1
EXHIBIT 10.17
DISTRIBUTOR SALES AGREEMENT (BRANDED)
EXXONMOBIL FUELS MARKETING COMPANY
This CONTRACT and AGREEMENT made and entered into by and between ExxonMobil
Fuels Marketing Company (a division of Exxon Mobil Corporation), having an
office and place of business at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
hereinafter called "Seller", and United Petroleum Group, Inc., having an office
at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇., ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter called "Buyer".
1. PERIOD: Unless sooner terminated as provided elsewhere herein, this Agreement
shall be in full force and effect for the period of three (3) years beginning on
February 1, 2001 and ending on January 31, 2004.
2. QUANTITIES:
(a) Seller agrees to sell to Buyer branded motor gasoline and branded diesel of
the kinds and in the quantities and under the terms and conditions set forth
herein and in the MOTOR FUEL PRODUCT SCHEDULE TO DISTRIBUTOR SALES AGREEMENT
(BRANDED) (hereinafter "Product Schedule") annexed hereto and made a part hereof
and Buyer agrees to purchase, receive and pay for the same on the terms and
conditions herein stated and in the Product Schedule.
(b) By mutual consent this Agreement may, from time to time, be amended by the
addition to or deletion herefrom of additional or revised Product Schedule(s).
Any such additional or revised Schedule(s) shall be marked as such and signed by
the duly authorized representatives of the parties and shall thereupon be
affixed to and become a part of this Agreement from and after the effective date
appearing on such additional or revised Schedule(s).
(c) The amount of any such products that Seller is obligated to sell to Buyer is
subject to all of Seller's other rights and/or obligations to: (A) allocate
supplies of available products; and (B) allocate products pursuant to any
regulation, direction, or request (whether valid or invalid) made by any
governmental authority or any person purporting to act for any governmental
authority.
3. PRICE: The price of the products covered by this Agreement shall be as
provided in the Product Schedule.
4. PAYMENT:
(a) Unless Seller notifies Buyer otherwise, Buyer will pay Seller for any
products and other charges by electronic funds transfer at the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
designates. Seller has the ongoing right to periodically give Buyer notice of a
different method, time, or place of paying for any products or other charges.
(b) Nothing herein shall be construed as obligating Seller to extend any credit
to Buyer. If Seller in its sole determination does elect to extend credit to
Buyer, such extension of credit shall be made only in writing and on the
following terms and conditions:
(1) Method of payment shall be electronic funds transfer, unless otherwise
specified by Seller, at or to the payment location specified by Seller.
(2) In the event Seller does not receive payment on or before the due date,
Seller may impose and Buyer will pay, a late payment charge for each day that
passes between the due date and the date Seller receives payment. This late
payment charge will be in addition to Seller's other remedies, and will not
exceed the lesser of: (A) the maximum allowed by law, or (B) a fixed rate that
may vary from state to state in Seller's discretion, but that will not be less
than eighteen per cent (18%) per annum prorated over the period that credit is
outstanding.
(3) Seller may furnish to Buyer statements of Buyer's account on a monthly
basis. Payment of any such bills shall not prejudice the right of Buyer to
question the correctness thereof; provided however, all bills and statements
rendered to Buyer by Seller during any month shall conclusively be presumed to
be true and correct after ninety (90) days following the end of any such month,
unless
1
2
within said (90) day period Buyer delivers to Seller's accounting office issuing
said statement written exception thereto setting forth the item or items
questioned and the basis therefor. Time is of the essence in complying with this
provision.
(4) In the event there are additional business transactions between Buyer and
Seller including without limitation those relating to (i) credit sales of
products other than those identified herein, (ii) promissory notes, or (iii)
real estate, unless it is clearly indicated in writing by Buyer as to how
payments received by Seller from Buyer are to be applied, then such payments
hall be applied by Seller in the following order of priority: (i) trade
accounts, (ii) promissory notes, (iii) rentals or other amounts due under any
other agreement or transaction.
(5) Seller reserves the right to withdraw such credit immediately at any time on
giving to Buyer notice thereof. In the event credit is withdrawn, all amounts
then due and owing shall become payable, and all future sales by Seller to Buyer
shall be for cash (or at Seller's option certified or cashier's check, money
order, electronic funds transfer, or other means approved by Seller).
(6) Seller has the right, but not the obligation, to offset any amounts owed by
Buyer to Seller, whether arising from the sale of products under this Agreement,
or arising under any other agreement or business transaction between the
parties.
