ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of the 15 day of July, 1996 by and between TRIATHLON BROADCASTING OF
LITTLE ROCK, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Buyer"), and SOUTHERN STARR OF
ARKANSAS, INC., an Arkansas corporation ("Seller"), under the following
circumstances;
WHEREAS, Seller owns and operates radio station ▇▇▇▇ (FM) operating
in Little Rock, Arkansas (the "Station"), pursuant to licenses issued by the
Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC"); and
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell and Buyer desires to purchase
certain assets and assume certain liabilities associated with the ownership
and operation of the Station, all on the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth herein; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
PURCHASE OF ASSETS
1.1 Transfer of Assets. On the Closing Date, Seller shall sell,
assign, transfer and convey to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and assume from
Seller, all of the assets, properties, interests and rights of Seller of
whatsoever kind and nature, real and personal, tangible and intangible, owned
or leased by the Seller as the case may be, which are used or held for use by
or relate to the Station as the same shall exist on the Closing Date (the
"Station Assets"), including but not limited to the following (but excluding
the assets specified in Section 1.2 hereof):
1.1.1 all of Seller's rights in and to the licenses, permits and
other authorizations issued to Seller by any governmental authority and used
directly in, or relating directly to, the conduct of the business and
operations of the Station, including those issued by the FCC (the latter
hereafter referred to as the "Station Licenses") and as described more fully in
Section 7.4, along with
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renewals or modifications of such items between the date hereof and the
Closing Date as well as all of Seller's rights in and to the call letters
"▇▇▇▇ (FM)";
1.1.2 all equipment, office furniture and fixtures, office materials
and supplies, inventory, spare parts and other tangible personal property of
every kind and description, owned, leased or held by Seller and used in the
conduct of the business and operations of the Station, and which are described
more fully in Section 7.7, together with any replacements of equal quality
thereof and additions thereto, made between the date hereof and the Closing
Date, and less any retirements or dispositions thereof made between the date
hereof and the Closing Date in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practices of the Seller;
1.1.3 all of Seller's rights in and under such contracts, agreements
or leases, written or oral, relating directly or exclusively to the conduct of
the Station ("Contracts"), and which are described more fully in Sections 7.7,
7.8 and 7.9, together with all Contracts entered into or acquired by Seller
between the date hereof and the Closing Date in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with the terms of this Agreement;
1.1.4 all of Seller's rights in any programs and programming
material of whatever form or nature owned by Seller and used directly and
exclusively in, or relating directly and exclusively to, the Station;
1.1.5 all of Seller's rights in and to the trademarks, trade names,
service marks, franchises, copyrights, including registrations and applications
for registration of any of them, jingles, logos and slogans or licenses to use
same owned or held by it and used directly and exclusively in, or relating
directly and exclusively to, the conduct of the business and operations of the
Station, as described more fully in Section 7.12, together with any associated
good will and any additions thereto between the date hereof and the Closing
Date;
1.1.6 all of Seller's rights in and to the files, records, and books
of account of the Station including, without limitation, programming
information and studies, technical information and engineering data, news and
advertising studies or consulting reports, marketing and demographic data,
sales correspondence, lists of advertisers, promotional materials, credit and
sales reports and filings with the FCC, executed copies of all written
Contracts to be assigned hereunder, logs and commercially available software
programs to the extent the same are transferable by Seller; provided,
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however, that Seller shall for a period of two (2) years following the Closing
Date have access to all of the foregoing for audit, inspection and duplication
by Seller or its designees, at Seller's expense, upon reasonable prior notice
during normal business hours; and
1.1.7 all of Seller's rights under manufacturers' and vendors'
warranties relating to items included in the Station Assets and all similar
rights against third parties relating to items included in the Station Assets.
The Station Assets shall be transferred to Buyer free and clear of
all debts, security interests, mortgages, trusts, claims, pledges, conditional
sales agreements or other liens, liabilities and encumbrances whatsoever,
other than informational filings made by equipment lessors under the Uniform
Commercial Code.
1.2 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, it is expressly understood and agreed that the Station
Assets shall not include the following assets along with all rights, title and
interest therein which shall be referred to as the "Excluded Assets":
1.2.1 all cash, cash equivalents or similar type investments of
Seller, such as certificates of deposit, Treasury bills and other marketable
securities on hand and/or in banks; 1.2.2 all accounts receivable or notes
receivable of Seller for services performed or provided by Seller prior to the
Closing Date;
1.2.3 all tangible and intangible personal property disposed of or
consumed in the ordinary course of business between the date of this Agreement
and the Closing Date, or as permitted under the terms hereof;
1.2.4 all Contracts that have terminated or expired prior to the
Closing Date in the ordinary course of business or as permitted hereunder;
1.2.5 Seller's corporate seal, minute books, charter documents,
corporate stock record books and such other books and records as pertain to the
organization, existence or share capitalization of Seller and duplicate copies
of such records as are necessary to enable Seller to file its tax returns and
reports as well as any other records or materials relating to Seller generally
and not involving specific aspects of the Station's operation;
1.2.6 Contracts of insurance and all insurance proceeds or claims
made by Seller relating to property or equipment repaired, replaced or restored
by Seller prior to the Closing Date;
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1.2.7 any and all other claims made by Seller with respect to
transactions prior to the Closing Date and the proceeds thereof to the extent
Seller has expended funds or incurred a loss relating to same;
1.2.8 all pension, profit sharing or cash or deferred (Section
401(k)) plans and trusts and the assets thereof and any other employee benefit
plan or arrangement and the assets thereof, if any, maintained by Seller or its
parent organization; and
1.2.9 any books and records relating to any of the foregoing.
ARTICLE 2
ASSUMPTION OF OBLIGATIONS
2.1 Assumption of Obligations. Subject to the provisions of this
Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 andthe LMA (as defined below), on the Closing
Date, Buyer shall only assume and undertake to pay, satisfy or discharge the
liabilities, obligations and commitments of Seller arising under (i) the
Contracts described more fully in Sections 7.7, 7.8 and 7.9; (ii) all other
Contracts of Seller arising in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practices between the date hereof and the Closing Date, including,
but not limited to, all contracts for the sale of advertising time for cash
arising in the ordinary course of business of Seller or for consideration
other than cash such as merchandise, services or promotional consideration
("Trade Agreements") as the same may exist or arise in the ordinary course of
business; and (iii) any other Contracts entered into between the date hereof
and the Closing Date which Buyer expressly agrees in writing to assume. All of
the foregoing liabilities and obligations shall be referred to herein
collectively as the "Assumed Liabilities".
2.2 Limitation. Except as set forth in Section 2.1 hereof, Buyer
expressly does not, and shall not, assume or be deemed to assume, under this
Agreement or otherwise by reason of the transactions contemplated hereby, any
liabilities, obligations or commitments of Seller of any nature whatsoever.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth in
Section 2.1, Buyer shall not assume or be liable for any liability or
obligation of Seller arising out of any contract of employment, collective
bargaining agreement, insurance, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
incentive bonus or profit sharing or employee benefit plan or trust, or any
judgment, litigation, proceeding or claim by any person or entity relating to
the business or operation of the Station prior to the Closing Date, whether or
not such judgment, litigation, proceeding or claim is
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pending, threatened or asserted before, on or after the Closing Date.
