|
6.3
|
Access
and Investigation
|
34
|
6.4
|
Exclusivity
|
35
|
6.5
|
Change
of Name
|
35
|
6.6
|
Notice
of Developments
|
35
|
6.7
|
Advisory
Services
|
36
|
6.8
|
Continuation
of Business
|
36
|
6.9
|
Intellectual
Property
|
36
|
6.10
|
Public
Disclosure or Communications
|
37
|
ARTICLE
VII Post-Closing Covenants
|
37
|
|
7.1
|
Approval
of Purchaser of Company Store
|
37
|
7.2
|
Transfer
Taxes
|
37
|
7.3
|
Noncompetition
and Nonsolicitation.
|
37
|
7.4
|
Further
Assurances
|
38
|
7.5
|
Audit
|
38
|
7.6
|
Confidentiality
|
39
|
7.7
|
Insolvency
|
39
|
7.8
|
Tangible
Net Worth
|
39
|
ARTICLE
VIII Conditions Precedent to Buyer’s Obligation to Close
|
39
|
|
8.1
|
Truth
of Representations and Warranties
|
40
|
8.2
|
Performance
of Agreements
|
40
|
8.3
|
Certificate
|
40
|
8.4
|
No
Injunction
|
40
|
8.5
|
Governmental
and Other Approvals
|
40
|
8.6
|
No
Material Adverse Effect
|
40
|
8.7
|
Non-Compete
|
40
|
8.8
|
Store
Franchise Agreement
|
40
|
8.9
|
Escrow
Agreement
|
41
|
8.10
|
Closing
Deliverables
|
41
|
ARTICLE
IX Conditions Precedent to Seller’s Obligation to Close
|
41
|
|
9.1
|
Truth
of Representations and Warranties
|
41
|
9.2
|
Performance
of Agreements
|
41
|
9.3
|
Certificate
|
42
|
9.4
|
No
Injunction
|
42
|
9.5
|
Governmental
and Other Approvals
|
42
|
9.6
|
Escrow
Agreement
|
42
|
9.7
|
Dull
Compensation
|
42
|
9.8
|
Closing
Deliverables.
|
42
|
ARTICLE
X Termination.
|
43
|
|
10.1
|
Right
to Terminate
|
43
|
10.2
|
Effect
of Termination
|
43
|
ARTICLE
XI Indemnification; Remedies
|
44
|
|
11.1
|
Survival
|
44
|
ii
11.2
|
Indemnification
by Seller and Stockholders
|
44
|
11.3
|
Indemnification
by Buyer
|
45
|
11.4
|
Limitation
on Liability.
|
45
|
11.5
|
Other
Indemnification Provisions.
|
45
|
11.6
|
Procedure
for Indemnification - Third Party Claims.
|
46
|
11.7
|
Procedure
for Indemnification - Other Claims
|
47
|
11.8
|
Indemnification
Mechanics
|
47
|
ARTICLE
XII MISCELLANEOUS
|
48
|
|
12.1
|
Notices
|
48
|
12.2
|
Entire
Agreement; Nonassignability; Parties in Interest
|
48
|
12.3
|
Bulk
Sales Law
|
49
|
12.4
|
Expenses
|
49
|
12.5
|
Waiver
and Amendment
|
49
|
12.6
|
Severability
|
49
|
12.7
|
Remedies
Cumulative
|
49
|
12.8
|
Counterparts
|
49
|
12.9
|
Governing
Law; Jurisdiction.
|
50
|
12.10
|
Specific
Performance
|
50
|
iii
This
Asset Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”)
is
entered into as of February 14, 2007, by and among, NexCen Acquisition Corp.,
a
Delaware corporation (“Buyer”),
Marble Slab Creamery, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Seller”),
solely for purposes of Article XI, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx., Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx,
Xx., and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx (the “Stockholders”),
and
solely for purposes of guaranteeing the obligations of Buyer under Article
XI
and
Section
3.3 and
jointly making the representations and warranties in Article V, NexCen Brands,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”).
ARTICLE
I
1.1 Definitions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms and variations thereof have
the
meanings specified or referred to in this Section
1.1:
“Accounts
Receivable”
means
(a) all trade accounts receivable, franchise royalty fee accounts receivable,
advertising accounts receivable and other rights to payment from franchisees
and
customers of the Seller, (b) all accounts receivable related to the Advertising
Fund, the Gift Certificate Accounts and the Gift Card Program, (c) all other
accounts or notes receivable of the Seller and the full benefit of all security
for such accounts or notes and (d) any claim, remedy or other right related
to
any of the foregoing.
“Advertising
Cash”
means
any monies in the Advertising Fund, and any other accounts in which Seller
aggregates monies for the purpose of advertising expenditures, each determined
as of the Closing Date.
“Advertising
Fund”
means
the segregated account that Seller maintains to hold advertising funds paid
by
Franchisees pursuant to Section 8 of the Seller’s standard Franchise Agreement
for domestic Stores, and from which Seller disburses funds for authorized
advertising expenditures.
“Affiliate”
of
any
Person means any Person which, directly or indirectly controls or is controlled
by that Person, or is under common control with that Person. For the purposes
of
this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms
“controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any
Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly of the power to direct
or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether
through ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.
“Assumed
Contracts”
means
all Franchise Agreements and, subject to Section 3.5, all
other
Contracts to which the Seller is a party that relate to the operation of the
Business and all security deposits relating thereto.
“Assumed
Liabilities”
is
defined in Section
2.3.
“Books
and Records”
means
all books and records of Seller relating exclusively to and necessary for the
operation of the Business as it is currently operated, including files,
documents, correspondence, cost and pricing information, accounting records,
supplier lists and records, operating manuals, operating procedures, marketing
research, training materials, training records, maintenance and inspection
reports, equipment lists, repair notes and archives, sales and marketing
materials.
“Brand”
means
the Marble Slab Creamery brand of premium ice cream and related
products.
“Business”
means
the business of marketing, selling and supporting franchises for the operation
of Franchises, including the use of any of the Purchased Assets in connection
with the operation thereof.
“Business
Day”
means
any day other than (a) Saturday or Sunday or (b) any other day on which banks
in
New York, New York are permitted or required to be closed.
“Buyer
Indemnified Parties”
is
defined in Section
11.2.
"CERCLA"
means
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 9601, et
seq.).
“Closing”
is
defined in Section
3.1.
“Closing
Date”
means
the date on which the Closing actually takes place.
“COBRA”
means
Section 4980B of the Code (as well as its predecessor provision, Section 162(k)
of the Code) and Sections 601 through 608, inclusive, of ERISA and any similar
state law.
“Code”
means
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
2
“Company
Store”
means
the Store located at 00000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000.
“Contract”
means
any contract, license, sublicense, franchise, subfranchise, permit, mortgage,
purchase order, indenture, loan agreement, note, lease, sublease, agreement,
obligation, commitment, understanding, instrument or other arrangement or any
commitment to enter into any of the foregoing (in each case, whether written
or,
if known to Seller and binding, oral)
“Damages”
means
any loss, liability, claim, damage, expense (including reasonable attorneys’
fees and costs), whether or not involving a third party claim, provided,
however,
that
other than with respect to Damages payable to a third party pursuant to a third
party claim, Damages shall not include any special, consequential, punitive
or
statutorily multiplied damages.
“Domestic
UFOC”
means
a
Uniform Franchise Offering Circular of Seller prepared in accordance with the
UFOC Guidelines for use in the United States.
“Dull
Payment”
is
defined in Section 9.7.
“Employee
Benefit Plan”
means
any “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA and any other
material employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, program or arrangement of
any
kind (whether written or oral).
“Encumbrances”
means
any pledges, claims, encumbrances, mortgages, charges, options, preemptive
rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights, title retention agreements,
easements, encroachments, leases, subleases, covenants, security interests
and
restrictions and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"Environmental
and Safety Requirements"
means
all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes
and other provisions having the force and effect of law, all judicial and
administrative orders and determinations, all contractual obligations and all
common law concerning public health and safety, worker health and safety, and
pollution or protection of the environment, including all those relating to
the
presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment,
storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge,
release, threatened release, control or cleanup of, or exposure to, any
hazardous materials, substances or wastes, chemical substances or mixtures,
pesticides, pollutants, contaminants, toxic chemicals, petroleum products or
byproducts, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, noise or radiation, as
previously, now or hereafter in effect.
“ERISA”
means
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
“ERISA
Affiliate”
means,
with respect to any entity, any trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) that are treated as a single employer with such entity under
Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.
“Escrow
Accounts”
means
the accounts Seller maintains with Xxxxx Fargo Bank to hold initial franchise
fees payable by Illinois and Maryland Franchisees pending the completion of
Seller’s pre-opening obligations for Stores to be located in Illinois and
Maryland, which Seller established to comply with conditions to registration
of
its franchise offering imposed by the Illinois and Maryland franchise
administrators.
3
“Escrow
Agreement”
is
defined in Section 8.9.
“Excess
Cash”
means
cash and cash equivalents of the Seller in excess of $100,000, plus the Prorated
Expenses allocated to Buyer in Schedule 1.1(p).
“Exchange
Act”
means
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded
Assets”
is
defined in Section
2.2.
“Excluded
Liabilities”
is
defined in Section
2.4.
“Franchise
Agreement”
means
any
Contract (and any written or binding oral amendment or modification thereto)
that is currently in effect between Seller and a Franchisee pertaining to and
evidencing the grant of a Franchise, master franchise, master license, business
opportunity or seller-assisted marketing plan.
“Franchisee”
means
a
Person who has entered into and as of the Closing Date is a party to a Franchise
Agreement with Seller.
“Franchise” means
(i)
the right and license to establish and operate a Store or other retail outlet
under the Xxxx at an approved location in the United States or a foreign
country, granted either by Seller or by a master Franchisee appointed by Seller,
and (ii) the right to develop Stores or other retail outlets to be established
and operated under the Xxxx in a particular market, region or country pursuant
to a development agreement, area representative agreement, master franchise
agreement or master license agreement, together with all ancillary agreements
related thereto.
“Franchise
Organization”
means
any group of two or more Franchisees, acting in concert on behalf of themselves
and/or other franchisees for the purpose of addressing with Seller concerns
or
issues under the Franchise Agreements or in connection with the operation of
the
Stores.
“GAAP”
means
generally accepted accounting principles for financial reporting in the United
States, applied on a consistent basis.
“Gift
Card Pooled Account”
means
the separate account that Seller maintains with Chase Bank for the purpose
of
depositing and disbursing funds related to the Gift Card Program.
4
“Gift
Card Program”
means
the program governing the promotion, sale and redemption of gift cards
redeemable for Marble Slab Creamery brand ice cream and related merchandise,
which is administered on Seller’s behalf by Stored Value
Systems/Comdata.
“Gift
Certificate Accounts”
means
the two bank accounts that Seller maintains with Chase Bank, one into which
Seller deposits the proceeds of the sale of domestic Marble Slab Creamery Gift
Certificates until the funds are disbursed to the Franchisee who redeems a
domestic Gift Certificate, and the other into which Seller deposits the proceeds
of the sale of Canadian Marble Slab Gift Certificates until the funds are
disbursed to the Franchisee who redeems a Canadian Gift
Certificate.
“Government
Authority”
means
any domestic or foreign national, state, multi-state or municipal or other
local
government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, including
any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory or taxing
authority thereunder or any judicial authority (or any department, bureau or
division thereof).
“Government
Authorization”
means
any approval, consent, license, permit, waiver, or other authorization issued,
granted, given or otherwise made available by or under the authority of any
Government Authority or pursuant to any Legal Requirement.
“Improvements”
means
all buildings, structures, fixtures and improvements located on the property
subject to the Real Property Lease or included in the Assets, including those
under construction.
“Indebtedness”
means
(a) indebtedness of Seller for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or
advances of any kind (other than advances due from customers incurred in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice), (b) all
obligations of Seller evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar
instruments, (c) all obligations of Seller upon which interest charges are
paid,
(d) all obligations of Seller in respect of capitalized leases that,
individually, involve an aggregate future liability in excess of $5,000 and
obligations of Seller for the deferred purchase price of goods or services
(other than trade payables or accruals incurred in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice), (e) all obligations in respect
of
banker’s acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of
Seller, (f) all indebtedness or obligations of the types referred to in the
preceding clauses (a) through (e) of any other Person secured by any Encumbrance
on any assets of Seller, even though Seller has not assumed or otherwise become
liable for the payment thereof, (g) all guarantees by Seller of obligations
of
the type described in clauses (a) through (f) above of any other Person, and
(h)
payment obligations in respect of interest under any interest rate swap or
other
hedge agreement or arrangement entered into by Seller with respect to any
Indebtedness described in clauses (a) through (g) above.
“Intellectual
Property Rights”
means
all of the following in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (i) patents,
patent applications and patent disclosures; (ii) trademarks, service marks,
trade dress, trade names, product configuration, corporate names, logos and
slogans (and all translations, adaptations, derivations and combinations of
the
foregoing) and Internet domain names, Internet websites, and URLs together
with
all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing including, without
limitation, the Xxxx; (iii) copyrights and copyrightable works;
(iv) registrations and applications for any of the foregoing; (v) trade
secrets and confidential information (including
inventions, ideas, recipes, proprietary food processes, formulae, compositions,
know-how, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, research and
development information, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, proposals,
technical data, financial, business and marketing plans, and customer and
supplier lists and related information); (vi) computer software, computer
source code and software systems (including
data,
source code and object code, databases and related documentation); and
(vii) all other intellectual property.
5
“Inventory”
means
the consumable inventory of Seller, wherever located, including, without
limitation, all finished goods, work in process, raw materials, spare parts
and
all other materials and supplies to be used or intended for use by the Business.
“IRS”
means
the United States Internal Revenue Service and, to the extent relevant, the
United States Department of the Treasury.
“Knowledge”
means
(a)
with respect to Seller, the actual knowledge, after due inquiry, of Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxxxxxx, Xx. and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, and (b) with respect to Buyer and Parent,
the actual knowledge, after due inquiry, of Xxxxxx X’Xxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx and
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx. The
terms
“know” and “knows” and like terms will have correlative meanings.
“Legal
Requirement”
means
any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, international, multinational
or
other administrative order, constitution, law, ordinance, principle of common
law, regulation, rule, statute or treaty.
“Xxxx”
means
all forms of the trademark and service xxxx “MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY” per se and in
combination with designs, logos, product configurations, drawings and other
distinctive configurations which are part of Intellectual Property Rights and
licensed by Seller to Franchisees pursuant to the Franchise
Agreements.
“Material
Adverse Effect”
means
any change, effect, event, occurrence, state of facts or development that is
or
would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the assets, business,
liabilities, prospects, results of operations or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Business or that would reasonably be expected to prevent
or
materially impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
“NASAA”
means
the North American Securities Administrators Association.
“Order”
means
any award, decision, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, subpoena or verdict
entered, issued, made or rendered by any court, administrative agency or other
Government Authority or by any arbitrator.
“Organizational
Documents”
means
with respect to any entity, the certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws
or other governing documents of such entity.
