Exhibit 2.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION
BY AND AMONG
XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.,
A FLORIDA CORPORATION,
JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.,
A FLORIDA CORPORATION,
GENESIS MERCHANT GROUP SECURITIES LLC,
A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,
AND
THE GENESIS MEMBERS NAMED HEREIN
DATED AS OF MARCH 9, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE 1: CERTAIN DEFINITIONS................................................2
1.1 Definitions...........................................................2
1.2 Other Definitional Provisions........................................14
1.3 Captions.............................................................14
ARTICLE 2: THE COMBINATION...................................................15
2.1 Articles of Share Exchange; Delivery of Membership Interests.........15
2.2 The Effective Time...................................................15
2.3 Certain Effects of the Combination...................................15
2.4 Exchange of Genesis Membership Interests; Exchange of JWCFS
Common Stock........................................................16
2.5 Assumption of JWCFS Options, Purchase Rights, and Warrants...........17
2.6 Adjustments..........................................................18
2.7 Surrender of Certificates............................................18
2.8 Escrow Account.......................................................20
2.9 Maintenance of Two Members of Genesis................................20
ARTICLE 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GENESIS MEMBERS.................21
3.1 Investment Intentions................................................21
3.2 Ownership and Status of Genesis Member Interests.....................22
3.3 Power of Genesis Member; Approval of LLC Exchange....................22
3.4 No Conflicts or Litigation...........................................23
3.5 No Brokers...........................................................23
3.6 Preemptive and Other Rights; Waiver..................................23
3.7 Control of Related Businesses........................................23
ARTICLE 4: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GENESIS.........................24
4.1 Organization, Etc. of Genesis........................................24
4.2 Capitalization.......................................................24
4.3 Rights to Acquire Genesis Equity Interests...........................24
4.4 Subsidiaries.........................................................24
4.5 Authority............................................................24
4.6 No Default Resulting from Agreement..................................25
4.7 Financial Statements of Genesis; Disclosure..........................25
4.8 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities...................................26
4.9 Property.............................................................26
4.10 Certain Environmental Matters.......................................27
4.11 Notes and Accounts Receivable.......................................27
4.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws Generally..........................28
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4.13 Tax Matters.........................................................28
4.14 Material Contracts..................................................29
4.15 Licenses; No Infringement...........................................30
4.16 Bank Accounts; Insurance Policies...................................30
4.17 Genesis Member Materials............................................30
4.18 Obligations for Indemnification.....................................31
4.19 Brokers or Finders..................................................31
4.20 Absence of Changes..................................................31
4.21 Year 2000 Compliance................................................32
4.22 Broker-Dealer Registration; Etc.....................................32
4.23 Employee Matters....................................................33
4.24 Compliance with ERISA, Etc..........................................35
4.25 Representations and Warranties......................................38
ARTICLE 5: CONDUCT PENDING CLOSING...........................................38
5.1 Conduct of Genesis Pending Closing...................................38
5.1.1 General.......................................................38
5.1.2 Ordinary Course; Preservation of Business and Records.........38
5.1.3 Compensation..................................................39
5.1.4 Change in Articles of Organization and Ownership..............39
5.1.5 Access to Properties, Books, Etc..............................39
5.1.6 Monthly Financial Statements..................................39
5.1.7 Distributions.................................................39
5.2 Conduct of JWCFS Pending Closing.....................................39
5.2.1 General.......................................................40
5.2.2 Ordinary Course; Preservation of Business and Records.........40
5.2.3 Access to Properties, Books, Etc..............................40
5.2.4 Monthly Financial Statements..................................40
5.2.5 Distributions.................................................40
5.2.6 Capital Structure.............................................40
ARTICLE 6: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF JWCFS...........................41
6.1 Organization, Etc. of JWCFS..........................................41
6.2 Capitalization of JWCFS..............................................41
6.3 Organization and Capitalization of Newco.............................42
6.4 Authority............................................................43
6.5 No Default Resulting from Agreement..................................43
6.6 Securities Filings; Financial Statements.............................44
6.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities...................................44
6.8 Litigation; Compliance with Laws Generally...........................45
6.9 Licenses; No Infringement............................................45
6.10 Broker-Dealer Registration; Etc.....................................45
6.11 Material Changes....................................................46
6.12 Tax Matters.........................................................46
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6.13 Employee Matters....................................................46
6.14 Compliance with ERISA, Etc..........................................48
6.15 Certain Environmental Matters.......................................50
6.16 Year 2000 Compliance................................................51
6.17 Representations and Warranties......................................51
ARTICLE 7: RESALE REGISTRATION AND RELATED MATTERS...........................51
7.1 Resale Registration of Xxxxxxxxx Stock...............................51
7.2 Certain Additional Obligations of JWCFS and Newco....................52
7.3 Certain Conditions to Newco's Obligations............................53
7.4 Registration Indemnification.........................................53
ARTICLE 8: OTHER AGREEMENTS..................................................55
8.1 Stock Options to Certain Genesis Personnel...........................55
8.2 Leeds Employment Agreement...........................................55
8.3 Marks Employment Agreement...........................................55
8.4 Employment of Will X. Xxxxxxxxx......................................55
8.5 Employment of Xxxxxxxxx..............................................55
8.6 Establishment of Executive Bonus Pool................................56
8.7 Agreement Among Certain Shareholders.................................56
8.8 Confidentiality......................................................56
8.9 Proxy Statement and Form S-4 Registration Statement..................56
8.10 No Solicitation of Transactions.....................................57
8.11 Tax Return Positions................................................57
8.12 JWCFS Shareholders Meeting..........................................57
8.13 Meeting of or Action by Genesis Members.............................58
8.14 Cooperation.........................................................58
8.15 Expenses............................................................58
8.16 Press Releases......................................................58
8.17 JWCFS's Public Documents and Access to Information..................59
8.18 Agreement by Leeds and Marks........................................59
8.19 Delivery of SEC Compliance Documents................................59
8.20 Nonsolicitation Agreements..........................................59
8.21 Distribution to Genesis Members.....................................59
8.22 Newco Common Stock Deliverable to Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx.........59
ARTICLE 9: INDEMNIFICATION...................................................60
9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties..........................60
9.2 Indemnification of Seller Indemnified Parties.......................60
9.3 Indemnification of JWCFS Indemnified Parties........................61
9.4 Conditions of Indemnification.......................................61
9.5 Limitation on Remedies..............................................64
9.6 Limitations on Indemnification......................................64
ARTICLE 10: CLOSING AND CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.................................65
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10.1 Closing.............................................................65
10.1.1 Time and Place of Closing....................................65
10.1.2 Exchange of Other Closing Documents..........................65
10.2 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of JWCFS and Newco..........65
10.2.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties...................65
10.2.2 Compliance with Obligations and Conditions...................65
10.2.3 Closing Documents............................................66
10.2.4 Genesis Consents and Approvals...............................66
10.2.5 Securities Law Compliance as to Genesis Members..............67
10.2.6 No Dissenting Genesis Members................................67
10.2.7 Tax Opinion..................................................67
10.2.8 Schedules and Due Diligence..................................67
10.2.9 SEC Compliance Documents.....................................67
10.2.10 AMEX Listing................................................67
10.2.11 Employment Agreement Matters................................68
10.2.12 Shareholder Approval........................................68
10.2.13 Certain Financial Performance Matters.......................68
10.2.14 Accountants' Letters........................................68
10.2.15 HSR Act Matters.............................................68
10.2.16 Maintenance of Two Members of Genesis.......................69
10.2.17 JWCFS Consents and Approvals...............................69
10.3 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Genesis and the Genesis
Members.............................................................69
10.3.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties...................69
10.3.2 Compliance with Obligations and Conditions...................69
10.3.3 Certain Closing Documents....................................69
10.3.4 Tax-Free Reorganization......................................70
10.3.5 Consents and Approvals.......................................70
10.3.6 Employment Agreement Matters.................................70
10.3.7 Schedules and Due Diligence..................................71
10.3.8 Member Transfer..............................................71
10.3.9 Shareholder Approval.........................................71
10.3.10 AMEX Listing................................................71
ARTICLE 11: TERMINATION......................................................71
11.1 Material Adverse Change to Genesis..................................71
11.2 Material Adverse Change to JWCFS....................................71
11.3 Non-Compliance by Genesis or Genesis Members........................72
11.4 Non-Compliance by JWCFS or Newco....................................72
11.5 Litigation Regarding the Combination................................72
11.6 Requirements and Effect of Termination..............................72
11.7 Election to Close Despite Failure to Satisfy Conditions.............72
11.8 Other Acquisition Proposals; Failure to Receive Fairness Opinion....73
11.9 Review of SEC Compliance Documents..................................73
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11.10 Extended Delay of Combination......................................73
11.11 JWCFS Dissenters...................................................73
ARTICLE 12: GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS........................................74
12.1 Notices, Etc........................................................74
12.2 Entire Agreement....................................................75
12.3 Amendments; Modifications; Waivers..................................75
12.4 Counterparts; Headings..............................................75
12.5 Binding Effect......................................................75
12.6 Governing Law.......................................................75
12.7 Further Assurances..................................................76
12.8 Exercise of Rights and Remedies.....................................76
12.9 Time................................................................76
12.10 Restriction on Trading.............................................76
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SCHEDULES
Schedule 3.1 Selling Genesis Members Who Are Not Accredited Investors
Schedule 3.2 Disclosure of Equity Ownership and Liens
Schedule 3.5 Disclosure of Activities with Brokers
Schedule 3.7 Disclosure of Genesis Members' Controlling Interests and
Material Related Transactions
Schedule 4.1 Jurisdictions of Authorization or Qualification
Schedule 4.6 Defaults
Schedule 4.7 Financial Statements of Genesis
Schedule 4.7(a) Financial Statements of Genesis Not Prepared in
Conformance With GAAP
Schedule 4.8 Liabilities Not Reflected in the Financial Statements of
Genesis; Notices of Unremedied Breach or Default
Schedule 4.9(a) Liens on Personal Property
Schedule 4.9(b) Owned and Leased Real Property and Leased Material
Personal Property
Schedule 4.9(c) Invalid or Nonbinding Leases; Subleases
Schedule 4.9(d) Fixed Assets Not In Good Condition
Schedule 4.10(a) Environmental Matters: Noncompliance
Schedule 4.10(b) Environmental Matters: Release or Disposal of Hazardous
Substances
Schedule 4.10(c) Environmental Matters: Offsite Disposal of
Hazardous Substances
Schedule 4.10(d) Environmental Matters: Storage Tanks
Schedule 4.11 Receivables Not Collectable or Not Valid
Schedule 4.12 Litigation
Schedule 4.13 Exceptions to Tax Representations and Warranties
Schedule 4.14 Material Contracts
Schedule 4.16(a) Bank Accounts
Schedule 4.16(b) Insurance Policies, Loss Runs and Worker's Compensation
Claims
Schedule 4.16(c) Powers of Attorney
Schedule 4.20 Changes Since September 30, 1997
Schedule 4.21 Year 2000 Compliance Plan
Schedule 4.23(a) Employee Matters: Cash Compensation
Schedule 4.23(b) Employee Matters: Engagement and Non-Competition
Agreements
Schedule 4.23(c) Employee Matters: Other Compensation Plans
Schedule 4.23(d) Employee Matters: ERISA Benefit Plans
Schedule 4.23(e) Employee Matters: Employee Policies and Procedures
Schedule 4.23(f) Employee Matters: Unwritten Amendments
Schedule 4.23(g) Employee Matters: Labor Compliance
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Schedule 4.23(i) Employee Matters: Change of Control Benefits
Schedule 4.23(j) Employee Matters: Retirees
Schedule 4.24(b) Compliance with ERISA: Plans Not Qualified
Schedule 4.24(g) Compliance with ERISA: Participation in
Multiemployer Plans
Schedule 4.24(h) Compliance with ERISA: Claims and Litigation
Schedule 4.24(k) Compliance with ERISA: Liabilities Incurred in Amending or
Modifying Plans
Schedule 6.1 Jurisdictions of Authorization or Qualification
Schedule 6.2(b) Obligations with Respect to JWCFS Capital Stock
Schedule 6.5 Defaults
Schedule 6.7 Liabilities Except Those Incurred After Current Balance Sheet
Date or in Connection with the Transaction
Schedule 6.8 Litigation
Schedule 6.9 Compliance with Laws: Licenses, Permits, and
Government Approvals
Schedule 6.11 Material Changes Since September 30, 1997
Schedule 6.12 Insufficient Tax Provisions
Schedule 6.13(a) Employee Matters: Cash Compensation
Schedule 6.13(b) Employee Matters: Other Compensation Plans
Schedule 6.13(c) Employee Matters: ERISA Benefit Plans
Schedule 6.13(d) Employee Matters: Employee Policies and Procedures
Schedule 6.13(e) Employee Matters: Unwritten Amendments
Schedule 6.13(f) Employee Matters: Labor Compliance
Schedule 6.13(g) Employee Matters: Change of Control Benefits
Schedule 6.13(h) Employee Matters: Retirees
Schedule 6.14(b) Compliance with ERISA: Plans Not Qualified
Schedule 6.14(g) Compliance with ERISA: Participation in
Multiemployer Plans
Schedule 6.14(h) Compliance with ERISA: Claims and Litigation
Schedule 6.14(k) Compliance with ERISA: Liabilities Incurred in Amending or
Modifying Plans
Schedule 6.15(a) Environmental Matters: Noncompliance
Schedule 6.15(b) Environmental Matters: Release or Disposal of Hazardous
Substances
Schedule 6.15(c) Environmental Matters: Offsite Disposal of
Hazardous Substances
Schedule 6.15(d) Environmental Matters: Storage Tanks
Schedule 6.16 Year 2000 Compliance Plan
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ANNEXES
Annex A Newco Initial Board of Directors
Annex B Newco Initial Officers
Annex C Ownership Interests of Genesis Members;
Shares Received in LLC Exchange; Escrowed Shares
Annex D Issuance of Options to Purchase Newco Common Stock
Annex E Leeds and Marks Contract Buy-Out Terms
Annex F Genesis Employees Executing Nonsolicitation
Agreement
Annex G Addresses of Genesis Members
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Form of Plan of Share Exchange
Exhibit B Form of Assumption Agreement
Exhibit C Form of Escrow Agreement
Exhibit D Form of Employment Agreement (Leeds, Stapleton,
Marks)
Exhibit E Form of Will X. Xxxxxxxxx Employment Agreement
Exhibit F Form of Agreement Among Certain Shareholders
Exhibit G Form of Voting Agreement
Exhibit H Form of Genesis Counsel Opinion
Exhibit I Form of JWCFS Counsel Opinion
Exhibit J Form of Nonsolicitation Agreement
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AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION (the
"Agreement") is made as of March 9, 1998, by and among XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL
SERVICES, INC., a Florida corporation ("JWCFS"), JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP., a
Florida corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of JWCFS ("Newco"), GENESIS
MERCHANT GROUP SECURITIES LLC, a California limited liability company
("Genesis"), and the persons listed on and executing the signature pages hereof
under the caption "Genesis Members."
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, JWCFS operates a full-service securities brokerage and investment
banking business;
WHEREAS, Genesis operates a securities research, sales and trading,
corporate finance, and brokerage business, with special expertise in
institutional equity trading and innovative research focused on high-growth
industries;
WHEREAS, Newco is a newly formed Florida corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of JWCFS created for the purpose of effecting the Share Exchange (as
this and certain other capitalized terms used herein are defined in Article 1
hereof) between JWCFS and Newco and the LLC Exchange among Genesis, the Genesis
Members, and Newco;
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of JWCFS and Newco and the Executive
Committee of Genesis deem it advisable and for the benefit of each such company
and their respective shareholders or members, as the case may be, that JWCFS,
Genesis, and Newco act to effect such Share Exchange and LLC Exchange in order
to accomplish a business combination to advance the long-term business interests
of all such parties;
WHEREAS, such business combination shall be effected pursuant and subject
to the terms of this Agreement by means of a two-part transaction in which
first, JWCFS and Newco enter into a transaction pursuant to which all shares of
capital stock of JWCFS shall be transferred to Newco in exchange for the
issuance by Newco to the former owners thereof of shares of Newco Common Stock,
all as set forth more particularly herein (the "Share Exchange") and second,
after the Share Exchange, Genesis, the Genesis Members, and Newco enter into a
transaction pursuant to which at least 90% of the outstanding Genesis Voting
Membership Interests shall be transferred to Newco in exchange for the issuance
by Newco to the former owners thereof of shares of Newco Common Stock, all as
set forth more particularly herein (the "LLC Exchange"),
and the shareholders of JWCFS and the Genesis Members (other than the holder of
any Special Continuing Genesis Interest) will become shareholders of Newco (the
Share Exchange and the LLC Exchange together comprising the "Combination");
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Combination, on the basis set forth in Article 2
hereof and, for purposes of the Share Exchange, the Plan of Share Exchange
substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT A, (i) each issued and
outstanding share of JWCFS Common Stock will be acquired by Newco in exchange
for one (1) share of Newco Common Stock and (ii) at least 90% of the Genesis
Voting Membership Interests will be acquired by Newco in exchange for an
aggregate of up to 1,500,000 shares of Newco Common Stock, to be allocated among
the Genesis Members as provided herein; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement and the Combination have been approved by the
Boards of Directors of JWCFS and Newco and the Executive Committee of Genesis as
a transaction intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a
nonrecognition transaction within the meaning of Section 351 of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements, representations and undertakings contained herein, and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
1.1 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Agreement, any amendments
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hereto, and any annexes, schedules, or exhibits attached hereto, the following
terms shall have the following meanings:
"ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.10.
"AFFILIATE" means, as to any specified Person, any other Person that,
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries or otherwise,
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the specified
Person. As used in this definition, "control" means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
policies of a Person (whether through ownership of Capital Stock of that Person,
by contract, or otherwise).
"AMEX" means The American Stock Exchange, Inc.
"ANNUAL REPORT" means JWCFS's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for
its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
"ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
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"CAPITAL LEASE" means a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to
use) real or personal property that is required to be classified and accounted
for as a capital lease in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date of this
Agreement.
"CAPITAL STOCK" means, with respect to (a) any corporation, any share, or
any depository receipt or other certificate representing any share, of an equity
ownership interest in that corporation, and (b) any other Entity, any share,
membership or other percentage interest, unit of participation, or other
equivalent (however designated) of an equity interest in that Entity.
"CASH COMPENSATION" means, as applied to any employee, non-employee
director or officer of, or any natural person who performs consulting or other
independent contractor services for, JWCFS or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof,
the wages, salaries, bonuses (discretionary and formula), fees and other cash
compensation paid or payable by JWCFS or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof to
that employee or other natural person.
"CHARTER DOCUMENTS" means, with respect to any Entity at any time, in each
case as amended, modified, and supplemented at that time, the articles or
certificate of formation, incorporation, or organization (or the equivalent
organizational documents) of that Entity, (b) the bylaws, operating agreement,
trust indenture, or regulations (or the equivalent governing documents) of that
Entity, and (c) each document setting forth the designation, amount and relative
rights, limitations, and preferences of any class or series of that Entity's
Capital Stock or of any rights in respect of that Entity's Capital Stock.
"CLAIM NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.
"CLASS A-E MEMBERS" means the Class A-E Members of Genesis as defined in
the Genesis Charter Documents.
"CLASS A-E MEMBERSHIP INTEREST" refers to the interest held by the Class A-
E Members as defined in the Genesis Charter Documents.
"CLASS C MEMBERS" mean the Class C Members of Genesis as defined in the
Genesis Charter Documents.
"CLASS C MEMBERSHIP INTEREST" refers to the interest held by the Class C
Members as defined in the Genesis Charter Documents.
"CLASS D MEMBERS" means the Class D Members of Genesis as defined in the
Genesis Charter Documents.
"CLASS D MEMBERSHIP INTEREST" refers to the interest held by the Class D
Members as defined in the Genesis Charter Documents.
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"CLOSING" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
"CLOSING DATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.1.
"COMMISSION" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"COBRA" means the continuation coverage requirements of Section 1001 of the
Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, as codified in
ERISA Sections 601 through 608 and Section 4980B of the Code.
"CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"COMBINATION" means the Share Exchange and the LLC Exchange.
"CURRENT BALANCE SHEET" means the unaudited balance sheet of Genesis at the
Current Balance Sheet Date.
"CURRENT BALANCE SHEET DATE" means September 30, 1997.
"CURRENT DATE" means any day during the 14-day period ending on the Closing
Date.
"DAMAGES" to any specified Person means any costs, damages (including any
consequential, exemplary, punitive, or treble damages), or expenses (including
reasonable fees and actual disbursements by attorneys, consultants, experts, or
other Representatives, and Litigation costs) to, any fine of or penalty on, or
any liability (including loss of earnings or profits) of any other nature to
that Person.
"DAMAGES CLAIM" means, as asserted (a) against any specified Person, any
claim, demand, or Litigation made or pending against that Person for Damages to
any other Person, or (b) by the specified Person, any claim or demand of the
specified Person against any other Person for Damages to the specified Person.
"DERIVATIVE SECURITIES" of a specified Entity means any Capital Stock or
debt security or other Indebtedness of the specified Entity or any other Person
that is convertible into or exchangeable for, or any option, warrant, or other
right to acquire, common stock of the specified Entity.
"DISCRETIONARY ALLOCATION POOL" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.
"EFFECTIVE TIME" means the date on and time at which the Combination
becomes effective, as determined by Section 2.2 of this Agreement.
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"EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES" means at any time all employee manuals
and all material policies, procedures, and work-related rules that apply at that
time to any employee, non-employee director or officer of, or any other natural
person performing consulting or other independent contractor services for, JWCFS
or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be.
"ENGAGEMENT AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENTS" means, at any time, any
agreement to which JWCFS or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may
be, is a party that then (a) relates to the direct or indirect employment or
engagement, or arises from the past employment or engagement, of any natural
person by JWCFS or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be,
whether as an employee, a non-employee officer or director, a registered
representative, a consultant or other independent contractor, or an agent of any
kind, and (b) limits that Person's competition with JWCFS or Genesis or any
Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be.
"ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any and all Governmental Requirements relating
to the environment or worker health or safety, including ambient air, surface
water, land surface, or subsurface strata, or to emissions, discharges, releases
or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial
toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (including Hazardous Substances) or
noxious noise or odor into the environment, or otherwise relating to the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
recycling, removal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants,
chemicals, or industrial toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (including
petroleum, petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing material,
polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorofluorocarbons (including chlorofluorocarbon-
12), or hydrochlorofluoro-carbons), including but not limited to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.A.
(S) 9601 et seq.; the Resource Conversation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C.A. (S)
6901 et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C.A. (S) 1251 et
seq.; the Federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C.A. (S) 7401 et seq.; the Federal
Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C.A. (S) 135 et seq.; the Toxic
Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C.A. (S) 2601 et seq.
"ENTITY" OR "ENTITIES" means one or more sole proprietorships,
corporations, partnerships of any kind having a separate legal status, limited
liability companies, business trusts, unincorporated organizations or
associations, mutual companies, joint stock companies, or joint ventures.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
"ERISA AFFILIATE" means any Person that is, or at any time within six years
of that time was, a member of any "group of organizations" within the meaning of
Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or any "controlled group" as defined
in Section
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4001(a)(14) of ERISA of which the specified Person is or was a member at the
same time.
"ERISA BENEFIT PLAN" means any "employee benefit plan" as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, excluding any Multiemployer Plan.
"ERISA PENSION BENEFIT PLAN" means any "employee pension benefit plan", as
defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, excluding any Multiemployer Plan.
"ESCROW AGENT" means American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
"ESCROW AGREEMENT" means the agreement in the form substantially as set
forth as Exhibit C.
"ESCROWED SHARES" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.8.
"EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"EXCHANGE AGENT" means American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
"EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POOL" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.
"FBCA" means the Florida Business Corporation Act.
"FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GENESIS" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.
"FIXED ALLOCATION POOL" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.
"FORM S-4 DOCUMENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles and practices, as
such principles and practices are applied in the United States of America as of
the date of the financial statement with respect to which the term is used.
"GENESIS" means Genesis Merchant Group Securities LLC, a California limited
liability company.
"GENESIS CAPITAL INTERESTS" refers to all of the capital ownership
interests of Genesis including without limitation the Class A-E Membership
Interest, the Class B Membership Interest, the Class C Membership Interest, and
the Class D Membership Interest.
"GENESIS COMBINATION BALANCE SHEET" has the meaning set forth in Section
10.2.13.
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"GENESIS MEMBERS" means those persons who are holders of record of Genesis
Membership Interests and execute this Agreement.
"GENESIS MEMBER INDEMNIFIED LOSS" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.
"GENESIS MEMBERSHIP INTEREST" refers to an equity ownership in Genesis,
however denominated or evidenced, except that it does not include any Special
Continuing Genesis Interest or any Class C Membership Interest or Class D
Membership Interest.
"GENESIS PLANS" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.24.
"GENESIS SOFTWARE" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21.
"GENESIS VOTING MEMBERS" shall mean the Class A-E Members and the Class B
Members of Genesis as defined in the Genesis Charter Documents.
"GENESIS VOTING MEMBERSHIP INTEREST" refers to the interest held by Class
A-E and Class B Members of Genesis.
"GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL" means at any time any authorization, consent,
approval, permit, franchise, certificate, license, implementing order, or
exemption of, or registration or filing with, any Governmental Authority,
including any certification or licensing of a natural person to engage in a
profession or trade or a specific regulated activity, at that time.
"GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" means (a) any national, state, county, municipal,
or other government, domestic or foreign, or any agency, board, bureau,
commission, court, department, or other instrumentality of any such government,
and (b) any Person having the authority under any applicable Governmental
Requirement to assess and collect Taxes for its own account.
"GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENT" means at any time (a) any law, statute, code,
ordinance, order, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, writ, edict,
award, authorization or other requirement of any Governmental Authority in
effect at that time, and (b) any obligation included in any certificate,
certification, franchise, permit, or license issued by any Governmental
Authority or resulting from binding arbitration, including any requirement under
common law, at that time.
"GUARANTY" means, for any specified Person, without duplication, any
liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person guaranteeing or otherwise
becoming liable for any obligation of any other Person (the "primary obligor")
in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any liability of
the specified Person, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or
supply funds for the purchase or payment of) that
-7-
obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of)
any security for the payment of that obligation, (b) to purchase property,
securities, or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of that obligation
of its payment, or (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital, or other
financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to
enable the primary obligor to pay that obligation; provided, that the term
"Guaranty" does not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the
ordinary course of the endorser's business.
"HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means any material or substance, or combination of
materials or substances, that by reason of quantity, concentration, composition,
or characteristic is or in the future becomes regulated under any Environmental
Law.
"HSR ACT" means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER" of a Person means at any time: (a) if that Person
is a natural person, then any child or grandchild (by blood or legal adoption)
or spouse of that Person at that time, or any child of that spouse, or such
person's parents, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law, or brothers and sisters-
in-law; and (b) if that Person is an Entity whose ultimate beneficial owner is a
natural person, or a natural person and his or her spouse, then any child or
grandchild (by blood or legal adoption) or spouse at that time, or any child of
that spouse, or such person's parents, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law, or
brothers and sisters-in-law of the ultimate beneficial owner or owners.
"INDEBTEDNESS" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) any liability
of that Person (i) for borrowed money or arising out of any extension of credit
to or for the account of that Person (including reimbursement or payment
obligations with respect to surety bonds, letters of credit, banker's
acceptances, and similar instruments), for the deferred purchase price of
property or services or arising under conditional sale or other title retention
agreements, other than trade payables arising in the ordinary course of
business, (ii) evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, or similar instruments, or
(iii) in respect of Capital Leases; (b) any liability secured by any Lien upon
any property or assets of that Person (or upon any revenues, income, or profits
of that Person therefrom), whether or not that Person has assumed that liability
or otherwise becomes liable for the payment thereof; or (c) any liability of
others of the type described in the preceding clause (a) or (b) in respect of
which that Person has incurred, assumed, or acquired a liability by means of a
Guaranty.
"INDEMNIFICATION LIMIT" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.6(a).
"INDEMNIFIED PARTY" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a).
"INDEMNIFYING PARTY" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a).
-8-
"INDEMNITY NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(d).
"INFORMATION" means written information, including without limitation, (a)
data, certificates, reports, files, records, agreements, correspondence, plans,
policies, practices, manuals, and statements, and (b) summaries of unwritten
agreements, arrangements, contracts, plans, policies, programs, or practices or
of unwritten amendments or modifications of, supplements to, or waivers under
any of the foregoing.
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
"JWCFS" means XX Xxxxxxx Financial Services, Inc., a Florida corporation.
"JWCFS COMMON STOCK" means the common stock, $.001 par value, of JWCFS.
"JWCFS INDEMNIFIED PARTY" means (a) each Genesis Member and each of that
Genesis Member's Affiliates (other than Genesis or, following the Effective
Time, Newco or any of its Subsidiaries, if the Genesis Member is an Affiliate of
Newco), agents, and counsel and (b) prior to the Effective Time, Genesis and
each of its officers, directors, employees, agents, and counsel who are not
JWCFS Indemnified Parties within the meaning of clause (a) of this definition.
"JWCFS INDEMNIFIED LOSS" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.
"JWCFS STOCK PLANS" means the JWCFS Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan
and the JWCFS Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
"LIENS" means, with respect to any property or asset of any Person (or any
revenues, income, or profits of that Person therefrom) (in each case whether the
same is consensual or nonconsensual or arises by contract, operation of law,
legal process, or otherwise), (a) any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge,
attachment, levy, or other charge or encumbrance of any kind thereupon or in
respect thereof or (b) any other arrangement under which the same is
transferred, sequestered, or otherwise identified with the intention of
subjecting the same to, or making the same available for, the payment or
performance of any liability in priority to the payment of the ordinary,
unsecured creditors of that Person, including any "adverse claim" (as defined in
Florida Statutes Annotated Section 678.302(2)) in the case of any Capital Stock.
For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to own subject to a
Lien any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor
or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease, or other title
retention agreement relating to that asset.
"LITIGATION" means any action, case, proceeding, claim, grievance, suit, or
investigation or other proceeding conducted by or pending before any
Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation proceeding.
-9-
"LLC EXCHANGE" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
"LLC GEORGIA MERGER" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.
"MATERIAL" means, as applied to any Entity, material to the business,
operations, property or assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of
operations, or prospects of that Entity and its Subsidiaries considered as a
whole.
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means, with respect to the consequences of any
fact or circumstance (including the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event)
to JWCFS and its Subsidiaries or to Genesis and its Subsidiaries, as the case
may be, considered as a whole (or after the Effective Time, to Newco and its
Subsidiaries considered as a whole), that such fact or circumstance has caused,
is causing, or may reasonably be expected to cause, directly, indirectly, or
consequentially, singularly or in the aggregate with other related facts and
circumstances, any Damages which exceed $500,000 with respect to JWCFS or
$100,000 with respect to Genesis.
"MINIMUM BALANCE SHEET AMOUNT" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.2.13.
"MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" means a "multiemployer plan" as defined in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA, Section 414 of the Code, or Section 3(37) of ERISA.
"NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
"NET CAPITAL" has the meaning set forth in Rule 15c3-1(c) of the General
Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.
"NEWCO" means JW Genesis Financial Corp., a Florida corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of JWCFS.
"NEWCO COMMON STOCK" means the common stock, $.001 par value of Newco.
"NEW GENESIS-GEORGIA LLC" means a new Georgia limited liability company
that may be formed and wholly owned by Newco for the sole purpose of effecting
the LLC Georgia Merger if the same is determined by JWCFS and Newco to be
necessary or advisable.
"NYSE" means The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
"OTHER COMPENSATION PLAN" means any compensation or benefit arrangement,
plan, policy, practice, or program established, maintained, or sponsored by
JWCFS or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, or to which
JWCFS or Genesis or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, contributes, on
behalf of any of its employees,
-10-
retirees, dependents, spouses, directors, independent contractors, or other
beneficiaries, including, but not limited to, all pension, retirement, profit
sharing, deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership,
severance pay, vacation, bonus, or other incentive plans, medical, vision,
dental or other health plans, life insurance plans, and all other employee
benefit plans or fringe benefit plans, but excluding any ERISA Benefit Plan.
"PARTNERSHIP TAX STATUS" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.
"PERSON" means any natural person, Entity, estate, trust, union or employee
organization, or Governmental Authority or, for the purpose of the definition of
"ERISA Affiliate", any trade or business.
"PLAN OF SHARE EXCHANGE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).
"PREDECESSOR GENESIS" means Genesis Merchant Group Securities LP, an
Illinois limited partnership.
"PROHIBITED TRANSACTION" means any transaction that is prohibited under
Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA and not exempt under Section
4975 of the Code or Section 408 of ERISA.
"Recent SEC Documents" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.17.
"RELATED PARTY AGREEMENT" means, as to a specified Person, any contract or
other agreement, written or oral, (a) to which that Person is a party or is
bound or by which any property of that Person is bound or may be subject, and
(b) (i) to which any of that Person's Related Persons or Affiliates also is a
party, (ii) of which any of that Person's Related Persons or Affiliates is a
beneficiary, or (iii) as to which any transaction contemplated thereby properly
would be characterized (without regard to the amount involved) as a related
party transaction for purposes of applying the disclosure requirements of GAAP
or the Commission applicable to the SEC Compliance Documents.
"Related Person" of a specified Person means (a) if that Person is a
natural person, (i) any Immediate Family Member of that Person, (ii) any Estate
of that Person or any Immediate Family Member of that Person, (iii) the trustee
of any inter vivos or testamentary trust of which all the beneficiaries are
Related Persons of that Person, and (iv) any Entity the entire equity interest
in which is owned by any one or more of that Person and Related Persons of that
Person; and (b) if that Person is an Entity, Estate, or trust, then (i) any
Person who owns an equity interest in that Person on the date hereof, (ii) any
Person who would be a Related Person under clause (a) of this definition of a
natural person who is an ultimate beneficial owner of the specified Person, or
(iii) any other Entity the entire equity interest in which is owned by any one
or more of that
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Person and Related Persons of that Person. As used in this definition, "Estate"
means, as to any natural person who has died or been adjudicated mentally
incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, that person's estate or the
administrator, conservator, executor, guardian, or representative of that
estate.
"REPRESENTATIVES" means, with respect to any Person, the directors,
officers, employees, Affiliates, accountants (including independent certified
public accountants), advisors, attorneys, consultants, or other agents of that
Person, or any other representatives of that Person or of any of those
directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, accountants (including independent
certified public accountants), advisors, attorneys, consultants or other agents.
"RESALE PROSPECTUS" means the prospectus included as a part of Resale
Registration Statement covering the sale of Xxxxxxxxx Stock.
"RESALE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" means a registration statement, including
any amendments or supplements thereto, of Newco filed with and declared
effective by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act that covers the
resale by Xxxxxxxxx of shares of Xxxxxxxxx Stock.
"RESTRICTED PAYMENT" means, with respect to any Entity at any time, any of
the following effected by that Entity, (a) any declaration or payment of any
dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any Capital
Stock of that Entity or any Affiliate of that Entity or (b) any direct or
indirect redemption, retirement, purchase, or other acquisition for value of, or
any direct or indirect purchase, payment, or sinking fund or similar deposit for
the redemption, retirement, purchase, or other acquisition for value of, or to
obtain the surrender of (i) any then outstanding Capital Stock of that Entity or
any Affiliate of that Entity or (ii) any then outstanding warrants, options, or
other rights to acquire or subscribe for or purchase unissued or treasury
Capital Stock of that Entity or any Affiliate of that Entity; provided, however,
the term "Restricted Payment" shall not include any of (a) payments made to
redeem any Class C Membership Interest or Class D Membership Interest in
Genesis, (b) distributions to the holders of Genesis Capital Interests of
profits of Genesis for the year ended December 31, 1997 and (c) an amount equal
to 62.5% of the net income of Genesis for the period beginning January 1, 1998
and ending on the Closing Date, provided that for the purpose of calculating
Genesis net income, no expenses attributable to the negotiation and carrying out
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be deducted from gross
income.
"RETURNS" means the returns, reports, or statements (including any
information returns) any Governmental Requirement requires to be filed for
purposes of any Tax.
"SEC COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9.
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"SELLER INDEMNIFIED PARTY" means JWCFS, Newco, their Affiliates, and each
of their respective shareholders and Representatives (excluding, however,
Genesis, Genesis Members, and their Affiliates if their status as Affiliates,
shareholders, or Representatives of JWCFS or Newco is based on this Agreement or
the Combination).
"SELLER INDEMNIFIED LOSS" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).
"SHARE EXCHANGE" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
"SPECIAL CONTINUING GENESIS INTEREST" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.9.
"SRO REPORTS" means, as to a Person, all forms, reports, statements and
documents required to be filed by that Person with the NASD, AMEX, NYSE, or
other self-regulatory organizations since January 1, 1995.