ARTICLE 3
CONSIDERATION
3.1 Purchase Price. The aggregate consideration (the "Purchase
Price") for the transfer of the Station Assets from the Seller to the Buyer
shall be Four Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,100,000), plus the
assumption at Closing of the Assumed Liabilities, subject to the adjustments
described in Section 8.5 herein.
3.2 Payment. Buyer shall pay to Seller the Purchase Price as
follows: (i) $600,000 at Closing by wire transfer in immediately available
funds to a bank designated in writing by Seller and (ii) $3,500,000 in
accordance with that certain Local Market Agreement by and between the Seller
and the Buyer as of March 15, 1996 (the "LMA").
3.3 [RESERVED]
3.4 Proration of Revenue and Expenses.
3.4.1 Except as otherwise provided herein or as limited by the LMA,
all expenses incurred and all revenue earned arising from the conduct of the
business and operations of the Station shall be prorated between Buyer and
Seller in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as of 11:59
p.m., local time, on the date immediately preceding the Closing Date. Such
prorations shall include, without limitation, all ad valorem, real estate and
other property taxes (but excluding taxes arising by reason of the transfer of
the Station Assets as contemplated hereby, which shall be paid as set forth in
Article 13 of this Agreement), business and license fees, music and other
license fees (including any retroactive adjustments thereof), wages and
salaries of employees, including accruals up to the Closing Date for bonuses,
commissions, vacations and sick pay, and related payroll taxes, utility
expenses, time sales agreements, contracts for the sale of advertising for
consideration other than cash ("Trade Agreements") to the extent provided in
Section 3.5.2 hereof, rents and similar prepaid and deferred items attributable
to the ownership and operation of the Station. Real estate taxes shall be
apportioned on the basis of taxes assessed for the preceding year, with a
reapportionment as soon as the new tax rate and valuation can be ascertained.
3.4.2 The prorations and adjustments contemplated by this Section,
to the extent
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practicable, shall be made on the Closing Date. As to those prorations and
adjustments not capable of being ascertained on the Closing Date, an
adjustment and proration shall be made within ninety (90) calendar days of the
Closing Date.
3.4.3 In the event of any disputes between the parties as to such
adjustments, the amounts not in dispute shall nonetheless be paid at the time
provided in Section 3.4.2 and such disputes shall be determined by an
independent certified public accountant mutually acceptable to the parties, and
the fees and expenses of such accountant shall be paid one-half by Seller and
one-half by Buyer.
ARTICLE 4
CLOSING
4.1 Closing. Except as otherwise mutually agreed upon by Seller and
Buyer, the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein (the
"Closing") shall occur within ten (10) business days following the date on
which the last of the FCC Consents (as defined in Section 5.1) shall have
become a Final Order (as defined below), unless Buyer in its sole discretion
shall have waived the condition that such consent shall have become final (the
"Closing Date"). For purposes of this Agreement, the FCC Consents shall be
deemed to be a Final Order when (i) they have not been vacated, reversed,
stayed, set aside, annulled or suspended; (ii) they are not the subject of any
pending timely appeal, request for stay or petition for rehearing,
reconsideration or review by any party or by the FCC on its own motion; and
(iii) they are actions by the FCC as to which the time for filing any such
appeal, request, petition or similar document or for the reconsideration or
review by the FCC on its own motion under the Communications Act of 1934 and
the rules and regulations of the FCC has expired. The Closing shall be held at
such offices as shall be specified by Buyer in New York City or at such other
place as the parties shall mutually agree.
ARTICLE 5
GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS
5.1 FCC Consents. It is specifically understood and agreed by Buyer
and Seller that the Closing and the assignment of the Station Licenses and the
transfer of the Station Assets is expressly conditioned on and is subject to
the prior consent and approval of the FCC and any reasonably acceptable
conditions imposed in such approval, which conditions are not deemed, in
Buyer's sole
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judgement, material or adverse to Buyer's interest in the Station
Assets (the "FCC Consents").
5.2 FCC Application. Seller and Buyer shall hereafter file with the
FCC the requisite applications for assignment of the Station Licenses ("FCC
Applications") from Seller to Buyer within ten (10) business days following the
date of this Agreement. Buyer shall have the right to make such amendments to
the FCC Applications and waiver requests as shall be necessary to reflect
changes that may occur in the structure of Buyer. Thereafter, Seller and Buyer
shall prosecute the FCC Applications with all reasonable diligence and
otherwise use their best efforts to obtain the grant of the FCC Applications as
expeditiously as practicable (but neither Seller nor Buyer shall have any
obligation to satisfy complainants or the FCC by taking any steps which would
have a material adverse effect upon Seller or Buyer or upon any affiliated
entity). If the FCC Consents impose any condition on either party hereto, such
party shall use its best efforts to comply with such condition; provided,
however, that neither party shall be required hereunder to comply with any
condition that would have a material adverse effect upon it or any affiliated
entity. If reconsideration or judicial review is sought with respect to the FCC
Consents, the party affected shall vigorously oppose such efforts for
reconsideration or judicial review; provided, however, that nothing herein
shall be construed to limit either party's right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Article 17 hereof.
ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer hereby makes the following representations and warranties to
Seller, each of which is true and correct on the date hereof, shall remain
true and correct through and including the Closing Date, shall be unaffected
by any notice to Seller other than in the Disclosure Schedule (as defined
herein) and shall survive the Closing to the extent provided in Section 16.4.
6.1 Organization and Standing. Buyer is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Delaware, and as of the Closing Date Buyer shall be duly qualified to do
business and be in good standing in the States of Arkansas.
6.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. Buyer has all necessary
power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and to own or lease the Broadcast Assets and
to carry on the business of the Station as they are now being conducted, and
Buyer's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
transactions
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contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
action on its part. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Buyer and this Agreement constitutes, and the other agreements to be executed
in connection herewith will constitute, the valid and binding obligation of
Buyer, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as limited by laws
affecting creditors' rights or equitable principles generally.
6.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements or Required Consents. Except
as set forth in Article 5 hereof with respect to governmental consents, the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer: (a) does not
require the consent of any third party; (b) will not violate any applicable
law, judgment, order, injunction, decree, rule, regulation or ruling of any
governmental authority to which Buyer is a party; and (c) will not, either
alone or with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, conflict
with, constitute grounds for termination of or result in a breach of the
terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any
agreement, instrument, license or permit to which Buyer is now subject.
6.4 Litigation and Compliance with Law. There is no litigation,
administrative, arbitration or other proceeding, or petition, complaint or
investigation before any court or governmental body, pending against Buyer or
any of its principals that would adversely affect Buyer's ability to perform
its obligations pursuant to this Agreement or the agreements to be executed in
connection herewith. There is no violation of any law, regulation or ordinance
or any other requirement of any governmental body or court which would have a
material adverse effect on Buyer or its ability to perform its obligations
pursuant to this Agreement or the agreements to be executed in connection
herewith.
ARTICLE 7
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller hereby makes the following representations and warranties to
Buyer, each of which is true and correct on the date hereof, shall remain true
and correct to and including the Closing Date, shall be unaffected by any
notice to Buyer other than in the Disclosure Schedule (as defined herein) and
shall survive the Closing to the extent provided in Section 16.4. Such
representations and warranties are subject to, and qualified by, any fact or
facts disclosed in the appropriate section of the separate Disclosure Schedule
which is hereby made a part of this Agreement (the "Disclosure
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Schedule").