“Parent”
is
defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Permitted
Encumbrances”
means
(a) Encumbrances for current taxes, assessments or governmental charges or
levies on property not yet due and payable or the validity of which are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) Encumbrances on the
Intellectual Property Rights created or evidenced by Contracts with Franchisees,
and (c) non-exclusive trademark and trade secret licenses created or evidenced
by Contracts with the dairies who produce ice cream base mix for
Franchisees.
6
“Person”
means
an individual, partnership, corporation, business trust, limited liability
company, limited liability partnership, joint stock company, trust,
unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity or a Government
authority.
“Personal
Property”
means
the equipment, furniture, machinery, computer hardware, motor vehicles and
other
tangible personal property owned by Seller and used or intended for use in
the
Business as currently operated.
“Prepaid
Expenses”
as
of
any date means payments made by Seller or any of its Affiliates with respect
to
the Business or the Purchased Assets, which constitute prepaid expenses in
accordance with GAAP, except that 100% of the amount paid to reserve a booth
at
the 2007 International Franchise Expo shall be deemed a Prorated
Expense.
“Proceeding”
means
any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation or suit
(whether civil, criminal, administrative, judicial or investigative, whether
formal or informal, and whether public or private) commenced, brought, conducted
or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Government Authority or
arbitrator.
“Promissory
Notes”
are
defined in Section
3.3.
“Prorated
Expenses”
means
all of the items that are normally prorated, as set forth in Schedule 1.1(p),
relating to the Business and operation of the Seller. The items listed in
Schedule 1.1(p) shall be prorated as of the Closing, assuming a 365-day year
or
28-day, 30-day or 31-day month, as appropriate, and monies shall be paid at
Closing to reflect the principle that all expenses arising from the operation
of
the Business before the Closing Date shall be for the account of the Seller,
and
all expenses arising from the operation of the Business from and after the
Closing Date shall be for the account of Buyer.
“Purchase
Price”
is
defined in Section
3.1.
“Purchased
Assets”
means
all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to all of the assets that are
used or intended for use in the Business, whether tangible or intangible, real
or personal and wherever located and by whomever possessed (other than the
Excluded Assets), including, without limitation, (i) the Real Property Lease,
(ii) the Personal Property, (iii) the Assumed Contracts,
(iv)
cash in the amount of $100,000, (v) the Advertising Fund, the Escrow Accounts,
the Gift Certificate Accounts and Gift Card Pooled Account, (vi) Government
Authorizations, (vii) the Accounts Receivable as of the Closing Date, (viii)
the
Intellectual Property Rights, (ix) the Inventory, maintenance and operating
supplies, (x) the Prepaid Expenses, (xi) claims, refunds, causes of action,
rights of recovery, rights of setoff, and rights of recoupment, (xii) the Books
and Records, (xiii) all claims, causes of action, choses in action, rights
of
recovery and rights of set-off of any kind against the Franchisees, (xiv)
all
proceeds actually recovered under insurance policies covering or relating to
Purchased Assets or Assumed Contracts and, to the extent transferable, all
rights of recovery under such insurance policies, and (xv) all
other
properties, assets and rights owned by Seller as of the Closing Date, or in
which Seller has an interest, and which are not otherwise Excluded Assets,
except, with respect to clauses (xi) and (xiii), claims, cause of action, choses
in action, rights of setoff and recoupment, and all other rights of recovery
that Seller may assert to defend against or reduce liability for any obligations
with respect to which Seller retains liability in accordance with Section
2.4.
7
“Real
Property Lease”
means
all of Seller’s right, title and interest in the lease for Suite 305 of the
building located at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx, as evidenced by Lease,
dated August 12, 1992, as amended November 18, 1993, March 30, 1998, August
25,
2000, February 28, 2003, and March 9, 2005, between Seller and Xxxxxxxx
Partners, Ltd. (formerly Xxxxxx Equities, Inc.), including the right to all
security deposits and other amounts and instruments deposited by or on behalf
of
Seller thereunder.
“Registration
Laws”
is
defined in Section
4.23(a)(i).
“Representative”
means,
with respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, manager, employee,
agent, consultant, advisor, accountant, financial advisor, legal counsel or
other representative of that Person.
“Securities
Act”
means
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, together with the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
“Seller”
is
defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Seller
Information”
means
any data and information relating to the business, customers, financial
statements, conditions or operations of the Business, in each case which is
confidential in nature and not generally known to the public.
“Seller
UFOCs”
means,
collectively, the Domestic UFOCs and all other forms of disclosure documents
used by Seller during the past five calendar years, commencing in 2002, to
offer
and sell Franchises in the United States and foreign countries.
“Stockholders”
is
defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Store
or Stores”
refers
to retail outlet(s) that operate under the Xxxx and sell premium-grade ice
cream
and related products identified by the Brand.
“Subsidiary”
means,
with respect to any Person, any corporation or other Person of which securities
or other interests having the power to elect a majority of that corporation’s or
other Person’s board of directors or similar governing body, or otherwise having
the power to direct the business and policies of that corporation or other
Person (other than securities or other interests having such power only upon
the
happening of a contingency that has not occurred), are held by the Person or
one
or more of its Subsidiaries.
“Tax”
means
any tax (including, without limitation, any income tax, franchise tax, margin
tax, branch profits tax, capital gains tax, alternative or add-on minimum tax,
estimated tax, value-added tax, sales tax, use tax, property tax, transfer
tax,
payroll tax, social security tax or withholding tax, escheat or abandoned
property liability), and any related fine, penalty, interest or addition to
tax
with respect thereto, imposed, assessed or collected by or under the authority
of any Government Authority or payable pursuant to any tax-sharing agreement
relating to the sharing or payment of any such tax.
8
“Tax
Return”
means
any return (including any information return), report, statement, schedule,
notice, form or other document or information filed with or submitted to, or
required to be filed with or submitted to, any Government Authority in
connection with the determination, assessment, collection or payment of any
Tax.
“Territorial
Rights”
means
a
protected territory, exclusive territory, covenant not to compete, right of
first refusal, option or other similar arrangement granted by Seller to any
Franchisee.
“Third
Party”
means
a
Person that is not a party to this Agreement.
“UFOC
Guidelines”
means
the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular Guidelines published by NASAA as in
effect from time to time.
“WARN
Act”
means
the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
1.2 Usage
(a) Interpretation.
In this
Agreement, unless a clear contrary intention appears: (i) the singular number
includes the plural number and vice versa; (ii) reference to any Person includes
such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors
and assigns are not prohibited by this Agreement, and reference to a Person
in a
particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually;
(iii) reference to any gender includes each other gender; (iv) reference
to any
agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument
as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with
the
terms thereof; (v) reference to any Legal Requirement means such Legal
Requirement as amended, modified, codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole
or
in part, and in effect at the time particular acts or conditions of compliance
are to be determined, including rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
and reference to any section or other provision of any Legal Requirement
means
that provision of such Legal Requirement in effect at the time a particular
act
or condition of compliance is to be determined and constituting the substantive
amendment, modification, codification, replacement or reenactment of such
section or other provision; (vi) “hereunder,” “hereof,” “hereto,” and words of
similar import shall be deemed references to this Agreement as a whole and
not
to any particular Article, Section or other provision hereof; (vii) “including”
(and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the
generality of any description preceding such term; (viii) “or” is used in the
inclusive sense of “and/or”; (ix) with respect to the determination of any
period of time, “from” means “from and including” and “to” means “to but
excluding”; and (x) references to documents, instruments or agreements shall be
deemed to refer as well to all addenda, exhibits, schedules or amendments
thereto.
(b) Legal
Representation of the Parties.
This
Agreement was negotiated by the parties with the benefit of legal
representation, and any rule of construction or interpretation otherwise
requiring this Agreement to be construed or interpreted against any party
shall
not apply to any construction or interpretation hereof.
9
ARTICLE
II
2.1 Purchase
and Sale of Assets.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell, assign,
convey, transfer and deliver to Buyer as of the Closing Date, and Buyer agrees
to purchase and take assignment and delivery from Seller as of the Closing
Date,
all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Purchased Assets, free
and clear of all Encumbrances other than the Permitted
Encumbrances.
2.2 Excluded
Assets.
Pursuant to this Agreement, the Buyer is not acquiring, and the Seller shall
retain, the following assets, rights and properties (collectively, the
“Excluded
Assets”)
and,
as such, they are not included in the Purchased Assets:
(a) The
business, assets and goodwill of and related directly to the Company Store,
other than the rights and interests of the Buyer, under a Franchise Agreement
to
operate the Company Store as a franchised Store that shall be signed at the
Closing.
(b) The
Excess Cash.
(c) The
following vehicles: a 2002 Cadillac Escalade Luxury Wagon (VIN
#0XXXX00X00X000000); a 2002 BMW 530i Sedan (VIN # WBADT63462CH8808); and
a 2003
Chevrolet Express G2500 Cargo Van (VIN #0XXXX00X000000000).
(d) All
Contracts that have terminated or expired prior to the Closing Date in the
ordinary course of business consistent with the past practices of
Seller.
(e) Seller’s
corporate minute books and records, such other books and records as pertain
to
the organization, existence or capitalization of Seller and duplicate copies
of
such records as are necessary to enable Seller to file its tax returns and
reports, as well as any other records or materials relating to Seller generally
and not involving or relating to the Purchased Assets.
(f) Claims
for and rights to receive Tax refunds relating to the Business with respect
to
taxable periods (or portions thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date,
and Tax Returns relating to the Business with
respect to taxable periods (or portions thereof) ending on or prior to the
Closing Date, and any notes, worksheets, files or documents relating
thereto;
(g) All
rights of Seller under this Agreement, any agreement, certificate, instrument
or
other document executed and delivered by Seller or Buyer in connection with
the
transactions contemplated hereby, or any side agreement between Seller and
Buyer
entered into on or after the date of this Agreement.
2.3 Assumed
Liabilities.
On the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing,
Buyer shall assume and agree to pay, discharge and perform when due, Seller’s
obligations (a) arising under the Real Property Lease and the Assumed Contracts,
but specifically excluding any liability or obligation relating to or arising
out of such Assumed Contract or Real Property Lease as a result of (i) any
breach of such Assumed Contract or Real Property Lease on the part of Seller
occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any violation of law, breach
of
warranty, tort or infringement occurring on or prior to the Closing Date
including, without limitation, any violation by Seller of any Legal Requirement
applicable to the offer and sale of the Franchises or the relationship between
Seller and the Franchisees under the Franchise Agreements or (iii) any charge,
complaint, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, claim or demand
arising against Seller on or prior to the Closing Date; (b) with respect
to the
audit by Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx Company of Seller’s financial statements at
December 31, 2006 and for the fiscal year then ended, but specifically excluding
any expenses incurred in connection with other services performed for Seller
by
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx Company, (c) to refund initial franchise fees to domestic
Franchisees who are or become entitled to refunds in accordance with their
Franchise Agreements (the “Contingent
Initial Fee Refunds”)
in an
amount not to exceed the amount of funds released from the Escrow Accounts
(as
determined based on the balance of such accounts as of the Closing Date)
to the
Buyer, if any, (d) with respect to accounts and claims payable in the ordinary
course of business from the Advertising Fund, the Escrow Accounts, the Gift
Certificate Accounts and the Gift Card Pooled Account, in each case to the
extent Seller has transferred to Buyer in each such account cash equal to
or in
excess of the aggregate amount necessary to satisfy such claims payable or,
with
respect to the Advertising Fund, has provided Buyer a budget showing the
source
of funds to satisfy such claims as they become payable; (e) arising out of
the
operation of the Business to the extent that such duties accrue on and after
the
Closing Date based on the operation of the Business by Buyer following the
Closing; (f) the Dull Payment; and (g) other liabilities of a type and amount
expressly identified on Schedule
2.3 (collectively,
the “Assumed
Liabilities”).
10
2.4 Excluded
Liabilities.
Except
as and to the extent expressly provided in Section
2.3,
Buyer
is not agreeing to, and shall not, assume any other liability, obligation,
undertaking, expense or agreement of Seller of any kind, character or
description, whether absolute, contingent, known, unknown, accrued, liquidated,
unliquidated, contingent, executory or otherwise, and whether arising prior
to
or following the Closing, and the execution and performance of this Agreement
shall not render Buyer liable for any such liability, obligation, undertaking,
expense or agreement (all of such liabilities and obligations shall be referred
to herein as the “Excluded
Liabilities”).
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Excluded Liabilities
shall
include, and Buyer will not assume or be liable for:
(i) Any
liability or obligation with respect to any Excluded Asset, whether arising
prior to or after the Closing;
(ii) Except
as
expressly assumed in Section
2.3,
any
liability, claim or obligation, contingent or otherwise, arising out of the
operation of the Business or any Purchased Asset prior to the Closing
Date;
(iii) Any
liability or obligation arising out of or related to any Contract that is
not a
Real Property Lease or an Assumed Contract or relating to a breach arising
out
of or related to events that occurred or actions that were taken prior to
the
Closing Date with respect to any Real Property Lease or Assumed
Contract;
(iv) Any
of
Seller's liabilities or obligations for expenses or fees incident to or arising
out of the negotiation, preparation, approval or authorization of this Agreement
or the consummation (or preparation for the consummation) of the transactions
contemplated hereby (including all attorneys' and accountants' fees, and
brokerage fees);
11
(v) Any
liability or obligation of Seller for any Taxes that accrue for any period
on or
prior to Closing, regardless of when assessed;
(vi) Except
for Buyer’s obligation to pay the Dull payment, any liability or obligation to
any employee or former employee of Seller or the Business attributable to
any
period of time prior to the Closing Date, including any liability for accrued
wages, vacation, sick or holiday pay and allowances, any other paid time
off and
any liabilities under employment, severance, change of control or similar
agreements or arrangement and arising on or before the Closing
Date;
(vii) Any
duty,
obligation or liability arising at any time under or relating to any Employee
Benefit Plan or any employee benefit plan, program or arrangement at any
time
maintained, sponsored or contributed or required to be contributed to by
Seller
or any ERISA Affiliate of Seller or with respect to which Seller or any ERISA
Affiliate has or had any liability or potential liability;
(viii) Any
liability or obligation arising out of any violation by Seller of any Legal
Requirement applicable to the offer and sale of the Franchises or to the
relationship between Seller and the Franchisees under the Franchise Agreements;
(ix) Any
liability or obligation arising out of any infringement or other unlawful
use by
Seller or any Person acting under its direction or control of any Intellectual
Property Rights owned or held by any Person;
(x) Any
liability or obligation with respect to the Contingent Initial Fee Refunds
in
excess of the amount of funds released from the Escrow Accounts (as determined
based on the balance of such accounts as of the Closing Date) to the Buyer,
if
any; and
(xi) Any
liability or obligation of Seller arising out of any litigation, proceeding,
or
claim by any Person relating to the Business as conducted prior to the Closing
Date, whether or not such litigation, proceeding, or claim is pending,
threatened, or asserted before, on, or after the Closing Date, except to
the
extent the litigation, proceeding or claim relates to the enforcement against
Buyer of the plaintiff’s rights under an Assumed Contract or an Assumed
Liability.
12
ARTICLE
III
3.1 The
Closing.
