ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of August 4,
1997, is between ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation ("Buyer"); and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ WEAVING ▇▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation ("Weaving"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
PRINTING ▇▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation ("Printing"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ VELVET
▇▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation ("Velvet"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, INC., a
North Carolina corporation ("▇▇▇▇▇," and together with Weaving, Printing and
Velvet, the "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇" or "Sellers," or individually, a "Seller"),
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company
("Properties"); and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ INDUSTRIES, INC., a North Carolina corporation, the
controlling shareholder (or member) of each of the Sellers and Properties (the
"Shareholder") (together with the Sellers, the "Seller Parties" or individually,
a "Seller Party"), and ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (for the limited purposes stated in
Sections 5.7, 5.12 and 7.2(e) hereof).
Background Statement
The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ operate certain upholstery fabrics manufacturing
businesses (each a "Business" and collectively the "Businesses"). Sellers desire
to sell and the Buyer desires to purchase certain assets used in connection with
the Businesses. Buyer also will lease certain real estate from Properties and
Weaving and assume certain equipment leases used in the operation of the
Businesses. Based upon the representations and warranties made by each party to
the other in this Agreement, the parties have agreed to consummate the sale of
the Businesses on the terms contained herein.
Statement of Agreement
In consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained,
the parties hereto, for themselves, their successors and assigns, agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
I.1. The Sale.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, on the
Closing Date (as defined in Section 2.1) Sellers will sell and deliver to the
Buyer, and the Buyer will purchase and accept from Sellers, the assets of the
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, whether personal, tangible or intangible (but excluding the
Excluded Assets as defined herein), (all such assets being referred to herein as
the "Assets"), including, without limitation:
(i) The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇' tangible personal property, including machinery,
equipment, supplies and inventories, vehicles, furniture, furnishings, fixtures,
and spare parts, including without limitation the property listed on Schedule
1.1(i) hereto;
(ii) The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇' rights under the contracts, purchase orders,
options, leases and other agreements outstanding on the Closing Date and entered
into or received in the ordinary course of business or used in the operation of
a Business (the "Contracts"), including without limitation the Contracts that
are listed on Schedule 1.1(ii) hereto (the "Material Contracts");
(iii) The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇' right, title and interest in and to all permits,
licenses and other governmental authorizations, copyrights, patents, trademarks,
trade names (including without limitation the rights to the trade names
"▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving ▇▇▇▇▇," "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇," "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Printing ▇▇▇▇▇," and
"▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Velvet ▇▇▇▇▇," and any combination or shortened form thereof
(collectively, the "Trade Names")), processes, computer programs and program
rights, trade secrets, customer lists, and other intangible rights and interests
owned by the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ and used in connection with the Businesses;
(iv) Certain factoring volume and borrowing obligations set forth in, and
limited to, Section 12.3 of the Securities Exchange Agreement between BB&T
Corporation (formerly Southern National Corporation) and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Factors, Inc.
(collectively, the "Factoring Agreements");
(v) Leases and leasehold interests for the following premises (the
"Assigned Leases," and together with the leases entered pursuant to Section
6.3(f), the "Leases"):
(1) Market Square showroom (excluding the office space occupied by ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the showroom closet space adjoining such office space) in High
Point, North Carolina; and
(2) Mississippi Furniture Market showroom in Tupelo, Mississippi;
(vi) All prepaid expenses, surety bonds, surety deposits and security
deposits posted by or on behalf of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ in connection with the
operation of the Businesses, a recent listing of which is attached hereto as
Schedule 1.1(vi) hereto;
(vii) All books, records, correspondence, customer lists, vendor lists,
product literature, designs, development records and files, computer files,
technical reports and all other business documents relating to the operation of
the Businesses, excluding minute and stock books;
(viii) All of Sellers' telephone numbers and telephone directory listings
and advertisements;
(ix) All claims, causes of action and suits that Sellers have or may have
against third parties in connection with the Assets (but excluding the accounts
receivable of the Businesses arising from sale of goods prior to the Closing
Date and claims related thereto); and
(x) The going concern value of the Businesses.
(b) Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assets shall not
include the following specific properties, assets, and rights, (all of which
being referred to herein as the "Excluded Assets"):
(i) cash and cash equivalents;
(ii) accounts receivable generated from the operations of the Business
prior to the Closing Date;
(iii) all Real Estate owned by Seller Parties (including all leasehold
improvements on such Real Estate subject to the Leases), except to the extent of
the leasehold interests specified in Section 1.1(a);
(iv) all amounts owed to ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ by any Seller or to any Seller
by ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
(v) all club memberships owned by the Seller Parties (including country
club memberships and membership in the Educational Foundation, Inc.);
(vi) athletic tickets and the rights to purchase such tickets;
(vii) office furnishings in the office suite of Market Square Tower
currently occupied by ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, including furniture, accessories,
decorations and leasehold improvements;
(viii)insurance policies owned by the Sellers;
(ix) intercompany receivables or payables from any Seller to any other
Seller;
(x) the lease for the automobile currently used by ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
(xi) the rights of the Sellers under the Availability Agreement between
Atlantic Aero, Inc. and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc.; and
(xii) any factoring agreements between any of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Factors Corporation.
. I.2. Purchase Price
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this
Agreement, and in consideration of the sale of the Assets, the Buyer will
deliver to Sellers on the Closing Date (in accordance with delivery instructions
provided by Sellers to the Buyer) the following (collectively the "Purchase
Price"): the amount of $27,827,800, which amount shall be adjusted at Closing as
follows: (i)-increased by the amount by which the amount paid by Buyers to
Sellers on account of the Discharged Debt (as defined in Section-1.4(b)) at
Closing is less than $2,800,000 or (ii)-decreased by the amount by which the
amount paid by Buyers to Sellers on account of the Discharged Debt (as defined
in Section 1.4(b)) at Closing is greater than $2,800,000.
(b) Contingent Additional Payments.
(i) On the third anniversary of the Closing, if Net Sales (as defined
herein) of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products (as defined herein) for the 21 months
beginning August-4, 1997 and ended May 2, 1999 (the "Measurement Period") equals
or exceeds $71,000,000, Buyer shall pay to Sellers the following amount
("Additional Contingent Payment"):
(1) $1,250,000 if Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the
Measurement Period is at least $71,000,000 but less than $72,000,000;
(2) $2,500,000 if Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the
Measurement Period is at least $72,000,000 but less than $73,000,000;
(3) $3,750,000 if Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the
Measurement Period is at least $73,000,000 but less than $74,000,000;
(4) $5,000,000 if Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the
Measurement Period is at least $74,000,000 but less than $78,000,000; or
(5) $5,500,000 if Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the
Measurement Period is $78,000,000 or greater.
(ii) Books and Records. Throughout the period commencing on the Closing
Date and continuing thereafter through May 2, 1999, Buyer shall maintain books
and records of its operations to the extent necessary for ensuring the accurate
calculation of Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products, and Buyer shall perform
all such calculations in accordance with the books and records so maintained.
Net Sales are to be determined by Buyer using Buyer's current accounting and
recordkeeping methods, which shall be substantially the same as those methods
used by Buyer in its current business for comparable transactions. After the
Closing Date, Buyer will provide Sellers monthly financial reports setting forth
sufficient information to permit the calculation of Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Weaving Products.
(iii) Operation of the Business. Buyer hereby covenants that throughout the
period from the Closing Date until May 2, 1999, Buyer will continue to own and
operate the Business relating to the assets producing ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products
acquired pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is agreed
by the parties that the Buyer will have sole discretion and authority over the
management of the business and assets being purchased pursuant to this Agreement
from and after the Closing Date, including, without limitation, decisions
regarding hiring or termination of employees, product mix, selling prices,
promotional programs and activities, deployment of assets, capital expenditures,
supervision of employees (including management employees), assignment of
personnel (including managers, supervisors, design personnel, production
personnel, and others), and production schedules. The parties understand and
acknowledge that: (i)-Buyer is a public company and must be managed and operated
in the best interests of its shareholders by Buyer's management and board of
directors; and (ii)-decisions may have to be made before and during the
Measurement Period that would be in the best interests of Buyer and its
shareholders but contrary to the best interests of the Seller Parties as
beneficiaries of the contingent payments. With these considerations in mind,
Buyer agrees (x)-to act in good faith to enhance the sales of the Business
related to the assets producing ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the Measurement
Period and support the growth of such Business; (y)-not to make decisions or
take actions before or during the Measurement Period that would be punitive to
the Business related to the assets producing ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products or
designed to reduce Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products in order to avoid
making Additional Contingent Payments; and (z)-not to take any action, or
refrain from taking any action, in either case for the sole purpose and with the
intent of disadvantaging Seller Parties.
(iv) Definition of Net Sales. For purposes of this Section-1.2(b), Net
Sales shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (i.e., gross sales minus the following: returns (i.e., credit
memoranda issued for returned goods); allowances (i.e., credit memoranda issued
when goods are not returned); sales rebates to customers (i.e., amounts rebated
to customers based on volume levels); quality settlements (i.e., amounts paid to
customers in excess of fabric cost); cash discounts (for payment within
specified terms); export sales commissions to foreign agents or facilities (but
excluding commissions to foreign sales representatives); and export letter of
credit discount fees (but excluding the cost of issuance of such export letters
of credit)).
(v) Definition of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products. For purposes of this Section
1.2(b), "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products" shall refer to all goods designed for
Weaving by Weaving designers (including without limitation independent
contractor designers or other nonemployee designers of Weaving engaged to design
products for Weaving).
(vi) Calculation of Net Sales and Any Additional Contingent Payment.
(1) In connection with the calculation of Net Sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving
Products during the Measurement Period and the making of any Additional
Contingent Payment in accordance with this Section 1.2(b), Buyer shall deliver
to the Seller Parties within 30 days of the end of each of Buyer's fiscal
quarters during the Measurement Period a schedule, prepared by Buyer and
reviewed by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ("KPMG") (or such other certified public
accounting firm ("CPA") as Buyer is then using) setting forth the computation of
Net Sales as of the end of such fiscal quarter and the amount of any Additional
Contingent Payment, along with copies of such backup documentation and such
financial information and access to personnel of KPMG (or such other CPA firm as
Buyer is then using) and chief financial officer of Buyer as is reasonable to
inform the Seller Parties of the information and calculations used in making
such computation. Buyer's computation of any such payment shall be conclusive
and binding upon the parties hereto unless, within thirty (30) days following
the Seller Parties' receipt of each quarterly schedule from Buyer, the Seller
Parties notify Buyer in writing (for purposes of this Section 1.2(b)(vi)(1), the
"Seller's Notice") that it disagrees with Buyer's computation of such Net Sales
or the amount of any Additional Contingent Payment. Such Seller's Notice shall
include a schedule, prepared by the Seller Parties and reviewed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ and
Blue, CPA) (or such other CPA firm as Seller Parties are then using) setting
forth the Seller Parties' computation of such Net Sales and any other objection
to the Buyer's schedule and the amount of any Additional Contingent Payment,
along with copies of such backup documentation and such financial information
(other than that previously supplied by Buyer to the Seller Parties) as is
reasonable to inform Buyer of the information and calculations used in making
the Seller Parties' computation.
(2) The Seller Parties' computation of such Net Sales and the amount of any
Additional Contingent Payment shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties
hereto unless, within thirty (30) days following Buyer's receipt of the Seller's
Notice, Buyer notifies the Seller Parties in writing that it disagrees with the
Seller Parties' computation of such Net Sales or the amount of any Additional
Contingent Payment. Upon any such disagreement, Buyer and the Seller Parties
shall submit such disagreement to binding arbitration as provided herein. Buyer
and Seller Parties shall appoint a mutually acceptable arbitrator from a list of
arbitrators recognized by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") to
resolve the disagreement. If Buyer and Seller Parties cannot agree on a mutually
acceptable arbitrator, each shall appoint an arbitrator of choice from a list of
arbitrators recognized by the AAA and the appointed arbitrators shall appoint a
third arbitrator from the list, and the three arbitrators shall hear the parties
and settle the disagreement. The proceedings shall be conducted under and
governed by the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association, as in
effect from time to time. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the
State of North Carolina. The arbitrators shall have no power to award punitive
or exemplary damages, to ignore or vary the terms of this Agreement and shall be
bound to apply controlling law. The computation of such Net Sales and any
Additional Contingent Payment and resolution of such matters by the
arbitrator(s) shall be conclusive and binding upon Buyer and the Seller Parties.
The Seller Parties and the Buyer shall each bear one-half of the cost of the
arbitrators engaged to resolve a dispute under this Section.
. All expenses of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ with respect to the operation of the
Businesses shall be prorated on a daily basis between Buyer and Sellers as of
the Closing Date. Sellers shall be responsible for all expenses, charges or
bills attributable to the period prior to the Closing Date, and Sellers agree to
pay in full within 15 days after the Closing Date their pro rata share of all
such expenses that have been billed as of the Closing Date; provided, however,
that Sellers' prorated portion of all such expenses, charges or bills which have
accrued but have not yet been billed shall be paid in full by Sellers by the
later of (a) 60 days after Closing Date or (b) 30 days after the receipt of the
▇▇▇▇ for such charges. Sellers shall have sole responsibility for the payment of
all sales taxes, excise taxes, payroll taxes, withholding taxes or other taxes
or payments to government entities collected or payable by Sellers or their
agents in connection with the management or operation of the Businesses for or
during the period prior to the Closing Date.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following items shall
be prorated as of the Closing Date:
(a) Water and utility charges and sanitary sewer taxes, if any;
(b) Charges under service, management, lease or other agreements affecting
the Assets or the Businesses which remain in effect after the Closing Date; and
(c) Other operating expenses not covered by any of the above subsections.
. I.4. Assignment and Assumption of Obligations and Liabilities
(a) As of and after the Closing Date, subject to Section 1.5, Buyer shall
assume and pay, discharge and perform, and Sellers shall assign to Buyer all the
obligations and liabilities of the Sellers under the Contracts, the Factoring
Agreements and the Assigned Leases, but only to the extent that such liabilities
and obligations accrue with respect to a time or period after the Closing Date.
(b) Buyer will not assume Sellers' bank debt and equipment notes as set
forth on Schedule 1.4(b) hereto (the "Discharged Debt"), but will make a cash
payment to or as directed by Sellers at the Closing in an amount necessary to
pay the outstanding principal balance plus accrued interest under such
Discharged Debt as of the Closing Date (but excluding any prepayment premiums,
penalties, late fees or other charges), and the Sellers agree immediately (i)-to
apply such funds to pay off such liabilities, (ii)-to, at its own expense, pay
such prepayment premiums, penalties, late fees or other charges as may be
necessary to discharge such Discharged Liabilities in full and (iii)-obtain the
release of any and all liens on any of the Assets securing such liabilities as
of the Closing Date.
(c) Except as explicitly set forth in this Agreement, Buyer shall neither
assume nor become liable for the payment or performance of any obligations,
claims, liabilities, contracts, commitments or undertakings of Seller Parties,
whether accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, fixed or contingent, reported or
unreported, including but not limited to environmental liabilities, workers
compensation claims, medical or disability claims or other benefits, and product
liability for products manufactured or sold before the Closing Date (except to
the extent provided in Section 7.2(c)).
. If any of the Contracts or Assigned Leases or any other property or
rights included in the Assets are not assignable or transferable either by
virtue of the provisions thereof or under applicable law without the consent of
some other party or parties, the Seller Parties shall use all reasonable efforts
to obtain such consents prior to the Closing Date and shall notify Buyer on or
prior to the Closing Date of any consents not so obtained. If any such consent
cannot be obtained with respect to any Assigned Lease or Material Contract prior
to Closing, Buyer may (a) in the exercise of its sole discretion waive such
requirement as a condition to Closing, and in such event, this Agreement, and
the related instruments of transfer shall not constitute an assignment or
transfer thereof and Buyer shall not assume the Sellers' obligations with
respect thereto or (b)-terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d).
Following the Closing, Seller Parties shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain
any consents not previously obtained as soon as possible after the Closing Date
or otherwise obtain for Buyer the practical benefit of such property or rights,
but Seller Parties shall be under no obligation to make payments to obtain such
consents or otherwise purchase the benefit of such property or rights for Buyer.
. The Purchase Price will be allocated to the Assets as may be reasonably
determined by the Buyer.
ARTICLE II
THE CLOSING
II.1. Time and Place of Closing. The closing (the "Closing") of the sale
and purchase of the Assets shall take place on August-4, 1997 at the offices of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A. beginning at 9:00, A.M., local time, or on
such other date or at such other time or place as shall be mutually satisfactory
to the parties hereto (the "Closing Date").
. At the Closing, Sellers will deliver to Buyer the following:
(a) Bills of sale, assignments, the Assigned Leases and other instruments
of transfer and conveyance reasonably required by Buyer, transferring and
assigning to Buyer the Assets.
(b) Evidence satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel that the liens on the
Assets to be released at Closing as reflected on Schedule 2.2(b) hereto, have
been released as of the Closing Date.
(c) The opinions, certificates, consents and other documents contemplated
by Section-6.3 hereof.
(d) All other documents, certificates, instruments and writings required
hereunder to be delivered by Seller Parties, or as may reasonably be requested
by Buyer at or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement.
. At the Closing, Buyer will deliver to Sellers the following:
(a) Payment of $27,827,800, as adjusted pursuant to Section-1.2(a) (by wire
transfer or other immediately available funds).
(b) The Option Agreement.
(c) The opinions, certificates and other documents contemplated by Section
6.2 hereof.
(d) All other documents, certificates, instruments and writings required
hereunder to be delivered by Buyer, or as may reasonably be requested by Seller
Parties at or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
Each of the Seller Parties jointly and severally represent and warrant to
Buyer as follows:
. Each of the Sellers is a corporation or limited liability company duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of
organization. Each Seller has the full power and authority to own, lease and
operate the Assets and carry on its Business as such operations are now being
conducted. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1 attached hereto, all of the
issued and outstanding capital stock of each of the Sellers has been duly
authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable and is
entirely owned by the Shareholder. There are no outstanding options, warrants,
convertible rights, calls, puts or other rights or commitments of any character
to acquire the capital stock of the Sellers, no contracts or commitments to
issue any such options, warrants, convertible rights, calls, puts or other
rights or similar agreements affecting the shares of stock of the Sellers. Each
Seller is duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a foreign
corporation or limited liability company, as applicable, in the states set forth
on Schedule 3.1 attached hereto, which are all the states in which either the
ownership or use of its properties, or the nature of the activities conducted by
it, requires such qualification. The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ do not presently own,
directly or indirectly, any shares of capital stock of or other equity interest
in any corporation, partnership or other entity nor are the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
otherwise under any obligation to purchase or subscribe for any interest in,
make any loan or advance to, or otherwise in any manner make any investment in,
any corporation, partnership or other entity.
. Each Seller, Properties and the Shareholder has the full corporate power,
authority and legal right to execute and deliver this Agreement and to carry out
the transactions and perform its obligations contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of each Seller Party and no other proceedings on
the part of any Seller Party are necessary to authorize this Agreement. This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each Seller Party
and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Seller Party,
enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms.
. No permit, consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration to or
filing with, any governmental or regulatory authority is required in connection
with any aspect of the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement,
except for compliance with the ▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976 ("HSR Act"). The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
each Seller Party will not (a) conflict with any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws of each of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ or the Shareholder, (b)
conflict with any provision of the Articles of Organization or Operating
Agreement of Properties, (c) except as set forth on Schedule 3.3, result in a
default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration)
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, Contract, Assigned Lease or other debt instrument or obligation
relating to any Business or to which any Seller Party is a party or to which any
of the Assets may be subject, except for such defaults (or rights of
termination, cancellation or acceleration) as to which requisite waivers or
consents have been obtained, or (d) violate any law, statute, rule, regulation,
order, writ, injunction or decree of any federal, state or local governmental
authority or agency.
. Each Seller has furnished to Buyer audited financial statements as of and
for the twelve month periods ending on or about December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, and unaudited balance sheets and statements of income for each of the six
months ended June-28, 1997. The foregoing statements are hereinafter referred to
as the "Financial Statements." The Financial Statements (a) fairly present the
results of operations and financial position of the Sellers for the periods and
as of the dates set forth, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, except for normal adjustments in the case of
unaudited financial statements, and (b) are consistent with the books and
records of the Sellers.
. Except as set forth in Schedule-
-3.5 hereto, no Seller has any material
obligation or liability (whether absolute, contingent or otherwise, including,
without limitation, product liability and warranty obligations) except
liabilities, obligations or contingencies (i) which are fully accrued or
reserved against in the Financial Statements or (ii) which were incurred in the
ordinary course of business since the date of the Financial Statements.
. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.6 and except as otherwise contemplated
by this Agreement, since December 31, 1996 there has not been (a) any material
adverse change in any Business or the results of its operation, properties or
prospects; (b) any damage, destruction or casualty loss, whether covered by
insurance or not, materially and adversely affecting the Assets or any Business;
(c)-(i)-any material increase in the rate or terms of compensation payable to or
to become payable to any Seller's employees (the "Employees"), except increases
occurring in accordance with such Seller's customary practices (including the
general increase in employee pay rates in January 1997) or as required by
existing employment agreements or (ii)-any material modifications in employee
benefits to the Employees; (d)-entry into, termination of (except by reason of
the occurrence of a contractually specified termination date) or material
amendment to any contract or commitment or license or permit material to any
Business, except in the ordinary course of business or as contemplated herein;
(e) any creation of or assumption of any mortgage, pledge, or other lien or
encumbrance upon any of the assets of the Sellers, including the Assets; (f)-any
sale, assignment, lease, transfer or other disposition of any of the Assets,
except in the ordinary course of business; (g) any imposition or incurring of
any obligation or liability, fixed or contingent, except in the ordinary course
of business; (h) except as otherwise provided in this subsection, entry into any
agreement with respect to the operation of any Business pursuant to which the
aggregate annual financial obligation of the Buyer may exceed $10,000, or which
is not terminable by Buyer without penalty upon thirty (30) days' notice or
less; (i)-any commitment to make any purchase for, or sale of, any inventories
relating to the operation of any Business, except in the ordinary course of
business; (j)-any commitment in excess of $10,000 for any capital expenditure;
(k)-any change in the accounting practices of any Seller or the manner in which
it maintains its books of account and records; (l)-any loss or termination of
any account with a customer that constitutes one of the fifteen largest
customers of the Businesses; or (m) any transaction otherwise relating to any
Business not in the ordinary course of business.
. All Contracts existing as of the date hereof and that involve liabilities
and obligations of any Business of more than $4,000 annually or a term of more
than two years after the Closing Date are listed on Schedule 1.1(ii). Except as
set forth on Schedule 3.7, all of the Contracts (as defined in Section 1.1) may
be assigned by Sellers to Buyer without the consent of any other party, or, if
required, such consent will be obtained by Sellers, subject to Section 1.5,
prior to the Closing. Each Seller has complied in all respects with the
provisions of such Contracts and is not now and at the Closing Date will not be
in default under any of them. To the best of each Seller's knowledge, there is
not any breach or anticipated breach by any other party to such Contracts and no
Seller has received any notice of any alleged breach or claimed right of
termination. Each of such Contracts will be in full force and effect at the
Closing Date with no modification of its respective terms, unless by its terms
it expires prior thereto. No Seller has any contracts, oral or written, with any
sales representatives. No Seller has any written contract with any of its
employees, except for designer contracts with ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and Merebeth Rampula,
copies of which have been furnished to Buyer. Sellers have delivered to the
Buyer a correct and complete copy of, or a written summary of the material terms
of, each Material Contract, as amended to the date hereof.
. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.8, there are no legal, administrative,
arbitration or other proceedings or governmental investigations pending or, to
each Seller's knowledge, threatened against any Seller Party in connection with
the operation of any Business. There is no court order, judgment or decree
adversely affecting any Business.
. Except as disclosed on Schedule-3.9 hereto, no Seller is a party to any
collective bargaining agreement or any other union labor agreement covering or
relating to any of the Employees (as defined below), and has not recognized and
has not received a demand for recognition of any collective bargaining
representative with respect thereto. There are no strikes, labor disputes or
work stoppages in effect or, to the knowledge of any Seller, threatened against
any Seller. No Seller has committed any unfair labor practice. No Seller or any
Seller's officers, directors, members, managers or employees with responsibility
for employment matters has any knowledge of any organizational effort presently
being made or threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to
employees of any Seller.
. III.10. Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA
(a) Schedule 3.10 lists all employee pension and welfare plans or
arrangements, including, without limitation, pension or profit sharing or thrift
plans, company contributions to medical benefit, death benefit and disability
programs, and vacation, severance and sick leave policies applicable to the
employees of the Businesses (the "Employees"). Except as set forth on
Schedule-3.10, with respect to all "employee benefit plans" (as defined in
Section-3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA")) to which
any Seller contributes on behalf of Employees (capitalized terms used in this
Section 3.10 and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified
in ERISA):
(i) all such plans comply in all material respects with ERISA and other
applicable laws and regulations;
(ii) all contributions which were due and payable by any Seller on or
before the date hereof to such plans have been made;
(iii) none of the plans subject to Title-IV of ERISA has been terminated,
no proceeding to terminate any of such plans has been instituted, and there has
been no complete or partial withdrawal, cessation of facility operations or
occurrence of any other event that would result in the imposition of liability
on any Seller under Title-IV of ERISA;
(iv) The market value of assets under each such employee benefit plan which
is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) (as such
terms are defined in ERISA) equals or exceeds the present value of all vested
and nonvested liabilities thereunder determined in accordance with Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") methods, factors, and assumptions
applicable to an Employee Pension Benefit Plan terminating on the date for
determination; and
(v) The Sellers have delivered to the Buyer correct and complete copies of
the plan documents and summary plan descriptions, the most recent determination
letter received from the Internal Revenue Service, the most recent Form 5500
Annual Report, and all related trust agreements, insurance contracts, and other
funding agreements which implement each such Employee Benefit Plan.