"SUBSIDIARY" or "SUBSIDIARIES" of any specified Person means any Entity or
Entities, as the case may be, a majority of the Capital Stock of which is or are
at that time owned directly by the specified Person.
"TAX" or "TAXES" means all net or gross income, gross receipts, net
proceeds, sales, use, ad valorem, value added, franchise, bank shares,
withholding, payroll, employment, excise, property, deed, stamp, alternative or
add-on minimum, environmental, or other taxes, assessments, duties, fees,
levies, or other governmental charges or assessments of any nature whatever
imposed by any Governmental Requirement, whether disputed or not, together with
any interest, penalties, or additional amounts with respect thereto.
"TAXING AUTHORITY" means any Governmental Authority having or purporting to
exercise jurisdiction with respect to any Tax.
"THIRD PARTY CLAIM" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.
"THRESHOLD AMOUNT" means five percent (5%) of the Indemnification Limit.
"TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS" means this Agreement, the Assumption Agreement, the
Employment Agreements, and the other written agreements, documents, instruments,
and certificates executed pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or
the Combination, including those specified in Article 10 to be delivered at or
before the Closing Date, all as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to
time.
"XXXXXXXXX STOCK" means the shares of Newco Common Stock issued to The Will
X. Xxxxxxxxx Revocable Trust pursuant to this Agreement as consideration for the
LLC Exchange and any other shares of Newco Common Stock issued or issuable in
respect
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of the Newco Common Stock (because of stock splits, stock dividends,
reclassifications, recapitalizations, or similar events) to Xxxxxxxxx.
"XXXXXXXXX" means The Will X. Xxxxxxxxx Revocable Trust Under Trust
Agreement dated February 27, 1990 and any subsequent lawful holder of record of
shares of Xxxxxxxxx Stock.
"WELFARE PLAN" means an "employee welfare benefit plan" as defined in
Section 3(1) of ERISA.
"WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY" means, as a Person, any corporation or other
Entity or Entities, as the case may be, all of the outstanding Capital Stock of
which, on a fully diluted basis, is owned, directly by, or indirectly through
another Wholly Owned Subsidiary, by that Person.
1.2 OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS.
-----------------------------
(a) Except as otherwise specified herein, all references herein to any
Governmental Requirement defined or referred to herein, including the Code,
ERISA, the Exchange Act, and the Securities Act, shall be deemed references to
that Governmental Requirement or any successor Governmental Requirement, as the
same may have been amended or supplemented from time to time, and any rules or
regulations promulgated thereunder.
(b) When used in this Agreement, the words "herein", "hereof", and
"hereunder" and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole
and not to any provision of this Agreement, and the words "Article", "Section",
"Annex", "Schedule", and "Exhibit" refer to Articles and Sections of, and
Annexes, Schedules, and Exhibits to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified.
(c) Whenever the context so requires, the singular includes the plural and
vice versa, and a reference to one gender includes the other gender and the
neuter.
(d) The word "including" (and, with correlative meaning, the word
"include") means that the generality of any description preceding such word is
not limited, and the words "shall" and "will" are used interchangeably and have
---
the same meaning.
1.3 CAPTIONS. Captions to Articles, Sections, and subsections of, and
--------
Annexes, Schedules, and Exhibits to, this Agreement or any Transaction Document
are included for convenience of reference only, and such captions shall not
constitute a part of this Agreement or any Transaction Document for any other
purpose or in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of
this Agreement or any Transaction Document.
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ARTICLE 2
THE COMBINATION
Subject and pursuant to the terms and conditions provided herein, the
Combination shall be effected upon the consummation of the Share Exchange and
the LLC Exchange, which shall be accomplished in the manner and with the effects
set forth below:
2.1 Articles of Share Exchange; Delivery of Membership Interests. JWCFS
------------------------------------------------------------
and Newco will cause Articles of Share Exchange to be duly executed and
delivered on or prior to the Closing Date and to be filed with the Secretary of
State of the State of Florida in accordance with the Florida Business
Corporation Act (the "FBCA"). Genesis will deliver to Newco on the Closing Date
instruments or other evidence of ownership representing at least 90% of the
outstanding Genesis Voting Membership Interests, in a form legally sufficient to
convey ownership thereof to Newco.
2.2 The Effective Time. The Combination will be effective (the "Effective
------------------
Time") at the time on the Closing Date that the Articles of Share Exchange
specify or, if the Articles of Share Exchange do not specify another time, 4:30
P.M., Eastern Time, on the Closing Date.
2.3 Certain Effects of the Combination. At and as of the Effective Time:
----------------------------------
(a) Newco shall first acquire all of the issued and outstanding JWCFS
Common Stock in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(b) and in the Plan of Share
Exchange substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Plan of
Share Exchange") and in accordance with the provisions of the FBCA, and,
thereafter, shall promptly acquire at least 90% of the Genesis Voting Membership
Interests in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(a);
(b) Newco will (i) own all of the outstanding Capital Stock of JWCFS, (ii)
own at least 90% of the Genesis Voting Membership Interests, (iii) assume all of
the obligations of JWCFS under outstanding options, warrants, and other rights
to purchase any shares of JWCFS Common Stock and under the applicable JWCFS
Stock Plans, pursuant to the terms of an assumption agreement substantially in
the form set forth as EXHIBIT B hereto (the "Assumption Agreement"), and (iv) be
governed by the laws of the State of Florida;
(c) the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Newco as of the Effective
Time will remain (until changed in accordance with applicable law or their
terms) the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Newco from and after the
Effective Time;
(d) the initial Board of Directors of Newco following the Effective Time
will consist of the persons set forth on ANNEX A to this Agreement, each of whom
will be so identified in the Plan of Share Exchange and will hold the office of
director of Newco
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subject to the provisions of the laws of the State of Florida and the Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws of Newco until that person's successor, if there is
to be one, is duly elected and qualified;
(e) the initial officers of Newco following the Effective Time will
consist of the persons set forth on ANNEX B to this Agreement, each of whom will
be so identified in the Plan of Share Exchange and will serve in such office,
subject to the provisions of the laws of the State of Florida and the Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws of Newco; and
(f) the Share Exchange shall otherwise have the effects specified in
applicable provisions of the FBCA.
2.4 Exchange of Genesis Membership Interests; Exchange of JWCFS Common
------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock. At and as of the Effective Time:
-----
(a) In accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Genesis Membership
Interests owned by the Genesis Members outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be exchanged for an aggregate number of up to 1,500,000
fully paid and nonassessable shares of Newco Common Stock, to be allocated among
the Genesis Members in accordance with their respective ownership of such
Genesis Membership Interests as set forth on ANNEX C; provided, however, this
number of shares is subject to pro rata reduction (without a corresponding
decrease in the Escrowed Shares) if Genesis and the Genesis Members instruct
Newco, in writing, to deliver shares of Newco Common Stock to Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx &
Xxxxxxxx to satisfy the obligations of Genesis and the Genesis Members with
respect to any brokerage or finders fee in connection with this transaction. Any
holder of Genesis Voting Membership Interests listed on Annex C who does not
execute this Agreement will not be entitled to receive its allocated share of
the 1,500,000 shares of Newco Common Stock, which shares will be retained by
Newco. No fractional shares of Newco Common Stock will be issued, however, and
any Genesis Member who otherwise would be entitled to a fraction of a share of
Newco Common Stock shall be paid an amount in cash equal to such fractional part
of a share multiplied by the closing price of JWCFS Common Stock on the AMEX on
the trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date. In accordance with the
terms and conditions of this Section 2.4(a), Newco shall deliver to the Genesis
Members certificates representing the number of shares of Newco Common Stock to
be issued and delivered to them upon exchange of Genesis Membership Interests,
and shall make available sufficient funds to provide for cash payments in lieu
of the issuance of fractional shares; and
(b) By virtue of the Share Exchange and without any action on the part of
the JWCFS Shareholders, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the
Plan of Share Exchange, each share of JWCFS Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be exchanged for and become the
right to receive, without interest, one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share
of Newco Common Stock. In
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accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan of Share
Exchange, Newco shall deliver to the JWCFS Shareholders certificates
representing the number of shares of Newco Common Stock to be issued and
delivered to them upon exchange of shares JWCFS Common Stock. All shares of
JWCFS Common Stock that, immediately prior to the Effective Time of the
Combination, are owned directly or indirectly by JWCFS as treasury stock, or by
Newco or any other subsidiary of JWCFS, shall be canceled, and no consideration
shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
(c) By virtue of the Share Exchange, all of the shares of Newco Common
Stock owned by JWCFS as of the Effective Time will be canceled.
2.5 Assumption of JWCFS Options, Purchase Rights, and Warrants.
----------------------------------------------------------
(a) At and as of the Effective Time, (i) each outstanding option to
purchase shares of JWCFS Common Stock (a "JWCFS Option"), (ii) each outstanding
warrant to purchase shares of JWCFS Common Stock (a "JWCFS Warrant"), and (iii)
each other outstanding right to purchase shares of JWCFS Common Stock, including
rights under the JWCFS Employee Stock Purchase Plan (a "JWCFS Purchase Right")
shall be assumed by Newco and converted into an option, warrant, or right, as
the case may be, to purchase shares of Newco Common Stock, as provided below.
Following the Effective Time, each JWCFS Option or JWCFS Purchase Right shall
continue to have, and shall be subject to, the same terms and conditions set
forth in the applicable JWCFS Stock Plan pursuant to which such JWCFS Option or
JWCFS Purchase Right was granted and any agreement by which the same was
evidenced, and each JWCFS Warrant shall continue to have, and shall be subject
to, the same terms and conditions set forth in any applicable warrant plan
pursuant to which such JWCFS Warrant was granted and any agreement by which the
same was granted or evidenced, in each case as such JWCFS Stock Plan or warrant
plan as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that each such
JWCFS Option, JWCFS Purchase Right, or JWCFS Warrant shall be exercisable for
the same number of shares of Newco Common Stock as the number of shares of JWCFS
Common Stock for which such JWCFS Option, JWCFS Purchase Right, or JWCFS Warrant
was exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(b) As of the Effective Time, Newco shall enter into the Assumption
Agreement covering all JWCFS Options, JWCFS Purchase Rights, and JWCFS Warrants,
which in the case of any JWCFS Option or JWCFS Purchase Right, shall provide for
Newco's assumption of the obligations of JWCFS under the applicable JWCFS Stock
Plans. Prior to the Effective Time, JWCFS shall make such amendments, if any,
to the JWCFS Stock Plans as shall be necessary to permit such assumption in
accordance with this Section 2.5.
(c) It is the intention of the parties that, to the extent that any JWCFS
Option constitutes an "incentive stock option" (within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code) immediately prior to the Effective Time, such JWCFS Option
shall continue to qualify as
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an incentive stock option to the maximum extent permitted by Section 422 of the
Code, and that the assumption of the JWCFS Option provided by this Section 2.5
shall satisfy the conditions of Section 424(a) of the Code.
2.6 Adjustments. The number and kind of shares of Newco Common Stock to
-----------
be issued pursuant to the Combination shall be appropriately adjusted to take
into account any stock split, stock dividend, reverse stock split,
recapitalization, stock repurchase, redemption or other similar change in the
capitalization of JWCFS occurring between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Time.
2.7 Surrender of Certificates.
-------------------------
(a) Exchange Procedures. (i) Promptly after the Effective Time, Newco
shall cause its transfer agent and registrar, American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, acting as the exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), to mail to the
former shareholders of JWCFS appropriate transmittal materials (which shall
specify that delivery shall be effected, and the risk of loss and title to the
certificates theretofore representing shares of JWCFS Common Stock shall pass,
only upon proper delivery of such certificates to the Exchange Agent) advising
such holder of the effectiveness of the Share Exchange and the procedure for
surrendering to the Exchange Agent (who may appoint forwarding agents with the
approval of Newco) such certificates for exchange into certificates evidencing
Newco Common Stock. Each holder of certificates theretofore evidencing shares of
JWCFS Common Stock, upon proper surrender thereof to the Exchange Agent together
and in accordance with such transmittal form, shall be entitled promptly to
receive in exchange therefor certificates evidencing Newco Common Stock
deliverable in respect of the shares of JWCFS Common Stock evidenced by the
certificates so surrendered, together with all undelivered dividends and
distributions in respect of such shares (without interest thereon) pursuant to
Section 2.7(b). Newco shall not be obligated to deliver the consideration to
which any former holder of JWCFS Common Stock is entitled as a result of the
Share Exchange until such holder surrenders such holder's certificate or
certificates representing the shares of JWCFS Common Stock for exchange as
provided in this Section 2.7(a). The certificate or certificates of JWCFS Common
Stock so surrendered shall be duly endorsed as the Exchange Agent may require.
Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, neither Newco nor the
Exchange Agent shall be liable to a holder of JWCFS Common Stock for any amounts
paid or property delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property law.
(ii) Promptly after the Effective Time, Newco shall deliver, or
cause the Exchange Agent to promptly deliver to, each of the Genesis Members
certificates evidencing Newco Common Stock (and cash in lieu of any fractional
share) deliverable to such Genesis Member pursuant to Section 2.4, if there has
--
been delivered to Newco the certificates representing (or other instruments or
evidence of ownership of) all Genesis
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Membership Interests of such Genesis Member (properly endorsed for transfer
to (or otherwise legally sufficient to convey ownership thereof) to Newco.
(b) Rights of Former JWCFS Shareholders. At the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of JWCFS shall be closed as to holders of JWCFS Common
Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time, and no transfer of JWCFS Common
Stock (as opposed to transfers of Newco Common Stock) by any such holder shall
thereafter be made or recognized. Until surrendered for exchange in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2.7(a), each certificate theretofore representing
shares of JWCFS Common Stock shall from and after the Effective Time represent
for all purposes only the right to receive the consideration provided in Section
2.4(b) in exchange therefor. To the extent permitted by Law, former shareholders
of record of JWCFS shall be entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any
meeting of Newco shareholders the number of shares of Newco Common Stock into
which their respective shares of JWCFS Common Stock were converted in the Share
Exchange, regardless of whether such holders have exchanged their certificates
representing JWCFS Common Stock for certificates representing Newco Common Stock
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Whenever a dividend or
other distribution is declared by Newco on the Newco Common Stock, the record
date for which is at or after the Effective Time, the Newco declaration shall
include dividends or other distributions on all shares of Newco Common Stock
issuable pursuant to this Agreement, but no dividend or other distribution
payable to the holders of record of Newco Common Stock as of any time subsequent
to the Effective Time shall be delivered to the holder of any certificate
representing shares of JWCFS Common Stock issued and outstanding at the
Effective Time until such holder surrenders such certificate for exchange as
provided in this Section 2.7. However, upon surrender of such JWCFS stock
certificate, the Newco Common Stock certificate (together with all such
undelivered dividends or other distributions, without interest) shall be
delivered and paid with respect to each share represented by such certificate.
(c) Withholding. Newco or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to
deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable or issuable
pursuant to this Agreement to any JWCFS Shareholder or Genesis Member such
amounts as Newco or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with
respect to the making of such payment or issuance under the Code or any
Governmental Requirement. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Newco or
the Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of
this Agreement as having been paid to the JWCFS Shareholder or Genesis Member in
respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Newco or the
Exchange Agent.
(d) Lost Certificates. If any certificate shall have been lost,
stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen, or destroyed, Newco will issue in
exchange for such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate the certificate
evidencing shares of Newco Common Stock deliverable in respect thereof, as
determined in accordance with this Article 2. When
-19-
authorizing such issue of the certificate of shares of Newco Common Stock in
exchange therefor, the Board of Directors of Newco may, in its discretion and as
a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost,
stolen, or destroyed certificate to give Newco a bond in such sum as it may
direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against Newco with
respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
2.8 Escrow Account. On the Closing Date, an aggregate of ten percent
--------------
(10%) of the shares of Newco Common Stock to be received by the Genesis Members
in the LLC Exchange (the "Escrowed Shares"), allocated among the Genesis Members
as set forth in ANNEX C, shall be deposited with the Escrow Agent in a
segregated account (the "Escrow Account") pursuant to the Escrow Agreement set
forth as Exhibit C for a period of up to one year from the Closing Date, for the
purpose of securing and funding the obligations of the Genesis Members or
Genesis to Newco that may arise pursuant to Article 9 hereof, except with
respect to an individual Genesis Member as a result of Article 3, in which case,
the liability of such Genesis Member may extend to the value on the Closing Date
of the total number of shares of Newco Common Stock received by the Genesis
Member pursuant to the LLC Exchange. No Genesis Member shall have any personal
liability for, nor shall any Genesis Member's share of the Escrowed Shares serve
as a source of recovery for, any breach or misrepresentation under Article 3 by
any other Genesis Member. The Escrowed Shares shall be held in the Escrow
Account and disbursed in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the respective Genesis Members as the legal
owners of the Escrowed Shares, unless and until disposed of in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, shall be entitled to
exercise the voting rights and to receive any dividends or other distributions
declared and paid with respect to such shares; provided, however, any shares of
-------- -------
Newco Common Stock issued with respect to the Escrowed Shares as a result of a
stock dividend, share exchange, stock split, or other action in respect of the
Newco Common Stock, shall be held in the Escrow Account as additional Escrowed
Shares.
2.9 Maintenance of Two Members of Genesis. Simultaneously with the
-------------------------------------
consummation of the LLC Exchange, but without affecting any right, interest, or
obligation of any Genesis Member otherwise arising under or in connection with
this Agreement, Genesis may be merged with and into New Genesis-Georgia LLC (the
"LLC Georgia Merger"). Newco and Genesis, if requested by JWCFS, shall cause
Articles of Merger of Genesis and New Genesis-Georgia LLC to be duly executed
and delivered on or prior to the Closing Date to be filed with the Secretary of
State of each of California and Georgia, as applicable, in order to cause the
LLC Georgia Merger to be effective from and after the Effective Time. The
parties expressly acknowledge that the purpose of the LLC Georgia Merger is to
avoid possible non-compliance with the California Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, which may
not permit the ownership of a limited liability company by only one Person,
whereas the Georgia Business Corporation Act permits such ownership. In lieu of
effecting the LLC Georgia Merger, however, JWCFS and Newco
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shall have the right, notwithstanding any other provision hereof, to establish
an Affiliate of Newco either (i) to be a recipient along with Newco of a portion
of the Genesis Membership Interests from the Genesis Members in the LLC Exchange
(and thereafter, following the LLC Exchange, may effect the LLC Merger), or (ii)
to receive a noneconomic interest in Genesis prior to the Effective Time, which
interest shall continue to be held by such Affiliate and not exchanged in the
LLC Exchange ("Special Continuing Genesis Interest"); provided that any such
--------
action does not affect the consideration payable to the Genesis Members or the
tax consequences of the LLC Exchange or the Combination to any Genesis Member or
any other right, interest, or obligation of a Genesis Member.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GENESIS MEMBERS
Each Genesis Member, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to
JWCFS and Newco that, as applied solely to such Genesis Member, all of the
representations and warranties in this Article 3 are, as of the date of this
Agreement, and will be on the Closing Date, true and correct, and do not and
will not contain or omit any disclosure that has or will or could have a
Material Adverse Effect on Genesis or Newco.
3.1 Investment Intentions.
---------------------
(a) The Genesis Member (i) will be acquiring the shares of Newco Common
Stock to be issued pursuant to Section 2.4 to the Genesis Member solely for such
Genesis Member's account, for investment purposes only and with no current
intention or plan to distribute, sell, or otherwise dispose of any of those
shares in connection with any distribution that is not made pursuant to an
appropriate registration statement or in accordance with an applicable exemption
promulgated under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities law;
(ii) is not a party to any agreement or other arrangement for the disposition of
any shares of Newco Common Stock other than this Agreement; (iii) unless
disclosed otherwise on Schedule 3.1, is an "accredited investor" as defined in
Securities Act Rule 501(a); and (iv) (A) is able to bear the economic risks of
an investment in the Newco Common Stock acquired pursuant to this Agreement, (B)
can afford to sustain a total loss of that investment, (C) has such knowledge
and experience in financial and business matters that the Genesis Member is
capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the proposed investment in the
Newco Common Stock, (D) has received and carefully reviewed the Recent SEC
Documents and has had an adequate opportunity to ask questions and receive
answers from the officers of JWCFS and Newco concerning any and all matters
relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, including the background and
experience of the current and proposed officers and directors of JWCFS and
Newco, the plans for the operations of the business of Newco, and the business,
operations, and financial condition of JWCFS and Newco, and (E) has asked all
-21-
questions of the nature described in preceding clause (D), and all those
questions have been answered to such Genesis Member's satisfaction.
(b) The Genesis Member has no present plan, intention, or arrangement to
dispose of any of the Newco Common Stock to be received in the LLC Exchange if
such disposition would reduce the fair value of the Newco Common Stock (with
such value measured as of the Closing Date) retained by the Genesis Member to an
amount less than 50% of the fair value of the Genesis Membership Interests held
by the Genesis Member immediately before the consummation of the LLC Exchange.
3.2 Ownership and Status of Genesis Member Interests. The Genesis Member
------------------------------------------------
is the record and beneficial owner (or, if the Genesis Member is a trust or the
estate of a deceased natural person, the legal owner) of the percentage of the
outstanding Genesis Membership Interests set forth opposite the Genesis Member's
name in ANNEX C, free and clear of all Liens, except for the Liens accurately
set forth in Schedule 3.2, all of which will be released at or before the
Effective Time.
3.3 Power of Genesis Member; Approval of LLC Exchange.
-------------------------------------------------
(a) The Genesis Member has the full power, legal capacity, and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Transaction Document to which the
Genesis Member is a party and to perform the Genesis Member's obligations in
this Agreement and in all Transaction Documents to which the Genesis Member is a
party. This Agreement constitutes, and each such Transaction Document when
executed in the Genesis Member's individual or legal capacity and delivered by
the Genesis Member, will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation of
the Genesis Member, enforceable against the Genesis Member in accordance with
its terms, except as that enforceability may be (i) limited by any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting
the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) subject to general
principles of equity (regardless of whether that enforceability is considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law). If the Genesis Member is an Entity, the
Genesis Member has obtained, in accordance with all applicable Governmental
Requirements and its Charter Documents, all approvals and the taking of all
actions necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery, and performance by
the Genesis Member of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which the
Genesis Member is a party. If the Genesis Member is acting otherwise than in his
individual capacity (whether as an executor or a guardian or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity), all actions on the part of the Genesis
Member and all other Persons (including any court) necessary for the
authorization, execution, delivery, and performance by the Genesis Member of
this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which the Genesis Member is a
party have been duly taken and the transactions contemplated herein have been
duly authorized.
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(b) The Genesis Member, acting in each capacity in which he or it is
required and entitled to vote to approve or disapprove the consummation of the
LLC Exchange, has voted all the Genesis Membership Interests owned by him or it
in favor of the entering of this Agreement and the consummation of the LLC
Exchange and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
3.4 No Conflicts or Litigation. The execution, delivery, and performance
--------------------------
in accordance with their respective terms by the Genesis Member of this
Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which the Genesis Member is a party
do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with any Governmental Requirement
applicable to such Genesis Member, (b) breach or constitute a default under any
agreement or instrument to which the Genesis Member is a party or by which the
Genesis Member or any of the Genesis Membership Interests owned by the Genesis
Member is bound, (c) result in the creation or imposition of, or afford any
Person the right to obtain, any Lien upon any of the Genesis Membership
Interests owned by the Genesis Member, or (d) if the Genesis Member is an
Entity, violate the Genesis Member's Charter Documents. No Litigation is pending
to which such Genesis Member is a party or, to the knowledge of the Genesis
Member, threatened to which the Genesis Member is or may become a party that (i)
questions or involves the validity or enforceability of any of the Genesis
Member's obligations under any Transaction Document or (ii) seeks (or reasonably
may be expected to seek) (A) to prevent or delay the consummation by the Genesis
Member of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated by
the Genesis Member or (B) Damages in connection with any consummation by the
Genesis Member of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.5 No Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5, the Genesis Member
----------
has not, directly or indirectly, in connection with this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby (a) employed any broker, finder, or agent or
(b) agreed to pay or incurred any obligation to pay any broker's or finder's
fee, any sales commission, or any similar form of compensation.
3.6 Preemptive and Other Rights; Waiver. Except for the rights of the
-----------------------------------
Genesis Member to receive shares of Newco Common Stock as a result of the LLC
Exchange or to acquire Newco Common Stock pursuant to any written option granted
by JWCFS or Newco to the Genesis Member separate and apart from this Agreement,
the Genesis Member either (a) does not own or otherwise have any statutory or
contractual preemptive or other right of any kind (including any right of first
offer or refusal) to acquire any shares of Newco Common Stock or (b) hereby
irrevocably waives each right of that type the Genesis Member does own or
otherwise has.
3.7 Control of Related Businesses. Except as accurately set forth in
-----------------------------
Schedule 3.7, the Class A-E Members are not, alone or with one or more other
Related Persons, the controlling Affiliate of, or have an equity interest in,
any Entity, business, or trade (other than Genesis Merchant Group, L.P., GMG,
Inc. and GMG Seneca L.P.) that
-23-
(a) is engaged in any line of business that is the same as or similar to the
business of Genesis or JWCFS, as described in the recitals to this Agreement, or
(b) is, or has within the three-year period ending on the date of this
Agreement, engaged in any transaction with Genesis or any Genesis Subsidiary.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GENESIS
As an inducement to JWCFS to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, Genesis represents and warrants as
follows:
4.1 Organization, Etc. of Genesis. Genesis has power (corporate or
-----------------------------
otherwise) to own or lease its properties and to carry on its business as and in
the places where such properties are now owned, leased, or operated and such
business is now conducted, and has fully complied in all material respects with
all applicable federal, state, foreign, and other laws with respect to its
operations and the conduct of its business, except for any such failures to so
comply (none of which are now known to Genesis) that will not, singly or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the business, assets, results of
operations, financial condition, or prospects of Genesis. Genesis is duly
qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation for the transaction of
business under the laws of each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases
property, or conducts business, so as to require such qualification, which
jurisdictions are set forth on Schedule 4.1. Copies of the Articles of
Organization and all amendments thereto, the Operating Agreement, as amended and
currently in force, certificates of authority or qualification to transact
business as a foreign limited liability company in each jurisdiction where such
is required, membership unit records, and corporate minutes and records of
Genesis have heretofore been made available to JWCFS and are true, complete, and
correct at the date hereof.
4.2 Capitalization. Annex C accurately identifies the holders and the
--------------
amounts held by them of all of the Genesis Capital Interests. All of the issued
and outstanding Genesis Capital Interests are duly authorized and validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable were offered, sold, and issued in
accordance with applicable federal and state securities laws, and there are no
preemptive rights in respect thereof.
4.3 Rights to Acquire Genesis Capital Interests. There are no outstanding
-------------------------------------------
options, warrants, rights, calls, commitments, conversion rights, plans, or
other agreements or arrangements of any character providing for the purchase or
issuance of any additional Genesis Capital Interests.
4.4 Subsidiaries. Genesis has no direct or indirect subsidiaries.
------------
4.5 Authority. Each of Genesis and the Genesis Members has full legal
---------
power and authority to make, execute, and deliver this Agreement and to perform
its or their obligations hereunder and thereunder and in connection with the
transactions contemplated
-24-
hereby and thereby, and the making, execution, and delivery of this Agreement by
each of Genesis and the Genesis Members and the performance of its or their
respective obligations in compliance with their respective terms, have been duly
authorized by all necessary action of Genesis and of the Genesis Members.
4.6 No Default Resulting from Agreement. Except as set forth on Schedule
-----------------------------------
4.6, neither the making, execution, and delivery of this Agreement, nor the
performance by Genesis and the Genesis Members of their respective obligations
in compliance with its terms, will (i) result in a breach or violation of any
term or condition of, or constitute a default under, the Articles of
Organization, or the Operating Agreement of Genesis, as each may have been
amended, (ii) constitute a default that may reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Genesis under any agreement, instrument, undertaking,
judgment, decree, governmental order, or other restriction or obligation to
which Genesis is a party or by which its properties or assets may be bound or
affected or (iii) result in a violation of any Governmental Requirement. Except
as set forth in Schedule 4.6, no consent of or filing with any Governmental
Authority is required in connection with the valid making, execution, or
delivery of this Agreement by Genesis or the Genesis Members, or the performance
by any of them of their respective obligations in compliance with their
respective terms.
4.7 Financial Statements of Genesis; Disclosure.
-------------------------------------------
(a) Set forth as Schedule 4.7 are true, correct, and complete copies of the
audited consolidated financial statements of Genesis and Predecessor Genesis, as
applicable, for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, and the
unaudited financial statements of Genesis for the nine months ended September
30, 1997, including the notes and any schedules thereto and the reports of its
independent certified public accountants thereon (collectively, the "Financial
Statements of Genesis"). The Financial Statements of Genesis have been prepared
in conformity with GAAP, consistently applied, except as provided in Schedule
4.7(a), and present fairly the consolidated financial position of Genesis at
each of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of its operations and
changes in its cash flow for each of the periods indicated.
(b) (i) As of the date hereof, all Information that has been made
available to JWCFS by or on behalf of Genesis in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby is, taken together, true and correct in all
material respects and does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
contained therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which those
statements were made.
(ii) All Information that is made available to JWCFS by or on behalf
of Genesis or any Genesis Member from the date hereof to the Closing in
connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any Transaction Document will
be, when made available and taken together, true and correct in all material
respects and will not contain any
-25-
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading in any material
respect in light of the circumstances under which those statements are made.
(iii) All financial budgets and projections that have been or are
hereafter from time to time prepared by Genesis or any of its Representatives
and made available to JWCFS prior to the Closing pursuant to or in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been and will be
prepared and furnished to JWCFS in good faith and were and will be based on
facts and assumptions that are believed by Genesis and the Genesis Member to be
reasonable in light of the then current and foreseeable business conditions of
Genesis and represented and will represent Genesis' good faith estimate of the
projected financial performance of Genesis based on the information available to
Genesis at the time so furnished.
4.8 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as fully reflected in the
----------------------------------
Financial Statements of Genesis or as set forth in Schedule 4.8, Genesis has no
debt, liability, or obligation of any kind (whether accrued, absolute,
contingent, or otherwise) including without limitation any liability or
obligation on account of taxes or any governmental charge, penalty, interest, or
fine, or any "loss contingencies" considered "probable" or "reasonably possible"
within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, except (i) liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business since the Current Balance Sheet Date, none of which
have, individually or in the aggregate, had a Material Adverse Effect on
Genesis, and (ii) liabilities incurred in connection with the transactions
provided for in this Agreement and the Combination. Genesis is not in default
with respect to any term or condition of any Indebtedness; and except as set
forth on Schedule 4.8, no notice has been given by any holder of any
Indebtedness claiming that any default or breach exists that has not been
remedied by Genesis or waived in writing by such holder.
4.9 Property.
--------
(a) Genesis has good and marketable title to all personal property owned
by it, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except such as are set forth on
Schedule 4.9(a) or such as do not Materially affect the value of such property
and do not interfere with the use made or reasonably anticipated to be made of
such property.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9(b), no real property, building, or
material personal property is held under any lease by Genesis, and such as may
be so held are held under a valid lease of which Genesis is not in default or in
breach or violation of any term or condition thereof in a manner that may
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Genesis. Schedule
4.9(b) accurately lists and correctly describes in all Material respects (i) all
real properties owned or leased by Genesis and, for each of those properties,
the address thereof, the type and square footage of each structure located
thereon, and the use thereof in the business of Genesis, (ii) whether each such
property
-26-
was or is currently owned by any Genesis Member, any Related Person or Affiliate
of any Genesis Member (other than Genesis), and (iii) with respect to any leased
property, the expiration date of the lease.
(c) Genesis has provided JWCFS with true, complete, and correct copies of
all leases under which Genesis is leasing each of the properties listed in
Schedule 4.9(b) as being leased and, except as accurately set forth in Schedule
4.9(c) each of those leases is valid and binding on the lessor party thereto,
and the lessee party thereto has not sublet any of the leased space to any
Person other than Genesis.
(d) The fixed assets of Genesis are located at one or more of the real
properties listed in Schedule 4.9(b) and, except as accurately set forth in
Schedule 4.9(d), are well-maintained and adequate for the purposes for which
they presently are being used or held for use, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
4.10 Certain Environmental Matters. (a) Except as accurately disclosed in
-----------------------------
Schedule 4.10(a), Genesis has complied, and remains in compliance, with the
provisions of all Environmental Laws applicable to it or any of its respective
presently owned or operated facilities, sites, or other properties, businesses,
and operations; (b) except as accurately disclosed in Schedule 4.10(b), no
Hazardous Substances have been disposed of or released at, from, in, or on any
site owned or operated by Genesis in violation of applicable Environmental Laws;
(c) except as accurately disclosed in Schedule 4.10(c), neither Genesis (or any
agent or contractor of Genesis) has transported or arranged for the
transportation of any Hazardous Substances to, or disposed or arranged for the
disposition of any Hazardous Substances at, any off-site location that could
lead to any claim against Genesis, or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of Genesis, as
a potentially responsible party or otherwise, for any clean-up costs, remedial
work, damage to natural resources, personal injury, or property damage,
including any claim under Environmental Laws; and (d) except as accurately
disclosed in Schedule 4.10(d), no storage tanks existed or exist on or under any
of the properties owned, leased, or operated by Genesis from which any Hazardous
Substances could have been released into the surrounding environment. Genesis
has provided JWCFS with copies (or if not available, accurate written summaries)
of all environmental investigations, studies, audits, reviews, inspections, and
other analyses conducted by or on behalf, or which otherwise are in the
possession, of Genesis respecting any facility, site, or other property
presently owned, leased, or operated by Genesis.
4.11 Notes and Accounts Receivable. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11,
-----------------------------
all receivables reflected in the Financial Statements of Genesis (net of
reserves stated therein) were, and all such receivables held by Genesis on the
date hereof are, valid obligations of the makers thereof. Genesis has not
received any notice from any of the makers of such receivables of any alleged
offsets or counterclaims, nor does Genesis have any reason to believe that any
of such receivables are not collectible. Genesis has no reason to believe that
future experiences with respect to the amount of allowances for uncollectible
receivables
-27-
will vary materially and adversely from the amount of such allowances reflected
in the Financial Statements of Genesis.
4.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws Generally. Except as set forth on
------------------------------------------
Schedule 4.12, (a) no Litigation is pending or overtly threatened against, by,
or affecting Genesis that might have a Material Adverse Effect on Genesis or
that might prevent or impede the Combination; (b) Genesis has not been charged
with, and to the best knowledge of Genesis is not under investigation with
respect to, any charge concerning any violation of any Governmental Requirement
in respect to its business, except as set forth in Schedule 4.12; and (c) there
are no judgments unsatisfied against Genesis or the Genesis Members, and no
consent decrees to which Genesis or the Genesis Members is subject. Genesis is
in compliance with all applicable Governmental Requirements, except where the
failure to so comply does not and will not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Genesis or on Newco following the Combination.
4.13 Tax Matters. Each of the following representations and warranties in
-----------
this Section 4.13 is qualified to the extent set forth in Schedule 4.13.
(a) For federal, state and local income tax purposes, Genesis is a
Partnership as defined in Section 7701 of the Code. All Returns required to be
filed with respect to any Tax for which Genesis is liable have been duly and
timely filed with the appropriate Taxing Authority. All such Returns were
correct and complete in all Material respects, and each Tax shown to be payable
on each such Return has been paid. Each Tax payable by Genesis by assessment has
been timely paid in the amount assessed, and adequate reserves have been
established on the consolidated books of Genesis for all Taxes for which Genesis
is liable, but the payment of which is not yet due. Genesis is not and never has
been, liable for any Tax payable by reason of the income or property of a Person
other than Genesis or a Genesis Subsidiary. Genesis has timely filed true,
correct and complete declarations of estimated Tax in each jurisdiction in which
any such declaration is required to be filed by it. No Liens for Taxes exist
upon the assets of Genesis except Liens for Taxes which are not yet due. Neither
Genesis nor any Genesis Subsidiary is, or ever has been, subject to Tax in any
jurisdiction outside of the United States. No Litigation with respect to any Tax
for which Genesis is asserted to be liable is pending or, to the knowledge of
Genesis, threatened and no basis which Genesis believes to be valid exists on
which any claim for any such Tax can be asserted against Genesis. There are no
requests for rulings or determinations in respect of any taxes pending between
Genesis and any Taxing Authority. No extension of any period during which any
Tax may be assessed or collected and for which Genesis is or may be liable has
been granted to any Taxing Authority. Neither Genesis nor any Genesis Subsidiary
is or has been a party to any tax allocation or sharing agreement. All amounts
required to be withheld by Genesis and paid to governmental agencies for income,
social security, unemployment insurance, sales, excise, use and other Taxes have
been collected or withheld and paid to the proper Taxing Authority. Genesis has
made all deposits required by law to be made with respect to employees'
withholding and other employment taxes.