The
closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Closing”)
will
take place at the offices of Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxx LLP, 000 Xxxx 00xx
Xxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, or at such other place as Buyer and Seller mutually
agree, at 10:00 A.M. local time, on the second Business Day after the conditions
to Closing set forth in Articles
VIII
and
IX
have
been satisfied or waived by the party entitled to waive such condition, other
than conditions that, by their terms, cannot or are not required to be satisfied
until the Closing (provided that all such conditions are satisfied at the
Closing), or at such other place, date and/or time as the parties may mutually
agree.
3.2 Purchase
Price.
Subject
to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in reliance on the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Seller contained
herein, and in full payment and consideration for the sale, conveyance,
assignment, transfer and delivery of the Purchased Assets by Seller to Buyer,
Buyer will pay a total amount of Twenty One Million Dollars ($21,000,000)
(the
“Purchase
Price”),
payable as hereinafter provided, and will assume the Assumed Liabilities.
3.3 Payment.
At
Closing, Buyer will (x) pay Seller the sum of Sixteen Million Dollars
($16,000,000) by wire transfer of immediately available funds and (y) deliver
to
Seller a promissory note of Parent in the principal amount of Three Million
Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000) (the “First
Note”)
and a
promissory note of Parent in the principal amount of One Million Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) (the “Second
Note”,
and
together with the First Note, the “Promissory
Notes”),
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibits
3.3(a) and 3.3(b)
(including the term and interest rate specified therein). Except as otherwise
provided in the Promissory Notes and the related Escrow Agreement with respect
to indemnity claims, the Promissory Notes shall accrue interest at the annual
rate of 6% per annum until maturity and at the annual rate of 8% after maturity,
and shall mature 12 months from the date of issuance. The Buyer shall have
the
right to withhold payment of principal due and owing under the Second Note,
but
only to the extent permitted under Section
11.8
of this
Agreement.
3.4 Allocation.
Seller
and Buyer agree to allocate the Purchase Price among the Purchased Assets
in
accordance with the allocation schedule to be attached hereto as Schedule
3.4(b),
which
allocation schedule will be determined after the date hereof, but by a date
no
later than 90 days after the date hereof (the “Allocation
Schedule”).
If
the parties are unable to agree on the final Allocation Schedule within 90
days
after the date hereof, an independent third-party appraiser selected by Buyer,
and acceptable to Seller, the fees of which shall be borne equally by Buyer
and
Seller, shall resolve the allocation of the consideration to any items with
respect to which there is a dispute between the parties. In the absence of
manifest error, the determination of the Allocation Schedule by the third-party
appraiser shall be final and binding on all parties and shall not be subject
to
contest. Each of the parties hereto agree that: (i) none of the parties shall
take a position on any Tax Return (including IRS Form 8594) that is in any
way
inconsistent with the Allocation Schedule without the written consent of
the
other party or unless specifically required by an applicable governmental
authority; and (ii) they shall promptly advise each other regarding the
existence of any Tax audit, controversy or litigation related to the Allocation
Schedule. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein shall prevent
Buyer or Seller from settling any proposed deficiency or adjustment by any
Governmental Authority based upon or arising out of the Allocation Schedule,
and
neither Buyer nor Seller shall be required to litigate before any court any
such
proposed deficiency or adjustment by any governmental authority challenging
the
Allocation Schedule.
13
3.5 Nonassignable
Contracts.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the
assignment hereunder by Seller to Buyer of any Assumed Contract is not permitted
or is not permitted without the consent of any other party to such Assumed
Contract, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute an assignment
of any
such Assumed Contract if such consent is not given or if such assignment
otherwise would constitute a breach of, or cause a loss of contractual benefits
under, any such Assumed Contract, and Buyer shall assume no obligations or
liabilities under any such Assumed Contract. Seller shall advise Buyer in
writing on the date hereof with respect to any Assumed Contract which Seller
knows or has substantial reason to believe will or may not be subject to
assignment to Buyer hereunder at the Closing. Without in any way limiting
Seller's obligation to obtain all consents and waivers necessary for the
sale,
transfer, assignment and delivery of the Assumed Contracts and the Purchased
Assets to Buyer hereunder, if any such consent is not obtained or if such
assignment is not permitted irrespective of consent and if the Closing shall
occur, Seller shall cooperate with Buyer following the Closing Date in any
reasonable arrangement designed to provide Buyer with the rights and benefits
(subject to the obligations) under any such Assumed Contract, including
enforcement for the benefit of Buyer of any and all rights of Seller against
any
other party arising out of any breach or cancellation of any such Assumed
Contract by such other party and, if requested by Buyer, acting as an agent
on
behalf of Buyer or as Buyer shall otherwise reasonably require.
ARTICLE
IV
Seller
hereby represents and warrants to Buyer and Parent that the statements contained
in this Article
IV
are
correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct
and
complete as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the Closing
Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement throughout this
Article
IV
except
to the extent any representation or warranty speaks as of a different date,
which representations and warranties shall be true and correct only as of
such
date), except as set forth in the disclosure schedules delivered by the Seller
to Buyer and Parent (collectively, the “Disclosure
Schedules”).
4.1 Organization
and Good Standing.
Seller
is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of
the State of Texas. Seller has all requisite power and authority to own,
lease
and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as currently
conducted. Seller has obtained all Government Authorizations necessary to
the
ownership or operation of its properties or the conduct of its business,
except
where the failure to obtain such Governmental Authorizations would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or would only give rise to an Excluded Liability. Seller does
not
have any Subsidiaries. Seller does not own or hold the right to acquire any
shares of stock or any other security or interest in any other Person or
have
any obligation to make any investment in any Person.
14
4.2 Enforceability;
Authority.
Seller
has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement, to consummate the sale of the Purchased Assets and otherwise to
perform its obligations hereunder and consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the
consummation of the sale of the Purchased Assets and the other transactions
contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized and approved by its board
of
directors and stockholders, and no other corporate action on the part of
the
Seller is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance
of this
Agreement and the Escrow Agreement by the Seller and the consummation by
the
Seller of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Escrow
Agreement. This Agreement and the Escrow Agreement has been duly executed
and
delivered by Seller and, assuming the due execution of this Agreement and
the
Escrow Agreement by the Parent and Buyer, constitutes a valid and binding
obligations of Seller enforceable against it in accordance with their terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
receivership and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally, and general equitable principles.
4.3 Consents;
Approvals.
Except
as set forth in Schedule
4.3,
the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and
will
not:
(a) violate
or conflict with the provisions of the Organizational Documents of the
Seller;
(b) provided
the Domestic UFOC is amended after the public announcement of this Agreement
in
each state in which the Domestic UFOC is currently registered, violate any
Legal
Requirement or Order to which the Seller is subject or by which any of its
material properties or assets are bound;
(c) except
for prompt amendment of the Domestic UFOC in each state in which the Domestic
UFOC is currently registered and the revision of the disclosure document
for the
Korea Master Franchise and of each other disclosure document for an
international transaction that has not closed prior to the date of this
Agreement, require any permit, consent or approval of, or the giving of any
notice to, or filing with any Government Authority; or
(d) result
in
the acceleration or modification of any obligations under, a violation or
breach
of, constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default
under, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon any of the Purchased
Assets under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Indebtedness
or
Contract of the Seller;
excluding
from the foregoing clauses (b), (c) and (d) permits, consents, approvals,
notices and filings the absence of which, and violations, breaches, defaults
and
Encumbrances the existence of which, individually or in the aggregate, have
not
had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
4.4 Financial
Statements.
(a) The
Seller has delivered to the Buyer (i) audited balance sheets of the Seller
as of
each of December 31, 2004 and 2005, and the related statements of operations,
stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal years then ended, together
with the report thereon of Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx Company, the Seller’s
independent certified public accountants (including the notes thereto, the
“Seller
Financial Statements”),
and
(ii) an unaudited balance sheet of the Seller as of September 30, 2006 (the
“Balance
Sheet”)
and
the related unaudited statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash
flows of the Seller (together with the Balance Sheet, the “Seller
Interim Reports”)
as at
and for the nine (9)-month period ended September 30, 2006. The Seller Financial
Statements, the Seller Interim Reports and each Other Interim Report delivered
pursuant to Section
6.3
fairly
presents the financial position and the results of operations, stockholders’
equity and cash flows of the Seller as the respective dates of, and for the
periods referred to in, such Seller Financial Statements, Seller Interim
Reports
and Other Interim Reports, all in accordance with GAAP, applied consistently
through the periods involved, subject, in the case of the Seller Interim
Reports
and Other Interim Reports, to normal year-end adjustments (which are not
material in the aggregate) and the absence of notes and are consistent with
the
books and records of the Seller. No financial statements of any other Person
are
required by GAAP to be included in the financial statements of the
Seller.
15
(b) Except
as
disclosed on Schedule 4.4(b),
the
Seller has no material liabilities
or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether
due or to become due), except for (i) those liabilities and obligations accrued
or disclosed on the face of or in the footnotes to the Balance Sheet and
(ii)
liabilities and obligations incurred since the date of the Balance Sheet
in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (none of which
arise
out of a breach of any contract, tort, infringement, claim, lawsuit or breach
of
warranty that would not constitute an Excluded Liability).
4.5 Real
Property.
(a) Seller
does not own any real property which is used or intended to be used, or
otherwise related to, the Business.
(b) Section
1.1
of this
Agreement sets forth the address and a brief description of the Real Property
Lease (including all amendments, extensions, renewals, guaranties and other
agreements with respect thereto) and:
(i) Seller
has delivered or made available to Buyer a true and complete copy of the
Real
Property Lease (as amended to date);
(ii) Seller’s
possession and quiet enjoyment of the premises that the Real Property Lease
covers has not been disturbed, and to Seller’s Knowledge, there are no disputes
with respect to the Real Property Lease;
(iii) there
are
no pending, or to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened condemnation Proceedings
relating to building in which the premises the Real Property Lease covers
are
located or other matters affecting the current use of occupancy thereof or
the
operation of the Business therein and no notice from any Government Authority
has been received by the Seller requiring or calling attention to the need
for
any material work, repair, construction, alteration or installation on, or
in
connection with, the premises the Real Property Lease covers;
16
(iv) Seller
has not subleased, licensed, or otherwise granted to any party the right
to use
or occupy any portion of the premises the Real Property Lease
covers;
(v) no
security deposit or portion thereof deposited with respect to the Real Property
Lease has been applied in respect of a breach or default under the Real Property
Lease which has not been redeposited in full;
(vi) there
are
no material forbearance programs in effect with respect to the Real Property
Lease; and
(vii) Seller
has not collaterally assigned, subleased, mortgaged, deeded in trust or
otherwise transferred or encumbered any part of the premises the Real Property
Lease covers or any interest therein.
4.6 Title
to Assets.
Except
for Excluded Assets and properties and assets reflected on the Balance Sheet
that have been sold or otherwise disposed of by the Seller in the ordinary
course of business, the Seller has good and marketable title to, a valid
and
subsisting license to use, or a valid leasehold interest in, all of the
Purchased Assets, including, without limitation, all the properties and assets
reflected on the Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Encumbrances other
than
Permitted Encumbrances. All of the Personal Property, whether owned or leased,
is in good operating condition and repair (with the exception of normal wear
and
tear), and is free from defects other than minor defects that do not interfere
with the present use thereof in the conduct of normal operations.
4.7 Sufficiency
of Assets.
The
Purchased Assets include all of the assets, properties and rights of every
type
and description, real, personal, mixed, tangible and intangible that are
used or
intended for use in the conduct of the business of owning and operating the
Business in substantially the same manner as currently conducted by Seller,
subject only to the exclusion of the Excluded Assets and the need for Buyer
to
establish a Franchisee training facility outside the Company Store.
4.8 Accounts
Receivable.
Except
as set forth on Schedule
4.8,
all
Accounts Receivable reflected on the Balance Sheet (net of payments received
since the Balance Sheet date and net of allowances for doubtful accounts
as
reflected thereon and as determined in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied) and all Accounts Receivable that have arisen subsequent to the Balance
Sheet Date (net of payments received after the Balance Sheet Date and net
of
allowances for doubtful accounts and reserves that are reasonable based on
Seller’s historical collection experience) are valid receivables arising in the
ordinary course of business and are collectible in accordance with Seller’s
historical collection practices at the aggregate recorded amount therefor
as
shown on the Balance Sheet (net of payments received since the Balance Sheet
date and net of allowances for doubtful accounts as reflected thereon and
as
determined in accordance with GAAP consistently applied). Except as set forth
on
Schedule
4.8,
no
Person has any Encumbrances on such Accounts Receivable or any part thereof,
and
no agreement for deduction, free goods, discount or other deferred price
or
quantity adjustment has been made with respect to any such Accounts Receivable.
17
4.9 Insolvency
Proceedings.
No
insolvency proceedings of any kind, including, without limitation, bankruptcy,
receivership, reorganization, composition or arrangement with creditors,
voluntary or involuntary, affecting Seller or the Purchased Assets are pending
or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatened. Seller has not made an assignment for
the benefit of creditors or taken any action with a view to, or that would
constitute a valid basis for, the institution of any such insolvency
proceedings.
4.10 Taxes.
(a) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.10,
the
Seller has filed all Tax Returns that it was required to file on or before
the
date of this Agreement or the Closing Date, as applicable; all such Tax Returns
were correct and complete in all material respects; and all material Taxes
owed
by Seller (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid. The Seller
is
not the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Income
Tax
Return. The Seller has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party, and
all
Forms W-2 and 1099 required with respect thereto have been properly completed
and timely filed. To Seller’s Knowledge, there are no Encumbrances on any of the
assets of the Seller that arose in connection with the failure (or alleged
failure) to pay any Tax.
(b) There
is
no material dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of the Seller either
(A) claimed or raised by any authority in writing or (B) as to which Seller
has
Knowledge based upon personal contact with any agent of such
authority.
(c) Seller
has furnished to Buyer copies of all federal, state, local, and foreign Income
Tax Returns filed with respect to the Seller for taxable periods ended on
or
after December 31, 2003. Schedule
4.10
indicates those Income Tax Returns that have been audited, and indicates
those
Income Tax Returns that currently are the subject of audit. The Seller has
delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of all federal Income Tax
Returns, examination reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed against
or
agreed to by the Seller since December 31, 2003. The Seller has not waived
any
statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of
time
with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.
(d) To
Seller’s Knowledge, the Assumed Liabilities do not include any obligations that
will not be deductible under Code §280G. The Seller is not a party to any Tax
allocation or sharing agreement. The Seller (A) has not been a member of
an
Affiliated Group filing a consolidated federal Income Tax Return (other than
a
group the common parent of which was Seller) and (B) has no liability for
the
Taxes of any Person under Reg. §1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state,
local, or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or
otherwise.
(e) The
unpaid Taxes of the Seller (A) did not, as of September 30, 2006, exceed
the
reserve for Tax liability (rather than any reserve for deferred Taxes
established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set
forth
on the face of the Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) and (B)
will
not exceed that reserve as adjusted for operations and transactions through
the
Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of the Seller
in
filing their Tax Returns.
18
(f) Seller
has been a validly electing S corporation within the meaning of Code §1361 and
§1362 at all times since 1986 and Seller will be an S corporation up to and
including the Closing Date. Seller has no potential liability for any Tax
under
Code §1374. Seller has not, in the past 10 years, acquired Purchased Assets from
another corporation in a transaction in which Seller's Tax basis for the
acquired Purchased Assets was determined, in whole or in part, by reference
to
the Tax basis of the acquired assets (or any other property) in the hands
of the
transferor.