(b) With respect to each employee benefit plan that any of the Sellers or
any entity under common control with any Seller maintains or ever has maintained
or to which any of them contributes, ever has contributed, or ever has been
required to contribute:
(i) No such employee benefit plan which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan
(other than any Multiemployer Plan) has been completely or partially terminated
or been the subject of a Reportable Event as to which notices would be required
to be filed with the PBGC. No proceeding by the PBGC to terminate any such
Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) has been
instituted or threatened.
(ii) There have been no Prohibited Transactions with respect to any such
employee benefit plan. No fiduciary has any liability for breach of fiduciary
duty or any other failure to act or comply in connection with the administration
or investment of the assets of any such employee benefit plan. No action, suit,
proceeding, hearing, or investigation with respect to the administration or the
investment of the assets of any such employee benefit plan (other than routine
claims for benefits) is pending or threatened.
(iii) No Seller has incurred, or has any reason to expect that any Seller
will incur, any liability to the PBGC (other than PBGC premium payments) or
otherwise under Title IV of ERISA (including any withdrawal liability) or under
the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any such employee benefit plan which
is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan.
(c) No Seller or any entity under common control with any Seller
contributes to, ever has contributed to, or ever has been required to contribute
to any Multiemployer Plan or has any liability (including withdrawal liability)
under any Multiemployer Plan.
(d) No Seller or any entity under common control with any Seller maintains
or ever has maintained or contributes, ever has contributed, or ever has been
required to contribute to any Employee Welfare Benefit Plan (as defined in
ERISA) providing medical, health, or life insurance or other welfare-type
benefits for presently or future retired or terminated employees, their spouses,
or their dependents, other than in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Sec.
4980B.
(e) Prior to and as of the Closing Date, Sellers sponsor the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇, Inc. Group Benefit Plan ("Sellers' Health Care Plan"). Sellers' Health
Care Plan is a self-insured medical reimbursement plan established to assist
Sellers in providing medical benefits ("Benefits") to Sellers' employees and
their dependents, who meet the eligibility provisions of Sellers' Health Care
Plan ("Participants"). Except for the Incurred But Unpaid Health Care Claims
referred to in Section 5.6(b) of this Agreement, as of the Closing Date, Sellers
have paid, or provided for the payment of, all health care expenses incurred by
Sellers' employees and their dependents that are covered under the Sellers'
Health Care Plan in accordance with its terms.
(f) As of the Closing Date two (2) individuals, who were previously
employed by Sellers, are participating in Sellers' Health Care Plan under the
COBRA continuation coverage requirements of Internal Revenue Code ("IRC")
s-4980B and ERISA S-601 et seq., ("COBRA Participants"). Except for COBRA
Participants, as of the Closing Date, the only individuals participating in
Sellers' Health Care Plan are the individuals currently employed by Sellers and
their dependents, who meet the eligibility provisions of Sellers' Health Care
Plan.
(g) The Sellers have complied in all respects with the provisions of ERISA
S-601 et seq., IRCS-4980B, or Proposed Treasury Regulation S-1.162-26 ("COBRA
Laws") that govern or apply to Sellers' Health Care Plan or to any other
employee benefit plan sponsored by the Sellers at any time.
. Each Seller has timely filed or will timely file all federal, state and
local tax returns and reports required to be filed for any period ending onI or
before the Closing Date, or if applicable, any period that includes the Closing
Date. All such tax returns are or will be correct and complete in all material
respects. Each Seller has properly calculated and has timely paid or will timely
pay or cause to be paid all income taxes and other taxes of any kind of any
taxing authority (whether or not shown on any tax return) due to any taxing
authority ("Taxes") with respect to all such periods. No Seller has received
written notice that the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority
has asserted against such Seller any deficiency or claim for additional Taxes in
connection therewith. No Seller has been granted or has given any waiver of any
statute of limitations with respect to, or any extension of a period for the
assessment or filing of, any Tax. All deposits required by law to be made by
each Seller with respect to employees' withholding taxes have been made. Each
Seller has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid
in connection with the amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent
contractor, creditor, stockholder or other third party. There are no tax liens
on any assets of any Seller, except liens for Taxes not yet due. There are no
claims pending against any Seller for past due Taxes, and no Seller Party has
knowledge of any such threatened claim or the basis for any such claim. There
are not now any matters under discussion with any federal, state, local or other
authority with respect to any additional Taxes relating to the Sellers.
. Schedule 3.12 lists all material licenses, permits and authorizations
that are held by any Seller as of the date hereof and are required for the
conduct of the Businesses, as presently conducted. All such licenses, permits,
and authorizations are in full force and effect, with no material violations of
any of them having occurred or, to each Selling Party's knowledge, been alleged
to have occurred, and with no proceedings pending or, to each Selling Party's
knowledge, threatened, that would have the effect of revoking or materially
limiting or affecting the transfer or renewal of any such licenses or permits.
Except as set forth in Schedule 3.12 or otherwise disclosed in this Agreement
(a) such licenses and authorizations are not subject to any restrictions or
conditions that would limit operation of any Business as presently conducted;
(b) there are no applications by any Seller in connection with any Business or
material complaints by others pending or threatened in writing as of the date
hereof before any governmental agency relating to any Business, other than
proceedings that affect the industry generally.
. Each Seller, in the operation of its Business:
(i)-possesses all of the business licenses, permits (including
environmental permits) and authorizations (collectively, "Authorizations") that
are necessary for legally conducting its Business as presently conducted, and
has made such filings as may be required by local, state or federal governments;
(ii)-is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including
those relating to the employment of labor (including OSHA), wages, hours,
collective bargaining, immigration, discrimination and the payment of social
security and similar taxes and (iii)-is not liable for any arrears of wages or
any penalties for failure to comply with any of the foregoing.
. The Sellers have, and on the Closing Date will have, all right, title or
interest, as applicable, to each class of Assets, free and clear of all liens,
pledges, security interests, charges, claims, restrictions or other encumbrances
and defects of title of any nature whatsoever except as listed on Schedule 3.14.
The Assets constitute all of the assets used in connection with the operation of
the Businesses other than the Excluded Assets.
. Schedule 3.15 lists all bank accounts and safe deposit boxes of the
Sellers used in connection with the Businesses, all powers of attorney in
connection with such accounts, and the names of all persons authorized to draw
thereon or to have access thereto.
. Except as noted thereon, Schedule 3.16 lists the names and current salary
rates of all the Employees as of the date hereof. Each Business has complied
with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the employment of labor,
including those related to wages, hours, collective bargaining, immigration,
discrimination, and the payment of Social Security or similar taxes. There are
no unfair labor practice claims or charges pending involving any Seller relating
to the operation of the Businesses.
Schedule 3.17 lists all of the Sellers' insurance policies relating to the
Assets or the Businesses in effect as of the date hereof, and indicates the
insurer's name, policy number, expiration date and amount and type of coverage.
With respect to each such insurance policy: (A) Sellers have provided Buyers
with a copy of each such policy; (B) Sellers will pay all premiums with respect
to such policies and discharge all obligations required to keep such policies in
effect through the Closing Date; (C) no Seller or, to the knowledge of any
Seller, any other party to the policy is in breach or default (including with
respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of notices), and no event has
occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a breach
or default, or permit termination, modification, or acceleration, under the
policy; and (D) no party to the policy has repudiated any provision thereof.
. The Sellers own or lease all buildings, machinery, equipment, and other
tangible assets necessary for the conduct of the Businesses as presently
conducted and as presently proposed by Sellers to be conducted. Each such
tangible asset is in good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear
and tear and items immaterial to the operation of the Businesses), and is
suitable for the purposes for which it presently is used and presently is
proposed by Sellers to be used.
. Each of the Leases is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full
force and effect, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization and similar laws affecting creditors generally and by the
availability of equitable remedies. Neither any Seller nor, to the knowledge of
any Seller, any other party is in default, violation or breach in any respect
under any Assigned Lease, and no event has occurred and is continuing that
constitutes or, with notice or the passage of time or both, would constitute a
default, violation or breach by any Seller, or to the knowledge of Seller, any
other party in any respect under any Assigned Lease. Each Lease grants the
tenant under the lease the exclusive right to use and occupy the demised
premises thereunder. Each Seller has good and valid title to the leasehold
estate under its Lease free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances.
. No Seller Party has received any notice of or has knowledge of any facts
giving reason to believe any major customer account, defined for purposes of
this Section as any customer that constitutes one of the fifteen largest
customers of the Businesses taken as a whole, is being canceled, terminated or
is being considered or threatened for cancellation, termination or nonrenewal,
whether as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
otherwise.
. III.21. [Intentionally Omitted]
. All trademarks, trade names, copyrights or patents owned or used by any
Seller in connection with the Businesses, together with any applicable
registrations, are disclosed in Schedule 3.22. Except as shown in such Schedule,
all such trademarks, trade names, copyrights or patents, and any applicable
registrations are owned by the Sellers and are not the subject of any proceeding
challenging their use, or seeking to deny, modify or revoke any registration or
application therefor or renewal thereof. Each Seller is entitled to use all
trade names, trademarks, patents, designs, production processes, copyrights and
licenses and all other intellectual property rights used by it in connection
with its Business, and no Seller has granted any right, title or interest in or
to any such intellectual property. No Seller has, to the best of its knowledge,
interfered with, infringed upon, misappropriated, or otherwise come into
conflict with any patents, trademarks, or intellectual property rights of third
parties, and no Seller has received any charge, complaint, claim, demand, or
notice alleging any such interference, infringement, misappropriation or
violation (including any claim that such Seller must license or refrain from
using any patent, copyright, trademark or intellectual property rights of any
third party) and which is unresolved.
. Except as specified on Schedule 3.23:s
(a) No Hazardous Materials (as defined in this Section-3.23) are stored or
otherwise located on real property owned, leased or otherwise operated by any
Seller (the "Real Property"), and no part of the Real Property, including the
soil and groundwater located thereon and thereunder, is presently contaminated
by any such substance; no Hazardous Materials have been released, stored,
treated or disposed of on, in or about the Real Property; and no improvement
located on the Real Property contains any asbestos or substances containing
asbestos;
(b) No portion of the Real Property has ever been used as or for a mine, a
landfill, a dump or other disposal facility, a gasoline service station, or a
petroleum products storage facility;
(c) There are no underground storage tanks situated on the Real Property,
nor have any been removed from the Real Property;
(d) All activities, and operations of the Businesses meet, and have in the
past met, the requirements of all applicable Environmental Laws (as defined in
this Section-3.23);
(e) In connection with or arising out of the operation of its Business, no
Seller has ever sent any Hazardous Materials to a site which, pursuant to any
Environmental Law, (1) has been placed on the "National Priorities List," the
CERCLIS list, or any other similar federal or state list, or (2)-which is
subject to a claim, an administrative order or other request to take any type of
response action or to pay for the costs of response action at such a site;
(f) In connection with or arising out of the operation of its Business, (i)
no Seller is involved in any suit or proceeding, and no Seller has received any
notice or information request from any governmental agency or other party, with
respect to any Hazardous Material or any violation of any Environmental Law, and
(ii) no Seller has received any notice of any claim from any person or entity
relating to personal injury, death or property damage from exposure to any
Hazardous Material or violation of any Environmental Law; and
(g) In connection with or arising out of the operation of its Business,
each Seller has timely filed all reports required to be filed, has acquired all
necessary certificates, approvals and permits (none of which shall be lost or
adversely affected as a result of the transaction contemplated herein), and has
generated and maintained in all material respects all required data,
documentation and records under all applicable Environmental Laws.
As used herein, "Hazardous Materials" means any substances or materials (i)
which are defined as hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, pollutants,
contaminants or toxic substances under any Environmental Law; (ii) which are
toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, infectious, radioactive, mutagenic,
dangerous or otherwise hazardous; (iii) the presence of which require
investigation or remediation under any Environmental Law or common law; (iv)
which constitute a danger, a nuisance, a trespass or a health or safety hazard
to persons or property; (v) which include, without limiting the foregoing,
underground storage tanks, whether empty, filled or partially filled with any
substance; and/or (vi) which are or contain, without limiting the foregoing,
asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation,
petroleum hydrocarbons, petroleum derived substances or waste, crude oil or any
fraction thereof, nuclear fuel, natural gas or synthetic gas (excluding
petroleum or natural gas products for on-site use properly stored in accordance
with all Environmental Laws in gas pipelines serving the Real Property,
vehicles, machinery or above ground storage tanks).
As used herein, "Environmental Laws" shall mean any and all federal, state
and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, directives,
licenses, approvals, guidances, interpretations, and orders, and all other legal
requirements relating to the protection of human health or the environment,
including, but not limited to, requirements pertaining to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation,
handling, reporting, licensing, permitting, investigation or remediation of
materials that are or may constitute a threat to the environment. Environmental
Laws include, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. S-9601, et. seq.) ("CERCLA"), the
Hazardous Material Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. S-1801, et. seq.), the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. S-6901, et. seq.) ("RCRA"), the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. S-1251, et. seq.), the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. S-7401, et. seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. S-2601,
et. seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. S-300, et. seq.), the
Environmental Protection Agency's regulations relating to underground storage
tanks (40 C.F.R. Parts 280 and 281), and the Occupational Safety and Health Act
(29 U.S.C. S-651, et. seq.) ("OSHA"), as such laws and regulations have been
amended or supplemented, and applicable state and local statutes, and the rules
and regulations promulgated under such federal, state and local laws.
Seller Parties have previously delivered to Buyer copies of all reports,
files, surveys, records, licenses, certificates, orders and all other documents
in its possession of any type relating to the matters described in this Section
3.23.
. Each product shipped by any Seller has been in conformity with all
applicable contractual commitments and all express and implied warranties, and
no Seller has any liability (and to the best knowledge of Sellers, there is no
basis for any present or future action, suit, proceeding, hearing,
investigation, charge, complaint, claim, or demand against any of them giving
rise to any liability) for replacement or repair thereof or other damages in
connection therewith. No product manufactured, sold, leased, or delivered by any
Seller is subject to any guaranty, warranty, or other indemnity beyond the
applicable standard terms and conditions of sale or lease. The Sellers have
provided to the Buyer copies of the standard terms and conditions of sale or
lease for each Seller.
. No Seller has any liability (and, to the best knowledge of Sellers, there
is no basis for any present or future action, suit, proceeding, hearing,
investigation, charge, complaint, claim, or demand against any of them giving
rise to any liability) arising out of any injury to individuals or property as a
result of the ownership, possession, or use of any product manufactured, sold,
leased, or delivered by any Seller ("Product Liability"), except for potential
claims which are fully covered by insurance.
. The representations and warranties contained in this Article III and all
other information or documents (including the Schedules to this Agreement)
delivered by any Seller Party or Properties to Buyer in connection with the
transaction described herein do not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements and information contained therein not misleading.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:
.
Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of North Carolina and has the requisite power and
authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now being conducted.
. Buyer has the full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer and no other proceedings on the
part of Buyer are necessary to authorize this Agreement. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with
its terms.
. No permit, consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration to or
filing with, any governmental or regulatory authority is required in connection
with any aspect of the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement,
except for compliance with the ▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976 ("HSR Act"). Neither the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by Buyer will (a) conflict with or result in any breach of any
provision of the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of Buyer, (b) result in a
default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration)
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, agreement, lease or other instrument or obligation to which Buyer is
a party or by which any of its assets may be bound, except for such defaults (or
rights of termination, cancellation or acceleration) as to which requisite
waivers or consents have been obtained, or (c)-violate any law, statute, rule,
regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any federal, state or local
governmental authority or agency.
. Buyer knows of no facts that would, under present law, disqualify Buyer
as a transferee of the licenses, permits and authorizations listed in Schedule
3.12 or as owner and operator of the Business. Should Buyer become aware of any
such facts, it will promptly notify Sellers in writing thereof and use its best
efforts to prevent any such disqualification.
. There are no legal, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings or
governmental investigations pending or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened
against Buyer or any of its subsidiaries that would give any third party the
right to enjoin or rescind the transactions contemplated hereunder.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
V.1. Conduct of Business. Except as contemplated by this Agreement, during
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, each Seller will
conduct its Business in a manner consistent with prior practice and in the
ordinary and usual course. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
except as otherwise expressly provided in or contemplated by this Agreement,
prior to the Closing Date, without the prior written consent of Buyer, no Seller
or Properties will, and the Shareholder will not cause or permit any Seller or
Properties to:
(a) enter into any material contract or commitment relating to the
operation of its Business except in the ordinary course of business;
(b) amend, modify or waive any material provision of any Contract;
(c) fail to maintain and keep its properties and equipment in good repair,
working order and condition, except for ordinary wear and tear;
(d) fail to keep in full force and effect insurance comparable in amount
and scope of coverage to that now maintained by such Seller;
(e) fail to perform such Seller's obligations under all Contracts to which
it is a party;
(f) fail to use its best efforts to maintain and preserve its business
organizations, retain its present employees and maintain its relationship with
suppliers, customers and others having business dealings with such Seller;
(g) fail to maintain its books of account and records in the usual and
regular manner and not make any changes in its accounting practices;
(h) fail to comply with all material laws and regulations applicable to it
and to the conduct of its Business;
(i) amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or Articles of
Organization or Operating Agreement, as applicable;
(j) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any action that would
make any of the representations of the Seller Parties set forth in this
Agreement untrue or incorrect in any material respect or would result in any of
the conditions set forth in this Agreement not being satisfied;
(k) create or assume any mortgage, pledge, lien, or other encumbrance with
respect to the Assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired; or
(l) sell, assign, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of the
Assets, except for sales of finished goods inventory in the ordinary course of
business.
(m) take any action, or fail to take action, that would cause Net Sales of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products to be recorded for accounting purposes in the
Measurement Period rather than in any period prior to the Measurement Period for
the purpose of increasing the likelihood of receiving, or the amount of any,
Additional Contingent Payment pursuant to Section 1.2(b) of this Agreement.
. During the period from the date hereof until the Closing Date, Sellers
shall furnish to Buyer monthly unaudited financial statements relating to the
Businesses, to the extent prepared by the Sellers in accordance with their usual
business practices. As soon as such statements are prepared, but in no event
later than July-31, 1997, Sellers shall deliver to Buyer an audited balance
sheet of the Businesses as of June-28, 1997 and an audited income statement of
the Businesses for the six months ended June-28, 1997.
. V.3. Access to Information; Confidentiality
(a) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, each Seller
Party will (i) give Buyer and its authorized representatives full access to the
Assets and to all books, records, offices and other facilities and properties
relating to the Businesses, (ii) permit Buyer to make such inspections thereof
as Buyer may reasonably request (including, without limitation, Phase I
examinations incident to environmental audits), and (iii) cause its officers or
other appropriate officials to furnish Buyer with such financial and operating
data and other information with respect to the Businesses as Buyer may from time
to time reasonably request. Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with
the preparation of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 5.2
above, the Seller Parties will take all steps necessary to complete internal
financial statements for the period ending June 28, 1997 on or before July-21,
1997, and will deliver such internal financial statements and information
previously requested by KPMG, as well as representation letters in customary
form, and provide access to work papers and other necessary information to KPMG
on or before July-21, 1997, such that the audit of the June-28, 1997 financial
statements can begin on or before July-21, 1997. Seller Parties will provide
full cooperation to KPMG during the period from July-21, 1997 to July-31, 1997
to assist KPMG in its audit of the June-28, 1997 financial statements.
(b) After the Closing Date, the Buyer shall have no further obligation to
keep confidential the information provided to it about the Businesses or to
refrain from making public disclosures about the Businesses or about the
transactions contemplated hereunder, provided, however, that Buyer will consult
with Seller about public disclosures to be made about this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereunder after the date hereof but prior to the
Closing Date.
(c) After the Closing Date, each Seller Party will hold, and will use its
best efforts to cause its officers, directors, employees, lenders, counsel,
accountants, representatives, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in
strict confidence all confidential information of the Businesses, including,
without limitation, customer lists, details of client or consultant contracts,
pricing policies, operational methods, marketing plans or strategies, product
development techniques or plans, business acquisition plans, new personnel
acquisition plans, methods of manufacture, technical processes, designs and
design projects, inventions and research projects of any Business learned by any
employee of the Seller Parties heretofore or hereafter, unless the same
information (a)-is currently publicly available or becomes publicly available
through no fault of the Seller Parties or their agents, advisors or other
representatives or another person that the Seller Parties know, or have reason
to know, is subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such
information or (b)-such information is required by applicable law to be
disclosed, but then only to the extent disclosure is required and after giving
the Buyer such notice of such obligation so that it may seek a protective order
or other similar or appropriate relief, and the Seller Parties shall also
undertake in good faith to have such confidential information treated
confidentially consistent with the terms of this Agreement.
. On the Closing Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, each of the
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ shall change its corporate name to a new name, which does not
include the words making up its existing name (or any existing trade names) or
the acronym or abbreviation or any variations, translations or combinations
thereof or similar names and otherwise is not likely to be confused with its
present names so as to make any of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇' present names available
to Buyer. From and after the Closing, none of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ shall use the
words making up its existing name (or any existing trade names) or the acronym
or abbreviation or any variations, translations or combinations thereof or
similar names in connection with any business; provided, however, that the
Seller Parties may use the name "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇" in any business that is not related
in any respect to the industry and product lines of the Businesses.
. Buyer and the Seller Parties will make or cause to be made all such
filings and submissions under applicable laws and regulations as may be required
for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
without limitation any filings required under the HSR Act. Buyer and the Seller
Parties will cooperate and coordinate with one another in connection with any
such filings or submissions.
. V.6. Employees and Employee Benefits
(a) For purposes of employee benefits under Sellers' employee benefit
plans, all of the Employees who accept employment with Buyer shall be considered
terminated employees and shall have no further rights accrue to them under any
Seller's employee benefit plans after the Closing Date, except as provided in
Sections 5.6(b), (c), (d) and (e) below. While Buyer intends to hire the
employees of the Sellers as of the Closing Date, it is agreed by the parties
that Buyer is not obligated to hire any of the employees of the Seller Parties.
The employees hired by the Buyer will be given credit for prior service with
Sellers for purposes of eligibility to participate in the Buyer's health benefit
plan and 401(k) profit-sharing plan, but will not receive credit for service
with Sellers for any other purpose (including, but not limited to, vacation or
severance policies).
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Seller Parties will
pay, or Seller Parties will maintain an insurance policy that will pay, the
following unpaid claims for medical expenses incurred by Participants under
Sellers' Health Care Plan that exist at the Closing Date ("Incurred But Unpaid
Claims"): (i) any unpaid claim for the payment of Benefits for health care
expenses incurred by a Participant which was submitted for payment prior to the
Closing Date; and, (ii) any unpaid claim for the payment of Benefits for health
care expenses incurred by a Participant on or before the Closing Date. All
Incurred But Unpaid Claims will be paid in accordance with the provisions of
Sellers' Health Care Plan. Subject to the next sentence, all Incurred But Unpaid
Claims will be paid within sixty (60) days following Seller Parties' receipt
thereof. If the amount of Benefit payable under any Incurred But Unpaid Claim
cannot be determined within sixty days of the Sellers' receipt of the Incurred
But Unpaid Claim, Seller will not be required to pay such Claim until the amount
payable is determined, as long as prior to the expiration of such sixty (60) day
period, Seller notifies the Participant who submitted such Incurred But Unpaid
Claim that Benefits will not be paid until the amount of the Benefit payable is
determined. It is agreed that the ▇▇▇▇, Inc. Health Care Plan ("Buyer's Health
Care Plan") and Buyer are not obligated to pay any Incurred But Unpaid Claims,
and if Buyer incurs any liability with respect to Incurred But Unpaid Claims,
Buyer shall be indemnified, pursuant to Section 7.2. Any Incurred But Unpaid
Claim existing under Sellers' Health Care Plan at the Closing Date, which are
submitted by Participants to Buyer or to the third party administrator of
Buyer's Health Care Plan shall be forwarded to the following person at the
following address:
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
(c) If a covered employee or qualified beneficiary under Sellers' Health
Care Plan incurred a qualifying event prior to the Closing Date, Sellers shall
maintain responsibility for notifying those individuals of their rights to COBRA
continuation coverage under Sellers' Health Care Plan in accordance with the
COBRA laws. Neither Buyer, nor Buyer's Health Care Plan, as a successor to
Sellers' Health Care Plan, is responsible for providing any notice about COBRA
to any covered employee or qualified beneficiary under Sellers' Health Care Plan
who incurred a qualifying event prior to the Closing Date.
(d) Seller and Sellers' Health Care Plan shall be responsible for providing
COBRA continuation coverage to the COBRA Participants for the period prescribed
under the COBRA Laws. Furthermore, Sellers and Sellers' Health Care Plan shall
be responsible for providing COBRA continuation coverage, if any, for such
period to any covered employee or qualified beneficiary under Sellers' Health
Care Plan who incurred a qualifying event prior to the Closing Date. Neither
Buyer, nor Buyer's Health Care Plan, as a successor plan to Sellers' Health Care
Plan, shall be responsible for providing any COBRA continuation coverage to the
COBRA Participants or to any covered employee or qualified beneficiary under
Sellers' Health Care Plan who incurred a qualifying event prior to the Closing
Date.