-28-
(b) Neither Genesis nor any Genesis Member is a "foreign person", as that
term is referred to in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Code.
(c) Genesis has not filed a consent pursuant to Section 341(f) of the
Code or any comparable provision of any other tax statute and has not agreed to
have Section 341(f)(2) of the Code or any comparable provision of any other tax
statute apply to any disposition of an asset. Genesis has not made, is not
obligated to make, and is not a party to any agreement that could require it to
make any payment that is not deductible under Section 280G of the Code. No asset
of Genesis is subject to any provision of applicable law which eliminates or
reduces the allowance for depreciation or amortization in respect of that asset
below the allowance generally available to an asset of its type. No accounting
method changes of Genesis exist or are proposed or threatened which could give
rise to an adjustment under Section 481 of the Code.
4.14 Material Contracts. Set forth on Schedule 4.14, with respect to
------------------
Genesis, is a list of all presently outstanding (a) collective bargaining
agreements and similar agreements with any group of its employees or with all of
its employees as a group; (b) bonuses, deferred compensation, pension, profit-
sharing, and retirement plans and arrangements; (c) employment agreements,
contracts, and commitments that by their express terms cannot be terminated by
Genesis without Material penalty or liability on thirty (30) days' or less
notice; (d) guarantees of Indebtedness or indemnification agreements; (e)
agreements, contracts, and commitments relating to the acquisition of assets or
capital stock of any business enterprise, other than assets acquired for use in
the ordinary course of business of Genesis; (f) loan agreements and related
documents; (g) licenses, franchises, options, or other rights of any nature
whatsoever to sell, distribute, or otherwise deal in or with the property of
Genesis other than in the ordinary course of business or to use any patent,
trade name, trademark, service xxxx, copyright, pending applications therefor,
trade secrets, or other proprietary rights of Genesis; (h) licenses, franchises,
options or other rights of any nature whatsoever obligating Genesis to pay
royalties, franchise fees, or any other amounts to any other party for the right
to sell, distribute, or otherwise deal in or with the property of such other
party or for the use of any patent, trade name, trademark, service xxxx,
copyright, pending applications therefor, trade secrets, or other proprietary
rights of any such other party; (i) agreements, contracts, or commitments
containing any covenant materially limiting the freedom of Genesis to engage in
any line of business or to compete with any person; and (j) agreements,
contracts, and commitments not made in the ordinary course of business and
providing for remaining payments or receipts aggregating in excess of $50,000
for a single such agreement, contract, or commitment, or $100,000 in the
aggregate for all such agreements, contracts or commitments with the same person
or relating to the same subject matter. A true copy of each of the contracts
set forth on Schedule 4.14 has been made available to JWCFS for examination.
Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14, no Material default by Genesis exists or
has been claimed to exist with respect to any such contract or commitment, and
no Material default by any other party thereto is known or claimed by Genesis to
exist.
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4.15 Licenses; No Infringement. Genesis holds all Governmental Approvals
-------------------------
that are necessary to the conduct of its business. Genesis does not know or
have any reason to believe that Genesis has infringed any patent, patent right,
trademark, or copyright of any other party.
4.16 Bank Accounts; Insurance Policies. Set forth on Schedule 4.16, with
---------------------------------
respect to Genesis, are:
(a) the name and address of each bank with which Genesis has an account
or a safe deposit box, the account number of each account maintained at such
bank, and the names of all persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access
thereto; and
(b) except as indicated on Schedule 4.16(b), Schedule 4.16(b) sets forth
a list of all insurance policies carried by Genesis or any Genesis Subsidiary;
and Schedule 4.16(b) sets forth an accurate list of all insurance loss runs and
worker's compensation claims received for the most recently ended three policy
years to the extent reasonably available. True, complete, and correct copies of
all insurance policies carried by Genesis that are presently in effect have been
provided to JWCFS, and all such insurance policies have been issued by insurers
of recognized responsibility and currently are, and will remain without
interruption through the Closing Date, in full force and effect. No insurance
carried by Genesis has been canceled by the insurer during the past five years,
and Genesis has never been denied insurance coverage in any regard or to any
degree. Genesis has not received any notice or other communication from any
issuer of any such insurance policy of any Material increase in any deductibles,
retained amounts, or premiums payable thereunder, and, to the knowledge of
Genesis, no such increase in deductibles, retainages, or premiums is threatened.
Genesis is not aware of any condition or fact that would lead them to believe
that such policies would not insure Genesis in a manner that is fully adequate
at all times to protect it against risks customarily insured against by others
in the same location and engaged in the same or similar business and that may
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect upon the business,
assets, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects of Genesis.
(c) the name of each Person holding a general or special power of
attorney from Genesis and a description of the terms of each such power.
4.17 Genesis Member Materials. No materials or information to be
------------------------
furnished by Genesis or the Genesis Members to JWCFS for inclusion in the SEC
Compliance Documents will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein not misleading.
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4.18 Obligations for Indemnification. Genesis has no knowledge, actual or
-------------------------------
constructive, and no reason to know of any claim of any Person for
indemnification under Genesis's Operating Agreement, or any basis for any such
claim.
4.19 Brokers or Finders. No broker or finder other than Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx &
------------------
Xxxxxxxx has acted on Genesis' or the Genesis Members' behalf in connection with
this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby.
4.20 Absence of Changes. Since September 30, 1997, except as accurately
------------------
set forth in Schedule 4.20, none of the following has occurred with respect to
Genesis:
(a) any circumstance, condition, event, or state of facts (either
singularly or in the aggregate), other than conditions affecting the business of
Genesis in general, that has caused, is causing, or will cause a Material
Adverse Effect on Genesis;
(b) any change in its authorized or outstanding Capital Stock or
Derivative Securities;
(c) any Restricted Payment, except any declaration or payment of
dividends by any Genesis Subsidiary solely to Genesis;
(d) any increase in, or any commitment or promise to increase, the rates
of Cash Compensation, or the amounts or other benefits paid or payable under any
Genesis ERISA Pension Plan or Other Compensation Plan, except for ordinary and
customary bonuses and salary increases for employees (other than the Genesis
Members or an Immediate Family Member) at the times and in the amounts
consistent with its past practice;
(e) any work interruptions, labor grievances or claims filed, or any
similar event or condition of any character, that will, or could reasonably
expect to, have a Material Adverse Effect on Genesis or on Newco;
(f) any distribution, sale, or transfer of, or any commitment of Genesis
to distribute, sell, or transfer, any of its assets or properties of any kind
that singularly is, or in the aggregate are, Material to Genesis, other than
distributions, sales, or transfers in the ordinary course of its business and
consistent with its past practices to Persons other than the Genesis Members or
an Immediate Family Member or Affiliates;
(g) any cancellation of, or agreement to cancel, any Indebtedness,
obligation, or other liability owing to it, including any Indebtedness,
obligation, or other liability of any Stockholder or any Related Person or
Affiliate thereof;
(h) any plan, agreement or arrangement granting any preferential rights
to purchase or acquire any interest in any of its assets, property, or rights or
requiring
-31-
consent of any Person to the transfer and assignment of any such assets,
property, or rights;
(i) any purchase or acquisition of, or agreement, plan, or arrangement to
purchase or acquire, any property, rights, or assets, or the entering of any
other transaction, outside of the ordinary course of its business consistent
with its past practices;
(j) any waiver of any of its rights or claims that singularly is, or in
the aggregate are, Material to Genesis;
(k) any incurrence by it of any Indebtedness or any Guaranty not
constituting its Indebtedness, or any Genesis Commitment to incur any
Indebtedness or any such Guaranty;
(l) any investment in the Capital Stock, Derivative Securities, or
Indebtedness of any Person, other than in the ordinary course of business;
(m) except in accordance with Genesis' consolidated capital expenditure
budget for Genesis' current fiscal year, any capital expenditure or series of
related capital expenditures by Genesis collectively in excess of $50,000, or
commitments by Genesis to make capital expenditures aggregating in excess of
$50,000; or
(n) any cancellation or termination of a Material Agreement of Genesis.
4.21 Year 2000 Compliance. Schedule 4.21 details the plans of Genesis for
--------------------
ensuring that the software utilized by Genesis in its business ("Genesis
Software") will be Year 2000 compliant, will correctly handle the change of the
century in a standard compliant manner, including both the Year 2000 and beyond,
as well as the leap year, and the absence of leap year, and will operate
accurately with respect to date-related operations. Genesis believes that its
plans described on Schedule 4.21 are sufficient to ensure the uninterrupted
conduct of its business
4.22 Broker-Dealer Registration; Etc.
-------------------------------
(a) Genesis is registered as a broker-dealer with the Commission and the
Commissioner of Corporations of the California Department of Corporations, and
is a member in good standing of the NASD.
(b) Genesis has filed all Form BDs and Form ADVs (including all
amendments thereto) required to be filed with the Commission, each of which has
complied with the Exchange Act or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended, as the case may be, each as in effect on the date so filed. Genesis has
heretofore furnished to JWCFS correct and complete copies of such Form BDs and
Form ADVs (including all
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amendments thereto). None of such Form BDs or Form ADVs contained, when filed,
any untrue statement of material fact required to be stated or incorporated by
reference therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except to the extent
amended or superseded by a subsequent filing with the Commission (a copy of
which has been provided to JWCFS prior to the date hereof), none of the Form BDs
or Form ADVs (including all amendments thereto) contains any untrue statement of
a material fact required to be stated or incorporated by reference therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All copies of such
Form BDs and Form ADVs (including all amendments thereto) required to be filed
with any state have been filed in a timely manner.
(c) Genesis and Predecessor Genesis have filed all SRO Reports required
to be filed with any self-regulatory organizations since January 1, 1995, each
of which has complied with the rules of the self-regulatory organization, each
as in effect on the date so filed. Genesis has heretofore furnished to JWCFS
correct and complete copies of the SRO Reports. None of the SRO Reports
contained, when filed, any untrue statement of material fact required to be
stated or incorporated by reference therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Except to the extent revised or superseded by a subsequent filing
with the self-regulatory organization (a copy of which has been provided to
JWCFS prior to the date thereof), none of the SRO Reports contains any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be
stated or incorporated by reference therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
(d) Genesis and Predecessor Genesis have registered as a broker-dealer
and investment adviser in each jurisdiction in which such registration has been
required since January 1, 1995. Genesis and Predecessor Genesis have filed or
caused to be filed all forms, reports, statements, and documents (including all
Form U-4s on behalf of registered representatives) required to be filed with any
state since January 1, 1995. All such forms, reports, statements, and documents
are accurate in all material respects.
4.23 Employee Matters.
----------------
(a) Cash Compensation. Schedule 4.23(a) accurately lists the names,
titles, and rates of annual Cash Compensation, at the Current Balance Sheet Date
and at the date hereof (and the portions thereof attributable to salary or the
equivalent, fixed bonuses, discretionary bonuses, and other Cash Compensation,
respectively) of all employees (including all employees who are officers or
directors), nonemployee officers, nonemployee directors, and key consultants and
independent contractors of Genesis that have been paid during the past fiscal
year, or reasonably expect to be paid during the current fiscal year, aggregate
compensation in excess of $100,000.
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(b) Engagement and Non-Competition Agreements. Schedule 4.23(b)
accurately lists all Engagement and Non-Competition Agreements remaining
executory in whole or in part on the date hereof, and Genesis has provided JWCFS
with true, complete, and correct copies of all such Engagement and Non-
Competition Agreements. Genesis is not a party to any oral Engagement and Non-
Competition Agreement with any Person.
(c) Other Compensation Plans. Schedule 4.23(c) of the Disclosure
Statement accurately lists all Other Compensation Plans either in effect at the
date hereof or to become effective after the date hereof. Genesis has provided
JWCFS with a true, correct, and complete copy of each of those Other
Compensation Plans that is in writing and an accurate description of each of
those Other Compensation Plans that are oral. Except as accurately set forth in
Schedule 4.23(c), each of the Other Compensation Plans, may be unilaterally
amended or terminated by Genesis without liability to any of them, except as to
benefits accrued thereunder prior to any such amendment or termination.
(d) ERISA Benefit Plans. Schedule 4.23(d) accurately lists each ERISA
Benefit Plan maintained by, sponsored in whole or in part by, or contributed to
by, Genesis or any ERISA Affiliate currently, or at any time during the six-year
period ending on the date hereof, under which employees, retirees, dependents,
spouses, directors, independent contractors, or other beneficiaries are eligible
to participate, including, but not limited to, all pension, retirement, profit
sharing, deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership,
severance pay, vacation, bonus, or other incentive plans, medical, vision,
dental or other health plans, life insurance plans, and all other employee
benefit plans or fringe benefit plans. Schedule 4.23(d) classifies each of the
ERISA Benefit Plans as an ERISA Pension Benefit Plan or a Welfare Plan. Genesis
has provided JWCFS with a true, correct, and complete copy of each ERISA Benefit
Plan, all related trust agreements and amendments, actuarial reports and
valuations for the most recent three years, summary plan descriptions,
prospectuses, annual report form 5500s or similar forms (and attachments
thereto) for the most recent three years, all Internal Revenue Service
determination letters, and any related documents requested by JWCFS.
(e) Employee Policies and Procedures. Schedule 4.23(e) accurately lists
all Employee Policies and Procedures. Genesis has provided JWCFS with a copy of
all written Employee Policies and Procedures and a written description of all
Material unwritten Employee Policies and Procedures.
(f) Unwritten Amendments. Except as accurately described in Schedule
4.23(f), no Material unwritten amendments have been made, whether by oral
communication, pattern of conduct or otherwise, with respect to any of the
Employment Agreements, Other Compensation Plans, ERISA Benefit Plans, or
Employee Policies and Procedures.
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(g) Labor Compliance. To the knowledge of Genesis, Genesis has been and
is in compliance with all applicable Governmental Requirements respecting
employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, and
wages and hours, and neither Genesis is liable for any arrears of wages or
penalties for failure to comply with any of the foregoing. Genesis has not
engaged in any unfair labor practice or discriminated on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or
handicap in its employment conditions or practices. Except as accurately set
forth in Schedule 4.23(g), there are no (i) unfair labor practice charges or
complaints or racial, color, religious, sex, sexual orientation, national
origin, age, disability, or handicap discrimination charges or complaints
pending or, to the knowledge of Genesis, threatened against Genesis before any
Governmental Authority (nor, to the knowledge of Genesis, does any valid basis
therefor exist) or (ii) existing or, to the knowledge of Genesis, threatened
labor strikes, disputes, grievances, controversies, or other labor troubles
affecting Genesis (nor, to the knowledge of Genesis, does any valid basis
therefor exist).
(h) No Unauthorized Aliens. All employees of Genesis are citizens of, or
are authorized in accordance with federal immigration laws to be employed in,
the United States.
(i) Change of Control Benefits. Except as accurately set forth in
Schedule 4.23(i) of the Disclosure Statement, neither the execution and delivery
of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
will (i) result in any payment (including, without limitation, severance,
unemployment compensation, golden parachute, or otherwise) becoming due to any
director or any employee from Genesis under any ERISA Benefit Plan, Other
Compensation Plan or otherwise, (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable
under any ERISA Benefit Plan or Other Compensation Plan, or (iii) result in any
acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such benefit. Neither
Genesis nor any Genesis ERISA Affiliate, is obligated, contingently or
otherwise, under any agreement to pay any amount that would be treated as a
"parachute payment," as defined in Section 280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
(determined without regard to Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue
Code).
(j) Retirees. Except as accurately set forth in Schedule 4.23(j), neither
Genesis nor any Genesis Subsidiary has any obligation or commitment to provide
medical, dental, or life insurance benefits to or on behalf of any of its
employees who may retire or any of its former employees who have retired, except
as may be required pursuant to the continuation of coverage provisions of
Section 4980B of the Code and the applicable parallel provisions of ERISA.
4.24 Compliance with ERISA, Etc.
--------------------------
(a) Compliance. Each of the ERISA Benefit Plans and Other Compensation
Plans (i) is in substantial compliance with all applicable provisions of ERISA,
the Code,
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and all other applicable Governmental Requirements, (ii) has been administered,
operated and managed in accordance with its governing documents, and (iii) has
timely filed or distributed all reports and other documents required to be filed
with any governmental agency or distributed to plan participants or
beneficiaries (including annual reports, summary annual reports (form 5500s),
summary plan descriptions, actuarial reports, PBGC-1 Forms, or returns).
(b) Qualification. Except as accurately set forth on Schedule 4.24(b),
all ERISA Pension Benefit Plans that are intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the Code (the "Qualified Plans") are so qualified and have received a
favorable determination letter from the IRS, and Genesis is not aware of any
circumstances likely to result in the revocation of any such favorable
determination letter. To the extent that any Qualified Plans have not been
amended to comply with applicable Governmental Requirements, the remedial
amendment period permitting retroactive amendment of these Qualified Plans has
not expired and will not expire within 120 days after the Effective Time.
(c) No Defined Benefit Plans. Neither Genesis nor any Genesis ERISA
Affiliate, maintains, or within the past six years has maintained, an ERISA
Pension Benefit Plan that is or was a "defined benefit plan" subject to Title IV
of ERISA.
(d) No Prohibited Transactions, Etc. With respect to each ERISA Benefit
Plan, neither such plan, nor any trustee, administrator, fiduciary, agent or
employee thereof, and none of the Genesis Member, nor Genesis has engaged in any
Prohibited Transaction with respect to such ERISA Benefit Plan. With respect to
each ERISA Pension Benefit Plan (i) all minimum funding standards required by
law with respect to funding of benefits payable or to be payable under such plan
have been met; (ii) there is no accumulated funding deficiency, as defined in
Section 412(a) of the Code and Section 302(a) of ERISA; and (iii) there have
been no terminations, partial terminations, or discontinuances of contributions
without a determination by the IRS that such action does not adversely affect
the tax-qualified status of that plan.
(e) COBRA. With respect to ERISA Benefit Plans qualifying as "group
health plans" under Section 4980B of the Code or Section 607(l) or 609 of ERISA
and related regulations (relating to the benefit continuation rights imposed by
"COBRA" or qualified medical child support orders), Genesis and the Genesis
Members have complied (and at the Effective Time will have complied) in all
Material respects with all reporting, disclosure, notice, election and other
benefit continuation and coverage requirements imposed thereunder as and when
applicable to those plans, and Genesis has not incurred (nor will incur) any
direct or indirect liability or is (or will be) subject to any loss, assessment,
excise tax penalty, loss of federal income tax deduction or other sanction,
arising on account of or in respect of any direct or indirect failure by Genesis
or any Genesis Member at any time prior to the Effective Time, to comply with
any such federal or state benefit continuation or coverage requirement.
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(f) Financial Disclosure. Genesis has made, and as of the Effective Time
will have made or accrued, all payments and contributions required, or
reasonably expected to be required, to be made under the provisions of each
ERISA Benefit Plan or Other Compensation Plan, or required to be made under
applicable laws, rules and regulations, with respect to any period prior to the
Effective Date, such amounts to be determined using the ongoing actuarial and
funding assumptions of such plan. The Financial Statements and the Current
Balance Sheet reflect the approximate total pension, medical and other benefit
liability for all ERISA Benefit Plans and Other Compensation Plans, and no
Material funding changes or irregularities are reflected thereon which would
cause such statements to be not representative of prior periods.
(g) Multiemployer Plans. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.24(g) neither
Genesis nor any ERISA Affiliate, is, or at any time during the six-year period
ended on the date hereof was, obligated to contribute to a Multiemployer Plan.
Neither Genesis nor any ERISA Affiliate, has taken, or intends to take, any
action and no event has occurred which has resulted or could reasonably be
expected to result in withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect
to any Multiemployer Plan.
(h) Claims and Litigation. Except as accurately set forth in Schedule
4.24(h), no Litigation or claims (other than routine claims for benefits) are
pending or, to the knowledge of Genesis, threatened against, or with respect to,
any of the ERISA Benefit Plans or Other Compensation Plans or with respect to
any fiduciary, administrator, sponsor (in their capacities as such), or any
party-in-interest thereof.
(i) Excise Taxes, Damages and Penalties. With respect to any ERISA
Benefit Plan or Other Compensation Plan, no act, omission or transaction has
occurred which would result in the imposition on Genesis of (i) breach of
fiduciary duty liability damages under Section 409 of ERISA, (ii) a civil
penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (c), (i) or (l) of Section 502 of ERISA,
or (iii) any excise tax under applicable provisions of the Code.
(j) VEBA Welfare Trust. Any trust which is intended to be exempt from
federal income taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of the Code, satisfies the
requirements of that section and has received a favorable determination letter
from the IRS regarding that exempt status and has not, since receipt of the most
recent favorable determination letter, been amended or operated in a way that
would adversely affect that exempt status.
(k) Amendments and Termination. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.24(k)
of Genesis has the right to amend, modify, or terminate any ERISA Benefit Plan
or Other Compensation Plan without incurring any liability thereunder, except as
to any benefits accrued prior to such amendment, modification, or termination.
Prior to the Effective Time, Genesis agrees not to amend or modify any ERISA
Benefit Plan or Other
-37-
Compensation Plan or take any other action which results in an increase in
liability under such ERISA Benefit Plan or Other Compensation Plan. To the
extent JWCFS adopts or continues any ERISA Benefit Plan or Other Compensation
Plan, nothing contained in this Agreement limits or restricts JWCFS's right to
amend, modify, or terminate any of such plans in such manner as JWCFS deems
appropriate.
4.25 Representations and Warranties. No representation, warranty, or
------------------------------
covenant of Genesis contained in this Agreement or in any written statement
delivered pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby contains or shall contain any untrue material statement, or shall omit to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Copies
of all documents furnished by Genesis or any Genesis Member to JWCFS in
connection with this Agreement or pursuant hereto are true and complete in all
material respects. Genesis does not know of any fact that they have not
disclosed in writing to Genesis that has had a Material Adverse Effect or, so
far as Genesis can reasonably foresee, will have a Material Adverse Effect, on
Genesis or the ability of Genesis to perform its obligations under this
Agreement and the Combination.
ARTICLE 5
CONDUCT PENDING CLOSING
5.1 Conduct of Genesis Pending Closing. The following covenants and
----------------------------------
agreements of Genesis shall be effective from the date hereof to the Closing,
unless JWCFS shall consent in writing to the waiver of any such covenant or
agreement.
5.1.1 General. Genesis shall not take any action that would result in, or
fail to take any action required to prevent, the material inaccuracy or breach
of any of the representations and warranties of Genesis set forth in Article 4.
5.1.2 Ordinary Course; Preservation of Business and Records.
(a) The business of Genesis shall be conducted only in the ordinary
course, except for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including transactions in connection with Genesis's payment of
bonuses and deferred compensation, provided that the resulting effect is
consistent with the requirements of Section 10.2.13 hereof.
(b) Genesis shall maintain its books and records in the usual,
regular, and ordinary course, on a basis consistent with prior years.
(c) Genesis shall use its best efforts to preserve its business
organization, to keep available the services of its present employees, and to
preserve the goodwill of its suppliers, customers, and others having any
business relations with it.
-38-
5.1.3 Compensation. Except for bonuses with respect to prior periods as
set forth in Schedule 5.1.3, there shall be no increase in the compensation or
in the rate of compensation or commissions payable or to become payable by
Genesis to any Genesis Member or executive officer, or to any employee earning
$50,000 or more per annum, or any general increase in the compensation or in the
rate of compensation payable or to become payable to employees of Genesis
earning less than $50,000 per annum ("general increase" for the purpose hereof
meaning any increase generally applicable to a class or group of employees, but
not including increases granted to individual employees for merit, length of
service, change in position or responsibility or other reasons applicable to
specific employees and not generally to a class or group thereof), or any
director, officer, or employee hired at a salary in excess of $50,000 per annum,
or any increase in any payment of or commitment to pay any bonus, profit sharing
or other extraordinary compensation to any employee.
5.1.4 Change in Articles of Organization and Ownership. Genesis shall
make no change in its Articles of Organization or Operating Agreement. Genesis
shall make no change in its authorized or issued Capital Stock, and shall not
issue or grant any right or option to purchase or otherwise acquire any of its
Capital Stock.
5.1.5 Access to Properties, Books, Etc. Genesis shall allow JWCFS and its
authorized Representatives full access during normal business hours to all of
the properties, books, contracts, commitments, and records of Genesis, and shall
furnish JWCFS or its authorized Representatives such information concerning the
affairs as may reasonably be requested.
5.1.6 Monthly Financial Statements. Genesis shall deliver to JWCFS as
soon as possible after each month ending between December 31, 1997 and the
Closing Date, true and correct copies of monthly financial statements of Genesis
for each such month. Such monthly financial statements shall reflect all
material adjustments necessary to be reflected therein (subject to normal year-
end adjustments including accrued bonuses and taxes) in order to present fairly
Genesis's financial position and results of operations at the end of each such
period on a basis consistent with Genesis' financial statements as of September
30, 1997.
5.1.7 Distributions. Genesis will notify JWCFS five (5) business days
prior to declaring or making in respect to the membership interests of Genesis
any distribution or payment, or any direct or indirect, redemption, purchase, or
other acquisition of any of its membership units which exceeds any distribution
paid by Genesis in the corresponding calendar quarter of the previous year.
5.2 Conduct of JWCFS Pending Closing. The following covenants and
--------------------------------
agreements of JWCFS shall be effective from the date hereof to the Closing,
unless Genesis shall consent in writing to the waiver of any such covenant or
agreement.
-39-
5.2.1 General. JWCFS shall not take any action that would result in, or
fail to take any action required to prevent, the material inaccuracy or breach
of any of the representations and warranties of JWCFS set forth in Article 6.
5.2.2 Ordinary Course; Preservation of Business and Records.
(a) The business of JWCFS and its subsidiaries shall be conducted
only in the ordinary course, except for consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or referred to in the proxy statement described
in Section 8.9 hereof, including transactions in connection with JWCFS's payment
of bonuses and deferred compensation.
(b) JWCFS and its subsidiaries shall maintain their books and
records in the usual, regular, and ordinary course, on a basis consistent with
prior years.
(c) JWCFS and its subsidiaries shall use their best efforts to
preserve their business organization, to keep available the services of its
present employees, and to preserve the goodwill of its suppliers, customers, and
others having any business relations with it.
5.2.3 Access to Properties, Books, Etc. JWCFS and its subsidiaries shall
allow Genesis and its authorized Representatives full access during normal
business hours to all of the properties, books, contracts, commitments, and
records of JWCFS and its subsidiaries, and shall furnish Genesis or its
authorized representatives such information concerning the affairs as may
reasonably be requested.
5.2.4 Monthly Financial Statements. JWCFS shall deliver to Genesis as
soon as possible after each month ending between December 31, 1997, and the
Closing Date, true and correct copies of monthly financial statements of JWCFS
for each such month. Such monthly financial statements shall reflect all
material adjustments necessary to be reflected therein (subject to normal year-
end adjustments to accrued bonuses and taxes) in order to present fairly JWCFS
financial position and results of operations at the end of each such period on a
basis consistent with JWCFS' audited financial statement as of December 31,
1996.
5.2.5 Distributions. No dividend, distribution, or other payment will be
declared or made in respect to the Capital Stock of JWCFS, and JWCFS will not,
directly or indirectly, redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire any of its
Capital Stock other than pursuant to the Xxxxxx repurchase transaction described
on Schedule 6.2(b).
5.2.6 Capital Structure. No change will be made in the authorized or
issued Capital Stock of JWCFS or Newco, and JWCFS and Newco will not issue or
grant any right or option to purchase or otherwise acquire any of the Capital
Stock of JWCFS or Newco except pursuant to the JWCFS Stock Plans or otherwise as
contemplated by this Agreement.
-40-
ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF JWCFS
As an inducement to Genesis and the Genesis Members to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, JWCFS
represents and warrants as follows:
6.1 Organization, Etc. of JWCFS. JWCFS is a corporation duly organized,
---------------------------
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida.
JWCFS has adequate power (corporate or otherwise) to own or lease its properties
and to carry on its business as and in the places where such properties are now
owned, leased, or operated and such business is now conducted, and has fully
complied in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and other
laws with respect to its operations and the conduct of its business, except for
any such failures to so comply (none of which are now known to JWCFS) that will
not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on JWCFS. JWCFS
is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation for the
transaction of business under the laws of each jurisdiction in which it owns or
leases property, or conducts business, so as to require such qualification
(which jurisdictions are set forth on Schedule 6.1), except for any jurisdiction
in which the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
JWCFS. Copies of the Articles of Incorporation and all amendments thereto, By-
Laws as amended and currently in force, certificates of authority or
qualification to transact business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction
where such is required, stock records, and corporate minutes and records of
JWCFS have heretofore been made available to Genesis and are true, complete, and
correct at the date hereof.
6.2 Capitalization of JWCFS.
-----------------------
(a) The authorized capital stock of JWCFS consists of 9,056,000 shares of
JWCFS Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per
share ("JWCFS Preferred Stock"). As of December 31, 1997, (i) 3,690,872 shares
of JWCFS Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable and were issued free of preemptive (or
similar) rights, (ii) no shares of JWCFS Common Stock were held in the treasury
of JWCFS, and (iii) an aggregate of 1,073,656 shares of JWCFS Common Stock were
reserved for issuance and issuable upon, or otherwise deliverable in connection
with, the exercise of outstanding JWCFS Options, JWCFS Purchase Rights, or JWCFS
Warrants. Since December 31, 1997, no options or warrants to purchase shares of
JWCFS Common Stock have been granted and no shares of JWCFS Common Stock have
been issued, except for shares issued pursuant to the exercise of JWCFS Options
or JWCFS Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 1997, and JWCFS Purchase Rights
granted pursuant to the JWCFS Employee Stock Purchase Plan. As of the date
hereof, no shares of JWCFS Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding.
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(b) Except (i) as set forth in Schedule 6.2(b) and (ii) as a result of the
exercise of JWCFS Options, JWCFS Purchase Rights, or JWCFS Warrants outstanding
as of December 31, 1997, there are outstanding (A) no shares of Capital Stock of
JWCFS, (B) no securities of JWCFS convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
Capital Stock of JWCFS, (C) no options or other rights to acquire from JWCFS,
and no obligation of JWCFS to issue, any Capital Stock or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of JWCFS, and (D) no equity equivalents,
interests in the ownership or earnings of JWCFS or other similar rights
(collectively, "JWCFS Securities"). Except as set forth on Schedule 6.2(b),
there are no outstanding obligations of JWCFS or any of its Subsidiaries to
repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire any JWCFS Securities. All shares of
JWCFS Common Stock subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms
and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable,
shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable and free
of preemptive (or similar) rights.
(c) Each of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock of each JWCFS
Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable,
and all such shares are owned by JWCFS or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of
JWCFS and are owned free and clear of all Liens, except where the failure to own
such shares free and clear could not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. JWCFS has delivered to
Genesis prior to the date hereof a list of the Subsidiaries of JWCFS that
evidences, among other things, the amount of Capital Stock owned by JWCFS,
directly or indirectly, in such Subsidiaries. No Entity in which JWCFS owns,
directly or indirectly, less than a 50% equity interest is, individually or when
taken together with all such other Entities, material to the business of JWCFS
and its Subsidiaries taken as whole.
6.3 Organization and Capitalization of Newco.
----------------------------------------
(a) Organization. Newco is a corporation duly organized, validly existing,
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida. Newco is recently
formed and has conducted no business operations, but will have adequate power
(corporate or otherwise) to own or lease properties and to carry on business as
contemplated hereby following the Combination, and will have fully complied in
all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and other laws with
respect to such operations and the conduct of such business, except for any such
failures to so comply (none of which are now known to JWCFS or Newco) that will
not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Newco. Copies
of the Articles of Incorporation and all amendments thereto, By-Laws as amended
and currently in force, certificates of authority or qualification to transact
business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where such is required,
stock records, and corporate minutes and records of Newco have heretofore been
made available to Genesis and are true, complete, and correct at the date
hereof.
-42-
(b) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Newco consists of
30,000,000 shares of Newco Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
par value $.001 per share ("Newco Preferred Stock"). As of the date hereof,
1,000 shares of Newco Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which
were validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable and were issued free of
preemptive (or similar) rights.
(c) Options; Warrants. Except as contemplated by this Agreement, as of the
date hereof, there are no outstanding (i) securities of Newco convertible into
or exchangeable for shares of Capital Stock of Newco, (ii) options or other
rights to acquire from Newco, or obligation of Newco to issue, any Capital Stock
or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of Newco, and
(iii) equity equivalents, interests in the ownership or earnings of Newco or
other similar rights (collectively, "Newco Securities"). There are no
outstanding obligations of Newco to repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire any
Newco Securities.
(d) Combination Issuances. The shares of Newco Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Combination, when so issued, will be duly authorized and validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, and there will be no preemptive (or
similar) rights in respect thereof.
6.4 Authority. Each of JWCFS and Newco has full corporate power and
---------
authority to make, execute, and deliver this Agreement, the Plan of Share
Exchange, the Assumption Agreement, and each other Transaction Document to which
JWCFS or Newco is a party, and to perform its obligations hereunder and
thereunder and in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, and the making, execution, and delivery of this Agreement and the Plan
of Share Exchange by JWCFS, and the performance by JWCFS of its obligations in
compliance with their respective terms, have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action of JWCFS, except that this Agreement and the Share
Exchange have not been approved by the JWCFS Shareholders.
6.5 No Default Resulting from Agreement. Neither the making, execution,
-----------------------------------
and delivery of this Agreement, the Share Exchange, or any other Transaction
Document to which JWCFS or Newco is a party, by JWCFS or Newco, as the case may
be, nor the performance by JWCFS or Newco of its obligations in compliance with
the terms hereof and thereof, will result in any material breach of the terms
and conditions of, or constitute a default under, the Articles of Incorporation
or By-Laws (as each may have been amended) of JWCFS or Newco, as the case may
be, or, except as set forth on Schedule 6.5, constitute a default that may
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on JWCFS or Newco under
any material agreement, instrument, undertaking, judgment, decree, governmental
order, or other restriction or obligation to which JWCFS or Newco is a party or
by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected. No
consent of any federal, state or local authority is required in connection with
the valid making, execution or delivery of this Agreement or the Combination by
JWCFS or Newco or the
-43-
performance by either of them of their respective obligations in compliance with
their terms, except as set forth on Schedule 6.5.
6.6 Securities Filings; Financial Statements. Each registration
----------------------------------------
statement, proxy statement, or report filed and not withdrawn since January 1,
1995, by JWCFS with the Commission under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act
did not, on the date of effectiveness in the case of each such registration
statement, or on the later of the date of filing of each such report or any
subsequent amendment thereof in the case of each such report, or on the date of
mailing in the case of each such proxy or information statement, contain an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Copies of each such
registration statement, report, and proxy or information statement (the
"Securities Filings") have been furnished to Genesis by JWCFS, and such copies
are accurate and complete copies thereof (excluding exhibits). Since January 1,
1995, JWCFS has filed all documents required to be filed by it with the
Commission pursuant to Sections 13 and 14(a) of the Exchange Act, and all such
documents complied in all material respects as to form with applicable
requirements of law. JWCFS's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for its
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 (the "Annual Report") includes, among other
things, JWCFS's audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 1996,
and for the three years then ended (the "JWCFS Financial Statements"), and
JWCFS' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 0000
(xxx "Xxxxx Xxxxxxx 00-X"), contains unaudited consolidated financial statements
for the nine months ended on that date. The financial statements contained in
the Annual Report and the Third Quarter 10-Q have been prepared in conformity
with GAAP, consistently applied, and present fairly the consolidated financial
position of JWCFS at the respective dates indicated and the consolidated results
of its operations and changes in its cash flow position for each of the
respective periods indicated.
6.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as reflected in the JWCFS
----------------------------------
Financial Statements or the unaudited financial statements of JWCFS at and as of
September 30, 1997, or as set forth in Schedule 6.7, JWCFS has no debt,
liability, or obligation of any kind (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, or
otherwise) including without limitation any liability or obligation on account
of taxes or any governmental charge, penalty, interest, or fine, or any "loss
contingencies" considered "probable" or "reasonably possible" within the meaning
of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 5, except (a) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business since September 30, 1997, none of which have, individually or in the
aggregate, had a Material Adverse Effect on JWCFS, and (b) liabilities incurred
in connection with the transactions provided for in this Agreement and the
Combination. JWCFS is not in default with respect to any term or condition of
any Indebtedness; and except as set forth on Schedule 6.7, no notice has been
given by any holder of any Indebtedness claiming that any default or breach
exists that has not been remedied by JWCFS or waived in writing by such holder.