(a) To
the
Seller’s Knowledge, except for Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx. and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx,
no key employee and no group of employees of Seller has any plans to terminate
or modify his or her status as an employee of the Business, including upon
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set forth
on the
Schedule
4.11,
there
are no Proceedings pending or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatened against
Seller with respect to or by any employee or former employee of the Business
and, to the Seller’s Knowledge, there are no Proceedings pending or threatened
against any employees or former employee of the Business. Seller has not
experienced any strikes, grievances, claims of unfair labor practices or
other
collective bargaining disputes. Seller has not engaged in any unfair labor
practices. There is no collective bargaining agreement or relationship with
any
labor organization, and, to the Seller’s Knowledge, there are no organizational
efforts presently made or threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with
respect to the Business.
(b) Schedule
4.11(b)
contains
a true, complete and accurate list of each of Seller's employees employed
in the
Business as of the date of this Agreement, including all active employees
and
any other employees, including employees inactive as of the date of this
Agreement for any reason (including as a result of layoff, leave of absence,
disability, illness or injury) (each such Person, a “Business
Employee”),
and
with respect to each such Business Employee as of the date hereof, his or
her
date(s) of hire by Seller, position and title (if any), current rate of
compensation (including bonuses, commissions and incentive compensation,
if
any), whether such employee is hourly or salaried, whether such employee
is
exempt or non-exempt, whether such employee is absent from active employment
and, if so, the date such employee became inactive, the reason for such inactive
status and, if applicable, the anticipated date of return to active
employment.
(c) The
Seller has not implemented any plant closing or layoff of employees that
could
implicate the WARN Act, and no such action will be implemented on or prior
to
the Closing without advance notification to Buyer.
4.12 Employee
Benefits.
(a) Schedule
4.12(a)
includes
a list of all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA)
maintained or contributed to by Seller, and each other employee benefit plan,
program or arrangement, whether or not subject to ERISA, including, without
limitation, employment, severance, incentive, retention, consulting,
change-in-control, fringe benefit, collective bargaining, deferred compensation,
or other compensatory plan, policy, agreement or arrangement which is made
or
maintained with or for the benefit of any current
or former employee, director or other personnel of Seller or contributed
to by
Seller or under which Seller has or may have a direct or indirect liability
(each
a
“Seller
Benefit Plan”).
19
(b) The
Seller has delivered to Buyer true and complete copies of each Seller Benefit
Plan document, and, as applicable, with respect to each Seller Benefit Plan,
true and complete copies of (1) any related trust agreements, insurance
contracts or other funding agreements or arrangements, (2) the most recent
summary plan description and any summary of material modifications, and (3)
the
most recent determination letter or opinion letter issued by the IRS and
any
pending application for a determination letter or opinion letter with respect
to
any Seller Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Code Section 401(a)
(“Qualified
Plan”).
(c) Each
Seller Benefit Plan has been maintained, funded and administered in all material
respects in accordance with its terms and the provisions of applicable law,
including ERISA and the Code. All contributions and premium payments to each
Seller Benefit Plan required to be made prior to the Closing Date have been
made
or properly accrued.
(d) With
respect to each Seller Benefit Plan, no Proceeding or investigation with
respect
to the administration or the investment of plan assets (other than routine
claims for benefits) is pending or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatened or
anticipated.
(e) Seller
has never contributed to or been required to contribute to any Multiemployer
Plan or employee pension plan subject to Title IV of ERISA or Code Section
412
or has any liability, or indirect liability, including any liability on account
of a “partial withdrawal” or complete withdrawal (as defined in ERISA Sections
4203 and 4201 respectively), under any Multiemployer Plan or under Title
IV of
ERISA. Seller is not bound by any Contract that would result in any direct
or
indirect liability described in ERISA Section 4204. No Seller Benefit Plan
is a
multiple employer plan subject to Section 413(c) of the Code.
(f) Seller
does not now have and has never had any ERISA Affiliates.
4.13 Litigation;
Orders.
(a) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.13(a),
there
is no material Proceeding at law or in equity by any Person or any Proceeding
by
or before any Government Authority pending or, to the Seller’s Knowledge,
threatened, against the Seller or the Purchased Assets.
(b) Except
as
set forth on Schedule 4.13(b),
(i) there is no Order to which the Seller or any of the Purchased Assets or
the Real Property Lease is subject, and (ii) the Seller is in compliance
with each Order to which it or any of the Purchased Assets is
subject.
(a) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.14,
Seller
is in full compliance with each Legal Requirement that is applicable or to
the
conduct or operation of the Business or the ownership of the Purchased Assets,
except for such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, as has
not had
and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except
as set forth on Schedule
4.14,
Seller
has not received any notice from any Governmental Authority or any other
Person
regarding any actual, alleged, possible or potential violation of, or failure
to
comply with, any material Legal Requirement applicable to the
Business.
20
(b) The
Seller possesses all Government Authorizations necessary for the ownership
of
its properties and the conduct of its business as currently conducted, except
for such exceptions, as, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Further,
(i)
to the Seller’s Knowledge, all such Government Authorizations are in full force
and effect and (ii) the Seller has not received any written notice of any
event,
inquiry, investigation or proceeding threatening the validity of such Government
Authorizations.
4.15 Operations
of the Seller.
Except
as set forth on Schedule 4.15,
as of
the date of this Agreement, there has not been any change, event or condition
of
any character since January 1, 2006 that has had or would reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, since December 31, 2005, the Seller has operated its business
in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and during such
time
period, the Seller has not:
(a) sold,
leased, transferred, or assigned any of its material assets, other than for
a
fair consideration in the ordinary course of business;
(b) entered
into any Material Contract outside the ordinary course of business, except
the
Contracts governing Seller’s 401(k) Retirement Plan and the Gift Card
Program;
(c) accelerated,
terminated, made material modifications to, or cancelled any Material
Contract;
(d) transferred,
assigned, or granted any license or sublicense of any rights under or with
respect to any Intellectual Property Right, other than in the ordinary course
of
business;
(e) made
any
capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) either involving
more than $10,000, individually, or $25,000, in the aggregate, or outside
the
ordinary course of business;
(f) delayed
or postponed the payment of accounts payable and other liabilities outside
the
ordinary course of business;
(g) engaged
in any sales or promotional discount or other activity with customers
(including, without limitation, materially altering credit terms), delayed
or
postponed the payment of any accounts payable or other payables or expenses
(including marketing or promotional expenses), or accelerated the collection
of
or discounted any Accounts Receivable or otherwise accelerated cash collections
of any type;
21
(h) incurred
any Indebtedness or incurred or become subject to any material liability,
except
current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and liabilities
under Contracts (other than liabilities for breach) entered into in the ordinary
course of business;
(i) suffered
any extraordinary losses or waived any rights of material value, whether
or not
in the ordinary course of business;
(j) experienced
any material damage, destruction, or loss (whether or not covered by insurance)
to its property;
(k) granted
any increase in the base compensation of any of its directors, officers,
and
employees outside the ordinary course of business and except in accordance
with
customary prior practice;
(l) except
for adopting its 401(k) Retirement Plan and terminating an informal employee
bonus plan, adopted, amended, modified, or terminated any bonus, profit sharing,
incentive, severance, or other plan, contract, or commitment for the benefit
of
any of its directors, officers, and employees (or taken any such action with
respect to any other Employee Benefit Plan);
(m) except
for committing to make the Dull Payment, made any other material change in
employment terms for any of its directors, officers, and employees outside
the
ordinary course of business;
(n) become
liable for any damages in connection with, or become obligated to rescind,
any
Franchise Agreement; or
(o) committed
to do any of the foregoing.
4.16 Material
Contracts.
(a) Schedule 4.16(a)
contains
a complete and correct list, as of the date of this Agreement, of the following
Contracts pertaining to the Business to which the Seller is a party or by
which
the Seller is bound (collectively, the “Material
Contracts”):
(i) all
Contracts for the employment of any employee providing for annual compensation
in excess of $150,000, or providing severance benefits, except for those
terminable without cause and without cost on less than 60 days notice;
(ii) the
Contract governing the Dull Payment and any other severance
agreement;
(iii) any
agreement (or group of related agreements) for the lease of Personal Property
to
or from a Person providing for lease payments in excess of $5,000;
(iv) any
agreement (or group of related agreements) for the purchase or sale of raw
materials, commodities, supplies, products, or other personal property, or
for
the furnishing or receipt of services, the performance of which will extend
over
a period of more than one year, or which involves consideration in excess
of
$5,000 per year;
22
(v) each
Franchise Agreement that is currently in force;
(vi) the
Real
Property Lease;
(vii) any
agreements relating to Intellectual Property Rights except as set forth in
Schedule
4.19(b);
(viii) any
agreement imposing continuing confidentiality obligations on the
Seller;
(ix) all
executory Contracts for capital expenditures with remaining obligations in
excess of $5,000 each;
(x) all
Contracts containing covenants that in any way purport to limit the freedom
of
the Seller to engage in any line of business or to compete with any Person
or in
any geographical area;
(xi) all
severance, change of control or similar agreements or contracts with any
employees; and
(xii) any
other
agreement the performance of which involves consideration in excess of
$5,000.
(b) Seller
has delivered to Parent a correct and complete copy of each written Material
Contract (as amended to date) and a written summary setting forth the material
terms and conditions of each oral Material Contract.
Except
as disclosed in Schedule 4.16(b),
the
Seller is not in violation or breach of or in default under any Material
Contract the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, has or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Proceeding or
event
or condition has occurred or exists or is alleged by any party to have occurred
or exist which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a
default
by any of the parties thereto of their respective obligations under a Material
Contract (or would give rise to any right of termination or cancellation),
except as does not have and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. The Seller has not, nor to the Seller’s Knowledge, has any other
party to any Material Contract, breached or provided any written notice of
an
intent to breach, any provision thereof, except such a breach as does not
have
and would not reasonably
be expected
to have
a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Schedule
4.16(c)
contains
a complete and correct list of all written Contracts to which the Seller
is a
party or by which the Seller is bound that pertain to Excluded
Assets.
4.17 Insurance.
Schedule 4.17
sets
forth an accurate and complete summary of (a) each insurance policy providing
for liability exposure (including policies providing property, casualty,
liability and workers’ compensation coverage and bond and surety arrangements)
to which the Seller is currently a party, a named insured or otherwise the
beneficiary of coverage (“Insurance
Policies”)
and
(b) all insurance loss runs or workers’ compensation claims received for the
past five policy years. All such Insurance Policies are in full force and
effect. Since January 1, 2002, the Seller has paid all premiums due thereunder
and, except as set forth in Schedule 4.17,
no
notice (whether oral or written) of cancellation of any such coverage or
increase in premiums thereof has been received by the Seller.
23
4.18 Environmental
Matters.
In the
conduct of the Business and the ownership and operation of the Purchased
Assets,
Seller has complied and is in compliance in all material respects with all
Environmental and Safety Requirements. Seller has not received any written
notice, report or other information regarding any violation of, or liability
under Environmental and Safety Requirements. Neither Seller nor any of its
predecessors or Affiliates with respect to the Business has treated, stored,
disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, transported, handled,
released, or exposed any Person to, any substance, or owned or operated the
Business or any property or facility relating to the Business (and no such
property or facility is contaminated by any such substance) in a manner that
has
given or would give rise to any liabilities or investigative, corrective
or
remedial obligations pursuant to CERCLA or any other Environmental and Safety
Requirements. Seller has furnished to Buyer all environmental audits, reports
and other material environmental documents relating to the past or current
operations or facilities of Seller and its predecessors and Affiliates with
respect to the Business which are in its possession or under its reasonable
control.
4.19 Intellectual
Property.
(a) The
Purchased Assets include no patents, patent applications, patentable property
or
mask works. Schedule 4.19(a)
sets
forth a complete and correct list of: (i) all registered Intellectual
Property Rights owned by the Seller; (ii) all pending applications for
registration of Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Seller; (iii) all
trade names, trademarks and service marks owned or used by the Seller; (iv)
all
material
unregistered copyrights and computer software programs owned by the Seller;
(v)
all common law or unregistered Intellectual Property Rights not otherwise
encompassed in subparts (i)-(iv); and (vi) all internet domain names and
URLs
owned by Seller.
(b) Schedule
4.19(b)
sets
forth a complete and correct list of: (i) all computer software licenses
or
similar agreements or arrangements relating to information technology used
in
the Business (“IT
Software”)
for
which the Seller paid more than $10,000 in the aggregate in license fees
or pays
more than $5,000 in annual support fees; (ii) all other licenses or similar
agreements or arrangements, in effect as of the date hereof, in which the
Seller
is a licensee of Intellectual Property Rights; (iii), except for Material
Contracts listed in Schedule
4.16,
all
licenses or similar agreements or arrangements in which the Seller is a licensor
of Intellectual Property Rights, including franchise agreements; and (iv)
all
other
agreements
or similar arrangements,
in
effect as of the date hereof, relating
to the use of Intellectual Property Rights by the Seller, including settlement
agreements, consent-to-use or standstill agreements and standalone
indemnification agreements.
(c) Except
as
set forth on Schedule 4.19(c),
(i) the
Seller owns and possesses all right, title and interest in and to the
Intellectual Property Rights set forth in Schedules
4.16 and 4.19(a),
has a
valid and enforceable right to use pursuant to the agreements set forth in
Schedule
4.19(b),
and
otherwise owns and possesses all right, title and interest in and to all
other
Intellectual Property Rights necessary for the operation of the Business
as
currently conducted, free and clear of all Encumbrances except Permitted
Encumbrances (collectively,
the "Seller
Intellectual Property Rights")
and (ii)
except for territorial exclusivity provided in international master franchise
agreements, the Seller has not licensed any Seller Intellectual Property
Rights
to any third party on an exclusive basis.
24
(d) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.19(d),
(i)
Seller has no Knowledge that it has infringed, diluted, misappropriated or
otherwise conflicted with, or that the operation of the Business as currently
conducted infringes, misappropriates or otherwise conflicts with, any
Intellectual Property Rights of any Person; (ii) the Seller has no Knowledge
of
any facts which indicate a likelihood of any of the foregoing; (iii) the
Seller
has not received any notices regarding any of the foregoing (including any
demands or offers to license any Intellectual Property Rights from any Person
or
any requests for indemnification from customers) and (iv) the Seller has
neither
requested nor received any opinions of counsel related to the
foregoing.
(e) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.19(e),
(i)
no
loss
or expiration of any of the Seller Intellectual Property Rights is threatened,
pending or reasonably foreseeable;
(ii)
all
of
the Seller Intellectual Property Rights are valid and enforceable to the
extent
provided by law, and none of the Seller Intellectual Property Rights has
been
used by Seller in a way that violates any Legal Requirement; (iii) no claim
by
any third party contesting the validity, enforceability, use or ownership
of any
of the Seller Intellectual Property Rights has been made, is currently
outstanding or, to Seller’s Knowledge, is threatened, and Seller has no
Knowledge of any grounds for the same;
(iv)
the Seller
has taken all necessary and desirable action to maintain and protect all
of the
Seller Intellectual Property Rights and will continue to maintain and protect
all of the Seller Intellectual Property Rights prior to the Closing so as
not to
adversely affect the validity or enforceability thereof; and (v)
the
Seller has not intentionally disclosed or allowed to be disclosed any of
its
trade secrets or confidential information to any third party other than pursuant
to a written confidentiality agreement.