(e) Buyer shall offer health insurance coverage under Buyer's Health Care
Plan to Sellers' employees hired by Buyer on the Closing Date as long as those
employees are eligible to participate in Sellers' Health Care Plan as of the
Closing Date. Buyer's Health Care Plan shall not exclude from coverage, as a
preexisting condition, any existing health care condition of any of the
aforementioned employees for which Benefits were paid under Sellers' Health Care
Plan.
. V.7. Noncompetition
(a) For a period following the Closing Date and ending on the fifth
anniversary of the Closing Date, neither ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ nor any Seller Party,
nor any subsidiary or entity controlled by (directly or indirectly) or under
common control with any Seller Party, shall directly or indirectly engage in the
business of manufacturing or marketing upholstery fabrics anywhere in the State
of Georgia, the State of Pennsylvania, the State of North Carolina, the State of
South Carolina, the State of Tennessee, the State of Mississippi, the State of
California, the State of Illinois, the State of Michigan, the State of New
Jersey, or any other State in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia,
Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America or any other location in
the world, or directly or indirectly acquire any ownership interest in an entity
that engages in such business in any such location provided, however, that the
ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of a
class of securities that is registered by the issuer thereof under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or traded on any internationally recognized
securities market shall not constitute a violation of the provisions of this
Section 5.7. Each Seller Party and ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will also refrain from
using any of the Trade Names in connection with manufacturing or marketing
upholstery fabrics at any time after the Closing Date. The Seller Parties and ▇.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledge and agree that this provision is reasonable and valid
in geographic scope and duration and in all other respects. If any Seller
Parties or ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall breach, or threaten to breach, this Section
5.7, the Buyer shall, after giving notice to such party breaching or threatening
to breach, and, if such breach is subject to cure within 10 days, such party has
not cured such breach within 10 days, have (i)-the right to have the provisions
of this Section specifically enforced by a court of competent jurisdiction, it
being agreed that a breach or threatened breach of this Section 5.7 would cause
irreparable injury to the Buyer and that money damages would not provide an
adequate remedy to the Buyer; or (ii)-the right to require the Seller Parties
and ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to account for and pay over to the Buyer all compensation,
profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits derived or received by
the Seller Parties or ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ as the result of any transactions
constituting a breach of this Section 5.7; and each such right and remedy shall
be independent of the others and severally enforceable, and each of which is in
addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the
Buyer under law or in equity. If any court determines that this Section 5.7, or
any part thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration or geographic scope
of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or
scope of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced form, such
provision shall then be enforceable.
(b) The Purchase Price paid to the Sellers pursuant to Section 1.2 hereof
shall serve as consideration to support the obligations of the Sellers and the
Shareholders under this Section 5.7. In consideration of the obligations of ▇.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under this Section 5.7, the Buyer will deliver to ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ the following: (i) five annual payments of $1,200,000 each, beginning
on the first anniversary of the Closing Date and ending on the fifth anniversary
of the Closing Date (with such payments to continue to be paid for the benefit
of ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in the case of disability of ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and to the
estate of ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in the case of the death of ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇); and
(ii) non-qualified stock options, exercisable for a term of six (6) years from
the Closing Date (the "Options"), to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock of
the Buyer (the "Shares") at the closing price of such common stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on the date next preceding the Closing Date. The Options and
the Shares shall be unregistered and subject to all transfer restrictions
imposed by federal and state securities laws, such options to be provided and
certain piggyback registration rights with respect to the Shares to be granted
pursuant to an option agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached
hereto (the "Option Agreement").
. V.8. Closing Inventory
(a) Buyer shall have the right to conduct a physical count of the inventory
included in the Assets (the "Inventory"), which count shall be observed, at
Sellers' discretion, by Sellers and Sellers' accountant (with Buyer to pay the
reasonable expenses of Sellers' accountant for such observation), and shall as
promptly as practicable thereafter, and in no event more than thirty (30) days
after the Closing Date, prepare and deliver to Sellers a schedule (the
"Inventory Report") setting forth quantity and value of each particular type of
Inventory as of the Closing Date. The valuation of the inventory shall be
determined in accordance with Sellers' past practices and on a basis materially
consistent with the determination of inventory values in the December 31, 1996
Financial Statements. Buyer shall deliver to Sellers, simultaneously with
delivery of the Inventory Report, such work papers and other supporting detail
as Sellers and Sellers' accountant shall reasonably request. The sum of the
values of all inventory reflected in the Inventory Report shall constitute the
"Closing Inventory Value."
(b) Following delivery of the Inventory Report, Sellers and Sellers'
accountants shall have five (5) business days in which to review and examine the
Inventory Report. If Sellers do not give Buyer notice of any dispute with
respect to the accuracy of the Inventory Report within such period, Sellers
shall be deemed to have accepted the Inventory Report. If Sellers dispute the
accuracy of the Inventory Report and provide timely notice of such dispute to
Buyer, Buyer and Sellers or each of their accountants shall meet to reconcile
any such dispute. If such dispute has not been reconciled within ten (10)
business days following delivery of written notice of dispute from Sellers to
Buyer, Sellers and Buyer shall refer such dispute to a nationally recognized
accounting firm mutually acceptable to Buyer and Sellers, whose decision shall
be binding on all parties. Sellers and Buyer each shall pay one-half of the fees
and expenses of the third party accountant.
(c) If the Closing Inventory Value as finally determined is less than the
aggregate value of inventories reflected in all Sellers' December-31, 1996
Financial Statements, less any reserves included therein (the "Pre-closing
Inventory Value"), the Seller Parties shall pay within fifteen (15) days after
notification from Buyer an amount equal to the difference between the
Pre-closing Inventory Value and the Closing Inventory Value.
. The Buyer hereby agrees that if it abandons the use of the trade names
transferred to it under Section 1.1(a)(iii) hereof, Buyer shall notify the
Shareholder of such abandonment, but will have no liability whatsoever for
failure to so notify. In the event of such abandonment, the Shareholder will
have the right to request that it be allowed to use such abandoned names in the
future, subject to Buyer's approval of the proposed use of such names, such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
. The Seller Parties and Buyer hereby agree that each, at its own expense
(subject to the provisions of Section 9.2 hereof), shall use its best efforts
and shall cooperate fully with the other in preparing, filing, prosecuting, and
taking any other actions with respect to any applications, requests, or actions
that are or may be reasonable and necessary to obtain the consent of any
governmental instrumentality or any third party or to accomplish the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
. The Shareholder covenants that it shall cause Sellers and Properties to
take all corporate action necessary to consummate this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.
. ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Properties and the other Seller Parties covenant and
agree that they presently do not have and at any time following the Closing they
will not have, directly or indirectly, any agreement or understanding, whether
written or verbal, with any employee of the Businesses to make any payment or
provide anything of value to any such employee or any member of such employee's
family that is in any manner related to the sales volume or performance of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving Products during the Measurement Period; provided, however, that
the Buyer agrees that it will pay ten percent (10%) of any Additional Contingent
Payment payable to Sellers in accordance with Section 1.2(b) hereof (in lieu of
and instead of paying such 10% portion of the Additional Contingent Payment to
Sellers) to the six individuals named below in the same proportions as the
salaries of such individuals on the date after the Closing Date bear to each
other, such payment to be made by the Buyer to such individuals on the same date
that the Additional Contingent Payment, if any, is due to Sellers, and such
payment to be made only if the minimum threshold amounts that entitle the six
individuals to receive a bonus under the Buyer's Management Incentive Plan are
met by the Businesses (as determined by Buyer) for both the nine-month period
ending May-3, 1998 and the twelve-month period ending May-2, 1999. The six
individuals that may receive payments under this paragraph are ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇ Bump, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇.
ARTICLE VI
CLOSING CONDITIONS
VI.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligations to Effect the Transactions
Contemplated Hereby.
The respective obligations of each party to effect the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the
Closing Date (subject to Article VIII hereof) of the following conditions:
(a) No Seller Party nor Buyer shall be subject on the Closing Date to any
order, decree or injunction of a court of competent jurisdiction that enjoins or
prohibits the consummation of this Agreement, nor shall there be pending a suit
or proceeding by any governmental authority that seeks injunctive or other
relief in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) The waiting period under the HSR Act, and all extensions thereof, shall
have expired or been terminated by the appropriate regulatory authorities.
. The obligations of Seller Parties to effect the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be further subject to by the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing
Date (subject to Article VIII hereof) of the following conditions, any one or
more of which may be waived by Seller Parties:
(a) All representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such Closing Date as
though made as of such date, except insofar as any such representation or
warranty expressly by its terms relates to any specified earlier date only.
Buyer shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement required to be performed
and complied with by it at or prior to the Closing Date, and Sellers shall have
received a certificate to the matters set forth in this subparagraph (a) signed
on behalf of Buyer by its duly authorized officer.
(b) All documents required to have been delivered by Buyer to Seller
Parties, and all actions required to have been taken by Buyer, at or prior to
the Closing Date, shall have been delivered or taken.
(c) If reasonably requested by Seller Parties, Seller Parties shall have
received an opinion from Buyer's legal counsel, dated the Closing Date and
reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Seller Parties.
(d) Seller Parties shall have received from Buyer copies, certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of resolutions of the Board of Directors of
Buyer authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
all instruments and documents to be delivered in connection herewith and the
transactions contemplated hereby by Buyer.
. The obligations of Buyer to effect any transaction contemplated hereby
shall be further subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date
(subject to Article VIII hereof) of the following conditions, any one or more of
which may be waived by Buyer:
(a) All representations and warranties of any of the Seller Parties
contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects
as of the Closing Date as though made as of such date, except insofar as any
such representation or warranty expressly by its terms relates to any specified
earlier date only. Each Seller Party and Properties shall have performed and
complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements contained in
this Agreement required to be performed and complied with by it at or prior to
the Closing Date, and Buyer shall have received a certificate to the matters set
forth in this subparagraph-(a) signed on behalf of each Seller and the
Shareholder by its duly authorized officer.
(b) All required consents from third parties and governmental authorities
to permit the transfer of the Assets, the assumption of the Contracts, the
assignment of and entry into the Leases, the Factoring Agreements, the discharge
of the Discharged Debt and the operation of the Businesses by the Buyer shall
have been obtained.
(c) All documents required to have been delivered by any Seller Party or
Properties to Buyer, and all actions required to have been taken by any Seller
Party or Properties, at or prior to the Closing Date, shall have been delivered
or taken.
(d) Buyer shall have received an opinion from Sellers' legal counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date and opining
to the matters listed on Exhibit B attached hereto.
(e) Buyer shall have received from Seller Parties and Properties copies,
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each Seller, Properties
and the Shareholder, of resolutions adopted on behalf of each of them
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and all
instruments and documents to be delivered in connection herewith and the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(f) Buyer shall have negotiated and entered into Leases in the forms
attached hereto as Exhibit C and the license in the form of Exhibit D.
(g) Sellers shall have delivered to Buyer the June 28, 1997 audited
financial statements required by Section 5.2 hereof, and such financiaIl
statements shall contain no material adjustments from the unaudited financial
statements previously provided and shall otherwise be satisfactory to Buyer in
its reasonable discretion.
ARTICLE VII
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION
VII.1. Survival of Representations. All representations, warranties and
agreements made by the parties to this Agreement or pursuant hereto shall
survive the Closing, but all claims made by virtue of such representations,
warranties and agreements shall be made under, and subject to the limitations
set forth in, this Article VII.
. VII.2. Seller Parties' Agreement to Indemnify
(a) Subject to the conditions and provisions set forth herein,
each of the Seller Parties (the "Indemnifying Parties") will jointly
and severally defend, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer, its
directors, officers, employees, agents, subsidiaries, and
shareholders, and each of their heirs, successors and assigns, against
and in respect of:
(i) Any and all loss, damage or deficiency resulting from any
misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or other violation of any of
the covenants, warranties or representations contained in this
Agreement or any documents delivered by any Seller Party pursuant to
Article-VI (except the audited financial statements as of June 28,
1997 delivered pursuant to Section 6.3(g) hereof), or nonfulfillment
of any agreement, on the part of any Seller Party or Properties under
this Agreement or any documents delivered by any Seller Party pursuant
to Article VI (except the audited financial statements as of June 28,
1997 delivered pursuant to Section 6.3(g) hereof), or from any
misrepresentation in or omission from any certificate or other
instrument furnished to Buyer hereunder; provided, however, that Buyer
has no indemnification rights with respect to breaches of the
representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.24 and 3.25,
except as provided in Sections 7.2(c) and (d);
(ii) Any and all liabilities or obligations of Buyer with respect
to or arising out of the ownership or operation of the Assets or the
Businesses on or prior to the Closing Date, whether accrued,
unaccrued, known, unknown, fixed, contingent, absolute or otherwise,
other than those expressly assumed by Buyer hereunder and those
covered under Section 7.2(a)(iii);
(iii) all claims (including without limitation claims for
personal injury or death, claims for property damages and all other
private party claims and claims by governmental authorities or
entities of any type), damages, pending or threatened actions,
administrative proceedings (whether formal or informal proceedings),
investigation costs, monitoring costs, assessment costs, response
costs, remedial costs, removal costs, restoration costs, governmental
requirements, judgments, losses of or damages to natural resources,
penalties, liens, fines, settlements, punitive damages, interest and
other losses, costs and liabilities of any kind (including without
limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and expert
witness fees) arising in any manner out of or by reason of (1)-breach
of the warranties and representations in Section 3.23 above, (2)-any
violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law by any Seller
Party or with respect to the Real Property that occurs prior to
Closing and/or results from any Seller Party's acts or omissions,
(3)-any contamination or threatened or suspected contamination of the
Real Property (or any part thereof including without limitation the
soil and groundwater thereunder) by Hazardous Materials that first
prior to Closing (except for Hazardous Materials brought to the Real
Property or released at or on the Real Property by Buyer or by an
agent or invitee of Buyer) and/or results from any Seller Party's or
Properties' acts or omissions, and/or (4) any presence, generation,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release, suspected release or
threatened release of Hazardous Materials on or from the Real Property
(or any part thereof including without limitation the soil and
groundwater thereunder) that first prior to Closing (except for
Hazardous Materials brought to the Real Property or released at or on
the Real Property by Buyer or by an agent or invitee of Buyer) and/or
results from any Seller Party's or Properties' acts or omissions.
Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof: (a) Buyer shall have no
right to undertake any intrusive sampling of any real property leased
to Buyer pursuant to the Leases (the "Leased Properties") except as
may be finally ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or an
authorized governmental agency; (b) Buyer shall give Shareholder and
the lessor of any Leased Property notice of any inquiry, demand, or
other communication or notice received by Buyer with respect to any
matter relating to violation of Environmental Laws with respect to
such Leased Property, or relating to any alleged or potential
violation of any Environmental Law by any Seller Party, Properties or
such lessor of Leased Properties, and Seller Parties shall be
responsible for responding to and resolving such inquiry, demand or
other communication or notice (and if such inquiry, demand or other
communication or notice shall become a Claim as defined in Section
7.2(b)(i), Section 7.2(b) shall be applicable with respect thereto);
and (c) Buyer shall not initiate any claims against any Seller Party,
Properties or lessor of any Leased Property with respect to matters
disclosed in Schedule 3.23, except to the extent that a Claim as
provided in Section 7.2(b)(i) with respect thereto has been asserted
against Buyer, in which event Section 7.2(b) shall apply.
(iv) Any and all claims, losses, liabilities or expenses
resulting from noncompliance with any bulk sale laws resulting from
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and
(v) Any and all claims, costs, damages, liabilities,
deficiencies, losses or expenses suffered or incurred by any such
party (whether as a result of third party claims (whether valid or
not), demands, suits, causes of action, proceedings, investigations,
judgments, assessments, liabilities or otherwise), including costs of
investigation and defense and attorneys' fees assessed, incurred or
sustained by or against any of them, with respect to or arising out of
any of the foregoing.
No indemnification shall be required to be made under this Section 7.2
until the aggregate amount of Buyer's damages exceeds $100,000 ("Buyer's
Threshold"), and if Buyer's damages exceed such amount then the Indemnifying
Parties shall indemnify the Buyer for the full amount of Buyer's damages only to
the extent in excess of the initial $100,000. It is further agreed that the
liability of the Indemnifying Parties pursuant to this indemnification provision
shall be limited to Claims (as defined below) asserted by Buyer within two years
("Buyer's Time Limit") after the Closing Date, and the total amounts payable by
the Indemnifying Parties pursuant to this Section 7.2(a) shall be limited to
$5,000,000 ("Buyer's Maximum"); provided, however, that neither Buyer's
Threshold, Buyer's Time Limit nor Buyer's Maximum shall apply to claims
(i)-arising under Section 7.2(a)(iii) (or Section 7.2(a)(v) to the extent
related to a claim under Section 7.2(a)(iii)), (ii)-relating to Taxes or
(iii)-arising from a breach of the representations and warranties contained in
Section 3.14; neither Buyer's Threshold nor Buyer's Maximum shall apply to
claims arising under Section 5.8; and the Buyer's Threshold shall not apply to
claims arising under Section 5.6(b) or Section 7.2(c).
(b) Claims.
(i) Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.2(c), within 30
days after receiving written notice thereof, Buyer will give the
Indemnifying Parties notice of any claims, demands, assessments,
suits, judgments, proceedings or other actions (for purposes of this
Section and Section-7.3, any "Claims") asserted against (by third
parties, governmental entities, or otherwise) or incurred by Buyer
with respect to which Buyer intends to claim indemnification from the
Indemnifying Parties pursuant to Section 7.2(a), and the Indemnifying
Parties will undertake the response or defense thereof by counsel of
their own choosing, provided that such counsel shall be reasonably
acceptable to Buyer. Buyer may, by counsel, participate in such
proceedings, negotiations or defense at its own expense
(notwithstanding Section 7.2(a)(v)), but the Indemnifying Parties
shall retain control over such proceedings, negotiation or litigation
except as hereinafter set forth. In all such cases, Buyer shall give
reasonable assistance to the Indemnifying Parties, including making
Buyer's employees available without charge as reasonably requested.
(ii) In the event that within 45 days (or such lesser time as may
be required by law to respond to a Claim) after written notice of any
such Claim, the Indemnifying Parties fail to notify Buyer of their
intention to respond or defend, Buyer will have the right to undertake
the defense, compromise or settlement of such Claim for the account of
the Indemnifying Parties, subject to the right of the Indemnifying
Parties to assume the defense, compromise or settlement of such Claim
at any time prior to final settlement, compromise or determination
thereof.
(c) Product Warranty Claims. If, within one year following the Closing
Date, any person who purchased merchandise from any Seller prior to the Closing
Date shall
(i) claim that such merchandise shipped by such Seller prior to
the Closing Date was defective, nonconforming or otherwise failed to
meet specifications, or failed to comply with warranties of such
Seller, or
(ii) otherwise assert any claim relating to a breach of the
representations and warranties in Section 3.24 (collectively, "Product
Warranty Claims"), Buyer shall be entitled to settle such Product
Warranty Claims on terms as it may determine in its reasonable
discretion, acting in good faith and materially consistent with
Sellers' past practices with regard to such settlements ("Product
Warranty Settlements"); provided, however, that Buyer shall give
Sellers and Sellers' accountant notice not less than ten (10) days in
advance of any proposed Product Warranty Settlement in excess of
$5,000. Seller Parties agree to make payment within 15 days of the end
of each of the first four three-month periods following the Closing
Date of an amount equal to the net loss of Buyer on account of Product
Warranty Settlements made by Buyer during each such three-month
period. Buyer will notify Sellers of the amount of such net loss on
the account of such Product Warranty Settlements within each such
three-month period as soon as practicable after the end of each such
three-month period. Seller Parties shall have no liability with
respect to any Product Liability Claims unless, and only to the extent
that, the net loss to Buyer on account of the Product Warranty
Settlements paid by Buyer shall exceed $75,000, and Sellers shall have
no liability or responsibility to Buyer hereunder with respect to any
Product Warranty Claims made more than one year following the Closing
Date. For this purpose, the net loss to Buyer on account of Product
Warranty Settlements shall equal the amounts paid by Buyer with
respect to such Settlements less the amounts received or expected to
be received on resale (as seconds or otherwise) or other rebates,
credits or amounts that Buyer may receive as a result of paying any
such Settlement. Buyer shall act in good faith to maximize such
amounts received on resale or other rebates, credits and amounts. Upon
request of Sellers, Buyers will provide information to Sellers and
their accountant to demonstrate Buyer's calculation of the amounts
owed to Buyer pursuant to this Section 7.2(c). If, within five (5)
days after notification thereof, Sellers and Sellers' accountant
dispute the amount owed to Buyer as calculated by Buyer or the amount
of any proposed Product Warranty Settlement in excess of $5,000, the
dispute will be submitted to binding arbitration as provided herein.
Buyer and Seller Parties shall appoint a mutually acceptable
arbitrator from a list of arbitrators recognized by the American
Arbitration Association ("AAA") to resolve the disagreement. If Buyer
and Seller Parties cannot agree on a mutually acceptable arbitrator,
each shall appoint an arbitrator of choice from a list of arbitrators
recognized by the AAA and the appointed arbitrators shall appoint a
third arbitrator from the list, and the three arbitrators shall hear
the parties and settle the disagreement. The proceedings shall be
conducted under and governed by the Commercial Rules of the American
Arbitration Association, as in effect from time to time. All
arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the State of North
Carolina. The arbitrator(s) shall have no power to award punitive or
exemplary damages, to ignore or vary the terms of this Agreement and
shall be bound to apply controlling law. Determination of the amount
owed or the Product Warranty Settlement and the resolution of any such
dispute by the arbitrator(s) will be binding. The Seller Parties and
Buyer shall each bear one-half of the cost of the arbitrator(s)
engaged to resolve a dispute under this Section 7.2(c).
(d) Product Liability Claims. With respect to claims that relate
to product liability or a breach of the representations and warranties
contained in Section 3.25 ("Product Liability Claims" and "Product
Liability Settlements"), to the extent that Product Liability Claims
or Product Liability Settlements are covered by insurance maintained
by Seller Parties, Buyer agrees to process and defend such claims for
the benefit of Sellers, subject to Seller Parties' or their insurer's
prompt reimbursement of Buyers upon demand for all costs, liabilities
and expenses to third parties incurred by Buyer (subject to approval
by Seller if more than $2,500 for any individual item, such approval
not to be unreasonably withheld) in connection with Product Liability
Claims or Product Liability Settlements (including without limitation
those items specified in Section 7.2(a)(v) that are related to a
Product Liability Claim or a Product Liability Settlement). To the
extent not fully covered by insurance maintained by Seller Parties,
Seller Parties will indemnify Buyer against all Product Liability
Claims as if such Claims are governed by Section 7.2(a) and subject to
the limitations therein.
(e) Guarantee by ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. S.-▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereby
unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees any and all obligations of
the Seller Parties to the Buyer under this Section 7.2. This is a
guarantee of payment, and ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that if the Seller
Parties do not make payment of their obligations to Buyer under this
Section 7.2 when due, ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will pay on demand all such
obligations without Buyer first having to proceed against any Seller
Party.
VII.3. Buyer's Agreement to Indemnify. (a) Subject to the
conditions and provisions set forth herein, Buyer will defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the Seller Parties, their directors,
officers, members, managers, employees, agents, shareholders, and
their successors and assigns, against and in respect of:
(i) Any and all loss, damage or deficiency resulting from any
misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or other violation of any of
the covenants, warranties or representations contained in this
Agreement or any documents delivered by Buyer pursuant to Article VI,
or nonfulfillment of any agreement or any documents delivered by Buyer
pursuant to Article VI, on the part of Buyer under this Agreement or
from any misrepresentation in or omission from any certificate or
other instrument furnished to Seller Parties hereunder;
(ii) Any and all liabilities and obligations assumed by Buyer as
provided herein as well as those liabilities and obligations of Buyer
(or any of its Successors) that arise after the Closing Date with
respect to the operation of the Businesses after that date; and
(iii) Any and all claims, costs, damages, liabilities,
deficiencies, losses or expenses suffered or incurred by any such
party (whether as a result of third party claims (whether valid or
not), demands, suits, causes of action, proceedings, investigations,
judgments, assessments, liabilities or otherwise), including costs of
investigation and defense and attorneys' fees assessed, incurred or
sustained by or against any of them, with respect to or arising out of
any of the foregoing.
(b) Claims.
(i) Within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof,
Sellers will give Buyer notice of any Claims asserted against (by
third parties, governmental entities, or otherwise) or incurred by
Seller Parties with respect to which Seller Parties intend to claim
indemnification from Buyer, and Buyer will undertake the response or
defense thereof by counsel of its own choosing, provided that such
counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to Seller Parties. Seller
Parties may, by counsel, participate in such proceedings, negotiations
or defense at their own expense (notwithstanding Section 7.3(a)(iii)),
but Buyer shall retain control over such proceedings, negotiation or
litigation except as hereinafter set forth. In all such cases, Seller
Parties shall give reasonable assistance to Buyer, including making
Seller Parties' employees available without charge as reasonably
requested.
(ii) In the event that within 20 days after written notice of any
such Claim, Buyer fails to notify Seller Parties of its intention to
respond or defend, Seller Parties will have the right to undertake the
defense, compromise or settlement of such Claim for the account of
Buyer, subject to the right of Buyer to assume the defense, compromise
or settlement of such Claim at any time prior to final settlement,
compromise or determination thereof.