7.1 Organization and Standing. Seller is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Arkansas, and has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate the Station Assets and to carry on the business of the Station as now
being conducted and as proposed to be conducted by Seller between the date
hereof and the Closing Date.
7.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. Seller has the corporate
power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and Seller's execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its
part. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and this
Agreement and the agreements to be executed in connection herewith will
constitute the valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable in
accordance with their terms, except as limited by laws affecting the
enforcement of creditor's rights or equitable principles generally.
7.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements or Required Consents. Except
as set forth in Article 5 hereof with respect to governmental consents and as
set forth in Sections 7.7, 7.8 or 7.9 of the Disclosure Schedule with respect
to consents required in connection with the assignment of certain Contracts,
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller: (a) does
not require the consent of any third party; (b) will not violate any
applicable law, judgment, order, injunction, decree, rule, regulation or
ruling of any governmental authority to which Seller is a party or by which it
or the Station Assets are bound; (c) will not, either alone or with the giving
of notice or the passage of time, or both, conflict with, constitute grounds
for termination of or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute a default under, any Contract, agreement,
instrument, license or permit to which Seller or the Station Assets is now
subject; and (d) will not result in the creation of any lien, charge or
encumbrance on any of the Station Assets, except to the extent that any such
matter or matters referred to in sub parts (a) through (d) would not in the
aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Buyer.
7.4 Government Authorizations. Section 7.4 of the Disclosure
Schedule contains a true and complete list of the Station Licenses and other
material licenses, permits or other authorizations
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from governmental and regulatory authorities which are required for the lawful
conduct of the business and operations of the Station in the manner and to the
full extent they are presently conducted. Seller is the authorized legal
holder of the Station Licenses and other licenses, permits and authorizations
listed in said Section 7.4, none of which is subject to any restrictions or
condition which would limit in any respect the full operation of the Station
as now operated. There are no applications, complaints or proceedings pending
or, to the best of Seller's knowledge, threatened as of the date hereof before
the FCC relating to the business or operations of the Station other than
applications, complaints or proceedings which generally affect the
broadcasting industry. Seller has delivered to Buyer true and complete copies
of the Station Licenses, including any and all amendments and other
modifications thereto. The Station Licenses are in good standing, are in full
force and effect and are unimpaired by any act or omission of Seller or its
officers, directors or employees; and the operation of the Station is in
accordance with the Station Licenses and the underlying construction permits.
No proceedings are pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, are threatened with
respect to the Station Licenses which may result in the revocation,
modification, non-renewal or suspension of any of the Station Licenses, the
denial of any pending applications, the issuance of any cease and desist
order, the imposition of any administrative actions by the FCC with respect to
the Station Licenses or which may affect Buyer's ability to continue to
operate the Station as they are currently operated. Seller has no reason to
believe that the Station Licenses will not be renewed in their ordinary
course. All material reports, forms and statements required to be filed by
Seller with the FCC with respect to the Station since the grant of the last
renewal of the Station Licenses have been filed and are substantially complete
and accurate. To the best knowledge of Seller, there are no facts which, under
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, or the existing Rules and
Regulations of the FCC, would disqualify Seller as an assignor of the Station
Licenses.
7.5 Compliance with FCC Regulations. The operation of the Station
and all of the Station Assets are in compliance in all material respects with
(i) all material applicable engineering standards required to be met under
applicable FCC rules, and (ii) all other applicable rules, regulations,
requirements and policies of the FCC, including, but not limited to, ANSI
Radiation Standards C95.1 - 1982 to the extent required to be met under
applicable FCC rules and regulations; and there are no existing claims known
to Seller to the contrary.
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7.6 Taxes. Seller has filed all federal, state, local and foreign
income, franchise, sales, use, property, excise, payroll and other tax returns
required by law and has paid in full all taxes, estimated taxes, interest,
assessments, and penalties due and payable. All returns and forms which have
been filed have been true and correct in all material respects and no tax or
other payment in a material amount other than as shown on such returns and
forms are required to be paid and have been paid by Seller. There are no
present disputes as to taxes of any nature payable by Seller which in any
event could materially adversely affect any of the Station Assets or the
operation of the Station.
7.7 Personal Property.
7.7.1 Section 7.7 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all
material tangible personal property and assets owned and leased by the Seller
and used primarily or exclusively in the conduct of the business and operations
of the Station. Except as may be subject to lease agreements of the Seller (the
"Personal Property Contracts"), Seller owns and has, and will have on the
Closing Date, good and marketable title to all such property (and to all other
tangible personal property and assets to be transferred to Buyer hereunder),
and none of such property is, or at the Closing will be, subject to any
security interest, mortgage, pledge, conditional sales agreement or other lien
or encumbrance. All of the items of the tangible personal property and assets
included in the Station Assets are in all material respects in good operating
condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and are available for immediate use
in the conduct of the business and operations of the Station. The technical
equipment, constituting a part of the tangible personal property transferred
hereunder, has been maintained in accordance with industry practice and is in
good operating condition and complies in all material respects with all
applicable rules and regulations of the FCC and the terms of the Station
Licenses. The properties listed in said Section 7.7 include all such properties
necessary to conduct in all material respects the business and operations of
the Station as now conducted.
7.7.2 The Personal Property Contracts listed on such Section 7.7
constitute valid and binding obligations of Seller and, to the best of Seller's
knowledge, of all other persons purported to be parties thereto and are in full
force and effect as of the date hereof and will on the Closing Date constitute
valid and binding obligations of Seller and, to the best of Seller's knowledge,
of all other persons purported to be parties thereto and shall be in full force
and effect. Seller is not
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in default under any of such Personal Property Contracts and has not received
or given written notice of any default thereunder from or to any of the other
parties thereto. Seller will use reasonable efforts to obtain valid and
binding third-party consents from all required third parties to the Personal
Property Contracts to be conveyed and assigned to Buyer as part of the Station
Assets, so as to insure the Buyer will enjoy all of the privileges of Seller
thereunder. Except as set forth in Section 7.7 of the Disclosure Schedule,
Seller has full legal power and authority to assign its rights under the
Personal Property Contracts to Buyer in accordance with this Agreement on
terms and conditions no less favorable than those in effect on the date
hereof, and such assignment will not affect the validity, enforceability and
continuity of any of the Personal Property Contracts.
7.8 Real Property.
7.8.1 Section 7.8 to the Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and
accurate list of all real property owned and/or leased by the Seller and used
primarily or exclusively by the Station and all agreements, leases and
contracts of Seller relating to the tower, transmitter, studio site and offices
of the Station (collectively the "Real Estate Contracts") and a summary of the
applicable leases.
7.8.2 The Real Estate Contracts listed on such Section 7.8
constitute valid and binding obligations of Seller and, to the best of Seller's
knowledge, of all other persons purported to be parties thereto and are in full
force and effect as of the date hereof and will on the Closing Date constitute
valid and binding obligations of Seller and, to the best of Seller's knowledge,
of all other persons purported to be parties thereto and shall be in full force
and effect. Seller is not in default under any of such Real Estate Contracts
and has not received or given written notice of any default thereunder from or
to any of the other parties thereto. Seller will use reasonable efforts to
obtain valid and binding third-party consents from all required third parties
to the Real Estate Contracts to be conveyed and assigned to Buyer as part of
the Station Assets, so as to insure that Buyer will enjoy all of the privileges
of Seller thereunder. Except as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller has full legal power and authority to assign its rights under
the Real Estate Contracts to Buyer in accordance with this Agreement on terms
and conditions no less favorable than those in effect on the date hereof, and
such assignment will not affect the validity, enforceability and continuity of
any of the Real Estate Contracts.