(f) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.19(f),
to the
Seller’s Knowledge, no Person has infringed, diluted, misappropriated or
otherwise conflicted with any of the Seller Intellectual Property Rights
and the
Seller is not aware of any facts that indicate a likelihood of any of the
same.
(g) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.19(g),
all
Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Seller were either: (i) developed
by
employees of the Seller working within the scope of their employment; (ii)
developed by officers, directors, agents, consultants, contractors,
subcontractors or others who have executed appropriate instruments of assignment
in favor of the Seller as assignee that have conveyed to the Seller ownership
of
all of such Person’s rights in the Intellectual Property Rights relating to such
developments; or (iii) acquired in connection with acquisitions in which
the
Seller obtained appropriate representations, warranties and indemnities from
the
transferring party relating to the title to such Intellectual Property
Rights.
(h) Except
as
set forth in Schedule
4.19(h),
none
of
the Seller Intellectual Property Rights is subject to any proceeding or
outstanding Order restricting in any manner the use, transfer or licensing
thereof by Seller, or which may affect the validity, use or enforceability
of
the Seller Intellectual Property Rights.
25
(i)
The
computer software, computer firmware, computer hardware (whether general
purpose
or special purpose), and other similar or related items of automated,
computerized and/or software system(s) that are used or relied on by the
Seller
in the conduct of the Business is sufficient in all material respects for
the
current needs of the Business.
(j) The
Seller has collected, used, imported, exported and protected all personally
identifiable information, and other information relating to individuals
protected by applicable Legal Requirements, in accordance with the privacy
policies of the Seller and in accordance with applicable Legal Requirements,
including by entering into agreements, where appropriate, governing the flow
of
such information across national borders.
(k) Except
as
set forth is Schedule
4.19(k),
each
item of Seller Intellectual Property Rights is valid, enforceable and subsisting
in all material respects; all necessary registration, maintenance and renewal
fees currently due in connection with the Seller Intellectual Property Rights
have been made; and all documents, recordations and certifications required
by
law to maintain and preserve the Seller Intellectual Property have been filed
with the relevant copyright, trademark or other authorities in the United
States
and foreign jurisdictions in which Seller has chosen to conduct the Business
for
the purpose of maintaining Seller Intellectual Property Rights. At the Closing,
the Seller will deliver to Buyer all files, documents, or instruments in
Seller’s possession or under its control required to preserve and maintain the
Seller Intellectual Property Rights.
4.20 Affiliate
Transactions .
Except
as set forth on Schedule
4.20,
(a)
there are no Assumed Contracts between Seller, on the one hand, and any
Stockholder or any family member or affiliate of any such Stockholder, on
the
other hand; (b) there are no Assumed Contracts between Seller, on the one
hand,
and any employee or director or any family member or affiliate of any such
person, on the other hand, other than employment agreements entered into
in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; and (c) there
are no
loans or other indebtedness owing by any employee of Seller or any family
member
or affiliate of any such person to Seller.
4.21 Brokers
or Finders.
No
agent, broker, firm or other Person acting on behalf of the Seller is, or
will
be, entitled to any investment banking, commission, broker’s or finder’s fees
from any of the parties hereto, or from any Affiliate of any of the parties
hereto, in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, except for The Mayfair Group, whose fees and expenses will be
paid by
the Seller.
4.22 Suppliers.
Except
for the suppliers named in Schedule
4.22,
the
Seller has not purchased from any single supplier, goods or services for
which
the aggregate purchase price exceeds 5% of the total amount of goods and
services purchased by the Seller during the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005.
Since December 31, 2005, there has not been any termination, cancellation
or material curtailment of the business relationship of the Seller with any
supplier named in Schedule
4.22
or any
material and adverse (to Seller) change in any material term (including credit
terms) of the supply agreements or related arrangements with any such supplier.
No supplier named in Schedule
4.22
has
advised the Seller that it intends, or has threatened, to cancel or otherwise
terminate the business relationship of such supplier with the Seller or any
Franchisee or that it intends to modify materially and adversely (to Seller)
its
business relationship with the Seller or any Franchisee or to decrease
materially or limit materially its supply to the Seller or any Franchisee.
26
4.23 Franchise
Matters.
(a) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.23(a),
Seller
does not have, and has not had, any Subsidiary or Affiliate offering or selling
Franchises domestically or internationally. Seller and international master
Franchisees duly appointed under Franchise Agreements are the only Persons
that
Seller has authorized to offer or sell Franchises for the Xxxx.
(b) Schedule
4.23(b)
sets
forth a listing of, and Seller has provided Buyer with a true and complete
copy
of, Seller's currently effective Seller UFOCs, together with true and complete
copies of all Seller UFOCs used by Seller since April 1, 2002 in connection
with
the offer and sale of Franchises.
(c) Schedule
4.16
contains
a true and complete list of all Franchise Agreements to which Seller is a
party,
and there are no other currently effective Franchise Agreements relating
to the
Xxxx. Except as noted as Schedule
4.16
and
except for negotiated Franchise Agreements for international Franchises,
each
Franchise Agreement entered is substantially similar to the form of Franchise
Agreement attached as an exhibit to the Seller UFOC that was issued to the
Franchisee contemporaneously with the sale of such Franchise by Seller. Seller
has made available to Buyer true, complete and correct copies of all Franchise
Agreements listed or required to be listed on Schedule
4.16,
including all amendments and addenda thereto.
(d) Seller
has, at all relevant times, the corporate power and authority and legal right
to
enter into and carry out the terms of each Franchise Agreement. All of the
Franchise Agreements are valid, binding and enforceable in all material respects
against the Franchisee thereunder in accordance with their terms, subject
to any
such Franchisee's bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding
under state or federal law and subject to any equitable doctrines and Legal
Requirements which may affect the enforceability of the Franchise Agreements
against Franchisees.
(e) Schedule
4.23(e)
identifies each existing Franchisee that (i) is, to Seller's Knowledge,
currently in material default under any Franchise Agreement, whether or not
Seller has notified the Franchisee about the default; (ii) has received within
the twelve (12) month period prior to the date of this Agreement notice from
Seller that such Franchisee has incurred a default under such Franchise
Agreement; or (iii) has on three or more occasions within the twelve (12)
month
period prior to the date of this Agreement received written notices of events
of
default under a Franchise Agreement. Except as described in Schedule 4.23(e),
no
notices of default issued by Seller with respect to any Franchise Agreement
remain outstanding because the defaults identified in such notices have not
been
cured, and Seller has not waived any default by a Franchisee which could
be
adverse in any material respect to Seller.
27
(f) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.23(f),
or
except as set forth in Seller’s standard forms of domestic and international
Franchise Agreement as in use from time to time, or except as may be granted
by
operation of law, Seller has not granted any Franchisee any Territorial Rights
pursuant to which (i) Seller is restricted in any way in its right to own
or
operate, or license others to own or operate, any business or line of business;
or (ii) the Franchisee is granted rights for the acquisition of additional
franchises or expansion of the Franchisee's territory. Except as described
in
Schedule
4.23(f),
no
Franchisee's Territorial Rights conflict with the Territorial Rights of any
other Franchisee. Except as set forth on Schedule
4.23(f),
to the
extent Seller granted any such Territorial Rights (whether or not disclosed
or
required to be disclosed herein), Seller has complied with such Territorial
Rights and in the course of offering or selling franchises, Seller has not
violated the Territorial Rights of any Franchisee.
(g) Since
April 1, 2002, and except as set forth on Schedule
4.23(g),
Seller
has: (i) prepared and maintained in all material respects each of the Seller
UFOCs in accordance with all Legal Requirements; (ii) filed and obtained
registration of the offer and sale of the Franchises in all jurisdictions
requiring such registration prior to any offers or sales of Franchises in
such
states and has filed all material changes, amendments, renewals thereto on
a
timely basis as required by Legal Requirements in such jurisdictions; (iii)
filed all notice filings (including the filing of the Seller UFOC, as
applicable) in all jurisdictions in which a notice filing is required to
be
filed prior to the offer and sale of franchises in such jurisdictions; (iv)
filed all notices of exemption in all jurisdictions in which a notice filing
is
required in order to obtain an exemption from regulation as a "business
opportunity" or to otherwise be subject to regulation under Legal Requirements
in such jurisdictions absent such notice filing; and (v) sold no franchises
during periods after the need for amendment arose (based on advice of Seller’s
legal counsel) and before the prospective Franchisee had been in receipt
of an
amended Seller UFOC for the required period for redisclosure in the
jurisdiction. The Seller UFOCs were prepared in all material respects in
compliance with the UFOC Guidelines and/or other Legal Requirements and there
were no material misrepresentations or misstatements of fact or omissions
to
state material information in any Seller UFOC necessary to make the statements
made therein not misleading under the circumstances at the xxxx Xxxxxx was
using
such Seller UFOC. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.23(g), Seller has never
withdrawn its application or registration to offer and sell franchises from
any
jurisdiction.
(h) Except
as
disclosed in Schedule
4.23(h),
the
offer, sale, and administration of each Franchise Agreement complied in all
material respects at the time such offer and sale was made and at all times
since such Franchise Agreement became effective with all Legal
Requirements.
(i) Except
as
listed or described in Schedule
4.23(i),
Seller’s rights to receive payments from the Franchisee under each Franchise
Agreement to which Seller is a party have not been subordinated by Seller
and no
provision regarding the calculation and payment of royalty fees in any Franchise
Agreement has been waived, altered or modified in any material respect adverse
to Seller.
28
(j) No
Franchisee Organization exists among the Franchisees of Seller, except for
the
five-member Franchise Advisory Council that Seller appoints to advise Seller
with respect to advertising matters.
(k) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.23(k),
Seller
has not offered or sold Franchises in any jurisdiction where the sale of
any
such Franchise violated any Legal Requirements of such jurisdiction. To Seller’s
Knowledge, no Franchisee paid any consideration or signed any Franchise
Agreement before the expiration of all applicable waiting periods. Except
as set
forth on Schedule
4.23(k),
Seller
has not offered rescission as would be required under any Legal Requirements
arising from a possible violation of any Legal Requirements, and no Franchisee
has asserted or exercised any statutory right of rescission arising from
a
violation of the Legal Requirements. Except as set forth on Schedule
4.23(k)
and with
the exception of routine comment letters from regulators, Seller has never
received a stop order, revocation or withdrawal of approval or a license
or
exemption to offer and sell Franchises in any jurisdiction. Seller has never
received an official notice, complaint, subpoena, request for information,
or
any form of formal or informal inquiry from any Governmental Authority regarding
the offer or sale of Franchises. Seller has not participated in any remedial
program directed towards its franchise selling practices administered by
the
National Franchise Council, the International Franchise Association, the
Federal
Trade Commission, any state or provincial authority, or any other public
or
private organization.
(l) Seller's
Books and Records include all written communications and written memorialization
of all material oral communications with franchise regulatory authorities
regarding the Franchises that Seller has received or submitted since January
1,
2002, including without limitation all applications for initial registration,
renewal applications, amendments, comment letters, approvals, licenses,
consents, exemption filings, withdrawals, and undertakings regarding future
changes in Seller's offering materials.
(m) Seller
has delivered or made available to Buyer correct and complete copies of (i)
all
registrations, material advertising or promotional materials used by Seller
subsequent to April 1, 2002, and (ii) the Seller UFOCs or agreements used
by
Seller or filed with any foreign or domestic administrative or regulatory
agency
or otherwise used by Seller in connection with the offer, sale and operation
of
Franchises in any jurisdiction (domestic or international) since April 1,
2002.
To Seller’s Knowledge, Seller has not published any franchise recruitment
advertising in violation of the Legal Requirements of any jurisdiction. Seller
has effected timely filing of franchise recruitment advertising with the
applicable governmental authority before publication and obtained any approvals
or clearances, or received no comments requiring changes to the advertising
materials that were not incorporated in the final copy.
(n) Schedule
4.16
contains
a true and complete list of all currently effective Contracts with third
party
vendors or suppliers who have received the approval of Seller to act as
providers of goods or services to the Franchisees. Excluding entertainment
by
vendors/suppliers or reimbursement for franchisee conventions or meetings
in the
ordinary course of business, Seller does not receive rebates, commissions,
discounts or other payments or remuneration of any kind from such vendors
or
suppliers of such goods or services.
29
(o) To
Seller's Knowledge, Seller is not in violation or default of any Franchise
Agreement, nor has there occurred any event or condition which with the passage
of time or giving of notice (or both) would constitute a material default
by
Seller of any Franchise Agreement under, or permit termination or rescission
of,
any such Franchise Agreement. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor
the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein would result in a violation
of or a default under, or give rise to a right of termination, modification,
cancellation, rescission or acceleration of any obligation or loss of material
benefits under, any Franchise Agreement. No consent or approval of any
Franchisee is required by any Franchise Agreement in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(p) Except
as
otherwise disclosed in Schedule 4.23(p, there are no material agreements
or
special arrangements with any Franchisee other than as set forth in the
Franchise Agreements that Seller has provided to Buyer.
(q) Seller's
use and administration of advertising contributions and fees made under the
Franchise Agreements has at all times complied in all material respects with
the
provisions of all Franchise Agreements or other agreements made by Seller
with
respect to its use of the advertising contributions and fees, conforms with
any
descriptions of such activities contained in the Seller UFOCs and does not
violate any Legal Requirements.
(r) Except
as
specified on Schedule
4.13(a),
there
is no action, proceeding, or investigation pending or, to Seller's Knowledge,
threatened against or involving Seller with respect to any of its domestic
or
international Franchises, and to Seller's Knowledge, there is no basis for
any
such action, proceeding or investigation except for actions, proceedings
or
investigations that could not, in any individual case or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Seller. Seller
is
not subject to any Order entered in any lawsuit or proceeding which has or
may
have a Material Adverse Effect on its rights and interests in any Franchise
Agreement. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.13(b)
or
Schedule
4.23(g),
to
Seller's Knowledge, there are not currently, nor have there ever been any
administrative actions, cease and desist orders or other administrative actions
affecting Seller by any federal or state agency which regulates
Franchises.
(s) Except
for the Real Property Lease and the lease for the Company Store, Seller is
not a
party to any leases of business premises nor has it entered into any guarantees
in respect of leases held by Franchisees.
(t) All
Persons acting as franchise salespersons and franchise sales brokers on behalf
of Seller have been duly and timely registered and qualified in all
jurisdictions where such registration or qualification is necessary. All
information filed with such registrations about all such persons is accurate,
true and complete in all material respects. All of the Domestic UFOCs accurately
disclose in all material respects any relevant information about franchise
brokers required in Items, 2, 3 and 4 thereof.
(u) Seller
has informally trained all officers, agents, employees, brokers, salespersons,
contractors and other representatives engaged in the offer and sale of
Franchises on behalf of Seller in the requirements imposed by Legal
Requirements.
(v) Seller
obtained, has filed with the applicable jurisdictions and has retained in
its
records the consent of its accountants to publication of the financial
statements set forth in the Seller UFOCs, and modified the Seller UFOCs to
conform to any comments offered by the accountants prior to its distribution
to
prospective Franchisees.
30
4.24 Powers
of Attorney.