No indemnification shall be required to be made under this
Section 7.3 until the aggregate amount of Seller Parties' damages
exceeds $100,000 ("Sellers' Threshold"), and if Seller Parties'
damages exceed such amount then Buyer shall indemnify Seller Parties
for the full amount of Buyer's damages only to the extent in excess of
the initial $100,000. It is further agreed that the liability of the
Buyer pursuant to this indemnification provision shall be limited to
Claims (as defined above) asserted by Seller Parties within two years
after the Closing Date; provided, however, that Sellers' Threshold
shall not apply to any obligations or liabilities expressly assumed by
Buyer pursuant to Section 1.4.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
VIII.1. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated:
(a) at any time by mutual consent of Shareholder and Buyer;
(b) by either party, if Closing hereunder has not taken place on
or before August 31, 1997 for reasons other than delay or
nonperformance on the part of the party seeking such termination.
(c) by Seller Parties if all the conditions in Section 6.1 and
6.2 have not been satisfied or waived by the Closing Date; and
(d) by Buyer if all the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 and
6.3 have not been satisfied or waived by the Closing Date.
. VIII.2. Procedure and Effect of Termination or Failure to Close
(a)In the event of termination of this Agreement and abandonment of
the transactions contemplated hereby by any or all of the parties
pursuant to Section 8.1, prompt written notice thereof shall be given
to the other parties and this Agreement shall terminate and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned, without further
action by any of the parties hereto. If this Agreement is terminated
as provided herein:
(i) None of the parties hereto nor any of their partners,
directors, officers, members, managers, shareholders, employees,
agents, or affiliates shall have any liability or further obligation
to the other party or any of its partners, directors, officers,
members, managers, shareholders, employees, agents, or affiliates
pursuant to this Agreement with respect to which termination has
occurred, except as stated in Article VII or in Section 8.2(b) and in
Sections 9.1 and 9.2 hereof; and
(ii) All filings, applications and other submissions relating to
the transfer of the Assets shall, to the extent practicable, be
withdrawn from the agency or other person to which made.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, including, without limitation, Article-VII, in the event of
termination of this Agreement, or if pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement (i) Sellers shall be obligated to sell the Assets and Buyer
shall be obligated to purchase the Assets, (ii) Buyer or Seller
Parties and Properties, as the case may be, shall have duly satisfied
each of the conditions set forth in Article VI hereof to be satisfied
by it or them (or in the case of any condition that is to be satisfied
at the Closing, shall have demonstrated a willingness and ability to
satisfy such condition if the Closing were to take place), and the
conditions set forth in Section 6.1 have been satisfied, and (iii)
Sellers or Buyer, as the case may be, shall nevertheless fail to sell
or purchase the Assets, then and in that event, Buyer and Seller
Parties, as the case may be, shall be entitled to seek any remedy to
which they may be entitled at law or in equity in the event of a
material violation or breach of any agreement, representation or
warranty contained in this Agreement (which remedies shall include,
without limitation, with respect to both Buyer and Seller Parties, an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of, or to obtain
specific performance of any obligation hereunder, without limiting any
monetary damages to which Buyer or Seller Parties, as the case may be,
shall be entitled).
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
IX.1. Commissions. Seller Parties, on the one hand, and Buyer, on
the other hand, each represent and warrant to the other that no
broker, finder or other person is entitled to any brokerage fees,
commissions or finder's fees in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby by reason of any action taken by the party making
such representation. Seller Parties and Buyer each will pay or
otherwise discharge, and will indemnify and hold the other harmless
from and against, any and all claims or liabilities for all brokerage
fees, commissions and finder's fees incurred by reason of any action
taken by such party.
. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated, except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and
expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby will be paid by the party incurring
such costs and expenses, provided, however, that Buyer on the one
hand, and the Seller Parties collectively on the other hand, will each
bear one-half of the filing fee incurred in complying with the HSR Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Federal
Trade Commission. With regard to costs associated with transferring
the Assets to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, Seller Parties will
pay any sales or use taxes and transfer taxes or fees, and Buyer will
pay any recording fees.
. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of
the parties hereto will use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause
to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations
to consummate and make effective the sale of the Assets pursuant to
this Agreement. From time to time after the Closing Date, without
further consideration, each Seller Party will, at its expense, execute
and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such documents to
Buyer as Buyer may reasonably request in order to more effectively
vest in Buyer good title to the Assets. From time to time after the
Closing Date, without further consideration, Buyer will, at Buyer's
expense, execute and deliver such documents to Seller Parties as
Seller Parties may reasonably request in order more effectively to
consummate the sale and lease of the Assets pursuant to this
Agreement.
. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by
written agreement of Seller Parties and Buyer.
. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any failure of
any of the parties to comply with any obligation, representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived by the
party entitled to the benefits thereof only by a written instrument
signed by the party granting such waiver, but such waiver or failure
to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a
waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other
failure. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits consent by or on
behalf of any party hereto, such consent shall be given in writing in
a manner consistent with the requirements for a waiver of compliance
as set forth in this Section 9.5.
. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given when delivered by hand or by
facsimile transmission or mailed by registered or certified mail
(return receipt requested), postage prepaid, to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice; provided that notices of a change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt thereof):
(a) If to Buyer, to:
▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Copies to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-& ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
(b) If to Seller Parties, Properties or ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Industries, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Copies to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇
1600 BB&T Financial Center
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
. The parties agree that, following the Closing Date, Buyer will
provide the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ with certain transitional accounting
services for the months of August and September 1997, and Buyer
anticipates hiring a temporary employee in connection with such
services. Buyer's employees will supervise and assist, at no cost to
the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, such temporary employee in providing such
transitional services, but the costs of such temporary employee will
be borne by the Seller Parties and paid promptly upon Buyer's demand.
. The parties agree that Buyer may, at its election, satisfy and
set-off any payments due Buyer from any Seller Parties under this
Agreement against any payments due from Buyer to any Seller Party
(other than payments due to ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under Section 5.7(b))
under this Agreement.
. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that
this Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the consent of
the other parties, except that Buyer may assign its rights and
obligations under this Agreement to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer
provided that Buyer guarantees the payment and performance of the
obligations of such subsidiary hereunder.
. The execution, interpretation and performance of this Agreement
shall be governed by the internal laws and judicial decisions of the
State of North Carolina.
. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
. The article and section headings contained in this Agreement
are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement
of the parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
. This Agreement, including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto and
the documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement, embody the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the
subject matter hereof. The Exhibits and Schedules hereto are an
integral part of this Agreement and are incorporated by reference
herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, whether written, oral, or otherwise, between the
parties with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller Parties and Buyer have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized officers as
of the date first above written.
SELLERS:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ WEAVING ▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name: ___________________________
Title: __________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PRINTING ▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name:___________________________
Title:__________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ VELVET ▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name:___________________________
Title:__________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name:___________________________
Title:__________________________
(signatures continued)
1
PROPERTIES:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC
By: ________________________________
Name:___________________________
Title:__________________________
SHAREHOLDER:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name:___________________________
Title:__________________________
________________________________(SEAL)
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
BUYER:
▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
SALE OF ASSETS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
1.1. The Sale...........................................................1
1.2. Purchase Price.....................................................4
1.3. Proration of Expenses..............................................8
1.4. Assignment and Assumption of Obligations and Liabilities...........9
1.5. Procedures for Assets Not Transferable.............................9
1.6. Allocations.......................................................10
ARTICLE II
THE CLOSING
2.1. Time and Place of Closing.........................................10
2.2. Deliveries by Sellers.............................................10
2.3. Deliveries by Buyer...............................................10
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
3.1. Existence; Capital Stock and Ownership............................11
3.2. Authority Relative to this Agreement..............................11
3.3. Consent and Approvals; No Violation...............................12
3.4. Financial Statements..............................................12
3.5. Undisclosed Liabilities...........................................12
3.6. Absence of Certain Changes or Events..............................12
3.7. Certain Contracts and Arrangements................................13
3.8. Litigation........................................................14
3.9. Labor Matters.....................................................14
3.10. Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA.....................................14
3.11. Tax Matters.......................................................17
3.12. Licenses and Authorizations.......................................17
3.13. Compliance with Laws..............................................18
3.14. Title to Assets...................................................18
3.15. Bank Accounts.....................................................18
3.16. Corporate and Personnel Data; Labor Relations.....................18
3.17. Insurance.........................................................18
3.18. Tangible Assets...................................................19
3.19. Real Property.....................................................19
3.20. Customers.........................................................19
3.21. [Intentionally Omitted]...........................................19
3.22. Intellectual Property.............................................19
3.23. Environmental Matters.............................................20
3.24. Product Warranty..................................................22
3.25. Product Liability.................................................22
3.26. Disclosure........................................................22
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
4.1. Organization......................................................23
4.2. Authority Relative to this Agreement..............................23
4.3. Consents and Approvals; No Violation..............................23
4.4. Qualification.....................................................23
4.5. Litigation........................................................24
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
5.1. Conduct of Business...............................................24
5.2. Financial Statements..............................................25
5.3. Access to Information; Confidentiality............................25
5.4. Change of Corporate Name..........................................26
5.5. Filings...........................................................27
5.6. Employees and Employee Benefits...................................27
5.7. Noncompetition....................................................29
5.8. Closing Inventory.................................................30
5.9. Trade Names.......................................................31
5.10. Other Actions.....................................................31
5.11. Corporate Action..................................................31
5.12. No Side Agreements................................................31
ARTICLE VI
CLOSING CONDITIONS
6.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligations to
Effect the Transactions Contemplated Hereby.......................32
6.2. Conditions to the Obligations of Seller Parties to
Effect the Transactions Contemplated Hereby.......................32
6.3. Conditions to the Obligations of Buyer to
Effect the Transactions Contemplated Hereby.......................33
ARTICLE VII
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION
7.1. Survival of Representations.......................................34
7.2. Seller Parties' Agreement to Indemnify............................34
7.3. Buyer's Agreement to Indemnify....................................40
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
8.1. Termination.......................................................42
8.2. Procedure and Effect of Termination or Failure to Close...........42
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9.1. Commissions.......................................................43
9.2. Expenses..........................................................43
9.3. Further Assurances................................................43
9.4. Amendment and Modification........................................44
9.5. Waiver of Compliance; Consents....................................44
9.6. Notices...........................................................44
9.7. Transition Services...............................................45
9.8. Right of Set-Off..................................................45
9.9. Assignment........................................................45
9.10. Governing Law; Jurisdiction.......................................46
9.11. Counterparts......................................................46
9.12. Interpretation....................................................46
9.13. Entire Agreement..................................................46
EXHIBITS
A Option Agreement
B Opinion of Counsel to Sellers
C Leases
D License
SCHEDULES
1.1(i) Tangible Personal Property
1.1(ii) Contracts; Required Consents
1.1(vi) Prepaid Expenses, Bond, Deposits, Etc.
1.4(b) Discharged Debt
2.2(b) Liens to be Released at Closing
3.1 Capital Stock Ownership and States Where Sellers Do Business
3.3 Contract Defaults
3.5 Undisclosed Liabilities
3.6 Absence of Changes
3.7 Other Contracts; Required Consents
3.8 Litigation
3.9 Labor Matters
3.10 Benefit Plans
3.12 Licenses, Authorizations
3.14 Exceptions to Title
3.15 Bank Accounts
3.16 Corporate and Personnel Data
3.17 Insurance
3.22 Intellectual Property
3.23 Environmental Matters
2
C-446086v01!.02340.01192
C-446086v01!.02340.01192
Exhibit A
OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS OPTION AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 4th day of
August, 1997 (this "Agreement") by and between ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North
Carolina corporation (the "Company") and ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
("▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇").
Background Statement
Pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated the date hereof
among the Company, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc., ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Printing
▇▇▇▇▇, Inc., ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Velvet ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc., ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇,
Incorporated, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Property Company, LLC, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Industries,
Inc. and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (the "Purchase Agreement"), the Company has agreed
to acquire the Assets (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has agreed to refrain from competing with the Company, each
for the consideration set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The
consideration for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇' agreement not to compete includes the
grant of options to acquire 100,000 shares of the common stock of the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
(capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning
assigned to such terms in the Purchase Agreement).
Statement of Agreement
In consideration of the Company's purchase of the Assets under
the Purchase Agreement, the premises and mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree
as follows:
1. Grant of Options. The Company hereby grants to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ stock
options, exercisable at any time for a term of six (6) years from the
Closing Date (the "Options") to purchase 100,000 shares of the
Company's common stock (the "Shares") at the exercise price of $17.625
per share (the closing price of the Company's common stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on the date next preceding the Closing Date). The
Options will be non-qualified stock options for purposes of Section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and neither the Options nor the
Shares have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act") or any state securities law.
2. Investment Representations and Warranties of Holder. (a)-In
connection with the acceptance by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ of the Options and Shares,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that he is familiar with the operation of the
Company to the extent of the information furnished by the Company in
its published reports (including documents filed with the SEC or other
information required to be prepared pursuant to federal securities
laws); that he has had an opportunity to inspect the Company's most
recent financial information (including annual and quarterly reports
on Form 10-K and 10-Q, respectively, and any interim press releases)
and to ask questions of management concerning the Company; and that he
has received adequate information to enable him to make an informed
decision with respect to his ownership of the Options and Shares.
(b) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is (check all that apply):
_________ (i) A natural person whose net worth (either
individually or jointly with such person's spouse) at the time of the
Closing exceeds $1,000,000.
_________ (ii) A natural person who had an individual income in
excess of $200,000 or joint income with such person's spouse in excess
of $300,000 in each of the last two calendar years and who reasonably
expects to reach the same income level in the current calendar year.
_________ (iii) A corporation, organization described in Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
Massachusetts or similar business trust, or partnership, not formed
for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares, with total assets in
excess of $5,000,000.
_________ (iv) An entity in which all of the equity owners fit
into at least one of the categories listed under paragraphs (i)
through (iii) above.
(c) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has sufficient knowledge and experience in investing
in companies similar to the Company so as to be able to evaluate the
risks and merits of his investment in the Company, and he is able
financially to bear the risks thereof and could afford the complete
loss thereof.
(d) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is a resident of, and is domiciled in, the state set
forth in his address below.
(e) The Options and Shares are being acquired by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for his
own account, for investment, and not with a view to or for sale in
connection with any unregistered distribution thereof in violation of
the Securities Act or any state securities law.
(f) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ understands that the Options and Shares have not
been registered under the Securities Act and that, unless sold
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
Act, (i)'the Options and Shares must be held for any applicable
holding period under Rule 144 of the Securities Act or any successor
rule or regulation, unless a subsequent disposition thereof is
registered under the Securities Act or is exempt from such
registration, (ii)'the certificate(s) representing the Shares will
bear a legend to such effect, and (iii)'the Company will make or cause
to be made a notation on its transfer books to such effect.
(g) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has no contract, arrangement or understanding with
any broker, finder or similar agent with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(h) In addition to the indemnification provided in Section 8(b)
hereof, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereby agrees and confirms that he will indemnify and
hold harmless the Company, each of its officers and directors, and
each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
the Securities Act, against any loss, claims, damages, or liabilities,
joint or several (including attorneys' fees) that may arise out of or
are based on any breach of the representations and warranties of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ contained in this Agreement.
3. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:
(a) The term "Blackout Period" means any period (A) beginning on
the date on which the Company notifies the Holder (as defined below)
that (i) management of the Company, in its good faith judgment, has
determined that there are material developments with respect to the
Company such that it would be seriously detrimental to the Company and
its shareholders to utilize a registration statement pursuant to
Section 4 below; or (ii) management of the Company, in its good faith
judgment, has determined that financial statements with respect to the
Company, which may be required to utilize a registration statement
pursuant to Section 4 below, are unavailable, and (B) ending on the
date (1) with respect to clause (i) above, as soon as practicable but
not more than 30 days after the date on which the Company notifies the
Holders of management's determination; and (2) with respect to clause
(ii) above, as soon as financial statements sufficient to permit
Company to file or permit the utilization of a registration statement
under the Securities Act have become available.
(b) The term "Holder" or "Holders" means the person or persons
owning or having the right to acquire Registrable Securities (as
defined below).
(c) The term "Maximum Includable Securities" shall mean the
maximum number of shares of each type or class of the Company's
securities that a managing or principal underwriter, in its good faith
judgment, deems practicable to offer and sell at that time in a firm
commitment underwritten offering without materially and adversely
affecting the marketability or price of the securities of the Company
to be offered. If more than one type or class of the Company's
securities are to be included in a registration, the managing or
principal underwriter of the offering shall designate the maximum
number of each such type or class of securities that is included in
the Maximum Includable Securities.
(d) The term "Optionee" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or the person or persons
having the right, pursuant to Section 9 below, to exercise these
Options.
(e) The terms "register," "registered," and "registration" refer
to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration
statement or similar document in compliance with the Securities Act,
and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration
statement or document.
(f) The term "Registrable Security" shall refer to (i)-the
Shares, and (ii)-any shares of common stock or other securities of the
Company that may subsequently be issued or issuable with respect to
the Shares as a result of a stock split or dividend and any securities
into which the Shares may thereafter be changed as a result of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, or otherwise. As to any particular
Registrable Securities, such securities will cease to be Registrable
Securities when they (i) have been distributed to the public pursuant
to an offering registered under the Securities Act, (ii) have been
sold to the public through a broker, dealer, or market-maker in
compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act or (iii) become
eligible for sale in accordance with Rule 144(k) under the Securities
Act.
(g) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
4. Piggy-Back Registration Rights.
(a) Except as provided in Section 4(d), if at any time the
Company proposes to file on its behalf and/or on behalf of any of its
securityholders a registration statement under the Securities Act on
Form ▇-▇, ▇-▇, or S-3 (or any other appropriate form for the general
registration of securities) with respect to any of its capital stock
or other securities, the Company shall give each Holder written notice
at least 20 days before the filing with the SEC of such registration
statement. If any Holder desires to have Registrable Securities
registered pursuant to this Section 4, such Holder shall so advise the
Company in writing within 10 days after the date of mailing of such
notice from the Company. The Company shall thereupon include in such
filing the number of Registrable Securities for which registration is
so requested, subject to its right to reduce the number of Registrable
Securities as hereinafter provided, and shall use its best efforts to
effect registration under the Securities Act of such Registrable
Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be
required to provide notice of filing of a registration statement and
to include therein any Registrable Securities if the proposed
registration is
(i) a registration of stock options, stock purchases, or
compensation or incentive plans, or of securities issued or issuable
pursuant to any such plan, or a dividend reinvestment plan, on Form
S-8 or other comparable form then in effect; or
(ii) a registration of securities proposed to be issued in
exchange for securities or assets of, or in connection with, a merger
or consolidation with another corporation.
(b) In the event the offering in which any Holder's Registrable
Securities are to be included pursuant to this Section 4 is to be
underwritten, the Company shall furnish the Holder or Holders with a
written statement of the managing or principal underwriter as to the
Maximum Includable Securities as soon as practicable after the
expiration of the 10-day period provided for in Section 4(a). If the
total number of securities proposed to be included in such
registration statement is in excess of the Maximum Includable
Securities, the number of securities to be included within the
coverage of such registration statement shall be reduced to the
Maximum Includable Securities as follows:
(i) no reduction shall be made in the number of shares of capital
stock or other securities to be registered for the account of the
Company or on behalf of any of its securityholders that have the right
to require the Company to initiate a registration of such securities
(the "Demand Holders"); and
(ii) the number of Registrable Securities and other securities
that may be included in the registration, if any, shall be allocated
among the Holder or Holders and holders of other securities (the
"Other Holders") requesting inclusion on a pro rata basis, with the
number of each type or class of securities of each Holder and Other
Holder thereof included in the registration to be that number
determined by multiplying (A)-the total number of such type or class
of security included in the Maximum Includable Securities less (B)-the
number of such type or class of security to be registered for the
account of the Company and any Demand Holders, by a fraction, the
numerator of which will be the total number of such type or class of
security that such Holder or Other Holder owns, and the denominator of
which will be the total number of such type or class of security owned
by all Holders and Other Holders that have requested inclusion of such
type or class of security in the registration.
(c) The Company shall, in its sole discretion, select the
underwriter or underwriters, if any, that are to undertake the sale
and distribution of the Registrable Securities to be included in a
registration statement filed under the provisions of this Section 4.
(d) The provisions of this Section 4 shall not apply to any
Holders requesting registration pursuant to this Section 4 that are or
may be free, at the time, to sell within the next 90-day period all of
the Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration was
requested in accordance with Rule 144 (or any similar rule or
regulation) under the Securities Act.
5. Obligations of the Company. Whenever required under Section 4
to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company
shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(a) Prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on
such form as the Company deems appropriate with respect to such
Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause
such registration statement to become effective. With respect to
registration statements filed pursuant to Section 4 hereof, upon the
request of the Holder or Holders of a majority of the Registrable
Securities registered thereunder, the Company shall keep such
registration statement effective for up to 180 days, or such shorter
period as is reasonably required to dispose of all securities covered
by such registration statement.
(b) Notify the Holder or Holders promptly after it has received
notice of the time when such registration statement has become
effective or any supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such
registration statement has been filed.
(c) Prepare and file with the SEC, and promptly notify the Holder
or Holders of the filing of, such amendments and supplements to such
registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such
registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the
provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of
all securities covered by such registration statement.
(d) Advise each Holder promptly after it has received notice or
obtained knowledge thereof of the issuance of any stop order by the
SEC suspending the effectiveness of any such registration statement or
the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and
promptly use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop
order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued.
(e) Furnish to the Holder or Holders such numbers of copies of a
prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the
requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as they
may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of
Registrable Securities owned by them.
(f) Use its best efforts to register and qualify the securities
covered by such registration statement under such other securities or
Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested
by the Holder or Holders, if required, provided that the Company shall
not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to
qualify to do business, to file a general consent to service of
process, or to become subject to tax liability in any such states or
jurisdictions, or to agree to any restrictions as to the conduct of
its business in the ordinary course thereof.
(g) In the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into
and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual
and customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering,
together with each Holder participating in such underwritten offering,
as provided in Section 6(c).
(h) Prepare and promptly file with the SEC, and promptly notify
such Holders of the filing of, any amendment or supplement to such
registration statement or prospectus as may be necessary to correct
any statements or omissions if, at the time when a prospectus relating
to such securities is required to be delivered under the Securities
Act, any event has occurred as the result of which any such prospectus
must be amended in order that it does not make any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were
made, not misleading.
(i) In case any of such Holders or any underwriter for any such
Holders is required to deliver a prospectus at a time when the
prospectus then in effect may no longer be used under the Securities
Act, prepare promptly upon request such amendment or amendments to
such registration statement and such prospectus as may be necessary to
permit compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act.
(j) If any of the Registrable Securities are then listed on any
securities exchange or quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System,
the Company will cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such
registration statement to be listed on such exchange or quoted on the
NASDAQ National Market System.
6. Obligations of Holders. It shall be a condition precedent to
the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this
Agreement that each of the selling Holders shall:
(a) Furnish to the Company such information regarding themselves,
the Registrable Securities held by them, the intended method of sale
or other disposition of such securities, the identity of and
compensation to be paid to any underwriters proposed to be employed in
connection with such sale or other disposition, and such other
information as may reasonably be required to effect the registration
of their Registrable Securities.
(b) Notify the Company, at any time when a prospectus relating to
Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement is required
to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any
event with respect to such selling Holder as a result of which the
prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect,
includes an untrue statement of a material fact 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) In the event of any underwritten public offering, each Holder
participating in such underwriting shall enter into and perform its
obligations under the underwriting agreement for such offering, and if
requested to do so by the underwriters managing such offering, each
Holder shall enter into a customary lock-up agreement.
7. Expenses of Piggy-Back Registration. The Company shall bear
and pay all expenses incurred in connection with any registration,
filing, or qualification of Registrable Securities with respect to
each of the registrations pursuant to Section 4 (other than
underwriting discounts and commissions with respect to Registrable
Securities included in such registration and any fees and costs of the
Holders' legal counsel or other advisors), including (without
limitation) all registration, filing, and qualification fees, Blue Sky
fees and expenses, printers' and accounting fees, costs of listing on
any securities exchange or authorization for quotation of such
securities on NASDAQ, costs of furnishing such copies of each
preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, and amendments thereto as
each Holder may reasonably request, and fees disbursements of counsel
for the Company.
8. Indemnification. In the event any Registrable Securities are
included in a registration statement under this Agreement:
(a) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent
permitted by law, each Holder, the officers and directors of each
Holder, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for such
Holder and each person, if any, who controls such Holder or
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), against any losses,
claims, damages, or liabilities (joint or several) to which any such
person or persons may become subject under the Securities Act, the
1934 Act, or other federal or state law, insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise
out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions,
or violations (collectively a "Violation"): (i) any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
registration statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final
prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto,
or (ii) 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, and the Company will reimburse each such
Holder, officer or director, underwriter, or controlling person for
any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such person or
persons in connection with investigating or defending any such loss,
claim, damage, liability, or action; provided, however, that the
indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8(a) shall not apply to
amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability,
or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the
Company, nor shall the Company be liable in any such loss, claim,
damage, liability, or action to the extent that it arises out of or is
based upon (i) a Violation that occurs in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished for use in connection
with such registration by such Holder, underwriter, or controlling
person, or (ii) the failure of such Holder, underwriter, or
controlling person to deliver a copy of the registration statement or
the prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, after the
Company has furnished such person with a sufficient number of copies
of the same.