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7.9 Contracts. Section 7.9 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all
Contracts as of the date of this Agreement which shall be assumed by the Buyer
as of the Closing Date, except contracts entered into in the ordinary course
of business (i) of less than three (3) months duration and which impose
monetary obligations of less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) each or Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in the aggregate, (ii) for the sale or sponsorship
of broadcast time on the Station for cash, for which no prepayment has been
received and with not more than twelve (12) months remaining in their terms,
or (iii) contracts which are currently scheduled to expire prior to Closing
Date and for which Buyer will assume no obligations. Those Contracts requiring
the consent of a third party to assignment which Seller and Buyer agree are
critical to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are
identified as "Material Contracts". Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is
discovered before Closing that Seller failed to list a contract in said
Section 7.9 which was required to be listed, then the Buyer may elect in its
sole discretion to accept or reject such contract.
7.10 Status of Contracts. Except as noted in Section 7.9 of the
Disclosure Schedule, Seller has delivered to Buyer true and complete copies of
all written Material Contracts, including any and all amendments and other
modifications to such Material Contracts. All Material Contracts are valid,
binding and enforceable by Seller in accordance with their respective terms,
except as limited by laws affecting creditors' rights or equitable principles
generally. To the best of Seller's knowledge, Seller has complied in all
material respects with all Material Contracts and is not in default beyond any
applicable grace periods under any of the Material Contracts, and no other
contracting party is in default under any of the Material Contracts. Except as
set forth in Section 7.9 of the Disclosure Schedule, Seller has full legal
power and authority to assign its respective rights under the Material
Contracts to Buyer in accordance with this Agreement on terms and conditions
no less favorable than those in effect on the date hereof, and such assignment
will not affect the validity, enforceability and continuity of any of the
Material Contracts.
7.11 Environmental Matters. Seller has not unlawfully disposed of
any hazardous waste or hazardous substance including Polychlorinated Byphenyls
("PCBs") in a manner which has caused, or could cause, Buyer to incur a
material liability under applicable law in connection therewith; and Seller
warrants that the technical equipment included in the Station Assets does not
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contain any PCBs which are required by law to be removed and if any equipment
does contain PCBs, that such equipment is stored and maintained in compliance
with applicable law. To the best of Seller's knowledge, Seller has complied in
all material respects with all federal, state and local environmental laws,
rules and regulations applicable to the Station and its operations, including
but not limited to the FCC's guidelines regarding RF radiation. No hazardous
waste has been disposed of by Seller, and to the best of Seller's knowledge,
no hazardous waste has been disposed of by any other person, on the real
estate occupied by the Station or its transmitters. As used herein, the term
"hazardous waste" shall mean as defined in the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) as amended and in the equivalent state statute under the
law of the state in which such real estate is located. Seller shall, at the
request of Buyer and at its own expense, cause an engineering firm to conduct
Phase I environmental studies of the real property and transmitting equipment
used by Seller in connection with the operation of the Station. In the event
that the Phase I environmental studies conducted by Seller discloses a
potential material environmental liability, whether fixed or contingent, and
such liability costs less than One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000)
to cure, Seller shall promptly begin remedial action to cure the condition
giving rise to such liability and shall either cure such condition prior to
Closing or reduce the Purchase Price by the amount agreed to by the parties as
being adequate to cure such condition. However, in the event such remedial
action is likely to cost Seller in excess of One Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($150,000), Buyer or Seller may terminate this Agreement prior to
Closing and neither party shall have any liability to the other as a result of
such termination, other than the release of the Escrow Account to the Buyer,
unless: (a) Seller shall at its sole expense cure the condition giving rise to
such liability prior to Closing; (b) Seller shall reduce the Purchase Price by
the amount agreed to by the parties as being adequate to cure such condition;
or (c) as to contingent liabilities, Seller shall provide (i) collateral
acceptable to the Buyer or a security bond in such reasonably adequate amount
as shall be sufficient to cover such liability, which collateral or security
bond shall remain in place for a period of twenty (20) years from and after
the Closing, or (ii) such other resolution mutually agreed to by the Buyer and
the Seller and reasonably acceptable to Buyer's financing sources.
7.12 Copyrights, Trademarks and Similar Rights. Section 7.12 of the
Disclosure Schedule is a true and complete list, in all material respects, of
all copyrights, trademarks, trade names,
14
licenses, patents, permits, jingles and other similar intangible property
rights and interests applied for, issued to or owned by the Seller or under
which Seller is a licensee or franchisee and used exclusively or primarily in
the conduct of the business and operations of the Station referred to in
Section 1.1.5 hereof.
All of such rights and interests are issued to or owned by Seller,
or if licensed or franchised to Seller, to the best of Seller's knowledge, are
valid and in good standing and uncontested. Seller has delivered or made
available to Buyer copies of all material documents, if any, establishing such
rights, licenses or other authority. Seller has received no written notice and
has no knowledge of any infringements or unlawful use of such property. The
properties listed in Section 7.12 of the Disclosure Schedule include all such
properties necessary to conduct in all material respects the business and
operations of the Station as now conducted.
7.13 [RESERVED]
7.14 Personnel Information Seller is not a party to any Contract
with any labor organization, nor has Seller agreed to recognize any union or
other collective bargaining unit, nor has any union or other collective
bargaining unit been certified as representing any of Seller's employees.
Seller has no knowledge of any organizational effort currently being made or
threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to employees of
Seller. During the past three (3) years, Seller has not experienced any
strikes, work stoppages, grievance proceedings, claims of unfair labor
practices filed or other significant labor difficulties of any nature. Seller,
to the best of its knowledge, has complied in all material respects with all
laws relating to the employment of labor, including, without limitation, the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and
those laws relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, unemployment
insurance, workers' compensation, equal employment opportunity and payment and
withholding of taxes.
7.15 Litigation. Seller is subject to no judgment, award, order,
writ, injunction, arbitration decision or decree materially adversely affecting
the conduct of the business of the Station or the Station Assets, and there is
no litigation or proceeding or, to the best of Seller's knowledge,
investigation pending or, to the best of Seller's knowledge, threatened against
Seller or the Station in any federal, state or local court, or before any
administrative agency or arbitrator (including,
15
without limitation, any proceeding which seeks the forfeiture of, or opposes
the renewal of, any of the Station Licenses), or before any other tribunal
duly authorized to resolve disputes, which would reasonably be expected to
have any material adverse effect upon the business, property, assets or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Station or which seeks to enjoin or
prohibit, or otherwise questions the validity of, any action taken or to be
taken pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement. In particular, but
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, there are no applications,
complaints or proceedings pending or, to the best of Seller's knowledge,
threatened before the FCC or any other governmental organization with respect
to the business or operations of the Station other than applications,
complaints or proceedings which affect the broadcasting industry generally.
7.16 Compliance With Laws. Seller has not received any notice
asserting any non-compliance by it in connection with the business or
operation of the Station with any applicable statute, rule or regulation,
federal, state or local. Seller is not in default with respect to any
judgment, order, injunction or decree of any court, administrative agency or
other governmental authority or any other tribunal duly authorized to resolve
disputes in any respect material to the transactions contemplated hereby.