Except
as set forth on Schedule
4.24,
there
are no outstanding powers of attorney executed by or on behalf of the Seller.
ARTICLE
V
The
Parent and Buyer, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to
the
Seller that the statements contained in this Article
V
are
correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct
and
complete as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the Closing
Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement throughout this
Article
V
except
to the extent any representation or warranty speaks as of a different date,
which representations and warranties shall be true and correct only as of
such
date), except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedules attached hereto.
(a) Each
of
the Parent and Buyer is organized, validly existing and in good standing
under
the laws of its incorporation, organization or formation and, on the Closing
Date will be duly qualified to conduct business in Texas.
(b) Each
of
the Parent and Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the purchase of the Purchased Assets and the other transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the Escrow Agreement by each of the Parent and Buyer, the execution,
delivery and performance of the Promissory Notes by the Parent, and the
consummation by the Parent and Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby,
have been duly authorized and approved by their respective boards of directors,
and no other corporate or stockholder action on the part of the Parent or
Buyer
is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement or the Escrow Agreement by the Parent or Buyer, the execution,
delivery and performance of the Promissory Notes by the Parent, or the
consummation by either of them of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Parent
and
Buyer and, assuming the due execution of this Agreement by the Seller, this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of the Parent
and
Buyer enforceable against the Parent and Buyer in accordance with its terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
receivership and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally, and general equitable principles. Upon the issuance and delivery
of
the Promissory Notes by the Parent at the Closing, the Promissory Notes will
constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Parent, enforceable against
the Parent in accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership and similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and general
equitable principles.
31
5.2 Consents
and Approvals; No Violations.
The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement by the
Parent
and Buyer, the execution and delivery of the Promissory Notes by the Parent,
and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not
and
will not:
(a) violate
or conflict with any provisions of the Organizational Documents of the Parent
or
Buyer;
(b) violate
any Legal Requirement or Order of any court or Government Authority to which
the
Parent or Buyer is subject or by which any of their respective material
properties or assets are bound;
(c) require
any permit, consent or approval of, or the giving of any notice to, or filing
with any Government Authority on or prior to the Closing Date; and
(d) except
as
set forth in Schedule 5.2, result in a violation or breach of, conflict with,
constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default
(or
give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, payment or acceleration)
under, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon any of the material
properties or assets of the Parent or Buyer under any of the terms, conditions
or provisions of any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
franchise, permit, agreement, lease, franchise agreement or any other instrument
or obligation to which the Parent or Buyer is a party, or by which it or
any of
their respective properties or assets may be bound; and excluding from the
foregoing clauses (b), (c) and (d) permits, consents, approvals, notices
and
filings the absence of which, and violations, breaches and defaults the
existence of which, would not impair to any material extent the ability of
the
Parent or Buyer to perform its obligations under this Agreement, or of Buyer
to
perform its obligations under the Escrow Agreement, any of the Assumed Contracts
or to pay any of the Assumed Liabilities, or of the Parent to pay the Promissory
Notes.
5.3 SEC
Documents and Other Reports.
Parent
has timely filed with the SEC all documents required to be filed by it since
December 31, 2005 under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (the
“Parent
SEC Documents”).
As of
their respective filing dates, the Parent SEC Documents complied in all material
respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act,
as the
case may be, each as in effect on the date so filed, and at the time filed
with
the SEC none of the Parent SEC Documents contained any untrue statement of
a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under
which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of Parent
included in the Parent SEC Documents complied as of their respective dates
in
all material respects with the then applicable accounting requirements and
the
published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared
in accordance with GAAP (except in the case of the unaudited statements,
as
permitted by Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act) applied on a consistent basis
during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the
notes
thereto) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial
position of Parent and its subsidiaries as at the dates thereof and the
consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows
for
the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to
normal
year-end audit adjustments and to any other adjustments described
therein).
32
5.4 Litigation.
Except
as set forth in Schedule 5.4, there are no Proceedings pending, or, to the
Knowledge of the Parent or Buyer, threatened which would prevent, enjoin,
alter
or materially delay any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
Buyer’s performance of the Assumed Contracts or payment of the Assumed
Liabilities or the Parent’s payment of the Promissory Notes.
5.5 Brokers’
or Finders’ Fees.
No
agent, broker, firm or other Person acting on behalf of the Parent or Buyer
is,
or will be, entitled to any investment banking, commission, broker’s or finder’s
fees from any of the parties hereto, or from any Person controlling, controlled
by or under common control with any of the parties hereto, in connection
with
any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE
VI
6.1 Efforts
to Closing.
On the
terms and subject to the conditions in this Agreement, Seller agrees to use
its
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions as may
reasonably be necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby
and
to cause the conditions set forth in Article
IX
to be
satisfied, and Buyer agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or
cause
to be taken, all actions as may reasonably be necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and to cause the conditions set forth in
Article
VIII
to be
satisfied. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller shall
give
or cause to be given any notices to third parties required to be given pursuant
to the Real Property Lease and any Assumed Contract to which it is a party
as a
result of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Seller
shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain prior to the Closing, and
deliver to Buyer at or prior to the Closing, all consents, waivers and approvals
required to be obtained under each Assumed Contract and Real Property Lease
to
which it is a party or by which it is bound, in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to Buyer. Buyer shall use reasonable best efforts to cooperate
with
Seller in Seller’s efforts to obtain the aforementioned consents, including by
providing such information as the other contracting parties may reasonably
request.
6.2 Conduct
of the Business.
From
the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, Seller shall conduct the
Business in the ordinary and normal course of business, consistent with past
practice; make ordinary marketing, advertising, promotional and other budgeted
expenditures and implement ordinary pricing and promotional strategies in
amounts generally comparable with the level of such strategies for the 12-month
period ended December 31, 2006; and use commercially reasonable efforts to
preserve and maintain the ongoing operations, organization and assets of
the
Business and maintain the goodwill of the Business’s franchisees, customers and
others having business relations with the Seller. Further, and without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, during the period from the date hereof to
the
Closing Date, except as may be first approved by the Parent in writing, or
as is
otherwise expressly permitted or required by this Agreement, the Seller shall
not:
(a) Cancel,
encumber, or in any way discharge, terminate, adversely modify or amend or
impair the Real Property Lease or any Assumed Contract other than in the
ordinary course of business, or commit any act or fail to take any action
that
would cause a material breach of any such Assumed Contract or the Real Property
Lease;
33
(b) Except
for refunds described in Schedule
6.2(b)(i)
and
royalty relief described in Schedule
6.2(b)(ii),
waive,
modify, alter, reduce or compromise any amounts payable by any Franchisee;
(c) Sell
or
dispose of any of the Purchased Assets except for immaterial sales or other
dispositions in the ordinary course of business;
(d) Create
or
suffer or permit the creation of any Encumbrance (other than Permitted
Encumbrances) on any of the Purchased Assets or with respect thereto, unless
such Encumbrance will be discharged prior to Closing;
(e) Take
any
action that would prevent Seller from consummating the transactions contemplated
in this Agreement;
(f) Knowingly
violate any applicable law, statute, rule, governmental regulation or order
of
any court or governmental regulatory authority (whether federal, state or
local);
(g) Make
any
capital commitment or addition to property, plant or equipment of the Seller,
individually or in the aggregate, in excess of $10,000, other than those
to be
paid for in full prior to Closing;
(h) Take,
or
fail to take, any other action which would reasonably be expected to result
in a
material breach or inaccuracy in any of the representations or warranties
of
Seller contained in this Agreement;
(i) Except
for receipt of initial Store franchise fees and/or international master
franchise fees in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past
practices, and on the same terms that Seller would offer if Seller intended
to
continuing operating the Business , enter into any transaction whereby Seller
receives an advance or lump sum payment that provides value or a discount
to
future value for a period in excess of six months; and
(j) Agree
or
commit, whether in writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions specified
in
the foregoing clauses.
6.3 Access
and Investigation.
The
Seller will permit the Parent, Buyer and its appropriate Representatives
to have
reasonable access, prior to the Closing Date, to the properties and to the
Books
and Records of the Seller during normal working hours and upon reasonable
notice, to familiarize itself with the Seller’s properties, business and
operating and financial conditions. As promptly as practicable after the
end of
each month ended after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing
Date,
the Seller shall deliver to the Parent unaudited financial statements of
the
Seller as at and for the year through the end of the most recently completed
fiscal month (each such report, an “Other
Interim Report”).
34
6.4 Employee
Benefits and Severance Packages.
Promptly after the parties execute and deliver this Agreement, Buyer shall
offer
employment to active employees of Seller on terms and conditions reasonably
acceptable to Buyer and Seller. Employees who accept such offers will be
“Transferred Employees.” At such time, Buyer shall enter into individual
employment agreements with Transferred Employees which such agreements shall
contain negotiated severance benefits. If an employee of Seller is on medical
or
other Seller-approved leave as of the Closing Date, Buyer shall offer employment
to such employees who present themselves for work with Buyer within (6) months
of the Closing Date and such employees shall become Transferred
Employees.
6.5 Negotiation
of Dull Payment.
Unless
Buyer decides to make the Dull Payment in accordance with the letter that
establishes the payment, Buyer will meet with Xxxxx Xxxx promptly after the
parties execute and deliver this Agreement and negotiate and document a revision
of the Dull Payment’s terms that are mutually acceptable to Buyer and Xx.
Xxxx.
6.6 Exclusivity.
Seller
agrees that neither it nor any of its officers or directors shall, and that
it
shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to cause its employees, agents
and representatives (including any investment banker, attorney or accountant
retained by it) not to (and shall not authorize any of them to) directly
or
indirectly: (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate
any inquiries with respect to, or the making, submission or announcement
of, any
offer or proposal from any Person (other than Buyer or Parent) concerning
any proposal for a merger, sale of substantial assets (including the license
of
any assets), sale of shares of stock or securities, business combination,
or
other takeover or business combination transaction involving any Seller (an
“Acquisition
Proposal”);
(ii)
participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any
Person any nonpublic information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate
in any
respect with, any Acquisition Proposal; (iii) engage in discussions with
any
Person with respect to any Acquisition Proposal (except to inform such Person
that these restrictions exist); (iv) approve, endorse or recommend any
Acquisition Proposal; or (v) enter into any letter of intent or similar document
or any contract, agreement or commitment contemplating any Acquisition Proposal
or transaction contemplated thereby. The Seller will immediately cease any
and
all existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any third parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal.
6.7 Change
of Name.
On or
before the Closing Date, Seller shall, (a) amend its Organizational Documents
and take all other actions necessary to change its name to a name that does
not
include the words “Marble Slab Creamery” or any combination of those words and
(b) take all actions requested by Buyer to enable Buyer to change its name
to
Seller’s present name, and to discontinue use of that name other than as
permitted under the Franchise Agreement for the Company Store to be executed
and
delivered at the Closing.
6.8 Notice
of Developments.
The
Seller shall promptly advise the Buyer, and each of the Parent and Buyer
shall
promptly advise the Seller, in writing of any (a) event, circumstance or
development that results (or would result on the Closing Date) in a breach
of
any representation or warranty made by it in this Agreement and (b) any material
failure of the Seller, Parent or Buyer, as applicable, as the case may be,
to
comply with or satisfy any condition or agreement to be complied with or
satisfied by it hereunder; provided
that no
disclosure pursuant to this Section 6.8
shall be
deemed to amend or supplement any provision of this Agreement or any disclosure
schedule hereto, or to prevent or cure any misrepresentation, breach of warranty
or breach of covenant.
35
6.9 Advisory
Services.
Parent
agrees that as of the Closing, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx. shall be appointed
to
serve on Parent’s board of advisors for a period of at least 12 months following
closing for a fee of $50,000 per year (payable quarterly in advance) and
reimbursement of expenses to attend meetings held outside Houston,
Texas.
(a) To
the
extent information becomes available before the Closing Date, Seller will
use
its best efforts to complete the updating of the Domestic UFOC and the form
of
Franchise Agreement for domestic Marble Slab Creamery stores to include
information regarding Seller’s business and the Marble Slab Creamery franchise
program at December 31, 2006 and for the fiscal year then ended.
(b) Buyer
shall, with Seller’s cooperation, (i) revise the Domestic UFOC to include
information required under the UFOC Guidelines concerning Buyer, Parent and
any
changes in the domestic franchise program Buyer intends to make, (ii) alert
state franchise administrators about the pending change of ownership of the
Marble Slab Creamery franchise system and determine which states, if any,
will
permit Buyer to “tack” the registration of its franchise program onto Seller’s
existing registrations, and (iii) prepare and file amendments to the Domestic
UFOC with appropriate state franchise administrators.
(c) Buyer
shall, with Seller’s cooperation, amend the Korea disclosure document and the
disclosure document relating to any pending international franchise transaction
that does not close prior to the Closing Date to include required information
about Buyer, Parent and any changes Buyer intends to make in the documentation
for international franchises.
(d) Seller
shall cooperate with Buyer to minimize the possibility that any prospective
Franchisee will decide not to consummate a pending domestic or international
transaction on account of Seller’s sale or Buyer’s acquisition of the Marble
Slab Creamery franchise system.
(e) Parent
and Buyer shall have the right to review in advance, and, Seller shall consult
with Parent and the Buyer on, all correspondence with the Franchisees related
to
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and the information
that appears in any amendment to the Domestic UFOCs filed with the relevant
Governmental Authorities in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby. Seller shall keep Parent and the Buyer reasonably apprised
of the status of matters relating to the amendment to the Domestic UFOCs
and any
correspondence with its Franchisees related to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.
6.11 Intellectual
Property.
The
Seller agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause
to be
taken all actions as Buyer may reasonably request or as may be otherwise
necessary to assist with the registration and transfer of all foreign trademarks
set forth on Schedule
6.11.
36
6.12 Public
Disclosure or Communications.
Between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, except to the extent required
by applicable Legal Requirements (including, without limitation, the UFOC
Guidelines and the rules of the Nasdaq Global Market and securities laws
applicable to Parent), none of the Parent, Buyer, Seller or any Stockholder
shall issue any press release or public announcement of any kind concerning
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written consent
of
the Parent and Seller; and, in the event any such public announcement, release
or disclosure is required by applicable Legal Requirements (including, without
limitation, the rules of the Nasdaq Global Market and securities laws applicable
to Parent), Parent will provide, to the extent practicable under the
circumstances, Seller reasonable opportunity to comment on any such
announcement, release or disclosure prior to the making thereof. Each of
Parent,
Seller and the Stockholders acknowledge and agree that Parent shall be required
to file a Current Report on Form 8-K disclosing the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement and attaching as an exhibit thereto a copy of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
VII
7.1 Approval
of Purchaser of Company Store.
Buyer
acknowledges that Seller and the Stockholders intend to sell the business
and
assets of the Company Store to a successor franchisee as promptly as practicable
after the Closing Date. Buyer agrees to evaluate the qualifications of each
purchaser candidate in accordance with standards substantially similar to
those
Seller has previously used to evaluate transferees and sale terms, to act
reasonably in applying those standards, and not to unreasonably withhold
Buyer’s
approval of a proposed purchaser or sale.
7.2 Transfer
Taxes.