(b) Each selling Holder will indemnify and hold harmless, to the
extent permitted by law, the Company, each of its officers and
directors, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of the Securities Act, any underwriter and any other
Holder selling securities in such registration statement or any of its
directors or officers or any person who controls such other Holder,
against any losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (joint or several)
to which any such person or persons may become subject, under the
Securities Act, the 1934 Securities Act, or other federal or state
law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any
Violation, in each case to the extent that such Violation occurs in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by
such Holder for use in connection with such registration; and each
such Holder will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by the Company or any such officer, director, controlling
person, underwriter or controlling person, other Holder, officer,
director, or controlling person in connection with investigating or
defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or action;
provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this
Section 8(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such
loss, claim, damage, liability, or action if such settlement is
effected without the consent of the Holder.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any
governmental action), such indemnified party will, if a claim in
respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under
this Section-8, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of
the commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the
right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so
desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed,
to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to
the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party shall have
the right to retain its own counsel, with the fees and expenses to be
paid by the indemnified party, except that such fees and expenses
shall be paid by the indemnifying party if representation of such
indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party
would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests
between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such
counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver written notice to
the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of
any such action, if prejudicial to its ability to defend such action,
shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the
indemnified party under this Section 8, but the omission so to deliver
written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any
liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than
under this Section 8.
(d) The indemnification provided by this Section 8 shall be a
continuing right to indemnification and shall survive the registration
and sale of any of the Registrable Securities hereunder and the
expiration or termination of this Agreement.
9. Transferability. The Options may not be sold, packaged,
assigned or transferred in any manner by the Optionee except as
follows:
(a) During the lifetime of the Optionee, (i) if and to the extent
such transfer complies with all applicable federal and state
securities laws, as evidenced by an opinion of counsel satisfactory to
the Company and (ii) with the prior written consent of the Company,
which consent is not to be unreasonably withheld; and
(b) Upon the Optionee's death, by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Options shall be exercisable
by the Optionee personally or by the Optionee's guardian, legal
representative, executor, administrator or legatee.
10. Capital Adjustments. The number of Shares covered by the
Options and the price per share will be deemed automatically adjusted
equitably and proportionately to reflect any share dividend, share
split, or similar recapitalization affecting the Company's common
stock. If the Company is involved in any merger, share exchange, or
similar transaction, the Options will pertain and apply with
appropriate adjustments to the securities and other property to which
the holder of the number of shares covered by the Options would have
been entitled.
11. Written Notice of Exercise and Payment of Option Price.
(a)- These Options may be exercised in one or more transactions
according to the terms hereof by written notice to the Company by the
Optionee stating such Optionee's intention to exercise the Options and
specifying the number of Shares with respect to which the Options are
being exercised and the date on which the Optionee will pay for such
Shares, which date shall be the date of exercise and shall not be
later than 15 business days after the date of delivery of such notice
to the Company.
(b)- The Optionee shall pay the full price of the Shares elected
to be purchased hereunder in cash or by certified or bank check. The
Company shall issue such Shares on the exercise date if the purchase
price has been paid in full.
(c)- The exercise of these Options is conditioned upon the
satisfaction by the Optionee, in a manner acceptable to the Company,
of withholding tax or other withholding liabilities of the Company
under any federal or state law resulting from or in connection with
the exercise of these Options or the delivery or purchase of Shares
hereto.
12. Amendment and Waiver. Any amendment or waiver of any
provision under this Agreement may be effected only with the written
consent of the Company, the Optionee (unless all Options have been
exercised, in which case the consent of the Optionee is not required)
and the Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Securities
then outstanding.
13. Rights as a Shareholder. The Optionee will have no rights as
a shareholder with respect to the Shares until the date of the
issuance of such shares to him. Except as provided in Section 10
above, no adjustment will be made for dividends, other distributions,
or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date of such
issuance.
14. Remedies. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the
breach of any part of this Agreement may cause irreparable harm and
that monetary damages alone may be inadequate. The parties hereto
therefore agree that any party shall be entitled to injunctive relief
or such other applicable remedy as a court of competent jurisdiction
may provide. Nothing contained herein will be construed to limit any
party's right to any remedies at law, including recovery of damages
for breach of any part of this Agreement.
15. Controlling Law. This Agreement and all questions relating to
its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement, shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of
North Carolina, notwithstanding any North Carolina or other
conflict-of-law provisions to the contrary.
16. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other
communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made, and
received when delivered against receipt, upon receipt of a facsimile
transmission, or upon actual receipt of registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as set forth
below:
(a) If to the Company:
▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy given in the manner prescribed above, to:
(b) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
If to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇:
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy given in the manner prescribed above, to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇
1600 BB&T Financial Center
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Any party may alter the address to which communications or copies
are to be sent by giving notice of such change to each of the other
parties hereto in conformity with the provisions of this paragraph for
the giving of notice.
17. Binding Nature of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, personal representatives, successors, and assigns.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to
the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous
agreements and understandings, inducements or conditions, express or
implied, oral or written, except as herein contained. The express
terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or
usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This
Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in
writing.
19. Section Headings. The section headings in this Agreement are
for convenience only; they form no part of this Agreement and shall
not affect its interpretation.
20. Gender. Words used herein, regardless of the number and
gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any
other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine,
feminine or neuter, as the context requires.
21. Indulgences, Not Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay
on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power, or
privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor
shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or
privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or any
other right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any
right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to any occurrence be
construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power, or privilege with
respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless
it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted
such waiver.
22. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all
of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This
Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof,
individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of
the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.
23. Provisions Separable. The provisions of this Agreement are
independent and separable from each other, and no provision shall be
affected or rendered invalid, or unenforceable by virtue of the fact
that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or
unenforceable in whole or in part.
24. Number of Days. In computing the number of days for purposes
of this Agreement, all days shall be counted, including Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays; provided, however, that if the final day of any
time period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then the final
day shall be deemed to be the next day which is not a Saturday,
Sunday, or holiday.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement
as of the date and year first above written.
The Company:
▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: ____________________________________
Its:____________________________________
__________________________________________
S. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇, Inc.
August 4, 1997
Page 4
C-479484v01!.02340.01193
C-479484v01!.02340.01193
EXHIBIT B
August 4, 1997
▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have served as counsel to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Industries, Inc., a North
Carolina corporation ("Industries"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc., a
North Carolina corporation ("Weaving"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Printing ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc.,
a North Carolina corporation ("Printing"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Velvet ▇▇▇▇▇,
Inc., a North Carolina corporation ("Velvet"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇,
Incorporated, a North Carolina corporation ("▇▇▇▇▇"), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Property Company, LLC ("Properties," and collectively with Industries,
Weaving, Printing, Velvet and ▇▇▇▇▇, the "Seller Parties") in
connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of August 4,
1997 (the "Agreement") by and among the Seller Parties and ▇▇▇▇, Inc.
("Buyer"). We have also acted as counsel to ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
("▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇") who is also a party to the Agreement f or limited
purposes. This opinion is being delivered to you pursuant to Section
6.3(d) of the Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement and all
references to sections or schedules shall be with respect to the
Agreement.
As counsel to the Seller Parties and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, we have reviewed
originals or copies identified to our satisfaction of the Agreement,
records relating to the organization of the Seller Parties, including
the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (or the Articles of
Organization in the case of Properties), and all amendments thereto,
and records of all proceedings of the Board of Directors (or Members
in the case of Properties) of the Seller Parties and all other
documents deemed relevant to and necessary as a basis for, the
opinions herein expressed. In rendering the opinions expressed herein,
we have relied as to certain factual matters upon certificates of
public officials and officials and agents of the Seller Parties.
In connection with such examinations, we have assumed, with you
permission, that the Agreement and all other documents executed in
connection therewith have been properly authorized by the Buyer and
have been properly authorized by the Buyer and have been properly
executed and delivered by Buyer; that the Agreement constitutes the
valid, binding, and enforceable obligation against the Buyer; the
legal capacity of all natural persons executing agreements,
instruments or documents; the genuineness of all signatures; the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals; the
conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as
certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of originals of
such documents; and the proper issuance and accuracy of certificates
of public officials and officials and agents of the Seller Parties. As
to any facts material to our opinions expressed herein which were not
independently established or verified, we have relied upon statements
and representations of officers and other representatives of the
Seller Parties and of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
Whenever any opinion herein with respect to the existence or
absence of facts is qualified by the phrase "to our knowledge," such
phrase indicates only that, during the course of our representation of
the Seller Parties and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, no information has come to the
attention of the lawyers of this firm involved in such representation
in this transaction which would give such lawyers actual knowledge of
the existence or absence of such facts. Except to the extent expressly
stated herein, we have not undertaken any independent investigation to
determine the existence or absence of any such facts, and no inference
as to our knowledge of the existence of such facts should be drawn
from the fact of our representation of the Seller Parties or of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of North
Carolina, excluding local laws of the State of North Carolina (i.e.,
the statutes and ordinances, the administrative decisions and the
rules and regulations of counties, towns, municipalities and special
political subdivisions of, or authorities or quasi-governmental bodies
constituted under the laws of, the State of North Carolina and
judicial decisions to the extent they deal with any of the foregoing),
and the laws of the United States of America, that are, in our
experience, normally applicable to the transactions of the type
contemplated in the Agreement, and we are expressing no opinion as to
the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
Based on and subject to the foregoing, and subject to the
qualifications and limitations set forth herein, and having regard for
such legal considerations as we deem relevant, it is our opinion that:
1. Each of the Seller Parties (other than Properties)
(collectively the "Seller Corporations") is a corporation duly
incorporated and validly existing under the laws of North Carolina.
The Seller Corporations' Articles of Incorporation are not suspended
for failure to comply with the Revenue Act of the State of North
Carolina, and the Seller Corporations are not administratively
dissolved for failure to comply with the provisions of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act. Properties is a limited liability
company organized and validly existing under the laws of North
Carolina.
2. Each of the Seller Parties has the full corporate power and
authority (or, in the case of Properties, power under the North
Carolina Limited Liability Company Act) to execute and deliver the
Agreement, the Leases entered into pursuant to Section 6.3(o (herein,
the "New Leases"), and the assignments of the Assigned Leases, to own
its property and assets (including the Assets), to carry on the
business of manufacturing upholstery fabrics, and to sell, assign,
transfer, convey and deliver the Assets as provided in the Agreement.
3. The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement, the
New Leases and the assignments of the Assigned Leases by the Seller
Parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby
have been duly authorized by all requisite action. Each of the
Agreement, the New Leases and the assignments of the Assigned Leases
has been executed and delivered by authorized officers, or managers,
as the case may be, of each of the Seller Parties and each is a valid
and binding obligation of each of them enforceable against each in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally or by general equitable
principles.
4. The Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and to the extent applicable to him, constitutes the
legal, valid and binding agreement of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, enforceable against
him in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.
5. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of the
Agreement, the New Leases or the assignments of the Assigned Leases,
nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Agreement, will (i)-violate or conflict with any provision of the
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or Bylaws, as amended (or the
Articles of Organization in the case of Properties) of any of the
Seller Parties; or (ii)-to our knowledge, contravene any law,
regulation, ordinance or code applicable to the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement or require the consent, approval, order
or authorization of or registration with, or the giving of notice to,
any governmental or public body or authority by any of the Seller
Parties, as to any material aspects of the transactions contemplated
by the Agreement, except such notices, consents or approvals which
have previously been obtained.
6. To our knowledge, and in recognition that we have not
represented any Seller Parties except with respect to this
transaction, there are no actions, suits or legal, administrative,
arbitration or other proceedings pending or threatened (except as
noted in Schedule 3.8) against or affecting any of the Seller Parties
or any of their properties or assets (including the Assets), at law or
in equity before any court or administration officer or agency that
might result in a material adverse change in the business or financial
condition of any of the Seller Parties or impair the ability of any of
the Seller Parties to perform their obligations under the Agreement,
the New Leases or the assignments of the Assigned Leases or that
question the validity of any of such documents.
This opinion is solely for your information and is not tot be
quoted in whole or in part or otherwise referred to, nor is it to be
filed with any governmental agency or other person, without our prior
written consent. No person other than the addressee hereof shall be
entitled to rely on this opinion without our prior written consent. By
rendering this opinion we have neither assumed nor undertaken any
obligation for events occurring after the date of this letter.
Sincerely,
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇
A Professional Limited Liability Company
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇.
MCGj/pds
10
C-479453v01!.02340.01193
C-479453v01!.02340.01193
Exhibit C
Weaving Plant
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Lease") is made and entered into as of
the 4th day of August, 1997, by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY,
LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the "Landlord"), and
▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation (the "Tenant").
BACKGROUND
A. Landlord is the owner of that certain parcel of land (the
"Land") containing approximately N/A acres and located at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ in ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. The Land is more
particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto.
B. Located on the Land is a building containing approximately
70,000 sq.ft. of space (the "Building") and related improvements
including but not limited to parking spaces, utilities and
landscaping. The Land, the Building, the improvements located on the
Land, and all rights appurtenant to the Land are referred to
collectively in this Lease as the "Premises."
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
conditions contained in this Lease, including the covenant to pay
rent, and other good and valuable consideration, Landlord and Tenant
hereby agree, for themselves, their successors and assigns, as
follows:
1. Premises. Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant accepts and
rents from Landlord, the Premises, for the term and on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Lease. Tenant and its subtenants, and
their officers, employees, agents, customers, invitees, successors and
assigns, shall have the exclusive right to use and occupy the
Premises.
2. Term. The term of this Lease ("Term") shall begin on August-4,
1997 (the "Commencement Date") and shall end at midnight on the date
three (3) years after the Commencement Date. In addition, Tenant shall
have two (2) successive options to renew the Term, each renewal period
to be three (3) years (each such period, a "Renewal Period"). Tenant
shall exercise each option by written notice to Landlord given on or
before the date three (3) months before the commencement date of the
Renewal Period in question. The first Renewal Period, if Tenant
exercises its option therefor, shall commence upon the expiration of
the initial Term, and each subsequent Renewal Period, if Tenant
exercises its option therefor, shall commence upon the expiration of
the immediately preceding Renewal Period. All references to the "Term"
in this Lease shall, unless the context clearly indicates a different
meaning, be deemed to include a reference to the initial Term of this
Lease and any and all Renewal Periods. Each renewal shall be on the
same provisions as are set forth herein.
3. Delivery of Premises. Landlord shall deliver the Premises to
Tenant on or before the Commencement Date.
4. Rent. Tenant shall pay to Landlord annual rent of One Hundred
Twenty Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($120,000.00), payable in equal
monthly installments of Ten Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($10,000.00)
("Monthly Base Rent") in advance on the first day of each calendar
month, commencing twelve (12) months after the Commencement Date and
continuing thereafter throughout the Term. All rent shall be paid to
Landlord at the address to which notices to Landlord are given as set
forth in Section 21 below. Rent for any partial month shall be
prorated on a daily basis.
Beginning at the commencement of the first Renewal Period (if
Tenant's option therefor is exercised), Monthly Base Rent shall be
increased by an amount reflecting the percentage increase in the cost
of living from the date two months prior to the Commencement Date
until the date two months prior to the expiration of the Term. If
Tenant exercises any further renewal options, Monthly Base Rent shall
be similarly increased by an amount reflecting the percentage increase
in the cost of living from the date two months prior to the
commencement of the immediately preceding Renewal Period until the
date two months prior to the expiration thereof. The percentage
increase in the cost of living shall be determined by reference to the
Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (1982-1984=100), as
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States
Department of Labor, and as most recently available on the date for
which the cost of living determination is being made. If the
above-referenced index is discontinued, calculated in a different
manner or unavailable, Landlord may substitute a comparable,
generally-accepted cost of living index.
5. Repair and Maintenance. Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain
in neat, clean and good order the Premises and shall perform all
necessary repairs and maintenance necessary with respect thereto
including without limitation repairs to and maintenance of parking
areas, driveways, landscaping, grounds, structures, roofs, exteriors,
foundations, and Building systems (including without limitation
plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation and electrical systems) but
excluding, except as provided in section 10 below, casualties
(including without limitation fire, damage from sprinklers and
flooding), and repairs required due to the negligence of Landlord or
its employees or invitees. Tenant shall also be responsible for any
repairs to Tenant's personal property and equipment installed in the
Building by Tenant.
6. Alterations. Tenant shall have no right to make any structural
alterations to the Building without the prior written consent of
Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall have
the right to make non-structural alterations to the Premises without
consent, provided such alterations must be performed in a good and
workmanlike manner.
7. Personal Property. All inventory, equipment, fixtures and
furnishings of Tenant in or attached to the Premises may be removed by
Tenant at any time during the Term, provided that any damage caused by
such removal will be promptly repaired by Tenant at its expense. Any
such property not so removed before the expiration of the Term shall
become the property of Landlord unless reasonably promptly removed by
Tenant.
8. Taxes. Tenant shall pay prior to delinquency (a)-all real
property taxes applicable to the Premises during the Term and (b)-all
taxes that are levied against any personal property or equipment of
Tenant. Landlord shall deliver to Tenant, within thirty (30) days of
Landlord's receipt thereof, any real estate tax bills pertaining to
the Premises; provided, however, the failure of Landlord to deliver
any such tax ▇▇▇▇ shall not relieve Tenant of the obligation of taxes
hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be deemed
in default for nonpayment of taxes if it is in good faith contesting
the validity or amount thereof in compliance with all applicable laws,
and the enforcement of any lien therefor is suspended or stayed during
such contest. Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant in any such
contest. Taxes for the year in which the Term commences or expires (or
otherwise terminates) shall be prorated.
9. Utilities and Services. Tenant shall pay all charges for its
usage of electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer to the Premises
during the Tenn. If as a result of any failure to furnish or delay or
interruption in furnishing any of the utilities or services described
above, the Premises are rendered substantially untenantable for
Tenant's purposes for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours,
then, commencing upon such failure or delay, rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ until
the utility or service has been resumed.
10. Damage by Fire or Other Casualty. Tenant shall promptly
notify Landlord of any damage to the Premises caused by fire or other
casualty.
If (a)-the Building is rendered untenantable or substantially
untenantable (as reasonably determined by Tenant) by fire or other
casualty, or (b)-the Building or other portions of the Premises are
totally or partially damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty,
and Tenant's architect reasonably estimates that the damage will take
longer than ninety (90) days to repair, then Tenant may elect, by
giving Landlord written notice within sixty (60) days of the fire or
other casualty, to terminate this Lease as of the date of such
casualty.
If the Building or other portions of the Premises are damaged or
destroyed by fire or other casualty covered by insurance maintained by
Tenant, and this Lease is not terminated pursuant to the preceding
paragraph, then Tenant shall, upon receipt of the insurance proceeds,
repair and restore the damaged portions, to substantially the same
condition as existed immediately prior to the casualty. Upon
completion of the restoration work, the remainder of the insurance
proceeds shall be disbursed to Tenant. Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any
such period of damage or repair. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
damage occurs during the last twelve (12) months of the Term, then
Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease as of the date of
the casualty by giving written notice of termination to Landlord
within thirty (30) days after the fire or casualty.
11. Insurance. Throughout the Term, Tenant shall maintain
(i)-casualty insurance on the Buildings covering all casualties
included under standard insurance industry practices within the
classification "Fire and Lightening, Extended Coverage, Vandalism and
Malicious Mischief" in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%)
of the replacement value of each Building (including the fixtures),
and (ii)-comprehensive public liability insurance covering death,
bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at least Two
Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence/aggregate.
Tenant's liability insurance shall name Landlord as an additional
insured and shall include contractual liability consistent with
standard ISO provisions, and Tenant's casualty insurance shall name
Landlord as an owner and additional insured.
All insurance required under this Lease:
(a) shall be issued by an insurance company authorized to do
business in the State of North Carolina;
(b) shall, if available without additional cost, with respect to
property insurance, contain - a waiver by the insurer of any rights of
subrogation or indemnity to which the insurer might other-wise be
entitled; and
(c) shall, if available without additional cost, contain an
endorsement requiring thirty (30) days' written notice from the
insurance company to Landlord prior to any cancellation, non-renewal
or material reduction in coverage of the policy.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each policy of
property insurance required by this Lease shall contain an endorsement
in which the insurance company waives any right of subrogation that it
may acquire against Landlord by virtue of payment of any loss under
such policy. In addition, Tenant waives any claims it may have against
Landlord arising out of any casualty that would be covered by any
policy of property insurance required to be maintained by it under
this Lease, or that actually is covered by any policy of property
insurance maintained by Tenant, without giving effect to any
deductible amounts or self-insured risks. Prior to the commencement of
the Term, and annually thereafter, Tenant shall, upon request, deliver
to Landlord certificates of insurance evidencing the policies of
insurance required by this section.
12. Taking for Public Use. If all or any substantial part (as
reasonably determined by Tenant) of the Premises are taken for any
public or any quasi-public use under any statute or by right of
eminent domain, or by private purchase in lieu thereof, then either
Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date of such
taking by providing thirty (30) days' written notice to the other
party.
If any part of the Premises is so taken and this Lease is not
terminated under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, then Rent
shall be apportioned according to the space so taken, and Landlord
shall, to the extent possible with any award of damages from such
taking, restore the remaining portion of the Premises to the extent
necessary to render it reasonably suitable for the purposes for which
it is leased, and shall make all repairs to any Building or other
improvements damaged by such taking to the extent necessary to
constitute the Building and Premises a complete, functional property.
Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any such period of repair and restoration.
The proceeds of any condemnation award for the Premises shall be
the property of Landlord, but the proceeds of any condemnation award
for the leasehold interest and the improvements located on the
Premises that have been installed by Tenant shall be the property of
Tenant Landlord shall have no interest in any award to Tenant for
relocation expenses or for the taking of Tenant's fixtures or other
personal property within the Premises, or for loss of business, or for
depreciation to, damage to, the cost of removal of, or the value of
stock, trade fixtures, furniture, and other property belonging to
Tenant or subtenants, provided, however, that no award to the Tenant
for any of the foregoing shall directly result in a reduction in the
amount due to Landlord as a condemnation award for the Premises.
13. Tenant Default. The occurrence of any one of the following
shall constitute a default by Tenant:
(a) Failure to pay rent or any other amount payable under this
Lease within five (5) days of when due; or
(b) Failure to perform any other provision of this Lease if the
failure to perform is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice
thereof has been given to Tenant; provided, however, that if the
default is not reasonably capable of being cured in thirty (30) days,
Tenant shall not be in default if it commences the cure within that
thirty (30) day period and diligently prosecutes the cure to
completion.
14. Landlord's Remedies. Landlord shall have the following
remedies if Tenant defaults. These remedies are not exclusive; they
are cumulative in addition to any remedies now or later allowed by
law.
(a) Lessor shall have the right to terminate Lessee's right of
possession of the Premises without terminating this Lease, and as long
as Lessor does not terminate this Lease, collect rent when due. Lessee
shall surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor and Lessor shall
have the right to enter the Premises without notice to vacate (any
right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and relet them, without
prior notice or demand, using such reasonable force as may be
necessary, changing any or all locks on the Premises all without being
liable for forcible entry, trespass, or other tort. Lessee shall be
liable immediately to Lessor for all costs Lessor shall incur in
reletting the Premises including, without limitation, broker's
commissions, expenses for remodeling required by the reletting, and
like costs. Reletting can be for a period shorter or longer than the
remaining term of the Lease. Lessee shall pay to Lessor the rent due
under this Lease on the date that the rent is due, less the rent
Lessor receives from any reletting. No act by Lessor allowed by this
paragraph or surrender of possession of the Premises pursuant to this
paragraph shall terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee
that Lessor elects to terminate this Lease.
(b) Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease without
notice to vacate (any right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and
Lessee's rights to possession of the Premises at any time, and reenter
the Premises as described in subparagraph (a) herein above. No act by
Lessor other than the giving notice of termination to Lessee shall
terminate this Lease. Upon termination, Lessor shall have the right to
pursue its remedies at law or in equity to recover of Lessee all
amounts of rent then due or thereafter accruing and such other damages
as are caused by Lessee's default.
15. Landlord Default. If Landlord fails timely to perform any of
its duties under this Lease within thirty (30) days after notice of
such default, Tenant shall have the right (but not the obligation) to
perform any such duty on behalf and at the expense of Landlord upon
notice to Landlord, and all sums expended or expenses incurred by
Tenant in performing such duty shall be due and payable by Landlord
upon demand by Tenant. Alternatively, Tenant may deduct and offset
such amounts, with interest at the rate set forth below, from and
against Rent due under this Lease.
16. Assignment and Subleasing. Tenant shall not assign this Lease
or sublet the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided,
however, that Tenant may assign this Lease or sublease the Premises
from time to time to entities of which Tenant is the majority owner
without restriction or consent, provided, however, that Tenant shall
provide Landlord written notice of such assignment at least ten (10)
days prior to any such assignment.
17. Landlord's Representations and Warranties. Landlord
represents and warrants to Tenant, and agrees, that:
(a) Landlord owns good, valid, insurable and marketable title to
the Premises free and clear of all liens, charges, assessments and
encumbrances.
(b) To its actual knowledge, the Premises are in compliance with
all applicable legal requirements (including without limitation zoning
requirements).
(c) There is no litigation, action, suit, other legal proceeding
or governmental investigation pending or threatened against the
Premises, and Landlord has no actual knowledge or reason to know of
any ground for any such action.
(d) The following utilities and services are available to the
Building: electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer.