(c) When Buyer takes delivery of any product sold hereunder, Buyer represents to
Seller that Buyer is solvent and able to pay for such product. Additional
evidence of Buyer's solvency shall be the written confirmation of Buyer's
purchase.
5. CARD ADMINISTRATION:
(a) Seller may issue Seller Cards and process and pay for Seller Card sales
tickets submitted to Seller in accordance with the terms of the applicable card
guide. Seller may authorize third party issuers (Third Party Issuer(s)) to issue
Seller Cards and other cards and process and pay Buyer for Seller Cards and
other card sales tickets submitted to Third Party Issuer in accordance with the
terms of an applicable card guide or agreement. Seller has the right, but not
the obligation, to change at any time its methods or terms of issuing, or
authorizing the issuance of, Seller Cards and other cards and its methods or
terms of processing and paying, or authorizing the processing and payment of,
Seller Cards and other card sales tickets. Nothing in this Agreement obligates
Seller or Third Party Issuer to issue Seller Cards and other cards or to process
for payment Seller Cards and other card sales tickets.
(b) Buyer agrees to be bound by and comply with all terms and conditions of any
card guide or agreement under which Seller or Third Party Issuer agrees to
process and pay for Seller Cards and other card sales tickets. The terms of such
card guide or agreement may be amended and/or supplemented at any time by Seller
or Third Party Issuer(s).
(c) If Third Party Issuer agrees to pay Buyer for Seller Card or other card
sales tickets submitted for payment in accordance with the terms of the
applicable card guide or agreement, Buyer will look solely to Third Party Issuer
and not to Seller for such payment. Should Seller elect to or otherwise pay all
or any portion of any card sales ticket charged back by Third Party Issuer to
Buyer, upon demand from Seller, Buyer shall immediately reimburse Seller for any
such payments made by Seller.
(d) Seller has the right, but not the obligation, to offset any amounts owed by
Seller to Buyer against any amounts owed by Buyer to Seller, whether arising
under a contract or from any other business transaction between the parties.
Seller has the right, but not the obligation, to instruct a Third Party Issuer
to pay Seller rather than Buyer for Seller Card and other card sales tickets
submitted by Buyer to Third Party Issuer, to apply against the payment of any
amounts owed by Buyer to Seller whether arising under a contract or from any
other business transaction between the parties.
(e) If Buyer requests Seller or Third Party Issuer to accept assignment of
credit or debit card tickets from, and make return payment directly to Buyer's
customers, and Seller or Third Party Issuer agrees to accept such assignments,
Buyer agrees that such assignments shall be treated for all purposes as if
assigned directly by Buyer, that chargebacks of reassigned credit or debit sales
tickets received from Buyer's customers shall be the responsibility of Buyer,
and that such chargebacks may be deducted from sums owed by Seller or Third
Party Issuer to Buyer.
2
3
6. DELIVERY: Delivery of the product(s) covered by this agreement and passage of
title and risk of loss shall be as stated in the applicable Product Schedule.
7. TAXES: In addition to the price charged by Seller for products purchased
hereunder, Buyer will pay to Seller any foreign or domestic tax, fee or other
charge (except taxes based on income), whether or not of the same class or kind
as those listed below, whenever imposed or assessed, that any municipal, county,
state, federal or other laws (now in effect or hereafter enacted) directly or
indirectly require Seller or Seller's suppliers to collect or pay related to the
production, manufacture, sale, inspection, transport, storage, delivery, or use
of products covered by this Agreement. These charges include, without limitation
(A) duty taxes; (B) sales taxes; (C) excise taxes; and (D) taxes on or measured
by gross receipts.
8. FAILURE TO PERFORM:
(a) Any delays in or failure of performance of either party hereto shall not
constitute default hereunder or give rise to any claims for damages if and to
the extent that such delay or failure is caused by occurrences beyond the
control of the party affected, including, but not limited to, acts of God or the
public enemy, expropriation or confiscation of facilities; compliance with any
order or request of any governmental authority; acts of war, rebellion or
sabotage or damage resulting therefrom; embargoes or other import or export
restrictions; fires, floods, explosions, accidents, or breakdowns; riots;
strikes or other concerted acts of workers, whether direct or indirect;
reduction of transportation capacity; inability to obtain necessary industrial
supplies, energy, or equipment; or any other causes whether or not of the same
class or kind as those specifically above named which are not within the control
of the party affected and which, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, said
party is unable to prevent or provide against. A party whose performance is
affected by any of the causes set forth in the preceding sentence shall give
prompt written notice thereof to the other party.