Seller is in compliance in all material respects with all laws, regulations
and governmental orders applicable to the conduct of the business and
operations of the Station, the failure to comply with which would have a
material adverse effect on the business, operations or financial condition of
the Station, and its present use of the Station Assets does not violate any of
such laws, regulations or orders, violation of which would have a material
adverse effect on the Station Assets or Station's operation.
7.17 [RESERVED]
7.18 Accuracy of Information. No written statements made by Seller
herein and no information provided by Seller herein or in the documents,
instruments or other written communications made or delivered directly by
Seller to Buyer in connection with the negotiations covering the purchase and
sale of the Station Assets contains any untrue statement of a material fact or
omits a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein or
herein not misleading and there is no fact known to Seller which relates to
any information contained in any such written document, instrument or
communications which Seller has not disclosed to Buyer in writing which
16
materially affects adversely the Station or the Station Assets. To the extent
that a representation or other information is made to the Seller's knowledge
or is otherwise qualified by its terms, this representation shall not be
interpreted to expand such limitations or qualifications.
ARTICLE 8
COVENANTS OF BUYER
8.1 Closing. On the Closing Date, Buyer or its assignee shall
purchase the Station Assets from Seller as provided in Article 1 hereof and
shall assume the Assumed Liabilities of Seller as provided in Article 2
hereof.
8.2 Notification. Buyer shall notify Seller of any litigation,
arbitration or administrative proceeding pending or, to its knowledge,
threatened against Buyer which challenges the transactions contemplated
hereby.
8.3 No Inconsistent Action. Buyer shall not take any other action
which is materially inconsistent with its obligations under this Agreement.
8.4 Buyer's Post-Closing Covenant. Buyer, for a period of two (2)
years following the Closing Date, shall make available for audit and
inspection by Seller and its representatives for any reasonable purpose all
records, files, documents and correspondence transferred to it hereunder.
Buyer shall at no time dispose of or destroy any such records, files,
documents and correspondence without giving sixty (60) days prior notice to
Seller to permit Seller, at its expense, to examine, duplicate or take
possession of and title to such records, files, documents and correspondence.
All personnel records shall be maintained as confidential if required by any
applicable state or federal law.
8.5 [RESERVED]
ARTICLE 9
COVENANTS OF SELLER
9.1 Seller's Pre-Closing Covenants. Seller covenants and agrees
with respect to the Station that between the date hereof and the Closing Date,
except as expressly permitted by this Agreement or with the prior written
consent of Buyer, it shall act in accordance with the following:
9.1.1 Except as may be limited by Buyer's activities pursuant to the
LMA, Seller shall conduct the business and operations of the Station in the
ordinary and prudent course of
17
business and with the intent of preserving the ongoing operations and assets
of the Station, including, but not limited to, maintaining the independent
identity of the Station, retaining the current format of the Station and using
its best efforts to retain the services of key employees.
9.1.2 Seller shall operate the Station in all material respects in
accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations and the Station Licenses and with all
other laws, regulations, rules and orders, and shall not cause or permit by any
act, or failure to act, any of the Station Licenses to expire, be surrendered,
adversely modified, or otherwise terminated, or the FCC to institute any
proceedings for the suspension, revocation or adverse modification of any of
the Station Licenses, or fail to prosecute with due diligence any pending
applications to the FCC.
9.1.3 Should any fact relating to Seller which would cause the FCC
to deny its consent to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement come to
Seller's attention, Seller shall promptly notify Buyer thereof and shall use
its reasonable efforts to take such steps as may be necessary to remove any
such impediment to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
9.1.4 Seller shall not other than in the ordinary course of business
or after receiving Buyer's prior written approval (i) sell or dispose of or
commit to sell or dispose of any of the Station Assets; (ii) grant or agree to
grant any general increases in the rates of salaries or compensation payable to
employees of the Station; (iii) grant or agree to grant any specific bonus or
increase to any executive or management employee of the Station; or (iv)
provide for any new pension, retirement or other employment benefits for
employees of the Station or any increases in any existing benefits.
9.1.5 Seller shall provide Buyer prompt written notice of any change
in any of the information contained in the representations and warranties made
in Article 7 hereof or any Exhibits or Schedules herein or attached hereto.
9.1.6 Seller may enter into or renew any contract, agreement,
commitment or other understanding or arrangement in the ordinary course of
business, provided, however, that except with respect to contracts for the sale
of time for cash and except for Trade Agreements, the liability under said
contracts to be assumed by Buyer at Closing shall not exceed Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000) per contract or Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in the
aggregate, without the written approval of the Buyer.
9.1.7 The Seller shall give the Buyer and the Buyer's counsel,
accountants, engineers
18
and other representatives, full and reasonable access during normal business
hours to all of the Station' personnel, properties, books, contracts, reports
and records including financial information and tax returns with supporting
work papers relating to the Station, to all real estate buildings and
equipment relating to the Station, and to the Station's employees in order
that the Buyer may have full opportunity to make such investigation as it
desires of the affairs of the Station. Seller shall to furnish Buyer with
information and copies of all documents and agreements including but not
limited to financial and operating data and other information concerning the
financial condition, results of operations and business of the Seller and the
Station, that the Buyer may reasonably request in order to complete the
Buyer's due diligence examination of the Station. The rights of the Buyer
under this Section shall not be exercised in such a manner as to materially
interfere with the business of the Station.
9.1.8 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
Seller may enter into any contract without the consent of Buyer, but if any
such contract is outside the scope of the restrictions set forth in this
Section 9.1, Buyer shall not be obligated to accept and assume such contract at
Closing.
9.1.9 Seller shall use its best efforts to maintain the employment
at the Station and to renew, in accordance with this Agreement, the existing
employment contracts of the employees listed in Section 7.14 of the Disclosure
Schedule.
9.1.10 The Seller shall cooperate with the Buyer by providing the
Buyer with such financial and accounting records as Buyer may reasonably
request in connection with the preparation of financial statements of the
Station.
9.2 Notification. Seller shall notify Buyer of any material
litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding pending or, to its
knowledge, threatened against Seller which challenges the transactions
contemplated hereby.
9.3 No Inconsistent Action. Seller shall not take any action which
is materially inconsistent with its obligations under this Agreement.
9.4 Closing Covenant. On the Closing Date, Seller shall transfer,
convey, assign and deliver to Buyer the Station Assets and the Assumed
Liabilities as provided in Articles 1 and 2 of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE 10
JOINT COVENANTS
Buyer and Seller covenant and agree that between the date hereof
and the Closing Date, they shall act in accordance with the following:
10.1 Conditions. If any event should occur, either within or
without the control of any party hereto, which would prevent fulfillment of
the conditions upon the obligations of any party hereto to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the parties hereto shall use
their best efforts to cure the event as expeditiously as possible.
10.2 Confidentiality. Buyer and Seller shall each keep confidential
all information obtained by it with respect to the other in connection with
this Agreement and the negotiations preceding this Agreement, and will use
such information solely in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, and if the transactions contemplated hereby are not
consummated for any reason, each shall return to the other, without retaining
a copy thereof, any schedules, documents or other written information obtained
from the other in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither party shall be
required to keep confidential or return any information which (i) is known or
available through other lawful sources, not bound by a confidentiality
agreement with the disclosing party; (ii) is or becomes publicly known through
no fault of the receiving party or its agents; (iii) is required to be
disclosed pursuant to an order or request of a judicial or governmental
authority (provided the disclosing party is given reasonable prior notice) or
pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; or (iv) is independently acquired or developed by such
party without violating any of the provision of this Section 10.2.