(e) Provided Tenant performs its covenants, agreements and
obligations hereunder, Landlord will warrant and defend Tenant in the
peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the Premises.
18. Use Clause/Compliance with Legal Requirements. Tenant may use
the Premises ,or any lawful purpose. Tenant shall properly dispose of
all trash, refrain from burning anything on or about the Premises, and
refrain from engaging in any illegal or immoral activities on or about
the Premises.
19. Hazardous Materials.
(a) Tenant agrees that it shall not generate, use, store, release
or dispose of any Hazardous Material on the Premises except in
material compliance with applicable Environmental Laws. Tenant shall,
at its sole cost and expense, cure within thirty (30) days after
written notice from Landlord any breach of this Section 19(a) by
taking all necessary response and corrective actions in accordance
with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(b) Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Landlord, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents,
successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages, actions,
proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses, penalties,
fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including without
limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and expert
witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, out of or
by reason of (i)'any breach of any representation or covenant of
Tenant in this Lease, (ii)
any violation or alleged violation of any
Environmental Law by Tenant with respect to the Premises (provided
such violation or alleged violation does not represent the substantial
continuation of a violation or alleged violation that commenced prior
to the Term), and/or (iii)'any presence, generation, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport, release, threatened release or suspected
release of any Hazardous Material brought on, in, under, about, to or
from the Premises by Tenant. The provisions of this Section 19(b)
shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
(c) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that (i)-no
Hazardous Material is or will, at the Commencement Date, be present
in, on, under or about the Premises; (ii)-without limiting the
foregoing, the Premises does not contain any underground storage tanks
except as otherwise disclosed by Landlord in writing to Tenant prior
to the execution of this Lease; (iii)-the Premises are in full
compliance with all Environmental Laws, and (iv)-the Premise have
never been the subject of remedial action for an environmental
problem. Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, cure within
thirty (30) days after written notice from Tenant any material breach
of the representations set forth in this Section 19(c) which
substantially interferes with Tenant's use and enjoyment of the
Premises by taking all necessary response and corrective actions in
accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(d) Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Tenant, its subtenants, officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
agents, successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages,
actions, proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses,
penalties, fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including
without limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and
expert witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly,
out of or by reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or
covenant of Landlord in this Lease, (ii)-any violation or alleged
violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Premises as of
or prior to the Commencement Date, and/or (iii)-any presence,
generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release,
threatened release or suspected release of any Hazardous Material on,
in, under, about, to or from the Premises to the extent it does not
result from Tenant's activities in the Premises. The provisions of
this Section 19(d) shall survive the expiration or earlier termination
of this Lease.
(e) In the event of any breach by Landlord of its obligations
pursuant to this Section 19 which is not cured within thirty (30) days
after notice thereof has been given by Tenant, Tenant may at any time
thereafter terminate this Lease by written notice to Landlord.
(f) As used herein, "Hazardous Material" means any substance or
material meeting any one or more of the following criteria: (i)-it is
defined as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material,
pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law;
(ii)-it is toxic, explosive, corrosive, ignitable, reactive,
infectious, radioactive, mutagenic, dangerous or other-wise hazardous;
and/or (iii)-it is or contains, without limiting the foregoing,
petroleum hydrocarbons.
As used herein, "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state
or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, pen-nit,
directive, license, approval, guidance, interpretation, order, or
other legal requirement relating to the protection of human health or
the environment, including, but not limited to, any requirement
pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment, storage, disposal, transportation, handling, reporting,
licensing, permitting, investigation or remediation of materials that
are or may constitute a threat to human health or the environment.
20. Waiver. The waiver by either Landlord or Tenant of any breach
of any covenant or agreement of this Lease shall not be deemed a
waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other covenant
or agreement of this Lease. The receipt and acceptance by Landlord of
delinquent or partial rent shall not constitute a waiver of that or
any other default.
21. Notice. Any notice that either party desires or is required
to give the other party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been sufficiently given if served personally or sent by a
reputable over-night courier or sent by prepaid, registered or
certified mail, addressed to the other party at the address set forth
below:
Landlord: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Property Company, LLC
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇, P.L.L.C.
copy to: 1600 BB&T Financial Center
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇
Tenant: ▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A.
copy to: 1900 Independence Center
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
Either party may change its address by notifying the other party
of the change of address in the foregoing manner.
22. Surrender and Holding Over. Upon the expiration or earlier
termination of the Term, Tenant shall surrender possession of the
Premises in as good a condition as delivered to it, reasonable wear
and tear and damage by fire and other casualty excepted.
23. Subordination. This Lease and the rights of the parties
hereto are expressly subordinate to the lien and provisions of any
first lien mortgage now or hereafter existing encumbering the
Premises, or any part thereof, and all amendments, renewals and
modifications and extensions of and to any said mortgage, and all
advances made or hereafter to be made upon the security of said
mortgage. Tenant agrees to execute and deliver such further
instruments subordinating this Lease to the lien of any such mortgage
as may be requested in writing by Landlord from time to time. As used
herein, the term mortgage shall mean any first lien mortgage, deed of
trust, deed to secure debt or other instruments used to secure debt.
As a condition to subordinating this Lease to any present or future
mortgage of the Premises, Tenant may require that the mortgagee under
such mortgage agree not to disturb Tenant's rights under this Lease so
long as Tenant is not in default hereunder this Lease.
24. Termination of Existing Leases. Landlord shall provide to
Tenant evidence reasonably satisfactory to Tenant that any leases of
all or any part of the Premises which are or have been in effect
within thirty (30) days prior to the Commencement Date, if any, have
been terminated prior to the Commencement Date.
25. Interest on Amounts Past Due. Interest shall accrue on any
amounts payable by Landlord or Tenant hereunder which are not paid
when due at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
26. Applicable Law. This Lease has been entered into under, and
shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
27. Memorandum. The Memorandum of Lease in the form attached as
Exhibit B and made a part hereof shall be fully executed by the
parties at the time this Lease is executed, and shall be delivered to
Tenant. Tenant may record the Memorandum at its expense if it wishes
to do so.
28. Nature and Extent of Agreement. This instrument contains the
complete agreement of the parties regarding the terms and conditions
of the lease of the Premises, and there are no oral or written
conditions, terms, understandings or other agreements pertaining
thereto which have not been incorporated in this Lease. This
instrument creates only the relationship of landlord and tenant
between the parties as to the Premises. This Lease may be amended only
by a written instrument executed by Landlord and Tenant. This Lease
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant
and their respective successors and assigns. If any term, condition,
covenant, clause or provision herein contained shall operate or would
prospectively operate to invalidate this Lease in whole or in part,
then such term, condition, covenant, clause and provision only shall
be disregarded and the remainder of this Lease shall remain operative
and in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have cause this Lease
Agreement to be duly executed under seal as of the date first above
written.
LANDLORD: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC
By: _________________________________
_____________, Manager
TENANT: ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By: ___________________________________
Attest: ____________ President
___________________________________
_______________ Secretary
STATE OF ___________________
COUNTY OF _________________
I, _________________________, a Notary Public for said County and
State, do hereby certify that _____________________________, manager
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC, a limited liability company,
personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due
execution of the foregoing instrument on behalf of the company.
WITNESS my hand and official seal, this the ____ day of
_______________, 1997.
______________________________
Notary Public
My commission expires:
_____________________
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF _________________
This ______ day of ____________, 1997, personally came before me
______________________, who, being by me duly sworn, says that he is the _______
President of ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation, and that the seal affixed
to the foregoing instrument in writing is the corporate seal of the company, and
that said writing
was signed and sealed by him, in behalf of said corporation, by its
authority duly given. And the said _______ President acknowledged the said
writing to be the act and deed of said corporation.
__________________________________________
Notary Public
My commission expires:
_______________________
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
9
C-479392v01!.02340.01193
C-479392v01!.02340.01193
Exhibit C
Tupelo Warehouse
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the"Lease") is made and entered into as of
the 4th day of August, 1997, by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY,
LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the "Landlord"), and
▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation (the "Tenant").
B A C K G R O U N D
A. Landlord is the owner of that certain parcel of land (the
"Land") containing approximately N/A acres and located at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ in Tupelo, ▇▇▇ County, Mississippi _______. The Land is more
particularly described on Exhibit_A attached hereto.
B. Located on the Land is a building containing approximately
____ sq. ft. of space (the "Building") and related improvements
including but not limited to parking spaces, utilities and
landscaping. The Land, the Building, the improvements located on the
Land, and all rights appurtenant to the Land are referred to
collectively in this Lease as the "Premises."
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
conditions contained in this Lease, including the covenant to pay
rent, and other good and valuable consideration, Landlord and Tenant
hereby agree, for themselves, their successors and assigns, as
follows:
1. Premises. Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant accepts and
rents from Landlord, the Premises, for the term and on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Lease. Tenant and its subtenants, and
their officers, employees, agents, customers, invitees, successors and
assigns, shall have the exclusive right to use and occupy the
Premises.
2. Term. The term of this Lease ("Term") shall begin on August-4,
1997 (the "Commencement Date") and shall end at midnight on the last
day of the sixth month following the month containing the Commencement
Date. The original term of this Lease shall automatically be renewed
for successive one (1) month periods unless on or before the date that
is one hundred eighty (180) days before the end of the original term
or any one (1) month renewal period, either party gives written notice
to the other that this Lease shall terminate at the end of the
original term or the one (1) month renewal period in question. If such
notice is timely given by either party, this Lease shall terminate as
of the end of the original term (if the notice is given at least one
hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of the original term) or
the then current renewal period (if the notice is given at least one
hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of the then-current renewal
period). All references to the "Term" in this Lease shall, unless the
context clearly indicates a different meaning, be deemed to include a
reference to the initial Term of this Lease and any and all renewal
periods. Each renewal shall be on the same provisions as set forth
herein.
3. Delivery of Premises. Landlord shall deliver the Premises to
Tenant on or before the Commencement Date
4. Rent. Tenant shall pay to Landlord monthly rent of Three
Thousand One Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($3,150.00), payable in
advance on the first day of each calendar month, commencing twelve
(12) months after the Commencement Date and continuing thereafter
throughout the Term. All rent shall be paid to Landlord at the address
to which notices to Landlord are given as set forth in Section-21
below. Rent for any partial month shall be prorated on a daily basis.
5. Repair and Maintenance.
(a) Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain in neat, clean and
good order the Land (including parking areas, driveways, landscaping
and grounds) and the interior of the Building (but excluding Building
systems), and shall make all repairs required due to the negligence of
Tenant or its employees or invitees and all other repairs other than
those for which Landlord is responsible pursuant to subparagraph (b)
below, but excluding casualties (including without limitation fire,
damage from sprinklers and flooding). Tenant shall also be responsible
for any repairs to Tenant's personal property and equipment installed
in the Building by Tenant.
(b) Landlord, at its expense, shall maintain in neat, clean and
good order, condition and repair the remainder of the Premises,
including without limitation all structures, roofs, exteriors,
foundations, and Building systems (including without limitation
plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation and electrical systems).
Landlord shall also make any modifications to the Premises required to
comply with applicable legal requirements, including without
limitation the Americans with Disabilities Act. If any repairs
required to be made by Landlord to the Premises are not completed
within thirty (30) days after written notice of the need for the
repairs has been given by Tenant to Landlord (or, in the event of an
emergency, if not made as soon as reasonably practical), then Tenant
may (but has no obligation to) make the needed repairs on behalf of
and at the expense of Landlord. Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for
the reasonable cost of the repairs within thirty (30) days after
written demand, accompanied by supporting invoices. Alternatively,
Tenant may deduct and offset such costs and interest from and against
rent due and to become due under this Lease. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary herein, Tenant shall have no responsibility to make
any repairs due to any casualty affecting the Premises.
6. Alterations. Tenant shall have no right to make any structural
alterations to the Building without the prior written consent of
Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall have
the right to make non-structural alterations to the Premises without
consent, provided such alterations must be performed in a good and
workmanlike manner.
7. Personal Property. All inventory, equipment, fixtures and
furnishings of Tenant in or attached to the Premises may be removed by
Tenant at any time during the Term, provided that any damage caused by
such removal will be promptly repaired by Tenant at its expense. Any
such property not so removed before the expiration of the Term shall
become the property of Landlord unless reasonably promptly removed by
Tenant.
8. Taxes. Tenant shall pay prior to delinquency (a)-all real
property taxes applicable to the Premises during the Term and (b)-all
taxes that are levied against any personal property or equipment of
Tenant. Landlord shall deliver to Tenant, within thirty (30) days of
Landlord's receipt thereof, any real estate tax bills pertaining to
the Premises; provided, however, the failure of Landlord to deliver
any such tax ▇▇▇▇ shall not relieve Tenant of the obligation of taxes
hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be deemed
in default for nonpayment of taxes if it is in good faith contesting
the validity or amount thereof in compliance with all applicable laws,
and the enforcement of any lien therefor is suspended or stayed during
such contest. Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant in any such
contest. Taxes for the year in which the Term commences or expires (or
otherwise terminates) shall be prorated.
9. Utilities and Services. Tenant shall pay all charges for its
usage of electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer to the Premises
during the Term. If as a result of any failure to furnish or delay or
interruption in furnishing any of the utilities or services described
above, the Premises are rendered substantially untenantable for
Tenant's purposes for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours,
then, commencing upon such failure or delay, rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ until
the utility or service has been resumed.
10. Damage by Fire or Other Casualty. Tenant shall promptly
notify Landlord of any damage to the Premises caused by fire or other
casualty. Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date of any such
fire or other casualty by providing thirty (30) days' written notice
to Landlord.
11. Insurance. Throughout the Term, Landlord shall maintain
casualty insurance on the Buildings covering all casualties included
under standard insurance industry practices within the classification
"Fire and Lightening, Extended Coverage, Vandalism and Malicious
Mischief' in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the
replacement value of each Building (including the fixtures), and
Tenant shall maintain comprehensive public liability insurance
covering death, bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at
least Two Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per
occurrence/aggregate. Tenant's liability insurance shall name Landlord
as an additional insured and shall include contractual liability
consistent with standard ISO provisions.
Each policy of property insurance required by this Lease shall
contain an endorsement in which the insurance company waives any right
of subrogation that it may acquire against Landlord or Tenant by
virtue of payment of any loss under such policy. In addition, Landlord
and Tenant each waives any claims it may have against the other
arising out of any casualty that would be covered by the policy of
property insurance required to be maintained by it under this Lease,
or that actually is covered by any policy of property insurance
maintained by such party, without giving effect to any deductible
amounts or self-insured risks. Prior to the commencement of the Term,
and annually thereafter, Landlord and Tenant shall, upon request,
deliver to the other party certificates of insurance evidencing the
policies of insurance required by this section.
12. Taking for Public Use. If all or any substantial part (as
reasonably determined by Tenant) of the Premises are taken for any
public or any quasi-public use under any statute or by right of
eminent domain, or by private purchase in lieu thereof, then either
Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date of such
taking by providing thirty (30) days' written notice to the other
party.
If any part of the Premises is so taken and this Lease is not
terminated under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, then Rent
shall be apportioned according to the space so taken, and Landlord
shall, to the extent possible with any award of damages from such
taking, restore the remaining portion of the Premises to the extent
necessary to render it reasonably suitable for the purposes for which
it is leased, and shall make all repairs to any Building or other
improvements damaged by such taking to the extent necessary to
constitute the Building and Premises a complete, functional property.
Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any such period of repair and restoration.
The proceeds of any condemnation award for the Premises shall be
the property of Landlord, but the proceeds of any condemnation award
for the leasehold interest and the improvements located on the
Premises that have been installed by Tenant shall be the property of
Tenant. Landlord shall have no interest in any award to Tenant for
relocation expenses or for the taking of Tenant's fixtures or other
personal property within the Premises, or for loss of business, or for
depreciation to, damage to, the cost of removal of, or the value of
stock, trade fixtures, furniture, and other property belonging to
Tenant or subtenants, provided, however, that no award to the Tenant
for any of the foregoing shall directly result in a reduction in the
amount due to Landlord as a condemnation award for the Premises.
13. Tenant Default. The occurrence of any one of the following
shall constitute a default by Tenant:
(a) Failure to pay rent or any other amount payable under this
Lease within five (5) days of when due; or
(b) Failure to perform any other provision of this Lease if the
failure to perform is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice
thereof has been given to Tenant; provided, however, that if the
default is not reasonably capable of being cured in thirty (30) days,
Tenant shall not be in default if it commences the cure within that
thirty (30) day period and diligently prosecutes the cure to
completion.
14. Landlord's Remedies. Landlord shall have the following
remedies if Tenant defaults. These remedies are not exclusive- they
are cumulative in addition to any remedies now or later allowed by
law.
(a) Lessor shall have the right to terminate Lessee's right of
possession of the Premises without terminating this Lease, and as long
as Lessor does not terminate this Lease, collect rent when due. Lessee
shall surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor and Lessor shall
have the right to enter the Premises without notice to vacate (any
right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and relet them, without
prior notice or demand, using such reasonable force as may be
necessary, changing any or all locks on the Premises all without being
liable for forcible entry, trespass, or other tort. Lessee shall be
liable immediately to Lessor for all costs Lessor shall incur in
reletting the Premises including, without limitation, broker's
commissions, expenses for remodeling required by the reletting, and
like costs. Reletting can be for a period shorter or longer than the
remaining term of the Lease. Lessee shall pay to Lessor the rent due
under this Lease on the date that the rent is due, less the rent
Lessor receives from any reletting. No act by Lessor allowed by this
paragraph or surrender of possession of the Premises pursuant to this
paragraph shall terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee
that Lessor elects to terminate this Lease.
(b) Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease without
notice to vacate (any right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and
Lessee's rights to possession of the Premises at any time, and reenter
the Premises as described in subparagraph (a) herein above. No act by
Lessor other than the giving notice of termination to Lessee shall
terminate this Lease. Upon termination, Lessor shall have the right to
pursue its remedies at law or in equity to recover of Lessee all
amounts of rent then due or thereafter accruing and such other damages
as are caused by Lessee's default.
15. Landlord Default. If Landlord fails timely to perform any of
its duties under this Lease within thirty (30) days after notice of
such default, Tenant shall have the right (but not the obligation) to
perform any such duty on behalf and at the expense of Landlord upon
notice to Landlord, and all sums expended or expenses incurred by
Tenant in performing such duty shall be due and payable by Landlord
upon demand by Tenant. Alternatively, Tenant may deduct and offset
such amounts, with interest as set forth below, from and against Rent
due under this Lease.
16. Assignment and Subleasing. Tenant shall not assign this Lease
or sublet the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided,
however, that Tenant may assign this Lease or sublease the Premises
from time to time to entities of which Tenant is the majority owner
without restriction or consent, provided, however, that Tenant shall
provide Landlord written notice of such assignment at least ten (10)
days prior to any such assignment.
17. Landlord's Representations and Warranties. Landlord
represents and warrants to Tenant and agrees, that:
(a) Landlord owns good, valid, insurable and marketable title to
the Premises free and clear of all liens, charges, assessments and
encumbrances.
(b) To its actual knowledge, the Premises are in compliance with
all applicable legal requirements (including without limitation zoning
requirements).
(c) There is no litigation, action, suit, other legal proceeding
or governmental investigation pending or threatened against the
Premises, and Landlord has no actual knowledge or reason to know of
any ground for any such action.
(d) The following utilities and services are available to the
Building: electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer.
(e) Provided Tenant performs its covenants, agreements and
obligations hereunder, Landlord will warrant and defend Tenant in the
peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the Premises.
18. Use Clause/Compliance with Legal Requirements. Tenant may use
the Premises for any lawful purpose. Tenant shall properly dispose of
all trash, refrain from burning anything on or about the Premises, and
refrain from engaging in any illegal or immoral activities on or about
the Premises.
19. Hazardous Materials.
(a) Tenant agrees that it shall not generate, use, store, release
or dispose of any Hazardous Material on the Premises except in
material compliance with applicable Environmental Laws. Tenant shall,
at its sole cost and expense, cure within thirty (30) days after
written notice from Landlord any breach of this Section-19(a) by
taking all necessary response and corrective actions in accordance
with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(b) Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Landlord, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents,
successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages, actions,
proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses, penalties,
fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including without
limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and expert
witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, out of or
by reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or covenant of
Tenant in this Lease, (ii-any violation or alleged violation of any
Environmental Law by Tenant with respect to the Premises (provided
such violation or alleged violation does not represent the substantial
continuation of a violation or alleged violation that commenced prior
to the Term), and/or (iii)-any presence, generation, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport, release, threatened release or suspected
release of any Hazardous Material brought on, in, under, about, to or
from the Premises by Tenant. The provisions of this Section-19(b)
shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
(c) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that (i)-no
Hazardous Material is or will, at the Commencement Date, be present
in, on, under or about the Premises; (ii)-without limiting the
foregoing, the Premises does not contain any underground storage tanks
except as other-wise disclosed by Landlord in writing to Tenant prior
to the execution of this Lease; (iii)-the Premises are in full
compliance with all Environmental Laws, and (iv)-the Premise have
never been the subject of remedial action for an environmental
problem. Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, cure within
thirty (30) days after written notice from Tenant any material breach
of the representations set forth in this Section-19(c) which
substantially interferes with Tenant's use and enjoyment of the
Premises by taking all necessary response and corrective actions in
accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(d) Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Tenant, its subtenants, officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
agents, successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages,
actions, proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses,
penalties, fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including
without limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and
expert witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly,
out of or by reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or
covenant of Landlord in this Lease, (ii)-any violation or alleged
violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Premises as of
or prior to the Commencement Date, and/or (iii)-any presence,
generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release,
threatened release or suspected release of any Hazardous Material on,
in, under, about, to or from the Premises to the extent it does not
result from Tenant's activities in the Premises. The provisions of
this Section-19(d) shall survive the expiration or earlier termination
of this Lease.
(e) In the event of any breach by Landlord of its obligations
pursuant to this Section-19 which is not cured within thirty (30) days
after notice thereof has been given by Tenant, Tenant may at any time
thereafter terminate this Lease by written notice to Landlord.
(f) As used herein, "Hazardous Material" means any substance or
material meeting any one or more of the following criteria: (i)-it is
defined as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material,
pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law;
(ii)-it is toxic, explosive, corrosive, ignitable, reactive,
infectious, radioactive, mutagenic, dangerous or otherwise hazardous;
and/or (iii)-it is or contains, without limiting the foregoing,
petroleum hydrocarbons.
As used herein, "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state
or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, directive,
license, approval, guidance, interpretation, order, or other legal
requirement relating to the protection of human health or the
environment, including, but not limited to, any requirement pertaining
to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting,
investigation or remediation of materials that are or may constitute a
threat to human health or the environment.
20. Waiver. The waiver by either Landlord or Tenant of any breach
of any covenant or agreement of this Lease shall not be deemed a
waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other covenant
or agreement of this Lease. The receipt and acceptance by Landlord of
delinquent or partial rent shall not constitute a waiver of that or
any other default.
21. Notice. Any notice that either party desires or is required
to give the other party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been sufficiently given if served personally or sent by a
reputable over-night courier or sent by prepaid, registered or
certified mail, addressed to the other party at the address set forth
below:
Landlord: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Property Company, LLC
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇, P.L.L.C.
copy to: 1600 BB&T Financial Center
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇
Tenant: ▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A.
copy to: 1900 Independence Center
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
Either party may change its address by notifying the other party
of the change of address in the foregoing manner.
22. Surrender and Holding Over. Upon the expiration or earlier
termination of the Term, Tenant shall surrender possession of the
Premises in as good a condition as delivered to it, reasonable wear
and tear and damage by fire and other casualty excepted.
23. Interest on Amounts Past Due. Interest shall accrue on any
amounts payable by Landlord or Tenant hereunder which are not paid
when due at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
24. Applicable Law. This Lease has been entered into under, and
shall be governed by, the laws of the State of Mississippi.
25. Memorandum. The Memorandum of Lease in the form attached as
Exhibit-B and made a part hereof shall be fully executed by the
parties at the time this Lease is executed, and shall be delivered to
Tenant. Tenant may record the Memorandum at its expense if it wishes
to do so.
26. Nature and Extent of Agreement. This instrument contains the
complete agreement of the parties regarding the terms and conditions
of the lease of the Premises, and there are no oral or written
conditions, terms, understandings or other agreements pertaining
thereto which have not been incorporated in this Lease. This
instrument creates only the relationship of landlord and tenant
between the parties as to the Premises. This Lease may be amended only
by a written instrument executed by Landlord and Tenant. This Lease
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant
and their respective successors and assigns. If any term, condition,
covenant, clause or provision herein contained shall operate or would
prospectively operate to invalidate this Lease in whole or in part,
then such term, condition, covenant, clause and provision only shall
be disregarded and the remainder of this Lease shall remain operative
and in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lease
Agreement to be duly executed under seal as of the date first above
written.
LANDLORD: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC
By: ________________________________ (SEAL)
__________________, Manager
TENANT: ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation
[CORPORATE SEAL]
Attest: By. ___________________________________
________________ President
_________________ Secretary
4
C-479420v01!.02340.01193
Exhibit C
High Point Offices
C-479420v01!.02340.01193
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Lease") is made and entered into as of
the 4th day of August, 1997, by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY,
LLC, as attorney in fact for Market Square Limited Partnership (the
"Landlord"), and ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation (the
"Tenant").