(b) If for any reason Seller's supplies of product deliverable under this
Agreement are inadequate to meet Seller's contract obligations to its customers
for such products, or if Seller determines, in its sole discretion, in
consideration of the uncertainties of worldwide raw material availability or
refining capacity limitations or other factors, that it is appropriate to impose
a plan of allocation (by grade or otherwise), then Seller shall have the right
to impose such a plan and the right to include one or more of the following:
(1) Seller's "customers" for products of the kind deliverable hereunder shall be
deemed to include (i) purchasers pursuant to current contracts, (ii) purchasers
whose contracts have expired where Seller, at its sole option, determines to
continue sales, (iii) purchasers to whom sales have been made on a regular and
recurring basis to whom contracts have not been submitted and (iv) new customers
to whom Seller determines to commence selling at its sole option.
(2) Seller shall have the right to give preference in allocation to those
customers whose needs (including resellers who sell for similar needs) are
related to (i) protection of life or health, (ii) production and transportation
of food and energy, (iii) mass transportation customers, and (iv) national
defense.
(3) Seller's allocation plans may be put into effect on such geographical basis
(including treating one geographic area differently than another one) as Seller
may determine, without regard for the specific inventory at the place or places
from which products deliverable hereunder are normally produced, shipped or
delivered.
(4) Seller shall have sole discretion to determine the proportions in which it
will manufacture various products from the raw material available to it and to
determine the level of inventories which it maintains for all raw materials and
all products. Seller shall have no obligation to purchase or otherwise obtain
additional products of the kind deliverable hereunder or raw materials from
which such products are derived, and Seller shall have complete discretion as to
the disposition of any raw materials or products which Seller may buy.
3
4
(5) Seller's allocation plans shall be applied after making provisions for
Seller's own requirements for products of the kind deliverable hereunder. In the
context of this subsection "Seller" shall include Exxon Mobil Corporation and
all of its divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliates whether wholly or partially
controlled and whether domestic or foreign.
(c) Seller shall be under no obligation to make sales hereunder at any time when
in Seller's sole judgment it has reason to believe that making of such sale
would be likely to cause strikes to be called against it or cause its properties
to be picketed.
(d) Seller shall not be required to make up sales omitted on account of any of
the causes set forth in this Section.
(e) Nothing in this Section shall excuse Buyer from making payment when due for
sales under this Agreement.
(f) Seller shall be under no obligation to make sales hereunder at any time when
in Seller's sole judgment Buyer's equipment, is unsafe for the delivery of
product(s). Buyer accepts full responsibility for all damages to any person or
property in any way resulting from Buyer's failure to provide safe premises and
equipment, including tanks safe and fit for the storage or handling of motor
fuels, whether such failure is known or unknown to Seller or Seller's
representative, and Buyer indemnifies and holds Seller harmless with respect to
any such damages or any cause of action arising therefrom.
9. PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Buyer shall pay to Seller in addition to the prices
provided for herein any foreign or domestic duty, tax, sales tax, excise tax,
gross receipts tax, fee or other charge, whether or not for the same class or
kind, now in effect or thereafter imposed or assessed (but exclusive of taxes
based on net income) which Seller or Seller's supplier, direct or indirect, may
be required by any municipal, state, federal or foreign government law, rule,
regulation or order, to collect or pay with respect to the production,
manufacture, sale, transportation, storage, delivery or use of products sold
hereunder, and which is not otherwise given effect in Seller's applicable
prices.
10. NEW OR CHANGED REGULATIONS: The parties are entering into this Agreement in
reliance on the regulations, law and arrangements with governments or
governmental instrumentality's (hereinafter called "regulations") in effect on
the date of execution by Seller affecting the products (including raw materials,
manufacturing or distribution facilities used therefor) sold hereunder insofar
as said "regulations" affect Buyer, Seller or Seller's suppliers. If the effect
of any change in any regulation or of any new "regulation" (1) is not covered by
any other provision of this Agreement, and (2) in the affected party's judgment,
either (a) has an adverse effect upon the party (or if Seller, upon Seller's
suppliers) or (b) increases the risk to the party of performance under this
Agreement, the affected party may request renegotiation of the terms of this
Agreement. The affected party has the right to terminate this Agreement on
written notice, effective ninety (90) days after the request for renegotiation,
if the renegotiation is not satisfactorily completed. Such right to request
renegotiation or, upon failure to agree, to terminate, shall without limitation
also be available if "regulations";
(a) Inhibit Seller from freely establishing, by increasing or decreasing, prices
of products covered by this Agreement;
(b) Prohibit Seller from collecting the price adjustment provided for above
under "Price Adjustment";
(c) Regulate the prices or recipients of products covered by this Agreement; or
(d) Affect Seller's liability.
