ASSETS PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into this 23rd day of February
1998, by and among ADVERTISERS P.S., LLC., a Virginia limited liability company
("Buyer"), ADVERTISER'S POSTAL SERVICE CORP., a Michigan corporation ("Seller"),
with its principal office located at 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
00000, and Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, trustee; Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, trustee; Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx; August A. Tranquilla; Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx; Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxx, and Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx (jointly and severally "Shareholders").
RECITALS
Seller owns and operates a distribution service located in Michigan.
Shareholders own all of the issued and outstanding shares of Seller's capital
stock. Buyer wishes to purchase from Seller, and Seller wishes to sell and
transfer to Buyer as an operating business, all, but not less than all, of
Seller's property and assets necessary, used, or useful for the operation, of
its business, all on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of and relying upon the foregoing
recitals, each covenant, agreement, representation, and warranty set forth
herein, and each act done pursuant to this Agreement, Buyer, Seller, and
Shareholders agree as follows:
1. Purchase and Sale of Property and Assets.
1.1 Agreement to Purchase and to Sell. Upon and subject to compliance with
all terms and conditions of this Agreement, at Closing (hereinafter defined)
Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell and deliver to
Buyer as herein provided, as an operating business, all right, title, and
interest in and to all, but not less than all, of the tangible and intangible
property, rights, and assets of Seller necessary, used, or useful for the
operation of Seller's business (jointly and severally the "Property Sold"),
excluding only the Excluded Property (hereinafter defined), and including the
following:
(a) all machinery, furniture, furnishings, and other equipment,
including all items of tangible personal property used to operate Seller's
business, including those briefly listed on Exhibit 1.01.1, and the spare
parts, repair parts, accessories, attachments, and appurtenances thereto
attached or appertaining and all replacements thereof and any improvements
or additions thereto prior to the Closing Date;
(b) all of Seller's business, employee, payroll, customer, contractor,
and distribution records, its files, studies, surveys, software, software
programs, computer printouts, data bases, and related items, and all other
documents, instruments, and
records evidencing or pertaining to the Property Sold, in whole or in part;
(c) all of Seller's automobiles, vehicles, vans, trucks, trailers, and
other mobile equipment, including those listed on Exhibit 1.01.2;
(d) all of Seller's inventories, work in process, raw materials,
merchandise held for sale, distribution and other supplies, and similar
items ("Inventories") on hand as of the Closing Date;
(e) as and to the extent provided in assumption agreements executed by
Buyer at Closing pursuant to paragraph 3.4, all of Seller's rights in the
Contracts (hereinafter defined) listed on Exhibit 1.01.3 (such Contracts
collectively, the "Assumed Contracts");
(f) all of Seller's rights in, to, and under all franchises, licenses,
permits, and authorizations applicable to its business;
(g) all of Seller's general intangibles and evidences thereof,
including the exclusive right to use any copyrights, patents, patent
applications, servicemarks, trademarks, tradenames, or slogans now used or
owned by Seller or registered in its name;
(h) all other of Seller's interests in assets or property owned,
acquired, leased, or held for or used in Seller's operations, whether
tangible or intangible, and whether or not otherwise identified or
reflected herein or in the Financial Statements (hereinafter defined); and
(i) all property such as is described in (a) through (h) that is
hereafter acquired by Seller prior to Closing.
1.2 Excluded Property. The following ("Excluded Property") are not part of
the Property Sold and are not being sold to Buyer: Seller's (a) rights under
this Agreement, (b) cash on hand or in banks, cash items, cash equivalents,
deposits, deferred charges, marketable securities, the cash value of all life
insurance policies on the lives of any of the shareholders (or any of the
trustees thereof), checks and drafts, (c) prepaid expenses, accounts receivable,
refunds, rebates, advances, and notes receivable, (d) corporate stock records,
seal, and minute book, (e) all insurance policies, (f) tax records of Seller,
(g) such items of the Property Sold as may be disposed of by Seller before
Closing in the ordinary course of Seller's business, for value in accordance
with Seller's past practices, and not in violation of this Agreement, and (h)
all other current assets other than Inventories.
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2. Purchase Price.
2.1 The total purchase price for the Property Sold ("Purchase Price") shall
be One Million Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($1,050,000.00) adjusted as
required by paragraph 2.2, allocated in accordance with Exhibit 2.01, and
payable to Seller on Closing by Buyer by (a) cashiers check or wire transfer of
immediately available funds in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Thousand and
No/100 Dollars ($550,000.00), which amount shall be adjusted before payment as
required by paragraph 2.2, and (b) delivery of Buyer's promissory notes (the
"Notes"; singly, a "Note") payable to Seller in the aggregate principal amount
of Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) bearing interest at
the rate of seven percentum (7%) per annum on any unpaid principal balance
thereof from Closing until paid, such Notes to be amortizable as if for a ten
(10) year term as therein provided for but to mature and be fully paid on or
before the sixth (6th) anniversary of the Closing Date, to be substantially in
the form and contain the substance of Exhibit 2.01.1, and to be secured by a
security interest in the Property Sold (free and clear of any lien created by
Buyer) substantially in the form and containing the substance of Exhibit 2.03.1.
2.2 Adjustments. Until Closing, operation and use of the Property Sold, and
any income or expenses attributable thereto, shall be for Seller's account. In
finally determining the Purchase Price, at Closing the amount of the Purchase
Price and the amount of cash Buyer is to pay at Closing shall be adjusted up or
down ("Closing Adjustments") as follows:
(a) at Closing there shall be a preliminary financial settlement by
Buyer and Seller to determine the Closing Adjustments (the "Preliminary
Adjustment"), which Preliminary Adjustment shall be based on the financial
statements and estimates of Seller (the "Preliminary Financials") then
reasonably available to approximate Buyer's and Seller's reasonable good
faith estimate of the Preliminary Adjustments as of such Closing Date (the
"Preliminary Settlement");
(b) within 60 days of the Closing Date and upon preparation of
satisfactory financial statements (the "Closing Financials") by which Buyer
and Seller can determine the actual Adjustments as of the Closing Date, a
final settlement of the Closing Adjustment will be determined and payment
made to either Buyer or Seller by the Escrow Agents (hereinafter defined)
in the amount of the difference of the Closing Adjustments determined in
this final settlement and in the Preliminary Settlement in order to reflect
the computation of and complete the full and final payment of the Purchase
Price (the "Final Settlement"). Final Settlement of the Closing Adjustments
as of the Closing Date (i) shall be based on calculations derived from the
financial results and financial condition of Seller's business reflected in
the Closing
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Financials of Seller for the period as of and ending on the Closing Date or
(ii), if the Closing Date is not the same date as the closing date for the
period most recently ended and preceding the Closing Date, then Final
Settlement shall be based on calculations derived from the financial
results and financial condition of Seller reflected in the Closing
Financials of Seller (a) for the period as of and ending most recently
prior to the Closing Date and (b) for the period next following as though
still owned by Seller. If determined under "(ii)" above, final Closing
Adjustments will be (x) derived from Closing Financials as though for and
as of the period ending prior to the Closing Date plus (y) the result of
the financial impact to Buyer and Seller of the Buyer realizing all benefit
of the sales of Seller (and ownership of resulting accounts receivable) for
the period beginning on the day next following the latest prior financial
statement date and continuing to the Closing Date, less (z) the expenses
assumed by Buyer with respect to such sales, "(y)" and "(z)" as determined
by the calculation process as follows: if not closing on the date of the
end of a normal reporting period or extending such period to correspond,
then Final Settlement will be partially determined by computing the Closing
Adjustments as though Closing had occurred at the end of the latest prior
reporting period. Sales of Buyer in the following reporting period from
that date to closing will be deemed to be sales that Buyer has purchased
and for which Buyer will pay Seller by further change to the Closing
Adjustments. Direct expenses, principally personnel and distribution
expenses, will be the responsibility of the party to which the
corresponding sales relate; that is with respect to personnel, Seller and
Buyer will each incur their own payroll expense for the period before and
after Closing respectively; and with respect to distribution, the
distribution expenses for each will correspond to the distribution dates on
which the revenue was earned. All other appropriate expenses for the
reporting period will be pooled and the pool split between Buyer and Seller
in the same proportion as their respective distribution dates in the
reporting period.