10.3 Cooperation. Buyer and Seller shall cooperate fully with each
other in taking any actions, including actions to obtain the required consent
of any governmental instrumentality or any third party necessary or helpful to
accomplish the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however,
that no party shall be required to take any action which would have a material
adverse effect upon it or any affiliated entity.
10.4 Control of Station. Buyer shall not, directly or indirectly,
control, supervise or direct the operations of the Station. Such operations,
including complete control and supervision of all
20
Station programs, employees and policies, shall be the sole
responsibility of Seller.
10.5 Consents to Assign. To the extent that any Contract is not
capable of being sold, assigned, transferred, delivered or subleased without
the waiver or consent of any third person (including a government or
governmental unit), or if such sale, assignment, transfer, delivery or sublease
or attempted sale, assignment, transfer, delivery or sublease would constitute
a breach thereof or a violation of any law or regulation, this Agreement and
any Assignment executed pursuant hereto shall not constitute a sale,
assignment, transfer, delivery or sublease or an attempted sale, assignment,
transfer, delivery or sublease thereof. In those cases where consents,
assignments, releases and/or waivers have not been obtained at or prior to the
Closing Date to the transfer and assignment to the Buyer of the Contracts, this
Agreement and any Assignment executed pursuant hereto, to the extent permitted
by law, shall constitute an equitable assignment by Seller to the Buyer of all
of Seller's rights, benefits, title and interest in and to the Contracts, and
where necessary or appropriate, the Buyer shall be deemed to be the Seller's
agent for the purpose of completing, fulfilling and discharging all of Seller's
rights and liabilities arising after the Closing Date under such Seller
Contracts. Seller shall use its reasonable efforts to provide the Buyer with
the benefits of such Contracts (including, without limitation, permitting the
Buyer to enforce any rights of Seller arising under such Contracts), and the
Buyer shall, to the extent the Buyer is provided with the benefits of such
Contracts, assume, perform and in due course pay and discharge all debts,
obligations and liabilities of Seller under such Contracts.
10.6 Bulk Sales Laws. The Buyer hereby waives compliance by Seller
with the provisions of the "bulk sales" or similar laws of any state. Seller
agrees to indemnify the Buyer and hold it harmless against any and all claims,
losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by the Buyer or any
affiliate as a result of any failure to comply with any "bulk sales" or
similar laws.
ARTICLE 11
CONDITIONS OF CLOSING BY BUYER
The obligations of Buyer hereunder are, at its option, subject to
satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following
conditions:
11.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
11.1.1 All representations and warranties of Seller made in this
Agreement shall be
21
true and complete in all material respects as of the date hereof and on and as
of the Closing Date as if made on and as of that date, except for changes
expressly permitted or contemplated by the terms of this Agreement.
11.1.2 All of the terms, covenants and conditions to be complied
with and performed by Seller on or prior to Closing Date shall have been
complied with or performed in all material respects.
11.2 Governmental Consents. The FCC Consents shall have become a
Final Order, or such condition shall have been waived by Buyer.
11.3 Governmental Authorizations. Seller shall be the holder of the
Station Licenses and all other material licenses, permits and other
authorizations listed in Section 7.4 of the Disclosure Schedule, and there
shall not have been any modification of any of such licenses, permits and
other authorizations which has a material adverse effect on the Station or the
conduct of its business and operations. No proceeding shall be pending which
seeks or the effect of which reasonably could be to revoke, cancel, fail to
renew, suspend or modify materially and adversely the Station Licenses or any
other material licenses, permits or other authorizations.
11.4 Adverse Proceedings. No suit, action, claim or governmental
proceeding shall be pending against, and no order, decree or judgment of any
court, agency or other governmental authority shall have been rendered
against, any party hereto which would render it unlawful, as of the Closing
Date, to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance
with its terms.
11.5 Legal Opinion. Seller shall have delivered to Buyer a written
opinion of its counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, addressed to Buyer in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
11.6 FCC Legal Opinion. Seller shall have furnished Buyer a written
opinion of Seller's FCC counsel, dated the Closing Date, addressed to Buyer in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
11.7 Third-Party Consents. Seller shall have obtained and shall
have delivered to Buyer all third-party consents to the Material Contracts and
to all other Contracts assigned or transferred hereunder, except those the
absence of which will not have a material adverse effect on the operation of
the Station.
22
11.8 Closing Documents. Seller shall have delivered or caused to be
delivered to Buyer, on the Closing Date, all deeds, bills of sale,
endorsements, assignments and other instruments of conveyance and transfer
reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Buyer, effecting the sale,
transfer, assignment and conveyance of the Station Assets to Buyer, including,
without limitation, each of the documents required to be delivered pursuant to
Article 15.
11.9 Financing Statements. Seller shall have delivered to Buyer
releases, if any, under the Uniform Commercial Code of any financing
statements filed against any Station Assets in the jurisdiction in which the
Station Assets are and have been located since such Station Assets were
acquired by Seller, except for informational filings made by equipment lessors
on lease obligations being specifically assumed by Buyer as set forth in
Section 7.9 of the Disclosure Schedule.
ARTICLE 12
CONDITIONS OF CLOSING BY SELLER
The obligations of Seller hereunder are, at its option, subject to
satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following
conditions:
12.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
12.1.1 All representations and warranties of Buyer made in this
Agreement shall be true and complete in all material respects as of the date
hereof and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of that date,
except for changes expressly permitted or contemplated by the terms of this
Agreement.
12.1.2 All the terms, covenants and conditions to be complied with
and performed by Buyer on or prior to the Closing Date shall have been complied
with or performed in all material respects.
12.2 Governmental Consents. The FCC Consents shall have become a
Final Order, or such condition shall have been waived by Buyer.
12.3 Adverse Proceedings. No suit, action, claim or governmental
proceeding shall be pending against, and no other, decree or judgment of any
court, agency or other governmental authority shall have been rendered against
any party hereto which would render it unlawful, as of the Closing Date, to
effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with its
terms.
12.4 Legal Opinion. Buyer shall have delivered to Seller an opinion
of its counsel, dated as
23
of the Closing Date, addressed to Seller in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit C.
ARTICLE 13
TRANSFER TAXES; FEES AND EXPENSES
13.1 Expenses. Except as set forth in Section 13.2 and 13.3 hereof,
each party hereto shall be solely responsible for all costs and expenses
incurred by it in connection with the negotiation, preparation and performance
of and compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
13.2 Transfer Taxes and Similar Charges. All costs of transferring
the Station Assets in accordance with this Agreement, including recordation,
transfer and documentary taxes and fees, and any excise, sales or use taxes,
shall be borne equally by Buyer and Seller.
13.3 Governmental Filing or Grant Fees. Any filing or grant fees
imposed by any governmental authority the consent of which is required to the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne equally by Buyer and Seller.