-44-
6.8 Litigation; Compliance with Laws Generally. Except as set forth in
------------------------------------------
the Securities Filings or on Schedule 6.8, (a) no Litigation is pending or
overtly threatened against, by, or affecting JWCFS that might have a Material
Adverse Effect on JWCFS or that might prevent or impede the Combination; (b)
JWCFS has not been charged with, and to the best of its knowledge, is not under
investigation with respect to, any charge concerning any violation of any
Governmental Requirement in respect to its business; and (c) there are no
judgments unsatisfied against JWCFS, and no consent decrees to which JWCFS is
subject. JWCFS is in compliance with all applicable Governmental Requirements,
except where the failure to so comply does not and will not have a Material
Adverse Effect on JWCFS or on Newco following the Combination.
6.9 Licenses; No Infringement. JWCFS holds all material Governmental
-------------------------
Approvals that are necessary to the conduct of its businesses. JWCFS does not
know or have any reason to believe that JWCFS has infringed any patent, patent
right, trademark, or copyright of any other party, except as set forth on
Schedule 6.9.
6.10 Broker-Dealer Registration; Etc.
-------------------------------
(a) JWCFS is registered as a broker-dealer with the Commission and the
Securities Division of the Florida Department of Banking and Finance, and is a
member in good standing of the NASD.
(b) JWCFS and, to the extent applicable, its Subsidiaries, has filed all
Form BDs and Form ADVs (including all amendments thereto) required to be filed
with the Commission, each of which has complied with the Exchange Act or the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, as the case may be, each as in
effect on the date so filed. JWCFS has heretofore furnished to Genesis correct
and complete copies of such Form BDs and Form ADVs (including all amendments
thereto). None of such Form BDs or Form ADVs contained, when filed, any untrue
statement of material fact required to be stated or incorporated by reference
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except to the extent
amended or superseded by a subsequent filing with the Commission (a copy of
which has been provided to JWCFS prior to the date hereof), none of the Form BDs
or Form ADVs (including all amendments thereto) contains any untrue statement of
a material fact required to be stated or incorporated by reference therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All copies of such
Form BDs and Form ADVs (including all amendments thereto) required to be filed
with any state have been filed in a timely manner.
(c) JWCFS and, to the extent applicable, its Subsidiaries, has filed all
SRO Reports required to be filed with any self-regulatory organizations since
January 1, 1995, each of which has complied with the rules of the self-
regulatory organization, each as in effect on the date so filed. JWCFS has
heretofore furnished to Genesis correct and
-45-
complete copies of the SRO Reports. None of the SRO Reports contained, when
filed, any untrue statement of material fact required to be stated or
incorporated by reference therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except
to the extent revised or superseded by a subsequent filing with the self-
regulatory organization (a copy of which has been provided to Genesis prior to
the date thereof), none of the SRO Reports contains any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated or
incorporated by reference therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(d) JWCFS and, to the extent applicable, its Subsidiaries, has registered
as a broker-dealer and investment adviser in each jurisdiction in which such
registration has been required since January 1, 1995. JWCFS and, to the extent
applicable, its Subsidiaries, has filed or caused to be filed all forms,
reports, statements, and documents (including all Form U-4s on behalf of
registered representatives) required to be filed with any state since January 1,
1995. All such forms, reports, statements, and documents are accurate in all
material respects.
6.11 Material Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.11, since
----------------
September 30, 1997, there has been no material adverse change in the business,
assets, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects of JWCFS, or in
JWCFS's relationship with its lenders, suppliers, customers, employees, or
others, whether occurring in the ordinary course of business or otherwise.
6.12 Tax Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.12, the provisions
-----------
made for Taxes reflected in the balance sheet at September 30, 1997, included in
the Third Quarter 10-Q are sufficient for the payment of all Taxes of JWCFS
through the Effective Time.
6.13 Employee Matters.
----------------
(a) Cash Compensation. Schedule 6.13(a) accurately lists the names,
titles, and rates of annual Cash Compensation, at the Current Balance Sheet Date
and at the date hereof (and the portions thereof attributable to salary or the
equivalent, fixed bonuses, discretionary bonuses, and other Cash Compensation,
respectively) of all employees (including all employees who are officers or
directors), nonemployee officers, nonemployee directors, and key consultants and
independent contractors of JWCFS that have been paid during the past fiscal
year, or reasonably expect to be paid during the current fiscal year, aggregate
compensation in excess of $150,000.
(b) Other Compensation Plans. Schedule 6.13(b) accurately lists all Other
Compensation Plans either in effect at the date hereof or to become effective
after the date hereof. JWCFS has provided Genesis with a true, correct, and
complete copy of each of those Other Compensation Plans that is in writing and
an accurate description of each of those Other Compensation Plans that are oral.
Except as accurately set forth in
-46-
Schedule 6.13(b), each of the Other Compensation Plans, may be unilaterally
amended or terminated by JWCFS without liability to any of them, except as to
benefits accrued thereunder prior to any such amendment or termination.
(c) ERISA Benefit Plans. Schedule 6.13(c) accurately lists each ERISA
Benefit Plan maintained by, sponsored in whole or in part by, or contributed to
by, JWCFS or any JWCFS ERISA Affiliate currently, or at any time during the six-
year period ending on the date hereof, under which employees, retirees,
dependents, spouses, directors, independent contractors, or other beneficiaries
are eligible to participate, including, but not limited to, all pension,
retirement, profit sharing, deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock
ownership, severance pay, vacation, bonus, or other incentive plans, medical,
vision, dental or other health plans, life insurance plans, and all other
employee benefit plans or fringe benefit plans. Schedule 6.13(c) classifies each
of the ERISA Benefit Plans as an ERISA Pension Benefit Plan or a Welfare Plan.
JWCFS has provided Genesis with a true, correct, and complete copy of each ERISA
Benefit Plan, all related trust agreements and amendments, actuarial reports and
valuations for the most recent three years, summary plan descriptions,
prospectuses, annual report form 5500s or similar forms (and attachments
thereto) for the most recent three years, all Internal Revenue Service
determination letters, and any related documents requested by JWCFS.
(d) Employee Policies and Procedures. Schedule 6.13(d) accurately lists
all Employee Policies and Procedures. JWCFS has provided Genesis with a copy of
all written Employee Policies and Procedures and a written description of all
Material unwritten Employee Policies and Procedures.
(e) Unwritten Amendments. Except as accurately described in Schedule
6.13(e), no Material unwritten amendments have been made, whether by oral
communication, pattern of conduct or otherwise, with respect to any of the
Employment Agreements, Other Compensation Plans, ERISA Benefit Plans, or
Employee Policies and Procedures.
(f) Labor Compliance. To the knowledge of JWCFS, JWCFS has been and is in
compliance with all applicable Governmental Requirements respecting employment
and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, and wages and
hours, and JWCFS is not liable for any arrears of wages or penalties for failure
to comply with any of the foregoing. JWCFS has not engaged in any unfair labor
practice or discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, national origin, age, disability, or handicap in its employment
conditions or practices. Except as accurately set forth in Schedule 6.13(f),
there are no (i) unfair labor practice charges or complaints or racial, color,
religious, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or
handicap discrimination charges or complaints pending or, to the knowledge of
JWCFS, threatened against JWCFS before any Governmental Authority (nor, to the
knowledge of JWCFS, does any valid basis therefor exist) or (ii) existing or, to
the
-47-
knowledge of JWCFS, threatened labor strikes, disputes, grievances,
controversies, or other labor troubles affecting JWCFS (nor, to the knowledge of
JWCFS, does any valid basis therefor exist).
(g) Change of Control Benefits. Except as accurately set forth in Schedule
6.13(g) of the Disclosure Statement, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (i)
result in any payment (including, without limitation, severance, unemployment
compensation, golden parachute, or otherwise) becoming due to any director or
any employee from JWCFS under any ERISA Benefit Plan, Other Compensation Plan or
otherwise, (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any ERISA Benefit
Plan or Other Compensation Plan, or (iii) result in any acceleration of the time
of payment or vesting of any such benefit. Neither JWCFS nor any JWCFS ERISA
Affiliate, is obligated, contingently or otherwise, under any agreement to pay
any amount that would be treated as a "parachute payment," as defined in Section
280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (determined without regard to Section
280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code).
(h) Retirees. Except as accurately set forth in Schedule 6.13(h), neither
JWCFS nor any JWCFS Subsidiary has any obligation or commitment to provide
medical, dental, or life insurance benefits to or on behalf of any of its
employees who may retire or any of its former employees who have retired, except
as may be required pursuant to the continuation of coverage provisions of
Section 4980B of the Code and the applicable parallel provisions of ERISA.
6.14 Compliance with ERISA, Etc.
--------------------------
(a) Compliance. Each of the JWCFS ERISA Benefit Plans and Other
Compensation Plans (i) is in substantial compliance with all applicable
provisions of ERISA, the Code, and all other applicable Governmental
Requirements, (ii) has been administered, operated and managed in accordance
with its governing documents, and (iii) has timely filed or distributed all
reports and other documents required to be filed with any governmental agency or
distributed to plan participants or beneficiaries (including annual reports,
summary annual reports (form 5500s), summary plan descriptions, actuarial
reports, PBGC-1 Forms, or returns).
(b) Qualification. Except as accurately set forth on Schedule 6.14(b), all
ERISA Pension Benefit Plans that are intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the Code (the "Qualified Plans") are so qualified and have received a
favorable determination letter from the IRS, and JWCFS is not aware of any
circumstances likely to result in the revocation of any such favorable
determination letter. To the extent that any Qualified Plans have not been
amended to comply with applicable Governmental Requirements, the remedial
amendment period permitting retroactive amendment of these Qualified Plans has
not expired and will not expire within 120 days after the Effective Time.
-48-
(c) No Defined Benefit Plans. Neither JWCFS nor any JWCFS ERISA Affiliate,
maintains, or within the past six years has maintained, an ERISA Pension Benefit
Plan that is or was a "defined benefit plan" subject to Title IV of ERISA.
(d) No Prohibited Transactions, Etc. With respect to each ERISA Benefit
Plan, neither such plan, nor any trustee, administrator, fiduciary, agent or
employee thereof, and none of the JWCFS Shareholders, nor JWCFS has engaged in
any Prohibited Transaction with respect to such ERISA Benefit Plan. With respect
to each ERISA Pension Benefit Plan (i) all minimum funding standards required by
law with respect to funding of benefits payable or to be payable under such plan
have been met; (ii) there is no accumulated funding deficiency, as defined in
Section 412(a) of the Code and Section 302(a) of ERISA; and (iii) there have
been no terminations, partial terminations, or discontinuances of contributions
without a determination by the IRS that such action does not adversely affect
the tax-qualified status of that plan.
(e) COBRA. With respect to ERISA Benefit Plans qualifying as "group health
plans" under Section 4980B of the Code or Section 607(l) or 609 of ERISA and
related regulations (relating to the benefit continuation rights imposed by
"COBRA" or qualified medical child support orders), JWCFS and the JWCFS
Shareholders have complied (and at the Effective Time will have complied) in all
Material respects with all reporting, disclosure, notice, election and other
benefit continuation and coverage requirements imposed thereunder as and when
applicable to those plans, and JWCFS has not incurred (nor will incur) any
direct or indirect liability or is (or will be) subject to any loss, assessment,
excise tax penalty, loss of federal income tax deduction or other sanction,
arising on account of or in respect of any direct or indirect failure by JWCFS
or any JWCFS Shareholders, at any time prior to the Effective Time, to comply
with any such federal or state benefit continuation or coverage requirement.
(f) Financial Disclosure. JWCFS has made, and as of the Effective Time
will have made or accrued, all payments and contributions required, or
reasonably expected to be required, to be made under the provisions of each
ERISA Benefit Plan or Other Compensation Plan, or required to be made under
applicable laws, rules and regulations, with respect to any period prior to the
Effective Date, such amounts to be determined using the ongoing actuarial and
funding assumptions of such plan. The Financial Statements and the Current
Balance Sheet reflect the approximate total pension, medical and other benefit
liability for all ERISA Benefit Plans and Other Compensation Plans, and no
Material funding changes or irregularities are reflected thereon which would
cause such statements to be not representative of prior periods.
(g) Multiemployer Plans. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.14(g), neither
JWCFS nor any ERISA Affiliate of any of them, is, or at any time during the six-
year period ended on the date hereof was, obligated to contribute to a
Multiemployer Plan. Neither JWCFS nor any ERISA Affiliate, has taken, or intends
to take, any action and no
-49-
event has occurred which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result
in withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any
Multiemployer Plan.
(h) Claims and Litigation. Except as accurately set forth in Schedule
6.14(h), no Litigation or claims (other than routine claims for benefits) are
pending or, to the knowledge of JWCFS, threatened against, or with respect to,
any of the ERISA Benefit Plans or Other Compensation Plans or with respect to
any fiduciary, administrator, sponsor (in their capacities as such), or any
party-in-interest thereof.
(i) Excise Taxes, Damages and Penalties. With respect to any ERISA Benefit
Plan or Other Compensation Plan, no act, omission or transaction has occurred
which would result in the imposition on JWCFS of (i) breach of fiduciary duty
liability damages under Section 409 of ERISA, (ii) a civil penalty assessed
pursuant to subsection (c), (i) or (l) of Section 502 of ERISA, or (iii) any
excise tax under applicable provisions of the Code.
(j) VEBA Welfare Trust. Any trust which is intended to be exempt from
federal income taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of the Code, satisfies the
requirements of that section and has received a favorable determination letter
from the IRS regarding that exempt status and has not, since receipt of the most
recent favorable determination letter, been amended or operated in a way that
would adversely affect that exempt status.
(k) Amendments and Termination. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.14(k)
JWCFS has the right to amend, modify, or terminate any ERISA Benefit Plan or
Other Compensation Plan without incurring any liability thereunder, except as to
any benefits accrued prior to such amendment, modification, or termination.
Prior to the Effective Time, JWCFS agrees not to amend or modify any ERISA
Benefit Plan or Other Compensation Plan or take any other action which results
in an increase in liability under such ERISA Benefit Plan or Other Compensation
Plan. To the extent JWCFS adopts or continues any ERISA Benefit Plan or Other
Compensation Plan, nothing contained in this Agreement limits or restricts
JWCFS's right to amend, modify, or terminate any of such plans in such manner as
JWCFS deems appropriate.
6.15 Certain Environmental Matters. (a) Except as accurately disclosed in
-----------------------------
Schedule 6.15(a), JWCFS has complied, and remains in compliance, with the
provisions of all Environmental Laws applicable to any of it or any of its
presently owned or operated facilities, sites, or other properties, businesses,
and operations; (b) except as accurately disclosed in Schedule 6.15, no
Hazardous Substances have been disposed of or released at, from, in, or on any
site owned or operated by JWCFS in violation of applicable Environmental Laws;
(c) except as accurately disclosed in Schedule 6.15(c), neither JWCFS (or any
agent or contractor of JWCFS) has transported or arranged for the transportation
of any Hazardous Substances to, or disposed or arranged for the disposition of
any Hazardous Substances at, any off-site location that could lead to any claim
against
-50-
JWCFS, or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of JWCFS, as a potentially responsible
party or otherwise, for any clean-up costs, remedial work, damage to natural
resources, personal injury, or property damage, including any claim under
Environmental Laws; and (d) except as accurately disclosed in Schedule 6:15(d),
no storage tanks existed or exist on or under any of the properties owned,
leased, or operated by JWCFS from which any Hazardous Substances could have been
released into the surrounding environment. JWCFS has provided Genesis with
copies (or if not available, accurate written summaries) of all environmental
investigations, studies, audits, reviews, inspections, and other analyses
conducted by or on behalf, or which otherwise are in the possession, of JWCFS
respecting any facility, site, or other property presently owned, leased, or
operated by JWCFS.
6.16 Year 2000 Compliance. Schedule 6.16 details the plans of JWCFS for
--------------------
ensuring that the software utilized by JWCFS in its business ("JWCFS Software")
will be Year 2000 compliant, will correctly handle the change of the century in
a standard compliant manner, including both the Year 2000 and beyond, as well as
the leap year, and the absence of leap year, and will operate accurately with
respect to date-related operations. JWCFS believes that the plans detailed on
Schedule 6.16 are sufficient to ensure the uninterrupted conduct of its
business.
6.17 Representations and Warranties. No representation, warranty, or
------------------------------
covenant of JWCFS or Newco contained in this Agreement or in any written
statement delivered pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby contains or shall contain any untrue material statement, or
shall omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Copies of all documents furnished by JWCFS or Newco to Genesis in
connection with this Agreement or pursuant hereto are true and complete in all
material respects. JWCFS does not know of any fact that it has not disclosed in
writing to Genesis that has had a Material Adverse Effect or, so far as JWCFS
can reasonably foresee, will have a Material Adverse Effect, on JWCFS or Newco
or the ability of JWCFS or Newco to perform its obligations under this
Agreement, the Share Exchange, and the Combination.
ARTICLE 7
RESALE REGISTRATION AND RELATED MATTERS
7.1 Resale Registration of Xxxxxxxxx Stock. JWCFS and Newco agree that
--------------------------------------
a registration statement of Newco (the "Resale Registration Statement") shall be
filed with the Commission in connection with the Form S-4 registration statement
to be filed by Newco and JWCFS in connection with the Combination, which shall
contain such information as may be necessary under the Securities Act and the
rules and regulation of the Commission to cover the resale by Xxxxxxxxx of the
Xxxxxxxxx Stock , and that they will use their best efforts to cause the Resale
Registration Statement to become effective by the Closing Date (or as soon
thereafter as is permitted by applicable rules or policies
-51-
of the Commission) and to remain effective for a period of two years after the
Closing Date. Xxxxxxxxx agrees to provide JWCFS and Newco reasonable assistance
as necessary in preparing and maintaining the effectiveness of the Resale
Registration Statement.
7.2 Certain Additional Obligations of JWCFS and Newco. In connection
-------------------------------------------------
with the registration provided for hereunder, JWCFS and Newco shall:
(a) cause to be printed and furnished to Xxxxxxxxx such number of copies
of the Resale Registration Statement, the Resale Prospectus, and any and all
amendments or supplements thereto as Xxxxxxxxx may reasonably request;
(b) immediately notify Xxxxxxxxx, at any time when a prospectus relating
thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening
of any event as a result of which the Resale Prospectus, as then in effect,
contains an untrue statement of a material or omits to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing;
(c) cause any legend placed on certificates representing shares of
Xxxxxxxxx Stock to be removed with respect to such shares sold or to be offered
for sale pursuant to the Resale Registration Statement;
(d) as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, prepare and file with the
Commission any amendments and supplements to the Resale Registration Statement
and the Resale Prospectus as may be necessary to keep the Resale Registration
Statement effective for a period of not less than two years from the Closing
Date or, if sooner, until all of the Xxxxxxxxx Stock has been sold;
(e) use their best efforts to register or qualify the Xxxxxxxxx Stock
covered by the Resale Registration Statement under the securities or Blue Sky
laws of such states as shall be reasonably requested by Xxxxxxxxx, and do any
and all other acts and things that may be necessary or desirable to enable
Xxxxxxxxx to consummate the public sale or other disposition, in accordance with
the method of distribution described in the Resale Registration Statement, in
such jurisdictions of the Xxxxxxxxx Stock; provided, however, that JWCFS and
-------- -------
Newco shall not be required in connection herewith to qualify as a foreign
corporation or execute a general consent to service of process in any
jurisdiction; and
(f) pay all expenses of the registration pursuant to this Article 7
(except as to fees and expenses of counsel for Xxxxxxxxx, underwriting discounts
or selling commissions, and amounts required by law to be paid by Xxxxxxxxx).
The expenses excluded above shall be borne by Xxxxxxxxx.
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7.3 Certain Conditions to Newco's Obligations.
------------------------------------------
(a) The performance by JWCFS or Newco of their obligations under this
Article 7 shall be subject to compliance by Xxxxxxxxx with all reasonable
requests by JWCFS or Newco or its counsel for information, documents, or
certificates necessary for such performance.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, (i) until the Resale
Registration Statement has become effective, Xxxxxxxxx will not sell, contract
to sell, or offer to sell any of the Xxxxxxxxx Stock in any transaction
requiring registration under the Securities Act or under the securities or blue
sky laws of any jurisdiction, and (ii) after the Resale Registration Statement
shall become effective, upon receipt of notice from JWCFS or Newco (A) that the
Resale Prospectus, as then in effect, contains an untrue statement of a material
fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the
circumstances then existing, or (B) that the Resale Prospectus requires
amendment or supplementation in order to comply with any applicable provisions
of the Securities Act or of blue sky or securities law of any relevant
jurisdiction, Xxxxxxxxx shall cease making offers and sales of any Xxxxxxxxx
Stock pursuant to such Resale Prospectus, and shall return to Newco any
remaining copies of the Resale Prospectus. Newco shall promptly provide
Xxxxxxxxx with a revised Resale Prospectus and, following receipt thereof,
Xxxxxxxxx shall be free to resume making offers of Xxxxxxxxx Stock.
7.4 Registration Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other provision of
----------------------------
this Agreement respecting indemnification for other matters, in connection with
the registration pursuant to this Article 7, the following provisions of this
Section 7.4 shall apply and shall be controlling in the event of any conflict
with any such other provision:
(a) JWCFS and Newco will indemnify and hold harmless Xxxxxxxxx against any
losses, claims, damages, or liabilities to which Xxxxxxxxx may become subject
under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in the Resale Registration Statement or the Resale Prospectus, or arise out of
or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading in light of the circumstances in which made; provided, however,
-------- -------
JWCFS and Newco will not be liable in any such case to the extent any such loss,
claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement, or omission or alleged omission, so made or omitted in
conformity with information furnished by Xxxxxxxxx for use in the Resale
Registration Statement or the Resale Prospectus.
(b) Xxxxxxxxx will indemnify and hold harmless JWCFS and Newco and each
person, if any, who controls JWCFS and Newco within the meaning of the
Securities Act,
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each officer of JWCFS and Newco who signs the Resale Registration Statement,
each director of JWCFS or Newco and each underwriter and each person who
controls any underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, against all
losses, claims, damages, or liabilities, joint or several, to which JWCFS or
Newco or such officer, director, underwriter, or controlling person may become
subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are
based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material
fact contained in the Resale Registration Statement or the Resale Prospectus, or
arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which made,
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information pertaining to Xxxxxxxxx
furnished to JWCFS or Newco by Xxxxxxxxx for use in the Resale Registration
Statement or Resale Prospectus, or (ii) in the case of the utilization by
Xxxxxxxxx of a method of disposition not involving an underwriter, the failure
of Xxxxxxxxx to deliver, in compliance with applicable law, a Resale Prospectus
after sufficient copies thereof have been furnished to Xxxxxxxxx, provided,
however, that the liability of Xxxxxxxxx hereunder shall be limited to the
proportion of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense that is equal
to the proportion that the public offering price of shares sold by Xxxxxxxxx
under the Resale Registration Statement bears to the total public offering price
of all securities sold thereunder.
(c) The indemnification by Xxxxxxxxx of underwriters provided for in this
Section 7.4 shall be on such other terms and conditions as may be customary and
reasonably required by such underwriters.
(d) Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably
practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an
indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability
hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and
in any event shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have otherwise
than on account of this indemnity provision. In any matter in which JWCFS,
Newco, or any of their Affiliates is named as a party, JWCFS or Newco shall be
entitled to select counsel who will have primary charge of handling the defense
in the matter, and the costs and expenses of such counsel shall be borne by the
party or parties, if any, who have an indemnity obligation to such Persons under
this Section 7.4. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 7.4(a)
above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by such indemnified
parties, subject to the approval of JWCFS or Newco. An indemnifying party may
otherwise participate, at its own expense, in the defense of any action with
counsel of its own choosing; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying
-------- -------
party shall not (except with the consent of the indemnified party) also be
counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be
liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local
counsel) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in
connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions
arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.
-54-
No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the
indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any
judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by
any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim
whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought
under this Section 7 (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or
potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise, or consent (i)
includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability
arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding, or claim and (ii)
does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability, or a
failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
ARTICLE 8
OTHER AGREEMENTS
8.1 Stock Options to Certain Genesis Personnel. In connection with the
------------------------------------------
Closing, Newco shall issue options to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 25,000
shares of Newco Common Stock to the Genesis Members as set forth on ANNEX D
hereto.
8.2 Leeds Employment Agreement. Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx ("Leeds") shall
--------------------------
agree to the termination on the Closing Date of that certain Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement currently in effect between him and JWCFS, in
consideration of which JWCFS shall pay to him the amounts at the times specified
on ANNEX E, and Newco shall enter into a new employment with him in substance
and form substantially as provided in EXHIBIT D, providing for his employment as
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.
8.3 Marks Employment Agreement. Xxxx X. Xxxxx ("Marks") shall agree to
--------------------------
the termination on the Closing Date of the employment arrangement currently in
effect between him and JWCFS, in consideration of which JWCFS shall pay to him
the amounts at the times specified on ANNEX E, and Newco shall enter into a new
employment with him in substance and form substantially as provided in
EXHIBIT D, providing for his employment as Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer.
8.4 Employment of Will X. Xxxxxxxxx. Will X. Xxxxxxxxx and Newco shall
-------------------------------
enter into an employment agreement in substance and form substantially as
provided in EXHIBIT E providing for his employment as Vice Chairman of Newco
following the Combination.
8.5 Employment of Xxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx ("Xxxxxxxxx") and Newco
-----------------------
shall enter into an employment agreement in substance and form substantially as
provided in EXHIBIT D providing for his employment as Chief Operating Officer of
Newco following the Combination.
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8.6 Establishment of Executive Bonus Pool. In addition to the base
-------------------------------------
compensation provided to Leeds, Stapleton, and Marks in their respective
employment agreements, Newco shall establish an Incentive Bonus Plan (the
"Incentive Bonus Plan") to be administered by a committee or subcommittee of its
Board of Directors comprised solely of two or more outside directors (the
"Committee") pursuant to and subject to the provisions of which Messrs. Leeds,
Stapleton, and Marks shall be awarded Incentive Awards totaling 15% of Newco's
annual pre-tax profits, which for purposes of Newco's 1998 fiscal year (and
subsequent fiscal years unless and until modified by the Committee consistent
with the terms of the Incentive Bonus Plan) shall be allocated and paid 50% to
Mr. Leeds, 28.5% to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx, and 21.5% to Xx. Xxxxx, provided that such
awards may be reduced by the Committee in its discretion but not below 35% to
Mr. Leeds, 20% to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx, and 5% to Xx. Xxxxx.
8.7 Agreement Among Certain Shareholders. Messrs. Leeds and Xxxxxxxxx
------------------------------------
shall enter into an Agreement Among Certain Shareholders in substantially the
form attached as EXHIBIT F hereto whereby they agree to vote for the election as
directors of Newco a specified number of nominees identified by Leeds, on the
one hand, and by Xxxxxxxxx, on the other hand.
8.8 CONFIDENTIALITY. Each party understands that certain information
---------------
that it has been furnished and will be furnished in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement is confidential and proprietary, and
each party agrees that it will maintain the confidentiality of such information
and will not disclose it to others or use it except in connection with such
transactions, without the consent of the party furnishing such information,
except as required by applicable law or legal process (in which case prior
notice will be given to the party that furnished the information). Information
that is generally known in the industry of a party or has been generally
disclosed to its shareholders, members, or creditors, or that has been disclosed
to the other party by third parties who have a right to do so, shall not be
deemed confidential or proprietary information for these purposes. If the
Combination is not consummated, each party agrees to promptly return to the
other, upon its request, all materials (and all copies thereof) that have been
furnished to it regarding the business and financial condition of the other
party, including, without limitation, all financial statements, reports,
contracts, customer lists, accounts, records, tax returns, data, plans,
processes, and trade secrets.
8.9 Proxy Statement And Form S-4 Registration Statement. Genesis
---------------------------------------------------
acknowledges that JWCFS and Newco intend to prepare (a) a proxy statement of
JWCFS to be used to solicit the votes of the JWCFS Shareholders with respect to
approval of the Share Exchange and certain other matters related thereto and
(b) one or more SEC Compliance Documents of Newco under the Securities Act to
cover (i) the issuance of shares of Newco Common Stock to the JWCFS Shareholders
in connection with the Share Exchange and (ii) the resale by Xxxxxxxxx of the
Xxxxxxxxx Stock as provided in Article 7 (the "SEC Compliance Documents"). Each
of the SEC Compliance Documents shall comply with the applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission. Genesis agrees to provide to JWCFS
-56-
and Newco for use in such SEC Compliance Documents all the information about it
and its Affiliates and their business (including financial statements and pro
forma financial information in appropriate form) required to be included in any
such SEC Compliance Documents and shall indemnify JWCFS and Newco and their
respective directors, officers, and controlling persons against any loss or
Damage resulting from any material misstatement of fact or omission of material
fact in connection with the provision of any such information.
8.10 No Solicitation of Transactions. Prior to the termination of this
-------------------------------
Agreement, the parties hereto will not, and will direct their respective
officers, directors, financial advisors, counsels and other agents or
representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (a) solicit, initiate or
encourage submission of proposals or offers from any Person other than a party
hereto relating to any acquisition or purchase of all or a material part of the
stock issued by or assets of, or any share exchange, merger, consolidation or
business combination with, or any recapitalization, restructuring or issuance or
offering of debt or equity securities of, Genesis or JWCFS (an "Acquisition
Proposal") or (b) participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding,
furnish any information to any Person other than a party hereto or its
representatives with respect to, or otherwise assist, facilitate or encourage
any Acquisition Proposal by any Person other than a party hereto. If,
notwithstanding the foregoing, any party or its representatives should receive
any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry regarding any such proposal from a third
party during the term of this Agreement, such party shall promptly inform the
other parties hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, JWCFS may furnish
information concerning its business, properties, or assets to any Person and may
negotiate and participate in discussions and negotiations with such Person
concerning an Acquisition Proposal, if such Person has submitted a bona fide
written proposal to the Board of Directors of JWCFS relating to any such
transaction and if the Board of Directors of JWCFS determines, after receipt of
advice from legal counsel to JWCFS, that the failure to provide such information
or access or to engage in such discussions or negotiations could cause the Board
of Directors of JWCFS to violate its fiduciary duties to the shareholders of
JWCFS under applicable law.
8.11 Tax Return Positions. None of JWCFS, Newco, Genesis or the Genesis
--------------------
Members shall take any position on their respective Tax Returns inconsistent
with the position that the Combination qualifies as a nonrecognition transaction
within the meaning of Section 351 of the Code, unless such inconsistent position
shall arise out of or through an inquiry or examination by the Internal Revenue
Service or other Tax Authority.
8.12 JWCFS Shareholders Meeting. JWCFS shall convene a special meeting of
--------------------------
the holders of the JWCFS Common Stock and use its best efforts to obtain thereat
approval of the Share Exchange and each other matter submitted by JWCFS for a
vote of such holders in connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange
or the Combination.
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8.13 Meeting of or Action by Genesis Members. Genesis shall convene a
---------------------------------------
meeting of, or otherwise cause the taking of appropriate action by, the holders
of the Genesis Membership Interests to obtain approval of the LLC Exchange and
each other matter for which approval is necessary by such holders in connection
with the consummation of the Combination.
8.14 Cooperation. JWCFS, Newco and Genesis shall cooperate fully with
-----------
each other and their respective counsel, accountants, and other authorized
representatives in connection with any steps required to be taken as part of
their respective obligations under this Agreement or otherwise as reasonably
necessary to consummate the Combination.
8.15 Expenses. The expenses incurred by the parties hereto in connection
--------
with the authorization, preparation, execution, and delivery of this Agreement
and the performance of their respective obligations hereunder, including without
limitation all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, counsel, and
accountants, shall be paid by the party that incurred such expenses whether or
not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, provided that if the
Combination is consummated, any such expenses incurred or payable by Genesis and
not yet paid shall be fully accrued and reflected on the Genesis Combination
Balance Sheet. If Genesis terminates this Agreement during the period provided
in Section 11.9, and for reasons specified in Section 11.9, then Genesis will
pay JWCFS the reasonable expenses actually incurred by the nonterminating party
in negotiating and carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
including without limitation, printing costs and fees and expenses of counsel,
accountants, financial consultants, and investment bankers. If this Agreement
is terminated pursuant to Section 11.4 or 11.8 and Genesis and the Genesis
Members are not in breach of the Agreement in any material respect, then JWCFS
shall pay to Genesis (in each case, as the sole and exclusive remedy of Genesis
and the Genesis Members therefor and for any breach or misrepresentation by
JWCFS or Newco) $1,500,000 if the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section
11.4, $2,000,000 if the Agreement is terminated under Section 11.8(a), or
$500,000 if the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 11.8(b). If this
Agreement is terminated by JWCFS pursuant to paragraph 11.3 and JWCFS is not in
breach of the Agreement in any material respect, then Genesis shall pay to JWCFS
$1,500,000 to compensate JWCFS for its costs and expenses incurred (and, as
JWCFS' sole and exclusive remedy therefore and for any breach or
misrepresentation by Genesis or any Genesis Member).
8.16 Press Releases. Prior to the Effective Time, JWCFS, Newco and
--------------
Genesis shall consult with each other as to the form and substance of any press
release or other public disclosure relating to this Agreement, its subject
matter, or any transaction contemplated hereby; provided, however, that nothing
in this Section 8.16 shall be deemed to prohibit JWCFS from making any
disclosure that its counsel advises is necessary or advisable in order to
satisfy its disclosure obligations imposed by law.
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8.17 JWCFS' Public Documents and Access to Information. JWCFS has
-------------------------------------------------
delivered to Genesis and the Genesis Members a true and complete copy of (i)
JWCFS' annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996,
(ii) JWCFS' definitive proxy statement relating to its 1997 annual shareholders'
meeting, and (iii) all other filings (other than preliminary registration or
proxy statements) made by JWCFS with the Commission between December 31, 1996
and the date hereof (collectively, the "Recent SEC Documents"). In addition to
the Recent SEC Documents, JWCFS has provided Genesis and each Genesis Member
opportunities to become familiar with the business, financial condition,
management, and operations of JWCFS, including reasonable opportunities to ask
questions of, receive answers from and obtain information regarding, JWCFS and
concerning its business and prospects that may be material to their investment
decision.
8.18 Agreement by Leeds and Marks. Contemporaneously with the execution
----------------------------
of this Agreement, Messrs. Leeds and Marks will each execute and deliver to
Genesis an agreement, the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit G,
pursuant to which each of them agrees to vote the Capital Stock of JWCFS owned
or controlled by them in favor of the Share Exchange.
8.19 Delivery of SEC Compliance Documents. JWCFS will deliver to Genesis
------------------------------------
and each of the Genesis Members copies of the SEC Compliance Documents within 5
business days of the initial filing of such documents with the Commission.
8.20 Nonsolicitation Agreements. Contemporaneously with the Closing of
--------------------------
this Agreement, the Genesis employees listed in ANNEX F attached hereto will
each execute and deliver to Newco a Nonsolicitation Agreement, the form of which
is attached hereto as Exhibit J.
8.21 Distribution To Genesis Members. Not later than 60 days after the
-------------------------------
Closing Date, Genesis will distribute to the Genesis Members their allocable
share of the members' capital of Genesis as of the Closing Date which is in
excess of the Minimum Balance Sheet Amount.
8.22 Newco Common Stock Deliverable to Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx. If
-----------------------------------------------------------
instructed by Genesis and the Genesis Members in accordance with the provisions
of Section 2.4(a) to deliver a portion of the Genesis Members' Newco Common
Stock to Putnam, Lovell, & Xxxxxxxx, Newco shall deliver such shares of Newco
Common Stock to Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx and reduce, on a pro rata basis in
accordance with their respective ownership of such Genesis Membership Interests
as set forth on ANNEX C (without a corresponding decrease in the Escrowed
Shares), the number of shares of Newco Common Stock allocable to each Genesis
Member.
-59-
ARTICLE 9
INDEMNIFICATION
9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All of the provisions of
------------------------------------------
this Agreement will survive the Closing and the Effective Time indefinitely
notwithstanding any investigation at any time made by or on behalf of any party
hereto, provided that the representations and warranties set forth in Articles
3, 4, and 5 and in any certificate delivered in connection herewith with respect
to any of those representations and warranties will terminate and expire on the
first anniversary of the Effective Time, except as follows: (a) the
representations and warranties that relate expressly or by necessary implication
to the representation in the first sentence of Section 4.13(a) that Genesis is
taxable as a partnership for income tax purposes ("Partnership Tax Status") will
survive until the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations
(including all periods of extension and tolling); and (b) the representation and
warranties of Sections 3.2 and 3.3 shall survive indefinitely. After a
representation and warranty has terminated and expired, no indemnification or
other claim for indemnity, Damages or otherwise, will or may be sought pursuant
to this Article 9 or otherwise on the basis of that representation and warranty,
unless prior to such termination and expiration a claim therefor had been
presented in writing by the Person seeking indemnification pursuant to this
Article 9 on the basis of that representation and warranty.