(c) all expenses applicable to Seller's business, including, without
limitation, employees' wages and other wage related expenses, or to all or
any part of the Property Sold, whether paid, prepaid, or accrued and
regardless of when assessed, determined, calculated, paid, or collected,
shall be Seller's sole responsibility for all periods ending with, upon, or
prior to Closing, and at and as of Closing shall be prorated between Buyer
and Seller and the amount of the Purchase Price and the amount of cash
Buyer is to pay at Closing adjusted accordingly so that Seller shall be
responsible for any and all of such expenses incurred or accrued for all
periods ending prior to or at Closing and so that Buyer shall be
responsible for business' expenses incurred or accrued thereafter;
(d) the amount of the Purchase Price and the amount of cash Buyer is
to pay at Closing also shall be reduced as
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appropriate, without duplication, by deducting therefrom (i) the amount of
any prepaid revenue theretofore received by Seller as of the Closing Date,
for goods or services to be delivered or rendered by Buyer after the
Closing Date, and (ii) the amount of any discount outside of the ordinary
course of Seller's business given by Seller for such payments theretofore
received by Seller. Buyer hereby assumes and agrees to timely perform
Seller's obligation to render the services or deliver the goods for which
adjustments are made pursuant to this subparagraph. To this end, Seller
shall prepare a statement at Closing that shall contain Seller's
description and calculation of the amount of each item described in this
subparagraph;
(e) if after Closing Buyer is to receive the benefit of any expenses
prepaid by Seller, the Purchase Price and the amount Buyer is required to
pay to Seller at Closing shall be increased by the amount of such prepaid
expenses, and such prepaid expense shall not be treated as Excluded
Property hereunder;
(f) the amount of the initial Purchase Price and the amount of cash
Buyer is to pay at Closing also shall be reduced by deducting therefrom (i)
the amount necessary to satisfy and cure each breach by Seller as of the
Closing Date of any representation, warranty, or covenant made by Seller in
this agreement and (ii) the amount necessary to discharge or cure each Lien
applicable to any part of the Property Sold as of the Closing Date, other
than Permitted Liens (hereinafter defined);
(g) from the amount of cash Buyer is to pay at Closing there also
shall be deducted $30,000.00, which, together with $30,000.00 in cash then
supplied by Buyer, Buyer and Seller shall pay into an escrow account (the
"Closing Escrow Account"), which shall be an account in the joint names of
Xxxx X. Xxxxx and Seller's president (jointly the "Escrow Agents"; each of
whom has signed this Agreement as "Escrow Agents" solely for the purpose of
agreeing to act as such) in such bank or other checking institution as the
Escrow Agents shall select. The Closing Escrow Account shall be used to pay
final Closing Adjustments to the party entitled thereto as and to the
extent herein provided, and
(h) as soon after Closing as is reasonably practicable, but in no
event later than 60 days following Closing, Buyer's employees, under the
direction and supervision of Escrow Agents, shall prepare and provide to
each of Seller and Buyer a Statement (the "Statement") of the foregoing
Closing Adjustments. To the extent the Statement indicates a net increase
in the Purchase Price, Seller shall be entitled to receive from the Closing
Escrow Account, and the Escrow Agents shall immediately return to Seller
the $30,000 deposited by it in the Closing Escrow Account plus an
additional amount equal to the net increase in the Purchase Price. Any
amounts remaining in the Closing Escrow Account after such payments have
been made shall be immediately
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paid to Buyer. If such increase in the Purchase Price is in excess of
$30,000, then the Escrow Agents immediately shall pay to Seller all amounts
in the Closing Escrow Account, and Buyer immediately shall pay to Seller
the amount of such excess by cashiers check or wire transfer of immediately
available funds. To the extent the Statement indicates a net decrease in
the Purchase Price, Buyer shall be entitled to receive from the Closing
Escrow Account, and the Escrow Agents immediately shall return to Buyer the
$30,000 deposited by it in the Closing Escrow Account plus an additional
amount equal to the net decrease in the Purchase Price. Any amounts
remaining in the Closing Escrow Account after such payments have been made
shall be immediately paid to Seller. In the event such decrease in the
Purchase Price is in excess of $30,000, then the Escrow Agents shall
immediately pay to Buyer all amounts in the Closing Escrow Account, and
Seller immediately shall pay to Buyer the amount of such excess by cashiers
check or wire transfer of immediately available funds. If the Escrow Agent
cannot agree upon such final determination and payments, they shall retain
Ernst & Young, Xxx XXX Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx ("Accountants"), whose
costs and fees shall be borne equally by Seller and Buyer, to prepare a
report making such determination, which determination shall be final and
binding upon all parties.
2.3 Security. Subject to each Lien (hereinafter defined) then existing as
to any part of the Property Sold, at Closing Buyer shall duly execute and
deliver to Seller a security agreement in the form of Exhibit 2.03.1 ("Security
Agreement"), securing payment of the Note as and to the extent therein provided.
2.4 Preliminary and Closing Financials. Not less than seven (7) days before
the Closing Date, Seller will deliver to Buyer financial statements of Seller
("Preliminary Financials") sufficient for Buyer to make a tentative
determination of the Purchase Price and the Closing Adjustments prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices applied
on a basis consistent with Seller's past practices, except that they shall be
prepared as if they were for a fiscal year of Seller then ending and normal
year-end adjusting entries had then been made. Such statements shall be
certified to Buyer by an appropriate officer of Seller as having been so
prepared and as fairly presenting Seller's then financial position and the
results of Seller's operations and the changes in its financial position as at
the end of and for the period then ended and for the twelve months and portion
of the fiscal year to the end of such month, as adjusted in compliance with this
paragraph. Immediately upon the later of (a) thirty (30) days after Closing, or
(b) ten (10) days after Buyer's receipt of financial statements of Seller
("Closing Financials") prepared and certified by Seller as at the end of and for
the normal reporting period ending either with or most nearly before or after
the Closing Date in the same manner as provided for the Preliminary Financials,
Buyer and Seller shall finally determine the final amount of the Closing
Adjustments required by
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paragraph 2.2 after a review and analysis of the Closing Financials and, if
necessary, of the books and records of Seller, and thereafter the parties shall
make final settlement of the Closing Adjustments. If the parties determine as a
result of such final settlement that one of the parties is entitled to receive a
payment from the other party for additional Closing Adjustments, then the amount
thereof shall be paid in cash first from the Closing Escrow Account, with any
unpaid balance to be paid thereafter by the obligated party. When all Closing
Adjustments have been determined and paid, any balance remaining in the Closing
Escrow Account shall be paid to the Seller. If after receipt of the Accountants'
report, and after exhausting the Closing Escrow Account, and after taking into
account the costs for having the report prepared, either Buyer or Seller is
entitled to receive more than Five Thousand ($5,000.00) in additional Closing
Adjustments from the other party, the other party promptly shall pay the amount
actually owed in cash to the party entitled thereto.
3. Closing.
3.1 Closing and Closing Date. Unless earlier terminated or postponed as
herein provided for, consummation of the sale and purchase contemplated by this
Agreement ("Closing") shall take place beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m., local
time, on February, 1998 (or at such other time and place as Buyer and Seller
hereafter may agree upon in writing) (the "Closing Date") at the offices of
Seller in Gaylord, Michigan, and shall be effective as of 12:01 a.m. on
February, 1998.