ARTICLE 14
COMMISSIONS OR FINDER'S FEE
14.1 Buyer's Representation and Agreement to Indemnify. Buyer
represents and warrants to Seller that neither it nor any person or entity
acting on its behalf has agreed to pay a commission, finder's fee or similar
payment in connection with this Agreement or any matter related hereto to any
person or entity except to The Sillerman Companies. Buyer further agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from and against any and all
claims, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorney's
fees) arising out of a claim by The Sillerman Companies or any other person or
entity based on any such arrangement or agreement made or alleged to have been
made by Buyer. Buyer shall be solely responsible for any fees due to The
Sillerman Companies.
14.2 Seller's Representation and Agreement to Indemnify. Seller
represents and warrants to Buyer that neither it nor any person or entity
acting on its behalf has agreed to pay a commission, finder's fee or similar
payment in connection with this Agreement or any matter related hereto to any
person or entity. Seller further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Buyer
harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities and expenses
(including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of a claim by any person or
entity based on any such arrangement or agreement made or alleged to have been
made by Seller.
24
ARTICLE 15
DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT CLOSING
15.1 Seller's Documents. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to Buyer the following:
15.1.1 Governmental Certificates showing that Seller is duly
incorporated and in good standing in the State of Arkansas dated not more than
forty-five (45) days before the Closing Date;
15.1.2 ▇▇▇▇ of Sale, assignments and other good and sufficient
instruments of conveyance, transfer and assignment, all in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to counsel for Buyer, as shall be effective to vest in
Buyer or its permitted assignees, good and marketable title in and to the
Station Assets transferred pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement;
15.1.3 At the time and place of Closing, originals or copies of all
program, operations, transmissions, or maintenance logs and all other records
required to be maintained by the FCC with respect to the Station, including the
Station's public file, shall be left at the Station and thereby delivered to
Buyer;
15.1.4 The Seller's opinion letters referenced in Sections 11.5 and
11.6 above; and 15.1.5 Such additional information and materials as Buyer shall
have reasonably requested.
15.2 Buyer's Documents. At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver or cause
to be delivered to Seller the following:
15.2.1 The Purchase Price in accordance with Section 3.3 hereof;
15.2.3 The opinion of Buyer's counsel, dated the Closing Date, to
the effect set forth in Section 12.4;
15.2.4 Governmental certificates showing that Buyer is duly
incorporated and in good standing in the State of Delaware and qualified and in
good standing in the State of Arkansas dated not more than forty-five (45) days
before the Closing Date;
15.2.5 An assignment and assumption agreement or agreements
reasonably
25
satisfactory in form and substance to counsel to Seller effecting
the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities;
15.2.8 Such additional information and materials as Seller shall
have reasonably requested.
ARTICLE 16
INDEMNIFICATION
16.1 Seller's Indemnities. Seller hereby agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold Buyer harmless with respect to any and all demands, claims,
actions, suits, proceedings, assessments, judgments, costs, losses, damages,
liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees) asserted against, resulting from, imposed upon or incurred by Buyer
directly or indirectly relating to or arising out of:
16.1.1 Any and all liabilities, obligations, or commitments of
Seller of any nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise,
including those relating to all periods prior to the Closing, whether the claim
is asserted prior to or after the Closing, by reason of or resulting from
liabilities or obligations of or claims against Seller in connection with
Seller's ownership or operation of the Station prior to the Closing, except
liabilities, obligations, or commitments of Seller included in the Assumed
Liabilities;
16.1.2 The breach of any of the representations or warranties or
failure by Seller to perform any covenants, conditions or agreements of Seller
set forth in this Agreement;
16.1.3 Any failure to comply with any "bulk sales" laws applicable
to the transactions contemplated hereby;
16.1.4 The failure of Seller to pay, perform or discharge when due
any of Seller's obligations, liabilities or Contracts not assumed by Buyer
pursuant to this Agreement; 16.1.5 Any employee benefit plan maintained by
Seller.
16.2 Buyer's Indemnities. Buyer hereby agrees to indemnify, defend
and hold Seller harmless with respect to any and all demands, claims, actions,
suits, proceedings, assessments, judgments, costs, losses, damages,
liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees) asserted against, resulting from, imposed upon or incurred by Seller
directly or indirectly relating to or arising out of:
26
16.2.1 The use or operation of the Station Assets after the Closing
Date; 16.2.2 The breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants,
conditions or agreements of Buyer set forth in this Agreement; and
16.2.3 The Assumed Liabilities.
16.3 Rights. Buyer and Seller agree that the rights of
indemnification provided in this Article 16 are exclusive of and in addition
to any and all other such rights of Buyer or Seller hereunder.
16.4 Survival of Representations and Warranties. Either party shall
have the right to bring an action with respect to the representations and
warranties contained herein for a period of eighteen (18) months following the
Closing Date, and upon the expiration of such period such right shall lapse
and be of no further force or effect.
16.5 Limitation on Indemnity. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, and subject to the proviso set forth
below, neither party shall have any liability or obligation to the other for
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the other in
this Agreement except to the extent that the aggregate of all claims for such
breaches exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) (the "Threshold
Amount"), in which event the party so liable shall then be liable for all
claims for any such breaches, including the sums constituting the Threshold
Amount; provided, however, that the foregoing Threshold Amount limitation
shall not apply to Seller's obligation for the Excess Trade Balance.
16.6 Procedures.
16.6.1 Promptly after the receipt by either party (the "Indemnified
Party") of notice of (A) any claim or (B) the commencement of any action or
proceeding which may entitle such party to indemnification under this Section,
such party shall give the other party (the "Indemnifying Party") written notice
of such claim or the commencement of such action or proceeding and shall permit
the Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of any such claim or any
litigation resulting from such claim. The failure to give the Indemnifying
Party timely notice under this Section 16.6.1 shall not preclude the
Indemnified Party from seeking indemnification from the Indemnifying Party
unless such failure has materially prejudiced the Indemnifying Party's ability
to defend the claim or litigation.
27
16.6.2 If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such
claim or litigation resulting therefrom with counsel reasonably acceptable to
Indemnified Party, the obligations of the Indemnifying Party as to such claim
shall be limited to taking all steps necessary in the defense or settlement of
such claim or litigation resulting therefrom and to holding the Indemnified
Party harmless from and against any losses, damages and liabilities caused by
or arising out of any settlement approved by the Indemnifying Party or any
judgment in connection with such claim or litigation resulting therefrom;
provided, however, that the Indemnified Party may participate, at its expense,
in the defense of such claim or litigation provided that the Indemnifying Party
shall direct and control the defense of such claim or litigation. The
Indemnified Party shall cooperate and make available all books and records
reasonably necessary and useful in connection with the defense. The
Indemnifying Party shall not, in the defense of such claim or any litigation
resulting therefrom, consent to entry of any judgment, except with the written
consent of the Indemnified Party, or enter into any settlement, except with the
written consent of the Indemnified Party, which does not include as an
unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or the plaintiff to the
Indemnified Party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or
litigation.
16.6.3 If the Indemnifying Party shall not assume the defense of any
such claim or litigation resulting therefrom, the Indemnified Party may, but
shall have no obligation to, defend against such claim or litigation in such
manner as it may deem appropriate, and the Indemnified Party may compromise or
settle such claim or litigation without the Indemnifying Party's consent. The
Indemnifying Party shall promptly pay any such settlement of such claim or
litigation and shall also promptly reimburse the Indemnified Party for the
amount of all expenses, legal or otherwise, incurred by the Indemnified Party
in connection with the defense against or settlement of such claim or
litigation. If no settlement of the claim or litigation is made, the
Indemnifying Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnified Party for the
amount of any judgment rendered with respect to such claim or in such
litigation and of all expenses, legal or otherwise, incurred by the Indemnified
Party in the defense against such claim or litigation.