9.2 Indemnification of Seller Indemnified Parties.
---------------------------------------------
Subject to the provisions of Sections 9.1 and 9.6, the Genesis Members covenant
and agree that they, jointly and severally, will indemnify each Seller
Indemnified Party against, and hold each Seller Indemnified Party harmless from
and in respect of, all Damages Claims that arise from, are based on, or relate
or otherwise are attributable to (i) any breach of the representations and
warranties of Genesis set forth in Article 4 or in certificates delivered in
connection herewith, (ii) any nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement on the
part of Genesis under this Agreement, or (iii) any liability under the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other applicable Governmental Requirement
that arises out of or is based on (A) any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact relating to Genesis, any Genesis Subsidiary, or any
Genesis Member that is (1) provided to JWCFS or Newco or its counsel by Genesis
or the Genesis Members, and (2) contained in any Form S-4 Document, or (B) any
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact relating to
Genesis, any Genesis Subsidiary, or the Genesis Members required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and not
provided to JWCFS or Newco by Genesis or the Genesis Members (each such Damages
Claim being a "Seller Indemnified Loss").
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 9.6, each Genesis Member,
severally and not jointly with any other Person, covenants and agrees that he
will indemnify each Seller Indemnified Party against, and hold each Seller
Indemnified Party harmless from and in respect of, all Damages Claims that arise
from, are based on, or relate or otherwise
-60-
are attributable to (i) any breach of the representations and warranties of that
Genesis Member, solely as to that Genesis Member, set forth in Article 3 or in
certificates delivered by that Genesis Member and relating to those
representations and warranties, (ii) any nonfulfillment of any several, and not
joint and several, agreement on the part of that Genesis Member under this
Agreement, or (iii) any liability under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or
other applicable Governmental Requirement that arises out of or is based on (A)
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact relating
solely to that Genesis Member that is (1) provided in writing to JWCFS or Newco
or its counsel by that Genesis Member for purpose of inclusion in the Form S-4
Document and (2) contained in any Form S-4 Document, or (B) any omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact relating solely to that
Genesis Member required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, and not provided to JWCFS or Newco or its counsel by
that Genesis Member (each such Damages Claim being a "Genesis Member Indemnified
Loss"); notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Damages Claim
against a Genesis Member pursuant to a breach of a representation, covenant or
warranty contained in Article 3 shall be recoverable from such Member from the
first dollar of loss, up to an amount equal to the consideration (valued as of
the Effective Time) received by such Genesis Member in the LLC Exchange, first
from such Genesis Members' pro rata share of the Escrowed Shares and then from
such Genesis Member. In no event shall a Genesis Member's liability exceed an
amount equal to the consideration (valued as of the Effective Time) received by
such Genesis Member in the LLC Exchange.
9.3 Indemnification of JWCFS Indemnified Parties. JWCFS covenants
--------------------------------------------
and agrees that it will indemnify each JWCFS Indemnified Party against, and hold
each JWCFS Indemnified Party harmless from and in respect of, all Damages Claims
that arise from, are based on, or relate or otherwise are attributable to
(i) any breach by JWCFS or, if applicable, Newco of its representations and
warranties set forth herein or in its certificates delivered to Genesis or the
Genesis Members in connection herewith, (ii) any nonfulfillment of any covenant
or agreement on the part of JWCFS or, if applicable, Newco under this Agreement
(each such Damages Claim being an "JWCFS Indemnified Loss"); or (iii) any
liability under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other applicable
Governmental Requirement that arises out of or is based on (A) any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a Material fact relating to JWCFS or
any JWCFS Subsidiary (other than Genesis prior to the Effective Time) contained
in the Registration Statement or any prospectus forming a part thereof, or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or (B) any omission or alleged omission
to state therein a Material fact relating to JWCFS any JWCFS Subsidiary (other
than Genesis prior to the Effective Time) required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made.
9.4 Conditions of Indemnification. All claims for indemnification
-----------------------------
under this Agreement shall be asserted and resolved as follows in this
Section 9.4:
-61-
(a) A party claiming indemnification under this Agreement (an
"Indemnified Party") shall promptly (i) notify the party from whom
indemnification is sought (the "Indemnifying Party") of any third-party claim or
claims asserted against the Indemnified Party ("Third Party Claim") that could
give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement (ii) transmit to
the Indemnifying Party a written notice ("Claim Notice") describing in
reasonable detail the nature of the Third Party Claim, a copy of all papers
served with respect to that claim (if any), an estimate of the amount of Damages
attributable to the Third Party Claim to the extent feasible (which estimate
shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such claim), and the basis for
the Indemnified Party's request for indemnification under this Agreement. Except
as set forth in Section 9.1, the failure to promptly deliver a Claim Notice
shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations to the Indemnified
Party with respect to the related Third Party Claim, except to the extent that
the resulting delay is materially prejudicial to the defense of that claim.
Within 30 days after receipt of any Claim Notice (the "Election Period"), the
Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnified Party whether the Indemnifying
Party disputes its potential liability to the Indemnified Party under this
Article 9 with respect to that Third Party Claim and, if the Indemnifying Party
does not dispute its potential liability to the Indemnified Party with respect
to that Third Party Claim, whether the Indemnifying Party desires, at the sole
cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to defend the Indemnified Party
against that Third Party Claim.
(b) If the Indemnifying Party does not dispute its potential liability
to the Indemnified Party and notifies the Indemnified Party within the Election
Period that the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of the Third
Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend, at its
sole cost and expense, that Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings,
which proceedings shall be prosecuted diligently by the Indemnifying Party to a
final conclusion or settled at the discretion of the Indemnifying Party in
accordance with this Section 9.4(b) and the Indemnified Party will furnish the
Indemnifying Party with all information in its possession with respect to that
Third Party Claim and otherwise cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the
defense of that Third Party Claim; provided, however, that the Indemnifying
-------- -------
Party shall not enter into any settlement with respect to any Third Party Claim
that purports to limit the activities of, or otherwise restricts in any way, any
Indemnified Party or any Affiliate of any Indemnified Party without the prior
consent of that Indemnified Party (which consent may be withheld in the sole
discretion of that Indemnified Party). The Indemnified Party is hereby
authorized, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to file,
during the Election Period, any motion, answer, or other pleadings that the
Indemnified Party shall deem necessary or appropriate to protect its interests.
The Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or
settlement of any Third Party Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party
pursuant to this Section 9.4(b) and will bear its own costs and expenses with
respect to that participation; provided, however, that if the named parties to
-------- -------
any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying
Party and the Indemnified Party, and the Indemnified Party has been advised by
counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available
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to it that are different from or additional to those available to the
Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnified Party may employ separate counsel at
the expense of the Indemnifying Party, and, on its written notification of that
employment, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume or
continue the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnified Party.
(c) If the Indemnifying Party (i) within the Election Period (A) disputes
its potential liability to the Indemnified Party under this Article 9, (B)
elects not to defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 9.4(a) or (c)
fails to notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to
defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 9.4(b) or (ii) elects to defend
the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 9.4(b) but fails to prosecute
diligently and promptly or otherwise dispose of or settle the Third Party Claim,
then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend, at the sole cost and
expense of the Indemnifying Party (if the Indemnified Party is entitled to
indemnification hereunder), the Third Party Claim by all appropriate
proceedings, which proceedings shall be promptly and vigorously prosecuted by
the Indemnified Party to a final conclusion or settled. The Indemnified Party
shall have full control of such defense and proceedings. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the Indemnifying Party has delivered a written notice to the
Indemnified Party to the effect that the Indemnifying Party disputes its
potential liability to the Indemnified Party under this Article 9 and if such
dispute is resolved in favor of the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party
shall not be required to bear the costs and expenses of the Indemnified Party's
defense pursuant to this Section 9.4 or of the Indemnifying Party's
participation therein at the Indemnified Party's request, and the Indemnified
Party shall reimburse the Indemnifying Party in full for all reasonable costs
and expenses of such litigation. The Indemnifying Party may participate in, but
not control, any defense or settlement controlled by the Indemnified Party
pursuant to this Section 9.4(c), and the Indemnifying Party shall bear its own
costs and expenses with respect to such participation.
(d) If any Indemnified Party has a claim against any Indemnifying Party
hereunder that does not involve a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall
transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice (the "Indemnity Notice")
describing in reasonable detail the nature of the claim, an estimate of the
amount of Damages attributable to that claim to the extent feasible (which
estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such claim), and the
basis of the Indemnified Party's request for indemnification under this
Agreement. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party
within 30 days from its receipt of the Indemnity Notice that the Indemnifying
Party disputes such claim, the claim specified by the Indemnified Party in the
Indemnity Notice shall conclusively be deemed a liability of the Indemnifying
Party hereunder. If the Indemnifying Party has timely disputed such claim, as
provided above, such dispute may be resolved by proceedings in an appropriate
court of competent jurisdiction if the parties do not reach a settlement of such
dispute within 30 days after notice of a dispute is given.
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(e) Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party pursuant to
this Article 9 relating to a Third Party Claim shall be made within 30 days
after the latest of (i) the settlement of that Third Party Claim, (ii) the
expiration of the period for appeal of a final adjudication of that Third Party
Claim, or (iii) the expiration of the period for appeal of a final adjudication
of the Indemnifying Party's liability to the Indemnified Party under this
Agreement. Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party pursuant to
Section 9.4(d) shall be made within 30 days after the later of (i) the
expiration of the 30-day Indemnity Notice period or (ii) the expiration of the
period for appeal of a final adjudication of the Indemnifying Party's liability
to the Indemnified Party under this Agreement.
9.5. Limitation on Remedies. The remedies provided in this Agreement
----------------------
shall not be exclusive of any other rights or remedies available to one party
against the other, either at law or in equity but shall be exclusive with
respect to any Claim arising out of this Agreement or any transaction
contemplated by this Agreement.
9.6. Limitations on Indemnification.
------------------------------
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.2, no Genesis Member
shall be required to pay any indemnification under Section 9.2(a) or 9.2(b)
until the aggregate liability of the Genesis Members in respect of all Seller
Indemnified Losses and Genesis Member Indemnified Losses exceeds, and only to
the extent the aggregate amount does exceed, the Threshold Amount. In no event
shall (i) the aggregate of (A) the joint and several liability of the Genesis
Members under Section 9.2(a), and (B) the several liability of the Genesis
Members under Section 9.2(b), except as expressly provided in Section 9.2(b)
with respect to the Article 3 representations, exceed an amount equal to the
closing sales price of the Newco Common Stock to be received on the Closing Date
as listed on the AMEX (or the price of JWCFS Common Stock if Newco Common Stock
is not yet trading) times ten percent of the number of shares of Newco Common
Stock received by Genesis Members in the LLC Exchange (the "Indemnification
Limit"), and (ii) the aggregate liability of any Genesis Member exceed that
Genesis Member's Pro Rata Share of the Indemnification Limit (as set forth in
ANNEX C hereto); provided, however, any and all recovery (except as expressly
-------- -------
set forth in Section 9.2(b) with respect to the Article 3 representations) shall
be limited to the Escrowed Shares, except with respect to any damage claim
properly made with respect to Section 3.2 or 3.3 and the representations with
respect to Partnership Tax Status after release of shares from the Escrow
Account. For purposes of determining the amount of any Seller Indemnified Loss
or Genesis Member Indemnified Loss, no effect will be given to any resulting Tax
benefit to any Seller Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, no Genesis Member shall have any
personal liability (nor shall such Member's share of the Escrowed Shares be a
source of recovery for) any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant
by any other Genesis Member.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.3, JWCFS shall not be
required to pay any indemnification to any of the JWCFS Indemnified Parties
until the aggregate liability of JWCFS in respect of all JWCFS Indemnified
Losses, exceeds, and only to the extent the aggregate amount does exceed, the
Threshold Amount. In no event shall JWCFS be liable under this Agreement,
including Section 9.3, for any amount in excess of the Indemnification Limit.
For purposes of determining the amount of JWCFS Indemnified Losses, no effect
will be given to any resulting Tax benefit to any JWCFS Indemnified Party.
ARTICLE 10
CLOSING AND CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
10.1 Closing.
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10.1.1 Time and Place of Closing. The transactions contemplated herein
shall be consummated (the "Closing") at the offices of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP,
or such other place that the parties mutually agree upon, as soon as practicable
after approval of the Share Exchange by the JWCFS Shareholders as contemplated
by Section 8.12 hereof, such date (the "Closing Date") to be mutually agreed
upon by the parties hereto, but in any event to be not later than June 30, 1998.
Articles of Share Exchange (including a copy of the Plan of Share Exchange)
shall be filed in the State of Florida not later than the Closing Date, and the
Share Exchange shall become effective as provided in the Plan of Share Exchange.
10.1.2 Exchange of Other Closing Documents. The closing certificates,
documents, opinions of counsel, and other instruments to be delivered and
actions to be taken pursuant to this Agreement to effectuate the Combination,
and not previously so delivered or taken, shall be delivered or taken at the
Closing.
10.2 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of JWCFS and Newco. All of
----------------------------------------------------------
the obligations of JWCFS and Newco under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment or waiver prior to or at the Closing of each of the following
conditions:
10.2.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of Genesis and the Genesis Members contained herein or in any
certificate, schedule, or other document delivered pursuant to the provisions
hereof or in connection herewith shall be true and correct as of the Closing
Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been
made at the Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and
warranties expressly relate only to an earlier date, and except for changes
expressly approved by JWCFS.
10.2.2 Compliance with Obligations and Conditions. Genesis and the
Genesis Members shall have performed each of its or their obligations and
complied with all agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by
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it or them prior to or at the Closing, including any obligation of Genesis or a
Genesis Member contemplated by a condition referred to in this Section 10.2.
10.2.3 Closing Documents. Genesis shall have delivered to JWCFS and
Newco:
(a) Certifications from at least 90% of the holders of Voting
Membership Interests of the Genesis Members authorizing the proper officers of
Genesis to effect a transfer of all of their outstanding Membership Interests of
Genesis to Newco in exchange for Newco Stock.
(b) Certificates executed by the President and the Chief
Financial Officer of Genesis, dated the Closing Date, and certifying in such
detail as JWCFS may reasonably request to the fulfillment of the conditions
specified in Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.2 hereof;
(c) Duly adopted resolutions of the Genesis Members and Board of
Directors, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Genesis as of
the Closing Date, (i) authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the LLC Exchange on behalf of Genesis, and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated herein and therein in accordance with their
respective terms, and (ii) authorizing and approving all other necessary and
proper corporate actions to enable Genesis to comply with the terms hereof;
(d) A Certificate of the Secretary of State of California, dated
a Current Date, as to the legal existence and good standing of Genesis under
California law;
(e) Certificates from the Secretary of State of each jurisdiction
in which Genesis is required to be qualified as a foreign corporation for the
transaction of business, dated a Current Date, as to the due qualification and
good standing of Genesis under the laws of such jurisdiction; and
(f) An opinion of Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx, counsel for Genesis,
dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form set forth as EXHIBIT H, with
such modifications as shall be reasonably acceptable to legal counsel for JWCFS.
(g) Fully paid up key man term life insurance policies, owned by
and in the name of Genesis, insuring the lives of Messrs. Will X. Xxxxxxxxx and
Xxxxxxxxx with a death payout of $3,500,000 and $600,000, respectively.
10.2.4 Genesis Consents and Approvals. Genesis shall have obtained and
delivered to JWCFS and Newco the consent of any Person to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (including any consents or approvals required
from any Governmental Authority and any required approval of the NYSE), where
such consent or approval is required for effective consummation of the
Combination.
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10.2.5 Securities Law Compliance as to Genesis Members. Genesis shall
have delivered to JWCFS and Newco an agreement of the Genesis Members in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to JWCFS with respect to such persons
eligibility to be issued shares of Newco Common Stock in exchange for their
Genesis Membership Interests without the registration of such issuance under the
Securities Act and any applicable state laws.
10.2.6 No Dissenting Genesis Members. No Genesis Member shall have
exercised any statutory or other right to dissent from the LLC Exchange and
receive payment in cash for any Genesis Membership Interest.
10.2.7 Tax Opinion. JWCFS shall have received an opinion from Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx LLP in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to JWCFS, to the
effect that: (a) the Combination and the issuance of shares of Newco Common
Stock in connection therewith, as described herein will constitute a
nonrecognition transaction under Section 351 of the Code with respect to the
JWCFS Shareholders; (b) no gain or loss will be recognized by JWCFS Shareholders
upon the exchange of JWCFS Common Stock solely for Newco Common Stock in
connection with the Combination; and (c) the tax basis of Newco Common Stock
received by JWCFS Shareholders pursuant to the Combination will be the same as
the tax basis of JWCFS Common Stock exchanged therefor.
10.2.8 Schedules and Due Diligence. Genesis shall have delivered to JWCFS
not later than January 31, 1998, the Schedules to this Agreement to be delivered
by Genesis (the "Genesis Disclosure Schedules"), and JWCFS, based on its review
of the Genesis Disclosure Schedules and other due diligence reviews and
examinations of information about Genesis and its business (whether or not
included as part of the Genesis Disclosure Schedules), shall not have informed
Genesis in writing by February 15, 1998 that JWCFS in good faith is dissatisfied
with information learned about Genesis and that JWCFS wishes to terminate this
Agreement.
10.2.9 SEC Compliance Documents. The Form S-4 Registration Statement for
the issuance of shares of Newco Common Stock to JWCFS Shareholders in the Share
Exchange shall have become effective, and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness thereof or other action preventing the use thereof for that
purpose shall have been issued and be in effect, and the Commission shall not
have initiated or threatened to initiate Litigation for that purpose.
10.2.10 AMEX Listing. The shares of Newco Common Stock to be outstanding,
covered by outstanding options, purchase rights, or warrants, or covered by
Newco Option Plans upon effectiveness of the Combination, shall have been
approved for listing upon issuance on the AMEX.
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10.2.11 Employment Agreement Matters. The agreements with respect to the
existing and future employment and compensation arrangements for Messrs. Leeds,
Marks, Weinstein, and Xxxxxxxxx contemplated by Sections 8.2 through 8.6 shall
be performed as and to the extent required hereby to be performed as of the
Closing.
10.2.12 Shareholder Approval. The holders (a) a majority of the
outstanding shares of JWCFS Common Stock entitled to vote thereon shall have
voted in favor of approval of the Share Exchange and (b) a majority of the
shares of JWCFS Common Stock voting thereon shall have voted in favor of each
other matter required to be submitted for a shareholders' vote thereon in
connection with the consummation of the Share Exchange or the Combination.
10.2.13 Certain Financial Performance Matters. Genesis shall deliver an
unaudited balance sheet of Genesis, prepared in accordance with GAAP and
Regulation S-X of the Commission, without footnotes, certified by the Chief
Financial Officer of Genesis and dated not earlier than five business days
immediately preceding the Closing Date (the "Genesis Combination Balance
Sheet"), which shall reflect members' capital (which shall not include as
capital any amounts allocable to the Class C and Class D members of Genesis) of
at least (a) $3,000,000, no part of which shall be goodwill, plus (b) an amount
equal to 37.5% of the net income of Genesis for the period beginning January 1,
1998 and ending on the Closing Date (the "Minimum Balance Sheet Amount"),
provided that for the purpose of calculating Genesis net income, no expenses
attributable to the negotiation and carrying out of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be deducted from gross income and in no
event shall the Minimum Balance Sheet Amount be less than $3,000,000. In
addition, the audited statement of operations of Genesis for the year ended
December 31, 1997 shall reflect net income of at least $3,800,000. JWCFS shall
have received from Genesis a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of
Genesis dated the Closing Date stating that as of the Closing Date the members'
capital of Genesis on the Closing Date is at least equal to the Minimum Balance
Sheet Amount reflected on the Genesis Combination Balance Sheet.
10.2.14 Accountants' Letters. JWCFS shall have received from Lallman,
Feltman, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, P.A., letters dated not more than five days prior
to (a) the date of the filing or effectiveness, as the case may be, of each SEC
Compliance Document and (b) the Effective Time, in each such case with respect
to financial information regarding Genesis included in such SEC Compliance
Document, in form and substance that is customary in such letters in connection
with transactions of the nature contemplated by this Agreement.
10.2.15 HSR Act Matters. If JWCFS shall determine that filings pursuant
to and under the HSR Act are necessary or appropriate in connection with the
effectuation of this Agreement, and shall advise Genesis of that determination,
Genesis and the Genesis Members will promptly compile and file under the HSR Act
such information respecting it as the HSR Act requires of Genesis or the Genesis
Members, and the expiration or
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termination of the applicable waiting period and any extension thereof under the
HSR act shall be deemed a condition precedent to the Closing.
10.2.16 Maintenance of Two Members of Genesis. At the election of JWCFS
and Newco: (a) Genesis shall have taken the actions contemplated by Section 2.9
hereof in order to permit the LLC Georgia Merger to become effective
simultaneously with the LLC Exchange; (b) the Genesis Members shall have caused
their Membership Interests to be conveyed in the LLC Exchange to Newco and a
designated Newco Affiliate rather than solely to Newco; or (c) an Affiliate of
Newco shall have received a Special Continuing Genesis Interest.
10.2.17 JWCFS Consents and Approvals. JWCFS shall have received any and
all consents and approvals to this transaction required pursuant to the terms of
contracts or agreements to which JWCFS is a party on the date of this Agreement
and which are referred to in Schedule 6.5.
10.3 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Genesis and the Genesis
------------------------------------------------------------------
Members. All of the obligations of Genesis and the Genesis Members under this
-------
Agreement are subject to the fulfillment or waiver prior to or at the Closing of
each of the following conditions:
10.3.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
and warranties of JWCFS and Newco contained herein or in any certificate,
schedule, or other document delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, or in
connection herewith, shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date with the
same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made as of
the Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties
expressly relate only to an earlier date, and except for changes contemplated by
this Agreement or approved by Genesis.
10.3.2 Compliance with Obligations and Conditions. JWCFS and Newco shall
have performed each of its or their respective obligations and complied with all
agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied
with by it or them prior to or at the Closing, including any obligation of JWCFS
or Newco contemplated by a condition referred to in this Section 10.3.
10.3.3 Certain Closing Documents. JWCFS or Newco, as the case may be,
shall have delivered to Genesis:
(a) Certificates executed by the President and the Chief
Financial Officer of JWCFS, dated the Closing Date, and certifying in such
detail as Genesis may reasonably request to the fulfillment of the conditions
specified in Sections 10.3.1 and 10.3.2 hereof;
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(b) Duly adopted resolutions of the respective Boards of
Directors of JWCFS and Newco, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of JWCFS or Newco, as the case may be, as of the Closing Date, (i)
authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
Share Exchange on behalf of JWCFS or Newco, as the case may be, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein in accordance
with their respective terms, and (ii) authorizing and approving all other
necessary and proper corporate actions to enable JWCFS or Newco, as the case may
be, to comply with the terms hereof;
(c) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
JWCFS confirming the approval of the Share Exchange by the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of JWCFS Common Stock;
(d) A certificate from the Secretary of State of the State of
Florida, dated a Current Date, as to the legal existence and good standing of
JWCFS and Newco under the laws of Florida;
(e) Certificates from the Secretary of State of each jurisdiction
in which JWCFS is required to be qualified as a foreign corporation for the
transaction of business, dated a Current Date, as to the due qualification and
good standing of JWCFS under the laws of such jurisdiction; and
(f) An opinion of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, counsel for JWCFS,
dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form set forth as Exhibit I, with
such modifications as shall be reasonably acceptable to legal counsel for
Genesis.
10.3.4 Tax-Free Reorganization. Genesis shall have received reasonable
assurance (other than a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service) that the
Combination will constitute a nonrecognition transaction within the meaning of
Section 351 of the Code, including an opinion of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
addressed to Genesis with respect to the matters addressed in Section 10.2.7
hereof.
10.3.5 Consents and Approvals. JWCFS and Newco shall have obtained and
delivered copies thereof to Genesis the consent of any Person to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including any consents or approvals
required from any Governmental Authority), where such consent or approval is
required for effective consummation of the Combination.
10.3.6 Employment Agreement Matters. The agreements with respect to the
existing and future employment arrangements for Messrs. Leeds, Marks, Weinstein,
and Xxxxxxxxx contemplated by Sections 8.2 through 8.6 shall be performed as and
to the extent required hereby as of the Closing.
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10.3.7 Schedules and Due Diligence. JWCFS shall have delivered to Genesis
not later than January 31, 1998, the Schedules to be delivered by JWCFS (the "
JWCFS Disclosure Schedules"), and Genesis, based on its review of the JWCFS
Disclosure Schedules and other due diligence reviews and examinations of
information about JWCFS and its business (whether or not included as part of the
JWCFS Disclosure Schedules), shall not have informed JWCFS in writing by
February 15, 1998 that Genesis in good faith is dissatisfied with information
learned about JWCFS and that Genesis wishes to terminate this Agreement.
10.3.8 Member Transfer. The holders of at least 90% of the outstanding
Genesis Voting Membership Interests shall have effected the transfer of their
Genesis Membership Interests in the LLC Exchange.
10.3.9 Shareholder Approval. The holders (a) a majority of the outstanding
shares of JWCFS Common Stock entitled to vote thereon shall have voted in favor
of approval of the Share Exchange and (b) a majority of the shares of JWCFS
Common Stock voting thereon shall have voted in favor of each other matter
required to be submitted for a shareholders' vote thereon in connection with the
consummation of the Share Exchange or the Combination.
10.3.10 AMEX Listing. The shares of Newco Common Stock to be outstanding,
covered by outstanding options, purchase rights, or warrants, or covered by
Newco Option Plans upon effectiveness of the Combination, shall have been
approved for listing upon issuance on the AMEX.
ARTICLE 11
TERMINATION
To the extent and under the circumstances set forth in the following Sections
of this Article 11, this Agreement may be terminated, and the Combination may be
abandoned, at any time by Genesis or JWCFS, prior to the Effective Time, before
or after the approval thereof by the JWCFS Shareholders or the Genesis Members,
upon written notice to the other party:
11.1 Material Adverse Change to Genesis. By JWCFS, if a material adverse
----------------------------------
change in the financial condition or business of Genesis, considered as a whole,
shall have occurred, or Genesis shall have suffered a material loss or damage to
any of its properties or assets, which loss or damage materially adversely
affects or impairs the ability of to conduct such business after the
Combination.
11.2 Material Adverse Change to JWCFS. By Genesis, if a material adverse
--------------------------------
change in the financial condition or business of JWCFS, considered as a whole,
shall have occurred, or JWCFS shall have suffered a material loss or damage to
any of its properties or
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assets, which loss or damage materially and adversely affects or impairs the
ability of Newco to conduct such business after the Combination.
11.3 Non-Compliance by Genesis or Genesis Members. By JWCFS, if the terms,
--------------------------------------------
covenants, or conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or performed by
Genesis or any Genesis Member at or before the Closing shall not by that time
have been complied with or performed and such non-compliance or non-performance
shall not have been waived by JWCFS in writing or by means of the election
described in the last sentence of Section 11.7 hereof.
11.4 Non-Compliance by JWCFS or Newco. By Genesis, if the terms,
--------------------------------
covenants, or conditions of this Agreement to be complied with or performed by
JWCFS or Newco at or before the Closing shall not by that time have been
complied with or performed and such non-compliance or non-performance shall not
have been waived by Genesis in writing or by means of the election described in
the last sentence of Section 11.7 hereof.
11.5 Litigation Regarding the Combination. By the Board of Directors of
------------------------------------
either Genesis or JWCFS, if there shall be pending against Genesis, Newco, or
JWCFS, or threatened in a writing received by either party, any Litigation
seeking or threatening to seek to enjoin the Combination, or to obtain material
damages or the payment of material penalties if the Combination is consummated;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee of the
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party seeking to terminate this Agreement on that basis (a) shall have received
a written opinion of its counsel, within thirty (30) days after the institution
or threat of such Litigation to the effect that, after reasonable investigation
and based on facts available to such counsel, such Litigation (whether directed
at such party or another party) has a reasonable probability of success, and (b)
shall have on a reasonable basis determined that the payment of such damages or
penalties would materially and adversely affect the business, assets, results of
operations, financial condition, or prospects of the party against whom such
damages or penalties would be assessed. Genesis and JWCFS (on behalf of itself
and Newco) each shall promptly notify the other of any Litigation of the type
that is the subject of this Section 11.5 that is commenced or threatened against
such party.
11.6 Requirements and Effect of Termination. Upon any termination of this
--------------------------------------
Agreement pursuant to any of SECTIONS 11.1 through 11.5, no party hereto shall
have any liability or further obligation to any other party, except to the
extent provided in Sections 8.8 and 8.15.
11.7 Election to Close Despite Failure to Satisfy Conditions. If any of
-------------------------------------------------------
the conditions specified in Section 10.2 hereof has not been satisfied, JWCFS
may nevertheless, at its election, proceed with the transaction contemplated
hereby; and, if any of the conditions specified in Section 10.3 hereof has not
been satisfied, Genesis may nevertheless, at the election of Genesis, proceed
with the transactions contemplated hereby.
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If either Genesis or JWCFS shall have notified the other party in writing of an
occurrence that will cause a condition precedent to the obligations of the
notified party hereunder to close not to be satisfied (and such condition
precedent is identified by number in such notice), including without limitation
a change in circumstances or discovery of information not previously known to
the notifying party that would make any representation or warranty by the
notifying party in this Agreement not true as at the Closing Date (and such
representation or warranty is identified by number in such notice), then an
election by the notified party to proceed with the Closing despite a failure by
the notifying party to satisfy the conditions to this Agreement shall constitute
a waiver by the notified party of any right it may have as a result of the
notifying party's breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement
contained in this Agreement.
11.8 Other Acquisition Proposals; Failure to Receive Fairness Opinion. By
----------------------------------------------------------------
the Board of Directors of JWCFS, upon two days' prior notice to Genesis, if, (a)
as a result of an Acquisition Proposal by a Person other than Genesis or Newco,
the Board of Directors of JWCFS determines, after receipt of advice from legal
counsel to JWCFS, that the failure by JWCFS to accept such proposal could cause
the Board of Directors to violate its fiduciary duties to the shareholders of
JWCFS under applicable law, or (b) if JWCFS shall be unable to obtain from an
independent investment banking firm an opinion to the effect that the Share
Exchange and the Combination as a whole are fair, from a financial point of
view, to the shareholders of JWCFS.
11.9 Review of SEC Compliance Documents. By the Executive Committee of
----------------------------------
Genesis, upon written request from a Genesis Member made within seven (7)
business days of delivery to the Genesis Members of the SEC Compliance Documents
as provided in Section 8.19 if such Genesis Member objects to consummation of
the LLC Exchange as a result of reviewing the SEC Compliance Documents and
Genesis and JWCFS do not otherwise agree upon a resolution of such Genesis
Member's objection.
11.10 Extended Delay of Combination. By the Board of Directors of JWCFS or
-----------------------------
Newco or by the Executive Committee of Genesis if the Combination shall not have
become effective by June 30, 1998.
11.11 JWCFS Dissenters. By Genesis, if the holders of more than 10% of the
----------------
outstanding shares of JWCFS Common Stock elect to exercise any applicable right
to dissent from the Share Exchange and demand payment of the fair value of their
shares.
-73-
ARTICLE 12
GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Notices, Etc. All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in
------------
writing, and shall be deemed to be delivered and received (a) if personally
delivered or, if delivered by telegram, facsimile, or courier service, when
actually received by the party to whom notice is sent (or upon confirmation of
receipt received by the sender), or (b) if delivered by mail (whether actually
received or not), at the close of business on the third business day next
following the day when placed in the mail, postage prepaid, certified or
registered, addressed to the appropriate party or parties, at the address of
such party set forth below (or at such other address as such party may designate
by written notice to all other parties in accordance herewith):
(a) If to JWCFS or Newco:
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, 00000
Attention: W. Xxxxx Xxxxx, Esq.
(b) If to Genesis:
000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Will X. Xxxxxxxxx, President
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx
0 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
-74-
(c) If to the Genesis Members then addressed and sent to each Genesis
Member set forth on ANNEX G.
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx
0 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
12.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Annexes, Exhibits and
----------------
Schedules hereto, supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, term sheets,
and agreements of any sort by and among Genesis, the Genesis Members, and JWCFS
with respect to the Combination and the other matters contained herein or
contemplated hereby, and this Agreement constitutes the sole and entire
agreement by and among the parties hereto with respect to the transactions
contemplated herein.
12.3 Amendments; Modifications; Waivers. This Agreement may be amended or
----------------------------------
modified only by an instrument in writing executed by the party against whom
enforcement of the amendment or modification is sought. The President or any
Vice President of any party may by a signed writing give any consent, take any
action, waive any inaccuracies in representations or other compliance by any
other party to any of the covenants or conditions herein, modify the terms of
this Agreement, or take any other action deemed by him to be necessary or
appropriate to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
provided, however, that no such consent, waiver (other than a waiver described
-------- -------
in Section 11.7 hereof), modification, or other action given or taken after this
Agreement has been approved by the Genesis Members or the JWCFS Shareholders
shall (i) reduce the consideration payable to the Genesis Members in the
Combination, (ii) reduce substantially the rights or benefits of the JWCFS
Shareholders, or (iii) increase the indemnification obligation of any Genesis
Member.
12.4 Counterparts; Headings. This Agreement may be executed in any number
----------------------
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The headings set out
herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of
this Agreement.
12.5 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure
--------------
to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, but it may
not be assigned by any party without the consent of the other.
12.6 Governing Law. This Agreement is made under, and shall be governed by
-------------
and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State
of Florida without regard to the conflict of interests provisions thereto.
-75-
12.7 Further Assurances. Each party hereby agrees that it will, from time
------------------
to time, whether before or after the Closing, at any other party's reasonable
and good faith request and without further consideration, execute and deliver
such further and other transfers, assignments and documents and do all matters
and things that may be necessary or convenient to more effectively and
completely carry out the intentions of this Agreement.
12.8 Exercise of Rights and Remedies. Except as otherwise provided herein,
-------------------------------
no delay or omission in the exercise of any right, power, or remedy accruing to
any party hereto as a result of any breach or default hereunder by any other
party hereto shall impair any such right, power, or remedy, nor shall it be
construed, deemed, or interpreted as a waiver of or acquiescence in any such
breach or default, or of any similar breach or default occurring later; nor
shall any waiver of any single breach or default be construed, deemed, or
interpreted as a waiver of any other breach or default hereunder occurring
before or after that waiver.
12.9 Time. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement in
----
all respects.
12.10 Restriction on Trading. Genesis and the Genesis Members agree that
----------------------
they will not trade (or cause or encourage any third party to trade), and
Genesis and the Genesis Members will use their respective best efforts to assure
that none of the Genesis Representatives will trade (or cause or encourage any
third party to trade), in the JWCFS Common Stock (or securities convertible into
or exercisable for shares of JWCFS Common Stock), while in possession of any
material non-public information concerning JWCFS.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
-76-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized officers and their corporate seals to be affixed, all as
of the day and year first above written.
(CORPORATE SEAL) "JWCFS"
XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Attest:
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Secretary or Assistant Secretary Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(CORPORATE SEAL) "NEWCO"
JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.
Attest:
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Secretary or Assistant Secretary Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(SEAL) "GENESIS"
GENESIS MERCHANT GROUP SECURITIES
LLC
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Title: President
[Signature Blocks Continue on Following
Page]
-77-
"GENESIS MEMBERS"
THE WILL X. XXXXXXXXX REVOCABLE
TRUST UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED
FEBRUARY 27, 1990
By: /s/ Will X. Xxxxxxxxx
------------------------------------
WILL X. XXXXXXXXX, TRUSTEE
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXX
/s/ Xxxx Xxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX XXXX
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXX XXXXXX
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX X. XXXXXXX
/s/ Mat X. Xxxxxxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx (Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX X. XXXXXXXX
[Signature Blocks Continue on Following Page]
-78-
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx (Seal)
----------------------------------
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx (Seal)
----------------------------------
XXXX X. XXXXXXXX
[Signature Blocks Continue on Following Page]
-79-
SZRL Investments, an Illinois partnership
By: Xxxxxx Xxxx Revocable Trust established
Under Trust Agreement dated January 17,
1990, General Partner
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Trustee
By: Xxxxxx X. and Xxx Xxxxxx Trust established
Under Trust Agreement establishing The
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Revocable Trust dated
December 1989, General Partner
By: /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Trustee
[Signature Blocks Continue on Following Page]
-80-
N.F.P. TRUSTS NOS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,
14, 16, 18, 20, AND 22
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
N.F.P. QSST TRUSTS NOS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9,
11, 13, 15, 17, 19, AND 21
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
The agreement of the foregoing parties (collectively, the "N.F.P. Trusts")
to the Agreement and Plan of Combination, and to the First Amendment thereof, is
subject to acceptance of the following additional provisions to be made a part
of the Agreement and Plan of Combination by the other parties thereto:
1. With respect to the JWCFS Disclosure Schedules and the Genesis
Disclosure Schedules, the N.F.P. Trusts shall have the same rights to
receipt of the schedules and to approval granted to Genesis and JWCFS
in Sections 10.3.7 and 10.2.8, respectively.