All
stamp, transfer, documentary, sales and use, registration and other similar
taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (collectively,
the
“Transfer
Taxes”)
shall
be paid by Buyer, and Buyer shall properly file on a timely basis all necessary
Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all Transfer Taxes. The
provisions of this Section
7.2
and no
other provision, shall govern the economic burden of Transfer Taxes.
(a) For
a
period of three years from the date of this Agreement, Seller will not directly
or indirectly, on its own belief, as an agent of, on behalf of or in conjunction
with, or as a member, partner or shareholder of, any other firm, corporation
or
other entity or Person:
(i) own,
operate or control, or participate in the ownership, operation or control
of, or
have any financial interest in, any business that manufactures or sells,
at
wholesale or retail, through company-owned or franchised stores, ice cream,
milk
shakes, sundaes, smoothies, frozen yogurt, sorbet and other frozen desserts
or
frozen dessert drinks, if any or all such products comprise ten percent (10%)
or
more of the business’ products, as measured by gross sales of the products sold
by such business; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not restrict
Seller from owning up to five (5%) percent of the outstanding voting securities
of any company which is listed on any recognized public stock exchange or
Nasdaq; or
37
(ii) induce
any former employee, franchisee, independent contractor, manufacturer or
supplier of Seller to terminate his or her employment or relationship, as
applicable, with Buyer or Parent or their Affiliates.
(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Section
7.3(a)
shall
not be deemed to prohibit Seller from entering into a transaction in which
(i)
Seller acquires the stock or assets of another entity that is involved in
the
quick service food business, not involving ice cream as a primary menu item.
For
purposes of avoiding doubt, this Section shall not be deemed (1) to prohibit
Seller from operating the Company Store, so long as such operations do not
involve marketing, selling or supporting of franchises; or (2) to impose
any
independent restriction on an acquirer of the Company Store.
(c) Buyer
will be entitled (without limitation of any other remedy) to specific
performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to any breach or threatened
breach of the covenants in this Section, without the need to post any bond.
If
any court of competent jurisdiction at any time deems the time periods for
the
foregoing covenants too lengthy or the scope of the covenants too broad,
the
restrictive time periods will be deemed to be the longest period permissible
by
law, and the scope will be deemed to comprise the broadest scope permissible
by
law under the circumstances. It is the intent of the parties to protect and
preserve the Business and the Purchased Assets and therefore the Parties
agree
and direct that the time period and scope of the foregoing covenants will
be the
maximum permissible duration (not to exceed four years) and size.
(d) Notwithstanding
the generality of Section 7.3(a), nothing in this Section 7.3 is intended,
and
will not be interpreted, to enlarge or otherwise modify the obligations of
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx., Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx. or Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx under
their separate Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation Agreements with Buyer that
Section 8.7 of this Agreement requires.
7.4 Further
Assurances.
From
time to time following the Closing, Buyer shall execute and deliver, or cause
to
be executed and delivered, to Seller or the Stockholders such other instruments
and documents as Seller or the Stockholders may reasonably request or as
may be
otherwise necessary to more effectively consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. Following the Closing, the Seller and the Stockholders agree to forward
to Buyer any correspondence or other communications addressed to the Seller
received by it that relates to the Purchased Assets or Assumed
Liabilities.
7.5 Audit.
The
Seller shall, at Buyer’s expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx Company to (x) audit the financial statements for 2006 in a
manner meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act
of
1933, as amended (the “SEC
Financial Statements”);
and
(y) review pro forma financial statements that Parent intends to file in
reports
filed pursuant to the Exchange Act, including, but not limited (i) consenting
to
the proper use of its report(s) on the audited financial statements included
in
the SEC Financial Statements; and (ii) performing a SAS 100 review of any
unaudited financial statements included in the SEC Financial Statements.
In
connection with the foregoing, the Seller shall use its reasonable efforts
to
assist the Buyer in the preparation of such SEC Financial Statements, at
Buyer’s
expense, including without limitation providing the Buyer’s authorized
representatives with full access during normal business hours, and in a manner
so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of the Seller,
to all
relevant books, records, work papers, information and employees and auditors
of
such Persons, to the extent necessary in connection with the preparation
of any
such SEC Financial Statements.
38
7.6 Confidentiality.
From
and after the date hereof, for a period of five (5) years, Seller shall,
and
shall cause each of its Affiliates to, treat as confidential and use
commercially reasonable efforts to safeguard and not to use, except as expressly
agreed in writing by Buyer, any and all Seller’s Information included within the
Purchased Assets, including the Intellectual Property, in each case using
the
standard of care necessary to prevent the unauthorized use, dissemination
or
disclosure of such Seller’s Information; provided,
that
from and after the date hereof until the Closing, this provision shall not
restrict Seller from using such Seller’s Information in the ordinary course of
business, consistent with past practice. For purposes of this Section
7.6,
from
and after the date hereof, confidential information included within the
Purchased Assets shall be deemed to be “Seller’s Information” notwithstanding
the fact that such information was available to or in the possession of Seller
or any of its Affiliates prior to the Closing.
7.7 Insolvency.
From
the time of execution of this Agreement through the 180th day after the Closing
Date, Seller shall not commence a voluntary case under any provision of any
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
effect, or take any action to assist in or consent to the entry of an order
for
relief in an involuntary case under any such law or consent to the appointment
of or taking possession by a receiver, or trustee or other custodian for
all or
a substantial part of Seller’s property.
7.8 Tangible
Net Worth.
From
and after the Closing Date and continuing for a period of twelve (12) months
thereafter, Seller shall maintain a tangible net worth (as determined in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied) of at least $500,000 at all times.
Seller also agrees that upon reasonable request of Buyer, but no more than
quarterly, to provide certification, in a form reasonable acceptable to Buyer,
evidencing Seller’s continuing compliance with this covenant. If at any xxxx
Xxxxxx’x tangible net worth is less than $500,000, Seller shall immediately
notify Buyer of such occurrence and take immediate steps to reestablish
compliance with the covenant.
ARTICLE
VIII
Buyer’s
obligation to purchase the Purchased Assets and to take the other actions
required to be taken by Buyer at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction,
at
or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions (any of which
may
be waived by Buyer, in whole or in part):
39
8.1 Truth
of Representations and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement
that
are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct, and those not
so
qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date
of
this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date, except to the extent that
any
such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date, in
which
case such representation and warranty qualified as to materiality shall be
true
and correct, and such representation and warranty not so qualified shall
be true
and correct in all material respects, as of such earlier date.
8.2 Performance
of Agreements.
Each of
the covenants and agreements of the Seller to be performed or complied with
by
it at or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to the terms hereof, shall have
been
performed or complied with in all material respects.
8.3 Certificate.
The
Seller shall have delivered (and caused to be delivered) to the Buyer a
certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed by or on behalf of the Seller,
certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 8.1
and
8.2
of this
Agreement.
8.4 No
Injunction.
No
court or other Government Authority shall have issued an Order, which shall
then
be in effect, restraining or prohibiting the completion of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
8.5 Governmental
and Other Approvals.
All of
the governmental and third-party consents and approvals set forth on
Schedule
8.5
shall
have been received and shall be in full force and effect. The Buyer shall
have
received copies of releases of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted
Encumbrances) against any asset, property or right of the Purchased
Assets.
8.6 No
Material Adverse Effect.
From
the date hereof to the Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any event,
circumstance or effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect.
8.7 Non-Compete.
Each of
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx., Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx. and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
shall
have entered into agreements, in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to
Buyer, not to (1) engage in any aspect of the ice cream industry or the
franchising of specialty dessert products or (2) solicit any of the Seller’s
existing or prospective Franchisees, including the parties to the Franchise
Agreements listed on Schedule
4.16(a),
for a
period of [three](3) years after the Closing Date. In consideration for entering
into such agreement, the Buyer shall pay Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx $25,000 cash
on the
first day of each year the covenants remain in effect. In consideration of
entering into such agreements, the Buyer shall pay each of Messrs. Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxxxxxx, Xx. and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx $12,500 cash on the first day of each
year
the covenants remain in effect. Each such agreement shall be in full force
and
effect as of the Closing.
8.8 Store
Franchise Agreement.
Seller
shall have entered into a standard form of Franchise Agreement to operate
the
Company Store as a franchised Store, and such agreement shall be in full
force
and effect as of the Closing.
40
8.9 Escrow
Agreement.
Buyer,
Seller, Parent and Wilmington Trust Company shall have entered into an escrow
agreement, in the form attached as Exhibit
8.9
(the
“Escrow
Agreement”),
and
such agreement shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.
8.10 Closing
Deliverables.
In
addition to any other documents to be delivered or actions to be taken under
other provisions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller shall deliver
to
Buyer:
(i) One
or
more executed bills of sale in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to
Buyer transferring to Buyer all Personal Property included in the Purchased
Assets.
(ii) One
or
more executed assignment and assumption agreement(s) in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Buyer assigning to Buyer the Assumed Contracts
and
the Real Property Lease.
(iii)
A
certified copy of the resolutions of Seller authorizing the execution, delivery,
and performance of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement by Seller and
the
consummation of the transactions provided for herein.
(iv) An
executed assignment and assumption of the Intellectual Property, in form
and
substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer.
(v) A
non-foreign affidavit dated as of the Closing Date, sworn under penalty of
perjury and in the form required under treasury regulations issued pursuant
to
Code §1445 stating that Seller is not a foreign person as defined in Code
§1445.
(vi)
An
estoppel letter from the landlord under the Real Property Lease, in form
and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
ARTICLE
IX
All
obligations of the Seller under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment
of
each of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived in whole
or
in part by the Seller, in its sole discretion:
9.1 Truth
of Representations and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties of the Parent and Buyer contained in this
Agreement that are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct,
and
those not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects,
as of
the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date, except to the
extent that any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier
date, in which case such representation or warranty that is qualified as
to
materiality shall be true and correct, and such representation and warranty
not
so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of such
earlier date.
9.2 Performance
of Agreements.
Each of
the covenants and agreements of the Parent and Buyer to be performed or complied
with by the Parent or Buyer at or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to the
terms hereof shall have been duly performed or complied with by each of the
Parent and Buyer in all material respects.
41
9.3 Certificate.
The
Parent and Buyer shall have delivered to the Seller a certificate, dated
the
Closing Date and executed by a duly authorized officer on behalf of the Parent
and Buyer, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth
in
Sections 9.1
and
9.2
of this
Agreement.
9.4 No
Injunction.
No
court or other Government Authority shall have issued an Order, which shall
then
be in effect, restraining or prohibiting the completion of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
9.5 Governmental
and Other Approvals.
All of
the governmental and third-party consents and approvals set forth on
Schedule
8.5
shall
have been received and shall be in full force and effect.
9.6 Escrow
Agreement.
Buyer,
Parent and Wilmington Trust shall have entered into the Escrow Agreement
and
Buyer shall have delivered $5,100,000 to Wilmington Trust Company for deposit
into an interest-bearing escrow account established pursuant to the terms
of the
Escrow Agreement, and such agreement shall be in full force and effect as
of the
Closing.
9.7 Dull
Compensation.
Buyer
shall have paid to Xxxxx Xxxx, Vice President, Franchise Development of Seller,
an amount that
satisfies severance or other special compensation obligations owed by Seller
to
Dull on the Closing Date (the “Dull
Payment”)
and
shall have delivered to Seller a full release by Xx. Xxxx of any further
claims
against Seller or any of the Stockholders with respect to the Dull
Payment.
9.8 Closing
Deliverables.
At
the
Closing, Buyer shall deliver to Seller the following:
(a) The
Purchase Price as provided in Sections
3.2
and
3.3,
including the Promissory Notes.
(b) One
or
more assignment and assumption agreement(s) assuming the Assumed Contracts
and
the Assumed Liabilities executed by Buyer, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Seller.
(c) A
certified copy of the resolutions of Buyer authorizing the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement by Buyer and the
consummation of the transactions provided for herein.
(d) A
certified copy of the resolutions of Parent authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement by Parent, the performance
of Parent’s obligations under this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, and the
execution, delivery and payment of the Promissory Notes.
42
ARTICLE
X
10.1 Right
to Terminate.
This
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated at any
time
prior to the Closing:
(a) by
the
mutual written consent of Buyer and the Seller;
(b) by
either
Buyer or the Seller if the Closing shall not have occurred by February 28,
2007
(the “Termination
Date”);
(c) by
either
Parent or the Seller if a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental
Entity shall have issued a nonappealable final order, decree or ruling or
taken
any other action, in each case having the effect of permanently restraining,
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated hereby,
except
if the party relying on such order, decree or ruling or other action has
not
complied with its obligations under this Agreement;
(d) by
the
Seller, if there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
or
agreement on the part of Parent or Buyer set forth in this Agreement that
causes
the conditions set forth in Article
IX
to
become incapable of fulfillment by the Termination Date, unless waived by
the
Seller;
(e) by
Parent
or Buyer, if there has been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
or agreement on the part of the Seller set forth in this Agreement that causes
the conditions set forth in Article
VIII
to
become incapable of fulfillment by the Termination Date, unless waived by
Buyer
or Parent;
provided,
however,
that
the party exercising its right to so terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 10.1(b),
10.1(d)
or
10.1(e)
shall
not have been responsible for such failure for the Closing to occur through
a
material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements contained in this Agreement.
10.2 Effect
of Termination.
In the
event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in this Article X,
this
Agreement shall become null and void and of no further force or effect, and
there shall be no liability or obligation hereunder on the part of the Seller,
the Stockholders, the Parent or Buyer, or any of their respective directors,
officers, employees, members, partners, Affiliates, agents, representatives,
heirs, administrators, executors, successors or assigns, except (i) the
provisions of this Agreement relating to the Confidentiality Agreement and
(ii)
the obligations of the parties to this Agreement under Article
XII
hereof
(except Section
12.10)
and
this Section
10.2
shall
survive any such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein
shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of any of its covenants
or
agreements or breach of its representations or warranties contained in this
Agreement prior to termination of this Agreement.
43
ARTICLE
XI
11.1 Survival.
All
representations and warranties made by the Seller, Parent or Buyer, herein,
or
in any certificate, schedule or exhibit delivered pursuant hereto, shall
survive
the Closing and continue in full force and effect until the corresponding
day of
the 18-month following the Closing Date (the “Survival
Date”),
other
than in the case of fraud and except as to any matters with respect to which
a
bona fide written claim shall have been made or action at law or in equity
shall
have been commenced before such date, in which event survival shall continue
(but only with respect to, and to the extent of, such claim or action);
provided, however, that the representations and warranties (i) in Section
4.10
shall
survive and remain in full force and effect until 30 days after the expiration
of the applicable statutes of limitations for the assessment of Taxes (including
all periods of extension, whether automatic or permissive) and (ii) in
Sections
4.1,
4.2,
4.6,
4.7,
4.21,
5.1,
5.3
and
5.5
(the
“Core
Representations”)
shall
survive and remain in full force and effect indefinitely. Each covenant and
agreement of Seller and Buyer contained in this Agreement, which by its terms
is
required to be performed after the Closing Date, shall survive the Closing
and
remain in full force and effect until such covenant or agreement is performed.
11.2 Indemnification
by Seller and Stockholders.