B A C K G R O U N D
A. Landlord is the owner of that certain parcel of land (the
"Land") containing approximately N/A acres and located at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. The Land
is more particularly described on Exhibit-A attached hereto.
B. Located on the Land is a building containing approximately
12,000 sq. ft. of space (the "Building") and related improvements
including but not limited to parking spaces, utilities and
landscaping. The Land, the Building, the improvements located on the
Land, and all rights appurtenant to the Land are referred to
collectively in this Lease as the "Premises."
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
conditions contained in this Lease, including the covenant to pay
rent, and other good and valuable consideration, Landlord and Tenant
hereby agree, for themselves, their successors and assigns, as
follows:
1. Premises. Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant accepts and
rents from Landlord, the Premises, for the term and on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Lease. Tenant and its subtenants, and
their officers, employees, agents, customers, invitees, successors and
assigns, shall have the exclusive right to use and occupy the
Premises.
2. Term. The term of this Lease ("Term") shall begin on August 4,
1997 (the "Commencement Date") and shall end at midnight on the date
three (3) years after the Commencement Date. In addition, Tenant shall
have two (2) successive options to renew the Term, each renewal period
to be three (3) years (each such period, a "Renewal Period"). Tenant
shall exercise each option by written notice to Landlord given on or
before the date three (3) months before the commencement date of the
Renewal Period in question. The first Renewal Period, if Tenant
exercises its option therefor, shall commence upon the expiration of
the initial Term, and each subsequent Renewal Period, if Tenant
exercises its option therefor, shall commence upon the expiration of
the immediately preceding Renewal Period. All references to the "Term"
in this Lease shall, unless the context clearly indicates a different
meaning, be deemed to include a reference to the initial Term of this
Lease and any and all Renewal Periods. Each renewal shall be on the
same provisions as are set forth herein.
3. Delivery of Premises. Landlord shall deliver the Premises to
Tenant on or before the Commencement Date.
4. Rent. Tenant shall pay to Landlord annual rent of Thirty-Five
Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($35,000.00), payable in equal monthly
installments of Two Thousand Nine Hundred Sixteen and 67/100 Dollars
($2,916.67) ("Monthly Base Rent") in advance on the first day of each
calendar month, commencing twelve (12) months after the Commencement
Date and continuing thereafter throughout the Term. If the
Commencement Date falls on a day other than the first day of a
calendar month, the installment of rent payable for the initial
partial calendar month for which rent is due shall be payable upon the
Commencement Date. All rent shall be paid to Landlord at the address
to which notices to Landlord are given as set forth in Section 21
below. Rent for any partial month shall be prorated on a daily basis.
Beginning at the commencement of the first Renewal Period (if
Tenant's option therefor is exercised), Monthly Base Rent shall be
increased by an amount reflecting the percentage increase in the cost
of living from the date two months prior to the Commencement Date
until the date two months prior to the expiration of the Term. If
Tenant exercises any further renewal options, Monthly Base Rent shall
be similarly increased by an amount reflecting the percentage increase
in the cost of living from the date two months prior to the
commencement of the immediately preceding Renewal Period until the
date two months prior to the expiration thereof. The percentage
increase in the cost of living shall be determined by reference to the
Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (1982-1984=100), as
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States
Department of Labor, and as most recently available on the date for
which the cost of living determination is being made. If the
above-referenced index is discontinued, calculated in a different
manner or unavailable, Landlord may substitute a comparable,
generally-accepted cost of living index.
5. Repair and Maintenance. Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain
in neat, clean and good order the Premises and shall perform all
necessary repairs and maintenance necessary with respect thereto
including without limitation repairs to and maintenance of parking
areas, driveways, landscaping, grounds, structures, roofs, exteriors,
foundations, and Building systems (including without limitation
plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation and electrical systems) but
excluding, except as provided in section 10 below, casualties
(including without limitation fire, damage from sprinklers and
flooding), and repairs required due to the negligence of Landlord or
its employees or invitees. Tenant shall also be responsible for any
repairs to Tenant's personal property and equipment installed in the
Building by Tenant.
6. Alterations. Tenant shall have no right to make any structural
alterations to the Building without the prior written consent of
Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall have
the right to make non-structural alterations to the Premises without
consent, provided such alterations must be performed in a good and
workmanlike manner.
7. Personal Property. All inventory, equipment, fixtures and
furnishings of Tenant in or attached to the Premises may be removed by
Tenant at any time during the Term, provided that any damage caused by
such removal will be promptly repaired by Tenant at its expense. Any
such property not so removed before the expiration of the Term shall
become the property of Landlord unless reasonably promptly removed by
Tenant.
8. Taxes. Tenant shall pay prior to delinquency (a)-all real
property taxes applicable to the Premises during the Term and (b)-all
taxes that are levied against any personal property or equipment of
Tenant. Landlord shall deliver to Tenant, within thirty (30) days of
Landlord's receipt thereof, any real estate tax bills pertaining to
the Premises; provided, however, the failure of Landlord to deliver
any such tax ▇▇▇▇ shall not relieve Tenant of the obligation of taxes
hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be deemed
in default for nonpayment of taxes if it is in good faith contesting
the validity or amount thereof in compliance with all applicable laws,
and the enforcement of any lien therefor is suspended or stayed during
such contest. Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant in any such
contest. Taxes for the year in which the Term commences or expires (or
otherwise terminates) shall be prorated.
9. Utilities and- Services. Tenant shall pay all charges for its
usage of electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer to the Premises
during the Term. If as a result of any failure to furnish or delay or
interruption in furnishing any of the utilities or services described
above, the Premises are rendered substantially untenantable for
Tenant's purposes for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours,
then, commencing upon such failure or delay, rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ until
the utility or service has been resumed.
10. Damage by Fire or Other Casualty. Tenant shall promptly
notify Landlord of any damage to the Premises caused by fire or other
casualty.
If (a)-the Building is rendered untenantable or substantially
untenantable (as reasonably determined by Tenant) by fire or other
casualty, or (b)-the Building or other portions of the Premises are
totally or partially damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty,
and Tenant's architect reasonably estimates that the damage will take
longer than ninety (90) days to repair, then Tenant may elect, by
giving Landlord written notice within sixty (60) days of the fire or
other casualty, to terminate this Lease as of the date of such
casualty.
If the Building or other portions of the Premises are damaged or
destroyed by fire or other casualty covered by insurance maintained by
Tenant, and this Lease is not terminated pursuant to the preceding
paragraph, then Tenant shall, upon receipt of the insurance proceeds,
repair and restore the damaged portions, to substantially the same
condition as existed immediately prior to the casualty. Upon
completion of the restoration work, the remainder of the insurance
proceeds shall be disbursed to Tenant. Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any
such period of damage or repair. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
damage occurs during the last twelve (12) months of the Term, then
Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease as of the date of
the casualty by giving written notice of termination to Landlord
within thirty (30) days after the fire or casualty.
11. Insurance. Throughout the Term, Tenant shall maintain
(1)-casualty insurance on the Buildings covering all casualties
included under standard insurance industry practices within the
classification "Fire and Lightening, Extended Coverage, Vandalism and
Malicious Mischief' in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%)
of the replacement value of each Building (including the fixtures),
and (ii)-comprehensive public liability insurance covering death,
bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at least Two
Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence/aggregate.
Tenant's liability insurance shall name Landlord as an additional
insured and shall include contractual liability consistent with
standard ISO provisions, and Tenant's casualty insurance shall name
Landlord as an owner and additional insured.
All insurance required under this Lease:
(a) shall be issued by an insurance company authorized to do
business in the State of North Carolina;
(b) shall, if available without additional cost, with respect to
property insurance, contain a waiver by the insurer of any rights of
subrogation or indemnity to which the insurer might otherwise be
entitled; and
(c) shall, if available without additional cost, contain an
endorsement requiring thirty (30) days' written notice from the
insurance company to Landlord prior to any cancellation, non-renewal
or material reduction in coverage of the policy.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each policy of
property insurance required by this Lease shall contain an endorsement
in which the insurance company waives any right of subrogation that it
may acquire against Landlord by virtue of payment of any loss under
such policy. In addition, Tenant waives any claims it may have against
Landlord arising out of any casualty that would be covered by any
policy of property insurance required to be maintained by it under
this Lease, or that actually is covered by any policy of property
insurance maintained by Tenant, without giving effect to any
deductible amounts or self-insured risks. Prior to the commencement of
the Term, and annually thereafter, Tenant shall, upon request, deliver
to Landlord certificates of insurance evidencing the policies of
insurance required by this section.
12. Taking for Public Use. If all or any substantial part (as
reasonably determined by Tenant) of the Premises are taken for any
public or any quasi-public use under any statute or by right of
eminent domain, or by private purchase in lieu thereof, then either
Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date of such
taking by providing thirty (30) days' written notice to the other
party.
If any part of the Premises is so taken and this Lease is not
terminated under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, then Rent
shall be apportioned according to the space so taken, and Landlord
shall, to the extent possible with any award of damages from such
taking, restore the remaining portion of the Premises to the extent
necessary to render it reasonably suitable for the purposes for which
it is leased, and shall make all repairs to any Building or other
improvements damaged by such taking to the extent necessary to
constitute the Building and Premises a complete, functional property.
Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any such period of repair and restoration.
The proceeds of any condemnation award for the Premises shall be
the property of Landlord, but the proceeds of any condemnation award
for the leasehold interest and the improvements located on the
Premises that have been installed by Tenant shall be the property of
Tenant. Landlord shall have no interest in any award to Tenant for
relocation expenses or for the taking of Tenant's fixtures or other
personal property within the Premises, or for loss of business, or for
depreciation to, damage to, the cost of removal of, or the value of
stock, trade fixtures, furniture, and other property belonging to
Tenant or subtenants, provided, however, that no award to the Tenant
for any of the foregoing shall directly result in a reduction in the
amount due to Landlord as a condemnation award for the Premises.
13. Tenant Default. The occurrence of any one of the following
shall constitute a default by Tenant:
(a) Failure to pay rent or any other amount payable under this
Lease within five (5) days of when due; or
(b) Failure to perform any other provision of this Lease if the
failure to perform is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice
thereof has been given to Tenant; provided, however, that if the
default is not reasonably capable of being cured in thirty (30) days,
Tenant shall not be in default if it commences the cure within that
thirty (30) day period and diligently prosecutes the cure to
completion.
14. Landlord's Remedies. Landlord shall have the following
remedies if Tenant defaults. These remedies are not exclusive; they
are cumulative in addition to any remedies now or later allowed by
law.
(a) Lessor shall have the right to terminate Lessee's right of
possession of the Premises without terminating this Lease, and as long
as Lessor does not terminate this Lease, collect rent when due. Lessee
shall surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor and Lessor shall
have the right to enter the Premises without notice to vacate (any
right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and relet them, without
prior notice or demand, using such reasonable force as may be
necessary, changing any or all locks on the Premises all without being
liable for forcible entry, trespass, or other tort. Lessee shall be
liable immediately to Lessor for all costs Lessor shall incur in
reletting the Premises including, without limitation, broker's
commissions, expenses for remodeling required by the reletting, and
like costs. Reletting can be for a period shorter or longer than the
remaining term of the Lease. Lessee shall pay to Lessor the rent due
under this Lease on the date that the rent is due, less the rent
Lessor receives from any reletting. No act by Lessor allowed by this
paragraph or surrender of possession of the Premises pursuant to this
paragraph shall terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee
that Lessor elects to terminate this Lease.
(b) Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease without
notice to vacate (any right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and
Lessee's rights to possession of the Premises at any time, and reenter
the Premises as described in subparagraph (a)-herein above. No act by
Lessor other than the giving notice of termination to Lessee shall
terminate this Lease. Upon termination, Lessor shall have the right to
pursue its remedies at law or in equity to recover of Lessee all
amounts of rent then due or thereafter accruing and such other damages
as are caused by Lessee's default.
15. Landlord Default. If Landlord fails timely to perform any of
its duties under this Lease within thirty (30) days after notice of
such default, Tenant shall have the right (but not the obligation) to
perform any such duty on behalf and at the expense of Landlord upon
notice to Landlord, and all sums expended or expenses incurred by
Tenant in performing such duty shall be due and payable by Landlord
upon demand by Tenant. Alternatively, Tenant may deduct and offset
such amounts, with interest at the rate set forth below, from and
against Rent due under this Lease.
16. Assignment and Subleasing. Tenant shall not assign this Lease
or sublet the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided,
however, that Tenant may assign this Lease or sublease the Premises
from time to time to entities of which Tenant is the majority owner
without restriction or consent, provided, however, that Tenant shall
provide Landlord written notice of such assignment at least ten (10)
days prior to any such assignment.
17. Landlord's Representations and Warranties. Landlord
represents and warrants to Tenant, and agrees, that:
(a) Landlord owns good, valid, insurable and marketable title to
the Premises free and clear of all liens, charges, assessments and
encumbrances.
(b) To the best of its knowledge, the Premises are in compliance
with all applicable legal requirements (including without limitation
zoning requirements);
(c) There is no litigation, action, suit, other legal proceeding
or governmental investigation pending or threatened against the
Premises, and Landlord has no knowledge or reason to know of any
ground for any such action.
(d) The following utilities and services are available to the
Building: electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer.
(e) Provided Tenant performs its covenants, agreements and
obligations hereunder, Landlord will warrant and defend Tenant in the
peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the Premises.
18. Use Clause/Compliance with Legal Requirements. Tenant may use
the Premises for any lawful purpose. Tenant shall properly dispose of
all trash, refrain from burning anything on or about the Premises, and
refrain from engaging in any illegal or immoral activities on or about
the Premises.
19. Hazardous Materials.
(a) Tenant agrees that it shall not generate, use, store, release
or dispose of any Hazardous Material on the Premises except in
material compliance with applicable Environmental Laws. Tenant shall,
at its sole cost and expense, cure within thirty (30) days after
written notice from Landlord any material breach of this Section 19(a)
which substantially affects the Premises by taking all necessary
response and corrective actions in accordance with all applicable
Environmental Laws.
(b) Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Landlord, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents,
successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages, actions,
proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses, penalties,
fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including without
limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and expert
witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, out of or
by reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or covenant of
Tenant in this Lease, (ii)-any violation or alleged violation of any
Environmental Law by Tenant with respect to the Premises (provided
such violation or alleged violation does not represent the substantial
continuation of a violation or alleged violation that commenced prior
to the Term), and/or (iii)-any presence, generation, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport, release, threatened release or suspected
release of any Hazardous Material brought on, in, under, about, to or
from the Premises by Tenant. The provisions of this Section-19(b)
shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
(c) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that (i)-no
Hazardous Material is or will, at the Commencement Date, be present
in, on, under or about the Premises; (ii)-without limiting the
foregoing, the Premises does not contain any underground storage tanks
except as otherwise disclosed by Landlord in writing to Tenant prior
to the execution of this Lease; (iii)-the Premises are in full
compliance with all Environmental Laws, and (iv)-the Premise have
never been the subject of remedial action for an environmental
problem. Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, cure within
thirty (30) days after written notice from Tenant any material breach
of the representations set forth in this Section-19(c) which
substantially interferes with Tenant's use and enjoyment of the
Premises by taking all necessary response and corrective actions in
accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(d) Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Tenant, its subtenants, officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
agents, successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages,
actions, proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses,
penalties, fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including
without limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and
expert witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly,
out of or by reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or
covenant of Landlord in this Lease, (ii)-any violation or alleged
violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Premises as of
or prior to the Commencement Date, and/or (iii)-any presence,
generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release,
threatened release or suspected release of any Hazardous Material on,
in, under, about, to or from the Premises to the extent it does not
result from Tenant's activities in the Premises. The provisions of
this Section-19(d) shall survive the expiration or earlier termination
of this Lease.
(e) In the event of any breach by Landlord of its obligations
pursuant to this Section-19 which is not cured within thirty (30) days
after notice thereof has been given by Tenant, Tenant may at any time
thereafter terminate this Lease by written notice to Landlord.
(f) As used herein, "Hazardous Material" means any substance or
material meeting any one or more of the following criteria: (i)-it is
defined as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material,
pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law;
(ii)-it is toxic, explosive, corrosive, ignitable, reactive,
infectious, radioactive, mutagenic, dangerous or otherwise hazardous;
and/or (iii-it is or contains, without limiting the foregoing,
petroleum hydrocarbons.
As used herein, "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state
or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, directive,
license, approval, guidance, interpretation, order, or other legal
requirement relating to the protection of human health or the
environment, including, but not limited to, any requirement pertaining
to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting,
investigation or remediation of materials that are or may constitute a
threat to human health or the environment.
20. Waiver. The waiver by either Landlord or Tenant of any breach
of any covenant or agreement of this Lease shall not be deemed a
waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other covenant
or agreement of this Lease. The receipt and acceptance by Landlord of
delinquent or partial rent shall not constitute a waiver of that or
any other default.
21. Notice. Any notice that either party desires or is required
to give the other party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been sufficiently given if served personally or sent by a
reputable over-night courier or sent by prepaid, registered or
certified mail, addressed to the other party at the address set forth
below:
Landlord: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Property Company, LLC
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇, P.L.L.C.
copy to: 1600 BB&T Financial Center
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇
Tenant: ▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A.
copy to: 1900 Independence Center
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
Either party may change its address by notifying the other party
of the change of address in the foregoing manner.
22. Surrender and Holding Over. Upon the expiration or earlier
termination of the Term, Tenant shall surrender possession of the
Premises in as good a condition as delivered to it, reasonable wear
and tear and damage by fire and other casualty excepted.
23. Subordination. This Lease and the rights of the parties
hereto are expressly subordinate to the lien and provisions of any
first lien mortgage now or hereafter existing encumbering the
Premises, or any part thereof, and all amendments, renewals and
modifications and extensions of and to any said mortgage, and all
advances made or hereafter to be made upon the security of said
mortgage. Tenant agrees to execute and deliver such further
instruments subordinating this Lease to the lien of any such mortgage
as may be requested in writing by Landlord from time to time. As used
herein, the term mortgage shall mean any first lien mortgage, deed of
trust, deed to secure debt or other instruments used to secure debt.
As a condition to subordinating this Lease to any present or future
mortgage of the Premises, Tenant may require that the mortgagee under
such mortgage agree not to disturb Tenant's rights under this Lease so
long as Tenant is not in default hereunder this Lease.
24. Termination of Existing Leases. Landlord shall provide to
Tenant evidence reasonably satisfactory to Tenant that any leases of
all or any part of the Premises which are or have been in effect
within thirty (30) days prior to the Commencement Date, if any, have
been terminated prior to the Commencement Date.
25. Interest on Amounts Past Due. Interest shall accrue on any
amounts payable by Landlord or Tenant hereunder which are not paid
when due at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
26. Applicable Law. This Lease has been entered into under, and
shall be governed by, the laws of the State of North Carolina.
27. Memorandum. The Memorandum of Lease in the form attached as
Exhibit-B and made a part hereof shall be fully executed by the
parties at the time this Lease is executed, and shall be delivered to
Tenant. Tenant may record the Memorandum at its expense if it wishes
to do so.
28. Nature and Extent of Agreement. This instrument contains the
complete agreement of the parties regarding the terms and conditions
of the lease of the Premises, and there are no oral or written
conditions, terms, understandings or other agreements pertaining
thereto which have not been incorporated in this Lease. This
instrument creates only the relationship of landlord and tenant
between the parties as to the Premises. This Lease may be amended only
by a written instrument executed by Landlord and Tenant. This Lease
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant
and their respective successors and assigns. If any term, condition,
covenant, clause or provision herein contained shall operate or would
prospectively operate to invalidate this Lease in whole or in part,
then such term, condition, covenant, clause and provision only shall
be disregarded and the remainder of this Lease shall remain operative
and in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lease
Agreement to be duly executed under seal as of the date first above
written.
LANDLORD:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC
By: _______________________
Manager
TENANT:
▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation
[CORPORATE SEAL] By. _______________________________
_________ President
ATTEST:
__________________________
____________ Secretary
11
C-479452v01!.02340.01193
C-479452v01!.02340.01193
Exhibit C
Yarn Plant
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Lease") is made and entered into as of
the 4th day of August, 1997, by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ WEAVING ▇▇▇▇▇,
INC., a North Carolina corporation (the "Landlord"), and ▇▇▇▇, INC., a
North Carolina corporation (the "Tenant").
BACKGROUND
A. Landlord is the owner of that certain parcel of land (the "Land")
containing approximately N/A acres and located at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. The Land is more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto.
B. Located on the Land is a building containing approximately
70,000 sq.ft. of space (the "Building") and related improvements
including but not limited to parking spaces, utilities and
landscaping. The Land, the Building, the improvements located on the
Land, and all rights appurtenant to the Land are referred to
collectively in this Lease as the "Premises."
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
conditions contained in this Lease, including the covenant to pay
rent, and other good and valuable consideration, Landlord and Tenant
hereby agree, for themselves, their successors and assigns, as
follows:
1. Premises. Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant accepts and
rents from Landlord, the Premises, for the term and on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Lease. Tenant and its subtenants, and
their officers, employees, agents, customers, invitees, successors and
assigns, shall have the exclusive right to use and occupy the
Premises.
2. Term. The term of this Lease ("Term") shall begin on August-4,
1997 (the "Commencement Date") and shall end at midnight on the date
two (2) years after the Commencement Date. In addition, Tenant shall
have two (2) successive options to renew the Term, each renewal period
to be two (2) years (each such period, a "Renewal Period"). Tenant
shall exercise each option by written notice to Landlord given on or
before the date three (3) months before the commencement date of the
Renewal Period in question. The first Renewal Period, if Tenant
exercises its option therefor, shall commence upon the expiration of
the initial Term, and each subsequent Renewal Period, if Tenant
exercises its option therefor, shall commence upon the expiration of
the immediately preceding Renewal Period. All references to the "Term"
in this Lease shall, unless the context clearly indicates a different
meaning, be deemed to include a reference to the initial Term of this
Lease and any and all Renewal Periods. Each renewal shall be on the
same provisions as are set forth herein.
3. Delivery of Premises. Landlord shall deliver the Premises to
Tenant on or before the Commencement Date.
4. Rent. Tenant shall pay to Landlord annual rent of Ninety
Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($90,000.00), payable in equal monthly
installments of Seven Thousand Five Hundred and no/100 Dollars
($7,500.00) ("Monthly Base Rent") in advance on the first day of each
calendar month, commencing twelve (12) months after the Commencement
Date and continuing thereafter throughout the Tenn. If the
Commencement Date falls on a day other than the first day of a
calendar month, the installment of rent payable for the initial
partial calendar month for which rent is due shall be payable upon the
Commencement Date. All rent shall be paid to Landlord at the address
to which notices to Landlord are given as set forth in Section 21
below. Rent for any partial month shall be prorated on a daily basis.
Beginning at the commencement of the first Renewal Period (if
Tenant's option therefor is exercised), Monthly Base Rent shall be
increased by an amount reflecting the percentage increase in the cost
of living from the date two months prior to the Commencement Date
until the date two months prior to the expiration of the Term. If
Tenant exercises any further renewal options, Monthly Base Rent shall
be similarly increased by an amount reflecting the percentage increase
in the cost of living from the date two months prior to the
commencement of the immediately preceding Renewal Period until the
date two months prior to the expiration thereof. The percentage
increase in the cost of living shall be determined by reference to the
Consumer Price Index For All Urban Consumers (1982-1984=100), as
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States
Department of Labor, and as most recently available on the date for
which the cost of living determination is being made. If the
above-referenced index is discontinued, calculated in a different
manner or unavailable, Landlord may substitute a comparable,
generally-accepted cost of living index.
5. Repair and Maintenance.
(a) Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain the Premises in neat,
clean and good order and repair, and shall be responsible for all
maintenance, replacements and repair with respect to the Premises,
including without limitation all paving, parking areas, driveways,
landscaping, grounds roofs, structures, exteriors, foundations, glass
and Building systems (including without limitation plumbing, heating,
cooling, ventilation, and electrical systems), except as provided in
subparagraph (b) below, and shall be solely responsible for making all
repairs required due to the negligence of Tenant or its employees or
invitees and all other repairs other than those for which Landlord is
partially responsible pursuant to subparagraph (b) below, but
excluding, except as provided in section 10 below, casualties
(including without limitation fire, damage from sprinklers and
flooding). Tenant shall also be responsible for any repairs to
Tenant's personal property and equipment installed in the Building by
Tenant, except as provided in section 10 below.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) above,
Landlord and Tenant shall each bear fifty percent (50%) of the cost of
major repairs and complete or substantial replacement or major
overhaul or reconstruction of structural components of the Building,
roofs and Building systems as described in subparagraph (a) above.
Landlord and Tenant shall also each pay fifty percent (50%) of the
cost of making any modifications to the Premises required to comply
with applicable legal requirements, including without limitation the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for
its share of the reasonable cost of the repairs within thirty (30)
days after written demand, accompanied by supporting invoices.
Alternatively, Tenant may deduct and offset such costs and interest
from and against rent due and to become due under this Lease.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Tenant shall have no
responsibility to make any repairs due to any casualty affecting the
Premises.
6. Alterations. Tenant shall have no right to make any structural
alterations to the Building without the prior written consent of
Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall have
the right to make non-structural alterations to the Premises without
consent, provided such alterations must be performed in a good and
workmanlike manner.
7. Personal Property. All inventory, equipment, fixtures and
furnishings of Tenant in or attached to the Premises may be removed by
Tenant at any time during the Term, provided that any damage caused by
such removal will be promptly repaired by Tenant at its expense. Any
such property not so removed before the expiration of the Term shall
become the property of Landlord unless reasonably promptly removed by
Tenant.