ARTICLE 17
TERMINATION RIGHTS
17.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either Buyer
or Seller, if the
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party seeking to terminate is not in material default or breach of this
Agreement, upon written notice to the other upon the occurrence of any of the
following:
(a) if the other party defaults in any material respect in the
observance or in the due and timely performance of any of its covenants or
agreements herein contained and such material default shall not be cured within
thirty (30) days of the date of notice of default served by the party claiming
such material default; or
(b) if the FCC denies the FCC Application, or if the FCC fails to
grant the FCC Consents within twelve (12) months following the filing of the
FCC Application, provided that the party seeking termination has diligently
prosecuted the FCC Application in good faith; or
(c) on the first anniversary of this Agreement, if there shall be in
effect any judgment, final decree or order that would prevent or make unlawful
the Closing of this Agreement; or
(d) by the Buyer only, if there is a cessation of broadcast
transmissions by the Station, for a period of three (3) full consecutive days
or for seven (7) or more days within any thirty (30) day period, or normal
broadcast transmissions are not resumed by the date immediately preceding the
Closing Date; or
(e) as provided in Sections 7.11 and 18.3 or any other section of
this Agreement which specifically provides for terminations.
17.2 Liability. The termination of this Agreement under Section
17.1 shall not relieve any party of any liability for breach of this Agreement
prior to the date of termination.
ARTICLE 18
OTHER PROVISIONS
18.1 Specific Performance. Seller recognizes that, in the event
Seller refuses to perform the provisions of this Agreement, monetary damages
alone will not be adequate. Buyer shall, therefore, be entitled in such event,
in addition to bringing suit at law or equity for money or other damages, to
obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement. In any action to
enforce the provisions of this Agreement, Seller shall waive the defense that
there is an adequate remedy at law or equity and agrees that Buyer shall have
the right to obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement
without being required to prove actual damages, post bond or furnish other
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security.
18.2 Liquidated Damages. If the Seller terminates this Agreement
pursuant to Section 17.1 above due to Buyer's breach of any material
representation, warranty, covenant or condition hereunder, and Seller is not
at that time in breach of any material representation, warranty, covenant or
condition hereunder, then Seller would suffer direct and substantial damages,
which damages cannot be determined within reasonable certainty. Therefore,
because of the expense and delay which would be incurred in such event by
Seller, Buyer shall pay to Seller the amount of Four Hundred Ten Thousand
Dollars ($410,000), which amount shall constitute liquidated damages. It is
understood and agreed that such liquidated damage amount represents Buyer's
and Seller's reasonable estimate of actual damages and does not constitute a
penalty. Recovery of liquidated damages shall be the sole and exclusive remedy
of Seller against Buyer for failing to consummate this Agreement on the
Closing Date and shall be applicable regardless of the actual amount of
damages sustained. In the event that either of the parties hereto bring suit
to enforce the provisions of this Section 18.2 or Section 18.1 above, the
prevailing party in any such action shall, in addition to any remedies set
forth in this Agreement, be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees
from the other party.
18.3 Risk of Loss. The risk of loss or damage to any of the Station
Assets prior to the Closing Date shall be upon Seller. Seller shall repair,
replace and restore any such damaged or lost Station Asset to its prior
condition as soon as possible and in no event later than the Closing Date.
Except as provided below, if Seller fails to restore or replace a Station
Asset with a value exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), Buyer may elect
either to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 17 hereof or to
consummate the Closing on the Closing Date. If Seller fails to restore or
replace such Station Asset and Buyer does not elect to terminate this
Agreement, Seller shall assign to Buyer at Closing Seller's rights under any
insurance policy or pay over to Buyer all proceeds of insurance covering such
Station Asset's damage, destruction or loss. If the restoration and
replacement of any damaged or destroyed property has not been completed at the
time the Closing would otherwise be held, then unless Seller and Buyer
otherwise agree, the Closing Date shall be delayed and shall take place within
fifteen (15) days after Seller gives written notice to Buyer of completion of
the restoration or replacement of such Station Asset. If the delay in the
Closing Date
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under this Section 18.3 would cause the Closing to fall at anytime after the
period permitted by the FCC Consents, Seller and Buyer shall file an
appropriate request with the FCC for an extension of time within which to
complete the Closing.
18.4 Further Assurances. After the Closing, Seller shall from time
to time, at the request of and without further cost or expense to Buyer,
execute and deliver such other instruments of conveyance and transfer and take
such other actions as may reasonably requested in order to more effectively
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby to vest in Buyer good and
marketable title to the assets being transferred hereunder, and Buyer shall
from time to time, at the request of and without further cost or expense to
Seller, execute and deliver such other instruments and take such other actions
as may reasonably be requested in order to more effectively relieve Seller of
any obligations being assumed by Buyer hereunder.
18.5 Waiver. No delay or failure by any party hereto in exercising
any right, power or privilege under this Agreement, or under any other
instrument or document given in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement,
shall impair any such right, power or privilege or be construed as a waiver of
any default or any acquiescence therein. No single or partial exercise of any
such right, power or privilege shall preclude the further exercise of any
right, power of privilege, or the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege.
18.6 Severability. If any part or any provision of this Agreement
shall be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, said part or
provisions shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability only, without in any way affecting the remaining provisions
of this Agreement which shall be construed as if such invalid parts or
provisions had not been inserted, and such invalid or unenforceable provisions
shall become and be immediately amended and reformed to include only the
portions thereof as are enforceable by the court or such other body having
jurisdiction of this Agreement; and the parties agree that such portions as so
amended and reformed shall be valid and binding as though any wholly invalid
or unenforceable portion had not been included herein.
18.7 Benefit and Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. No party may voluntarily or involuntarily
assign its interest under this Agreement without the prior written consent
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of the other party; except that Buyer may assign its interests under this
Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.2 hereof.
18.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Exhibits hereto
embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and
supersede any and all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings
relating to the matters provided for herein. No amendment, waiver of
compliance with any provision or condition hereof or consent pursuant to this
Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument in writing
signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, amendment, change,
extension or discharge is sought.
18.9 Headings. The headings set forth in this Agreement are for
convenience only and will not control or affect the meaning or construction of
the provisions of this Agreement.
18.10 Governing Law. The construction and performance of this
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving
effect to the choice of law provisions thereof.
18.11 Notices. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted
to be given under the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly delivered and received on the date of
personal delivery or on the date of receipt, if mailed by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or on the date
of a stamped receipt, if sent by an overnight delivery service, and shall be
addressed to the following addresses, or to such other address as any party
may request, in the case of Seller, by notifying Buyer, and in the case of
Buyer, by notifying Seller:
To Seller: Multi-Market Radio, Inc.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: Legal Department
To Buyer: Triathlon Broadcasting of Little Rock,
Inc.
▇▇▇ ▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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18.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
as of the date and year first above written.
SELLER:
SOUTHERN STARR OF ARKANSAS, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
President
BUYER:
TRIATHLON BROADCASTING OF LITTLE ROCK, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
President
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