3.2 Duties of Seller at Closing. At Closing and contemporaneously with
Buyer's performance of its obligations described in paragraph 3.3, Seller agrees
to, and at Seller's sole expense, shall tender and deliver to Buyer at 10:00
o'clock a.m., local time, on the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel each of the following:
(a) such documents and duly executed instruments as shall be necessary
and appropriate to carry out the transactions contemplated by and the
intent of this Agreement, including, without limitation, and instruments of
conveyance, assignment, consent, or transfer sufficient to assign, convey,
transfer to, and vest in Buyer all right, title, and interest in and to
each item of the Property Sold free and clear of any and all Liens and
subject only to Permitted Liens;
(b) peaceful, exclusive, and unencumbered possession of the Property
Sold, subject only to Permitted Liens, in the same condition as at this
date, ordinary wear-and-tear excepted;
(c) a copy, certified by an appropriate officer of Seller as being
true and complete, of Seller's bylaws and articles
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of incorporation as then in effect and of necessary corporate proceedings
and resolutions heretofore duly adopted by Seller's board of directors and
Seller's Shareholders authorizing and approving Seller's execution and
delivery of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby;
(d) the legal opinion of Honigman, Miller, Xxxxxxxx and Xxxx, 2290
First National Bank Bldg., 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
00000-0000 ("Seller's Counsel") dated as of the Closing Date, substantially
in the form and substance of Exhibit 3.02;
(e) each financial statement, document, opinion, waiver, consent,
certificate, or instrument that Seller is required to deliver under this
Agreement;
(f) a copy of the Security Agreement dated as of the Closing Date and
duly executed by all parties thereto other than Buyer;
(g) a copy of a Noncompetition Agreement substantially in the form and
containing the substance of Exhibit 3.02.1 hereto (the "Noncompetition
Agreement") duly executed by each of the Shareholders;
(h) within five (5) days after the Closing Date, an aged (30, 60, 90
days, etc.) list of all accounts receivable of Seller as of the latest
period end at or prior to the Closing Date listing for each such account
the account name, address, amount due, due date of the oldest portion, and
date to which service has been provided ("Accounts Receivable List"), which
Accounts Receivable List shall be updated to the Closing Date, as
necessary, through the efforts of Buyer and Seller;
(i) a duly executed copy of each instrument of consent, waiver, or
approval described in paragraph 6.4 and of each instrument necessary or
effective to terminate as of the Closing Date each employee benefit plan
(if any) applicable to any of Seller's employees;
(j) the Assumption Agreements (hereinafter defined) duly executed by
each party thereto other than Buyer;
(k) a copy of a lease in the form and substance attached hereto as
Exhibit 3.02.2 (the "Lease"), duly executed by all parties other than
Buyer; and
(l) each other document opinion, waiver, consent, certificate,
statement, or instrument that this Agreement requires Seller to deliver.
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3.3 Duties of Buyer at Closing. At Closing, and contemporaneously with
Seller's performance of its obligations described in paragraph 3.2, Buyer agrees
to and at Buyer's sole expense shall tender and deliver to Seller in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller and Seller's Counsel, each of the
following:
(a) the Purchase Price, as adjusted, paid as herein agreed;
(b) a duly executed copy of the Security Agreement, dated as of the
Closing Date, together with such financing statements and other
documentation reasonably necessary to perfect Seller's security interest;
(c) the legal opinion of Xxxxxxxx & XxXxxxxx, P.C., 100 Shockoe Slip,
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in
the form and containing the substance of Exhibit 3.03;
(d) the Noncompetition Agreement(s) duly executed by Buyer and all
parties thereto, together with proof of payment of any amounts therein
specified to be paid by Buyer at Closing;
(e) the Lease, duly executed by Buyer and all parties thereto;
(f) the Assumption Agreements duly executed by Buyer;
(g) a copy, certified by the managing member of Buyer as being true
and complete, of Buyer's articles of organization and operating agreement,
a certificate of good standing of Buyer, and a certified copy of the
resolutions of Buyer's member(s) approving and authorizing the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby; and
(h) each other document, opinion, waiver, consent, certificate,
statement, or instrument that this Agreement requires Buyer to deliver.
3.4 Certain Liabilities. On and after Closing, and as expressly set forth
in assumption instruments executed and delivered by Buyer at Closing (the
"Assumption Agreements"), Buyer will assume and agree to perform and discharge
in accordance with the terms thereof, all of Seller's obligations arising
subsequent to Closing under the Assumed Contracts that are listed and described
on Exhibit 1.01.3, true copies of which shall have been supplied to Buyer before
the Closing Date. Buyer assumes and shall be liable for no other liability of
Seller, contractual or otherwise, and Seller covenants and agrees with and for
the benefit
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of Buyer that Seller will perform and discharge all obligations of Seller
(contractual or otherwise) not expressly so assumed by Buyer in writing at
Closing, including, without limitation, any obligation for payment of Seller's
accounts payable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller
agrees that Buyer is not, directly or indirectly, assuming or agreeing to assume
and shall not be liable for any liability or obligation of Seller to Seller's
employees, including without limitation any such liability or obligation in
respect of wages, salaries, bonuses, or accrued vacation, sick, or other pay,
except that Buyer hereby assumes and shall be responsible for payment of normal
earned vacation eligibility or unpaid vacation pay for each of Seller's
employees hired by Buyer for vacation earned within one year prior to the
Closing Date but not yet taken by any such hired employee as of the Closing Date
and the pro rata vacation earned between any such hired employee's last previous
anniversary date and the Closing Date, unpaid vacation pay of Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
("Xxxxxxx") whether or not he is hired by Buyer, in the amount of One Thousand
Nine Hundred Thirty and 65/100 Dollars ($1,930.65). In the case of Xxxxxxx, such
amount shall be paid by Buyer to Xxxxxxx at Closing. All such unpaid vacation
pay and eligibility is described on the attached Exhibit 3.04.
3.5 Consents; Further Assurances. Seller shall obtain all material
agreements, consents, waivers, or approvals of third parties necessary or
appropriate for Closing or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
After Closing, on Buyer's reasonable request and at Buyer's expense, at any time
or from time to time, Seller shall take or cause to be taken all such further
actions and shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver all such instruments as
reasonably may be required to memorialize or effectuate the transactions
occurring at Closing in order to ensure that Buyer receives and realizes all of
Seller's rights in the Property Sold as of Closing.
3.6 Collection of Accounts Receivable. At Closing, Seller will deliver
Seller's existing accounts receivable on the Accounts Receivable List. Such
Accounts Receivable List will be used by Buyer for purposes of collection only
for the period of one hundred twenty (120) days immediately following Closing
(the "Collection Period"). Acting as Seller's agent, during the Collection
Period Buyer shall have the exclusive right to and shall make commercially
reasonable efforts to collect Seller's accounts receivable listed on the
Accounts Receivable List, but shall not be required to expend or advance any of
its funds, to locate any debtor, or to institute or defend any suit, action,
claim, or counterclaim in any legal or equitable proceeding. Under no
circumstances shall Buyer be required to engage counsel or any outside
collection agency or facility in collecting Seller's accounts receivable.
Payments received on an account from any customer of Buyer that is an account
debtor for an account of Seller on the Accounts Receivable List shall be applied
first to
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the Seller's account on such list, unless such customer shall designate some
other application of such payment or shall contest the account receivable, in
which case Buyer shall promptly notify Seller of such designation or contest and
return to Seller the account relating to such customer and thereafter shall have
no further obligation with respect thereto. If Seller requests, Buyer also shall
promptly return to Seller any account of Seller that is over 90 days old, and
Buyer shall have no further obligation with respect to such account. Buyer shall
transmit all monies collected on Seller's accounts receivable to Seller within
fifteen (15) days after the end of each month in which such monies are
collected. Upon expiration of the Collection Period, Buyer shall be relieved of
all responsibility for, or to attempt collection of, Seller's accounts
receivable, and thereafter Seller alone shall be responsible for collection of
any balances due on such accounts. Within twenty (20) days after expiration of
the Collection Period, Buyer will make final payment to Seller of the amounts
collected on Seller's accounts and shall return to Seller each then uncollected
Seller's account together with a final statement of the accounts outstanding.
4. Seller's and Shareholders' Representations and Warranties.
To induce Buyer to enter into and perform pursuant to this Agreement,
Seller and Shareholders, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to Buyer
that each of the following is true:
4.1 Corporate Organization, Qualification, Authorization, etc. Seller is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the
laws of the state of its incorporation, has no subsidiaries, has all corporate
power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, to
own, possess, occupy, use, or operate the Property Sold and is duly qualified to
do business in any state where the nature of its business or properties requires
it to be so qualified. To Seller's knowledge, Seller has not violated and has
duly complied with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to the
ownership and use of its properties and the conduct of its business and knows of
no law, rule, or regulation that will require a material, adverse change in the
use and enjoyment of the Property Sold or that will cause Buyer to incur any
material liability after Closing.
4.2 Seller's Property. Seller is the sole owner and publisher of the
Property Sold and has good and valid title to the Property Sold free and clear
of Liens other than Permitted Liens. To Seller's knowledge, Seller has the
exclusive right to use of the Names in each of counties where such Names are
registered.
4.3 Insurance. Seller has delivered to Buyer a list and brief description
of Seller's insurance policies.