Subject
to the limitations set forth in this Article
XI,
the
Sellers and the Stockholders, jointly and severally, shall indemnify, defend
and
hold harmless Buyer, its managers, members, officers, directors, agents,
attorneys and employees, (hereinafter “Buyer
Indemnified Parties”)
from
and against any and all Damages incurred or sustained by Buyer Indemnified
Parties as a result of:
(a) the
breach of any representation or warranty of Seller contained in this Agreement
or in any certificate or other instrument furnished to Buyer pursuant to
this
Agreement;
(b) the
breach of, default under or nonfulfillment of any covenant, obligation or
agreement of Seller under this Agreement or the agreements and instruments
contemplated herein;
(c) a
claim
for Damages asserted with respect to the ownership or use of the Excluded
Assets;
(d) any
liability that is not an Assumed Liability, including the Excluded Liabilities;
(e) amounts
paid by the Buyer or its Affiliates in respect of Contingent Initial Fee
Refunds
to the extent such amounts exceed the amount of the funds released from the
Escrow Accounts (based on the balance of such accounts as of the Closing
Date)
to the Buyer, if any (it being agreed among the parties that Buyer agrees
to
delay making any such claim until the balance of the Escrow Accounts as of
the
Closing Date have been distributed and the funds released to Buyer are
insufficient to satisfy Contingent Initial Fee Refunds (and Seller shall
not
object to such delay in making a claim)); or
(f) any
and
all actions, suits, or proceedings, incident to any of the
foregoing.
44
11.3 Indemnification
by Buyer.
Subject
to the limitations set forth in this Article
XI,
Buyer
will indemnify, timely defend and hold harmless the Seller, the Stockholders
and
Seller’s managers, officers, directors, agents, attorneys and employees
(hereinafter “Seller
Indemnified Parties”
and,
together with each of the Buyer Indemnified Parties, an “Indemnified
Party”)
from
and against any and all Damages incurred or sustained by any of the Seller
Indemnified Parties as a result of:
(a) the
breach of any representation or warranty of Buyer contained in this Agreement
or
any certificate or other instrument furnished by Buyer pursuant to this
Agreement;
(b) the
breach of, default under of nonfulfillment of any covenant, obligation or
agreement of Buyer under this Agreement or in the agreements and instruments
contemplated herein;
(c) the
operation of the Business and the ownership of the Purchased Assets by Buyer
following the Closing; including actions that Buyer takes or fails to take
after
the Closing with respect to any Franchisee or group of Franchisees, provided
the
Indemnified Party did not participate in or condone Buyer’s action or
inaction;
(d) any
Assumed Liability, and
(e) any
and
all actions, suits, or proceedings incident to any of the foregoing.
(a) Neither
Seller, the Stockholders nor Buyer shall have any liability for Damages under,
respectively, Section
11.2(a)
or
Section
11.3(a),
and
neither the Seller Indemnified Parties nor the Buyer Indemnified Parties
shall
have the right to seek indemnification under, respectively, Section
11.2(a)
or
Section
11.3(a)
until
the aggregate amount of the Damages incurred exceeds $250,000.00 (the
“Minimum
Loss”),
provided that the Minimum Loss shall not apply to any Damages (and there
shall
be first-dollar liability) resulting from any breach or misrepresentation
of the
Core Representations and Section
4.10.
After
the Minimum Loss is exceeded, the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to
indemnification for the entire amount of its Damages in excess of the Minimum
Loss, subject to the limitations on recovery and recourse set forth in this
Article
XI.
45
(b) The
aggregate liability of Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other,
for all
Damages under Section
11.2(a)
or
Section
11.3(a),
as
applicable, shall not exceed the Purchase Price (the “Cap”).
The
limitations set forth in this Section 11.4 or elsewhere in this Article
XI
shall
not apply in the case of fraud.
(a) To
the
extent that any representations and warranties of Seller or Buyer, as
applicable, have been breached, thereby entitling the non-breaching party
to
indemnification pursuant to Section
11.2
and
Section
11.3
hereof,
subject to the limitations in Section 11.4, it is expressly agreed and
acknowledged by the parties that solely for purposes of calculation of Damages
in connection with any right to indemnification, the representations and
warranties of Seller and Buyer, as applicable, that have been breached shall
be
deemed not qualified by any references therein to materiality generally or
to
whether or not any breach or inaccuracy results in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Following
the Closing, the parties’ rights to indemnification pursuant to this
Article
XI
shall,
except for equitable relief and specific performance of covenants that survive
Closing and for claims under Section 12.3 of this Agreement, be the sole
and
exclusive remedy available to the parties with respect to any matter arising
under or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby, other than for claims of fraud.
(a) Any
Indemnified Party making a claim for indemnification under this Article
XI shall
notify the indemnifying party (an "Indemnitor")
of the
claim in writing promptly after receiving written notice of any action, lawsuit,
proceeding, investigation or other claim against it (if by a third party),
describing the claim, the amount thereof (if known and quantifiable), and
the
basis thereof; provided that
the
failure to so notify an Indemnitor shall not relieve the Indemnitor of its
obligations hereunder except to the extent that (and only to the extent that)
such failure shall have caused the damages for which the Indemnitor becomes
obligated to be greater than such damages would have been had the Indemnified
Party given the Indemnitor prompt notice hereunder. Any Indemnitor shall
be
entitled to participate in the defense of such action, lawsuit, proceeding,
investigation or other claim giving rise to an Indemnified Party's claim
for
indemnification at such Indemnitor's expense, and at its option (subject
to the
limitations set forth below) shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof
by
appointing counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party to be the
lead
counsel in connection with such defense; provided further
that,
prior to the Indemnitor’s assuming control of such defense it shall first verify
to the Indemnified Party in writing that such Indemnitor shall be fully
responsible (with no reservation of any rights) for the entirety of all
liabilities and obligations relating to such claim for indemnification and
that
it will provide full indemnification (whether or not otherwise required
hereunder) to the Indemnified Party with respect to such action, lawsuit,
proceeding, investigation or other claim giving rise to such claim for
indemnification hereunder; and provided further,
that:
(i) the
Indemnified Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense of such
claim
and to employ counsel of its choice for such purpose; provided that
the fees
and expenses of such separate counsel shall be borne by the Indemnified Party,
except that the Indemnitor shall pay fees and expenses of separate counsel
to
the Indemnified Party that (x) are incurred prior to the date the Indemnitor
effectively assumes control of such defense or (y) are incurred by the
Indemnified Party because the Indemnitee is also a party to such action and
the
Indemnified Party determines in good faith that joint representation would
be
inappropriate;
(ii) the
Indemnitor shall not be entitled to assume control of such defense and shall
pay
the fees and expenses of counsel retained by the Indemnified Party if
(A) the claim for indemnification relates to or arises in connection with
any criminal proceeding, action, indictment, allegation or investigation;
(B) the Indemnified Party reasonably believes an adverse determination with
respect to the action, lawsuit, investigation, proceeding or other claim
giving
rise to such claim for indemnification would be detrimental to or materially
injure the Indemnified Party's reputation or future business prospects;
(C) the claim seeks an injunction or equitable relief against the
Indemnified Party; (D) upon petition by the Indemnified Party, the appropriate
court rules that the Indemnitor failed or is failing to vigorously prosecute
or
defend such claim; or (E) the Indemnified Party reasonably believes that
the
Loss relating to such claim for indemnification could exceed the maximum
amount
that such Indemnified Party could then be entitled to recover under the
applicable provisions of Article XI; and
46
(b) if
the
Indemnitor assumes control of the defense of any such claim, the Indemnitor
shall obtain the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party before entering
into any settlement of a claim or ceasing to defend such claim if, pursuant
to
or as a result of such settlement or cessation, injunctive or other equitable
relief will be imposed against the Indemnified Party or if such settlement
does
not expressly and unconditionally release the Indemnified Party from all
liabilities and obligations with respect to such claim, with
prejudice.
11.7 Procedure
for Indemnification - Other Claims.
In the
event any Indemnified Party should have a claim against any Indemnitor that
does
not involve a third party claim being asserted against or sought to be collected
from the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall deliver notice of
such
claim with reasonable promptness to the Indemnitor, stating the basis or
grounds
in this Agreement for the indemnity and the amount of the Indemnified Party’s
claim to the extent then known and quantifiable. The Indemnitor shall have
thirty (30) calendar days after its receipt of such claim to (i) agree to
the amount or method of determination set forth in such claim and pay such
amount to the Indemnified Party in immediately available funds or
(ii) provide the Indemnified Party with written notice that it disputes
either its obligation to provide the indemnification sought in such notice
or
the amount of the Indemnified Party’s claim. If the Indemnitor does not notify
the Indemnified Party within thirty (30) calendar days following its receipt
of
such notice that Indemnitor disputes its liability to the Indemnified Party
with
respect to such claim, such claim specified by the Indemnified Party in such
notice shall be conclusively deemed a liability of the Indemnitor. If the
Indemnitor delivers a notice disputing the basis for or amount of the claim,
the
Indemnitor and the Indemnified Party shall negotiate in good faith to resolve
the matter. In the event that the controversy is not resolved within twenty
(20)
calendar days of the giving of a notice by the Indemnitor disputing the claim,
the parties thereafter may pursue any and all available remedies at law (subject
to the limitations and conditions provided in this Agreement).
11.8
Indemnification Mechanics.
In the
event any Buyer Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification pursuant
to
this Article
XI
for
Damages described in such Claim Notice, such Buyer Indemnified Party shall
be
entitled to obtain payment from the Seller or, to the extent the Seller has
distributed the Purchase Price to the Stockholders, from the Stockholders.
If
the Seller or the Stockholders, as the case may be, fails to satisfy such
indemnification claim on or before the Maturity Date of the Second Note,
the
Buyer Indemnified Party shall have the right to pursue payment of the claim
against the Escrow Amount in accordance with the procedures and with the
consequences stated in the Escrow Agreement.
47
ARTICLE
XII
12.1 Notices.
All
notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement
must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered
by
hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by telecopier (with
written confirmation of receipt); provided
that a
copy is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (c) received
by
the addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service
(receipt requested), in each case to the appropriate addresses and telecopier
numbers set forth below (or to such other addresses and telecopier numbers
as a
party may designate by notice to the other parties):
If
to the
Seller:
Xx.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
0000
Xxxxxxxx Xx.
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
With
a
copy to:
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
000
Xxxxxx Xx.
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
If
to
Parent or the Buyer:
0000
Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx
00xx
Xxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
With
a
copy to:
Xxxxxxxx
& Xxxxx LLP
000
00xx
Xxxxxx, X.X.
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxx X. Director, Esq.
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
12.2 Entire
Agreement; Nonassignability; Parties in Interest.
This
Agreement and the certificates, exhibits, schedules, documents, instruments
and
other agreements specifically referred to herein or therein or delivered
pursuant hereto or thereto: (a) constitute the entire agreement among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof, (b) are not intended to confer upon
any
other Person, either explicitly or implicitly, any equitable or legal rights
or
remedies of any nature whatsoever hereunder, and (c) shall not be assigned
by
operation of law or otherwise without the written consent of the other party;
provided, however, that Buyer may, without the consent of the Seller, (i)
assign
any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to one or more of its
Affiliates, (ii) designate one or more of its Affiliates to perform its
obligations hereunder and (iii) assign its rights to indemnification under
this
Agreement upon a sale or transfer of Buyer or all or substantially all of
the
assets of Buyer.
48
12.3 Bulk
Sales Law.
Buyer
hereby waives compliance by Seller with the provisions of any so-called bulk
transfer laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the sale of the Purchased
Assets. Notwithstanding any such waiver, Seller agrees to indemnify Buyer
against all liability, damage or expense which Buyer may suffer due to the
failure to so comply or to provide notice required by any such law.
12.4 Expenses.
Except
as specifically provided in this Agreement, whether or not the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, each party hereto shall bear
its
own costs, expenses and fees incurred in connection with this Agreement and
the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
12.5 Waiver
and Amendment.
Any
representation, warranty, covenant, term or condition of this Agreement which
may legally be waived, may be waived, or the time of performance thereof
extended, at any time by the party hereto entitled to the benefit thereof
and
any term, condition or covenant hereof may be amended by the parties hereto
at
any time. Any such waiver, extension or amendment shall be evidenced by an
instrument in writing executed on behalf of the appropriate party by a person
who has been authorized by such party to execute waivers, extensions or
amendments on its behalf. No waiver by any party hereto, whether express
or
implied, of its rights under any provision of this Agreement shall constitute
a
waiver of such party’s rights under such provisions at any other time or a
waiver of such party’s rights under any other provision of this Agreement. No
failure by any party hereto to take any action against any breach of this
Agreement or default by another party shall constitute a waiver of the former
party’s right to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to take action
against such breach or default or any subsequent breach or default by such
other
party.
12.6 Severability.
Any
term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable will
be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining rights of the person intended
to be benefited by such provision or any other provisions of this
Agreement.
12.7 Remedies
Cumulative.
Except
as otherwise provided herein, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred
upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other
remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity upon such party, and the exercise
by a party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other
remedy.
12.8 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
constitute an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute
one
instrument. Any signature page delivered by a facsimile machine shall be
binding
to the same extent as an original signature page with regard to any agreement
subject to the terms hereof or any amendment thereto.
49
(a) The
interpretation and construction of this Agreement, and all matters relating
hereto, shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York applicable
to
contracts made and to be performed entirely within the State of New York,
without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions thereof.
(b) Each
of
the parties agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this
Agreement shall be brought in the courts of the State of Delaware or the
United
States District Court for the District of Delaware and, by execution and
delivery of this Agreement, each party hereto hereby irrevocably submits
itself
in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the non-exclusive
jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts in any legal action or proceeding arising
out of this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives
any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any
of
the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with
this
Agreement brought in the courts referred to in the preceding sentence. Each
party hereto hereby consents to process being served in any such action or
proceeding by the mailing of a copy thereof to the address set forth in
Section 12.1
hereof
below its name and agrees that such service upon receipt shall constitute
good
and sufficient service of process or notice thereof. Nothing in this paragraph
shall affect or eliminate any right to serve process in any other manner
permitted by applicable Legal Requirements.
12.10 Specific
Performance.
The
parties acknowledge and understand that their obligations pursuant to this
Agreement are of a special and unique nature, the loss of which cannot be
adequately compensated for in damages by an action at law, and that the breach
or threatened breach of such provisions of this Agreement would cause the
other
parties irreparable harm. Therefore,
the parties mutually agree that each of Buyer and Seller shall have the right
to
specifically enforce the other’s performance under this Agreement, to the extent
that the party exercising such right is not at that time in breach of its
obligations under this Agreement, and both Buyer and Seller agree to waive
the
defense in any such suit that Buyer or Seller, as the case may be, has an
adequate remedy at law and to interpose no opposition, legal or otherwise,
as to
the propriety of specific performance as a remedy.
[REMAINDER
OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK; SIGNATURE FOLLOWS]
50
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have each executed and delivered this
Asset
Purchase Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
NEXCEN
ACQUISITION CORP.
By:
/s/ Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Name:
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Title:
Executive Vice
President
|
|
By:
/s/ Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
Title: Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY, INC.
By:
/s/ Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx,
Xx.
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx,
Xx.
Title:
President
|
|
/s/
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx,
Xx.
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx.
|
|
/s/
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx,
Xx.
Xxxxxx. X. Xxxxxxxx,
Xx. |
|
/s/ Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
|