11. TRADEMARKS:
(a) Buyer is permitted to display Seller's trademarks solely to designate the
origin of said products and Buyer agrees that petroleum products of others (or
unbranded petroleum products purchased from Seller) will not be sold by Buyer
under any trade name, trademark, trade dress, brand name, label, insignia,
symbol, or imprint owned by Seller or used by Seller in its business
(collectively "Exxon
4
5
Identification"). Upon termination of this Agreement or prior thereto upon
demand by seller, Buyer shall discontinue the posting, mounting, display or
other use of Exxon Identification except only to the extent they appear as
labels or identification of products manufactured or sold by Seller and still in
the containers or packages designed and furnished by Seller. Buyer is not a
licensee of Seller's trademarks. Without Seller's prior written authorization,
Buyer shall not mix, commingle, adulterate, or otherwise change the composition
of any of the products purchased hereunder and resold by Buyer under said Exxon
Identification. Seller is hereby given the right to examine at any time, and
from time to time, the contents of Buyer's tanks or containers in which said
product(s) purchased hereunder are stored and to take samples therefrom, and if
in the opinion of Seller any samples thus taken are not said product(s) and in
the condition in which delivered by Seller to Buyer, then Seller may at its
option cancel and terminate this Agreement. If there shall be posted, mounted,
or otherwise displayed on or in connection with the premises any sign, poster,
placard, plate, device or form of advertising matter whether or not received
from Seller, consisting in whole or in part of the name of Seller or any Exxon
Identification, Buyer agrees at all times to display same properly and not to
diminish, dilute, denigrate, or otherwise adversely affect same and to
discontinue the posting, mounting or display of same immediately upon Buyer's
ceasing to sell Seller's branded motor fuels (or other branded products of
Seller) or in any event upon demand by Seller. Buyer further agrees to take no
action which will diminish or dilute the value of such trademarks or other
identifications owned or used by the Seller.
(b) Buyer or Buyer's customers shall not sell non-Exxon branded motor gasoline
under any Exxon-identified canopy or at any fueling island where Buyer or
Buyer's customer is selling Exxon branded motor gasoline. Provided, however,
that "non-Exxon branded motor gasoline" as used in the preceding sentence shall
not be construed to apply to gasohol or other synthetic motor fuels of similar
usability, to the extent provided for in the Gasohol Competition Act of 1980,
Pub. L. 96-493.
(c) Without affecting Buyer's obligations under Section 11(b) above, if Buyer
offers non-Exxon products for sale, Buyer agrees to protect the identify of
Exxon branded products and Exxon's trademarks by all reasonable methods, which
would prevent customer confusion or misinformation. Buyer agrees to conform to
Seller's deidentification requirements, as same may be revised from time to
time, including but not limited to posting of Exxon approved signs which clearly
distinguish Exxon products from non-Exxon products, disclaiming any product
liability of Seller for damage resulting from use of non-Exxon products, and
removing or covering any signs which may mislead, confuse, or misinform some
customers or reduce their goodwill toward Exxon Identification. In addition,
Buyer agrees to comply with any additional steps beyond the Exxon
deidentification requirements required by any applicable law, ordinance or
regulation regarding the labeling of petroleum products.
(d) In furtherance of its obligations as set forth in the preceding paragraphs
of this Section, Buyer agrees that it will for itself, and as to any of its
customers to whom Seller's trademark symbol has been provided or who is
permitted the display of such trademark or other Exxon Identification require of
such customers that they will, while identifying the source of the products sold
at their premise(s), or any location operated directly by Buyer, with Seller's
trademark or other Exxon Identification comply with the foregoing, and will
incorporate in its arrangements with such customers the undertakings provided in
this section and will assist in the enforcement thereof. Such assistance
includes, but is not limited to the authorization to Seller to commence legal
proceedings in Buyer's name, and at Buyer's expense, for the purposes of
enforcing Buyer's obligations in this paragraph. Buyer further agrees to
immediately notify Seller of any customers failing to comply with this section.
(e) Buyer shall have neither the right to use or display at marinas, nor the
right to authorize or permit the use or display at marinas, Exxon Identification
in connection with the sale of products purchased hereunder.