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4.4 Financial Statements. Seller has furnished Buyer with the following
financial statements: Seller's (a) December 31, 1997/1996 financial statement
with additional information; (b) December 21, 1996, financial statement/balance
sheet, adjusted; (c) December 23, 1995, financial statement/balance sheet,
adjusted; (d) December 31, 1996/1995, financial statement/balance sheet with
supplementary information; and (e) December 31, 1995/1994, financial
statement/balance sheet with supplementary information (collectively, the
"Financial Statements"). Each book or record of Seller that has been or may be
exhibited to or examined by Buyer before Closing is and will be true, correct,
and complete. Except as otherwise expressly disclosed therein, each of the
Financial Statements was prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and policies consistently applied throughout the periods
involved (except that the Seller provides pension benefits to retired officers
and records these benefits when paid), and, subject to any qualifications
therein expressly stated (and to normal year-end audit adjustments in the case
of interim financial statements), the Financial Statements fairly present
Seller's then financial position and the changes in financial position and
results of operations for the time periods covered and as at the times therein
indicated, and the revenues and accounts therein reflected arose from bona-fide
transactions in the ordinary course of Seller's business. Except as, and only to
the extent fully and fairly identified, separately disclosed, and properly
reflected or reserved against in the Financial Statements, Seller has received
no material items of extraordinary, non-recurring, or non-operating revenues or
income, and has no material debts, liabilities, or other obligations (including,
without limitation, obligations for federal, state, or local taxes or other
governmental assessments or penalties, and obligations for advances, directly or
indirectly, incurred or made to any affiliate or stockholder of Seller), direct
or indirect, absolute, contingent, or otherwise, due or to become due [other
than normal and usual forward obligations (other than for borrowed money)
incurred in the ordinary course of Seller's business] that do not in the
aggregate have a material, adverse effect on Seller, and there have been no
changes in the accounting principles, estimates, methods, or practices applied
in preparing the Financial Statements. Seller maintains such books and records
as are customarily kept under current business practices by businesses of
equivalent size and nature, and such books and records fully and fairly reflect
all of Seller's transactions. Seller will furnish Buyer with Seller's usual
interim operating statements and balance sheets for its business as of each
month-end (and as of and for each reporting period then ending) until Closing,
and each of these statements shall be correct and complete. The Financial
Statements include as revenues only those revenues arising from Seller's
operations conducted in the ordinary course and in a fashion consistent with
Seller's past practices and reflect all expenses incurred in the operations of
Seller for each period of time covered therein. See Rider 4.4 attached.
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4.5 Conduct of Business; Absence of Change. Since the date that is twelve
(12) months earlier than the date hereof, there has been: (i) no material,
adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of Seller, or in
Seller's overall business, revenues, expenses, liabilities, financial condition,
properties, or operations, or to Seller's knowledge, in any laws, rules, or
regulations applicable thereto; (ii) no fire, explosion, storm, accident,
condemnation, damage, theft, destruction, fraud, or loss (whether or not covered
by insurance) materially affecting Seller's business or any part of the Property
Sold; and (iii) to Seller's knowledge, no other occurrence, event, condition,
change in condition, or state of facts that affected, affects, or may affect
Seller, Seller's business, or any part of the Property Sold in any material,
adverse manner.
4.6 Title to Property Sold. Except as otherwise expressly disclosed and
described in Exhibit 4.06 as permitted liens ("Permitted Liens") and except for
property leased by Seller pursuant to leases disclosed to Buyer, Seller is the
sole owner of and has, and at Closing will convey and transfer to Buyer, good,
valid, and marketable title to and all rights in (and the right to immediate,
exclusive, peaceful, and unencumbered possession of) the Property Sold free and
clear of any and all Liens except any then existing Permitted Liens, and
Seller's said title is warranted against the claims of any and all persons. The
Property Sold and the Excluded Property include all property used by Seller in
the operation of its business to produce the revenues reflected in the
Preliminary Financials and to be reflected in the Closing Financials.
4.7 Absence of Certain Actions. Since the date hereof Seller has not taken
any action described in paragraph 5.2 of this Agreement, and Seller and
Shareholders have complied with each applicable term, covenant, agreement, and
condition of this Agreement.
4.8 Claims or Litigation. There are not pending or, to Seller's knowledge,
any basis for or threatened, any suits, actions, proceedings, charges, claims,
disputes, investigations, or inquiries, against, or relating to, or that might
result, singly or in the aggregate, in any material, adverse change in the
operations or condition of Seller, the Property Sold, Seller's business, or any
part or parts thereof, and nothing restrains or prohibits or seeks to restrain
or prohibit consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or questions
the legality, validity, or enforceability of this Agreement or any action taken
or to be taken pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby; to Seller's knowledge, Seller has at all times complied in
all material respects with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and
regulations (including those relating to zoning and use of the Property Sold),
and Seller knows of no violation of any law, ordinance, rule, or regulation by
Seller or by any of its officers,
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directors, agents, servants, or employees, and there are no material
injunctions, judgments, orders, or decrees outstanding or being sought against
Seller, any part of the Property Sold, or any of Seller's products or services.
4.9 Licenses and Permits. Seller has all franchises, licenses,
certificates, and permits needed to possess, own, lease, use, or occupy the
Property Sold and to conduct Seller's present business; each is in full force
and effect, and no action is pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened
looking toward any amendment, revocation, or limitation thereof.
4.10 Tax Matters. Seller has properly filed in correct form with
appropriate governmental agencies all tax returns required to be filed by it;
all taxes due and payable by Seller have been properly reported, determined, and
paid, and Seller has no liability for payment of any unpaid tax or penalty. No
waiver of any statute of limitations has been given by Seller, and there are no
agreements or applications by Seller for any extension of time for the
assessment or payment of any tax. Except for title and transfer charges for
transferring title to Seller's vehicles, Seller has paid or shall pay any and
all taxes (excluding all sales or use taxes) arising out of or becoming due or
payable because of Closing or the purchase and sale of the Property Sold as
contemplated hereby and all taxes and assessments levied against Seller, or the
Property Sold with reference to or arising out of events occurring prior to
Closing. If requested by Seller, Buyer will furnish Seller with Buyer's employer
identification number and a certification that Buyer is purchasing the
Inventories for resale.
4.11 Condition of Property Sold. Except as disclosed on Exhibit 4.011, each
tangible item of the Property Sold is in good and proper operating condition and
repair and to Seller's knowledge free of defects (ordinary wear-and-tear
excepted).
4.12 Execution, Validity. This Agreement is lawful and has been duly
executed and delivered by Seller and each of Shareholders, which execution and
delivery by Seller was duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action by Seller and its Shareholders, and this Agreement constitutes a legal,
valid, and binding agreement of Seller and each of Shareholders enforceable
against Seller and each of Shareholders in accordance with its terms. Each of
Shareholders executing this Agreement as a trustee or other fiduciary has all
requisite power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement as so
agreed.
4.13 Employee Status. Seller has delivered to Buyer an accurate and
complete copy of Seller's current payroll roster showing the name and address of
each person entitled to receive compensation from Seller for services as an
employee of Seller and for each: his or her job title and description, nature of
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compensation (salary, wages, and/or commissions), current rate of compensation,
bonus to which entitled during the current year, or, if none, the amount of
bonus paid during the last year, each vacation period (with pay) to which
entitled during this calendar year, and each fringe benefit or other significant
arrangement with respect to such person's employment by Seller. Immediately
prior to the Closing Date Seller will deliver to Buyer a then current version of
each such payroll roster. Within the last six months there have been no
significant increases other than increases consistent with Seller's past
practices in the salaries payable to Seller's employees, and no commitments or
agreements have been made, or are anticipated relating to employees' salaries or
compensation, except that each of Seller's employees will receive a bonus based
upon a percentage of their annual compensation multiplied by the number of years
employed by Seller. Except for vacation pay to certain employees assumed by
Buyer as provided in paragraph 3.4, within ten days after Closing each of
Seller's employees will have been paid all wages, salaries, commissions,
severance pay, vacation pay, sick leave, or other pay, benefits, or entitlements
earned or accrued by or for each such employee as of, prior to, or as a result
of Closing. Seller knows of no plan by any employee of Seller to refuse later
employment with Buyer (if such employment is offered on the same or similar
terms) that has not been disclosed to Buyer.
4.14 Operating Agreements; Working Conditions. Except as disclosed to
Buyer, Seller has no written or oral contract, express or implied, with any of
its executives or other employees, is not a party to any contract with a labor
organization or to any collective bargaining agreement covering or relating to
any employee(s) and has not recognized, is not required to recognize, and has
received no petition or demand for election or recognition of, a collective
bargaining representative or agent for any of its employees. Seller is not
affected by any present or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened strike or other
labor dispute or disturbance, has complied in all material respects with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to conditions for employment or
discharge of its employees, including those relating to wages, hours,
discrimination, occupational safety and health, collective bargaining, and the
withholding and payment of taxes and contributions, has withheld all amounts
required by law or agreement to be withheld from the wages or salaries of its
employees, and is not liable for any arrearages of wages or for any tax or
penalty for any failure to comply with such laws, rules, or regulations. There
are no material controversies pending or to Seller's knowledge threatened
between Seller and any employees or any labor union.