2. When this Agreement is executed by the trustee of any trust, such
execution is by the trustee, not individually but solely as trustee in
the exercise of and under the power and authority conferred upon and
invested in such trustee, and it is expressly understood and agreed
that nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any
liability on any such trustee personally to pay any amounts required
to be paid hereunder, or to perform any covenant, either express or
implied, contained herein, all such liability, if any, being expressly
waived by the parties hereto by their execution hereof.
[Signature Blocks Continue on Following Page]
-81-
/s/ Xxxx Seneca (Seal)
------------------------------------
XXXX SENECA
JB CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Puck
---------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Puck, CFO
-82-
ANNEX A
INITIAL NEWCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
W. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Will X. Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
ANNEX B
INITIAL NEWCO OFFICERS
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx - Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Will X. Xxxxxxxxx - Vice Chairman
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx - Chief Operating Officer
Xxxx X. Xxxxx - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
ANNEX C
GENESIS MERCHANT GROUP SECURITIES LLC
Capital Structure
-----------------
Shares of Newco
% Interest of Genesis and Common Stock to
Pro Rata Share of Valuation Amount be received in the Escrowed
A-E Members Indemnification Limit (as of 12/31/97) LLC Exchange Shares
----------- ------------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------
Will X. Xxxxxxxxx Revocable 27.17 N/A 407,550 40,755
Trust
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx 16.31 N/A 244,650 24,465
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx 10.87 N/A 163,050 16,305
Xxxx Xxxx 5.98 N/A 89,700 8,970
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 4.35 N/A 65,250 6,525
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx 3.26 N/A 48,900 4,890
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx 3.26 N/A 48,900 4,890
Xxxx Xxxxxxx 3.26 N/A 48,900 4,890
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx 1.63 N/A 24,450 2,445
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx .00 N/A 11,400 1,140
------ --------- -------
76.85% N/A 1,152,750 115,275
B Members
---------
SZRL Partnership 9.78 N/A 146,700 14,670
NFP Trusts 6.79 N/A 101,850 10,185
JB Capital Management, Inc. 2.99 N/A 44,850 4,485
Xxxx X. Seneca 3.59 N/A 53,850 5,385
------ -------- -------
23.15% N/A 347,250 34,725
C Members
---------
NFP Trusts N/A $426,205 N/A N/A
JB Capital Management, Inc. N/A $ 61,358 N/A N/A
Xxxx X. Seneca N/A $428,506 N/A N/A
D Members
---------
Xxxx Xxxxxx N/A $115,756 N/A N/A
Xxxx Xxxxx N/A $168,845 N/A N/A
A. Xxxx Xxxx N/A $ 74,505 N/A N/A
A-P Members
-----------
None N/A N/A N/A N/A
ANNEX D
The options granted to Genesis Members will be allocated among such Genesis
Members pro rata in accordance with their ownership interest in Genesis as set
forth on ANNEX C, and any such options granted to persons who are officers,
directors, or employees of Genesis or Newco at the time of the grants will be
granted pursuant to and in accordance with Newco's Stock Option Plan in effect
on the date of grant. Such options will be nonqualified options with a five-
year term, will provide for an exercise price equal to the fair market value of
Newco stock on the date of grant, and will be first exercisable three years
after the date of grant.
ANNEX E
Terms of Termination of Leeds and Marks Contracts
-------------------------------------------------
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx will be entitled to receive upon termination of his
existing employment agreement and in consideration of the execution of a seven-
year nonsolicitation agreement in favor of Newco an amount equal to $4,270,000,
payable as follows: within 30 days of Closing, cash of $533,750 and
restricted shares of Newco Common Stock with a fair market value of $2,135,000
shall be delivered to Mr. Leeds provided, however, that such shares will in no
event be issued until six months have elapsed from any prior sale by Mr. Leeds
of JWCFS Common Stock or Newco Common Stock; and on January 15, 1999, 2000, and
2001 additional cash payments of $533,750 each shall be delivered.
Xxxx X. Xxxxx will be entitled to receive upon termination of his existing
employment agreement and in consideration of the execution of a seven-year
nonsolicitation agreement in favor of Newco an amount equal to $1,720,000,
payable as follows: within 30 days of Closing, cash of $215,000 and restricted
shares of Newco Common Stock with a fair market value of $860,000 shall be
delivered to Xx. Xxxxx provided, however, that such shares will in no event be
issued until six months have elapsed from any prior sale by Xx. Xxxxx of JWCFS
Common Stock or Newco Common Stock; and on January 15, 1999, 2000, and 2001
additional cash payments of $215,000 each shall be delivered.
The shares of restricted stock paid to Messrs. Leeds and Marks shall vest (in
the sense that restrictions and the risks of forfeiture with respect thereto
shall lapse) in four equal annual installments commencing January 15, 2002;
provided, however, that all such shares shall vest immediately upon a change in
control as defined in their respective new employment agreements with Newco as
contemplated by Sections 8.2 and 8.3. Fair market value of the shares of
restricted stock shall be determined by multiplying 80% by the average closing
price of the XX Xxxxxxx Common Stock for the 10 consecutive trading days
immediately prior to the Closing Date.
ANNEX F
Employees Executing the Nonsolicitation Agreement
-------------------------------------------------
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
XXXX XXXX
XXXXXX XXXXXX
XXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXX XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Annex G
ADDRESSES OF GENESIS MEMBERS
If to:
THE WILL X. XXXXXXXXX REVOCABLE TRUST UNDER TRUST
AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 27, 1990:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn.: Will X. Xxxxxxxxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXX XXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXXXX XXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXX X. XXXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXX X. XXXXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
XXXX X. XXXXXXXX:
c/o Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxx
(000) 000-0000
SZRL INVESTMENTS, AN ILLINOIS PARTNERSHIP:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx & Leibentritt, P.C.
Two Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
(000) 000-0000
N.F.P. Trusts Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22:
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Pritzker & Pritzker
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
(000) 000-0000
N.F.P. QSST TRUSTS NOS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, AND 21:
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Pritzker & Pritzker
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
(000) 000-0000
XXXX SENECA:
c/o/ Seneca Capital Mgmt. LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
(000) 000-0000
JB CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.:
Xxx Puck
National Brands
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
(000) 000-0000
EXHIBIT A
PLAN OF SHARE EXCHANGE
THIS PLAN OF SHARE EXCHANGE (the "Plan") is made and entered into as of
this _____ day of _____, 1998, by and between XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL SERVICES,
INC. ("JWCFS") and JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP. ("Newco"), both Florida
corporations (said corporations are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Constituent Corporations").
R E C I T A L S:
- - - - - - - -
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of the Constituent
Corporations deem it advisable and in the best interests of each such
corporation and its shareholders to effect the exchange by the shareholders of
JWCFS of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, $.001 par
value per share, of JWCFS ("JWCFS Common Stock") for shares of common stock,
$.001 par value per share, of Newco ("Newco Common Stock") and for all shares of
Newco Common Stock outstanding prior to the Effective Time (as hereafter
defined) to be canceled; and
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of the Constituent
Corporations, by resolutions duly adopted, have approved and adopted this Plan,
and have directed that this Plan be submitted to the shareholders of the
Constituent Corporations for their approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and adequacy of which as legally sufficient consideration are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1.
SHARE EXCHANGE
--------------
Pursuant to and with effects provided in the applicable provisions of
the Florida Business Corporation Act, each share of JWCFS Common Stock issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be exchanged for
and become the right to receive, without interest, one (1) fully paid and
nonassessable share of Newco Common Stock (the "Share Exchange"). Upon
completion of the Share Exchange, Newco shall own all of the outstanding Capital
Stock of JWCFS, and the former JWCFS shareholders shall own shares of Newco
Common Stock.
2.
Effective Time
--------------
The Share Exchange shall be effective, following the approval of the
Share Exchange by the JWCFS Shareholders and the Genesis Members, upon the
filing of Articles of Share Exchange relating hereto, in the manner provided in
the Florida Business Corporation Act, as of the date and time specified therein
or as otherwise prescribed by applicable provisions of such Act (the "Effective
Time").
3.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
-------------------
The acts and things required to be done by the Florida Business
Corporation Act in order to make the Share Exchange effective, including the
submission of this Plan to the shareholders of the Constituent Corporations and
the filing of Articles of Share Exchange relating hereto in the manner provided
in said Act, shall be attended to and done by the proper officers of the
Constituent Corporations as soon as practicable.
4.
Manner and Basis of Exchanging the Shares
-----------------------------------------
The manner and basis of exchanging the shares of Common Stock of each of
the Constituent Corporations, which shall be the only class of capital stock of
the Constituent Corporations outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
of the Share Exchange, shall be as follows:
(a) Exchange of JWCFS Stock. At and as of the Effective Time, each
share of JWCFS Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be exchanged for and become the right to receive, without
interest, one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of Newco Common Stock.
(b) Cancellation of Outstanding Newco Common Stock. At and as of the
Effective Time, each share of Newco Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled.
(c) Exchange Procedures. (i) Promptly after the Effective Time,
Newco shall cause its transfer agent and registrar, American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, acting as the exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), to mail to
the former shareholders of JWCFS appropriate transmittal materials (which shall
specify that delivery shall be effected, and the risk of loss and title to the
certificates theretofore representing shares of JWCFS Common Stock shall pass,
only upon proper delivery of such certificates to the Exchange Agent) advising
such holder of the effectiveness of the Share Exchange and the procedure for
surrendering to the Exchange Agent (who may appoint forwarding agents with the
approval of Newco) such certificates for exchange into certificates evidencing
-0-
Xxxxx Xxxxxx Stock. Each holder of certificates theretofore evidencing shares
of JWCFS Common Stock, upon proper surrender thereof to the Exchange Agent
together and in accordance with such transmittal form, shall be entitled
promptly to receive in exchange therefor certificates evidencing Newco Common
Stock deliverable in respect of the shares of JWCFS Common Stock evidenced by
the certificates so surrendered, together with all undelivered dividends and
distributions in respect of such shares (without interest thereon) pursuant to
Section 4(d). Newco shall not be obligated to deliver the consideration to
which any former holder of JWCFS Common Stock is entitled as a result of the
Share Exchange until such holder surrenders such holder's certificate or
certificates representing the shares of JWCFS Common Stock for exchange as
provided in this Section 4(c). The certificate or certificates of JWCFS Common
Stock so surrendered shall be duly endorsed as the Exchange Agent may require.
Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, neither Newco nor the
Exchange Agent shall be liable to a holder of JWCFS Common Stock for any amounts
paid or property delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property law.
(ii) Promptly after the Effective Time, Newco shall deliver, or cause
the Exchange Agent to promptly deliver to, each of the Genesis Members
certificates evidencing Newco Common Stock (and cash in lieu of any fractional
share) deliverable to such Genesis Member pursuant to this Section 4, if there
--
has been delivered to Newco the certificates representing (or other instruments
or evidence of ownership of) all Genesis Membership Interests of such Genesis
Member (properly endorsed for transfer to (or otherwise legally sufficient to
convey ownership thereof) to Newco.
(d) Rights of Former JWCFS Shareholders. At the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of JWCFS shall be closed as to holders of JWCFS Common
Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time, and no transfer of JWCFS Common
Stock (as opposed to transfers of Newco Common Stock) by any such holder shall
thereafter be made or recognized. Until surrendered for exchange in accordance
with the provisions of Section 4(c), each certificate theretofore representing
shares of JWCFS Common Stock shall from and after the Effective Time represent
for all purposes only the right to receive the consideration provided in Section
4(a) in exchange therefor. To the extent permitted by Law, former shareholders
of record of JWCFS shall be entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any
meeting of Newco shareholders the number of shares of Newco Common Stock into
which their respective shares of JWCFS Common Stock were converted in the Share
Exchange, regardless of whether such holders have exchanged their certificates
representing JWCFS Common Stock for certificates representing Newco Common Stock
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Whenever a dividend or
other distribution is declared by Newco on the Newco Common Stock, the record
date for which is at or after the Effective Time, the Newco declaration shall
include dividends or other distributions on all shares of Newco Common Stock
issuable pursuant to this Agreement, but no dividend or other distribution
payable to the holders of record of Newco Common Stock as of any time subsequent
to the Effective Time shall be delivered to the holder of any certificate
representing shares of JWCFS Common Stock issued and outstanding at the
Effective Time until such holder surrenders such certificate for exchange as
-3-
provided in this Section 4(c). However, upon surrender of such JWCFS stock
certificate, the Newco Common Stock certificate (together with all such
undelivered dividends or other distributions, without interest) shall be
delivered and paid with respect to each share represented by such certificate.
(e) Withholding. Newco or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to
deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable or issuable
pursuant to this Agreement to any JWCFS Shareholder or Genesis Member such
amounts as Newco or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with
respect to the making of such payment or issuance under the Code or any
Governmental Requirement. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Newco
or the Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes
of this Agreement as having been paid to the JWCFS Shareholder or Genesis Member
in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Newco or the
Exchange Agent.
(f) Lost Certificates. If any certificate shall have been lost,
stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen, or destroyed, Newco will issue in
exchange for such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate the certificate
evidencing shares of Newco Common Stock deliverable in respect thereof, as
determined in accordance with this Section 4. When authorizing such issue of
the certificate of shares of Newco Common Stock in exchange therefor, the Board
of Directors of Newco may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the
issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed
certificate to give Newco a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against Newco with respect to the certificate
alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
5.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSUMMATION OF SHARE EXCHANGE
------------------------------------------------------
This Plan is subject to, and consummation of the Share Exchange is
conditioned upon, the fulfillment as of the Effective Time of each of the
following conditions:
(a) Approval of this Plan by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Constituent Corporations; and
(b) All the terms, covenants, agreements, obligations, and conditions
of that certain Agreement and Plan of Combination, dated as of January ___,
1998, by and among the Constituent Corporations and certain other parties (the
"Plan of Combination") to be complied with, satisfied, or performed on or prior
to the Effective Time, shall have been complied with, satisfied, or performed,
as the case may be, in all material respects unless accomplishment of such
covenants, agreements, obligations, or conditions has been waived by the party
benefited thereby.
-4-
6.
AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
---------------------------------
At any time before or after its approval by the shareholders of the
Constituent Corporations, this Plan may be modified, amended, or supplemented by
such additional provisions as may be determined in the judgment of the
respective Boards of Directors of the Constituent Corporations to be necessary,
desirable, or expedient to further the purposes of this Plan, to clarify the
intentions of the parties, to add to or modify the covenants, terms, or
conditions contained herein, to effectuate or facilitate any approval of the
Share Exchange or this Plan, or otherwise to better effectuate or facilitate the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Plan of
Combination.
7.
TERMINATION
-----------
This Plan may be terminated and the Share Exchange abandoned, in
accordance with the terms of the Plan of Combination, at any time by the Board
of Directors of either of the Constituent Corporations, notwithstanding approval
hereof by the shareholders of either Constituent Corporation, but not later than
the issuance of the Certificate of Share Exchange by the Secretary of State of
Florida establishing the effectiveness of the Share Exchange in accordance with
the provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
-5-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Constituent Corporations have each caused this Plan to
be executed on their respective behalves, and their respective corporate seals
to be affixed hereto, as of the day and year first above written.
JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.
(CORPORATE SEAL)
By:
-----------------------------------
ATTEST: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President and
Chief Executive Officer
-----------------------------
Secretary
XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL
SERVICES, INC.
(CORPORATE SEAL)
By:
-------------------------------------
ATTEST: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President and
Chief Executive Officer
-----------------------------
Secretary
EXHIBIT B
ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
THIS ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT is made as of the ____ day of _______, 1998 (the
"Effective Time") by and between XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. ("JWCFS")
and JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP. ("Newco"), pursuant to Section 2.5 of that
certain Agreement and Plan of Combination dated January __, 1998 by and among
JWCFS, NEWCO, and certain other parties named therein (the "Combination
Agreement").
WHEREAS, a purpose and intention of the Combination Agreement is that, from
and after the Effective Time, (a) former holders of shares of capital stock of
JWCFS or of any right of any description to acquire capital stock of JWCFS,
shall hold in replacement and substitution thereof a corresponding number of
shares of Capital Stock of Newco, or corresponding rights to acquire capital
stock of Newco, as the case may be, and (b) each and every plan, agreement,
arrangement, or other commitment of JWCFS relating to a number of shares of or
amount of interests in its capital stock shall be replaced and substituted by a
plan, agreement, arrangement, or commitment of Newco relating to a corresponding
number of shares of or amount of interest in Newco capital stock; and
WHEREAS, in order to better effectuate such purpose and intention, but without
limiting in any respect the effects otherwise of the Share Exchange (as defined
in the Combination Agreement) under applicable provisions of the Florida
Business Corporation Act as contemplated by the Combination Agreement, the
parties desire to evidence herein, inter alia, the express assumption by Newco
of obligations of JWCFS relating to its capital stock.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties,
covenants, and agreements set out in the Combination Agreement and as part of
the transactions provided for therein, the parties agree as follows:
1. ASSUMPTION OF OUTSTANDING RIGHTS. Newco hereby assumes the obligations of
--------------------------------
JWCFS and agrees to substitute shares of its common stock, $.001 par value per
share ("Newco Common Stock"), for shares of JWCFS common stock ("JWCFS Common
Stock"), with respect to:
(i) Each outstanding option to purchase shares of JWCFS Common Stock,
including but not limited to all options granted pursuant to the JWCFS Amended
and Restated Stock Option Plan;
(ii) Each outstanding warrant to purchase shares of JWCFS Common Stock,
including but not limited to the warrant granted to W T Investments, Inc. to
purchase up to 600,000 shares of JWCFS Common Stock at any time prior to
-1-
December 31, 2002 and the warrant granted to SunTrust Banks, Inc. to purchase
37,500 shares of JWCFS Common Stock at any time prior to December 31, 2002;
(iii) Any other outstanding right to purchase shares of JWCFS Common
Stock, including but not limited to rights under the JWCFS Employee Stock
Purchase Plan;
(iv) Any and all obligations of JWCFS arising out of the JWCFS Amended
and Restated Stock Option Plan, the JWCFS Employee Stock Purchase Plan, any
agreement by which any of the foregoing may be evidenced, and any other plan,
agreement, arrangement, or commitment relating in any way to the issuance of
JWCFS Common Stock.
2. ASSUMPTION OF PLANS. Newco hereby assumes the JWCFS Amended and Restated
-------------------
Stock Option Plan and the JWCFS Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "JWCFS Stock
Plans"), and the same shall become and be implemented and administered in all
respects as identical such plans of Newco except that they shall relate instead
to shares of capital stock of Newco rather than JWCFS, and Newco shall be
responsible thereunder for any and all matters heretofore the responsibility of
JWCFS.
3. THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Each holder of an option, warrant, or right
-------------------------
with respect to acquiring shares of JWCFS Common Stock, and each participant or
eligible participant in a JWCFS Stock Plan, shall be deemed to be a third party
beneficiary of this Assumption Agreement with respect to the entitlement of such
person, from and after the Share Exchange, to acquire the corresponding number
of shares of Newco Common Stock on the same terms and conditions as theretofore
existed under any such option, warrant, or right with respect to the JWCFS
Common Stock, and to participate in such JWCFS Stock Plans as assumed by and
with respect to Newco on the same terms and conditions as theretofore existed
with respect to JWCFS.
-2-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assumption Agreement
to be executed and sealed by the duly authorized officers as of the day and year
first above written.
"JWCFS"
XX XXXXXXX FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Attest:
By:
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Secretary or Assistant Secretary Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(CORPORATE SEAL) "NEWCO"
JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.
Attest:
By:
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Secretary or Assistant Secretary Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(SEAL)
-3-
EXHIBIT C
ESCROW AGREEMENT
----------------
THIS ESCROW AGREEMENT (the "Escrow Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this _____ day of __________________, 1998, by and among JW GENESIS FINANCIAL
CORP., a Florida corporation ("Newco"), the individuals identified on the
signature page below (collectively, the "Members" and individually a "Member"),
and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company ("Escrow Agent").
R E C I T A L S:
---------------
WHEREAS, XX Xxxxxxx Financial Services, Inc. ("JWCFS"), Genesis Merchant Group
Securities LLC ("Company"), Newco, and the Members entered into that certain
Agreement and Plan of Combination dated as of January __, 1998 (the "Combination
Agreement"), pursuant to which Newco acquired from the Members all of their
ownership interests in the Company, subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in the Combination Agreement (capitalized terms used but not otherwise
defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the
Combination Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 9 of the Combination Agreement, the Members have
indemnified the Seller Indemnified Parties against Seller Indemnified Losses and
Genesis Member Indemnified Losses (collectively, the "Indemnified Losses"); and
WHEREAS, in order to secure the payment of any Indemnified Losses as and to
the extent provided in the Combination Agreement, the Members have agreed to
deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Escrow Agent an aggregate of up to
150,000 shares of the Newco Common Stock allocated among the Members as set
forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto (collectively, the "Escrowed Shares"), to
be administered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Escrow
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements set
forth and contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF ESCROW AGENT. Each of Newco and the Members hereby
---------------------------
designates and appoints American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as Escrow Agent
for the purposes set forth herein, and Escrow Agent hereby accepts such
appointment. Escrow Agent agrees to receive deposits of Escrowed Property (as
defined below), including, but not limited to, the Escrowed Shares, and hold and
administer the same in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in the manner
so provided for herein.
-1-
2. DEPOSIT OF THE ESCROWED SHARES WITH ESCROW AGENT; GRANT OF SECURITY
-------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST. (a) The Members have delivered to, or caused to be delivered to,
--------
Escrow Agent as security for the obligations of the Members under Article 9 of
the Combination Agreement (which sets forth the source and limitations of the
obligations of the Members), and Escrow Agent hereby acknowledges receipt of,
the Escrowed Shares, together with [ten (10)] duly executed counterpart original
blank stock powers with respect to the Escrowed Shares (collectively with any
Other Property (as defined below) to be received by the Escrow Agent at any time
under this Agreement, the "Escrowed Property").
(b) After the date hereof, each Member shall deliver, or cause to be delivered
(and by their signature below each Member hereby expressly authorizes Newco to
deliver), to Escrow Agent, (i) any shares of Newco Common Stock to be received,
or received, by them in a distribution with respect to such Escrowed Shares
through a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, or other
recapitalization of Newco, (ii) any securities, cash, or other property received
for such Escrowed Shares (collectively, the "Other Property") through an
exchange in one or more subsequent reorganization, consolidation, merger, or
liquidation of Newco or its successors (or securities received in a distribution
with respect to such securities through a stock split, stock dividend, or
recapitalization), and (iii) any instruments necessary for Escrow Agent to
transfer from time to time any such Escrowed Property, including, but not
limited to, additional blank stock powers executed by the Members. Any
additional securities or Other Property (including any earnings thereon)
delivered to the Escrow Agent pursuant to this provision or elsewhere in this
Escrow Agreement shall be allocated to, and for the benefit of, the Member
delivering such additional shares or Other Property, or for whose benefit such
additional shares or Other Property have been delivered by others.
(c) Each Member hereby grants to Newco, on behalf of and as agent for all of
the Seller Indemnified Parties, a present and continuing security interest in
and security lien upon all of the Escrowed Property, including, without
limitation, the Escrowed Shares, to secure the faithful and complete performance
and satisfaction of any of the obligations of such Members under Article 9 of
the Combination Agreement. For purposes of the attachment and perfection of
such security interests in the Escrowed Property, including, without limitation,
the Escrowed Shares, and any proceeds thereof, Escrow Agent shall be deemed to
be a party holding such property and shares as the designee of Newco pursuant to
Florida Statutes Annotated (S)(S) 678.313(1) and 678.321, and acting as a bailee
with notice pursuant to Florida Statutes Annotated (S)679.305 for the benefit of
Newco and the Seller Indemnified Parties.
3. RIGHTS OF THE MEMBERS; INVESTMENT OF FUNDS IN ESCROW. (a) During the term
----------------------------------------------------
of this Agreement and for so long as any of the Escrowed Property is held by the
Escrow Agent hereunder, (i) the Escrowed Shares shall remain registered in the
name of the respective Member depositing such shares into this escrow, (ii) all
voting rights with respect to the Escrowed Shares held as Escrowed Property
shall be exercised by the record holder of such Escrowed Shares, and (iii) all
cash dividends and other property (other than shares of Newco Common Stock or
other securities required to be delivered to Escrow Agent and held in escrow in
-2-
accordance with Section 2(b) hereunder) distributed with respect to any of the
Escrowed Property shall be distributed to the record holder of such Escrowed
Property.
(b) During the term of this Agreement, and subject to any restrictions set
forth in the Combination Agreement or under applicable securities laws, a record
holder of the Escrowed Shares shall be entitled to sell all or any of such
Escrowed Shares in a bona fide private transaction, upon ten (10) business days'
prior written notice of such intended sale to Escrow Agent and Newco, provided
that any and all proceeds relating from such sale are made payable to the Escrow
Agent to be deposited directly into escrow hereunder immediately upon completion
of such sale. Escrow Agent shall not be obligated to release such Escrowed
Shares sold until receipt of such proceeds and shall be under no obligation to
determine whether such proposed sale is in compliance with the terms of the
Combination Agreement or applicable securities laws. All proceeds received by
Escrow Agent with respect to Escrowed Shares sold hereunder shall be added to
the Escrowed Property and held by Escrow Agent as a part thereof and the
security lien granted in Section 2(c) shall attach thereto. Except as set forth
herein, any sale hereunder shall be effectuated in the manner set forth in the
written notice provided by the record-holder, who shall be responsible to pay
any brokerage fees or expenses of sale, if any. Notwithstanding any of the
foregoing, if Newco shall provide written notice to Escrow Agent within the
prescribed time that it objects to the proposed sale by a record-holder of any
of the Escrowed Shares for any reason, the Escrow Agent shall not effectuate
such proposed sale and shall be absolved of any liability with respect thereto.
Newco agrees that it will not act in a commercially unreasonable manner in
objecting to a proposed sale.
(c) Escrow Agent shall manage the Escrowed Property under the terms of this
Agreement and shall from time to time invest and reinvest any cash assets held
in escrow, as and when instructed by Newco and the respective Member for whose
benefit such cash assets have been allocated (but only with respect to such
allocated cash assets), in writing, in (i) obligations of the United States of
America, (ii) general obligations of any state of the United States of America,
(iii) general obligations of any political subdivision of a state of the United
States of America, if such obligations are rated by at least two recognized
rating services as at least "AA," (iv) certificates of deposit of Escrow Agent
and any national bank or banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation with a net worth in excess of $100,000,000, (v) obligations of state
or municipal public housing authorities chartered by the United States of
America and guaranteed by the United States of America, (vi) demand interest
bearing accounts of Escrow Agent; and (vii) money market funds of Chase
Manhattan Bank that invest in any of the preceding (i) through (vi). If no
instructions are received from Newco and a Member as provided above, Escrow
Agent may invest any cash assets held in escrow in money market funds of the
type described in (vii). Any and all income and interest realized from the
investments of any Escrowed Property made by Escrow Agent pursuant hereto shall
be added to, and become part of, the Escrowed Property allocated, as
appropriate, to the respective Members.
-3-
4. DISBURSEMENT OF THE ESCROWED SHARES.
-----------------------------------
(a) (i) From time to time on or before the Escrow Termination Date (as
defined below), Newco or any Seller Indemnified Party may give notice to the
Escrow Agent and the Members (the "Claims Notice") with respect to a claim for
reimbursement for any indemnification of a potential Indemnified Loss by any
Seller Indemnified Party that such party may have under Article 9 of the
Combination Agreement against any or all of the Members (each individually a
"Claim"). Any Claims Notice shall specifically set forth in reasonable detail
(1) the nature of the Claim, (2) the Members against whom the Claim is being
asserted, and (3) the dollar amount of the Claim (and if such amount is not
known, a reasonable estimate thereof). Escrow Agent shall, within five (5)
business days after receipt of the Claims Notice, notify the Members in writing
of its receipt, enclosing a copy of the same. The failure of Escrow Agent to
deliver a copy of the Claims Notice or provide the notice to the Members
required herein, shall not affect the validity of any Claim of the Seller
Indemnified Party set forth in the Claims Notice if actual notice of such Claim
has been provided by Newco or a Seller Indemnified Party as required by the
first sentence of this Section 4(a)(i) to any Member from whom indemnification
is being sought for such Claim. If Escrow Agent has not actually received a
Dispute Notice (as defined in Section 4(a)(ii) below) by 5:00 p.m., Eastern
Time, on or before the date that is twenty (20) business days after the date
Escrow Agent received the Claims Notice (the "Cut-Off Date"), then the amount of
damages set forth in the Claims Notice shall be deemed established for purposes
of this Escrow Agreement and the Combination Agreement against one or more of
the Members, as set forth in the Claims Notice, and Escrow Agent shall
distribute to Newco, for itself or on behalf of the Seller Indemnified Parties,
from the Escrowed Shares or the Escrowed Property, as appropriate, allocated
among the Members as set forth in the Claims Notice, within three (3) business
days immediately following the Cut-Off Date, an aggregate number of the Escrowed
Shares equal to the amount of such Claim (as set forth in the Claims Notice)
divided by the Escrowed Shares Price (as defined in Section 4(b) below) along
with appropriate stock powers, or the cash equal to the amount of such Claim, as
appropriate depending upon the nature of the Escrowed Property held in escrow as
of the date of such required disbursement (for purposes hereof, Escrow Agent
shall first disburse Escrowed Shares (rounded to the nearest whole share) to the
extent such shares are held in escrow and have not previously been converted
into cash or other securities as permitted in this Escrow Agreement).
(ii) If any of the Members against whom a Claim is being asserted
objects, for itself or on behalf of any other Member, to all or any portion of
such Claim as set forth in the Claims Notice, such Member must, prior to the
Cut-Off Date, actually deliver to Escrow Agent and to Newco and the other
Members written objection to the Claim, or any portion thereof, certifying in
reasonable detail the basis for the objection (a "Dispute Notice"). The failure
by any Member against whom a Claim is being asserted to timely deliver a Dispute
Notice (unless such Dispute Notice is delivered by a Member for itself and on
behalf of another Member, but only if the Member on whose behalf such Dispute
Notice is being delivered is jointly obligated with the Member providing such
Dispute Notice), in the aforesaid manner and within the time specified, and
objection to only a portion of a Claim, shall constitute acceptance by the
respective Member or Members of the matters set forth in the Claims Notice, or
portion of the Claim not objected to, and the Member or Members shall be forever
barred from objecting to same in any manner and in any forum. If a Dispute
Notice is timely received by Escrow Agent objecting with respect to only a
-4-
portion of the Claim, Escrow Agent shall (A) distribute to Newco, on behalf of
the Seller Indemnified Parties, such Escrowed Property, allocated against the
Members as set forth in the Claims Notice, equal in value to the portion of the
Claim not objected to, in the same manner and time frame set forth in Section
4(a)(i) as if no Dispute Notice had been received, and the parties shall follow
the procedures in Section 4(a)(iii) with respect to the amount of the Claim set
forth in the Dispute Notice as being in dispute (the "Disputed Amount").
(iii) If the Member or Members who filed one or more Dispute Notices and
Newco or the Seller Indemnified Party, as appropriate, cannot agree upon a
resolution of a dispute between them as it relates to a Claim (and a Dispute
Notice issued in respect thereof was timely received by the Escrow Agent),
within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the relevant Dispute Notice, either of
the parties hereto may institute legal proceedings in any court of competent
jurisdiction with respect to the Disputed Amount, and Escrow Agent may tender an
aggregate number of the Escrowed Shares equal in value to the Disputed Amount,
each valued at the Escrowed Shares Price, or such Other Property in the manner
set forth in Section 4(a)(i), into the registry or custody of such court, and in
such instance Escrow Agent thereupon shall be discharged from further duties or
liabilities with respect to such Disputed Amount to the extent permitted by
applicable law; provided, however, Escrow Agent shall still be bound by the
-------- -------
terms of this Escrow Agreement until its termination, and if the Seller
Indemnified Party is finally determined by such legal proceeding not to be
entitled to the Disputed Amount, such Disputed Amount shall be tendered to
Escrow Agent to hold pursuant to the terms of this Escrow Agreement if this
Escrow Agreement is still then in effect.
(b) For purposes of this Escrow Agreement, the Escrowed Share Price shall mean
the closing sales price of a share of Newco Common Stock or JWCFS Common Stock
on the AMEX on the Closing Date (whichever is listed). The calculation of the
Escrowed Share Price as determined by Escrow Agent shall be final and binding on
the parties absent manifest error.
(c) Each Member hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Newco as its
attorney-in-fact to transfer the Escrowed Shares so distributed by Escrow Agent
to Newco, for the benefit of the Seller Indemnified Parties, in accordance with
this Escrow Agreement on the books of the Newco, with full power of substitution
in the premises.
(d) The Escrowed Shares distributed to Newco, on behalf of a Seller
Indemnified Party, shall be accompanied by appropriate stock powers and the
distribution of the Escrowed Shares by Escrow Agent shall be conditioned upon
the Newco's stock transfer agent being instructed to return certificates to
Escrow Agent that represent the balance between the Escrowed Shares evidenced by
the surrendered certificate and deliverable to Newco, on behalf of a Seller
Indemnified Party, pursuant to a Claim and the remaining number of shares
represented by such certificate. Any shares so returned to Escrow Agent shall
be, and continue to be, Escrowed Shares for all purposes of this Escrow
Agreement.
-5-
5. TERM. This Escrow Agreement shall terminate when all Escrowed Property
----
has been distributed by the Escrow Agent in accordance herewith. All Escrowed
Property held by Escrow Agent hereunder on the Escrow Termination Date (as
defined below) shall be distributed to each Member, within five (5) business
days after the Escrow Termination Date, in accordance with such Member's
ownership of the Escrowed Shares, less the number of Escrowed Shares or, if
appropriate, an amount of the Escrowed Property equal in value (as determined in
accordance with Section 4(a)(i) above) to any pending claim or claims for an
Indemnified Loss for which Newco or any Selling Indemnified Party has asserted
that one or more of the Members are liable for in accordance with Section
4(a)(i) above. As used herein, the "Escrow Termination Date" shall mean 5:00
p.m. Eastern Time on the date immediately prior to the first anniversary of the
date of this Escrow Agreement.
6. COMPENSATION OF ESCROW AGENT. Newco agrees to pay to Escrow Agent from
----------------------------
time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by Escrow Agent
under this Agreement in accordance with Exhibit "B" attached hereto, and related
expenses and disbursements. The fee due Escrow Agent for the first year of this
Escrow Agreement are due and payable on the date hereof.
7. DUTIES OF THE ESCROW AGENT. (a) The duties and responsibilities of
--------------------------
Escrow Agent hereunder shall be limited to those expressly set forth in this
Escrow Agreement, and Escrow Agent shall not be bound in any way by any other
contract or agreement between Newco and the Members, whether or not Escrow Agent
has knowledge of any such contract or agreement or terms or conditions thereof.
(b) Escrow Agent shall not be liable to anyone for any damages, losses, or
expenses incurred as a result of any act or omission of Escrow Agent, unless
such damages, losses, or expenses are caused by Escrow Agent's willful
misconduct or gross negligence. Accordingly, Escrow Agent shall not incur any
such liability with respect to (i) any action taken or omitted in reliance upon
any instrument, including any written notice or instruction provided for herein,
not only as to its due execution by an authorized person and as to the validity
and effectiveness of such instrument, but also as to the truth and accuracy of
any information contained therein that Escrow Agent shall in good faith believe
to be genuine, to have been signed by a proper person or persons, and to conform
to the provisions of this Escrow Agreement, and (ii) any action taken or omitted
in reliance upon the advice of counsel (which may be of Escrow Agent's own
choosing).
(c) Newco and each Member hereby jointly and severally agree to indemnify and
hold harmless Escrow Agent to the fullest extent permitted by law from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable fees
and disbursements of counsel), actions, proceedings, or investigations (whether
formal or informal), or threats thereof (all of the foregoing being hereinafter
referred to as "Liabilities"), based upon, relating to, or arising out of, the
provision of services hereunder; provided, however, that no party hereunder
-------- -------
shall be liable under this Section 7(c) for any amount paid in settlement of
claims without their consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
or to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction finally judicially
-6-
determines that such Liabilities resulted from the willful misconduct or gross
negligence of Escrow Agent.
(d) If a dispute between any of the parties hereto sufficient in the
discretion of Escrow Agent to justify its doing so shall occur, Escrow Agent
shall be entitled to tender the Escrowed Shares, or any other Escrowed Property
then in its possession, into the registry or custody of any court of competent
jurisdiction, to initiate such legal proceedings as it deems appropriate, and
thereupon to be discharged from all further duties and liabilities under this
Escrow Agreement. Any such legal action may be brought in any such court as
Escrow Agent shall determine to have jurisdiction over the Escrowed Shares and
Escrowed Property. The filing of any such legal proceedings shall not deprive
Escrow Agent of its compensation earned prior to such filing.