(f) To permit Seller to carry out its right and obligation to protect its
trademark from diminution, dilution, or destruction by misuse or failure by
those to whom permission to display it has been granted hereunder, Buyer agrees
that upon request by Seller (but not more frequently than once each year) it
will provide Seller with a list of the names and addresses to which Buyer has
provided Seller's trademark symbol or other Exxon Identification and where such
locations are displaying Seller's
5
6
trademark or other Exxon Identification of Seller as the source of the products
sold, it being understood and agreed that a breach of any provision of this
Section 11 is an event which is relevant to the franchise relationship as
defined in the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (15 U.S.C.A. 2801 et seq.) and
as a result of which termination of the franchise or nonrenewal of the franchise
relationship as defined is reasonable.
(g) If Buyer, for whatever reason, ceases to display or authorize the display of
Exxon Identification at any location, then Buyer will notify Seller in writing
within thirty (30) days of that event.
12. MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND REPRESENTATION:
(a) A primary business purpose of Seller is to optimize effective and efficient
distribution and representation of its branded motor fuel products in the
interbrand motor fuel market through planned market development and image
improvement. In furtherance of this business purpose, Buyer and Seller agree as
follows:
(i) While it is not a requirement of this Agreement, Seller believes that it is
important for Buyer to have, and periodically update, a market development plan.
The plan should provide for the selection and acquisition of "key sites" and
"special opportunity sites" (both as defined from time to time by Seller) and
the development of optimal facilities, effective operating practices, and the
necessary financial and management resources. If Buyer, or key person of Buyer,
has not attended a market development seminar given by Seller, then Buyer, or
key person of Buyer will attend any such seminar if requested to do so by
Seller.
(ii) Unless pursuant to specific prior written authorization from Seller, Buyer
agrees not to display, or to authorize or permit Buyer's customers to display
Exxon Identification in connection with the sale of motor fuel at any retail
motor fuel store. This subparagraph (ii) shall not apply to Exxon branded motor
fuel stores validly operated by Buyer on March 31, 1987, or to stores at which
Buyer validly authorizes Buyer's customers to display Exxon Identification on
such date.
(iii) Unless pursuant to specific prior written authorization from Seller, Buyer
shall not, directly or indirectly, sell or supply, or cause to be sold or
supplied, any motor fuels purchased from Seller to any person or entity
currently having a branded motor fuels supply agreement directly with Seller,
which supply agreement pertains to a specific retail outlet. The reference to
"entity" in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to include any other entity
owned or controlled by the person or entity having the aforementioned supply
agreement directly with Seller.
(b) Buyer shall cause all retail stores which Buyer supplies with Seller's
branded motor fuels to meet the following minimum conditions, or Buyer shall
lose the right to use or display Exxon Identification, or grant to its customers
the right to use or display Exxon Identification, at any such store:
(i) Paved driveways with safe and good ingress and egress;
(ii) Permanent building which is structurally sound and complies with all fire,
building and zoning codes and ordinances;
(iii) Clean premises free of debris, trash, and fire hazards;
(iv) Modern restrooms for men and women available to the general public;
(v) Offer three (3) grades of Exxon branded gasoline;
(vi) Posting, at all times, of actual motor fuel prices, in numerals, in all
Exxon Retail Identification (RID) price sign systems located on the premises.
(vii) Compliance with applicable standards as described in Attachment
A--Facility Requirements to Distributor Sales Agreement (Branded), which is
incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
13. PROMOTION OF PRODUCTS:
6
7
(a) Buyer agrees to diligently promote the sale of gasoline and other
motor fuel purchased hereunder.
(b) In order to facilitate the promotion of Exxon products, Buyer
agrees that Seller may charge an advertising fee of up to $.001 (one
tenth of one cent) per gallon on each invoice for all branded motor
gasoline purchases. Seller agrees to match such fees collected and
spend the total of the sums for advertising expenditures. Advertising
expenditures include, but are not limited to, the production and
placement of spot TV ads, network cable TV ads, radio ads, sports
marketing, store point-of-sale (POS), market wide promotions and
outdoor billboards.
14. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMPLAINTS: While using any Exxon
Identification of Seller, as set forth in Section 11, Buyer agrees:
(a) To render appropriate, prompt, efficient and courteous service at
the premises to Buyer's customers for such products, to respond
expeditiously to all complaints of such customers, making fair
adjustment when appropriate, and otherwise conduct Buyer's business in
such products in a fair and ethical manner and maintain the premises'
facilities, all in a manner which will ▇▇▇▇▇▇ customer acceptance of
and desire for the products sold by Seller to Buyer;
(b) To provide sufficiently qualified and neatly dressed store
personnel in uniform as appropriate to render first class service to
customers;
(c) To keep the restrooms clean, orderly, sanitary and adequately
furnished with rest room supplies; and
(d) To assist in maintaining a high level of customer acceptance of the
Seller's trademarks by keeping the premises open for dispensing of
products associated with such trademark during such hours each day and
days a week as are reasonable considering customer convenience,
competitive conditions and economic consequences to Buyer.