4.15 Benefit Plans. Seller maintains certain employee benefit plans for the
benefit of its employees. Buyer shall have and incur no funding or other
obligation or liability in connection with any such plans, their funding or
termination, or any
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withdrawal therefrom, in whole or in part. Seller shall be responsible for
compliance with Code Section 4980B as applied to its current and former
employees and to those employees who experience a qualifying even as a result of
this transaction.
4.16 Authorization for Agreement. Seller has full power and authority to
execute, perform, and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. Seller's execution of, delivery of, performance of,
compliance with, and Closing of this Agreement have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not (a) constitute or
result in a breach of (or default under) any term, condition, or provision of
(or result in the creation of any Lien, charge, or encumbrance upon any of the
Property Sold pursuant to) any of the Contracts (hereinafter defined), any
articles of incorporation, bylaw, contract, mortgage, lien, indenture, lease,
agreement, commitment, arrangement or understanding, or any other instrument to
which Seller is a party or by or to which it or any of the Property Sold is
bound or subject, (b) to Seller's knowledge violate any statute, law, ordinance,
rule, regulation, judgment, or order binding upon or applicable to Seller or the
Property Sold, in whole or in part, (c) to Seller's knowledge expose Seller or
Buyer to any liability or penalty under any law, (d) result in any loss to or
restriction upon the use of any of the Property Sold, (e) to Seller's knowledge
adversely affect the validity, continuation, or effectiveness of any permit,
license, franchise, or right enjoyed by Seller, (f) give any party to any of the
Contracts, or any other agreement to which Seller is a party, any right of
cancellation or termination, or (g) give anyone any right to accelerate the
maturity of any indebtedness for which Seller is a direct or indirect, or
primary or secondary, obligor, or to claim any fraud, default, or breach with
respect to anyone or any such indebtedness. This Agreement and its execution by
Seller have been duly approved by a vote of Seller's Shareholders.
4.17 Agreements, Contracts, Leases, etc. Exhibit 4.017 contains an accurate
and complete list and brief description of each material agreement, obligation,
contract, and commitment (oral or written, express or implied) to which Seller
is a party, or by which it is bound, or by which the Property Sold is bound
(including all of Seller's delivery, advertising, or printing contracts, if any)
["Contract(s)"], and an accurate and complete copy or statement of the terms of
each such Contract has been or will be forthwith supplied to Buyer. Except as so
listed and described in Exhibit 4.017, Seller is not a party to any other
material contract, obligation, or agreement (oral or written, express or
implied), including, without limitation, any (i) bonus, retirement,
deferred-compensation, pension, profit-sharing, stock option, hospitalization,
or employee stock purchase or retirement agreement, policy, or plan, or other
employee benefit plan; (ii) agreement with any employee; (iii) agreement of
guarantee or indemnification; (iv) loan or credit agreement; (v) employment
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contract; (vi) lease to or for any material property, real or personal; (vii)
material sales or advertising agency contract; (viii) contract or commitment
under which there is an obligation on any party thereto to pay more than
$5,000.00; (ix) service or commission contract for a period in excess of thirty
(30) days; or (x) any agreement or commitment containing a covenant limiting
Seller's freedom to compete with any person or to engage in any line of
business. Each Contract is in full force and effect, legal, valid, binding, and
enforceable in accordance with its terms; Seller has not defaulted as to or
breached, nor has it received notice of any claim or assertion that it has
defaulted as to or breached, any term or condition of any Contract or of any
other agreement, obligation, contract, lease, or commitment applicable to it,
and no event has occurred that with notice or the lapse of time, or both, would
constitute such a breach or default. Seller's rights under each Contract are
assignable to Buyer, and Seller now knows of no term, condition, or provision
of, or event affecting, any Contract, Lease, or other agreement, contract,
lease, obligation, or commitment that might affect the validity, continuation,
or effectiveness thereof upon assignment to Buyer, or that might prevent Buyer
from realizing Seller's present rights and benefits to accrue thereunder in due
course after Closing.
4.18 Environmental Matters. To Seller's knowledge, no part of the Property
Sold ever has been used in violation of any applicable Environmental Law to
generate, manufacture, refine, transport, release, treat, store, handle, or
dispose of any hazardous, industrial, toxic, or harmful substances, wastes, or
materials (e.g. asbestos, urea formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls, or other
waste exhibiting hazardous characteristics) or any substance or element the
generation, release, storage, use, or handling of which is prohibited or
regulated (singly, a "Hazardous Material"; collectively, "Hazardous Materials")
by or pursuant to any law, rule, or regulation (federal, state, or local)
regarding, in whole or in part, (a) health or safety, or (b) the effect of
Hazardous Materials on land, water, air, or the environment (e.g. the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended; 42 U.S.C.; ss. 6.01 et seq.; the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act; or similar acts), or (c) the use, transport, handling, storage, treatment,
release, or disposal of any such Hazardous Materials (singly, an "Environmental
Law," collectively, the "Environmental Laws"). To Seller's knowledge, Seller
always has materially complied with each and all such Environmental Laws. To
Seller's knowledge, no event has occurred at the Property Sold and no condition
now exists at or affects any part of the Property Sold that is likely to result
in any material complaint, notice, citation, action, proceeding, or
investigation before any governmental authority in connection with any Hazardous
Material or any Environmental Law or the violation thereof, or any claim against
or liability of Seller or Buyer to any authority, person, or persons arising out
of or based on any Environmental Law or the breach or enforcement thereof.
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4.19 Statements, Etc., True and Not Misleading. No representation or
warranty made by Seller or the Shareholders in this Agreement contains or will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to state
any material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or
therein not misleading in the circumstances.
4.20 Conveyances, Etc. When executed and delivered to Buyer at Closing,
each instrument of conveyance, assignment, consent, or transfer will constitute
the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the parties thereto, and such
instruments will be effective to vest in Buyer, and as of Closing Buyer will
thereby receive and become the sole, vested owner of all right, title, and
interest in and to the Property Sold, subject only to any then existing
Permitted Liens.
4.21 Investment. On Closing Seller will take the Notes for its own account,
for investment purposes only, and not with a view or intention to distribute or
otherwise dispose of all or any part thereof. Seller understands that the Notes
are to be issued without registration under any "blue sky" law and pursuant to
an exemption from registration under provisions of the Securities Act of 1993 as
amended (the "Act") and that Seller may not hypothecate or otherwise transfer or
dispose of any Note except upon registration under the Act, unless an exemption
from registration provisions of the Act is available. Before transferring or
disposing of any Note in a transaction Seller believes to be so exempt from
registration Seller will give Buyer notice of such proposed disposition
accompanied by an opinion of counsel satisfactory to Buyer in all respects to
the effect that an exemption from registration under the Act is available with
respect to the proposed disposition, and any new note issued by Buyer under such
circumstances shall bear a legend similar in form and substance to that
appearing on Exhibit 2.01.1. Seller is aware that Buyer is a newly formed
company with limited capital and no previous financial or operating history,
that for the foreseeable future payment of the Notes probably will be derived
solely from Buyer's use of the Property Sold. Seller is able to bear the
economic risk of holding the Note for an indefinite period and has received or
had free access to all necessary information, financial or otherwise, concerning
Buyer.
5. CONDUCT PRIOR TO CLOSING.
Seller covenants and agrees that from the date hereof and until Closing:
5.1 Conduct of Business. Seller will operate and conduct its business only
in the ordinary course of business, in accordance with Seller's customary
policies and practices, in material compliance with all applicable laws, rules,
and regulations, and substantially in the same manner as heretofore and
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will use its reasonable efforts to discharge and satisfy all of its obligations
in due course, to preserve Seller's present business organization intact, to
preserve Seller's business reputation, to keep available the services of
Seller's present officers, agents, and employees, to prevent any material,
adverse change in Seller, Seller's business, or any part of the Property Sold,
and to preserve Seller's present customers and present relationships with those
having business dealings with Seller. Seller will take reasonable actions so
that each condition of Section 6. of this Agreement will be satisfied as of the
Closing Date, will maintain in full force and effect all franchises, licenses,
and permits held by it, and will maintain the Property Sold in the same repair,
order, and condition as at the date hereof, ordinary wear-and-tear excepted.