(e) If all or any part of the Escrowed Shares or Escrowed Property shall be
attached, garnished, or levied upon pursuant to any court order, or the delivery
thereof shall be stayed or enjoined by a court order, or any other order,
judgment, or decree shall be made or entered by any court affecting the Escrowed
Shares or the Escrowed Property, or any part thereof, or any act of Escrow
Agent, Escrow Agent is hereby expressly authorized to obey and comply with all
final writs, orders, judgments, or decrees so entered or issued by any court,
without the necessity of inquiring whether such court has jurisdiction, and if
Escrow Agent obeys or complies with any such writ, order, judgment, or decree,
it shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person by
reason of such compliance.
(f) If at any time any attempt shall be made to amend this Escrow Agreement in
a manner that would increase the duties and responsibilities of Escrow Agent, or
in any manner that Escrow Agent shall reasonably deem undesirable, or at any
other time, Escrow Agent may resign by notifying the other parties hereto by
certified mail in accordance with Section 8 below. From the date upon which
such notice is received by Newco and the Members until the earlier of (i) the
acceptance by a successor escrow agent as shall be appointed (A) by an agreement
of such parties, or (B) if the parties are unable to agree within twenty (20)
days following the last party to receive such notice, by the senior active Judge
of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida upon
application by Newco or the Members, and (ii) thirty (30) days following the
date upon which notice was mailed, Escrow Agent's sole obligation hereunder
shall be to perform its duties hereunder in accordance with the terms of this
Escrow Agreement prior to any attempted amendment hereof.
8. NOTICES. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be
-------
given or made hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by
pre-paid, first class, certified or registered air mail, or by facsimile
transmission (with an original sent by first class mail) to the intended
recipient thereof at its address or facsimile number specified below. Any such
notice or communication shall be deemed to have been duly given immediately if
given in person or made by confirmed facsimile, or if mailed, three business
days after such mailing, and in proving same it shall be sufficient to show that
the envelope containing the same was duly addressed, stamped and posted. The
addresses and facsimile numbers of the parties for purposes of this Escrow
Agreement are:
-7-
(a) If to Newco: JW Genesis Financial Corp.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attn.: President
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to: Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attn.: W. Xxxxx Xxxxx, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
(b) If to the Members: Addressed or sent to each Member as set forth
on Exhibit A hereto
cc: Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx
Three Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx, Esq.
Facsimile No. (000) 000-0000
Telephone No. (000) 000-0000
(c) If to the Escrow Agent: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
0000 00xx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Any party may change the address or facsimile number to which notices or other
communications to such party shall be delivered or mailed by giving written
notice thereof to the other parties hereto in the manner provided herein.
9. COUNTERPARTS. This Escrow Agreement may be executed in any number of
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
10. GOVERNING LAW. This Escrow Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
-------------
and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida (without
regard to its conflicts of law rules).
-8-
11. SEVERABILITY. Whenever possible, each provision of this Escrow Agreement
------------
shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under Florida
law, but if any provision shall be prohibited by or be invalid under applicable
law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the
remaining provisions of this Escrow Agreement.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; BINDING EFFECT. Except for the Combination Agreement,
--------------------------------
this Escrow Agreement contains the sole and entire agreement among the parties
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns.
13. MODIFICATION. Subject to Section 7(f) above, this Escrow Agreement may
------------
not be revoked, rescinded, amended, or terminated except upon the mutual written
consent of all of the parties hereto.
14. WAIVER. Any term or condition of this Escrow Agreement may be waived at
------
any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but only if such
waiver is evidenced by a writing signed by such party. No failure on the part
of any party hereto to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power,
or remedy created hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy by any such party
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power, or remedy. No waiver by any party hereto of any breach of or
default in any term or condition of this Escrow Agreement shall constitute a
waiver of or assent to any succeeding breach of or default in the same or any
other term or condition hereof.
15. EFFECT OF CAPTIONS AND HEADINGS. The captions and headings contained
-------------------------------
herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Escrow
Agreement, and shall not be used in construing it.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
-9-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Escrow Agreement has been executed by the parties
hereto as of the day and year first above written.
"NEWCO"
JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.
By:
-----------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------
"ESCROW AGENT"
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
By:
-----------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------
"MEMBERS"
THE WILL X. XXXXXXXXX REVOCABLE TRUST UNDER
TRUST AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 27, 1990
By:
-----------------------------------
WILL X. XXXXXXXXX, TRUSTEE
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXX
-10-
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX XXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXX XXXXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX X. XXXXXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX X. XXXXXXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXX
(Seal)
---------------------------------
XXXX X. XXXXXXXX
SZRL INVESTMENTS, AN ILLINOIS PARTNERSHIP
By: Xxxxxx Xxxx Revocable Trust established
Under Trust Agreement dated January 17,
1990, General Partner
By:
--------------------------------------
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Trustee
-11-
N.F.P. Trusts Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14,
16, 18, 20, and 22
By:
--------------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
By:
--------------------------------------
Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
N.F.P. QSST TRUSTS NOS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,
13, 15, 17, 19, AND 21
By:
--------------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
By:
--------------------------------------
Xxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Co-Trustee
[Signature Blocks Continue on Following Page]
-12-
(Seal)
------------------------------------
XXXX SENECA
JB CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:
--------------------------------------
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, President
-13-
EXHIBIT A
Genesis Members Escrowed Shares
--------------- ---------------
Will X. Xxxxxxxxx Revocable Trust 40,755
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx 24,465
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx 16,305
Xxxx Xxxx 8,970
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 6,525
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx 4,890
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx 4,890
Xxxx Xxxxxxx 4,890
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx 2,445
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx 1,140
SZRL Partnership 14,670
NFP Trusts 10,185
JB Capital Management, Inc. 4,485
Xxxx X. Seneca 5,385
-1-
EXHIBIT D
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
the _____ day of __________, 1998, by and between [Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx][Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxxx][Xxxx X. Xxxxx], a resident of the State of _________ ("Executive"),
and JW GENESIS FINANCIAL, CORP., a Florida corporation (the "Company").
1. DUTIES AND EXTENT OF SERVICES
-----------------------------
1.1 POSITION AND DUTIES. [See Rider 1.1]
-------------------
1.2 EXTENT OF SERVICES. Executive agrees to devote his full working time,
------------------
energy, and skill to the business of the Company and to the promotion of the
Company's interests and to discharge his duties in good faith.
[See Rider 1.3]
2. TERM
----
The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence on ___________, 1998
and shall continue to December 31, 2001, and shall be automatically renewed for
successive one-year terms unless either party notifies the other in writing of
its election not to renew at least six months prior to the scheduled termination
of the Term or any renewal term. This Agreement may be earlier terminated only
in accordance with Section 7 hereof.
3. COMPENSATION
------------
3.1 BASE SALARY. The Company shall pay Executive a base annual salary
-----------
(the "Base Salary") of [See Rider 3.1A] Thousand Dollars ($XXX,000.00) for each
fiscal year during the Term (prorated for any partial fiscal year), subject,
however, to increase for each fiscal year beginning January 1, 1999 by (a) an
amount equal to the increase for the previous year in the Consumer Price Index
for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, [U.S. City Average] [See Rider
3.1B] All Items, 1967 = 100 (the "Cost of Living Adjustment") or (b) by such
higher amount as may be approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee
thereof upon consideration of such factors that it believes to be relevant and
appropriate. Each year's executive compensation analysis shall be considered by
the Board within 45 days following the end of the immediately preceding fiscal
year; adjustments to Executive's Base Salary for the ensuing fiscal year shall
be made within 75 days of the commencement of that year, and shall be applied
retroactive to such commencement date. All Base Salary shall be paid in equal
periodic installments in accordance with the Company's normal payroll schedule.
3.2 INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN PARTICIPATION - In addition to the base salary,
----------------------------------
Executive will be entitled to participate in the Newco Incentive Bonus Plan,
pursuant to and subject to the provisions of which Executive will be entitled to
receive [See Rider 3.2A]% of an executive bonus compensation pool (the
"Executive Compensation Pool") consisting of an aggregate of 15% of the annual
pre-tax profits of the Company; provided, however, that such percentage may be
reduced at the discretion of the committee administering the plan but not below
[See Rider 3.2B]%.
3.3 GENERAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. The Company hereby agrees
---------------------------------------
that Executive shall be entitled to participate, to an extent consistent with
his title and Base Salary, in such incentive compensation programs, including
stock option or other stock-based compensation plans or programs, as may be
established by the Board for the Company's officers, other key employees, or
employees as a group.
3.4 RESTRICTED STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN. Pursuant to and subject to the
-------------------------------
provisions of the Newco Incentive Bonus Plan and the award agreements issued
thereunder, upon the adoption of a Restricted Stock Incentive Plan by the
Company (the "Restricted Stock Plan"), which may be included in and adopted as
part of the Newco Incentive Bonus Plan, twenty-five percent (25%) of Executive's
annual incentive compensation payable thereafter, including pursuant to Section
3.2, at the option of [Rider 3.4] the Company, will be paid in the form of
restricted Company common stock. The restricted stock will be awarded at eighty
percent (80%) of the average closing price of the common stock for the last ten
consecutive trading days in the calendar year to which the bonus relates and
shall vest 50% on each of the first and second anniversary of the award. The
Executive may elect to exchange up to one-third of the restricted stock awarded
under the Restricted Stock Plan for a non-qualified stock option to purchase
three shares for each share of restricted stock awarded, at an exercise price
per share equal to the average closing price of the common stock for the last
ten consecutive trading days in the calendar year to which the bonus relates.
Any such non-qualified stock option shall vest and be exercisable as to one-
third of the total number of shares on each of the first three anniversaries of
the grant date thereof, which shall be the same date on which the restricted
exchange was made and will have a ten year life, with provisions for accelerated
vesting upon change in control, death, disability, or retirement.
4. BENEFITS
--------
During Executive's employment hereunder, Executive shall: (a) be eligible
to participate in employee fringe benefits and any pension or profit sharing
plans that may be provided by the Company for executive employees in accordance
with the provisions of any such plans, as the same may be in effect from time to
time; (b) be eligible to participate in any medical and health plans or other
employee welfare benefit plans that may be provided by the Company for its
executive employees in accordance with the provisions of any such plans, as the
same may be in effect from time to time [See Rider 4.1]; (c) be entitled to
annual paid vacation in accordance with Company policy that may be applicable to
executive employees from time to time; and (d) be entitled to sick leave, sick
pay, and disability benefits in accordance with any Company policy that may be
applicable to executive employees from time to time.
[See Rider 4.2]
5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
------------------------
Executive agrees that he will hold in a fiduciary capacity, for the benefit
of the Company, all secret or confidential information, knowledge, or data of
the Company ("Confidential Information") obtained by him during his employment
by the Company, and will not disclose such information to any person other than
in the course of performing his duties hereunder or as may be required by law or
by order of a court or other regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction,
unless the Company shall consent in writing thereto. Additionally, Executive
agrees that, after termination of his employment under this Agreement, he will
not disclose, at any time, to any person, any Confidential Information
constituting a trade secret under applicable law and, for a period of one (1)
year after termination of employment under this Agreement for cause, Executive
will not disclose Confidential Information to any person whether or not such
information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law. For the purposes of
this Section 5, information that is or becomes a part of the public domain
(other than as a result of Executive's breach) shall not be deemed Confidential
Information.
6. NO RECRUITMENT; NON-COMPETITION
-------------------------------
6.1. NO RECRUITMENT. During Executive's employment hereunder and for one
--------------
(1) year after the termination of Executive's employment hereunder for cause (or
for such time as Executive is receiving severance pay from the Company for
termination other than for cause) plus, at the option of the Company, an
additional six (6) months provided that during such six-month period Executive
is then being employed for a base compensation of at least [RIDER 6.1A] per
month or the Company pays to Executive [RIDER 6.1B] per month), Executive will
not, directly or indirectly, (a) induce or conspire with, or attempt to induce
or conspire with, any of the officers or employees or registered representatives
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate their
employment or relationship with or compete against the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of the clients or customers of any such
entity to terminate their relationship with any such entity, or (b) divert or
attempt to divert any or all of such clients' or customers' business with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates from any such entity, unless
the Company shall consent in writing thereto.
6.2 NON-COMPETITION. During Executive's employment hereunder and for one (1)
---------------
year after the termination of Executive's employment hereunder for cause,
Executive will not, directly or indirectly, for any reason, for his own account,
or on behalf of or together with any other person, be engaged as an officer,
director, employee, independent contractor, consultant or advisor, or sales
-3-
representative of any kind, or as an owner, co-owner, or other investor of or
in, a business that provides securities brokerage, corporate finance, asset
management, capital formation, investment banking, financial advisory, or other
services in competition with the business engaged in by the Company within the
continental United States on the date hereof or, to the extent permitted by and
enforceable under applicable law, in which the Company is so engaged on the date
of Executive's termination.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may own and hold as a passive
investment up to one percent (1%) of the outstanding capital stock of a
competing entity if that class of capital stock is listed for trading or
quotation on a national or regional stock exchange registered with the SEC or on
The Nasdaq Stock Market.
6.3 DAMAGES. Because of the difficulty in measuring the economic losses
-------
that may be incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by Executive of
the covenants in Section 6.1, and because of the immediate and irreparable
damage that could be caused to the Company for which it would have no other
adequate remedy, Executive agrees that the Company may enforce the provisions of
Section 6.2 by any equitable or legal means, including seeking an appropriate
injunction or restraining order against Executive if a breach of any of those
provisions occurs.
6.4 REASONABLE RESTRAINT. The parties hereto each agree that Sections 6.2
--------------------
and 6.3 impose a reasonable restraint on Executive in light of the position of
Executive with the Company, the activities and business of the Company on the
date hereof, and the current business plans of the Company (of which Executive
acknowledges that he is aware).
6.4 SEVERABILITY; REFORMATION. The covenants in this Section 6 are severable
-------------------------
and separate, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant in this Section
6 is not intended by any party hereto to, and shall not, affect the provisions
of any other covenant in this Section 6. If any court of competent jurisdiction
shall determine that the scope, time, or territorial restrictions set forth in
Section 6.2 are unreasonable as applied to Executive, the parties hereto
acknowledge their mutual intention and agreement that those restrictions be
enforced to the fullest extent the court deems reasonable, and thereby shall be
reformed to that extent as applied to Executive.
6.5 INDEPENDENT COVENANT. All of the covenants in this Section 6 are
--------------------
intended by each party hereto to be, and shall be construed as, an agreement
independent of any other provision in this Agreement, and the existence of any
claim or cause of action of Executive against the Company, whether predicated on
this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement
by the Company of any covenant in this Section 6. It is specifically agreed that
the period specified in Section 6.2 shall be computed by excluding from that
computation any time during which Executive is in violation of any provision of
Section 6.2.
6.6 MATERIALITY. The Company and Executive hereby agree that this Section
-----------
6 is a material and substantial part of this Agreement.
-4-
7. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
-------------------------
7.1 BY COMPANY. Executive's employment under this Agreement may be
----------
terminated by the Company at any time for cause. For the purposes of this
Section 7.1, "cause" shall mean: (a) the conviction of Executive for an act or
acts of dishonesty by Executive that constitutes a felony under applicable law
and that subjects the Company to substantial loss or detriment, as determined by
a majority of the members of the Board; (b) the imposition of disciplinary
action against Executive, pursuant to a final non-appealable action, by a
regulatory body having disciplinary authority over members of Executive's
profession, which disciplinary action prevents Executive from performing his
duties hereunder for a period of not less than thirty-one (31) consecutive days
and is determined by a majority of the members of the Board to have caused
substantial loss or detriment to the Company; or (c) Executive's habitual
neglect of, or refusal to perform, his duties under this Agreement, or
deliberate and intentional disregard of lawful instructions from the Board;
provided, however, that Executive shall have received written notice of such
-------- -------
alleged neglect, refusal, or disregard from the Board and shall have failed
within thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice to cure and correct
such alleged neglect, refusal, or disregard (or to begin in good faith to effect
such cure and correction if such cannot practically be completed within such 30-
day period).
If Executive's employment is terminated under this Section 7.1, the Company
shall have no further obligation to Executive hereunder except to pay to him, in
cash on the effective date of such termination, any amount accrued but unpaid
hereunder as of the termination date and to permit Executive to exercise (within
the 30-day period thereafter) the stock option described in Section 3.3 with
respect to the number of shares for which the option has vested as of such
termination date, and except that the rights of Executive (and the obligations
of the Company) under Section 8 shall continue without regard to such
termination. If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for cause,
as provided above, this Agreement shall terminate and neither party shall have
any further obligation to the other, except as provided above, and except for
Executive's agreements contained in Sections 5 and 6.
7.2 BY DEATH. If Executive dies, this Agreement shall terminate on the
--------
date of Executive's death. In such event, the Company shall pay promptly to
Executive's designated beneficiary or, if no designated beneficiary, to
Executive's estate, any compensation or other amount earned or accrued as of the
date of Executive's death but not yet paid and any other payments to which
Executive is entitled pursuant to Section 3.1 and Section 4 hereof (as a result
of transactions in process as of the date of Executive's death), and permit
Executive's estate or legal representative to exercise (during the one-year
period thereafter) any outstanding stock option with respect to the number of
shares for which the option has vested and has not expired as of such date.
7.3 BY DISABILITY. If Executive becomes unable to perform his normal
-------------
duties hereunder as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness
for a period of at least one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days, the Company
shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon the expiration of such
period (the "Disability Date"). In such an event, the Company shall pay to
Executive (within thirty (30) days thereof) all amounts accrued but unpaid as of
the Disability Date and, in the manner and at the times set forth in Section 3.1
above, an amount equal to the difference between (a) the Base Salary payable for
the remainder of the Term and (b) 1.4285714 times the sum of all payments made
to Executive under any disability insurance coverage provided to him pursuant to
Section 4 hereof; and Executive shall continue to vest in, and remain entitled
to exercise, any outstanding stock option in the manner and at the times
otherwise set forth therein.
7.4 BY DISCHARGE. If Executive's employment under the terms of this
------------
Agreement is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, death,
or disability (in any such case a "Discharge"), then (a) the Company shall pay
to Executive, on the date of Discharge, a lump sum cash amount equal to the
greater of (i) 12 months of Executive's Base Salary at the time of the Discharge
and (ii) Executive's Base Salary, without regard to Cost of Living Adjustments,
payable for the remainder of the Term; (b) the Company shall pay to Executive
the amounts, and on the schedule, of bonus compensation under Section 3.2 that
would be payable to Executive during the remainder of the Term in the absence of
the Discharge; and (c) Executive shall immediately become fully vested in, and
be entitled to exercise for a period of 90 days after the date of Discharge, all
outstanding stock options not previously vested or exercised. Such payment
shall be in addition to other payments, if any, to which Executive is entitled
pursuant to Section 4 hereof, and the rights of Executive (and the obligations
of the Company) under Section 8 shall continue without regard to such Discharge.
No Discharge shall be permitted pursuant to this Section 7.4 unless approved by
a majority of the members of the Board.
7.5 BY EXECUTIVE. If (a) the Company significantly reduces Executive's
------------
authority or duties as described in Section 1.1 (or Executive's standing within
the Company as a function of Executive's relationships with the Board or with
other members of management of the Company) other than at the direction of the
New York Stock Exchange or similar regulatory authority with jurisdiction over
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (b) a change of control of the Company
occurs that is not approved by Executive, then, in any such event, Executive may
terminate this Agreement and such termination shall be treated as if it were a
Discharge under Section 7.4; provided that the Board shall have received written
--------
notice from Executive of any reduction described in clause (a) above upon which
Executive proposes to base a termination and the Company shall have failed
within thirty (30) days thereafter to reverse the situation. For purposes
hereof, "change of control" shall mean (c) the acquisition by a person or entity
other than Executive or a now existing shareholder of the Company (or any
affiliate of Executive or such a shareholder of the Company), whether in one or
several transactions, by exchange, merger, consolidation, assignment, stock
spin-off, stock split-up, or other transaction, of more than thirty-five percent
(35%) of the voting stock of the Company, or of the right to vote or to direct
the voting of such percentage of voting stock; or (d) a change in the membership
of the Board of Directors of the Company such that a majority of the members are
-6-
persons who are not Continuing Directors. For purposes of this Agreement, a
"Continuing Director" is a person who is a member of the Board of Directors of
the Company on the date hereof or a person who is elected as a director of the
Company upon the nomination by or approval of a majority of the Continuing
Directors in office.
8. LEGAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS
----------------------------
8.1 INDEMNIFICATION LEGAL EXPENSES. Without limiting the scope of any
------------------------------
indemnification to which Executive is or may be entitled under applicable law or
pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or contract for
indemnification of officers or directors of the Company, the Company shall
indemnify and hold Executive harmless from and against the costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees and costs) of Executive's defense with respect to any
suit, investigation, or other action or proceeding instituted or threatened
against Executive by any person, agency, body, or other entity that is based on,
arises out of, or is related to any position that Executive has or had with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates or otherwise to the
performance by Executive of any duty or responsibility under this Agreement. To
the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Company agrees to advance to
Executive the amount of such costs and expenses as they are incurred by
Executive (upon written request by Executive therefor, accompanied by reasonably
detailed explanation of the basis for such advance(s)), and Executive agrees, to
the extent that such agreement may be required by applicable law to permit such
advances, to account to the Company for such advance(s), including to refund to
the Company any such amount that it may ultimately be determined (according to
applicable law) that Executive is not entitled to receive as indemnification or
reimbursement for such costs and expenses as a result of the final disposition
of the underlying suit, investigation, or other action or proceeding in respect
of which such costs or expenses were incurred. The Company agrees to take such
corporate action as may be necessary or advisable, if requested by Executive, to
authorize, approve, or effectuate and implement the rights conferred upon
Executive in this Section 8.1.
8.2 DISPUTES RELATING TO AGREEMENT. If (a) a Dispute (as hereinafter
------------------------------
defined) arises, and (b) either a court, governmental agency, or similar body of
---
competent jurisdiction issues a final, nonappealable order, judgment or decree
(a "Final Order"), or Executive and the Company reach a definitive settlement of
the Dispute (a "Settlement"), that sustains the position in the Dispute taken by
Executive prior to the Dispute Date (as hereinafter defined), then the Company
----
shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal expenses actually incurred
from and after the Dispute Date in connection with obtaining the Final Order or
Settlement, to the extent such expenses exceeded any award for legal expenses
contained in any such Final Order. For purposes hereof, the "Dispute Date"
shall be ten (10) business days after the date upon which Executive delivers to
the Company, in accordance with Section 9.7, written notice setting forth the
particulars of a matter covered by this Agreement about which Executive and the
Company disagree (the "Dispute") and stating his intention to seek legal counsel
for assistance regarding such matter. Except as expressly set forth above, the
Company undertakes no obligation to advance, reimburse, or otherwise pay or
assume any expense of Executive incurred in interpreting or enforcing this
Agreement.
8.3 SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Section 8 shall survive any
--------
termination of Executive's employment or of this Agreement.
-7-
9. MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
9.1 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement is personal in nature and may not be
----------
assigned by either party without the express written consent of the other party;
provided, however, that the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the
-------- -------
benefit of and be binding upon each successor of the Company, whether by merger,
consolidation, transfer of all or substantially all assets, or otherwise.
9.2 WAIVER. The waiver by any party to this Agreement of a breach by the
------
other party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not operate as or
be construed as a waiver of any different or subsequent breach.
9.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes and expresses the entire
----------------
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
-------------
enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida (without regard to
its rules of conflicts of laws).
9.5 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Nothing in this Agreement, whether
----------------------------
express or implied, is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give
any person not a party hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, whether as a
third-party beneficiary or otherwise.
9.6 SEVERABILITY. Should any clause or any other portion of this
------------
Agreement be determined to be void or unenforceable for any reason, such
determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
clause or portion of this Agreement, all of which shall remain in full force and
effect, unless the result of any such invalidity or unenforceability shall be to
cause a material failure of consideration to the party seeking to sustain the
validity or enforceability of the subject provision.
9.7 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
-------
deemed to have been duly given on the date of receipt if delivered personally or
three (3) business days after deposit in the United States Mail, if in writing
and sent to the Company at its address provided following its signature to this
Agreement (Attention: [See Rider 9.7]), or to Executive at the address provided
following his signature to this Agreement, as the case may be, or to such other
address as one party shall have given to the other in accordance with this
provision.
9.8 EFFECT OF CAPTIONS AND HEADINGS. The captions and headings contained
-------------------------------
herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and
shall not be used in construing it.
-8-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement, as an
instrument under seal, as of the day and year first written above.
[SEAL] "Company"
Attest: JW GENESIS FINANCIAL, CORP.
_______________________________
Secretary or Assistant Secretary
By: --------------------------------------
Address: 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
"Executive"
--------------------------------(SEAL)
WILL X. XXXXXXXXX
Address:
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
-9-
Rider 1.1
---------
LEEDS = The Company hereby enters into this Agreement to evidence and provide
for the employment of Executive as Chairman of the Board and President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. Consistent with the policies, guidelines, and
directives established or promulgated by the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Board"), Executive shall be in complete charge of all operations of the
Company, with authority and responsibility for formulating and directing the
implementation of policies for the management of such operations. Executive
shall only be required to report directly to the Board. Executive agrees to
serve, without additional compensation, in a similar executive capacity with
subsidiaries of the Company and in such other executive capacities as may be
designated by the Board consistent with the positions, responsibilities, and
authority of Executive hereunder.
XXXXXXXXX = The Company hereby enters into this Agreement to evidence and
provide for the employment of Executive as Chief Operating Officer of the
Company and President of its institutional services subsidiary, Genesis Merchant
Group Securities LLC ("Genesis Securities"). Consistent with the policies,
guidelines, and directives established or promulgated by the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board"), Executive shall be in charge of the operations of
Genesis Securities and of supervising and coordinating such operations with the
activities of the Company's other business divisions and shall be consulted by
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in connection with the development,
establishment, and implementation of policy and strategic initiatives for the
Company. Executive shall only be required to report directly to the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and the Board of Directors of Genesis
Securities. Executive agrees to serve, without additional compensation, in a
similar executive capacity with subsidiaries of the Company and in such other
executive capacities as may be designated by the Board consistent with the
positions, responsibilities, and authority of Executive hereunder.
MARKS = The Company hereby enters into this Agreement to evidence and provide
for the employment of Executive as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company. Consistent with the policies, guidelines, and
directives established or promulgated by the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Board"), Executive shall be responsible for financial affairs, including
financial reporting, banking relationships, financial planning and budgeting,
accounting, financial controls, and related functions of the Company, and,
together with the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, shall be directly
involved in the development and establishment of policy and strategic
initiatives for the Company. Executive shall only be required to report
directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Executive agrees to serve, without
additional compensation, in a similar executive capacity with subsidiaries of
the Company and in such other executive capacities as may be designated by the
Board consistent with the positions, responsibilities, and authority of
Executive hereunder.
-10-
RIDER 1.3
---------
XXXXXXXXX
1.3 RESIDENCE. Nothing contained herein shall require Xxxxxxxxx to change
---------
his place of residence from the environs of San Francisco, California during the
Term (defined below).
RIDER 3.1A
----------
LEEDS= $ 500,000
XXXXXXXXX= $ 250,000
MARKS= $ 250,000
RIDER 3.1B
----------
XXXXXXXXX= COLA Adjustments shall be for San Francisco, California not US City
Average.
RIDER 3.2A
----------
Leeds = [50] %
XXXXXXXXX = [28.5] %
MARKS = [21.5]%
Rider 3.2B
----------
LEEDS = [35] %
XXXXXXXXX = [20] %
MARKS = [5]%
RIDER 3.4
---------
Leeds = Not Applicable
[XXXXXXXXX = Executive and]
MARKS = Not Applicable
-11-
RIDER 4.1
---------
LEEDS = [and the Company shall pay the premiums on a term life insurance policy,
paying benefits of not less than $1,000,000, obtained and owned by Executive
covering his life, and with such beneficiaries thereunder as Executive may
choose to name from time to time]
XXXXXXXXX = Not Applicable
MARKS = Not Applicable
RIDER 4.2
---------
LEEDS = Without limiting the provisions of the foregoing paragraph, the Company
also shall: (a) provide to Executive a monthly automobile allowance of not less
than Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) to be used by Executive to purchase,
lease, or rent (in Executive's discretion) an automobile; (b) provide to
Executive a mobile telephone and mobile telephone service; (c) reimburse
Executive for expenses relating to Executive's use of the automobile for Company
business, including, without limitation, insurance, maintenance, fuel and other
such associated expenses, and for entertainment and other expenses incurred by
Executive in connection with or related to the Company's business (or the
advancement or development thereof); and (d) provide Executive with an annual
allowance of $10,000 to be used by Executive, in his discretion, to pay the
costs of financial, legal, or tax planning services obtained by Executive from
advisors of Executive's own selection or the costs of other programs, events, or
activities deemed by Executive to be appropriate or desirable in light of
Executive's standing in the community as a senior officer of an important
business. Executive shall submit appropriate records relating to such expenses
to receive reimbursement from the Company for such expenses, in accordance with
the Company's policy for senior executive officers; the Company acknowledges
that an extensive amount of business related travel will be required by
Executive to perform his duties hereunder.
XXXXXXXXX = Not Applicable
MARKS = Not Applicable
RIDER 6.1A
----------
LEEDS = $40,000
XXXXXXXXX = $20,000
MARKS = $20,000
-12-
RIDER 6.1B
----------
LEEDS = $40,000
XXXXXXXXX = $20,000
MARKS = $20,000
RIDER 9.7
---------
LEEDS = Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
XXXXXXXXX = Xxxx X. Xxxxx
MARKS = Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
-13-
EXHIBIT E
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
the _____ day of __________, 1998, by and between WILL X. XXXXXXXXX, a resident
of the State of _________ ("Executive"), and JW GENESIS FINANCIAL, CORP., a
Florida corporation (the "Company").
1. DUTIES AND EXTENT OF SERVICES
-----------------------------
1.1 POSITION AND DUTIES. The Company hereby enters into this Agreement to
-------------------
evidence and provide for the employment of Executive as Vice-Chairman of the
Company. Consistent with the policies, guidelines, and directives established
or promulgated by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"), Executive
shall use his best efforts, in the course of his business and personal
activities, as opportunities are presented to Executive, (a) to promote the
interests of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, (b) to convey
information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates to
potential customers and clients, and (c) to facilitate contacts and
communications between the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and
potential clients and customers. In connection with, but without limiting the
foregoing, Executive shall provide to the Company periodic written or oral
reports of his activities with respect to the forgoing duties. Executive shall
only be required to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. Executive agrees to serve, without additional compensation, in a
similar executive capacity with subsidiaries of the Company.
1.2 EXTENT OF SERVICES. Executive agrees to devote such reasonable amount
------------------
of time to the promotion of the Company's interests as Executive deems is
necessary to discharge his duties in good faith, with the understanding that
Executive shall not be required to work full time or keep regular or specified
office hours or provide his services at a particular location. During the term
of this Agreement, Executive will not engage in activities competitive with the
Company except that it is understood and agreed that Executive may engage in the
operation of one or more investment partnerships and engage in money management
and investment advisory and similar activities for his own account or for the
account of others and the Company shall have no interest in the profits or
revenues generated by such activities. If Executive is required to utilize a
competing business to satisfy his fiduciary obligations to clients, such actions
will not be deemed to be in conflict with his obligations to the Company
hereunder.
2. TERM
----
The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence on ___________, 1998
and shall continue to December 31, 2001. This Agreement may be earlier
terminated only in accordance with Section 7 hereof.
-1-
3. COMPENSATION
------------
3.1 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. The Company shall pay Executive incentive
----------------------
compensation pursuant to the gross income received by the Company from the
activities and in the percentages set forth on Exhibit A.
3.2 EXPENSE ALLOWANCE. Executive will receive an annual accountable
-----------------
allowance for expenses incurred in connection with furtherance of the business
of the Company in the amount of $450,000. Such allowance will be reimbursed to
Executive on a monthly basis upon receipt from Executive of documentation, which
satisfies the substantiation requirements for deductions as promulgated by the
Internal Revenue Service from time to time, of the incurrence of such expenses;
any amount actually incurred that does not satisfy such deduction requirements
will be reimbursed subject to applicable income tax withholding requirements.
3.3 RESTRICTED STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN. Upon the adoption of a Restricted
-------------------------------
Stock Incentive Plan by the Company (the "Restricted Stock Plan"), which may be
adopted as part of an Incentive Bonus Plan of the Company, twenty-five percent
(25%) of Executive's annual incentive compensation payable thereafter, at the
option of Executive, will be paid in the form of restricted shares of Company
common stock. The shares of restricted stock will be awarded at eighty percent
(80%) of the average closing price of the common stock for the last ten
consecutive trading days in the calendar year to which the bonus relates and
shall vest (in the sense that restrictions and the risks of forfeiture with
respect thereto shall lapse) 50% on each of the first and second anniversary of
the award. Executive may elect to exchange up to one-third of the restricted
stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Plan for a non-qualified stock option
to purchase three shares for each share of restricted stock awarded, at an
exercise price per share equal to the average closing price of the common stock
for the last ten consecutive trading days in the calendar year to which the
bonus relates. Any such non-qualified stock option shall vest and be
exercisable as to one-third of the total number of shares on each of the first
three anniversaries of the grant date thereof, which shall be the same date on
which the exchange of the shares of restricted stock was made, and will have a
ten-year term, with provisions for accelerated vesting upon a change of control
(as defined in Section 7.5), death, disability, or retirement. Attached on
Exhibit B is a schedule detailing Executive's and Company's agreements regarding
the assignment to Executive over time of portions of the life insurance policies
insuring Executive's life referenced thereon and owned by the Company or its
subsidiary.
4. BENEFITS
--------
During Executive's employment hereunder, the Company shall provide
disability insurance coverage and other insurance coverages and other benefits
for Executive and his dependents on such terms as the Company normally provides
such benefits for its executive officers, and amounts received from such
benefits will be in addition to compensation set forth in Section 3 of this
Agreement and the special insurance arrangements referred to in Section 3.3.
-2-
5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
------------------------
Executive agrees that he will hold in a fiduciary capacity, for the benefit
of the Company, all secret or confidential information, knowledge, or data of
the Company ("Confidential Information") obtained by him during his employment
by the Company, and will not disclose such information to any person other than
in the course of performing his duties hereunder or as may be required by law or
by order of a court or other regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction,
unless the Company shall consent in writing thereto. For the purposes of this
Agreement, Confidential Information does not include information of which
Executive had knowledge prior to the date of this Agreement. Additionally,
Executive agrees that, after termination of his employment under this Agreement,
he will not disclose, at any time, to any person, any Confidential Information
constituting a trade secret under applicable law and, for a period of one (1)
year after termination of employment under this Agreement for cause, Executive
will not disclose Confidential Information to any person whether or not such
information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law. For the purposes of
this Section 5, information that is or becomes a part of the public domain
(other than as a result of Executive's breach) shall not be deemed Confidential
Information.
6. NO RECRUITMENT
--------------
During Executive's employment hereunder and for one (1) year after the
termination of Executive's employment hereunder for cause (or for such time as
Executive is receiving by agreement severance pay from the Company for
termination other than for cause), Executive will not, directly or indirectly,
(a) induce or conspire with, or attempt to induce or conspire with, any of the
officers or employees or registered representatives of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate their employment or relationship with or
compete against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of
the clients or customers of any such entity to terminate their relationship with
any such entity, or (b) divert or attempt to divert any or all of such clients'
or customers' business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates
from any such entity, unless the Company shall consent in writing thereto.
7. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
-------------------------
7.1 BY COMPANY. Executive's employment under this Agreement may be
----------
terminated by the Company at any time for cause. For the purposes of this
Section 7.1, "cause" shall mean: (a) the conviction of Executive for an act or
acts of dishonesty by Executive that constitutes a felony under applicable law
and that subjects the Company to substantial loss or detriment, as determined by
a majority of the members of the Board; (b) the imposition of disciplinary
action against Executive, pursuant to a final non-appealable action, by a
regulatory body having disciplinary authority over members of Executive's
profession, which disciplinary action prevents Executive from performing his
duties hereunder for a period of not less than thirty-one (31) consecutive days
and is determined by a majority of the members of the Board to have caused
substantial loss or detriment to the Company; or (c) Executive's deliberate and
-3-
intentional disregard of lawful instructions from the Board that are consistent
with the limited scope of duties and services set forth in Sections 1.1 and 1.2,
which disregard has caused (or if continued, will cause) manifest and material
loss or detriment to the Company as determined by the affirmative vote of 75% of
the non-employee members of the Board; provided, however, that Executive shall
have received written notice of alleged disregard from the Board and shall have
failed within thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice to cure and
correct such disregard (or to begin in good faith to effect such cure and
correction if such cannot be practically completed within such 30-day period).