Buyer also agrees that as to any of its customers to whom it sells
product purchased from Seller hereunder and to whom Exxon
Identification has been provided or who is permitted the use of such
Exxon Identification, Buyer will include in its arrangements with such
customers the undertaking provided in this section and will undertake
the enforcement thereof. Buyer further agrees that Seller may revoke
the right of Buyer to display, or permit the display at Buyer's
customers, Exxon Identification at any location which, after reasonable
notice by Seller to Buyer to cure, continues to be in violation of this
Section 14.
15. DETERMINATION OF QUANTITY AND QUALITY: The quantity and quality of
products sold hereunder shall be for all purposes conclusively deemed
to be the quantity and quality set forth in Seller's documents of
delivery unless within seven (7) days of the date of delivery Buyer
delivers to Seller written notice of any claimed shortage in quantity
or claimed deviation in quality. Time is of the essence in complying
with this provision.
16. QUALITY, GRADE, SPECIFICATION, OR NAME OF PRODUCT: Seller shall
have the right at its sole discretion at any time during the life of
this Agreement to change, alter, amend or eliminate any of the grades,
trade names, trademarks or brands of petroleum products covered by this
Agreement. Seller may also, in its sole discretion, change or alter the
quality of specification of any of the products covered by this
Agreement. If any such change or alteration materially affects the
performance of the products or need of Buyer therefor for the purposes
intended by Buyer, Buyer may terminate this Agreement as to any
products so affected on thirty (30) days' prior written notice to
Seller; however, Buyer may not terminate this Agreement for any change
in quality or specification of any said products resulting from
compliance with governmental regulations. Seller shall give Buyer
written notice of discontinuance of the manufacture of any products
covered by this Agreement. The Agreement shall terminate as to such
products when such notice is effective. Seller shall have the right to
enter the promises of the Buyer or of any of the Buyer's customers who
have purchased product sold to Buyer under this Agreement and being
offered for sale by such customer under Exxon
7
8
Identification during normal business hours for the purpose of
obtaining a sample or samples of any product available for the sale
under Exxon Identification or other Exxon Identification by paying
Buyer or customer of Buyer the current retail price therefor. Buyer
will include in its arrangements with its customers the right of Seller
to enter the premises of such customers for the sole purpose stated in
the preceding sentence of this paragraph and agrees to assist in the
enforcement thereof.
17. ASSIGNMENT: This Agreement shall not be transferred or assigned by
Buyer in whole or in part, directly or indirectly. Seller may assign
this Agreement in whole or in part upon ten (10) days prior written
notice to Buyer.
18. WAIVER: No waiver by either party of any breach of any of the
covenants or conditions herein contained to be performed by the other
party shall be construed as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the
same or any other covenant or conditions. All waivers must be in
writing.
19. LAWS:
(a) Buyer agrees that in receiving, storing, handling, offering for
sale, selling, delivering for use or using itself products purchased
from Seller under this Agreement, Buyer will comply, and instruct his
employees with respect to same, with all applicable federal, state,
county and local laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, regulations,
rules, orders, and permits.
(b) Buyer will indemnify and hold Seller, its employees, agents,
successors, and assigns, from and against any and all expenses, costs
(including, without limitation, professional fees), penalties, fines
(without regard to the amount of such fines), liabilities, claims,
demands, and causes of action, at law or in equity (including, without
limitation, any arising out of the Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA), or the Clean Air Act) for Buyers failure to comply
with Section 19(a), and such failure by Buyer to comply shall also
entitle Seller to terminate this Agreement
(c) If at any ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ determines that due to governmental
regulations, it is unable to increase the price of any of the products
deliverable under this Agreement by an amount which is sufficient in
Seller's judgment to reflect increase in either (a) the cost of such
product(s) to Seller or Seller's supplier or (b) the fair market value
of such product(s), which have occurred since the date of this
Agreement or the date of the last increase in the price of such
product(s) whichever is later, Seller may cancel this Agreement upon
thirty (30) days written notice to Buyer, or may suspend this Agreement
while such limitation is in effect.