5.2 Restricted Activities and Transactions. From the date hereof, until
Closing, except as may otherwise be permitted or required hereby, without
Buyer's prior consent expressly identifying and referring to this paragraph 5.2,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, Seller will not
directly or indirectly do or agree to do, and within the past forty-five (45)
days Seller directly or indirectly has not done or agreed to do, any one or more
of the following:
(a) encumber, mortgage, pledge, or subject the Property Sold or any
part thereof to any Lien, security interest, charge, or encumbrance;
(b) grant, agree to, offer, or pay any kickback, discount, incentive
payment, commission, or promotional or other allowance to any person, or
sell or agree to sell or otherwise dispose of any part of the Property Sold
in each case other than sales for value, at usual rates, and in the
ordinary and normal course of business;
(c) agree to terminate, amend, restrict, extend, or waive any material
right under or materially affecting any Contract or the value of all or any
material part of the Property Sold;
(d) conduct its business other than in the normal and usual manner in
the ordinary course, or other than in material compliance with all
applicable laws, rules, and regulations of all local, state, and federal
authorities, entities, and agencies;
(e) vary materially from the charges for its services currently being
charged and received by Seller;
(f) except as disclosed to Buyer, pay, paid, or agreed to pay, any
bonus to any person, or make or agree to make any material change in the
compensation payable or to become payable to any employee or agent of
Seller;
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(g) enter into any employment contract or lease; or
(h) except as disclosed to Buyer, enter into any contract or other
commitment binding upon Seller for a period of more than thirty (30) days
or other than in the ordinary course of business.
5.3 Full Access. At reasonable times during normal business hours after
notice from Buyer, Seller will afford Buyer, or Buyer's representatives, agents,
attorneys, employees, or accountants, full access to Seller's premises, the
Property Sold, and all facilities, equipment, offices, properties, books, and
records relating thereto in order that Buyer may cause to be made desired
investigations of Seller's affairs or necessary copies of its records, and will
cause Seller's officers to furnish Buyer with such information concerning
Seller's business and the Property Sold as Buyer reasonably may request.
5.4 Reports; Taxes; Etc. Seller will properly and timely file all reports
or returns it is required to file with federal, state, foreign, local, or other
authorities (including taxing authorities) and will pay all required taxes,
charges, and assessments as required in due course, and on or before the Closing
Date Seller will pay all required taxes, charges, or assessments due and payable
by Seller on or before the Closing Date.
5.5 Waiver of Bulk Sales Compliance. Buyer and Seller each waives
compliance with the provisions of applicable statutes relating to bulk transfers
or bulk sales. Seller and Shareholders agree to indemnify Buyer from any loss,
costs, or damage arising out of such waiver.
5.6 Termination of Plans. At its sole expense, and without any liability to
Buyer, Seller shall terminate or cause to be terminated each pension, profit
sharing, or other employee benefit plan applicable to Seller's employees, all in
accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable laws, rules, and
regulations and shall satisfy and discharge each withdrawal, termination, or
other liability thereunder.
5.7 Notice of Breach or Change. Seller will promptly notify Buyer if Seller
believes or realizes that Seller will be unable to comply with or satisfy any
condition of Section 6.
5.8 Taxes. Buyer will pay all title and transfer charges for transferring
title to Seller's vehicles and all sales or use taxes arising out of or becoming
due and payable because of Closing or the purchase and sale of the Property Sold
as contemplated hereby.
6. CONDITIONS TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS:
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As conditions precedent for the sole benefit of Buyer, which Buyer may
waive only by and to the extent of its express written waiver given hereafter,
Closing and each obligation of Buyer under this Agreement shall be subject to
and conditioned upon Buyer being satisfied, on or before and as of Closing, of
each of the following:
6.1 Compliance with Agreement; No Prohibition. Each material term,
covenant, agreement, and condition of this Agreement to be complied with or
performed by Seller or Shareholders until, at, or prior to Closing shall have
been complied with or performed in all material respects, or waived by Buyer,
this Agreement shall not have been terminated by Buyer as permitted hereby, and
nothing then shall (and no action shall have been commenced seeking to)
restrain, inhibit, penalize, or prohibit Closing or the conduct of Seller's
business by Buyer after Closing as contemplated hereby.
6.2 Representations and Warranties. Unless waived, each of Seller's
representations and warranties contained herein shall in all material respects
have been true and correct when made, shall be deemed to be made again at and as
of Closing, and then shall be in all material respects true and correct.
6.3 Delivery. Buyer shall not have terminated this Agreement as permitted
hereby, and Seller shall have delivered to Buyer each item described in
paragraph 3.2.
6.4 Approvals and Consents. All material agreements, consents, waivers, or
approvals of each public authority or other person or entity, natural or
corporate, public or private, necessary or appropriate for Closing or for
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby without diminution, loss,
termination, or restriction of any material right of Seller shall have been
obtained from such parties in such form and substance as is reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer, and copies thereof delivered to Buyer. If necessary and
requested by Buyer, the other parties to any material agreements to which Seller
is a party shall have consented to Closing.
6.5 Contracts. Seller shall have assigned, set over, and transferred to
Buyer all of its right, title, and interest in each Assumed Contract identified
on Exhibit 1.01.3 in a form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer's counsel and at
Closing shall have delivered to Buyer peaceful possession of the Property Sold.
6.6 Other Contracts. On or before Closing hereunder, Closing (as therein
defined) shall occur or have occurred as to each of the following contracts
("Affiliated Contracts"), including the execution of each of the noncompetition
agreements associated therewith (jointly and severally with the Noncompetition
Agreement, the "Noncompetition Agreements"): Upper Michigan Newspapers, LLC
21
and Star Publications, Inc., and Central P.S., LLC and Central Printing
Corporation.
6.7 Inventories. As of Closing, Seller's Inventories shall be at usual and
normal levels and sufficient to satisfy Buyer's needs for at least 45 days
following Closing.
6.8 Liabilities Current. As of Closing each of Seller's liabilities
(including all current liabilities, long term debt, and lease obligations) shall
be current, not in default, and not past due.
7. INDEMNIFICATION AND RISK OF LOSS:
7.1 Indemnity of Buyer. Subject to the limitations of paragraph 7.3, Seller
and Shareholders, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify, defend, and hold
Buyer, its owners, officers, agents, representatives, successors and assigns,
jointly and severally, harmless from and against each, any, and all actions,
suits, causes of action, losses, costs, claims, assessments, damages, response
costs, liabilities, fines, funding or termination liabilities, judgments, and
expenses (singly, a "Claim", collectively, the "Claims") asserted by a third
party or parties against each, any, or all of them arising from, based upon, or
on account of, in whole or in part, each, any one or more, or all of the
following, whenever occurring: (i) any breach, failure to perform, or
non-fulfillment by Seller or Shareholders of any covenant, agreement, term,
condition, certificate, representation, or warranty contained in this Agreement
or in any document delivered, or caused to be delivered to Buyer by Seller or
the Shareholders, (ii) any untruth, misrepresentation, omission, or inaccuracy
with respect to or contained in any such covenant, agreement, certificate,
representation, or warranty, including any statement or figure contained in any
of the Financial Statements, (iii) any violation of any law, rule, or regulation
(or any act or failure to act) by Seller or any one or more of its officers,
directors, agents, servants, or employees (or by others for whom Seller is
responsible), (iv) any agreement made by, Claim against, or asserted liability
of Seller, other than those expressly assumed by Buyer at Closing pursuant to
paragraph 3.4, (v) the conduct of Seller's business or Seller's ownership, use,
or operation of the the Property Sold, or any part or parts thereof, (vi) any
payment received by Seller, directly or indirectly, (vii) any failure by Seller
to comply with the laws of the state of Seller's domicile relating to or
applicable to the sale of Seller's assets contemplated hereby, or (viii) any
Lien as to all or any part of the Property Sold, other than a Permitted Lien;
provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify hereunder shall in no event
exceed, in the aggregate, the amount of the Purchase Price. As to each Claim,
the obligations arising hereunder shall include, but
22
not be limited to, an obligation to pay to or for Buyer all costs incurred in
investigating, defending, or settling such Claim (including all reasonable
attorneys' or experts' fees).