If Executive's employment is terminated under this Section 7.1, the Company
shall have no further obligation to Executive hereunder except to pay or
reimburse to him, in cash on the effective date of such termination or as soon
thereafter as possible, any amount accrued but unpaid hereunder as of the
termination date and, thereafter, any amount that otherwise would become payable
pursuant to Section 3.1 (as a result of transactions in process as of the date
of termination) if there had been no termination and any amounts reimbursable
under Section 3.2 for expenses incurred prior to termination; and to permit
Executive to exercise (within the 30-day period thereafter) the stock option
described in Section 3.3 with respect to the number of shares for which the
option has vested as of such termination date, and except that the rights of
Executive (and the obligations of the Company) under Section 8 shall continue
without regard to such termination. If Executive's employment is terminated by
the Company for cause, as provided above, this Agreement shall terminate and
neither party shall have any further obligation to the other, except as provided
above, and except for Executive's agreements contained in Sections 5 and 6.
7.2 BY DEATH. If Executive dies, this Agreement shall terminate on the
--------
date of Executive's death. In such event, the Company shall pay promptly to
Executive's designated beneficiary or, if no designated beneficiary, to
Executive's estate, any compensation or other amount earned or accrued as of the
date of Executive's death but not yet paid and any other payments to which
Executive is entitled pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof (as a result of
transactions in process as of the date of Executive's death) and Section 4 and
any amounts reimbursable under Section 3.2 for expenses incurred prior to
Executive's death, and permit Executive's estate or legal representative to
exercise (during the one-year period thereafter) any outstanding stock option
with respect to the number of shares for which the option has vested and has not
expired as of such date.
7.3 BY DISABILITY. If Executive becomes unable to perform his normal
-------------
duties hereunder as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness
for a period of at least one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days, the Company
shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon the expiration of such
period (the "Disability Date"). In such an event, the Company shall pay or
reimburse to Executive (within thirty (30) days thereof) all amounts accrued but
unpaid as of the Disability Date and, thereafter, any amount that otherwise
would become payable pursuant to Section 3.1 (as a result of transactions in
process as of the Disability Date) if there had been no termination and any
amounts reimbursable under Section 3.2 for expenses incurred prior to
termination; Executive shall continue to vest in, and remain entitled to
exercise, any outstanding stock option in the manner and at the times otherwise
set forth therein; and the right of Executive (and the obligations of the
-4-
Company) with respect to the agreements set forth on Exhibit B shall continue
without regard to such termination.
7.4 BY DISCHARGE. If Executive's employment under the terms of this
------------
Agreement is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, death,
or disability (in any such case a "Discharge"), then (a) the Company shall pay
to Executive, on the date of Discharge, the amount of any accrued but unpaid
Incentive Compensation and any other amount that otherwise would become payable
pursuant to Section 3.1 (as a result of transactions in process as of the
Disability Date) if there had been no Discharge and any amounts reimbursable
under Section 3.2 for expenses incurred prior to Discharge; (b) a lump sum
amount (less any applicable withholding taxes) without the requirement for
documentation, accounting, or other justification, equal to the expense
allowance under Section 3.2 that would otherwise be payable through December 31,
2001, absent the Discharge; and (c) Executive shall immediately become fully
vested in, and be entitled to exercise for a period of 90 days after the date of
Discharge, all outstanding stock options not previously vested or exercised.
Such payment shall be in addition to other payments, if any, to which Executive
is entitled pursuant to Section 4 hereof, and the rights of Executive (and the
obligations of the Company) under Section 8 and set forth on Exhibit B shall
continue without regard to such Discharge. No Discharge shall be permitted
pursuant to this Section 7.4 unless approved by a majority of the members of the
Board.
7.5 BY EXECUTIVE. (a) If a change of control of the Company occurs that
------------
is not approved by Executive, Executive may terminate this Agreement and such
termination shall be treated as if it were a Discharge under Section 7.4. For
purposes hereof, "change of control" shall mean (i) the acquisition by a person
or entity other than Executive or a now existing shareholder of the Company (or
any affiliate of Executive or such a shareholder of the Company), whether in one
or several transactions, by exchange, merger, consolidation, assignment, stock
spin-off, stock split-up, or other transaction, of more than thirty-five percent
(35%) of the voting stock of the Company, or of the right to vote or to direct
the voting of such percentage of voting stock; or (ii) a change in the
membership of the Board of Directors of the Company such that a majority of the
members are persons who are not Continuing Directors. For purposes of this
Agreement, a "Continuing Director" is a person who is a member of the Board of
Directors of the Company on the date hereof or a person who is elected as a
director of the Company upon the nomination by or approval of a majority of the
Continuing Directors in office.
(b) Prior to the termination of this Agreement, Executive may elect to retire
from his position as Vice-Chairman of the Company and forego the Incentive
Compensation in Section 3.1 and the expense allowance provided for in Section
3.2. If Executive so elects to retire, (i) Executive will remain subject to the
terms of this Agreement, including his non-recruitment and non-competition
obligations, until the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, at which
time his non-recruitment and non-competition obligations hereunder will
terminate and (ii) Executive will be permitted to operate or otherwise be
employed as a registered representative of the Company for the remainder of the
term of this Agreement and be compensated in accordance with the Company's then
existing commission rate as such rate may be amended from time to time.
-5-
8. LEGAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS
----------------------------
8.1 INDEMNIFICATION LEGAL EXPENSES. Without limiting the scope of any
------------------------------
indemnification to which Executive is or may be entitled under applicable law or
pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or contract for
indemnification of officers or directors of the Company, the Company shall
indemnify and hold Executive harmless from and against the costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees and costs) of Executive's defense with respect to any
suit, investigation, or other action or proceeding instituted or threatened
against Executive by any person, agency, body, or other entity that is based on,
arises out of, or is related to any position that Executive has or had with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates or otherwise to the
performance by Executive of any duty or responsibility under this Agreement. To
the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Company agrees to advance to
Executive the amount of such costs and expenses as they are incurred by
Executive (upon written request by Executive therefor, accompanied by reasonably
detailed explanation of the basis for such advance(s)), and Executive agrees, to
the extent that such agreement may be required by applicable law to permit such
advances, to account to the Company for such advance(s), including to refund to
the Company any such amount that it may ultimately be determined (according to
applicable law) that Executive is not entitled to receive as indemnification or
reimbursement for such costs and expenses as a result of the final disposition
of the underlying suit, investigation, or other action or proceeding in respect
of which such costs or expenses were incurred. The Company agrees to take such
corporate action as may be necessary or advisable, if requested by Executive, to
authorize, approve, or effectuate and implement the rights conferred upon
Executive in this Section 8.1.
8.2 DISPUTES RELATING TO AGREEMENT. If (a) Dispute (as hereinafter
------------------------------
defined) arises, and (b) either a court, governmental agency, or similar body of
---
competent jurisdiction issues a final, nonappealable order, judgment or decree
(a "Final Order"), or Executive and the Company reach a definitive settlement of
the Dispute (a "Settlement"), that sustains the position in the Dispute taken by
Executive prior to the Dispute Date (as hereinafter defined), then the Company
----
shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal expenses actually incurred
from and after the Dispute Date in connection with obtaining the Final Order or
Settlement, to the extent such expenses exceeded any award for legal expenses
contained in any such Final Order. For purposes hereof, the "Dispute Date"
shall be ten (10) business days after the date upon which Executive delivers to
the Company, in accordance with Section 9.7, written notice setting forth the
particulars of a matter covered by this Agreement about which Executive and the
Company disagree (the "Dispute") and stating his intention to seek legal counsel
for assistance regarding such matter. Except as expressly set forth above, the
Company undertakes no obligation to advance, reimburse, or otherwise pay or
assume any expense of Executive incurred in interpreting or enforcing this
Agreement.
8.3 SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Section 8 shall survive any
--------
termination of Executive's employment or of this Agreement.
-6-
9. MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
9.1 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement is personal in nature and may not be
----------
assigned by either party without the express written consent of the other party;
provided, however, that the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the
-------- -------
benefit of and be binding upon each successor of the Company, whether by merger,
consolidation, transfer of all or substantially all assets, or otherwise.
9.2 WAIVER. The waiver by any party to this Agreement of a breach by the
------
other party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not operate as or
be construed as a waiver of any different or subsequent breach.
9.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes and expresses the entire
----------------
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
-------------
enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida (without regard to
its rules of conflicts of laws).
9.5 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Nothing in this Agreement, whether
----------------------------
express or implied, is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give
any person not a party hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, whether as a
third-party beneficiary or otherwise.
9.6 SEVERABILITY. Should any clause or any other portion of this
------------
Agreement be determined to be void or unenforceable for any reason, such
determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
clause or portion of this Agreement, all of which shall remain in full force and
effect, unless the result of any such invalidity or unenforceability shall be to
cause a material failure of consideration to the party seeking to sustain the
validity or enforceability of the subject provision.
9.7 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
-------
deemed to have been duly given on the date of receipt if delivered personally or
three (3) business days after deposit in the United States Mail, if in writing
and sent to the Company at its address provided following its signature to this
Agreement (Attention: Chief Executive Officer), or to Executive at the address
provided following his signature to this Agreement, as the case may be, or to
such other address as one party shall have given to the other in accordance with
this provision.
9.8 EFFECT OF CAPTIONS AND HEADINGS. The captions and headings contained
-------------------------------
herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and
shall not be used in construing it.
-7-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement, as an
instrument under seal, as of the day and year first written above.
[SEAL] "Company"
Attest: JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.
_________________________________
By: ----------------------------------
Secretary or Assistant Secretary
Address: 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
"Executive"
------------------------------ (SEAL)
WILL X. XXXXXXXXX
Address:
---------------------------
---------------------------
---------------------------
-8-
EXHIBIT A
The incentive compensation payable to Executive by the Company under Section 3.1
of the Agreement will be calculated as follows:
I. MONTHLY PAYMENTS. The incentive compensation will be payable to Executive
----------------
on a monthly basis, within 15 days of the end of each month with respect to
incentive compensation earned by Executive prior to termination of the
Agreement.
II. RETAIL ACCOUNTS. The Company will pay to Executive 35% of the commissions
---------------
received by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate on or with respect
to any retail accounts covered by Executive. Such amounts will be paid to
Executive whether the commissions are received prior to or on or after the
end of the term of the Agreement; provided, however, Executive shall not be
-------- -------
entitled to any incentive compensation with respect to commissions paid on
any retail account which relate to periods of time after the earlier of (i)
Executive has stopped covering such retail account and (ii) the term of
this Agreement.
III. INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS. The Company will pay to Executive 20% of the
----------------------
commissions received by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate on or
with respect to any institutional accounts covered by Executive. Such
amounts will be paid to Executive whether the commissions are received
prior to or on or after the end of the term of the Agreement; provided,
--------
however, Executive shall not be entitled to any incentive compensation with
-------
respect to commissions paid on any institutional account which relate to
periods of time after the earlier of (i) Executive has stopped covering
such institutional account and (ii) the term of this Agreement.
IV. INVESTMENT BANKING ACTIVITIES. The Company will pay to Executive a portion
-----------------------------
of the commission or fees received by the Company or any subsidiary or
affiliate from any investment banking activities or transactions with
respect to which either:
A. Executive has made the introduction which led to the investment
banking activity or transaction being undertaken by the Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate; or
B. Executive is directly or indirectly responsible for the investment
banking activity or transaction being undertaken by the Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate.
The portion of any such commission or fee to be paid by the Company to
Executive shall be not less than 7.5% nor more than 15% of the aggregate
commission or fee. The actual percentage payable to Executive with respect
to any particular investment banking activity or transaction will be
negotiated and agreed to by Executive and Company in good faith.
Such amounts will be paid to Executive only on transactions which are in
process prior to the end of the term of the Agreement. A transaction shall
be deemed to be in process once an introduction by the Executive to the
Company has been made and there have been substantive discussions regarding
the transaction (or a variant of the transaction), whether or not there is
a signed letter of intent. Follow-on investment banking activities or
transactions (which are not in process prior to the end of the term of the
Agreement) and which commence after the term will not be subject to any
payment to Executive.
Such amounts will be paid to Executive within 15 days after receipt by the
Company whether or not the commissions or fees are received prior to or on
or after the end of the term of the Agreement.
-9-
V. NON-CASH CONSIDERATION. If any commissions or fees which would give rise
----------------------
to incentive compensation under this Exhibit A are received by the Company
or any subsidiary or affiliate in a form other than cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., in the form of stock, debentures, notes, etc.), then the
incentive compensation payable to Executive under this Exhibit A with
respect to such non-cash commissions or fees will consist of an in-kind
distribution of the appropriate percentage of the non-cash consideration
received by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate.
-10-
Exhibit B
The Company or its subsidiary is the owner of the following two (2) term
life insurance policies (the "Policies") upon the life of Executive in the
total face amount ("Total Face Amount") of $3,500,000:
a. Policy No. 79 660 607 with The Prudential, contract date November 1,
1990 in the face amount of $1,000,000 for a term of twenty years and
b. Policy No. 79 660 570 with The Prudential, contract date November 1,
1990 in the face amount of $2,500,000 for a term of twenty years.
When and as provided below, the Company shall transfer and assign to Executive
ownership of, and the right to designate the beneficiary on, part or all (the
"Transferred Amount") of the Total Face Amount of the Policies.
I. PERIODIC TRANSFERS AND ASSIGNMENTS. On each of the annual anniversaries of
----------------------------------
the commencement of the Term on which Executive remains employed by the
Company, the Company shall transfer and assign to Executive the indicated
Transferred Amount of the Total Face Amount of the Policies:
Increments of the Total Face Amount that shall
Date have been transferred to Executive
---- ----------------------------------
First Anniversary (_______, 1999) 20%
Second Anniversary (_______, 2000) 20%
Third Anniversary ( , 2001) 20%
--------------------------------------- ---
Total Transferred Amount 60%
II. EXPIRATION OF THE AGREEMENT. If Executive is employed by the Company on
---------------------------
December 31, 2001, and this Agreement is then in effect (notwithstanding any
continuing survival of Section 8 or any provisions of this Exhibit B), the
Company shall transfer and assign to Executive the entire remaining portion of
the Total Face Amount (so that 100% of the Total Face Amount will have been
transferred and assigned to Executive); provided, however, in no event shall
-------- -------
the Company be required to transfer and assign to Executive any Transferred
Back Amount (as such term is defined below in Section IV).
III. PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS. Executive shall pay, and shall be solely responsible
-------------------
for the payment of, the pro-rated portion of any premium allocable to any
Transferred Amount of the Policies and the Company shall pay the remainder of
any such premiums for the Policies.
IV. FAILURE TO PAY.
--------------
A. If at any time prior to November 1, 2010, Executive fails, voluntarily or
involuntarily, to pay the portion of any premium for the Policies which he is
to pay under Section III, above, then the Company shall have the option of
paying such portion of the premium and maintaining the Policies in good
standing. The provisions of this Section IV(a) shall not come into effect if
Executive's failure to pay any premium is due to any waiver of premiums by the
issuing insurance company with respect to either or both of the Policies,
whether by reason of disability or otherwise.
B. If, as provided above, the Company elects to pay any portion of the premium
otherwise payable by Executive, Executive hereby agrees, upon written notice
-11-
from the Company, to transfer and assign back to the Company (and shall be
deemed hereby to have done so) the portion of the Transferred Amount with
respect to which the Company has paid the premium in place of Executive (the
"Transferred Back Amount").
C. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Exhibit
B, the Company shall not be required to transfer and assign to Executive, and
Executive shall not be entitled to receive from the Company, any portion of any
Transferred Back Amount.
D. The occurrence of the circumstances described above in this Section IV shall
not excuse the Company from the duty to transfer and assign to Executive any
Transferred Amounts (other than Transferred Back Amounts) which subsequently
are to be transferred and assigned to Executive as provided in this Exhibit B
and Executive shall continue to be entitled to the transfer to him of other
portions of the Total Face Amount as provided above, subject in each case to
the above provisions concerning Executive's possible failure to pay the
premiums that become due on such subsequent Transferred Amounts
V. EXECUTIVE'S RIGHT TO DECLINE. Executive shall have the right to
----------------------------
decline to receive the assignment and transfer of any Transferred Amount (or
portion thereof) by giving written notice thereof to the Company at or prior to
the date on which the Company is to transfer and assign such Transferred Amount
to Executive. The exercise by Executive of his right to decline as provided
above shall not excuse the Company from its duties to make subsequent transfers
and assignments to Executive as provided in this Exhibit B.
VI. SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Exhibit B shall survive any
--------
termination of the Agreement, including the expiration of the Agreement in
accordance with its terms.
-12-
EXHIBIT F
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this ___ day of
_____________, 1998, by and among XXXXXXXX X. XXXXX ("LEEDS") AND THE WILL X.
XXXXXXXXX REVOCABLE TRUST UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 27, 1990
("XXXXXXXXX") (collectively the "Shareholders").
RECITALS:
--------
WHEREAS, the Shareholders own, beneficially and of record, as of the date
of this Agreement, _______ shares (_______ percent) of the issued and
outstanding $.001 par value common stock ("Common Stock") of JW Genesis
Financial Corp. ("Newco") (such shares, together with any other shares hereafter
acquired by the Shareholders, are collectively referred to as the "SHARES");
WHEREAS, in accordance with paragraph 8.7 of that certain Agreement and
Plan of Combination dated as of January ____, 1998 by and among XX Xxxxxxx
Financial Services, Inc., Newco, Genesis Merchant Group Securities LLC, and the
Genesis members named therein (the "PLAN OF COMBINATION") the execution of this
Agreement is a condition to the Closing of the Plan of Combination;
WHEREAS, parties hereto have agreed to vote for the election as directors
of Newco a specified number of nominees designated by Leeds, on the one hand,
and by Xxxxxxxxx, on the other hand; and
WHEREAS, the Shareholders believe that it is desirable and in their mutual
interests to set forth their agreements with respect to the election of
directors of Newco.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
1.
Voting Agreement
----------------
Upon termination of the obligations of Leeds under Section 3(a) of that
certain Amended and Restated Stock Repurchase Agreement dated June 11, 1996 by
and among the Company, Xxxxxx CMG, Inc., Leeds and Xxxx X. Xxxxx, each
Shareholder shall vote, or cause to be voted, the Shares owned or controlled by
him or it in favor of __________ nominees for director designated by Leeds, on
the one hand, and ________ nominees for director designated by Xxxxxxxxx, on the
-1-
other hand. Pursuant to the foregoing, each Shareholder shall vote all Shares
held by such Shareholder and all Shares as to which such Shareholder has voting
power, and shall cause to be taken all such other actions within such
Shareholder's power and authority as may be required: (a) to cause to be
elected or appointed to the Board of Directors of Newco the above number of
nominees designated by the other Shareholder; (b) to forthwith remove any
director so designated by the other Shareholder when such removal is requested,
for any reason, with or without cause, by such Shareholder, and in the case of
the death, resignation, or removal of a director who was designated by a group,
to elect a replacement for such director as designated by the Shareholder who
designated such director; and (c) to use such Shareholder's best efforts to
prevent any action from being taken by the Board of Directors of Newco during
the pendency of any vacancy due to such death, resignation, or removal of a
director who was designated by the other group unless the group who designated
such director shall have failed for a period of ten (10) days after receipt from
Newco of written notice of such vacancy to designate a replacement; and (d) to
cause the Board of Directors of Newco to be comprised of no less than [____]
directors.
2.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
If any Shareholder fails to execute any document or to do anything that he
or it is obligated to do under this Agreement, each such Shareholder hereby
constitutes and appoints the other Shareholder as his or its agent and attorney-
in-fact for the purpose of executing and delivering: (a) any and all documents
necessary or convenient to vote his or its Shares pursuant to the provisions of
Article 1 of this Agreement, and (b) any and all other documents, instruments,
agreements, and writings necessary or convenient to effectuate the terms of this
Agreement. The powers of attorney granted herein, being coupled with an
interest, are irrevocable and shall not be revoked by the death, dissolution,
insolvency, or incapacity of any party or for any other reason. Each
Shareholder hereby releases the other Shareholder who take actions on his or its
behalf as authorized in this Agreement from any and all claims or liabilities
for or resulting from action so authorized.
3.
BINDING ON TRANSFEREES
----------------------
3.1 Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, no sale,
gift, assignment, encumbrance, or other transfer or disposition (by operation of
law or otherwise) of any of the Shares shall have any force, validity, or
effect, or vest in the transferee any rights with respect thereto, unless and
until such transferee shall have agreed in writing to be bound by the provisions
of this Agreement with the same force and effect as if such transferee had
initially been a party to this Agreement; provided, however, that this Agreement
--------- -------
will not apply to purchasers in bona fide pubic trading market transactions.
-2-
3.2 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto, their successors, and assigns, including, without limitation, all
subsequent holders of the Shares.
3.3 Each individual Shareholder hereby agrees to provide in his will that
the Shareholder or his personal representative shall be bound to observe the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.
4.
LEGEND
------
Each certificate representing the Shares or any other voting stock of Newco
now owned or hereafter acquired by any Shareholder or any transferee, successor,
or assign of any Shareholder, shall bear the following legend:
"THE VOTING OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE
RESTRICTED BY AND ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF A SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
AMONG CERTAIN OF THE CORPORATION'S SHAREHOLDERS, A COPY OF WHICH MAY
BE INSPECTED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION."
5.
TERMINATION
-----------
This Agreement shall terminate (a) upon the written agreement of all
parties hereto; (b) upon the dissolution or liquidation of Newco, or the
voluntary filing of a petition in bankruptcy by Newco, or the inability of Newco
to pay its debts as they become due; (c) on December 31, 2001, or (d) at the
election of Leeds or Xxxxxxxxx on any date on which either Shareholder
beneficially owns less than 60% of the number of Shares of Newco Common Stock
owned by such Shareholder on the date of this Agreement (adjusted for stock
splits and stock dividends).
6.
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
6. Notices. Any offer or notice made or given pursuant to this Agreement
-------
shall be deemed sufficiently made or given upon delivery in person addressed to
the recipient thereof or upon the expiration of seven days after the date of
posting, if mailed by registered or certified first class mail, postage prepaid,
return receipt requested, to the parties at the following addresses:
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To Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx: _________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
To The Will X. Xxxxxxxxx
Revocable Trust: _________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Any party hereto may change its address for purposes of this Agreement by giving
notice to the other parties at the address and in the manner provided above.
6.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
-------------
enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida without regard
to its rules of conflicts of laws.
6.3 Partial Invalidity. All rights and restrictions contained herein may
------------------
be exercised and shall be applicable and binding only to the extent that they do
not violate any applicable laws and are intended to be limited to the extent
necessary so that they will not render this Agreement illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable. If any term of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable, it is the intention of the parties that the remaining
terms hereof shall constitute their agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof and all such remaining terms shall remain in full force and effect. To
the extent legally permissible, any illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision
of this Agreement shall be replaced by a valid provision that will implement the
commercial purpose of the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision.
6.4 Waiver. No failure on the part of any party hereto to exercise,
------
and no delay in exercising, any right, power, or remedy hereunder shall operate
as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right,
power, or remedy by any such party preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or remedy. No express waiver
or assent by any party hereto to any breach of or default in any term or
condition of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of or an assent to any
succeeding breach of or default in the same or any other term or condition
hereof.
6.5 Further Documents and Actions. The parties shall take such further
-----------------------------
actions and execute and deliver such further documents as may be necessary or
convenient from time to time to more effectively carry out the intent and
purposes of this Agreement and to establish and protect the rights and remedies
created or intended to be created hereunder.
6.6 Headings; Defined Terms. The headings as to the contents of particular
-----------------------
sections of this Agreement are inserted only for convenience and shall not be
construed as a part of this Agreement nor as a limitation on the scope of any of
the terms or provisions of this Agreement. All capitalized terms not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in Plan of Combination.
-4-
6.7 Gender. Where the context requires, the use of the singular form
------
herein shall include the plural, the use of the plural shall include the
singular, and the use of any gender shall include any and all genders.
6.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions
----------------
and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof,
and this Agreement contains the sole and entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the matters covered hereby. This Agreement shall not be modified
or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of the
parties hereto.
6.10 Additional Shareholders. Additional shareholders may become a
------------------------
party to this Agreement and shall be bound by its terms by signing their name
below or by signing a counterpart hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
under seal as of the day and year first above written.
----------------------- [SEAL]
XXXXXXXX X. XXXXX
THE WILL X. XXXXXXXXX
REVOCABLE TRUST UNDER TRUST
AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 27, 1990
By:
---------------------------------
Will X. Xxxxxxxxx, Trustee
-5-
EXHIBIT G
VOTING AGREEMENT
Genesis Merchant Group Securities LLC
000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Gentlemen:
In connection with the proposed combination (the "Combination") between XX
Xxxxxxx Financial Services, Inc. ("JWCFS") and Genesis Merchant Group Securities
LLC ("Genesis"), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Combination of even date
herewith among JWCFS, JW Genesis Financial Corp., Genesis, and the Genesis
Members named therein (the "Agreement"), the undersigned agree to vote any and
all shares of JWCFS capital stock owned or controlled by them in favor of the
Combination.
Sincerely,
-------------------------------------
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
-------------------------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxx
-1-
EXHIBIT H
(1) Newco and JWCFS are corporations duly organized, validly existing, and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida. Newco and JWCFS have
all requisite power and authority to own and use the properties owned and used
by them and to carry on their business as now being conducted. Newco and JWCFS
are not in default under or in violation of any provision of their articles of
incorporation or bylaws.
(2) Newco and JWCFS have all requisite power and authority to execute, and
deliver the Transaction Documents and to consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby.
(3) The Transaction Documents have been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by Newco and JWCFS and are valid, binding, and enforceable against
Newco and JWCFS.
(4) Except as set forth in the disclosure schedules, neither the execution
and delivery of the Transaction Documents, nor performance by Newco or JWCFS of
their obligations under the Transaction Documents if Newco or JWCFS was now to
perform its obligations thereunder, (a) violates, or requires authorization,
consent, or approval under, the provisions of any material law, rule, or
regulation applicable to Newco or JWCFS, as the case may be; (b) violates the
provisions of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Newco or JWCFS; (c)
violates any material judgment, decree, order or award of any court,
governmental body, or arbitrator applicable to Newco or JWCFS of which such
counsel is aware; or (d) to such counsel's knowledge conflicts with or results
in the breach or termination of any term or provision of, or constitutes a
default under, or requires any consent under, or causes any acceleration under,
or causes the creation of any lien, charge, or encumbrance upon Newco's and
JWCFS's assets pursuant to, any material written agreement to which Newco or
JWCFS is bound.
(5) The Combination Agreement is enforceable against Newco and JWCFS.
(6) The shares of Newco Stock to be issued to the Genesis Members in
accordance with the Combination Agreement have been duly authorized and upon
issuance as contemplated in the Combination Agreement, will be validly issued,
fully paid, and non-assessable.
-1-
EXHIBIT I
(1) Genesis is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing,
and in good standing under the laws of the State of California. Genesis has all
requisite power and authority to own and use the properties owned and used by it
and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Genesis is not in default
under or in violation of any provision of its articles of organization or
operating agreement.
(2) Genesis has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver the
Transaction Documents and to perform and consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby.
(3) The Transaction Documents have been duly authorized, executed, and
delivered by Genesis and are valid, binding, and enforceable against Genesis.
(4) Annex C accurately identifies all of the Genesis Members and accurately
sets forth the Genesis Membership Interests held by each of them. The
outstanding Genesis Membership Interests have been duly authorized and validly
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.
(5) To our knowledge the Genesis Members have all requisite powers and
authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents and to perform and
consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. Each of the Transaction
Documents has been executed and delivered by the Genesis Members and are valid,
binding and enforceable against the Genesis Members.
(6) Except as set forth in the disclosure schedules, neither the execution and
delivery of the Transaction Documents, nor performance by Genesis or the Genesis
Members of their obligations thereunder, (a) violates, or requires
authorizationn, consent, or approval under, the provisions of any material law,
rule, or regulation applicable to Genesis or the Genesis Members; (b) violates
the provisions of the articles of organization or operating agreement of Genesis
or the Genesis Members; (c)violates any material judgement, decree, order, or
award of nay court, governmental body, or arbitrator applicable to Genesis or
the Genesis Members of which such counsel is aware; or (d) to such counsel's
knowledge, conflicts with or results in the breach or termination of any term or
provision of, or constitutes a default under, or requires any consent under, or
causes any acceleration under, or causes the creation of any lien, charge, or
encumbrance upon Genesis' assets pursuant to, any material agreement to which
Genesis or the Genesis Members is bound. Each Genesis Member's spouse has no or
has duly waived any community property interest in or other claim to the Genesis
Membership Interests.
(7) [Except as may be disclosed in Schedule 4.12] to such counsel's knowledge,
there is no Action pending or overtly threatened in writing against Genesis or
the Genesis Members or involving any of the Genesis Membership Interests.
-1-
(8) Immediately prior to the consummation of the LLC Exchange, the Genesis
Members were the sole owners of the Membership Interests. Newco, as a result of
the LLC Exchange, will be the owner of the Membership Interests and, assuming
Newco has purchased the Membership Interests in good faith and without notice of
any adverse claim, will have acquired all rights of Genesis Members and the
Membership Interests free of any adverse claim, any lien in favor of Genesis,
and any restrictions on transfer imposed by Genesis.
-2-
EXHIBIT J
FORM OF NONSOLICITATION AGREEMENT
---------------------------------
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this __ day of _______, 199 , by
and between [JW Genesis Financial Corp.] ("Company"), and _______________
__________________________________ ("Employee"):
PREFATORY STATEMENT. During the course of Employee's relationship with
-------------------
Company, Employee has learned or will learn important Confidential Information
(as defined below) related to Company's Business (as defined below). Employee
acknowledges that the Confidential Information (i) has been or will be developed
through Company's expenditure of substantial effort, time and money; and (ii)
together with relationships developed with clients and personnel, could be used
to compete unfairly with Company during the post-employment period. Because
Company's ability to engage in the Business on a competitive basis depends, in
part, on its Confidential Information and client relationships, Company would
not share such information and promote Employee's relationship with clients if
Company believed that such information or relationships would be disclosed or
used in competition with Company, or if Company believed that Employee's
relationship with Company's personnel or clients would be used to the detriment
of Company, and Employee's performance and opportunities would suffer.
In consideration of employment or continued employment and other valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, Company
and Employee agree:
1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall
-----------
have the meaning specified below:
(A) "BUSINESS" means securities brokerage, corporate finance, asset
management, capital formation, investment banking, financial advisory and other
financial services as being provided by the Company on the date hereof and, with
the knowledge of Employee thereof, from time to time in the future.
(B) "CLIENTS" means any Person (except broker dealers and nationally
recognized institutional accounts) receiving (or who has arranged to receive)
Business services from Company that Employee, during the year prior to
Termination Date, (i) provided Business services or solicited for Business
services on behalf of Company; (2) supervised others providing or soliciting
Business services on behalf of Company; or (3) about whom Employee had
Confidential Information.
-1-
(C) "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means information relating to Company's
clients, operations, finances, or Business otherwise that
derives value from not being generally known to other Persons, including, but
not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, formulas (including criteria for
weighing stock selection factors), patterns (including investment patterns),
compilations (including stock selection and buy lists), programs, devices,
methods (including stock selection and portfolio design and monitoring methods),
techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, or lists of actual or potential
clients, whether or not reduced to writing. Confidential Information includes
information disclosed to Company by third parties that Company is obligated to
maintain as confidential. Confidential Information subject to this Agreement
may include information that is not a trade secret, but information that is not
also a trade secret shall constitute Confidential Information only for two years
after the Termination Date; provided, however, Confidential Information shall
-------- -------
not include information of which the Employee had knowledge of prior to his
employment by the Company or Genesis Merchant Group Securities LLC or its
predecessor institutions.
(D) "PERSON" includes any individual, corporation, partnership,
association, unincorporated organization or other entity.
(E) "TERMINATION DATE" means the last day Employee is employed by
Company, whether the termination is voluntary or involuntary, with or without
cause.
2. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Employee shall protect Confidential
------------------------
Information. Employee will not use, except in connection with work for Company,
and will not disclose during or after Employee's employment, Company's
Confidential Information.
3. SOLICITATION OF CLIENTS. (a) During employment with the Company,
-----------------------
Employee will not solicit for the benefit of any Person other than the Company,
Clients for the purpose of providing services identical to or competitive with
Company's Business services. During employment and for one year after the
Termination Date, Employee will not solicit or seek to obtain (for the benefit
of any Person other than the Company) any business opportunity with respect to
any transaction or arrangement in which the Company is in any stage of
involvement (including preliminary nonbinding discussions) with a Client or
potential Client on the Termination Date.
(b) Because Employee will be affiliated with and benefit from Company's
name and good will and relationship with its clients, and will have access to
Confidential Information about those Clients, Employee will not, while employed
by Company, solicit any Company Client for the purpose of offering any goods or
services of any type, other than on behalf of Company.
-2-
4. SOLICITATION OF COMPANY PERSONNEL. During employment and for two years
---------------------------------
after the Termination Date, Employee will not solicit for employment with
another Person anyone who is or was, at any time during the year prior to the
Termination Date, a Company employee or a registered representative licensed
with or through the Company.
5. RETURN OF MATERIALS. On the Termination Date or for any reason or at
-------------------
any time at Company's request, Employee will deliver promptly to Company all
materials, documents, plans, records, notes, or other papers and any copies in
Employee's possession or control relating in any way to the Business, which at
all times shall be the property of Company.
6. NOTICE IN CONNECTION WITH DIFFERENT EMPLOYMENT. During employment with
----------------------------------------------
the Company and for two years after the Termination Date, Employee shall, upon
accepting any position with a different employer, provide Company with the
employer's name and a description of the services Employee will provide. The
Company may then advise the new employer of the Employee's obligations under
this Agreement.
7. WORK FOR HIRE ACKNOWLEDGMENT; ASSIGNMENT. Employee acknowledges that
----------------------------------------
Employee's work on and contributions to documents, programs, and other
expressions with respect to the Business in any tangible medium (collectively,
"Works") are within the scope of Employee's employment and part of Employee's
duties and responsibilities. Employee's work on and contributions to the Works
will be rendered and made by Employee for, at the instigation of, and under the
overall direction of, Company, and are and at all times shall be regarded,
together with the Works, as "work made for hire" as that term is used in the
United States Copyright Laws. Without limiting this acknowledgment, Employee
assigns, grants, and delivers exclusively to Company all rights, titles, and
interests in and to any such Works, and all copies and versions, including all
copyrights and renewals. Employee will execute and deliver to Company any
assignments and documents Company requests for the purpose of establishing,
evidencing, and enforcing or defending its complete, exclusive, perpetual, and
worldwide ownership of all rights, titles, and interests of every kind and
nature, including all copyrights, in and to the Works, and Employee constitutes
and appoints Company as its agent to execute and deliver any assignments or
documents Employee fails or refuses to execute and deliver, this power and
agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable.
8. INTERPRETATION; SEVERABILITY. Rights and restrictions in this
----------------------------
Agreement may be exercised and shall be applicable only to the extent they do
not violate any applicable laws, and are intended to be limited to the extent
necessary so they will not render this Agreement illegal, invalid or
unenforceable. If any term shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining terms shall remain in full force
and effect. This Agreement does not in any way limit Company's rights under the
laws of unfair competition, trade secret, copyright, patent, trademark or any
other applicable law(s), which are in addition to and cumulative of rights under
this Agreement. The existence of a claim by Employee, whether predicated on
this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to Company's
enforcement of this Agreement.
-3-
9. RELIEF. The parties acknowledge that a breach or threatened breach of
------
any term of this Agreement by Employee would result in material and irreparable
damage and injury to Company, and that it would be difficult or impossible to
establish the full monetary value of such damage. Therefore, Company shall be
entitled to injunctive relief by a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the
event of Employee's breach or threatened breach of this Agreement. In the event
of any breach or threatened breach by Employee, Employee shall reimburse Company
for its reasonable attorneys' fees and other expenses Company incurs.
10. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS. (a) Notices given
-------------------------
under this Agreement shall be deemed made if hand-delivered or mailed by
registered or certified mail to the addresses appearing at the end of this
Agreement.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Company and its
successors and assignees, and shall be binding upon Employee and
Employee's heirs, administrators, executors, and personal representatives.
(c) Company's failure to insist upon strict performance of any term or
to exercise any right shall not be construed as a waiver or a relinquishment
for the future of such term or right, which shall continue in full force
and effect.
(d) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement, as of the
date written above.
"Company" "Employee"
JW GENESIS FINANCIAL CORP.
By: ___________________________ _____________________________
Company Address: Employee Address:
JW Genesis Financial Corp.
_______________________________ _______________________
_______________________________ _______________________
_______________________________ _______________________
Attention: __________________ _______________________
-4-