20. NOTICES: All written notices required or permitted to be given by
this Agreement shall be deemed to be duly given if delivered personally
or sent by certified mail to Seller or to Buyer, as the case may be, at
the address set forth above or to such other address as may be
furnished by either party to the other in writing in accordance with
the provisions of this Section. The date of mailing shall be deemed the
date of giving such notice, except for notice of change of address,
which must be received to be effective.
21. TERMINATION:
(a) This agreement shall terminate upon expiration of term stated in
Section 1.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated by Seller:
(1) Upon assignment of the agreement by Buyer contrary to Section 17.
(2) If Buyer or any of its key persons, managers, or stockholders makes
any material false or misleading statement or representation (by act or
by omission) which induces Seller to enter into this Agreement or which
is relevant to the relationship between the parties hereto;
(3) If Buyer becomes insolvent;
(4) If possession of the business location(s) of the Buyer is
interrupted by an act of any government or agency thereof;
8
9
(5) If Buyer fails to pay in a timely manner any sums when due
hereunder;
(6) If Buyer fails to purchase any products covered by this agreement
during any calendar month;
(7) If Buyer defaults in any of its obligations under this Agreement;
(8) If Buyer is declared incompetent to manage his property or affairs
by any court, or if Buyer is mentally or physically disabled for three
(3) months or more to the extent that Buyer is unable to provide for
the continued proper operation of the business of the Buyer;
(9) Under the circumstances described in causes for termination by
Seller in any Section of this agreement;
(10) If Buyer dies;
(11) If Buyer or any of its key persons, managers, or stockholders
engages in fraud or criminal misconduct relevant to the operation of
the business of the Buyer;
(12) If Buyer or any of its key persons, managers, or stockholders is
convicted of felony or of a misdemeanor involving fraud, moral
turpitude or commercial dishonesty, whether or not the crime arose from
the operation of the business of the Buyer; or
(13) If Buyer breaches Section 11(a) by willfully committing an act
of misbranding of motor fuels;
(14) If there occurs any other circumstance under which termination of
a franchise is permitted under the provisions of the Petroleum
Marketing Practices Act (15 U.S.C.A. 2801 et seq.)
(15) Seller loses the right to grant the right to use the EXXON
trademark;
(c) If Seller has cause to believe that Buyer has engaged in
fraudulent, unscrupulous or unethical business practices (which shall
include but not be limited to practices forbidden by federal, state or
local laws or regulations), Seller may, at its sole discretion, give
Buyer written notice of its belief. Following the receipt of such
notice, Buyer shall be given reasonable opportunity to discuss the
matter with Seller's representatives. In following such discussions (or
reasonable opportunity therefor) and after such investigation of the
matter as is reasonable under the circumstances, Seller reaches a good
faith conclusion that Buyer has engaged in one or more such practices,
Seller shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.
(d) Any termination of this Agreement shall be preceded by such notice
from Seller as may be required by law,
(e) Upon the expiration of the term hereof or upon termination hereof,
Seller shall have the right, at its option, to enter upon any premises
at which the Exxon Identification is displayed, and to remove, paint
out, or obliterate any signs, symbols or colors on said premises or on
the buildings or equipment thereof which in Seller's opinion would lead
a purchaser to believe that Seller's products are being offered for
sale at the premises.
(f) In the event Buyer is terminated pursuant to Section 21(b)(13) for
willful misbranding (whether said willful misbranding is the sole
reason for termination or is cited in combination with other reasons),
Seller will suffer substantial damages which are anticipated to be
difficult and time consuming to prove with exactitude. Furthermore,
both parties are desirous of avoiding what they believe will be the
disproportionate cost of possible litigation and legal fees which a
future dispute over the magnitude of such damages would engender. The
parties, therefore, have determined that if Buyer is terminated as
aforesaid, it must pay to Seller as liquidated damages, and not as a
penalty, within thirty days of demand by Seller a sum to be determined
in the following manner:
The monthly average of the number of gallons of Exxon branded motor
fuel purchased by Buyer from Seller during the number of whole months
from the beginning date of this Agreement until the effective date of
the termination will be determined. This monthly gallonage average will
be multiplied by $0.01 (one cent). The resulting amount will be
multiplied by the number of whole months remaining between the
effective date of the termination and the ending date stated in Section
1 of the Agreement.
Both Buyer and Seller agree that such a calculation of damages will
yield liquidated damages which are reasonable in light of the
anticipated or actual harm to Seller, whenever in this three year
Agreement a termination as aforesaid may occur.
9
10
(g) Termination of this Agreement by either party for any reason shall
not relieve the parties of any obligation theretofore accrued under
this Agreement.
22. ACCORD: The parties to this Agreement have discussed the provisions
herein and find them fair and mutually satisfactory; and further agree
that in all respects the provisions are reasonable and of material
significance to the relationship of the parties hereunder, and that any
breach of a provision by either party hereto or a failure to carry out
said provisions in good faith shall conclusively be deemed to be
substantial.
23. NATURE OF AND MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT:
(a) In consideration of the granting and execution of this Agreement,
the parties understand and agree that they are not contractually
obligated to extend or renew in any way the period or terms of this
Agreement, that this Agreement shall not be considered or deemed to be
any form of "joint venture" or "partnership" at the premise(s) of Buyer
or elsewhere.
(b) Buyer agrees to provide sixty (60) days' prior written notice of
any change in the name or legal form of buyer,
(c) This Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both of
the parties or their duly authorized agent.
24. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS; SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS: Both parties
expressly agree that it is the intention of neither party to violate
statutory or common law and that if any section, sentence, paragraph,
clause or combination of same is in violation of any law, such
sentences, paragraphs, clauses or combination of same shall be
inoperative and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain binding
upon the parties hereto unless in the judgment of either party hereto,
the remaining portions hereof are inadequate to properly define the
rights and obligations of the parties, in which event such party shall
have the right, upon making such determination, to thereafter terminate
this Agreement upon the notice to the other.
25. EXPRESS WARRANTIES; EXCLUSION OF OTHER WARRANTIES: Seller warrants
that the product(s) supplied hereunder will conform to the promises and
affirmations of fact made in Seller's current technical literature and
printed advertisements related specifically to such product(s); that it
will convey good title to the product(s) supplied hereunder, free of
all liens, and that the products supplied hereunder meet such
specifications as have been expressly made a part of this Agreement.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED. THE WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, IN OTHER RESPECTS THAN EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, AND
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IN OTHER RESPECTS THAN
EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED.
26. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This writing is intended by the parties to be the
final, complete and exclusive statement of this agreement about the
matters covered herein. THERE ARE NO ORAL UNDERSTANDINGS,
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AFFECTING IT.
27. DAMAGES: NO CLAIM SHALL BE MADE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED OTHERWISE BY LAW.
28. PRIOR AGREEMENT: This Agreement cancels and supercedes any prior
agreement between the parties thereto covering the purchase and sale of
product(s) covered by this Agreement.
29. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES. Seller has provided Buyer a copy of
"QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES FOR UNLEADED GASOLINE." Buyer agrees that
this document and
10
11
any revisions thereof provided to Buyer by Seller shall be a part of
this Agreement and Buyer further agrees in the storage, handling, sale
and dispensing of unleaded gasoline to comply with the procedures
contained in this document and in any revisions thereof. In the event
Buyer fails to comply with this provision, Seller may engage the
services of an outside contract firm to perform sampling, testing and
reporting. The cost of such outside contract firm shall be borne by
Buyer.
30. ATTORNEYS FEES: If Buyer fails to pay any amount due under this
Agreement or takes any action not requested in writing by Seller for
which Buyer's customers bring a claim or lawsuit against Seller, Buyer
agrees to pay Seller's reasonable costs and attorneys fees thereby
expended in Seller's pursuit or defense of such matters.
31. SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Seller has furnished to Buyer
information (including Material Safety Data Sheet(s)) concerning the
safety and health aspects of products and/or containers for such
products sold to Buyer hereunder, including safety and health warnings.
Buyer acknowledges receipt of such information and agrees to
communicate such warnings and information to all persons Buyer can
reasonably foresee may be exposed to or may handle such products and/or
containers, including, but not limited to, Buyer's employees, agents,
contractors and customers,
32. KEY PERSON CLAUSE: If Buyer is a corporation or a partnership, it
agrees to execute the Key Person Clause To Distributor Sales Agreement
(Branded) attached hereto and incorporated herein.
EXECUTED by Buyer and Seller on the date indicated for each signature.
Date: 1-18-01 Buyer: United Petroleum Group, Inc.
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
[ILLEGIBLE] By:(X) [ILLEGIBLE]
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Witness Buyer
Vice President Retail Operations
---------------------------------
Office or Title
Date:
---------------------------------
EXXONMOBIL FUELS MARKETING COMPANY (SELLER)
(a division of Exxon Mobil Corporation)
Date: 2-08-01 By: [ILLEGIBLE]
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Area Manager
[ILLEGIBLE] Date: 2/08/01
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Witness
11