7.2 Indemnity of Seller. Subject to the limitations of paragraph 7.3, Buyer
agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Seller and each Shareholder harmless from
and against each, any, and all Claims asserted by a third party or parties
against Seller or any Shareholder arising from, based upon, or on account of any
breach, failure to perform, or non-fulfillment by Buyer of any covenant,
agreement, term, condition, certificate, representation, or warranty contained
in this Agreement; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify hereunder
shall in no event exceed, in the aggregate, the amount of the Purchase Price. As
to each Claim, the obligations arising hereunder shall include but not be
limited to an obligation to pay to or for Seller and Shareholders all costs
incurred in investigating, defending, or settling such Claim (including all
reasonable attorneys' or experts' fees).
7.3 Limitations. The right to indemnification under Section 7.1 or Section
7.2 is subject to the following limitation: no party shall be entitled to
indemnification until the aggregate amount of all Claims that would be
indemnifiable for such party but for application of this Section 7.3 exceeds
Thirty Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($30,000), whereupon such party shall become
entitled to indemnification for all such Claims. In addition, Seller's and
Shareholders' obligation to indemnify shall be net of the effect of any tax
benefit realized by Buyer arising from such Claims, and the aggregate amount of
all Claims for which Seller and Shareholders shall be held liable shall not
exceed the Purchase Price as adjusted.
7.4 Conditions of Indemnification. The obligation to indemnify any party
(the "Indemnified Party") with respect to each Claim shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions: (a) the Indemnified Party will give prompt
notice of any such Claim to the other party(ies) hereto (the "Indemnifying
Party"), and the Indemnifying Party (or any of them) shall have the right to
undertake the defense thereof and compromise and settle such Claim at the
Indemnifying Party's expense using counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party; and
(b) if within forty-five (45) days after receipt of notice of any such Claim,
the Indemnifying Party shall fail to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified
Party shall (after notice to the Indemnifying Party) have the right to undertake
the defense of such Claim, subject to the right of the Indemnifying Party to
assume the defense of such Claim at any time prior to final resolution thereof
upon the prior payment to the Indemnified Party of all attorneys' and experts'
fees theretofore expended by the Indemnified Party in defense of such Claim.
7.5 Investigation. Seller and Shareholders acknowledge and agree that,
notwithstanding any right of Buyer fully to
23
investigate the affairs of Seller and notwithstanding any knowledge of facts
determined or determinable by Buyer pursuant to any such investigation, Buyer
has the right to rely upon the representations, warranties, covenants, and
agreements of Seller and Shareholders contained in this Agreement, and
regardless of any knowledge or facts determined or determinable by such an
investigation, such representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements, and
Buyer's right to rely, and its reliance thereon, shall not be affected in any
way by any such knowledge or investigation.
7.6 Risk of Loss. The risk of destruction of or loss or damage to any part
of the Property Sold arising from any actual or proposed condemnation or taking
of any part of the Property Sold by governmental authority or by exercise of the
power of eminent domain, or from any fire, explosion, riot, flood, war, or other
cause shall remain with Seller until Closing. If Seller becomes aware of any
such actual or potential taking, loss, damage, or destruction, Seller will
promptly notify Buyer of all particulars thereof and will cause any such
affected property to be replaced or to be repaired and restored to its condition
existing prior to such loss, damage, or destruction, at Seller's expense. If
such damaged property is not completely replaced or repaired and restored to its
former condition before Closing then Buyer at its sole option may: (a) by notice
to Seller postpone the Closing Date until such time as the property shall have
been completely replaced or repaired and restored, or (b) by notice to Seller
abandon and terminate this Agreement and all obligations of Buyer hereunder, or
(c) effect Closing on the Closing Date as initially established, in which event
(i) Seller shall assign to Buyer all then unexpended proceeds of insurance
received or to be received by Seller with respect to the Property Sold, and (ii)
Buyer and Seller shall agree upon an appropriate reduction in the Purchase Price
reflecting any then existing uninsured loss, damage, or destruction to the
Property Sold.
8. BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
To induce Seller to enter into and perform pursuant to this Agreement,
Buyer represents and warrants to Seller that each of the following is true:
8.1 Organization. Buyer is a limited liability company duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Virginia and has full legal power and authority to conduct its business as it is
now being conducted and to own its properties and assets.
8.2 Authorization for Agreement. Buyer's execution and delivery of this
Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary legal action on
the part of Buyer, and, relying on Seller's and Shareholders' representations
and warranties herein,
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this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Buyer. As
of Closing execution and delivery of the Note, the Security Agreement, and the
Noncompetition Agreements will have been duly authorized by all necessary legal
action on the part of Buyer, and when executed and delivered each will
constitute a valid and binding obligation of Buyer. Buyer's execution of,
delivery of, performance of, compliance with, and Closing of this Agreement will
not (a) constitute or result in a breach of (or default under) any term,
condition, or provision of any articles of incorporation, bylaw, contract,
mortgage, lien, indenture, lease, agreement, commitment, arrangement or
understanding, or any other instrument to which Buyer is a party or by or to
which it or any of the Buyer's property is bound or subject, (b) to Buyer's
knowledge violate any statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, or
order binding upon or applicable to Buyer, in whole or in part, (c) to Buyer's
knowledge expose Seller or Buyer to any liability or penalty under any law, (d)
to Buyer's knowledge adversely affect the validity, continuation, or
effectiveness of any permit, license, franchise, or right enjoyed by Buyer, (e)
give any party to any contract, or any other agreement to which Buyer is a
party, any right of cancellation or termination, or (g) give anyone any right to
accelerate the maturity of any indebtedness for which Buyer is a direct or
indirect, or primary or secondary, obligor, or to claim any fraud, default, or
breach with respect to anyone or any such indebtedness.
8.3 Execution, Validity. This Agreement is lawful and has been duly
executed and delivered by Buyer, which execution and delivery by Buyer was duly
and validly authorized by all necessary company action by Buyer and its members,
and this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding agreement of Buyer
enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms.
8.4 Litigation. Buyer is not a party to any pending or threatened
litigation or proceeding that affects in any material, adverse manner Buyer's
power, authority, or ability to effect Closing.
8.5 Compliance. Buyer has complied with each applicable term, covenant,
agreement, and condition of this Agreement.
9. CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS:
As conditions precedent for the sole benefit of Seller, which Seller may
waive only by and to the extent of its express written waiver given hereafter,
Closing and each obligation of Seller under this Agreement shall be subject to
and conditioned upon Seller being satisfied, on or before and as of Closing, of
each of the following:
25
9.1 Representations and Warranties. Unless waived, each of Buyer's
representations and warranties contained here in Section 8. shall be in all
material respects true and correct when made, shall be deemed to be made again
at and as of Closing, and they shall be in all material respects true and
correct as of Closing. Each material term, covenant, agreement, and condition of
this Agreement to be complied with or performed by Buyer until, at, or prior to
Closing shall have been complied with or performed in all material respects, or
waived by Seller, this Agreement shall not have been terminated by Seller as
permitted hereby, and nothing then shall (and no action shall have been
commenced seeking to) restrain, inhibit, penalize, or prohibit Closing.
9.2 Delivery. Buyer shall have delivered to Seller each item listed in
paragraph 3.3.
10. MISCELLANEOUS:
10.1 Notices. Each notice, consent, request, demand, or other communication
required or permitted hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given only upon the earlier of receipt thereof (by facsimile or
otherwise) or ten (10) days after having been mailed, certified or registered
United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
(a) if to Seller or Shareholders:
Advertiser's Postal Service Corp.
Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Copy to:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esquire
Honigman, Miller, Xxxxxxxx and Xxxx
2290 First National Bank Bldg.
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000
(b) if to Buyer;
Upper Michigan Newspapers, LLC
c/o Brill Media Company, L.P.
000 XX Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0-X
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xx. Xxxx X. Xxxxx
copy to:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Esquire
Xxxxxxxx & XxXxxxxx
100 Shockoe Slip
26
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
or when so received or mailed to such other place or person as a party hereafter
may from time to time have designated in a prior written notice to the other
party given as herein required.
10.2 Survival. Each covenant, representation, and warranty made by Seller,
Shareholders, or Buyer in this Agreement or at Closing shall survive the Closing
and shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of Closing or
of any investigation made or knowledge obtained by or on behalf of Seller,
Shareholders, or Buyer at any time prior to Closing and shall survive Closing
for a period of eighteen (18) months, except that the representations and
warranties contained in Section 4.10 shall survive for the applicable statute of
limitations period, and the representations and warranties contained in sections
4.6, 4.16 and section 8.2 shall survive indefinitely.
10.3 Limitations.
(a) Concerning actions by Buyer to recover damages for any default or
breach of contract (or for indemnification) under this Agreement:
(i) Buyer shall name Seller as a co-defendant with any Shareholder
defendants unless Seller then has been dissolved, either by action of the
Shareholders or by operation of law;
(ii) collection of any judgment for any such default, breach, or
indemnification shall first be recouped, offset against, and satisfied out
of that part of any balance then still owing on the Notes that becomes
payable within the twelve months immediately following entry of such
judgment, and
(iii) in no event shall any Shareholder's individual aggregate
liability for any such defaults, breaches, indemnifications, or judgments
exceed an amount equal to the Purchase Price as adjusted multiplied by such
Shareholder's percentage reflected on Exhibit 10.03.
(b) No Shareholder shall be held liable for a violation of his
Noncompetition Agreement solely because of another Shareholder's violation of a
Noncompetition Agreement.
10.4 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and each provision hereof shall
be biding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns and may not be assigned without the prior
written consent of all parties hereto.
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10.5 Indemnity Concerning Brokers. Buyer and Seller represent and warrant
each to the other that Xxxxx, Van Essen & Associates is the only broker
connected with this transaction, and Seller shall be solely responsible for, and
will indemnify, defend, and hold Buyer harmless from any and all commissions,
fees, expenses, or charges due and owing on account of services rendered to
Seller. Seller agrees to indemnify, defend, and save harmless Buyer from and
against each liability, cost, or expense, including attorneys' fees, that may be
asserted on account of any broker's commission or similar obligation or by
reason of any agreement made by Seller or Shareholders with any broker or
finder.
10.6 Additional Remedies. Without waiving or prejudicing and in addition to
and not to the exclusion of or in limitation of any other rights or remedies
available to Buyer hereunder, or otherwise, upon and for Seller's or
Shareholders' material default under or breach or prospective breach of any
covenant, agreement, term, condition, representation, or warranty contained in
this Agreement, at its sole election Buyer shall be entitled but not obligated
to do each or any one or more of the following: (a) to obtain specific
performance or injunctive relief (since monetary damages will not be sufficient
to afford Buyer full compensation for any such breach or breaches), or (b) to
take any action including the making of any payment or payments necessary to
cure any such default or breach not cured before the thirtieth (30th) day after
receiving notice thereof from Buyer, or (c) to bring an action to recover
damages for such default or breach of contract (either with or without an action
for injunctive relief) and either (i) to enforce any resulting judgment in favor
of Buyer as permitted by law or (ii) to offset and deduct the amount of any such
judgment and the costs of any such action (including, without limitation,
interest on any such payment at the rate of ten percentum per annum, and
reasonable attorneys' fees), in whole or in part, (x) from the Purchase Price,
or (y) from any collections on Seller's accounts receivable, or (z) from any
payment thereafter due on the Purchase Price or one or more of the Notes;
provided, however, that such offset and deduction may and shall not be taken
until the amount thereof shall have been agreed upon by Buyer and Seller or
established by the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction in such action.
10.7 Amendment and Waiver. Except for a waiver by Buyer pursuant to Section
6., or by Seller pursuant to Section 9., no term or condition of this Agreement
may be amended or its observance waived (whether generally or in a particular
instance and whether retroactively or prospectively) except with and by Buyer's,
on the one hand, or Seller's and Shareholders' on the other hand, express
written consent. No other act, failure to act, or course of dealing by Buyer
shall be or constitute a waiver by Buyer.
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10.8 Audits. At its sole expense, at any time within two (2) years
following Closing, after reasonable notice to Seller, Buyer may cause Seller's
books and records to be examined by auditors in order to produce audited
financial statements of Seller's affairs for up to three years preceding
Closing. Seller will cooperate with any such audit and auditors and will provide
to Buyer or its agents or representatives reasonable access to Seller's books,
records, and personnel for such purpose and will maintain and retain such books
and records in a reasonably orderly fashion for a period of at least three years
after Closing in order that such audit procedures may be performed.
10.9 Definitions. Wherever used in this Agreement or any instrument
incorporating such term or terms:
(a) the term "Liens" (singly, "Lien") shall mean and include each and
any liens, mortgages, security interests, pledges, title retention devices,
claims (legal or equitable, including, without limitation, liability to or
claims of any taxing authority, creditor, or other person), conditional
sale or other agreements, encumbrances, leases, trusts, options,
servitudes, rights, charges, assessments, consignments or bailments,
reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way,
conditions, restrictions, imperfections or deficiencies of title, or
liabilities of any nature and however arising [including those arising from
violation of or noncompliance with any law, ordinance, rule or regulation
(including, without limitation, municipal ordinances relating to zoning,
occupancy, or use of real property), whether recorded or unrecorded, xxxxxx
or inchoate, or appurtenant or non-appurtenant, and whether dependent on or
independent of possession, whether know or unknown, and whether now in
existence or to come into existence merely by the giving of notice or the
lapse of time, or both;
(b) the terms "knowledge", "know", or other similar phrases when used
in reference to Seller shall mean the actual knowledge without inquiry of
any of the officers, directors, or Shareholders of Seller and when used in
reference to Shareholders shall mean their actual knowledge without
inquiry; and
(c) each of the following terms shall have the meaning defined in the
paragraph of this Agreement identified below:
Term Paragraph
---- ---------
Accountants 2.2(h)
Accounts Receivable List 3.2(h)
Act 4.23
Affiliated Contracts 6.6
Agreement Preamble
Assumed Contracts 1.1(e)
29
Assumption Agreements 3.4
Buyer Preamble
Claim(s) 7.1
Closing 3.1
Closing Adjustments 2.2
Closing Date 3.1
Closing Escrow Account 2.2(g)
Closing Financials 2.2(b)
Collection Period 3.6
Contract(s) 4.17
Environmental Law(s) 4.19
Escrow Agents 2.2(g)
Excluded Property 1.2
Final Settlement 2.2(b)
Financial Statements 4.4
Xxxxxxx 3.4
Hazardous Material(s) 4.19
Indemnified Party 7.4
Indemnifying Party 7.4
Inventories 1.1(d)
Lease 3.2(k)
Lien; Liens 10.9(a)
Noncompetition Agreement 3.2(g)
Noncompetition Agreements 6.7
Note(s) 2.1
Permitted Liens 4.6
Preliminary Adjustment 2.2(a)
Preliminary Financials 2.2(a)
Preliminary Settlement 2.2(a)
Property Sold 1.1
Purchase Price 2.1
Real Property 1.1(a)
Security Agreement 2.3
Seller Preamble
Seller's Counsel 3.2(d)
Shareholders Preamble
Statement 2.2(h)
10.10 Governing Law. This Agreement, its enforceability or interpretation,
and the legal relationships between Buyer, Seller, and Shareholders created
hereby shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Michigan, notwithstanding application of laws or choice of law
principles.
10.11 Headings. The headings of the Sections and paragraphs of this
Agreement are for convenience only and are not a substantive part hereof.
10.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including its exhibits, contains
the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof; there are no other representations and warranties made by any
party hereto other than
30
as expressly set forth herein; no party hereto will rely on any information,
representation, or warranty except as expressly set forth herein, and any and
all prior understandings or agreements among Buyer, Seller, and Shareholders
(their agents, principals, or representatives) are merged into this Agreement,
which replaces and supersedes all prior memoranda, understandings,
representations, correspondence, agreements, conversations, and negotiations
concerning the subject matter hereof.
10.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, and when Seller, Shareholders, and Buyer shall have executed at
least one such counterpart they shall constitute but one and the same agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their signatures to be
hereunto appended and affixed by their duly authorized representatives as of the
day, month, and year first above written.
Buyer:
ADVERTISERS P.S., LLC
by: Upper Michigan Management, Inc.
its manager
by: /s/ XXXX X. XXXXX
----------------------------
a duly authorized officer
Seller:
ADVERTISER'S POSTAL SERVICE, INC.
by /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXXX
--------------------------------
a duly authorized officer
Shareholders:
/s/ XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Trustee
/s/ XXXXXX X. XXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Trustee
/s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXXX
------------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
/s/ AUGUST A. TRANQUILLA
-----------------------------------
August A. Tranquilla
31
/s/ XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
------------------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
/s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
/s/ XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
/s/ XXXX XXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxx Xxxxx
/s/ XXX XXXXXXXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Escrow Agents:
/s/ XXXX X. XXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxx
/s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXXX
-----------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
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