8. Taxes. Tenant shall pay prior to delinquency (a)-all real
property taxes applicable to the Premises during the Term and (b)-all
taxes that are levied against any personal property or equipment of
Tenant. Landlord shall deliver to Tenant, within thirty (30) days of
Landlord's receipt thereof, any real estate tax bills pertaining to
the Premises; provided, however, the failure of Landlord to deliver
any such tax ▇▇▇▇ shall not relieve Tenant of the obligation of taxes
hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be deemed
in default for nonpayment of taxes if it is in good faith contesting
the validity or amount thereof in compliance with all applicable laws,
and the enforcement of any lien therefor is suspended or stayed during
such contest. Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant in any such
contest. Taxes for the year in which the Term commences or expires (or
otherwise terminates) shall be prorated.
9. Utilities and Services. Tenant shall pay all charges for its
usage of electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer to the Premises
during the Tenn. If as a result of any failure to furnish or delay or
interruption in furnishing any of the utilities or services described
above, the Premises are rendered substantially untenantable for
Tenant's purposes for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours,
then, commencing upon such failure or delay, rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ until
utility or service has been resumed.
10. Damage by Fire or Other Casualty. Tenant shall promptly
notify Landlord of any damage to the Premises caused by fire or other
casualty.
If (a)-the Building is rendered untenantable or substantially
untenantable (as reasonably determined by Tenant) by fire or other
casualty, or (b)-the Building or other portions of the Premises are
totally or partially damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty,
and Tenant's architect reasonably estimates that the damage will take
longer than ninety (90) days to repair, then Tenant may elect, by
giving Landlord written notice within sixty (60) days of the fire or
other casualty, to terminate this Lease as of the date of such
casualty.
If the Building or other portions of the Premises are damaged or
destroyed by fire or other casualty covered by insurance maintained by
Tenant, and this Lease is not terminated pursuant to the preceding
paragraph, then Tenant shall, upon receipt of the insurance proceeds,
repair and restore the damaged portions, to substantially the same
condition as existed immediately prior to the casualty. Upon
completion of the restoration work, the remainder of the insurance
proceeds shall be disbursed to Tenant. Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any
such period of damage or repair. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
damage occurs during the last twelve (12) months of the Term, then
Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease as of the date of
the casualty by giving written notice of termination to Landlord
within thirty (30) days after the fire or casualty.
11. Insurance. Throughout the Term, Tenant shall maintain
(i)-casualty insurance on the Buildings covering all casualties
included under standard insurance industry practices within the
classification "Fire and Lightening, Extended Coverage, Vandalism and
Malicious Mischief' in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%)
of the replacement value of each Building (including the fixtures),
and (ii)-comprehensive public liability insurance covering death,
bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at least Two
Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence/aggregate.
Tenant's liability insurance shall name Landlord as an additional
insured and shall include contractual liability consistent with
standard ISO provisions, and Tenant's casualty insurance shall name
Landlord as an owner and additional insured.
All insurance required under this Lease:
(a) shall be issued by an insurance company authorized to do
business in the State of North Carolina;
(b) shall, if available without additional cost, with respect to
property insurance, contain a waiver by the insurer of any rights of
subrogation or indemnity to which the insurer might otherwise be
entitled; and
(c) shall, if available without additional cost, contain an
endorsement requiring thirty (30) days' written notice from the
insurance company to Landlord prior to any cancellation, non-renewal
or material reduction in coverage of the policy.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each policy of
property insurance required by this Lease shall contain an endorsement
in which the insurance company waives any right of subrogation that it
may acquire against Landlord by virtue of payment of any loss under
such policy. In addition, Tenant waives any claims it may have against
Landlord arising out of any casualty that would be covered by any
policy of property insurance required to be maintained by it under
this Lease, or that actually is covered by any policy of property
insurance maintained by Tenant, without giving effect to any
deductible amounts or self-insured risks. Prior to the commencement of
the Term, and annually thereafter, Tenant shall, upon request, deliver
to Landlord certificates of insurance evidencing the policies of
insurance required by this section.
12. Taking for Public Use. If all or any substantial part (as
reasonably determined by Tenant) of the Premises are taken for any
public or any quasi-public use under any statute or by right of
eminent domain, or by private purchase in lieu thereof, then either
Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease as of the date of such
taking by providing thirty (30) days' written notice to the other
party.
If any part of the Premises is so taken and this Lease is not
terminated under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, then Rent
shall be apportioned according to the space so taken, and Landlord
shall, to the extent possible with any award of damages from such
taking, restore the remaining portion of the Premises to the extent
necessary to render it reasonably suitable for the purposes for which
it is leased, and shall make all repairs to any Building or other
improvements damaged by such taking to the extent necessary to
constitute the Building and Premises a complete, functional property.
Rent shall ▇▇▇▇▇ during any such period of repair and restoration.
The proceeds of any condemnation award for the Premises shall be
the property of Landlord, but the proceeds of any condemnation award
for the leasehold interest and the improvements located on the
Premises that have been installed by Tenant shall be the property of
Tenant. Landlord shall have no interest in any award to Tenant for
relocation expenses or for the taking of Tenant's fixtures or other
personal property within the Premises, or for loss of business, or for
depreciation to, damage to, the cost of removal of, or the value of
stock, trade fixtures, furniture, and other property belonging to
Tenant or subtenants, provided, however, that no award to the Tenant
for any of the foregoing shall directly result in a reduction in the
amount due to Landlord as a condemnation award for the Premises.
13. Tenant Default. The occurrence of any one of the following
shall constitute a default by Tenant:
(a) Failure to pay rent or any other amount payable under this
Lease within five (5) days of when due; or
(b) Failure to perform any other provision of this Lease if the
failure to perform is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice
thereof has been given to Tenant; provided, however, that if the
default is not reasonably capable of being cured in thirty (30) days,
Tenant shall not be in default if it commences the cure within that
thirty (30) day period and diligently prosecutes the cure to
completion.
14. Landlord's Remedies. Landlord shall have the following
remedies if Tenant defaults. These remedies are not exclusive; they
are cumulative in addition to any remedies now or later allowed by
law.
(a) Lessor shall have the right to terminate Lessee's right of
possession of the Premises without terminating this Lease, and as long
as Lessor does not terminate this Lease, collect rent when due. Lessee
shall surrender possession of the Premises to Lessor and Lessor shall
have the right to enter the Premises without notice to vacate (any
right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and relet them, without
prior notice or demand, using such reasonable force as may be
necessary, changing any or all locks on the Premises all without being
liable for forcible entry, trespass, or other tort. Lessee shall be
liable immediately to Lessor for all costs Lessor shall incur in
reletting the Premises including, without limitation, broker's
commissions, expenses for remodeling required by the reletting, and
like costs. Reletting can be for a period shorter or longer than the
remaining term of the Lease. Lessee shall pay to Lessor the rent due
under this Lease on the date that the rent is due, less the rent
Lessor receives from any reletting. No act by Lessor allowed by this
paragraph or surrender of possession of the Premises pursuant to this
paragraph shall terminate this Lease unless Lessor notifies Lessee
that Lessor elects to terminate this Lease.
(b) Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease without
notice to vacate (any right to which is hereby waived by Lessee) and
Lessee's rights to possession of the Premises at any time, and reenter
the Premises as described in subparagraph (a) herein above. No act by
Lessor other than the giving notice of termination to Lessee shall
terminate this Lease. Upon termination, Lessor shall have the right to
pursue its remedies at law or in equity to recover of Lessee all
amounts of rent then due or thereafter accruing and such other damages
as are caused by Lessee's default.
15. Landlord Default. If Landlord fails timely to perform any of
its duties under this Lease within thirty (30) days after notice of
such default, Tenant shall have the right (but not the obligation) to
perform any such duty on behalf and at the expense of Landlord upon
notice to Landlord, and all sums expended or expenses incurred by
Tenant in performing such duty shall be due and payable by Landlord
upon demand by Tenant. Alternatively, Tenant may deduct and offset
such amounts, with interest at the rate set forth below, from and
against Rent due under this Lease.
16. Assignment and Subleasing. Tenant shall not assign this Lease
or sublet the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided,
however, that Tenant may assign this Lease or sublease the Premises
from time to time to entities of which Tenant is the majority owner
without restriction or consent, provided, however, that Tenant shall
provide Landlord written notice of such assignment at least ten (10)
days prior to any such assignment.
17. Landlord's Representations and Warranties. Landlord
represents and warrants to Tenant, and agrees, that:
(a) Landlord owns good, valid, insurable and marketable title to
the Premises free and clear of all liens, charges, assessments and
encumbrances.
(b) To the best of its knowledge, the Premises are in compliance
with all applicable legal requirements (including without limitation
zoning requirements).
(c) There is no litigation, action, suit, other legal proceeding
or governmental investigation pending or threatened against the
Premises, and Landlord has no knowledge or reason to know of any
ground for any such action.
(d) The following utilities and services are available to the
Building: electricity, telephone, gas, water and sewer.
(e) Provided Tenant performs its covenants, agreements and
obligations hereunder, Landlord will warrant and defend Tenant in the
peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the Premises,
18. Use Clause/Compliance with Legal Requirements. Tenant may use
the Premises for any lawful purpose. Tenant shall properly dispose of
all trash, refrain from burning anything on or about the Premises, and
refrain from engaging in any illegal or immoral activities on or about
the Premises.
19. Hazardous Materials.
(a) Tenant agrees that it shall not generate, use, store, release
or dispose of any Hazardous Material on the Premises except in
material compliance with applicable Environmental Laws. Tenant shall,
at its sole cost and expense, cure within thirty (30) days after
written notice from Landlord any breach of this Section 19(a) by
taking all necessary response and corrective actions in accordance
with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(b) Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Landlord, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents,
successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages, actions,
proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses, penalties,
fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including without
limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and expert
witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, out of or
by reason of (1)-any breach of any representation or covenant of
Tenant in this Lease, (ii)-any violation or alleged violation of any
Environmental Law by Tenant with respect to the Premises (provided
such violation or alleged violation does not represent the substantial
continuation of a violation or alleged violation that commenced prior
to the Term), and/or (iii)-any presence, generation, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport, release, threatened release or suspected
release of any Hazardous Material brought on, in, under, about, to or
from the Premises by Tenant. The provisions of this Section 19(b)
shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
(c) Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that (i)-no
Hazardous Material is or will, at the Commencement Date, be present
in, on, under or about the Premises; (ii)-without limiting the
foregoing, the Premises does not contain any underground storage tanks
except as otherwise disclosed by Landlord in writing to Tenant prior
to the execution of this Lease; (iii)-the Premises are in full
compliance with all Environmental Laws, and (iv)-the Premise have
never been the subject of remedial action for an environmental
problem. Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, cure within
thirty (30) days after written notice from Tenant any material breach
of the representations set forth in this Section 19(c) which
substantially interferes with Tenant's use and enjoyment of the
Premises by taking all necessary response and corrective actions in
accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(d) Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Tenant, its subtenants, officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
agents, successors and assigns, from and against all claims, damages,
actions, proceedings, costs, liens, requirements, judgments, losses,
penalties, fines, settlements and liabilities of any kind (including
without limitation attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and
expert witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or indirectly,
out of or by reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or
covenant of Landlord in this Lease, (ii)-any violation or alleged
violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Premises as of
or prior to the Commencement Date, and/or (iii)-any presence,
generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release,
threatened release or suspected release of any Hazardous Material on,
in, under, about, to or from the Premises to the extent it does not
result from Tenant's activities in the Premises. The provisions of
this Section 19(d) shall survive the expiration or earlier termination
of this Lease.
(e) In the event of any breach by Landlord of its obligations
pursuant to this Section 19 which is not cured within thirty (30) days
after notice thereof has been given by Tenant, Tenant may at any time
thereafter terminate this Lease by written notice to Landlord.
(f) As used herein, "Hazardous Material" means any substance or
material meeting any one or more of the following criteria: (i)-it is
defined as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material,
pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law;
(ii)-it is toxic, explosive, corrosive, ignitable, reactive,
infectious, radioactive, mutagenic, dangerous or otherwise hazardous;
and/or (iii)-it is or contains, without limiting the foregoing,
petroleum hydrocarbons.
As used herein, "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state
or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, directive,
license, approval, guidance, interpretation, order, or other legal
requirement relating to the protection of human health or the
environment, including, but not limited to, any requirement pertaining
to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting,
investigation or remediation of materials that are or may constitute a
threat to human health or the environment.
20. Waiver. The waiver by either Landlord or Tenant of any breach
of any covenant or agreement of this Lease shall not be deemed a
waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other covenant
or agreement of this Lease. The receipt and acceptance by Landlord of
delinquent or partial rent shall not constitute a waiver of that or
any other default.
21. Notice. Any notice that either party desires or is required
to give the other party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been sufficiently given if served personally or sent by a
reputable over-night courier or sent by prepaid, registered or
certified mail, addressed to the other party at the address set forth
below:
Landlord: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Weaving ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇, P.L.L.C.
copy to: 1600 BB&T Financial Center
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇
Tenant: ▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
with a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.A.
copy to: 1900 Independence Center
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
Either party may change its address by notifying the other party
of the change of address in the foregoing manner.
22. Surrender and Holding Over. Upon the expiration or earlier
termination of the Term, Tenant shall surrender possession of the
Premises in as good a condition as delivered to it, reasonable wear
and tear and damage by fire and other casualty excepted.
23. Subordination. This Lease and the rights of the parties
hereto are expressly subordinate to the lien and provisions of any
first lien mortgage now or hereafter existing encumbering the
Premises, or any part thereof, and all amendments, renewals and
modifications and extensions of and to any said mortgage, and all
advances made or hereafter to be made upon the security of said
mortgage. Tenant agrees to execute and deliver such further
instruments subordinating this Lease to the lien of any such mortgage
as may be requested in writing by Landlord from time to time. As used
herein, the term mortgage shall mean any first lien mortgage, deed of
trust, deed to secure debt or other instruments used to secure debt.
As a condition to subordinating this Lease to any present or future
mortgage of the Premises, Tenant may require that the mortgagee under
such mortgage agree not to disturb Tenant"s rights under this Lease so
long as Tenant is not in default hereunder this Lease.
24. Termination of Existing Leases. Landlord shall provide to Tenant
evidence reasonably satisfactory to Tenant that any leaIses of all or any part
of the Premises which are or have been in effect within thirty (30) days prior
to the Commencement Date, if any, have been terminated prior to the Commencement
Date.
25. Interest on Amounts Past Due. Interest shall accrue on any
amounts payable by Landlord or Tenant hereunder which are not paid
when due at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
26. Applicable Law. This Lease has been entered into under, and
shall be governed by, the laws of the State of North Carolina.
27. Memorandum. The Memorandum of Lease in the form attached as
Exhibit B and made a part hereof shall be fully executed by the
parties at the time this Lease is executed, and shall be delivered to
Tenant. Tenant may record the Memorandum at its expense if it wishes
to do so.
28. Nature and Extent of Agreement. This instrument contains the
complete agreement of the parties regarding the terms and conditions
of the lease of the Premises, and there are no oral or written
conditions, terms, understandings or other agreements pertaining
thereto which have not been incorporated in this Lease. This
instrument creates only the relationship of landlord and tenant
between the parties as to the Premises. This Lease may be amended only
by a written instrument executed by Landlord and Tenant. This Lease
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant
and their respective successors and assigns. If any term, condition,
covenant, clause or provision herein contained shall operate or would
prospectively operate to invalidate this Lease in whole or in part,
then such term, condition, covenant, clause and provision only shall
be disregarded and the remainder of this Lease shall remain operative
and in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have cause this Lease
Agreement to be duly executed under seal as of the date first above
written.
LANDLORD: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ WEAVING ▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By: ___________________________________
Attest: ________ President
__________________________________
________________ Secretary
TENANT: ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By: _________________________________
Attest: ______________ President
___________________________________
_____________ Secretary
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF ________________
This _____ day of _____________, 1997, personally came
before me ____________ ______________, who, being by me duly
sworn, says that he is the President of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ WEAVING ▇▇▇▇▇,
INC., a North Carolina corporation, and that the seal affixed to
the foregoing instrument in writing is the corporate seal of the
company, and that said writing was signed and sealed by him, in
behalf of said corporation, by its authority duly given. And the
said President acknowledged the said writing to be the act and
deed of said corporation.
__________________________________________
Notary Public
My commission expires:
________________________
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF _________________
This _____ day of ______________, 1997, personally came
before me ________________________, who, being by me duly sworn,
says that he is the ______ President of ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North
Carolina corporation, and that the seal affixed to the foregoing
instrument in writing is the corporate seal of the company, and
that said writing was signed and sealed by him, in behalf of said
corporation, by its authority duly given. And the said __________
President acknowledged the said writing to be the act and deed of
said corporation.
_________________________________________
Notary Public
My commission expires:
_____________________
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
5
C-479386v01!.02340.01193
C-479386v01!.02340.01193
Exhibit D
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered
into as of the 4th day of August, 1997 by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
VELVET ▇▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation "Licensor"),
and ▇▇▇▇, INC., a North Carolina corporation ("Licensee").
RECITALS:
Licensor leases certain real property located in Jamestown,
Guilford County, North Carolina, as more particularly described
in Exhibit A attached hereto and made part hereof (the
"Property"). Licensor has sold certain assets (the "Purchased
Assets") to Licensee as of the date of this Agreement, and by
this Agreement, shall provide Licensee access to certain portions
of the Property, as provided below, to allow Licensee to
dismantle and remove Purchased Assets and to wind up business
related to such assets.
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual
agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
1. Grant of License. Licensor hereby grants unto Licensee
upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement a
license (the "License") for Licensee, its agents, contractors and
employees to enter upon the following portions of the Property,
which are hereinafter collectively referenced as the "License
Area":
(a) The area above the surface of the driveways, parking
areas and loading docks on the Property cross-hatched on the site
plan of the Property attached hereto as Exhibit B and made a part
hereof, and
(b) The area above the surface of the floors and within the
exterior walls of the manufacturing building at the Property
shown on Exhibit B attached hereto.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any
other agreement between Licensor and Licensee, Licensee shall not
have any license or other right to enter, use or access any
portion of the Property other than the License Area. Without
limiting the foregoing, the License Area specifically does not
include the two sheds at the Property, the structure that housed
the former wastewater treatment system at the Property, and the
outside drum storage area at the Property. Licensor shall retain
complete authority and control over all portions of the Property,
with the exception of the License Area, and Licensee shall have
no authority, control or other right with respect to such areas
of the Property outside of the License Area. The License shall
allow entry to the License Area solely for the following
purposes: (a)-dismantling and removing any or all of the
Purchased Assets presently located in the License Area, and
(b)-winding up business related to such assets.
2. Obligations of Licensee. Licensee agrees to pay to
Licensor a license fee for the License of $3,810 per month to be
paid monthly in arrears on the 4th of each month.
3. Term. The term of this Agreement and the License granted
herein shall commence as of the date hereof and shall expire at
11:59 p.m. on October 4, 1997; provided, however, that if
Licensee surrenders the License Area to Licensor before that
date, the term shall terminate automatically upon such surrender.
4. Insurance and Utilities. Throughout the term of this
Agreement, Licensee shall maintain a policy of commercial general
liability insurance in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 per
occurrence. Also, during the term of the License, Licensee shall
maintain casualty insurance on the manufacturing building on the
Property covering all casualties included under standard
insurance industry practices within the classification "Fire and
Lightning, Extended Coverage, Vandalism and Malicious Mischief."
Each of Licensor and Licensee hereby waives, on behalf of itself
and its insurers, all claims against the other for damage to the
License Area or Property that is covered by property insurance
maintained by it. Each of Licensor and Licensee shall require
that its insurers include in its property insurance policies
insuring the Property effective waivers of subrogation for the
benefit of the other. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee
shall be responsible for insuring the Purchased Assets and all
other personal property located on the Property, and Licensor
shall not be responsible for damage thereto.
Licensee shall, within 30 days after notice from Licensor
accompanied with appropriate bills, pay bills for usage of
utilities in the License Area by Licensee during the term of this
Agreement (such bills to be pro rated between Licensor and
Licensee on a daily basis for any billing periods that are
partially within the term of this Agreement). Licensor agrees to
cooperate with Licensee to arrange for continuation of utility
services currently provided to the License Area during the term
of this Agreement.
5. Indemnification. Licensee will indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Licensor, and its partners, agents, employees,
successors and assigns, from and against any and all liabilities,
damages, claims, causes of action, losses, demands, costs and
expenses of every kind and nature (including reasonable
attorneys' fees) arising out of any injury or damage to person or
property caused by Licensee's activities in the License Area
under this Agreement, and this indemnity obligation shall survive
the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
6. Hazardous Materials.
(a) Licensee agrees that it shall not generate, use, store,
release or dispose of any Hazardous Material on the License Area
except in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
Licensee shall, at its sole cost and expense, cure within thirty
(30)-days after written notice from Licensor any breach of this
Section 6(a) by taking all necessary response and corrective
actions in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(b) Licensee agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Licensor, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
agents, successors and assigns, from and against all claims,
damages, actions, proceedings, costs, liens, requirements,
judgments, losses, penalties, fines, settlements and liabilities
of any kind (including without limitation reasonable attorneys'
fees and court costs, and consultant and expert witness fees)
arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, out of or by
reason of (i)-any breach of any representation or covenant of
Licensee in this Licensee, (ii)-any violation or alleged
violation of any Environmental Law by Licensee with respect to
the License Area, and/or (iii)-any presence, generation,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release, threatened
release or suspected release of any Hazardous Material brought
on, in, under, about, to or from the License Area by Licensee.
The provisions of this Section 6(b) shall survive the expiration
or earlier termination of this Agreement,
(c) Licensor represents and warrants to Licensee that (i)-no
Hazardous Material is, as of the date hereof, present in, on,
under or about the License Area, except for Hazardous Materials
properly stored in compliance with all applicable Environmental
Laws for use in the manufacturing business conducted at the
License Area; (ii)-without limiting the foregoing, the License
Area does not contain any underground storage tanks, (iii)-the
License Area is in full compliance with all Environmental Laws,
and (iv)-the License Area has never been the subject of remedial
action for an environmental problem. Licensor shall, at its sole
cost and expense, cure within thirty (30)-days after written
notice from Licensee any breach of the representations set forth
in this Section 6(c) by taking all necessary response and
corrective actions in accordance with all applicable
Environmental Laws.
(d) Licensor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Licensee, its sublicensees, officers, directors, shareholders,
employees, agents, successors and assigns, from and against all
claims, damages, actions, proceedings, costs, liens,
requirements, judgments, losses, penalties, fines, settlements
and liabilities of any kind (including without limitation
reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs, and consultant and
expert witness fees) arising in any manner, directly or
indirectly, out of or by reason of (i)-any breach of any
representation or covenant of Licensor in this Agreement,
(ii)-any violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law
with respect to the License Area or Property as of or prior to
the Commencement Date, and/or (iii)-any presence, generation,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release, threatened
release or suspected release of any Hazardous Material on, in,
under, about, to or from the License Area or Property except to
the extent resulting from Licensee's activities in the License
Area. The provisions of this Section 6(d) shall survive the
expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
(e) As used herein, "Hazardous Material" means any substance
or material meeting any one or more of the following criteria:
(i)-it is defined as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance,
hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance
under any Environmental Law; (ii)-it is toxic, explosive,
corrosive, ignitable, reactive, infectious, radioactive,
mutagenic, dangerous or otherwise hazardous; and/or (iii)-it is
or contains, without limiting the foregoing, petroleum
hydrocarbons.
As used herein, "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal,
state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit,
directive, license, approval, guidance, interpretation, order, or
other legal requirement relating to the protection of human
health or the environment, including, but not limited to, any
requirement pertaining to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation,
handling, reporting, licensing, permitting, investigation or
remediation of materials that are or may constitute a threat to
human health or the environment.
7. Damage. Licensee shall promptly repair any damage to the
License Area caused by its activities in the License Area,
excluding ordinary wear and tear.
8. Liens. Licensee shall pay for all services and materials
contracted for by it in connection with its activities in the
License Area, and shall promptly after notice cause to be removed
of record any lien or claim for lien filed against any property
of Licensor in connection with such services or materials. This
obligation shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of
this Agreement.
9. Default. If Licensee fails to perform any obligation
under this Agreement, and fails to cure
the default within fifteen (15)-days after written notice
from Licensor, then Licensor shall have the right to terminate
this Agreement and remove all persons and property from the
License Area.
10. Notices. Any notice permitted or required by the terms
of this Agreement shall be deemed given three (3)-days after
being sent by registered or certified United States Mail, postage
prepaid, properly addressed to the parties as follows:
to Licensor: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Velvet ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
to Licensee: ▇▇▇▇, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
11. Effect on Successors and Assignees. This Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Licensor and
Licensee, and their successors and assigns, except that
Licensee's rights under this Agreement are not assignable by
Licensee without the prior written consent of Licensor, consent
not to be unreasonably withheld.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
agreement between Licensor and Licensee regarding the License,
and there are no other agreements, terms or conditions that have
not been incorporated herein. This Agreement creates only the
relationship of licensor and licensee between the parties. The
laws of the State of North Carolina shall govern the validity,
interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
LICENSOR:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ VELVET ▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: _________________________________
Name:
Title:
LICENSEE:
▇▇▇▇, INC.
By: _________________________________
Name:
Title: